Spirits Not Dampened For Shared D of E Expedition Success!

Despite the downpours, cadets from 56 (Woolwich) and 1921 (Lewisham) Squadron teamed up over the Bank Holiday weekend to take on the challenge of their Duke of Edinburgh’s Award expeditions. Covering large areas of the countryside in and around Biggin Hill, the groups showed great determination to complete their walks in difficult conditions.

“The groups need a lot of skills to complete the expedition”, commented Warrant Officer John Ingram (1921 Sqn). “As well as being able to navigate cross-country accurately, they need to work together as a team, carrying all of their equipment, tents and food. It’s quite a challenge for a young cadet”.

“It was clear to see an improvement across the training” added Flt Lt David Preece (OC 1921 Sqn). “The groups really did raise their level of performance, and showed strength of character to get through the miserable conditions.”

As well as being the first time for many of these cadets, it was the first joint expedition between 56 and 1921 Squadrons, who are near neighbours in the South sector of London Wing.

Mark Bird, the OC of 56 Squadron, explained why the weekend worked: “The shared expedition offered lots of opportunities to get to know new friends, as well as being able to improve the quality of the training for all the cadets. It’s a new experience for us, and the cadets have enjoyed it hugely.”

Congratulations to all the cadets involved, and many thanks to all the staff for their hard work over the training and qualifying periods!