Earlier this month 479(Rubery) Squadron Air Training Corps took part in a combined 45 mile sponsored walk in an effort to raise money for Help for Heroes along with taking part in an official D-Day memorial parade in Normandy . The event was a huge success and was organised by the squadron in conjunction with West Merica Police.

After a 17hr journey by road and ferry the cadets and staff embarked on the 45 mile walk. The walk started at Pegasus Bridge and took them along the invasion beaches of Sword, Juno & Gold up to Omaha . The cadets had the opportunity to see the many memorials along the route and to appreciate the scarifies that occurred on June 6 1944 .

Whilst there the cadets were invited by the Royal British Legion Normandy-Calvados & District Branch to attend the Bayeux Cathedral memorial service, which was attended by veterans and dignitaries including the Ambassador for Great Britain Sir Peter Westmacott LCMG LVO. This was then concluded with a short ceremony at the British War Memorial Cemetery again attended by the veterans.

During the course of the trip the cadets had the opportunity to visit the Normandy American Cemetery which overlooks Omaha beach, and has 9,387 burials of US service men and women, 307 of which are unknown.

Instructor Cadet Sergeant Joseph Wood said ‘This was a moving experience. It was only when we visited the cemetery, that we could comprehend the scale of sacrifice made on D-Day, knowing that each head stone represented a fallen hero'

Flight Lieutenant Pam McAuley Commanding Officer of 479 Squadron said ‘the trip was a fantastic success; it was a real opportunity for the cadets to learn and appreciate the events of D-Day and what it must have been like for the soldiers who fought for freedom. The cadets where excellent ambassadors for the local community, the Air Training Corps and Country'

Articles Submitted by:-
Flt Lt Pam McAuley - 479 (Rubery) Squadron
01 Jul 10