The Air Cadet Organisation Web Site

DETERMINED CADETS REPRESENT THE UK AT NIJMEGEN

Over 300 cadets recently represented the Air Cadet Organisation and the UK at the Nijmegen marches in the Netherlands.

Each year the country hosts a unique series of challenging marches for military personnel and civilians from around the world. The 4 day marches are supported by around 40,000 participants and watched by over 1½ million people. This year, the marches took place from 15 to 18 July with 57 British military and cadet teams entering the event during the unseasonably cool and wet weather.

Of the 820 personnel supported by the UK Military, 357 were from the Air Training Corps. Unfortunately, 42 British marchers were not able to complete the 160km march, but only 5 of these were from the Air Cadet Organisation.

Everyone who represented the organisation looked immaculate as they left the Heumensoord temporary camp from 04:30 each morning. Brigadier John Wolsey, the Commander of the Rhine and European Support Group and Air Commodore Ian Stewart, the Commandant of the Air Cadet Organisation, headed up the British Military Contingent and saluted the cadets and UK troops as they marched out together for their daily 40km march.

The third day of marching included a short ceremony to commemorate those soldiers, sailors and airmen who lost their lives liberating the Netherlands during the Second World War. A moving service was held in the Canadian Military Cemetery at Groosbeek. Wreathes were laid on behalf of the UK Military and one of the cadet teams placed poppies on graves of fallen RAF personnel.

Air Commodore Stewart was particularly impressed by the Air Cadet contingent. He said: “Our Teams were amongst the smartest and fittest of all the UK teams who took part this year. I was proud to take the salute each morning as they marched out of the camp. Throughout the four days I was able to walk with a number of teams and was particularly impressed with their determination and camaraderie.”

In an attempt to rouse those taking part in the marches, cadets sang a number of different songs, resulting in throngs of bystanders cheering them on. Many of the international teams commented on how friendly and well prepared the cadets had been.

The Nijmegen marches were a resounding success for all Air Cadet Teams. Those who want to march in 2009 must get their names down early because places will inevitably be limited.

Date Last Updated : Thursday, July 24, 2008 5:28 PM

[ Latest News | Archive | Famous Cadets ]
[ Adult Recruitment | Online Gallery ]