Bradford Cadets interview the Chief of the Air Staff

North Region Air Cadets are currently running a project to produce a new Air Cadet Organisation promotional DVD and are gathering footage to include in the final version. When they found out that the head of the Royal Air Force, Chief of the Air Staff, (CAS) Air Chief Marshall Sir Stephen Dalton, was going to be in the area, North Region Media Communications Officer, Squadron Leader Mike Wadsworth saw this as an opportunity not to be missed.




The Yorkshire Air Museum at Elvington was the location for a Battle of Britain parade and service on 6th September 2009 and Sir Stephen was the principle guest. Some hasty requests went into Headquarters Air Cadets and approval was granted to speak with CAS. Supported by the Yorkshire Air Museum, a slot was found in a very full diary of events and project officer, Assistant Wing Media Communications Officer (South & West Yorkshire), Civilian Instructor Yaseen Rahman was tasked with directing the interview. Luckily Yaseen works for the BBC in Yorkshire as a director for Look North News and was keen to do the task.
 
So it was, just after lunch on Sunday 6th September 2009, that Cadet Corporal Jordine Bostock, 15, and Cadet Corporal Sami Rahman, 14, of 44F (City of Bradford) Squadron waited anxiously at the Spitfire exhibit for CAS to arrive. Following a quick introduction and the fitting of a radio microphone, the interview began with each of the Cadet Corporals asking a series of probing questions of Sir Stephen and receiving a comprehensive reply.



With the coolness of professional presenters, Jordine and Sami completed the interview in time for Sir Stephen to head off to take part in the parade and service. The only other task was for the fill in shots, called “Noddies” to be done before the whole thing was “In the can”.
 
“I never thought when I joined Air Cadets that one day I would be interviewing the head of the Royal Air Force on camera” said Jordine and added “I was really nervous about meeting him but he was really nice and friendly and soon put me at ease.”




Sami added, “Sir Stephen was really supportive of the Air Cadets and as a former cadet himself said he was keen to see the organisation grow and prosper. I was really honoured to meet him and even better, have that meeting recorded as part of the DVD project.”
 
Regional MCO Squadron Leader Mike Wadsworth commented, “Sami and Jordine did a superb job of the interview. It’s a daunting prospect doing an interview on camera for anybody but they were really cool headed and very professional. Both of them were a credit to the organisation and aquitted themselves very well indeed. I’m looking forward to seeing the final product.”

RAF Halton Summer Camp 2009

I and 4 other cadets form 44F (City of Bradford) Sqn were part of the 47 strong summer camp at RAF Halton, Buckinghamshire, the Recruit Training and Airman’s Command Squadron home base. We arrived to refreshing southern rain after a coach ride down from Yorkshire.



RAF Halton, established July 1914, is a non-technical ground training station which deals with initial training (usually 9 weeks) for all non-commissioned entrants to the Royal Air Force except the RAF regiment. With this in mind we were staying on one of the busiest and active RAF stations. On arrival we were sorted into flights and rooms before our initial brief, basic fire, health and safety followed by staff introductions. For the majority of the camp we were to be in uniform to distinguish us from the new civilian entrants as otherwise this would be impossible - some of the cadets were older than the recruits!

A dash through the rain to a long awaited tea was welcomed by all before setting out on our first Familiarization Exercise (Fam-ex). This involves exploring the RAF station and getting to know what’s what and where it is - making it easier for navigation later in the week.

Sunday was early up and an RAF cooked breakfast before the camp split in 2 groups; one for flying first and drill later and the other vise versa. After flying at RAF Benson 6AEF we returned to Halton ready to leave for bowling that evening. After a long day we couldn’t wait to get to bed and continue with the exciting week ahead.


Monday saw out first section visit; RTS or Recruit Training Squadron and then the Lord Trenchard Museum. Camp photo then off to the catering section for an insight into the business and training of the vital role. Monday night was planned the night-exercise so we cam creamed up and set off in our DPMs all syked for our missions. After a lesson in Cam and Concealment we were split into 4 sections to finish our given missions. Soon light levels dropped and we were working in the total darkness. Once completed we headed back to the barrack block.

Tuesday was met bleiry eyed and bleiry weathered as the usually morning routine of up, dress, breakfast and inspection commenced. We headed for the high ropes course on the station which was enjoyed by all. We then started training on the L98A1 rifle and carried this on for most of the afternoon. In the evening we were kept busy in the swimming pool with cadets participating in the basic and intermediate swimming competence awards and then chilling with a free swim.


Wednesday morning was a visit to the logistics training squadron where we experenced the full line of training and learnt about the most diverse trade in the air force. The afternoon saw Weapon’s Handling Tests, more training and drill followed by an orienteering exercise that afternoon based in the woods outside the station. In the evening we set off for our Physical Training session with huge games of rounders which was loved by all - especially the clear winners A Flight.


Thursday saw more weapons training and shooting with most cadets firing the L98A1. In the evening was the much anticipated drill competition held in the main drill hall at Halton and the occasion was marked by a Corporal with 9 years Queen’s Color Squadron experience. The competition was very close and everyone performed amazingly and compliments and crepitations were given out.


For our last real day on Friday we had a trip to Duxford Air Museum or training on the L98A2. Those that went to Duxford had an amazing time at one of the country’s best collections of airplanes and exhibitions. They were met by the lucky cadets trained on the A2 that evening for the camp’s final parade. The parade was taken by the Commanding Officer and he announced certain awards for best cadet, JNCO, SNCO, Shooter, New Cadet and more as well as announcing the winner of the inter-flight competition - B Flight. We then changed and set off for the camp disco. The disco was enjoyed by all - including the staff who joined in! It gave time and chance for more relaxed friendship building and start relationships that will last a very long time. After a short time packing we jumped into bed for our promised lie in - breakfast being pushed back almost an hour!


After an emotional last RAF meal we packed and cleaned and said good byes with the cadets ‘paper plate’ awards for fellow cadets and staff members. The final coach ride back North was slept by some exhausted cadets and staff while others spent the valuable time trading Facebook and MSN details and discussed plans for meeting up later.

On the whole everyone had an amazing week meeting new people, joining in with various activities, gaining experiences and lessons we will keep for a long time to come. We thank the staff who were with us and those at RAF Halton for making it a week to remember!

Air Cadets take part in Lord Mayors Parade

The Lord Mayors Parade through the City of Bradford was themed as the year of Astronomy. Almost everyone had a space theme. 44F (City of Bradford) Squadron were invited to take part in the parade due to meeting Astronauts and Cosmonauts during the last two years. The day was filled with excitement and thrills.



The Lord Mayor and Lady Mayoress sat in Bessie, the 3rd Doctor Who’s beloved car followed by a Brass Band and 44F (City of Bradford) Squadron who were lead by Flying Officer Lizzy Crawford RAFVR(T). As the parade progressed toward Centenary Square, everyone was met by Hagrid from the Harry Potter movies and Galileo the astronomer.



The day took an unusual twist when Lord Vader from Star Wars turned up with his Storm Troopers. The Cadets from Bradford Squadron were soon to find themselves on the wrong side of Lord Vader, who instructed his Storm Troopers to arrest the cadets.... Cadet Zain Rahman 13 and Cadet Ricket 13 were surrounded by four mean looking Storm Troopers.



What could we do, “I know” Shouted Civilian Instructor Yaseen Rahman “get Harry Potter to help us” No sooner had Harry Potter arrived than the Storm Troopers vanished. Watching all the commotion was Dr Who, who impressed at how the cadets dealt with the Storm Troopers, invited them to have a look at Bessie.



It was a fun day out and a proud moment for the cadets to march through the streets of Bradford.



Officer Commanding Flight Lieutenant Robin Farman RAFVR(T) said “We teach the cadets to think on their feet in difficult situations. It’s obviously working on the Adult Staff as well. It was a privilege and an honour that the Squadron was invited to take part in the Lord Mayor’s Parade”



Do you think you have what it takes to handle Darth Vader and his Storm Troopers? If so; 44F (City of Bradford) Squadron is looking for young people aged 13 to 17. The Squadron Parades at Belle Vue Barracks, off Manningham Lane, Bradford BD8 7HY every Monday and Friday, 7pm-9pm.

Squadron Embraces the D of E Awards

Cadets at 44F (City of Bradford) Squadron have embraced the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award Scheme (D of E) with all cadets taken part in, either, their Bronze, Silver or Gold Award.
 

In order to achieve the awards the cadets have to complete various tasks, covering Skills, Service, Volunteering and an Expedition. Each cadet has chosen what they want to do for the various sections and how long it would take them to do the task. First Aid and Expedition modules are taught, including camp craft skills.With the whole Squadron involved it makes achieving the Awards a little easier when you undertake task with people you know, for the cadets it was easy, because they learn to work as a team and to help each other.
 

Officer Commanding Flight Lieutenant Robin Farman RAFVR(T) said “The Duke of Edinburgh Award Scheme is an Internationally recognised Life Skill. The skills the Cadets gain are easily transferred to working life and as such the D of E is an excellent addition to the Cadets life portfolio. I am immensely proud of the Cadets for taking on this challenge and look forward to the day I see them all being presented with their Awards.

Cadets ready to assist

Air Cadets at 44F (City of Bradford) Squadron have successfully gained the Heart Start qualification which forms part of the First Class Syllabus. Almost everyone at the Squadron is now qualified and the Cadets can now move forward to the more advanced levels of First Aid.

the course was run by Sgt ATC Rouse. It is important that the Cadets learn First Aid, as they embark on activities such as camping, The Duke of Edinburgh Award Scheme, Flying & Gliding. Knowing that they will be able to help and assist should the need arise. The skills learnt can also be used at home, school and in everyday situations. The cadets spent the qualifying eight hours, learning the techniques required and practising (using the resuss dummies) until they could do the techniques with ease.



Officer Commanding Flight Lieutenant Robin Farman RAFVR(T) said “As someone who is themselves a qualified First Aider. It pleases me to see the Cadets complete their Heart Start training. It is a life skill which is extremely useful outside of the Cadets.

Corporals Leading the way

Two Corporals in the Air Cadets at 44F (City of Bradford) Squadron have successfully gained the Leading Cadet badges which forms part of the Air Cadets Syllabus. The Corporals can now move forward to the more advanced levels and study for their Senior Cadet qualifications. The Corporals will use their skills & knowledge gained, as they embark on activities such as camping, the Duke of Edinburgh Award Scheme, Flying & Gliding. Knowing that what they learnt can be applied in everyday situations as well as the ATC.
“With school exams and Air Training Corps (ATC) exams it was a challenge, it’s hard work but worth it...I ve done it” said Cpl Jordine Bostock 15.
“I enjoy the ATC, it has given me opportunities I would not have normally” added Cpl Sami Rahman 14, MCO 44F CI Yaseen Rahman said, “The cadets are rewarded for all the hard work and effort and this shows that the more you put in the more you can get back from the ATC”

Officer Commanding Flight Lieutenant Robin Farman RAFVR(T) said “The Leading Cadet exam is actually three exams all taken on one night. It’s a challenge, but through hard work and determination. The rewards are greater. Cpls Bostock and Rahman are positive examples to the junior cadets and hopefully will continue to develop during their time in the Corps“
 

Cyprus Camp 2009

On 15th of April 2009, fifty four air cadets from all over the country flew out to Lamaca airport in Cyprus heading for a ten day camp at Royal Air Force Akrotiri. When we arrived at the base, we were taken to the mess were we had our first meal. After dinner we were taken to monument of a BAC Lightning were we had our camp photo. Unfortunately, instead of the glorious sunshine that we were expecting, there was heavy rain which soaked us in a matter off minutes. After getting wet, we then had our arrival brief were we were told what we were doing to do throughout our ten day stay. 



Throughout our week during the day we had various section visits including the Royal Logistics Corps Bomb Disposal Unit, where we had a chance to control a robot which could rip off a car door with ease. They told us that it could fire a high pressure water blast which could go through a car or open a suitcase with a secure lock.

ater, we visited the engineering squadron, which had a Tornado GR4 and a Eurofighter Typhoon under repair. We also took part in leadership tasks at the fire section where we competed against another team; the losing team had to walk though a decontamination shower which had water shooting out at high pressure, we all ended up running through it anyway. We also went to visit the Red Arrows, which everyone was looking forward to, followed by a brief meet with the team as they were walking up from the aircraft after practicing their display.




During our stay in Cyprus we visited the capital city of Nicosia where the green line passes though separating the island in half. We learned that in the small strip called the “buffer zone”, UN patrols make sure that no-one is in there as they are likely to be shot by either the Turkish guards who guard their border, or the Cypriote Forces who guard their border. In some areas it’s no more than one hundred meters apart so in many cases the two apposite guards can see each other at all times of the day.


After we had been in the buffer zone, the UN gave us a crowd control demonstration which included three armoured personnel carriers, after which, we all got a chance to have a ride around the abandoned airport. We were then taken back to the coach in an eight vehicle convoy which included four small minibuses and four Mitsubishi Warriors all marked up with UN along the side and back. We got quite a few looks from the pedestrians!
 


Later, we visited a seaside town of Paphos and went on a three hour cruise  up the coast, where we jumped off the back of the ship and swam in the sea. Everyone really enjoyed the journey. 

Only one of the evenings out off the 10 days, we had nothing planned which suited us as we played football and basketball for hours. All the other evenings, we went out and had a good time. One night, we went out to a Greek restaurant were they taught us a little bit of Greek dancing and then showed us how it was done. Another, we went to a beach barbecue where some of us went in the sea. We also went bowling, go-karting and did some karaoke!
 
Finally, on the last night we had our presentation evening, where Sqn Ldr Duff (Red 8) presented everyone's certificates. On the final day, we travelled back to the cold and
wet climate of the UK. None of us wanted to leave.

Bradford Air Cadets - All for one and One for All

Air Cadets from 44F (City of Bradford) Squadron has three new Corporals. Cpl Sami Rahman, 13, Cpl Jordine Bostock, 15 and Cpl Kayliegh Wall, 16. All three had to undergo a rigorous three stage selection process.




Stage one, why they wanted the position and what qualities they would bring to the Squadron, stage two, in more depth, why they wanted to become a Corporal and what they would personally bring to the role and their understanding of the Junior Non Commissioned role stage three the most daunting process the interview. All three passed with flying colours and were promoted to the JNCO Corporal roles by the Officer Commanding Flight Lieutenant John Seed RAFVR(T).
 
Flt Lt John Seed said, “Anything is achievable in the ATC through hard work and effort, and the three Corporals are an asset to the Squadron. It makes me proud to see the cadets flourish and move up the ranks”.



Sergeant (ATC) Mary Burns said, “It was not an easy process for the Corporals, but shine they did and I am immensely proud of them”.
 
Media & Communications Officer Yaseen Rahman said, “Once again the hard work and effort has been rewarded and the three Corporals deserve their promotions”.
 
 
44F (City of Bradford) Squadron is looking for young people aged 13 to 17. We are also looking for Adult Volunteers.  44F (City of Bradford) Squadron meets at Belle Vue Barracks, off Manningham Lane, Bradford BD8 7HY on Monday and Friday, 7pm-9pm.

Bradford Air Cadets gain Quality Awards and Qualifications

Cadet Flight Sergeant Claudio Costin, 19, from 44F (City of Bradford) Squadron has passed his Silver Duke of Edinburgh Award. It took Claudio a year to achieve the award. The award consisted of four sections, section one, Service – CSLA, Community Sport Leaders Award, Section two, Skill – Gardening, Section Three, Sports – Physical Training, Section Four Expedition – Three days and two nights Camping.



Claudio said “ It was one of the best things I have done as it was very challenging and would recommend all cadets to do it”.  Flt Lt John Seed said “Flt Sgt Costin has worked very hard to achieve his Silver D of E, his next task is preparing for the Gold D of E Award.”
 
Training Officer Carl Symonds said “ F/s Costin is a fine example to the cadets at 44F in achieving his Silver D of E award and the experience gained will help the cadets prepare for their award, F/s Costin is now in the process of preparing for his Gold D of E”.


No Charge for BTEC
 
Meanwhile Cadet Sergeant  Anthony Charge 18 gained his BTEC in Aviation Studies Level II. It took Sgt Charge four years in achieving the ultimate goal but well worth it. As well as his GCSE’s an additional BTEC in Aviation was achieved via the Air Cadets.
 
Anthony, “It was one of the best things I have done as it was very challenging and would recommend all cadets to do it”. The subjects covered in the BTEC Aviation Studies included Basic Navigation, Airmanship II, Principles of Flight, Air Navigation, Aircraft Handling, Pilot Navigation, Operational Flying.



Flt Lt John Seed said “Sgt Charge achieved his BTEC in Aviation Studies through the Air Cadets and it just one of many things you can achieve in the (ATC) Air Training Corps”.
 
Media & Communications Officer Yaseen Rahman said “ Once again the hard work and effort has been rewarded anything is possible in the Air Cadets”.
 
44F (City of Bradford) Squadron is looking for young people aged 13 to 17. We are also looking for Adult Volunteers.  44F (City of Bradford) Squadron meets at Belle Vue Barracks, off Manningham Lane, Bradford BD8 7HY on Monday and Friday, 7pm-9pm.
 

Bradford Air Cadets Celebrate their 70th Anniversary

Friday the 23rd of January marked the Official Launch for 44F (City of Bradford) Squadron - 70th Anniversary 1939 - 2009. Invited distinguished guest include serving RAFVR(T) Officers, past Officers, Staff & Cadets.

The evening was hosted by CI Carl Symmonds (Training Officer) and launched by Squadron Leader Mike Wadsworth representing Group Captain John Middleton - Regional Commandant North, RAF Linton on Ouse. Also present were Sqn Ldr Andy Blaikie, Sqn Ldr Roger Kirby and the Officer Commanding 44F (City of Bradford) Squadron Flight Lieutenant John Seed, Officer Cadet Sarah Louise Knowles and Acting Pilot Officer Ron Pratley representing the Yorkshire University Air Squadron based at RAF Church Fenton 9AEF.



houwdrey Rangzeb an ex cadet from 44F (City of Bradford) Squadron and ex Lord Mayor of Bradford brought along his F3822 Record of Service Book and spoke about his experiences in the ATC. He said, "It was a pleasure to be invited and to talk about the best Squadron ever".


Ex Squadron Leader Hutchinson now 85 and an ex cadet from 44F (City of Bradford) Squadron was delighted to have been tracked down and invited to mark the 70th Anniversary as was Geoffery Wilde 82, who found his name included on the original 44F (City of Bradford) Squadron roll call dating back to 1939. Articles from the local paper the Telegraph & Argus were researched by Michael Longsdale the outgoing treasurer 44F and handed to Sqn Ldr Wadsworth to read out, again dating back to 1939.



The cake cutting ceremony was done with a Ceremonial Sword presented to South & West Yorkshire Wing by Wing Commander Roger Moss OBE RAFVR(T) upon his retirement as OC Wing.
It was important for 44F (City of Bradford) Squadron to include as many of the Distinguished guest for the actual cutting of the cake and consisted of Cpl Bostock 44F, Officer Cadet Sarah Louise Knowles - YUAS, OC 44F, Flt Lt John Seed, Sqn Ldr Andy Blaikie, Sqn Ldr Mike Wadsworth, Sqn Ldr Roger Kirby and Cpl Rahman 44F.



The SNCO's and JNCO's performed the Magic Circle Drill, a drill put together and rehearsed in a matter of weeks, and the first time the Squadron had performed a Drill in Public.

44F (City of Bradford) Squadron having launched the 70th Anniversary Celebrations will be having a 70th Anniversary Annual Dinner in June so watch this space for details. The Squadron has also planned many many events throughout the year, 2009 will be a year the World will know that 44F (City of Bradford) Squadron is 70 years old and the only surviving "F" Founder Squadron in the South & West Yorkshire Wing and the North Region.

The event was supported by, South & West Yorkshire Wing ATC, North Region ATC, Royal Air Force, Yorkshire University Air Squadron, Seafresh Wholesale Distributers, Space Connection, KCB, Royds Community Association, Midnight Connection, Action for Business Limited, BD3 4ALL, WOW Academy and Yorkshire Foreword. 44F (City of Bradford) Squadron are very grateful for their support.

Oc 44F Flt Lt John Seed said " It was nice to see so many Past Officers, Staff and Cadets attend the 70th Anniversary Celebration, and for the Squadron to meet and share experiences in the ATC dating back to 1939". Events Officer CI Ahmed and ex cadet himself, was delighted that so many Past Officers, Staff and Cadets enjoyed the evening" MCO 44F Yaseen Rahman said " Taking the back seat and ensuring everything was in place and at the right time, the evening was about the 44F Squadron and our 70th Anniversary, the sleepless nights and all the running around with CI Ahmed was worth the effort, what a night".

Our old squadron’s ready for lift-off!

Since its formation 70 years ago, an air cadet squadron in Bradford has had a rich tradition of developing and training youngsters, helping them into a range of careers and vocations. The 44F (City of Bradford) Squadron is not only the last remaining ‘founder’ squadron in the West Yorkshire and South Yorkshire Wing, but in the entire northern region.To celebrate its 70th anniversary old boys and current cadets gathered last night at the squadron’s Belle Vue Barracks, off Manningham Lane. Formed on January 21, 1939, under the Air Defence Cadet Corps, it received founder status as one of the first 50 squadrons to form, although it received its Royal Warrant in 1941.

Geoffrey Wild, of Thornbridge Mews, Bolton, Bradford, believes he was the seventh person to sign up to the squadron 70 years ago.
Now, at 85, Mr Wild remembers joining the squadron in the hope it would lead to serving in the Royal Air Force – in which he was called up to serve in 1941.

Mr Wild remembers rushing home from working on the railway throughout the day and having a quick meal before leaving to go and meet the squadron at a new building in Drewton Street. He said: “The war started in 1939 and the squadron taught the discipline of the services, so when I did go into the services I was ready for it – it prepared you.

“I think it’s great that it’s still going and I’m surprised that there aren’t more boys in it, to be honest, because I think it is very worthwhile.”
Another old boy is the former Lord Mayor of Bradford, Choudhary Rangzeb, who joined the squadron in 1970 at the age of 16 and stayed for four years.
He said: “As far as I can remember it was one of the best squadrons in the region. “We did a lot of work, going out camping and shooting, we went to the RAF and we did a lot of community work. I think it generally helps young people to learn more about life in general and how to behave in society.”
Current cadets have the opportunity to take part in a range of activities, often leading to good careers later in life. Most aim to leave with a BTEC in aviation study, or music, and some even leave with a pilot’s licence.

The squadron also has a tradition of developing the 13 to 17-year-olds to achieve Duke of Edinburgh awards. Yaseen Rahman, media and communications officer, said: “The whole ethos is for cadets to come along and to have fun. “And in the process of having fun we hope to develop and nurture their ambitions and skills.” Cadets nowadays are taken to the RAF in Church Fenton where they learn to fly a Grob Tutor, a two-seater aircraft the air force use to train pilots. While Bradford remains the only founder squadron in the north, the unit could lose its founder status if numbers dwindle too far below the current 30 members. Mr Rahman said: “We are hoping to build it up to between 60 and 100 by the summer, or at the very latest Christmas this year.”