On Sunday 29 th May over a dozen Air Cadets from 198 (Hinckley) Squadron, along with their Commanding Officer, Flight Lieutenant Chris Parry, took part in an annual event called the “Spitfire March”, it is held around the Folkestone area of Kent, and those taking part in the march, which included cadets from all three services, and full time serving personnel, to members of the public and ex-service personnel, who all walked one of three routes, 12km, 27km or 40km.

The 27km route that the Hinckley Air Cadets took, takes them out of St Martins Plain Camp, where they had camped overnight, up the cliffs above the Channel Tunnel and around the downs, taking in some breath taking scenery, and the old Battle of Britain airfield of Hawkinge, then down to lunch at the Battle of Britain Memorial at Capel-le-Ferne, where the cadets where treated to an impromptu air display by a Spitfire for an hour over the Memorial site.

Here guides explained about the memorial and the history of RAF Hawkinge, they were also shown around 2 full size replica aircraft from the second world war era that had fought in the battle, the Spitfire and the Hurricane, cadets formed up to have their photographs taken, with the aircraft in the background. From here the cadets travelled back through the Downs and back into the camp.

The cadets where awarded a medal with ribbon and certificate by their Warwickshire and Birmingham Wing staff officer, Squadron Leader Coats, last week as a reminder of the experience. Everyone who took part has already put themselves back on the list for next year.

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