On Thursday 11th April 2024, around 50 cadets from Royal Russell CCF attended Longmoor Training Camp for our 4 day Easter Camp. Over the long weekend, the weather was relatively sunny and warm with no rain whatsoever. The Contingent took part in various training activities such as: Fieldcraft, Obstacle Course, Navigation, Team Building, Drill, Command tasks and Leadership skills. The Contingent left CCF HQ at around 1100hrs followed by a one-hour coach drive to Longmoor.
DAY ONE
After arriving at Longmoor Training Camp, we quickly dropped all our personal bags at the billets (military terminology for accommodation) and headed straight to the dining room for lunch. The offerings were Tuna Steak, Chicken Curry and Spaghetti Meatballs. After lunch the Contingent split up into their respective sections to specific training.
The Army section went to the stores to receive their equipment for the Fieldcraft exercise scheduled for the next day at Oxney Farm. The RAF section successfully completed a MTA Command Task involving making stretchers and then cable cars, testing the Cadet’s ability to work from memory and accurately build an object to instructions. After dinner the Contingent met in the Lecture Theatre for First Parade and received various briefings about the camp by Wing Commander Leggatt.
Later that evening, B Troop (Army section Year 10’s) were paired up and thoroughly briefed by Captain Quick to create orders for various missions that they were meant to conduct at Oxney Farm. There were six pairs who were given tasks involving setting up observation posts, conducting reconnaissance patrols, hasty attacks, patrol harbours and much more. This was followed by a final equipment check for B Troop in preparation for the activities at Oxney Farm the next day.
Meanwhile, the RAF took part in a Search and Rescue planning exercise around the Griffin helicopter using problem solving and critical thinking skills to come up with a solution to a situation that would save a life with minimal risk and expenditure. Later that night, the Contingent took part in a mandatory fire drill in case of an emergency.
DAY TWO
On the second day, the Contingent woke up at around 0600hrs to a delicious Full English Breakfast where they would split up once again into their sections.
A Troop (Army Section year 9’s) grabbed their bergens and day sacks and departed for Oxney Farm on the minibuses. They took part in various Fieldcraft training activities such as: practising different patrolling formations, building a basha, cooking rations and setting up a harbour (this is a military term for a tactical campsite). Later that evening having cooked their first ration pack dinner, A Troop took part in a night observation lesson where they learnt how their eyesight slowly adjusts to low-light situations and later witnessed a spectacular Ambush conducted by B Troop. Once back in the Harbour, A Troop performed their first ever sentry duty which required one pair every half an hour to patrol around the harbour, keeping it safe and secure whilst everyone else was asleep.
B Troop spent the morning completing a challenging obstacle course at Longmoor Camp before heading off to Oxney Farm. After being instructed in the proper techniques to overcome each obstacle by Captain Fisher and PI Edney, B Troop was divided into two teams tasked with completing the entire course. The evaluation of B Troop was based not on time, but on the utilisation of correct techniques and teamwork, with Team One winning in the end. After that, B Troop went to have lunch at the canteen before they departed to Oxney farm to conduct their activities. Upon arriving, B Troop split into their pairs and were dropped off into the areas where they would conduct their mission based on the brief they got the night before from Captain Quick. Each pair closely recced their assigned area and carefully thought about how they were to conduct their mission. Each pair soon met back up at Oxney Farm where they began to write their orders.
Later that afternoon, Corporal Jenkins and Corporal Main successfully patrolled the rest of B Troop down to their harbour location to set it up where they would soon head back for a meal. After dinner, Sergeant Yasothar briefed them for an ambush that was to be conducted later that evening.
After a quick rehearsal, B Troop quietly patrolled down to a hard standing where the ambush was to take place and waited until the enemy (The Oxney Warriors) arrived. B Troop successfully managed to take down the enemy and made a rapid withdrawal back to Oxney Farm. B Troop soon went back to their harbour and went to bed where cadets were to complete sentry duties throughout the night.
The RAF section began the day with an Air Crash Investigation task where the groups had to research and present their findings about notable aviation incidents i.e the Boeing 737 MAX and Germanwings flight 9525. They then moved onto the Obstacle Course at Longmoor after B Troop, first being introduced to different methods to tackle different obstacles then doing a full run of the course. After dinner they took part in a lesson on Helicopters followed by a session using drones to complete different tasks, ending with an exciting race.
DAY THREE
On the third day, both A Troop and B Troop woke up in their harbours after a peaceful night with reveille at around 0600hrs.
A Troop were introduced to the morning routine drills involving: cooking, washing and cleaning whilst in the field. After taking down the harbour leaving behind no evidence of their stay, A Troop departed for their first training activity of the day – pairs fire and manoeuvre which was a good test of their field craft skills. Later that day, A Troop returned to Longmoor to do the obstacle course. After dinner at Longmoor, A Troop were given free time in their billets where they showered and got ready for bed.
On the other hand, moments after waking up B Troop experienced an unexpected ambush on their harbour that was dealt with effectively by the Section Commander, Corporal Jenkins, along with his Second in Command, Corporal Main. B Troop rapidly packed up and departed from the harbour and tactically withdrew back to the safety of Oxney Farm where they completed their morning routine. Following a satisfying breakfast, B Troop was given a few hours to finish writing their orders and create models using sticks, leaves etc. depicting the mission areas, which they will use when briefing the rest of the troop. Throughout the rest of the day, B Troop successfully executed all six missions, each carried out by one of the six pairs around Oxney Farm, with each pair delivering their orders effectively.
After dinner at Oxney Farm, B Troop got back on the mini-buses and departed for Longmoor. Upon arrival, the rifles were stored in the armoury, ready to be cleaned the next day and they headed back to their billets where they would enjoy the rest of their evening with a relaxing shower before bed.
The RAF took part in a cooking lesson using trangias (a portable stove for the outdoors), followed by a cooking competition where the two groups had a limited selection of ingredients to make a 3 course meal with the trangia cookers to be judged by Miss Grant and Wing Commander Leggatt, with added credit for good presentation. Following this, the Year 9 RAF cadets were put in charge of the groups for command tasks and demonstrated strong leadership potential. In the evening the RAF Section completed an escape room which was enjoyed by all – Team A finished with just 3 minutes remaining, but Team B only just completed it with 5 seconds to go. Later they joined the rest of the Contingent in their billets.
DAY FOUR
On the last day, the Contingent woke up again at around 0600hrs to another scrumptious Full English Breakfast followed by the Contingent undergoing a billet inspection to ensure cleanliness in preparation for departure later that day.
A Troop undertook some first-aid training which included learning CPR techniques and how to put a patient in the recovery position. Furthermore, they underwent testing to demonstrate their knowledge and qualify for the one-star First Aid award.
Meanwhile, B Troop went to the armoury to collect their rifles and shortly went to the Lecture Theatre to strip and clean the rifles for future use, while each pair underwent a thorough debriefing session with Captain Quick and Major Lacey regarding the previous day’s missions. The debrief emphasised successful aspects and areas for improvement, with feedback generally being positive.
The RAF cadets completed the Duke of Cornwall Award, which covers community responses to disasters, involving research and presenting how individuals and the community can be better prepared for emergencies, including using a grab bag and emergency evacuation plans.
After a final lunch at Longmoor, the Contingent assembled on the drill square for final parade. A number of promotions were made along with awards being achieved. They then departed for Royal Russell School aboard the coach, arriving there at approximately 1600hrs. A Troop was soon collected, while B Troop stayed behind for a brief period to unload the van filled with equipment and kit.
Congratulations to the following cadets who were promoted over the weekend:
From Cadet to Lance Corporal
- Y St Matthew-Daniel
From Lance Corporal to Corporal
- M Main
- D Cross
Overall, the entire Contingent had a positive experience at this year’s Easter Camp and are eager to participate in future events.
Many thanks to all the Officers and SNCOs for their organisation and assistance during the camp. Additionally, appreciation is expressed to the exceptional staff at Longmoor Training Camp for their hospitality and care of Royal Russell CCF.
Onwards to the next activity – 2 Star First Aid Training Day on 20th April!
Lance Corporal Kal Petkov
