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‘My journey in Holland’ by LAC Karen Mellows, 501 RAuxAF Sqn
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From the 3 to 6 May 2016 members of 501 Squadron travelled to Holland to represent the Squadron by participating in a memorial service for Flight Lieutenant Regis Deleuze, a 21 year old pilot who was killed after being shot down during the Second World War in 1945.
We had been offered to be a part of this, the second trip to be organised, following last years trip being so well received by those who went. I did not hesitate to put my name forward as I was keen to represent the Squadron at any time I could. We travelled by minibus to Harwich
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and from there caught the overnight ferry to Holland. Once there we drove on to Haarskamp base, Gelderland, staying there overnight. Read more.
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Ministers visit Portland firm G3 Systems as it shows support for armed forces
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Portland's G3 Systems Ltd demonstrated its support to the UK armed forces by signing the armed forces corporate covenant in late March.G3 Systems Ltd, based in Portland, was founded in 2001 and now operates across the globe with a turnover of more
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than £25m. The company employs more than 70 local members of staff at their Portland site, as well as nearly 500 personnel deployed in Afghanistan.
More than 35 per cent of G3 Systems personnel are ex-forces' veterans.
Today, G3 Systems will be demonstrating its support to the UK armed forces and local community by signing the covenant at its facility. Read more.
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Cadets compete in Army tug of war championships 2016
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Army Cadets from Gloucestershire Army Cadet Force (ACF) and Somerset ACF, who are coached by Major Alec Masson and Captain Tim Tatler, competed in the Army Tug of War Championships held at Bulford Garrison, Wiltshire, on Wednesday 1 June.
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The Cadet team were only allowed to enter two weight categories; men’s 560kg and 600kg, due to the Army rules regarding Cadets participating in Army events, thus only being allowed to pull as a guest team.
The Army Cadets produced some outstanding pulling, putting many regular units to the sword, finishing the day with their heads held high, winning one weight class and coming runner up in another. Read more.
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Armd Forces charity highlights the need for increased support to Reservists
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SSAFA, the Armed Forces charity, provides vital support each year to 55,000 serving men and women from all three services as well as to veterans, families – and Reservists.
It’s important to stress the Reservist element because, as Robin Chambers, SSAFA Devon Chairman, declares,
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“many people still don’t realise that they are very much part of the service family.”
Truth is that, if anything, existing support services for Reservists will need to increase, owing to a combination of factors. They include the legacy of the Iraq and Afghanistan campaigns, increased Reserve Forces support for full-time personnel under the Future Reserves 2020 strategy and the challenging financial environment. Read more.
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South West University Technical Colleges launch Royal Navy Combined Cadet Force units
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University Technical Colleges (UTC) in Plymouth and Bristol have opened Royal Navy Combined Cadet Force (CCF) units, as part of the Cadet Expansion Programme (CEP).
Despite only being opened in the last few months, both CCF units have already proved to be a huge success within the
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UTC’s, with over 30 Cadets in Bristol and a similar number in Plymouth.
The principle aim of the CCF is to develop a range of skills and attributes among young people, including leadership, team work and confidence, whilst giving them a wider knowledge of the Naval Service. Read more.
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NHS Military Challenge 2016 - Video
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16 teams from NHS Trusts across the South West took part in the NHS Military Challenge 2016, which was organised by 243 (The Wessex) Field Hospital.
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It is estimated that there are 21 million volunteers in the UK, who give up their time on a regular basis to assist the community in a huge range of ways. This volunteer workforce is believed to contribute around £23.9bn to the UK economy each year.
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However it is difficult to put a price on the value and lasting benefits which volunteering offers. The impact that a volunteer can have goes far beyond the financial implications, and can often have far reaching impacts on other people’s lives.
The Cadet Forces rely on an army of volunteers to allow them to run. Without people willing to give up their time on a regular basis, the activities and opportunities offered to young people through the Cadet Force would just not take place. Read more.
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Devon and Somerset Air Cadets mark 75th anniversary
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This year marks the 75th Anniversary of the Air Training Corps, now more commonly known as the Air Cadets.
Cadets and staff of the Devon & Somerset Wing held an anniversary parade through Taunton to mark this historic occasion.
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Although formed during the Second World War with the intention of training young men for service in the RAF, the Air Training Corps is now one of the largest national voluntary youth organisations in the country. It has a membership of approximately 40,000 aviation minded young men and women who enjoy flying, gliding, sport and adventure training. Read more.
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Backing the Military - The HR Dept signs the Armed Forces Covenant
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Military personnel past and present have a new ally in their search for gainful employment after The HR Dept pledged its support by signing The Armed Forces Covenant.
The Armed Forces Covenant is a promise by the nation ensuring that those who serve or who have served in the
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armed forces, and their families, are treated fairly.
Businesses can choose to adopt it as a demonstration of their support for the armed forces community and, with Armed Forces Day taking place on Saturday June 25th, The HR Dept has now done so. Read more.
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Army Reserve's Bristol Gunners commemorate the Battle of the Somme
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Exactly 100 years ago, Territorial Force soldiers of Gloucestershire Volunteer Artillery – men such as railway clerks, cigarette makers and dockers from every corner of Bristol – were preparing for the Battle of the Somme, one of the bloodiest conflicts in human history.
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It was to be the “big push”, a massive Anglo-French infantry assault which would break through the German lines and take a decisive step towards ending the Great War. At the very least, it would divert enemy resources from the carnage and deadlock at Verdun.
There was no shortage of optimism before the start of the battle on 1 July 1916. But the intense week-long bombardment by the GVA and other artillery units up and down the line failed to break down sophisticated German defences before the infantry went over the top. Read more.
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Army Reservist Hannah to lay wreath at Thiepval in 1 July Battle of the Somme commemoration
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Bristol Army Reservist Hannah Wolsey will join heads of state, senior politicians, the Archbishop of Canterbury and 10,000 others at the Thiepval Memorial on 1 July to pay tribute to those who fell at the Battle of the Somme exactly 100 years before.
Hannah, a 29-year-old Lance-Bombardier who trains with 266 (Gloucestershire Volunteer Artillery) Battery based at Whiteladies Road Army Reserve Centre, will lay a wreath on behalf of her unit.
266 Battery is the only Reserve unit in this region with a direct link to the start of the Somme Offensive in which there were
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57,000 British and Commonwealth casualties on the first day, including nearly 19,000 killed. Read more:
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Trowbridge Air Cadet sisters to tackle English Channel together
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Two air cadets from Trowbridge are putting their special sister bond to the test later this month as they get ready to swim the English Channel together.
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Cadet Sergeant Alice Wynne, 18 and Cadet Corporal Caitlin Wynne, 16, both of 2196 (Trowbridge) Squadron are joining a team of intrepid swimmers from across the country to battle tides and jellyfish on a relay swim which is just one of many events the RAF Air Cadets are holding this year to celebrate their 75th anniversary.
Alice and Caitlin have been training hard at Trowbridge Swimming Club and at Vobster Quarry near Frome for months building up endurance and stamina as well as getting used to open water swimming. Read more.
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The Sea Cadets June newsletter is now available. For news about the Sea Cadets throughout the country click here.
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