During the weekend of the Saturday the 27th through to Sunday the 28th August 2011 , Cadets and Staff from 2028 (Southam) Squadron completed a pre-arranged 24 hour sponsored drill event at the Squadron HQ. Due to the recent death of an Ex Cadet, Flight Lieutenant Egging RAF of the Red Arrows, the Cadets had suggested it be used to raise funds for a permanent Memorial to Jon.

Cadets and four uniformed members of staff, plus at various stages during the weekend four civilian instructors, took part in the event. The Cadets were also joined by the Squadron Service Instructor Corporal Steve Forrest RMP who stayed for the whole period. On the Saturday two Ex members of Staff, Flt Lt Keith Hicks and CI Bob Foster turned up to wish everyone well with the 24 hours and offer their sympathies at the loss of Jon Egging. Bob Foster stayed well into the evening and brought along a Flight Simulator for everyone to try during their down time. The Civilian Committee and some of the parents provided cakes and hot food and one Cadet's Grandmother made a very special cake in memory of ‘Red 4.'

The weather on the Saturday was for the most part thundery showers and some bright periods. However, much to everyone's delight the first hour on the Saturday from mid day was bright sunshine and quite warm it did get colder over night with further showers but as the Sunday dawned, the sun soon came out again and much to the joy of everyone involved, it stayed that way for the last few hours. The Cadets, Staff and Committee held a 2 minutes silence at 1100 hours on the Sunday in memory of Jon Egging, leading up to final parade at mid-day! Everyone was tired and their eyes just about coped with the bright sunshine! At various times during the Saturday parents and friends popped in to support the Cadets and have a drink with the Staff. The weekend for the cadets who attended was really challenging what with the very changeable weather and the thoughts of why they were raising the money. To spend an entire night marching was not easy but all the cadets were in high spirits throughout the 24 hours. They practiced their WHT's, played various computer and board games or supported one another until it was their turn to march; everyone was involved, including the staff. Everyone marched for the first and last hour as a Squadron and then took turns in squads with one hour on and 2 hours off.

With the expert help of CI Conran-Brown, the Cadets also took the opportunity to make a quilt of various colours and materials which will be sent to the charity for Injured Servicemen and Women.

Flight Lieutenant Moreton, CO of 2028 Squadron said after the event, “Once again, the cadets have excelled themselves with their boundless enthusiasm and despite some pretty sore feet, horrible weather at times they even managed a formal Parade in light blues to finish off on the Sunday. This year the sponsorship was for a very special person, one of our Ex Cadets, ‘Red 4' Flight Lieutenant Jon Egging. When we have had time to discuss it we will have a permanent memorial at the Squadron in his memory.”

View More Images of the 24hr Drill Event