From 25 th July to 1 st August 24 cadet and 6 staff of the wing spent a summer camp week at RAF Linton on Ouse, the home of the Tucano.

Right from the start it was go, go, go. Swimming in York , 22 cadets gained or re qualified their basic swimming proficiency certificates. Sightseeing in York with the first appearance of the “hats”, in the evening it was the first “shower” of the camp for all cadets with the visit to the fire section, to play with hoses!!! On the way back to the block it was by the left squelch.

Following day we all smiled “sweetly” for the camp photograph by the “gate guardian”, the range then took a battering, cadets re qualifying, plus initiative exercises for those waiting to shoot. The Merlin helicopters were on temporary assignment at the station for a three week period, this was their last week, we managed to get cadets flown in the Merlin, cadets came back with big grins and a small bag!

Next day we visited the Leeds armoury, then the National Rail Museum in York , both interesting places.

What next, well, it was the swinging cadets, cadets at Adrenaline, a centre with high rope activities and the Assault Course. A great place for climbing up poles jumping off in the “leap of Faith”, some brave or mad cadets did this blind folded, next was the climb up the sailing poles, then three cadets had to climb up a pole stand on the top base about 3 foot across, hold on to each other then lean back and “balance” with out falling off guess what they fell off, but all cadets had harnesses with other cadets holding on to them, so they were lowered “gently” back to the ground. Then in the afternoon it was get wet, dirty and smelly with the two flights competing around the assault course. The drying rooms at the block took a hammering that night.

Our camp program took a change of direction, due the station taking part in the 3 peaks run. Sadly we lost the night ex and some visits and flying, but not was all lost, in the evening we had a quiz, so the cadets could slow down and “chill out”.

We visited the Lynx helicopters at RAF Dishforth, with a very good tour by the Army Air Corps. Then the flights competed at bowling in the evening.

The week is coming is sadly coming to an end, we had two cadets in the Tucano simulator, final visits around the different section, with two pilots taking us all around the Tucano, rounded off with an air display by the station and visiting aircraft. Air experience flying took place at RAF Church Fenton with staff and cadet visiting this airfield.

All that was left was the drill competition, closely fought between the two flights, a high standard by both flights. Plus of course the traditional final evening bash with pizzas and the paper plate awards.

The cadets accommodation was excellent with single rooms for the cadets, plus good food kept the cadets going.

We said goodbye to the station and later cadets said their goodbyes.

In all a great week, with thanks to the ALCO Flt Lt J. Bennett for a very good programme and to staff for all their efforts and to the cadets for making a “wicked, cool” week, but the Camp Commandant, Flt Lt Broom said it was "AWESOME!"

Article Submitted by:-
Flt Lt Barry Broom RAF VR(T) (Warwickshire & Birmingham Wing RAF Linton on Ouse Camp Commandant)
17 Aug 09