The Commanding Officers Parade is a quarterly event in which we reflect on the Squadrons achievements over the last 3 months, present medals and awards earned during this period, and welcome new recruits and enrol them into the squadron.

Congratulations must be extended to Cadet's Laurence Cook, Tom Small & Adam Waters who, on 4th October, were promoted to a Corporals. All three have displayed leadership skills, with a passion, energy & drive which set them apart from their colleagues. With this in mind, and them each giving 110% to all activities over the last few months, it was decided that they should be promoted - giving them the opportunity to lead and inspire others.

The parade also saw the investiture of Reverend David Stone, the new squadron Chaplain, or Padre, as he is known. Rev Stone will provide the cadet's guideance and throughout their cadet career.

In the period from July to October, two new cadets started on Newbury Squadron, progressing through, and, on Wednesday night, completing their probationer training and were enrolled into the squadron. This included a drill test to assess their marching & foot drill, as well as a theory test, which looked at their knowledge of the Air Training Corps & the Royal Air Force. Both are now second class cadets and are working hard towards their First Class classification, which will enable them to go Flying, attend RAF Stations and Camps, and to go shooting.

The parade also saw many awards given out, including Best Flight, which this quarter went to A flight, along with Best Uniform, Cadet Kingham, and a number of awards for Gliding Scholarships, Swimming, Classification Training and special awards for the Squadrons shooting team who represented Newbury Squadron & Thames Valley Wing at the Inter Services Cadet Rifle Meeting in July.

The Commanding Officer, Flight Lieutenant Simon Cragg, said “In such a busy squadron, it’s good to have an evening in which we can reflect in our successes over recent months – particularly our successful exam results, fundraising and sporting achievements.“

The next CO’s parade will take place in January, and coincides with our next recruitment intake evening. If you are interested in joining 211 (Newbury) Squadron, please see our Recruitment Pages or contact us to arrange a visit and meet some cadets.