What a fantastic summer 347 (Dudley) Squadron Air Cadets have had this year!

They kicked it off with a Wing Training competition where all the cadets in the surrounding area came together to show off their skills in drill, shooting, first aid, aircraft recognition and aircraft modelling, and a host of other competitions.

Dudley Squadron faired extremely well when up against the other 28 Squadrons in the area and managed to get their hands on three second places and were ranked in the top 5 in eight of the 16 competitions held on the day.

This led to them grasping third overall for the day in total, a true jack of all trades type of Squadron.

As a wind down from all the preparation that went into the competitions they helped out at Buffery Park Fun Day where they ripped up the dance floor in a dance off with the local dancers and cheer leaders.

However, they were there for a reason and that was to help with putting up and putting down of stalls for patrons. They also helped with litter picking and general upkeep of the park during the day, all whilst having fun throughout.

A select number of cadets were chosen to attend week-long camps to RAF stations Valley and Benson. Whilst on these camps the cadets experienced how the Royal Air Force works throughout the week.

Cadets were able to fly in fast jets and helicopters and really take advantage of being on an RAF station. Alongside this they had a whole day of shooting, visited the RAF at work, participated in high ropes courses and in general had a really enjoyable time.

Going into July the Squadron had CWO Adam Monastiri complete the Nijmegen marches which is a 100-mile march in four days. These marches are completed in the village of Nijmegen in Holland and the Air Training Corps travels as part of the British military contingent and West Mercian Wing takes a team of 12 cadets each year and this was Adam's second time completing the marches. A massive well done from 347 (Dudley) Squadron.

Cadet Connor Graham also went on Adventure Training Camp at the National Air Cadet Adventure Training Centre in Windermere. He was able to kayak on Lake Windermere, climb the highest mountain in England, Scaffell Pike, and also took part in quad biking, swimming, gorge walking and many more activities in the Lake District.

Maybe the happiest cadet of this summer was Cadet Rhys Morgan who was able to attend a camp in the Swiss Alps. The highlight of the trip for Rhys was a chance to climb an alpine summit.

He said: “At the end of the trip, we climbed my first alpine peak, the Oberrothorn. At 3,414m, it was a pretty serious challenge, but we were well acclimatised by then and reached the top without any problems. It was a great feeling flying the ATC ensign from the summit.”

This was the third consecutive overseas trip run for the cadets of West Mercian Wing with the others being an expedition through the Pyrenees, and the Himalayas, with next year’s Expedition taking place in South Africa for three weeks.

We finished the summer off a bit closer to home with a very busy Battle of Britain weekend. The Friday night was our presentation evening where the cadets showed off what they had achieved throughout the year and trophies were given for special achievements.

The following Saturday consisted of helping out at the Black Country Boat Festival and collecting money for the Royal Air Force Association Charity. The weekend was finished by a parade through the town for the celebration and commemoration of the Battle of Britain with a wreath laying ceremony at the cenotaph in Dudley.

If you think you would like to be this busy during the summer holidays then come along to Dudley Squadron. The Squadron is held at the TA Centre, opposite Top Church at the head of the town. We will happily welcome people every Tuesday and Thursday between the September 26 and October 10.

Also have a look on our website www.347sqn.com

Information supplied by Natalie Owen.