42F (King's Lynn) Squadron Air Training Corps

42F (King's Lynn) Squadron Air Training Corps Archive Page

venture adventure since 1939

  

Flag raising to launch Armed Forces Week

Members of the Royal British Legion were joined by schoolchildren for the flag raising ceremony in King’s Lynn’s Tower Gardens on Monday 20^th June 2011.

A parade formed-up at the Legion’s Tower Street club before the short march to the gardens for the service to mark the beginning of Armed Forces Week.

Cadets from 42F King’s Lynn squadron attended and  were part of the parade. In addition  the Mayors Cadet Cpl Grant Ellis carried the Armed Forces Flag, Cpl James Duncalf read the lesson and  Cpl Sam Hoare read the commitment. After the ceremony the parade reformed and paraded back to the British Legion for a short reception .

West Norfolk Mayor Colin Sampson paid tribute to service personnel currently on active service while honouring those who have retired.  The Mayor’s Chaplain, Canon Christopher Ivory, blessed the flag and conducted a short service before it was raised.

Pupils from schools including Downham Market High and Fairstead Community also attended the ceremony.

Freedom of the Borough for RAF Marham

The Town of King’s Lynn  showed support for local service men and women from Royal Air Force Marham when personnel from the station paraded through King’s Lynn as they exercised their Freedom of the Borough on Wednesday 22 June.

Borough Mayor, Cllr. Colin Sampson took the opportunity to show his support and urged people of the borough to join him. He said: “I am sure that the people of West Norfolk feel particularly strongly this year and want to show their appreciation and support, as we all know that the station’s resources have been even further stretched with recent events around the world. I take great pride in welcoming the contingent from RAF Marham and inspecting them today on parade”.

The parade marched  on from Common Staithe Quay and formed up on the Tuesday Market Place at 11.40 am. The civic procession, led by the mayor’s staffbearer, swordbearer and macebearers, arrived just before noon when there was  a fly-past of two Tornados  from RAF Marham. Although the weather was inclement with a cloudburst just before the Mayoral Party’s arrival, the parade went very well with cadets from 42F assisting the visitors and forming a guard. The Mayor took  the salute and inspected the parade. Following this  he  addressed those assembled on the Tuesday Market Place with the  response given by the Station Commander, Group Captain Rochelle. The Band of the Royal Air Force College, Cranwell played  by permission of the Air Force Board of the Defence Council. After the ceremony the parade, led by the Band of the Royal Air Force College Cranwell marched off to the applause of the public gathered.

 

Sheriff Calls Out The Squadron

 

On Sunday 6^th March centuries of tradition once again brought spectacle to the historic core of King’s Lynn when the Judges Service took place in the towns 900 year old St Margaret’s Church. This service is organised annually by the High Sheriff of the County for Her Majesties Justices.

The office of High Sheriff goes back at least 1000 years and is the oldest secular office under the Crown. The High Sheriff remains the Sovereign’s representative in the County for all matters relating to the Judiciary and the maintenance of law and order.

These days the Sheriff is appointed annually and the current holder of the office in Norfolk is Charles Barratt. The High Sheriff requested a Guard of Honour of local cadets, to line the path from the church gates to its west door, for the Judges as they progressed from the nearby Town Hall for the service.

42F (King’s Lynn) Squadron, Air Training Corps paraded 19 cadets and  They stood smartly as the Judges, The Lord Lieutenant of the County, accompanied by other dignitaries and high ranking civic officers, passed between them. After this the cadets took their own reserved places in the church.

At the conclusion of the service the High Sheriff, himself resplendent in black breaches, thanked the Squadron for attending the important civic occasion and commented on their smartness and willingness to participate.  Speaking later 42F’s Commanding Officer, Flight Lieutenant Pauline Petch, said “Our Cadets are always willing to turn out for both civic and fundraising events. Their commitment to the Squadron and the local community is always outstanding.” 

 

Read All About It

(Cadets visit newsprint paper mill)

 

Palm Paper’s mill at King’s Lynn houses the company’s 7^th and newest newsprint paper production machine. PM7 as it is known, amongst the largest and most powerful in the world, creates rolls of paper 10.63 metres wide on a machine 200 metres long and running at a speed of 2,000 metres minute.

On 19^th September 2010 the plant held an open day that attracted 2,400 members of the public. Cadets from 42F (King’s Lynn) Squadron Air Training Corps were on hand to assist with visitor car parking on site which unfortunately meant they were unable to join any of the very informative tours.

Luckily the Vice Chairman of the Squadrons civilian committee, John Mason, Head of the Effluent Treatment Plant, at the mill was able to arrange a special tour for the Squadron on a recent parade night.

This vast, completely computerised process runs continuously 24 hours a day, needing a total workforce of only 150 people and annually produces 400,000 tonnes of newsprint quality paper for most of the UK’s national and regional newspapers.

The cadets (and Staff) were amazed as they viewed the total process, from waste paper arrival and impurity separation, to final new paper production and packaging. Squadron Commanding Officer, Flight Lieutenant Pauline Petch said “This visit has been a fantastic chance for our cadets, especially the older ones, to see modern high technology industry at work and what employment opportunities are out there if they strive to gain the necessary qualifications”.  

 

 

Cadets assist at Charter Ceremony

 

42F (King’s Lynn) Squadron’s Corporal Sam Hoare, the ATC Mayor’s Cadet for the Borough of King’s Lynn and West Norfolk, together with his counterparts from the Army and Sea cadet Corps participated at the annual St. Valentines Day grand opening of King’s Lynn’s historic fair.

A procession from the Town Hall, through the busy streets saw Lynn’s Mayor and Deputy Mayor, preceded by the town’s civic regalia and Mayors from many of  Norfolk’s other towns, together with numerous other dignitaries including the High Sheriff of the County, arrive at the

                           

Tuesday Market Place where the fair known as the ‘Mart’ had been set up. This historic ceremony marks the start of the showman’s year and the first fair of the annual calendar.

For over 800 years the fair has visited the town having been granted a charter by King John. This ancient charter was proclaimed to the assembled throng after which the Mayor, Councillor Zipha Christopher, addressed the crowd before declaring the Mart open, this being signified by the traditional ringing of the ‘Mart Bell’

The Mayor’s Cadets were aided at the event by additional cadets who accompanied the dignitaries as they sampled the fun on offer. 42F’s Cadet Connor Johns found himself initially holding the Mayor’s Staff Bearers ‘Staff of Office’ whilst he rang the Mart Bell. Moments later Cadet Johns was entrusted with the High Sheriff’s sword whilst he took to the dodgems.

 

Mayors Annual Inspection

 

Regularly “on Parade” at numerous civic events in the town and the wider borough, recently it was time for 42F (King’s Lynn) Sqn of the Air Training Corps to invite the Mayor of King’s Lynn and West Norfolk to see them “at home”.

      

On the evening of Thursday 19^th August Borough Mayor, Councillor Zipha Christopher visited the cadets at their Loke Road Headquarters for the annual Mayors inspection. There she saw the cadets involved in a variety of their usual training activities and was given presentations which included drill, practical first aid, Duke of Edinburgh expedition planning, radio communication and flight training on the Squadron’s flight simulator.

 

She took a keen interest in the activities and took control of a glider on the flight simulator under the guidance of Cadet Daniel Alexander.

 

The Mayor had been most impressed with the building said the Squadron’s Commanding Officer, Flight Lieutenant Pauline Petch. She very much enjoyed her visit and said she was “very pleased to have the opportunity to see the cadets on a normal training evening, engaged in their various activities. These and the wider opportunities and experiences that the ATC can give the youth of King’s Lynn and other towns and cities across the country are a most important contribution to the character building of our young people.”

 

 

Corporate Sponsorship by local business

 

A group of King’s Lynn cadets will soon be embarking on a teambuilding expedition to Germany in perfect harmony thanks to the generosity of Wisbech-based contractor Kier Eastern.

Twenty cadets from 42F (King’s Lynn) Squadron, Air Training Corps and 1894 (Swaffham) Squadron will be heading to the Harz mountain range decked out in fleeces and polo shirts donated by the local building firm.

Kier Eastern Site Manager Michael Duncalf’s children, 18-year-old James and 15-year-old Gemma, are both in the cadets, and when they told him about the overseas expedition and how costly these trips can be, he approached his employers to see if there was anything they could do to help. Michael is currently working on the new police investigation centre on Willows Business Park, Saddlebow, King’s Lynn, and the project team lead by Senior Project Manager Adrian Cooper decided to stump up the cash to kit the cadets out in matching gear.

      

Travelling to the Sonnenborg Joint Services Centre near the village of St. Andreasberg in the Harz mountains in May, the team of cadets will fend for itself, taking part in activities including rafting, trekking and mountain biking. The group has been carrying out a number of teambuilding and training exercises over the last few weeks to help them operate as a cohesive unit while they are away.

The seven-day trip was organised to be reasonably priced in order to allow all cadets to take part, regardless of income, and each member of the group has done their bit to raise funds by packing bags at a local supermarket, parking cars at events and arranging sponsored bike rides.

 

We Celebrate St George.

 

The Cadets of 42F (King’s Lynn) Squadron, Air Training Corps saluted Saint George, England’s patron saint, on its parade night nearest 23^rd April in the Squadrons now traditional manner. Iced buns decorated with the cross of St George were handed out from the tuck shop during the evenings break in activities.

 

Our picture shows Cadet Sergeant Charlotte Wilson ready to dispense the buns during the refreshment break.

 

Expedition Fundraising

 

With the departure date of an expedition to the Harz Mountains in Germany only weeks away, the cadets of 42F (King’s Lynn) and 1894 (Swaffham) Squadrons of the Air Training Corps are busy fundraising for the trip.

On Good Friday members of King’s Lynn Squadron were assisting shoppers at the towns Tesco supermarket with their bag packing and raised over £500 towards the adventures costs. Whilst most cadets were flexing their muscles with heavy bags of provisions, Cadet Corporal James Duncalf could not understand why he had nothing to do!! “I have been standing here”, he said, “but nobody has asked me for help”.

 

             

 

Annual Presentation Night

On 15th November the squadron held their Annual Awards Evening at King’s Lynn Town Hall. Cadets , staff, civilian committee were joined by guests including the mayor of Kings Lynn and West Norfolk Councillor Zipha Christopher, Group Capt  Pete Rochelle –Station Commander of RAF Marham and OC Norfolk and Suffolk Wing ATC,  Wing Commander David Miller .

After the  Commanding Officers address , the cadets gave a presentation of all the  different aspects of cadet life and showed many of the activities they had been involved in this last year. Then came the time  for cadets to be awarded shields  and trophies for their work during the year. The dignitaries and guests presented the awards after which a  sumptuous buffet was held in the Stone Hall.

The Awards  were for Best Cadet—Cdt Grant Ellis,  Best NCO –Cpl Sam Hoare, Most Improved cadet-Cdt Daniel Brock, Best New Recruit was a joint award to Cdt Christel Mohan and Cdt     Richard Mohan. The George Cole Community Award was won by Cpl James Duncalf and Cdt Gemma Duncalf and the Sports and Shooting awards were presented to  F/Sgt Barrett and Cpl Ryan Walker respectively.  Cpl Walker also won the  Geoff Bullen  Trophy for Excellent  Achievement and SgtCharlotte Wilson won the trophy for Achievement in Aviation studies. The squadron was congratulated by the Station Commander of RAF Marham for the hard work in the community and cadets for their studies over the year .

   

 

RAF Leuchars Camp

9 cadets from 42F  attended RAF Leuchars camp in Scotland along with other squadrons from the Wing. They spent half term week  enjoying the area and took part in Night exercises, shooting, trips out  to Edinburgh  and flying. The camp was a great experience for all the cadets who attended and many made new friends. RAF Leuchars has recently become the second Typhoon Main Operating Base. No 6 Sqn is the first of 3 Typhoon sqns planned to be based at RAF Leuchars. The Typhoon is the RAF’s state of the art multi-role combat aircraft that entered         operational service in 2007.RAF Leuchars has one Tornado Squadron. In the case of a fast jet Tornado, the squadron is often composed of two or three Flights. One will be formed of fully operational crews who are trained to carry out their squadron's role. The second Flight in addition to its normal role will be responsible for the training (or 'work up') of newly-arrived crews Cadets spent time visiting the squadrons and had the opportunity to look over the aircraft from very close quarters. Also the trips and visits to Edinburgh allowed the cadets to meet some of the unusual inhabitants of the area as  Cadet Dawes demonstrates.

 

                  

 

 

 

 

Premier of the Squadron Music

Anyone attending the evening concert in King’s Lynn’s magnificent St Nicholas Chapel following the England squads defeat by Germany in the World Cup would certainly have had their spirits lifted. The two and a half hour concert performed by the West Norfolk Jubilee Youth Orchestra and Concert Band, (WNJYO), was enjoyed by a large audience which included the Mayor Councillor Zipha Christopher and Norfolk and Suffolk Wing ATC Staff Officer Squadron Leader Kevin Green.

This talented youth orchestra and band showcased the skills of all its sections starting with its Training Strings. Next it was the turn of the Intermediate Strings who performed three excellent pieces.  After the interval the West Norfolk Jubilee Youth Orchestra took the stage with a lively  repertoire, the highlight being an outstanding solo performance on flute by Ruth Whybrow. 
Finally it was the turn of the Concert Band under the baton of its director Eddie Seales. Their rousing pieces which included the Big Country and El Cumbanchero reaching to the carved angels in the roof whom one could almost suspect were joining in on their own wooden instruments. 

The Dam Busters March set the scene for the final piece, the world premier of ‘Founder Squadron’, a March commissioned by King’s Lynn’s Air Cadet Squadron, 42F. Introducing the piece Eddie Seales said, “It’s not every day you get the opportunity to world premier a piece of music and I jumped at the chance.”
The ‘Founder Squadron’ March was received with much applause and at its conclusion the Squadrons Honorary Secretary Julie Lister thanked WNJYO on behalf of the audience for a “wonderful concert”.

 

Cadets from 42F attend Parades at St. Valery En Caux

Eight Cadets and two staff  from 42F Kings Lynn Air training Corps once again travelled to France to honour and remember the local people who died for our freedom on the French coast during the second world war.   In June 1940 , The French Army and the 51^st Highlanders , to whom the Royal Norfolks were attached , were encircled by the 7^th Panzer Division of Rommel at St Valery En Caux. On 12^th June resistance was intense and there was much bloodshed and fighting and St Valery was taken. The Royal Norfolks , from our area lost 12 men and these are buried in the cemetery in St Valery. This year , the 70^th anniversary, many French , Scottish and English people gathered  for special  Remembrance services in the Town and surrounding villages. 42 Kings Lynn cadets  were invited to attend by the Mayor of St Valery in recognition of the Royal Norfolks .

There were many ceremonies this year  at St Valery Cemetery, Angiens, Hermounville, Veules de Roses , Manneville, and on the cliffs  over looking the harbor, where the 51^st Highland division monument stands and where Rommel did so much harm. Many dignitaries attended  the ceremonies including the Minister for Parliamentary Business in Scotland ,Bruce   Crawford,   and the Mayors of each of the villages .Cadets met with French , Scottish and English veterans and were especially pleased to meet two  remaining Royal Norfolks , Frank Madle from Snettisham and Eric Taylor , of Cornwall, formerly of  Nelson St Kings Lynn.  The  services this year were so large due to the anniversary year and wreath laying times were less, so after the main services , cadets from 42F and the two Royal Norfolks held there own short service to remember and lay Poppy Crosses at each of the Royal Norfolk Graves . The squadron members were treated to some wonderful hospitality for the weekend and have some fantastic memories of their time in France. Cadet Flight Sgt Tom Pearce said, ‘ ……to meet the veterans who fought for freedom was very humbling and seeing them honour their comrades gave the parade a great poignancy’ and  a statement from them all ……..’ We are proud to have been able to be a part of making sure they are not forgotten and would love to return next year’

                  

 

Cadets Discover Normandy’s D-Day Stories

The first week of June saw members of 42F (King’s Lynn) and 1894 (Swaffham) Squadron’s of the Air Training Corps crossing the channel to visit the Normandy Beaches and associated sights, to experience at first hand the efforts and sacrifices made by the allied troops during the D-Day landings of 6^th June 1944.

The expedition departed by coach early on Monday 31^st May, and following a mid morning channel crossing, continued south to the coastal town of Merville where they stayed in a youth hostel overlooking the wide sandy beach.

Tuesday’s first visit of the day was the Commonwealth War Graves Commission Cemetery in the village of Ranville-Benouville. Here there are 2,562 graves, of which 2,151 are British, many from the British 6^th Airborne Division. These troops were the first to land by glider and parachute on the night of 5^th / 6^th June in a daring mission to capture the nearby bridge now known as Pegasus Bridge.

Although most of the trip was conducted in civilian clothes, diplomatic clearance allowed uniforms to be worn for this first visit in order that the Cadets could pay their respects in a manner befitting the ATC. Having formed up, the cadets marched into the cemetery behind the Squadron Standards passing the Cross of Sacrifice and up to the Stone of Remembrance.

The exhortation, “They shall not grow old....” was read by Cadet Amy Chandler (1894 Sqn) and, following a minutes silence, Cadet Gemma Duncalf (42F Sqn) read out the words of the Kohima epitaph before a poppy wreath was laid by Cadet Corporal James  Glencross (42F Sqn). 

After this short act of remembrance the cadets took time to wander among the graves and ponder their own thoughts. The expanse of headstones has a sobering effect on all who see them but some individual inscriptions cause you to pause and reflect as in that of Pt. R. T. Johns, aged only 16. Also 19 year old Pt. E. S. Corteil killed on 6^th June 1944 together with his dog Glenn, the Battalion mascot. Man and his dog lie buried together. A returning veteran, Alan Highton, arrived and seeing the light blue uniforms approached them to thank them for their act of homage. He recounted his part in the actions as an RAF Combat Engineer with 222 Squadron before requesting a group photo with them. 

From Ranville the group travelled to nearby Benouville to visit the Pegasus Bridge Museum and see the original bullet riddled bridge together with a replica glider. Memorials mark the spots where the Horsa gliders landed, with Major John Howard and his men to capture and hold the bridge. Crossing the new replica bridge staff and cadets were able to take coffee in the Café Gondree, the first house in Normandy to be liberated.

                                                                                                 

 

The journey then continued, along the coast, past Sword, Juno and Gold beaches with their memorials and on to the town of Arromanches to see the remains of the Mulberry Harbours. Constructed and towed across the channel, they allowed the landing of heavy equipment from ships in support of the initial landings. Here, on the sea front, the cadets spotted two returning veterans who they discovered to be ex Marines who had been involved in the actions of June 6^th.To their surprise they found them to be from their home county of Norfolk. Eighty eight year old Len Bloomfield from Beetley and eighty five year old Peter Daly from Scarning near Dereham were being filmed for a documentary and when they met the cadets were adamant that this encounter should be included. More information on this can be found on the website www.liveeverylitre.com

It was then on to the vast American cemetery at Saint-Laurent-sur-Mer overlooking Omaha Beach. The timing of this visit coincided with the daily lowering of the American flags and the Cadets were privileged to stand to attention alongside visiting members of the United States Army’s 5^th Marine Corps as the late afternoon sun shone upon the vast sea of over 9,300 gleaming white crosses.  

Day three saw more visits. In the morning first stop was the Merville Battery, a German heavy gun emplacement that was capable of shelling the beaches.

Bayeux was the next destination for a visit to the famous 1,000 year old Bayeux Tapestry which depicts the story behind the Norman invasion of England by Duke William of Normandy in 1066. In the afternoon it was on to the Chateau De Balleroy and its museum of the history of balloon flight.

Day four was a day for fun and relaxation with a full day in Disneyland Paris.

After which the last night was spent in Lille youth hostel .Next day, after visiting the city of Lille the group began  the journey home. As the coach made its way back towards Calais everyone was recalling the events of the past days, most feeling that the cemetery visits had made the most impression on them. 42F’s Cadet Corporal Hoare said “The US cemetery at Omaha Beach was shocking to see, and to see so many men that were never found. I was proud to stand with the US Marines as their flag was lowered. The trip has increased my own knowledge and I now understand it better. It was also a privilege to meet the WWII veterans and listen to their stories. They were eager to tell us and I was happy to listen.”

 

 Added 08 Jun 2010

Commandant Air Cadets carries out Review of Norfolk & Suffolk  Wing Field Training Weekend

Over 300 Cadets and Staff from Norfolk and Suffolk Wing of the Air Training Corps played hosts to the Commandant Air Cadets Air Commodore Ian Stewart and his wife Rosemary at his Annual review of the Wing on their Adventure Training Weekend 2010    

250 cadets and 75 staff members from Norfolk & Suffolk Wing enjoyed a range of challenging activities at their annual Wing Field weekend held 30 April – 3 May.

The event which was held at West Tofts Camp, STANTA DTE, consisted of competitions in shooting, raft building and river crossing, leadership, archery, orienteering, field craft, aircraft recognition, first aid and general service knowledge, with teams of 8 cadets from each squadron in the Wing, competing for the annual trophy.

After a closely fought contest, No 231 (Norwich) Squadron were the eventual winners, with No 1379 (Leiston) Squadron second and No 864 (Watton) Squadron third.  Flight Lieutenant Dave Chart, OC 231 Sqn said ‘I was delighted that the cadets put in so much effort; this is the first time Norwich Squadron has won the competition; all their training and hard work paid off’.

Cadets also had the opportunity to use the Mobile Climbing Tower during the weekend and Cadet James Shipp from Leiston Squadron, who was attending his first field weekend said ‘I was a bit nervous about climbing to start with but once I knew I was secure and could not fall I really enjoyed it and abseiling down was great!’.

During the weekend, 28 cadets from across the Wing, under supervision of Flight Lieutenant Julianne Gregg, gained valuable practical radio experience towards their VHF and UHF qualifications by manning the base station and maintaining radio communications with the activities, which were dispersed across West Tofts Camp and out on the training area.

On the Sunday, Commandant ACO, Air Commodore Ian Stewart and his wife Rosemary, accompanied by his ADC, Flight Lieutenant Barney Jones, joined the event and the Commandant conducted a Wing Review, by visiting all of the activities.

Air Commodore Stewart said’ It was the turn of Norfolk & Suffolk Wing to receive a Commandant’s Review this year and it was an excellent opportunity to meet cadets and staff and join them on the activities. I was impressed by their enthusiasm and commitment’. On the final parade the Commandant presented runners up and winners medals, the Burman Cup to the overall competition champions, and the Sunshine Cup to No 1070 (Diss) Squadron, who won the annual aircraft recognition competition.

Wing Commander Tony Hipperson, Officer Commanding Norfolk & Suffolk Wing, said ‘It was a privilege and an honour for us to have the Commandant visit the Wing to witness the activities and to meet the cadets and staff and to carry out his review. I know that he was impressed with the efforts of everyone concerned and I thank my staff and cadets for making it such a successful weekend’.

The training finished on Monday with a full Field exercise, where teams were able to put their skills to the test by practising camouflage and concealment, tactical movement in the field, setting up and manning a harbour area, field cooking, radio communications and casualty recovery and evacuation.

Flying Chef Delivers for Squadron Dining-In

March 29^th saw 42F (King’s Lynn) Squadron’s annual Dining-In night come round again. The event, held as usual in the historic splendour of the Town Hall, gathered together cadets, staff, civilian committee and invited guests for the formal evening centred around a first-rate three course meal supplied by aptly named local caterers West Norfolk Flying Chef.

A number of 42F’s original ‘Founder’ members from 1939 still attend these dinners and this year was no exception with other past cadets and staff spanning the Squadrons 70 years represented. Other invited guests included the Boroughs Deputy Mayor and Mayoress Councillor Colin Sampson and his wife Susan. Representing Norfolk and Suffolk Wing was the Wing Commander Tony Hipperson and Wing Staff Officer Flt Lt Kevin Green.

During his after dinner speech Wing Commander Hipperson congratulated the Squadron and in particular the cadets for a most successful year .

 During the evening the Wing  Commander presented four Duke of Edinburgh Bronze Awards to cadets. They were  Sgt Ed Barrett, Cpl Josh Whisker, Cpl Charlotte Wilson and Cdt Sam Hoare.

  

Expedition to Shropshire

April 16^th saw a group of cadets travel to Shropshire to take part in a Duke of Edinburgh Silver expedition. On arrival they hiked for 6 hours up and over the Long Mynd before arriving at their first camp site. The next two days were spent in the area, hiking along picturesque valleys and trekking up hills. The weather was wonderful and all agreed it was one of the best expeditions they had done .

Cdt Sgt Ed Barrett,Cpl Josh Whisker and Cpl Ryan Walker completed their  Duke of Ediburgh Silver , while  Sgt Ryan Duke, F/Sgt Dan Parker from 1894 Swaffham and Cpl Chloe Sainsbury and Cpl Daniella Schulte Wilke form  42F did  practice expeditions

           

 Hurrah for St George 

In their now traditional fashion, the cadets and staff of 42F (King's Lynn) Squadron, Air Training Corps celebrated on the eve of England's national day with a toast to St George.

With its parade night falling on the eve of 23rd April, the Squadron took the opportunity to celebrate our National day and its Patron Saint, with buns topped with the cross of St George icing, made especially for the Squadron by Smiths Bakers King's Lynn, washed down with a cup of apple juice.

   St. George was born in the 3rd century AD and became a soldier in Rome's Imperial Army. Eventually put to death for his Christian beliefs he has, since 1415, been England's patron saint. The historical facts known about him together with the legends that have grown up around him paint a picture of a man who was honest, courageous, and chivalrous and a good citizen true to his beliefs with a spirit of adventure, qualities that that are at the heart of the Air Training Corps ethos.

The members of 42F (King's Lynn) Squadron come from many backgrounds, beliefs and cultures, the things that have blended together to build the country we live in today. They have however one thing in common, England is their home, they are English and proud to raise a toast to "St George and  England".     

 Stradsett Vintage Rally

Bank holiday Weekend saw the return of the annual Vintage Rally at Stradsett. Staff and cadets  set up camp on the Saturday and organized the car park signs. On the Sunday and Monday cadets car parked for the event and checked  passes on the gate. During the evenings they were fortunate to have a barbeque and also did some training with the Search and Rescue dogs of Norfolk Lowland Rescue. On the Monday two cadets – Sgt Tom Pearce and Cpl Sam Oakes were asked to join the 11^th Alabama cavalry. They joined them in the arena for a show and then took part in the re enactment for an hour acting as deserters who were shot . Cadets enjoyed it as much as the audience and it was an  interesting part of the weekend. The Squadron Civilian committee also had a fundraising stall which despite the poor weather did very well

Cadets Rally Round

When members of 42F (King’s Lynn) Squadron ATC volunteered for front line duties at the Stradsett Park Vintage Tractor Rally over the May Bank Holiday weekend they were oblivious to the fact that a company of the Confederate Army’s 13^th Alabama militia were encamped nearby. 

Unaware of the ideological sympathies of some of her cadets 42F’s Commanding Officer, Flight Lieutenant Pauline Petch, awoke on the Monday morning to find that two of her NCO’s, Instructor Cadet Sgt Tom Pearce and Cpl Sam Oakes had deserted and joined the Confederates. Later that day the rebels were routed and the two were captured and returned to their unit, where looking decidedly demoralised, they awaited their fate.

The two day vintage rally, hosted annually by Sir Jeremy Bagge, was an excellent PR event for the King’s Lynn Squadron. The cadets marshalled the visitors cars and were also requested to assist other groups with their arena displays, namely the Norfolk Lowland Search and Rescue group (NORLSAR), an organisation regularly called upon by the Police to search for missing vulnerable people, and the previously mentioned 13^th Alabama re-enactment group.

Cadets also spent time assisting on the recruiting and fund raising stall run by members of the Squadron civilian committee which enabled them to interact further with the public.  

 

Forthcoming France Trip at Half Term.

On May 31^st cadets and staff from the squadron will be travelling to France to visit the World war II  cemeteries. They will see the beaches involved in the conflict and also visit museums of the area. One in particular is the Airborne Museum Pegasus Bridge. This new museum only opened in June 2000 and tells the story of 6th (Airborne) Division on 6th June 1944 - D Day. It replaces the old one that used to be alongside Pegasus Cafe. Inside are many artifacts, uniforms, weapons and vehicles connected with the fighting, as well as an excellent film show. The highlight of the visit is being able to walk across the original Pegasus Bridge, which is preserved in the grounds of the museum, after it was replaced some years ago. Part of the trip will also involve a wreath laying service at one of the memorials in Normandy. To complete the trip they will visit Paris and Disneyland before travelling home.

Cadet 150

2010 marks 150 years since the Cadet movement first started, when the Cadet Corps was formed to help bolster the country’s defence numbers following heavy losses in the Crimean War. To commemorate this, Cadet150 will be marked at all levels of the Cadet Forces and in many different ways across the country.  As part of the celebrations, the Woodland Trust and the Cadet Forces have formed a partnership and  supplied packs of trees for hedging and to plant a copse. The squadron ordered packs of the trees and then had to arrange areas to plant. Mr Marcus O’Lone  of Sandringham Estate agreed that we could underplant a copse of trees, fill in another area  and also planted up a hedge that needed renewing. National Construction at Bircham Newton also allowed the cadets to help the environment and plant areas and infill the  hedgerows surrounding some of the fields. Over 300 trees were planted over the weekend, and the areas  the cadets planted can be checked on regularly by them in the future.  

                             

Added 16 March 2010

Justices Service

History and tradition were again on view in King’s Lynn on Sunday 7^th March when cadets of 42F (King’s Lynn) Squadron, Air Training Corps formed a Guard of Honour outside the west door of the towns St Margaret’s Parish Church. The occasion was the High Sheriff of Norfolk’s church service for Her Majesties Justices.

        

 

The office of High Sheriff, at least 1,000 years old, is the oldest secular office under the Crown. The High Sheriff remains the Sovereign’s representative in the County for all matters relating to the Judiciary and the maintenance of law and order.

A clear blue sky and bright winter sunshine greeted the Judges in their wigs and purple and red robes, High Sheriffs past and present, Members of Parliament, other dignitaries and high ranking civic officers as they processed behind the towns civic regalia from the Town Hall to the Church.

The procession having entered, the cadets themselves took up their own reserved seats in church for the service at which the address was given by The Rt Hon Iain Duncan Smith MP.

Added 10 March 2010

Corps what a Store!

On Saturday 6^th February the recently revamped Vancouver Quarter of King’s Lynn’s shopping centre saw the official opening of the 42F (King’s Lynn) Squadron Air Training Corps shop. The occasion was marked with blue and yellow ribbons being cut by the Squadron’s Honorary Secretary, Julie Lister.

Having seen the vacant shop unit in the town’s Broad Street pedestrianised shopping centre, the Squadron was keen to obtain permission to use its window space as an information and recruiting platform for the Corps. This prime location was seen as a fantastic chance to advertise the activities and opportunities available to any prospective cadets.

When approached, the manager of the Vancouver Quarter, Mr. Brad Curcillo, was extremely accommodating and not only agreed to allow the use of the window but offered the use of the whole vacant unit until such time as it was required. Squadron Commander, Flight Lieutenant Pauline Petch said “Mr. Curcillo and the Vancouver Centre Partnership have been very supportive of our objectives and have really pulled out all the stops to help us progress our ideas. They have produced some really stunning window boards in the Air Cadet colours from material we gave them. Brad and the Partnership are dedicated to promoting the opportunities available to the youth of King’s Lynn and already the Sea Cadets have the use of a window space as well”

The shop will be open most Saturdays when uniformed staff, cadets and civilian committee members will be on hand to inform visitors of the activities available to any young person joining the Corps. “We saw this as a great opportunity to stamp the ‘light blue footprint’ on the area – to showcase the opportunities available to any young person who joins the ATC, with the added bonus of being able to raise funds for the Squadron” said Flt Lt Petch.

 

Honorary Secretary Julie, a primary school teacher in the area for over 30 years, said “I was so pleased to be involved with this project. Over the years I have seen what the Air Cadets has done for so many of the teenagers that I had taught when they were younger. They get the opportunities to do so many activities that other children do not. I have watched those that join gain so much from their membership of the Air Cadets”.  

Added 10 March 2010

 

Mart Opening

Saturday 13^th February the three Mayor’s Cadet’s, including 42F (King’s Lynn) Squadron, ATC’s Sergeant Tom Pearce were on parade to accompany the Borough Mayor Councillor Michael Pitcher as he led a procession of visiting mayors, dignitaries, clergy and showmen from across the county and beyond to open the towns historic St Valentines Fair.

The procession from the Town Hall, through the busy streets was preceded by the town’s civic regalia to the Tuesday Market Place where the fair known as the ‘Mart’ had been set up. This historic ceremony marks the start of the showman’s year and the first fair of the annual calendar.

 

Further members of the Squadron were on hand at the Town Hall to assist with hospitality as the numerous dignitaries arrived for the event, and then again at the opening ceremony to give further assistance to those who required it.

Following the formal reading of the ancient charter, the blessing by the clergy, the ringing of the ‘Mart bell’ and the speeches the ‘Mart’ was declared open. Following tradition the dignitaries, who included local MP Henry Bellingham and RAF Marham’s Commanding Officer Group Captain Rochelle were the first to ride on the dodgems. The cadets were also given this privilege and it was hard to see from the laughter on the faces who was enjoying the experience more, the young cadets or the more mature adults.

Added 10 March 2010

 

Remembrance Parades

The cadets of 42F (King’s Lynn) Sqn, like their counterparts the length and breadth of our nation, were on parade in their home town and beyond for the annual Remembrance Sunday acts of homage to the fallen.

The Borough Mayor, Councillor Michael Pitcher led the procession of Standards, civic dignitaries, Service Personnel from RAF Marham and the Army, Sea and Air Cadets to the War Memorial in the Greyfriars Tower Memorial Gardens. Here, following a short ceremony, the Last Post and two minutes silence at eleven o’clock, over twenty wreaths were laid by representatives of the organisations present. The Parade then returned to St Margaret’s Church for the Service of Remembrance.
42F Squadron was requested, and had the honour, to carry the Union Standard on behalf of the King’s Lynn branch of the Royal British Legion.
In the nearby village of Terrington-St-Clement, cadet  representatives of 42F joined the large congregation at the parish church for the Remembrance Service. There they laid a wreath on behalf of the Squadron in remembrance of the horrific sacrifice that this one village alone suffered in the two world wars. One hundred of its sons were killed in the First World War, and a further twenty six only a generation later in World War Two.
The ceremonies over, members of the Squadron’s cadets, staff and civilian committee visited graveyards and cemeteries in the area to place poppy crosses at the grave markers of its members who had lost their lives during WWII

 

Autumn at the home of the Arrows
Twelve cadets and the Commanding Officer of 42F (King’s Lynn) Sqn, together with staff and cadets from 864 (Watton), 759 (Beccles) and 2110 (North Walsham) Sqns attended a week long camp at RAF Scampton the home of the Red Arrows.

The camp was held during the autumn half term and enabled the cadets to participate in a range of activities that included swimming, sports, drill and marksmanship. There were also initiative exercises and team building and leadership training events.

 

Over the week the cadets had tours of the stations different sections and gained an insight into the various trades and job opportunities available within the Royal Air Force.

The distinctive bright red of the Hawk aircraft is a common sight in the skies above the Lincolnshire countryside, but few people are able to see the Red Arrows ‘up close’ or to talk with the pilots and ground crew of this world famous aerobatic display team.

 

With RAF Scampton hosting the autumn camp the cadets were able to spend almost two hours on a tour of the hanger learning about the iconic aircraft and the skills of the display team pilots. Some were also fortunate enough to be able to watch a practice display by three members of the team one afternoon.

Flt Lt Pauline Petch, 42F’s Commanding Officer said: “Our cadets enjoyed the camp and gained a lot from it. To be able to see the Red Arrows at close quarters was a privilege, just one more example of the range of opportunities available to Air Cadets.”

Annual Presentation Night for 2009

On the 16^th November 42F  hosted its Annual Presentation Night at Kings Lynn Town Hall . The Stone Hall was set up with exhibitions and photograph boards depicting the last year of achievement and especially the work done by the squadron to so with their history Heritage Project . The evening was attended by many ex cadets  and parents and the guests included  Group Capt Brett Morrell  - Regional Commandant for Central and East Region ATC and the Mayor of kings Lynn and West Norfolk - Mr Michael Pitcher.  After the Commanding Officers address, the cadets gave a very informative  presentation about every aspect of cadet life .

Following this , individual awards were presented by the guests to cadets. The evening ended with a wonderful buffet  by Clementines of Terrington

                

AGT Glider Training 

Cadet Sgt Edward Barrett completed his Advanced glider training at 611VGS in Watton on the 28th October 2009. This involved being cleared to solo and and completing 5 solo circuits of the Airfield.

The following day the 29th October 2009  Cadet Flight Sgt Ryan Duke of 1894 Swaffham Sqn also completed the training.

Both have been awarded gold AGT wings and are both are looking forward to continuing their glider training together and are both looking to be Staff Cadets at 611VGS

Cadets Collect

On the 19^th of September the cadets of 42F (King’s Lynn) Squadron ATC were out in force in the town centre for the annual Wings Appeal collection.

King’s Lynn and District Branch of the Royal Air Forces Association and 42F Squadron are closely affiliated, and the cadets are always ready to pull out all the stops during Battle of Britain Week to assist them. RAFA’s local branch secretary, Michael Forster MBE, was on station to issue tabards, collecting tins and ‘Wings’ stickers to his ground forces before allocating them strategic points around the central retail area.

The Saturday morning shoppers found it almost impossible to turn a corner in the pedestrianised streets without passing a light blue uniform. As a result the tins held by the older cadets and RAFA members were soon heavy with donations.

When ‘time’ was called the late duty cadets posed for the obligatory photo shoot and were thanked for their efforts by Mr. Forster. He said that “42F’s assistance was invaluable” and went on to say that “you are a credit to your uniform and the Air Training Corps”.

 

Holkham Fair

Cadets attended the Holkham Fair in July to set up the History Exhibition that they have been working on courtesy of the Heritage Lottery Fund.

Marquees  and a trailer had been bought with the Heritage Grant, and the project has been designed by cadets.

The new  marquees were erected side by side and filled with display boards, books, badges and leaflets.  Ex-cadets had loaned ephemera, badges, and uniform, which had been displayed for the public. A recruiting stand was also put up and gave information  to many young people.                                       

Posted 27 Jul 2009