Shrewsbury

RAF Section secure place in National Final of prestigious trophy

November 22nd 2024

The RAF Section competed on Sunday 17^th November at the West Midlands and Wales Royal Air Squadron Trophy for schools across the region at the RAF Cosford Museum.

Having trained over the last 8 weeks in various military skills, a selection was made and twelve cadets trained to make the necessary step-change in skills and knowledge for this major competition. This is only the second time the school have competed in this prestigious competition.

With an early Sunday morning start, freshly dressed in their finest blue uniform, they stepped out of the bus with a great spirit ready to improve upon the 7^th position from last year. The squad were ready and presented by the Team Competition leader Sgt Frank J (O, UVI), for registration.

The first task for Shrewsbury was the Command task, a task which was led by Sgt Maggie C (M, UVI). Their task was to make their way across a room whilst maintaining contact between all 12 people, with only a small selection of mats to help them from avoiding contact with the floor! To make it harder they had to collect both puzzle pieces and to collect a stretcher to collect a willing dummy doll from across the room who had fallen unconscious. What followed was a well-orchestrated 22 minutes, with outstanding leadership and teamwork on full display. Scoring 2^nd in this event!

The team had to contend with a ‘theory’ test next, on the newest content to the RAF, Space, being individually examined. In this regard the section went in blind, having not yet covered the content within training. They did brilliantly, although the first question “How many stars are in our solar system” proved to be an early stumbling block for the group. Spoilers: Just one!

Following a ‘flying’ lunch, the section prepared for the big event, Drill. The onslaught of rain that began did not deter the section, led by Frank, as they made their way onto the parade square. First came a full inspection of uniform, with polished shoes, ironed shirts and creased trousers under close examination. Then began the rehearsed drill with Frank calling out the routine from memory. What followed was a well-rehearsed, disciplined display that showed all elements the markers were looking for.

The squad then split up with First Aid, Cyber and Shooting under close examination. In the First Aid our group of 4 led by Cpl Dason T (Rt, LVI), entered to find 4 casualties needing full examination and treatment. Everything from a choking disaster to an unconscious, non-breathing casualty.

Another three cadets went to the range for the marksman competition. These aspects of the competition were the most challenging, as the opportunity for shooting practice had been non-existent. The pouring rain proved challenging for the outdoor range aiming for the smallest groupings of 5 shots, whilst lying in a giant puddle. Challenging conditions for any budding marksman.

Cyber was an area that we went in completely blind, with our enthusiastic group of 4, led by Sgt Quyan S (Ch, UVI), having learnt a list of 50 planes by satellite imagery. The group not only got full marks on this section but also did the task with 3 minutes to spare, scoring more than full marks. This secured a 1^st place victory in the inaugural Cyber trophy.

In the end, we scored joint second with the 2^nd place trophy decided on ‘countback’ after Shrewsbury School and Hereford Cathedral School tied on points, ultimately going the way of Hereford by the narrowest of margins.

For a second attempt, we are extremely proud of securing the third place, and it also means the team go through to the national finals for the first time ever. Competing against the top 15 schools in the country! I hope to provide an update in March with further success for this hard working, enthusiastic group of cadets.

Well done to:

Sgt Frank J (O, UVI) – Flight Leader

Sgt Maggie C (M, UVI) – Command Task Lead

Sgt Quyan S (Ch, UVI) – Cyber Lead

Cpl Dason T (Rt, LVI) – First Aid Lead

LCpl Amelia B (MSH, LVI)

LCpl Takehito K (Rt, LVI)

Cdt Toby H (Ch, LVI) – Shoot Lead

Cdt Rhys E (R, V)

Cdt Eduard L (I, V)

Cdt Andy S (I, V)

Cdt Thomas P (I, V)