CCF RAF St Mawgan Summer Camp 2023

On Saturday 1 July, 12 of Caterham’s RAF cadets headed down to Newquay, Cornwall, where we spent a week based at RAF St Mawgan. On this camp we were joined by Whitgift School CCF, City of London CCF, St Lawrence College CCF and Cranbrook School CCF. Upon arrival we were split into our four flights of mixed schools; we would stay in these flights for the whole week taking part in a number of activities including an inter-flight competition. The first two days involved preparation for the long-range package on day three firing rifles from distances up to 300m, working towards achieving the advanced marksmanship award. The cadets got the chance to fire on a DCCT (Dismounted Close Combat Trainer simulator), an indoor firing simulator to recap and develop the skills of firing the rifle. We also conducted exercises in navigation and other leadership tasks on the rolling dunes of Penhale training area and had a chance to try a huge zip-line.

As the camp began to come to a close, the officers treated the cadets to a surprise late evening barbecue down on the beach where the cadets were allowed to cool off in the sea and also take part in an inter-flight karaoke competition! On the final morning of training the 4 flights performed their continuity drill, (drill sequence that carries on from each drill movement without any given commands). The final evening came with an award ceremony and some exciting rifle cleaning. The cadets returned home all tired with plenty of washing. Overall, an incredible summer camp and many thanks to all the staff who helped make such an enjoyable week away learning new skills.

Cdt W Chambers

Fourth Year RAF