Five weeks ago 18 of us signed up to join Ypres Coy (the recruit company) of Monmouth School CCF Contingent and this field exercise is an early test of all that we have learnt.  We left Monmouth by coach and arrived at Nesscliff in the fading light.  We yomped out to our harbour area (an area of conifer woodland) carrying our turtle packs.  Once there we set up our bashers and cooked the evening meals from our rat-packs under the experienced eye of ‘Most improved VI1 cadet 2008’ Ellie (who is now with South Africa Coy).  Then we set out on a night navigation exercise with our sections.  Hopes of gaining the most navigation points and going into an early lead in the intersection competition were high. 

 

After a good nights rest (by CCF standards) bashers were dismantled, breakfast demolished and the harbour area inspected before the Coy. set off at 7:15pm for a day of competition stands including three command tasks, air rifle and laser shooting, quad biking, and the load carry.  This is a forced march with a variety of different shaped items over a 1km distance and special mention must go to Cadet CSgt. Matt and RAF VI1 Cadet Jake for encouraging all seven sections (five Army and 2 RAF) along the route in what became a closely fought competition. 

At the end of the day the points from all the competitions were reported to WO1 Lindon and the entire CCF contingent stood to attention on parade to be addressed by the inspecting RAF Group Captain and everyone was eager to find out who had won the Inter-section competition.  Ollie’s Section 1 with Iona, Kirsty and Meghan eventually came third having lead right up until the last set of results were submitted.  Second place went to Sam’s Section 5, which includes Emily, Cathy and Bella 

and the first place shields were awarded to Section 3 (Will’s section) which includes Kate, Ella, Kathryn and Georgie.

 

The individual prize for ‘the best rifle shot of the day’ went to Erin (who has never shot before).  It is interesting to note that at the National C.C.F. shooting competition in the summer six of the top shots in the country were female.

 Our Commanding Officer considers that the HMSG cadets showed that they are a potential force to be reckoned with - displaying impressive commitment, excellent teamwork and individual promise.

Congratulations to all the cadets (who just happen to be female) and especially to Erin and Section 3 - Well done!