SWYNNERTON
By Cpl. A. Mathias
Swynnerton was a really good field craft
training weekend, even though all our
phones had no signal!
We left by minibus at around 7 on the Friday evening and didn't return until around
three that Sunday.
All of our activities were very initiative
based and got everyone involved, especially newer cadets. We took part in first aid,
patrolling, reconnaissance and a lot of other types of activity. One of the best was
when we all had a timed attempt across a
grueling obstacle course which was very
muddy. But still really enjoyable as we all
supported our team members.
On the Saturday night, during the cold rain
and in our separate flights; we took part in
a night exercise, where the aim was to get
our food for the night, while also trying not
to get caught by the enemy in their nice
warm minibuses…
It’s safe to say, we all enjoyed that weekend and cannot wait until the next time
round! ?
CULTURAL CAMP
In October 2012, one of our cadets, Sgt.
M. Stokes was lucky enough to take part in
a week long, Wing Cultural Camp to Belgium, Germany and Poland. The group
visited war graves of 44,000 trainee service personnel no older than themselves
who had died during World War 1.
They also visited the Möhne Dam which
was destroyed by RAF Lancaster Bombers
during Operation Chastise on the night of
16th to 17th May 1943 using the ‘bouncing
bombs’ of Dambusters fame.
“All that was written on it was
the words 'For Humanity'…”
The most thought provoking visit though,
was to Auschwitz II – Birkenau Concentration Camp where up to three million people, mostly Jews died as a result of Nazi
persecution during World War 2. Those
not killed in the gas chambers died of starvation, forced labour, disease, execution
and medical experiments.
Much of what the Cadets saw and heard
during the camp, gave them a small but
potentially distressing insight into the
atrocities that took place at the hands of
the Nazis. For this reason, a Padre travelled with the Cadets, conducting a debrief
following visits to certain sites.
On her return, Sgt. Stokes posted the following on the Cosford Squadron’s Facebook page –
‘In my time in Poland and Belgium I visited
many war graves. A lot of them had messages such as 'they were brave' or 'they
will be really missed'. However, there was
one grave in particular that stood out to
me. All that was written on it was the
words 'For Humanity' to me meaning they
weren't necessarily fighting for their country but for humanity as a whole. Also, I
was astounded and upset by the number
of unknown/unnamed soldiers whose
grave stones were marked only with the
words 'known unto God' and a cross. I
think it's important not to forget that people were and still are fighting for our future
and each one of them deserves our respect
as they are all risking their lives for what
they believe in.’ ?
CADET OF THE WINTER SEASON
Cdt. Cox has been chosen, because of his outstanding commitment towards
cadets; his uniform and attitude. Well done and keep up the brilliant work!
2497 (Cosford) Squadron Altitude | 2497cosfordsquadron.moonfruit.com
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