What has happened during the year.
Jan - Feb
Results from last year were reported as
First Aid
14 Young Life saver Awards
Exams
13 passed Leading cadet
3 Passed senior
5 passed Staff Pt 1
2 Passed Staff pt 2
Shooting
6 Sqn marksmen
DofE
7 Bronze
6 Silver
Radio
23 Provisional radio certificates
Flying
46 AEF flights
1 Flying Scholarship
8 Gliding Induction
2 Gliding Scholarships
1 Parachute Course
Sports
2 Triple Blues
2 Wing Blues
The year started with the Top Gun evening enjoyed by all.
An inter flight quiz saw Red Flight triumph with an average score of 20 compared to Blue Flights 18.
ATC Sunday saw the squadron parade to Little Bowden Church in a strong breeze and a church with no heating.
Feb 29 - Mar 3
The band returned to Belgium for the 12th year accompanied by the Chair of Harborough District Council, Cllr Peter Callis and his wife
The Sunset Ceremony in Poperinge was carried out in strong winds and driving rain and conditions were little better for the Last Post ceremony in
The band led the Lutterworth RBL to the Gate and then entertained the large crowd prior to the Last Post being played by the Ypres Firemen.
FS Tomlinson laid the squadron wreath; other wreaths were laid by Flt Lt Standish, Flt Lt Munns and Cllr Callis.
The Last Post at Tynecot was followed by a wreath laying by Cllr Callis and Mr Franky Bryon 1st Alderman of Zonnebeke.
Fortunately the weather improved and although there were strong winds it stayed dry for the battlefield visits and the Carnival. Once again the carnival proved to be great fun although the disco on the Saturday night proved less enjoyable for a lot of the cadets.
Overall though the weekend was a great success and the accommodation has already been booked for next year.
29 Mar - 5 Apr RAF Lyneham Apr 11- 13 Johns Lee Wood Training for the NNAS Bronze Award was nearly completed and we look forward to the assessment in the next few months. Some photos below. The new Beatles Medley went down well and obviously the band enjoyed playing it. Apr 25 RAF Wittering 90th Anniversary Celebrations The band received a warm round of applause after their performance.
The band displays before the members and guests of WO & Sgts Mess Apr 26/7 Potential NCO Course The course was run by Flt Lt Standish with the assistance of Instructor Cdt FS Tomlinson and FS (ATC) Smith and covered the role of a JNCO, drill theory and practical, functional leadership, how to get things done, communications, discipline and cadet welfare.
Syndicate discussion during the course All cadets said the course had met their expectations and that they had enjoyed it. Apr 30 Annual Inspection
Wg Cdr Dickinson arrives Talking to the cadets The Wing Commander talked to may of the cadets and expressed his surprise that so many of the band did not have any musical interest before joining the squadron and were 'self taught'. He also was told by many cadets that they really enjoyed the band (well they would say that with the Boss listening in) and
Band plays General Salute Certificates were presented to newly appointed CIs, Messrs Prince, Woollam and Barwick. The results of the Auster Trophy saw the squadron again placed 6th in the Wing. The squadron continues its record of top ten placings in this competition. May 18 Wing Athletics Rob Edwards was promoted to Flight Sergeant and Cadets Kirstin Dagley, Chloe Finlay, Peter Taylor, Joe Parks and Bronya Griffin promoted to Corporal. The weather was generally good although on the Saturday the team watched as a heavy squall swept towards them down the June 21 Wing Field Day FS Sam Tomlinson was successful in his interview for the post of Cadet Warrant Officer and was presented with his new ranks slides at the final parade. July 15 Flt Lt Neil Liquorish Neil was CO of Birstall and latterly Wigston Squadron but was a great friend to the staff and many cadets through his association with the Squadron particularly on Neil had a terrific rapport with the cadets and looked upon the band as his own, in particular taking great interest in their performances at July 15 CO Goes to see the Queen Aug 6-9 Lathkill Dale Camping Everyone enjoyed the trip and the walks, which although not climbing to great heights, produced some stunning scenery and social history interest. Aug 13 Promotions Aug 21 The 'Old Man' has been granted a further 2 years extension of uniformed service. Sep 22 Oct 5 Oct 17/19
A great week was had by all. Despite some hiccups eg no AEF flying, all cadets who could fly did so either in a Hercules or in a glider. Unfortunately one of the cadets was ill on the day and had to miss the Herc flight.Two cadets gained their GIC1 course on winch launched gliders.
Other activities included shooting, section visits, of which the police dogs was amongst the favourites, a really good night exercise, sports and a half day nav ex. A visit was included to the Naval Air Museum at Yeovilton and it was here that the 'Old Man' was seen in his original uniform (see the Cool Wall for photo).
Below are some photos from the camp.
Although the weather on Saturday wasn't too good and we had to do some of the activities inside 25 cadets (and staff) enjoyed the weekend. Climbing, abseiling and the caving experience proved popular as always and the DofE practice was very successful.
The band was asked to play for the WO and Sgts Mes 90th Anniversary Celebrations of the Formation of the Royal Air Force.
The band played a Fanfare to announce the start of the evening celebrations and then performed a short musical and marching display before ending with a Sunset Ceremony and the National Anthem.
7 Cadets assembled at the Squadron HQ wondering what was in store for them during the weekend training to assist them in the role of Corporal should they be promoted. This course is a pre requisite for all cadets before they will be considered for promotion.
The Squadron was inspected by Wing Commander Dickinson. Fortunately the rain stopped and a full parade was possible with 37 cadets taking part.
Flt Lt Standish received his 2nd Clasp for the Cadet Force Medal to recognise his 24 years uniformed service.
The Squadron recorded one of its best results in many years coming 4th overall. Cpl Tomlinson, Cdts Edgar, Hickey and Smith are selected for the Wing team.
June 11 Changes to NCO Team
CWO Lauren Bickley 'aged out' and has now become a Civilian Instructor.
June 13-15 Edale
13 cadets and 4 staff went on a camping/walking weekend in Edale. Arriving at Coopers Farm on Friday evening the group walked the hills above Ladybower Reservoir on Saturday and on Sunday walked the edge of Kinder from Ringing Roger to Grindsbrook Knoll.
The Squadron confirmed its position as one of the top 10 squadrons in the South & East Midlands Wing at the recent Wing Field Day held at RAF Wittering.
With top ten places in five of the eight events, (drill - ninth, aircraft recognition - seventh, station familiarisation exercise - second, model diorama - second and media communications - fourth) the squadron achieved seven place overall.
This allied to its sixth place in the Auster Trophy (for the most effective squadron in the Wing) confirmed its place as one of the best squadrons in the 28 squadron Wing.
Flight Lieutenant Valerie Smith, commented "naturally I am very pleased with these results and proud of what the cadets have achieved. To obtain these results the cadets have worked very hard over the last year and they deserve their success".
"I would also like to praise the squadron staff who willingly give up their free time to train the cadets. Without their support none of these results would have been possible"
Disappointing results were recorded in Shooting - 20th place. 1st Aid - 18th place and Leadership -17th place.
I am sorry to have to record the passing of Flt Lt Neil Liquorish RAFVR(T) Rtd.
Neil died on Tuesday 15 July after a long battle against cancer.
His sense of humour was legendary and every cadet (and member of staff) will have their own stories to tell in this respect.
One of the early
The 'court martial' over Claire's k******s is best not detailed here, but it was taken in good part. One thing Neil never got to grips was gargling a song, as those who went to Edale can testify.
He was highly organised, there was place for everything and everything had to be in its place. He could often be seen tightening up loose screws in doors and oiling squeaky hinges so everything worked perfectly.
He had a lot of patience with the cadets, perhaps typified by his response to a question from a cadet who stood alongside him at his Grandfathers WW1 grave in
But Neil had more than a good sense of humour. You ignored his advice at your peril, not that he would be critical if you did, but simply that his advice was invariably correct.
He knew more walking routes than most and rarely needed a map, if he carried one in his little 'diddy bag' it always seemed to be of
He also enjoyed messing about in boats and took many cadet parties on the Norfolk Broads, indeed only a week or so before he died he took a group for what proved to be his last trip.
His memory and legacy will live on for many years in the hearts and minds of the people who knew and loved him; he set standards that most of us can only dream of aspiring to.
Neil's Photo Album
On 15 July Flt Lt Valerie Smith attended a Garden Party at
Once inside it was a stroll round the gardens, taking in the relative silence considering it was the middle of
Time then for the 'cucumber sandwiches' (they do cut the crusts off and make them into triangles) before joining the lanes down which the Royal parties walk. The CO found herself in the lane for the Duke of Edinburgh but he obviously didn't see the Boss as he didn't pause to speak.
Afterwards more food and ice cream, listening to the two bands, chatting to other guests before forming a lane for the Royal party to leave the grounds. A close up view of the Queen and virtually all the Royal Family before everyone left for home.
The CO described the day "a brilliant experience. Walking across the courtyard both on entering and leaving the Palace makes you feel a million dollars. The whole day was an experience I shall never forget marred only by the sad news we received as we drove home that Flt Lt Liquorish had died"
8 cadets, the Boss and Flt Lt Standish enjoyed a four day camping/walking trip to the Derbyshire Dales. Arriving about 4pm on Wednesday 6 Aug tents were soon pitched and dinner eaten and routes for tomorrows walk sorted out.
The first days walk included most of Lathkill Dale and Bradford Dale while Friday saw them tackle Cressbrook Dale, Monsal Dale, Millers Dale and Tideswell Dale. The weather for both these days was warm and sunny but conditions changed for Saturday's final walk which was to cover the top end of Lathkill Dale and Ricklow Dale. Soon after setting out it started to rain and it rained heavily for the whole walk. Arriving back at the camp site it was still raining and the wind was gusting quite strongly. Time to get the tents down, probably the first time most had done this in these conditions, good practice though!
As well as walking the cadets enjoyed impromptu sports and fending off the
Cpls Joe Tomlinson, Conor Monk and Sophie Weston promoted to Sergeant.
Sgt Prince returns from her SNCO Course at RAF Cranwell having passed it with flying colours.
Aug 23-5
The Silver D of E team completed their 3 day exped over the Bank Holiday. They did well during the exped, not getting 'misplaced' too often and mainly sticking to the times. They have to submit their reports and wait to see if they achieved a high enough standard to pass.
Sep 7
Cadet Warrant Officer Sam Tomlinson was crowned best solo drummer at the Central & East Region ATC Band Championships held at RAF Wittering.
A family double was completed when his younger brother, Sergeant Joe Tomlinson was named Best Drum Major.
The solo drum competition was being held for the first time and CWO Tomlinson commented 'I only learned to play the drum after joining the squadron five years ago. I never expected to win anything as prestigious as this' He now goes onto play in the ATC National Championships later this year.
Sgt Tomlinson was equally amazed at his success 'I literally took over as drum major two weeks ago, because our normal drum major was suddenly unavailable for the contest. I don't think I will let him have the mace back now!'
Younger sister Becky joined her brothers in the Full Band Contest with the band coming third. So close was the contest that only 6 points covered the top three bands.
The bands fanfare section came 3rd in it's contest and Cdt Jack Hughes was a creditable 4th in the Solo Bugle competition.
Flt Lt Valerie Smith praised all the cadets 'they worked very hard during the weeks leading up to the contest and performed really well on the day. They played a wide range of music from military marches to a Beatles medley and to loose by only 6 points is no disgrace, the result could easily have swung in our favour'.
Sep 21
The squadron took part in the Battle of Britain Parade and church service led by the squadron band. CWO Sam Tomlinson and Sgt Conor Monk read the lessons.
The new T Flight intake started with 28 attendees and memories of the 'Keeley days'.
The squadron took part in the Wing Swimming Championships held in Nottingham. The Junior Girls finished 10th, Senior Girls 8th and Senior Boys 2nd, coming overall 8th. A very creditable performance from all concerned but the star was FS Rob Edwards who won the senior boys freestyle and came second in the butterfly and individual medley.
36 cadets, including 17 from the new T Flight spent the weekend at Johns Lee Wood. Activities included abseiling, climbing, archery, camping skills, leadership exercises, navigation skills, including the National Navigation Award Scheme and a days walking. The weekend was voted a great success by all the cadets.
 |
 |
|
The Crew |
Rock Apes? |
 |
| The Infamous Dragon Race |
Oct 20
The squadron had a display table at the first Enable Youth event held in Market Harborough. Whilst there was not a great deal of interest in the display the cadets took part in Sumo wrestling, a DJ workshop, and obtained many free pens. Some surprise was expressed at those who collected activity books from another stall and spent time colouring them in! One cadet had her finger nails coloured by a manicurist, promised faithfully to remove it before the nights parade only to find the nail varnish remover didn't work.
One cadet won a prize on the raffle, a chocolate fountain, which I understand was immediately tried out when he got home much to the concern of his mother when she returned and found the kitchen work surfaces covered in chocolate.
 |
|
The morning shift - |
Oct 29
It was that bewitching time of the year and time for more Halloween fun and frolics.
Nov 5 Ex CWO Chris Parker now a Sgt Air Load Master with the RAF was one of the helicopter crew awarded the GAPAN Award for gallantry announced in the RAF News dated 7 November.
Ex-1084 Sqn Cadet awarded Guild of Air Pilots & Air Navigators (GAPAN) Gallantry Award
The award is to an individual, or crew of an aircraft, in any field of aviation for an outstanding act of gallantry. It is intended that this should be awarded on rare occasions ...
2008 - BASRA CITY IRT CREW - 28 (AC) SQUADRON RAF
At 2315 hrs on 1 June 2007, the Incident Reaction Team (IRT) based at Basra Air Station was alerted that there was a serious casualty following a mortar attack on an isolated British location in the centre of Basra City. Landing an aircraft at the location was assessed to be very high risk. Intelligence reports had indicated a large, 'spectacular' attack would occur somewhere in Basra, with a helicopter being a possible target. The crew of the Merlin helicopter, consisting of Flt Lt Michelle Goodman, Pilot, Flt Lt George Williams, Co-pilot, Sergeant Chris Parker and Sergeant Steve Thomas, was fully aware of the elevated threat level throughout the sortie.
Alert to the high risk, but being fully conscious of the importance of providing unfailing IRT support to ground forces, Flt Lt Goodman and her crew commenced an expeditious transit and approach to an unfamiliar and dangerous landing site, whilst under intense enemy direct and indirect fire. Flying tactically on Night Vision Goggles at very low level across a hostile city, she continued her approach, undeterred by close friendly covering fire and even closer enemy fire which began to impact to the rear of the aircraft. Despite a complex approach, with numerous obstructions and ambient conditions on the limit of aviation operations, the crew executed a landing with few visual references bringing the aircraft in next to the casualty. The medics and Aviation Reaction Force left the aircraft as four mortar rounds landed in and around the location. Despite this the crew elected to hold the aircraft on the ground as the option with least risk. A top cover Lynx helicopter was by now reporting several substantial explosions in the area, which were believed to be either enemy mortars or rocket propelled grenade fire.
With the casualties loaded, the crew departed the landing site just as further explosions occurred in close vicinity to the aircraft. Additionally, the aircraft detected a possible enemy missile engagement and automatically discharged flares as a counter measure. The crew departed the area, the aircraft's path covered by very close friendly artillery fire, to distract enemy forces. Flt Lt Goodman flew rapidly from the area, making maximum use of the aircraft's performance, and with outstanding support and situational awareness from her crew and supporting assets to achieve a safe transit clear of the engagement area. The aircraft landed at the British Field Hospital just 14 minutes after launch.
Many IRT sorties are high risk. However, on this occasion the crew had to instantly weigh up the risk of losing the IRT aircraft against the importance of recovering a serious casualty, which has an impact on morale throughout the coalition. Without the IRT, the casualty would have died within 15 minutes. Despite extreme pressure, the crew made the right decision displaying determination and selflessness on a bold and daring sortie which undoubtedly saved life. For her outstanding bravery in the face of the enemy, Flt Lt Goodman was awarded the DFC, the first time the honour has been awarded to a female pilot. In recognition of their collective actions, the 28 (Army Co-Operation) Squadron IRT crew consisting of Flt Lt Michelle Goodman, Flt Lt George Williams, Sergeant Chris Parker and Sergeant Steve Thomas is collectively awarded the Guild Award for Gallantry.
Flt Lt Valerie Smith (OC 1084 Sqn) commented 'CWO Parker was a very popular cadet and well known in both South Midlands and South & East Midlands Wings having taken part in the 2000 Nijmegen marches and represented the Wing at football. He has kept in touch with the squadron but in a typically modest way he hadn't mentioned this to us. We are obviously proud that he has received this prestigious award and relieved that he and the rest of the crew came through the ordeal unscathed'
Nov 3
Flt Lt Standish helped the Royal British Legion to set out the crosses and memorials in the
Nov 4-11
Cdt Ellie Hughes (along with brother ex-Cdt Jack Hughes) played Last Post at 4pm each day in the
Nov 9
Over 40 cadets and staff took part in the Remembrance Parade to the church and the service and wreath laying at the War memorial. The band led the parade with Cdt Jonathan Roberts laying the wreath at the War Memorial. In church CWO Sam Tomlinson and Sgt Conor Monk read part of the Act of Commitment and a lesson.
In the afternoon the band led the Oakham Remembrance Parade.
Nov 12
Flt Lt Standish helped the Royal British Legion in the removal of the
Nov 14
Remembrance Ball.
The Chairman of Harborough District Council and his wife attended the 1084 (Market Harborough) Squadron Annual Remembrance Ball held on Friday 14 November at Market Harborough Rugby Club.
Along with a hundred parents, cadets, ex cadets and friends, Cllr Smith and his wife enjoyed a fun filled evening while raising £1,600 for Macmillan Nurses and Leicester Royal Infirmary Oncology Unit in memory of Cathy O'Neill (aged 17) and Michael Standish (aged 23), members of the squadron who died from cancer in 1999 and 2001 respectively.
In a break from dancing to DDL Roadshow a dozen items came under the auctioneers hammer, ranging from glider flights to driving HGVs, while the younger people enjoyed some traditional fairground games.
Flt Lt Valerie Smith commented "despite the recession I was delighted so many people attended the Ball and took part in some vigorous bidding in the auction, a big thank you goes to all those businesses who generously donated items to the auction.
Since 2000 the Squadron has raised over £18,000 for the two charities and we will be holding another Ball next year. We would particularly like more ex-cadets to join us then, it is a great opportunity to renew old friendships"
16 Nov
CWO Sam Tomlinson took part in the very first solo drum contest at the Corps Marching Band Championships held at RAF Halton. Although not placed in the top 4 he put up a very creditable performance.
28 Nov
50 cadets and staff sat down with Group Captain Brett Morrell (Regional Commandant C&E) for the traditional fish & chip supper at the Squadrons Annual Dining in Night.
The PMC for the evening, CWO Sam Tomlinson proposed a toast to all the guests and thanked the squadron staff for all their work during the year, presenting the CO with a bouquet of flowers.
It was announced that in addition to the Squadrons Charity fund raising the cadets had raised over £150 towards the Royal British Legion Poppy Appeal through their 'Penny Wars' competition.
Group Captain Morrell presented the trophies to the award winners and thanked the squadron for an enjoyable evening. He commented that the squadron was very successful and thoroughly deserved that success for all the hard work put in by the cadets.
Prize winners were -
Cdt of the Year - Sgt Joe Tomlinson. Runner up -Sgt Conor Monk. Fund Raising - Cdt Daisy Dear.
Best Exam Result - Cdt Josiah Ford. Sportsperson - Sgt Sophie Weston.
Bandperson - Sgt Sophie Weston. Bandperson in Belgium - CWO Sam Tomlinson.
Best Newcomer - Cdt Tim Monk. Best Attendance - Cpl Chloe Finlay. Best Shot - Cdt Tim Monk
C.O's Special Award - Cdt Tom Barwick. Endeavour Shield - Cdt Becky Tomlinson
and in a reversal of last years results
Interflight comp - Red Flight. Interflight Drill Comp - Blue Flight
30 Nov
The squadron took part in the Wing Cross Country and came away with one of the best results for some years finishing 6th overall. Cdt Pippa Ball set a new course record in winning the Girls race and now represents the Wing at Central & East Region Championships. Cdt Ball won her race at Region and will now represent Region at Corps Championships in March.
11 Dec
The squadron took delivery of 10 new Bb valve trumpets, replacing the non valve Eb trumpets that have been used since the formation of the band. This will give the band the chance to play a more varied selection of music.