RAF Section success in regional competition

The RAF Section has never competed against other school CCFs and took their first shot at competition on Saturday 7^th May at an Air Squadron Trophy for schools in the local region, held at Queen Mary’s Grammar School, Walsall.

Having trained over winter in various military skills for the in-School inter-flight competition, a selection was made and ten cadets with two reserves trained for five Thursday afternoons to make the necessary step-change in skills and knowledge for external competition. While intent on achieving the standard required for victory, the event would also be something of a fact-finding mission as we didn’t quite know what to expect!

With final kit check, a hearty breakfast and uneventful journey behind them, the squad changed into their finest blue uniform for an opening parade at QMGS. Already it was clear that the cadets were highly motivated and up for the challenge, as they used a “buddy-buddy” system to ensure every member of the squad looked spot on. To illustrate the attention to detail required, the only fault the reviewing officer could find was that one person’s belt was technically a little long as the end was outside the specific belt loops required!

The first task for Shrewsbury was the Drill routine and Inspection, and the squad really set the standard for others to follow. Lance Corporal Toby M (I, IV) instructed the Drill routine with aplomb and was commended specifically for his vocal control of the flight of cadets during the awards presentation at the end of the day. A short clip of part of the routine is below.

The team had to contend with multiple ‘theory’ tests, with RAF Knowledge and Aircraft Recognition – individually examined – next on the agenda. In this regard, Toby once again stood out, earning the certificate for best individual Air Recce score, with our own Lance Corporal Luke W scoring just one point fewer! The strength in depth of the team shone through here, as Shrewsbury were awarded the shield for winning the Air Recce outright.

It is hugely to the credit of every individual who competed that, following our lowest-scoring aspects of the competition, they stepped up together to produce an exceptional team performance in the Command Task; this mark is split half-and-half between leadership and teamwork. Cpl Bella S (L6), who has attended RAF through Shrewsbury’s partnership with Adcote School over the last three years, led the team in a way that was described as “technically perfect”, and the squad were awarded the shield for winning this element of the competition.

Staff running and supporting the event noted how, in characteristic Shrewsbury style, the team were a polite and cohesive group throughout the day. They conducted themselves in a calm and under-stated way, but let their skills shine through in a number of key areas.

In the end, the overall winning team was decided on ‘countback’ after Shrewsbury School and King’s School, Worcester tied on points, ultimately going the way of KSW by the narrowest of margins. For a first attempt, we are extremely proud of second place and the placings below demonstrate how well the team acquitted themselves throughout the whole competition.

The final results were as follows:

Drill and Inspection – 2^nd

RAF Knowledge – 2^nd

Aircraft Recognition – 1^st

First Aid – 4^th

Shooting – 4^th

Leadership and Teamwork – 1^st

Overall Position – 2^nd

Well done to:

• Cpl Bella S (L6, Adcote) – Command Task Leader
• LCpl Toby M (I, V) – Flight Leader
• LCpl Luke W (SH, V)
• Cdt Maggie C (M, IV)
• Cdt Will H (Rb, IV)
• Cdt Renee L (Adcote, IV)
• Cdt Archie P (Rb, IV)
• Cdt Sastra Q (Ch, IV)
• Cdt Fergus S (Ch, IV)
• Cdt Bolly W (Adcote, IV)
• Reserve Cdt Sei I (Rt, IV)
• Reserve Cdt Puntharee S (M, IV)

Flt Lt DM Wray
OC RAF Section
Shrewsbury School