241 (Wanstead & Woodford) Squadron ATC

Cadets from the Squadron have had the opportunity to fire the L98A2 rifle 3 times over the Summer holidays with two visits to the ranges at Pirbright and those on camp using the range at RAF Lossiemouth. The cadets, who have to pass stringent tests before live firing, where able to fire practises to try to qualify to marksman badges consisting of their ability to group 5 rds in under 2inches (which is not as easy as it sounds) and then hit a specified area whilst firing under timed conditions. Many cadets where able to qualify for one of the 4 class of Marksman, with Cdt Hussain and Benjafield gaining the highest qualification of the Corps Marksman. The photos show the cadets on the range and Cpl Fox haveing some difficulities with the ammunition box!

Cadets have just returned from an action packed week at RAF Lossiemouth in Scotland, home of the Tornado GR4 Bomber Force. Together with cadets from Elm Park 21 of our cadets experienced a week of life with the RAF, with all cadets being able to get up close to a Tornado, live fire the No8 and L98 rifles, take part in section visits to various units on the base, such as the RAF Regiment, Air Traffic Control, Fire Section, and Aircraft Maintence Flight. In addition they had the opportunity to fly in a Search and Rescue Sea King, competled a nerve testing high ropes course and one cadet managed to set fire to his socks whilst ironong them!

Cdt Mullings said "It was a great experience. We done loads of activities that I wouldn't have dreamed of doing when I joined. I was supprised that they managed to fit all of it into 1 week. It was a once in a lifetime expeience and I would love to go again. The highlight of the week was definatly getting a flight in the Sea King. The Tornado GR4 were really loud you could hardly hear the L98 A2 whilst firing it!"

A former cadet and officer on the Sqn, Jason Reuben has completed a triple marathon accross the wastes of the Namibian Desert in Southern Africa. Jason, a Aerospace Battle Manager in the RAF took part in the gruelling Namibian Ultra Marathon, running 78 miles in 22 hours in 40 degree heat, dodging venomous snakes, raising £700 for Help for Heros in the process. Jason said "I was looking for something that was out of the ordinary and a challenge and this fitted the bill!" Jason is still a familiar face on the Sqn as a Service helper who assists at Squadron events through the year, although rarely in such heat!

A report by Cdt Mian on the Sqns particiaption in the Nijmegen Marches "On Friday the 16th of July 2010 Cadet Corporal Akshay Mandalia and Cadet Shan Mian departed for what would be their first ever experience of the Nijmegen marches, these marches held every year in the small Dutch town of Nijmegen attract over 65,000 participants. Participants who walk 30, 40 or 50 Kilometres (depending on age) each day over four consecutive days, the march has been a huge success since its inception almost 90 years ago. And this year saw the third and fourth walkers from 241 Squadron taking part. These two fine young men have had to spend over 9 weekends training and preparing themselves physically for this gruelling endurance challenge, the cadets were sent out as part of a London wing contingent, and therefore represented the Air Training Corps at a wing level.

Upon arrival the cadets had 3 days to enjoy the vibrant atmosphere, and get to know the town as well as relax and prepare themselves for the march, the cadets from our Squadron had the opportunity to bond with others from the Wing as well as other cadets from all over the Corps. On Tuesday the marching began and the cadets had an early start having to wake up at 1 am in order to prepare to depart at the starting line at approximately 5 am. But when they got on the road the true fun began, because on top of the 65,000 walkers who come from distant lands to attend the march there were approximately 1.1 million people who would wake up at the same time as the participants just so they could line the routes in support of the walkers. Every nook and cranny of the route was crowded with supporters who would hand out free food and drink as well as create a party atmosphere. This atmosphere is an essential part of the walk as it alleviates many of the mental stresses and burdens that a walker has to bear. Thankfully both of the cadets from our squadron completed the march this year, and at least one of the aforementioned cadets is set to return next year to do it all again! They both had a wonderful time and they hope to share their experiences amongst the other cadets from the squadron and get more people involved in this great opportunity, where cadets will be making friends from all over the Corps, as well as do something which many people could only dream to attempt. To be a Nijmegen marcher takes a lot of commitment, mental strength and willpower, but what one gets in return is truly astonishing. We hope to see more cadets from our squadron partaking in the march next year, and letting them experience, what is truly, the walk of the world"

The Sqn Commander, Sqn Ldr Godden stated "this is a excellent achievement by the Cadets, and I would like to thank WO Adrian Munday for organising the training and the actual event".