Chinook adventure for camping cadets

Published on 14th September 2006 in News

Army cadets from Goole and Howden were amongst 620 Cadets, together with 200 officers and instructors of Humberside and South Yorkshire Army Cadet Force, at their two-week annual Camp, at Westdown Training Camp on Salisbury Plain during August.

The cadets, boys and girls between the ages of 13 and 18, had an exciting, fun-packed time and took part in both military and adventurous training, organised by the county training team under Major Ron Shepherd.

This included a mixture of field exercises, including camping out for several nights, shooting, skill at arms, fieldcraft, map reading and orienteering, drill and sport.

The highlight for many cadets was the joint exercises which took place during the second week and involved action with 3rd Battalion The Yorkshire Regiment, based at Warminster, who brought along three Warrior armoured fighting vehicles in which the cadets were able to really ride into action. This was closely followed by a Chinook helicopter being deployed to move the cadets from one phase of the exercise to another, courtesy of 18 Squadron, Royal Air Force, based at RAF Odiham. Almost all of the cadets and instructors left both means of transport with huge grins of delight, or maybe relief!

The cadets in the county outnumber their adult instructors considerably and they are presently looking for interested adults who are willing to assist with the training and development of cadets. Details can be obtained from County Headquarters on 01377 253548, or by visiting the website www.hsyacf.org.uk.