On the days of the 28th June to the 5th July, Royal Russell CCF (Army Section) went to Brunswick Military Camp for their annual summer camp. Throughout the activity-packed week, the cadets were given several opportunities to develop their teamwork and leadership skills and to create some lasting memories. This camp was centred around the Royal Electrical Mechanical Engineers (REME) and the cadets were especially encouraged to learn about the exceptional organisation behind the cap badge that they wear.
Day 1 (Saturday 28 June 25) – The cadets arrived on Saturday, ready for an exciting week ahead. After quickly loading the kit, they boarded the coach to Brunswick. Once there, they hastily unpacked their kit before the first parade from Captain Quick, Officer Commanding Army. From there, they enjoyed dinner in the mess and made sure that they had all the equipment they would need for the next day. The cadets then enjoyed free time before lights out at 2230 hrs.
Day 2 (Sunday 29 June 25) – On Sunday, the cadets woke at 0600 hrs, well rested and prepared for a busy day ahead. They ate breakfast and had a brief room inspection before boarding minibuses to head to the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst (RMAS). After a brief welcome talk from Major Owen Larson (REME) and Captain Iona Smith (AGC), the cadets split into two groups with one group going to Frimley Park, the home of the Army Cadets, to attempt the obstacle course whilst the other group stayed for a tour of Sandhurst.
The tour of Sandhurst was extremely informative and gave the cadets new insight into Officer training and joining the British Army. The tour started off in front of the Old College Building, before moving on to basic training accommodation, where newer officers in training stay, where Major Larson shared his own personal experience from his time at Sandhurst. The cadets were then shown the chapel briefly, before carrying on to the drill square. Finally, the tour concluded with a visit to the obstacle course and final questions for Captain Smith and Major Larson from the cadets. The visit to Sandhurst was very informative and allowed the cadets an insight into officer training. A big thank you went to Major Larson and Captain Iona Smith for adding to this memorable experience.
Meanwhile, at Frimley, the cadets attempted the obstacle course with Captain Fisher, Sergeant Edney and Sergeant Solly demonstrating how to complete each obstacle safely. The obstacle course allowed the cadets to push themselves both physically and mentally, as well as encouraging them to improve their teamwork and leadership skills. After completing the obstacle course, the cadets headed back to Brunswick to prepare their rifles for firing and learn about firing positions from Sgt Edney, ready for the ranges the next day.
Day 3 (Monday 30 June 25) – On Monday, the cadets went to a 24 lane Converted Gallery Range, where they were able to fire live rounds and improve their marksmanship. Being on an electronic range was particularly special as the shots fired were accurately measured and targets would fall and pop back up when hit. The cadets were given the opportunity to fire from both 100m and 200m. Once the rifles were grouped and zeroed, the cadets were able to partake in various shoots, including competing for the smallest grouping and hitting the target most during the watch and shoot. The smallest grouping went to LCpl Goosens, with an outstanding 10 round grouping of 63mm . Although the weather was scorching at times, the cadets all persevered and thoroughly enjoyed firing on the electronic target ranges.
Day 4 (Tuesday 1 July 25) – Unfortunately, due to the weather being too hot (Over 32 degrees) the plan for Tuesday had to change from fieldcraft. Fortunately, thanks to Captain Quick’s quick planning, the cadets were able to spend the afternoon on the 25m barrack range firing from different positions and improving marksmanship skills once more. The first shoot involved firing 4 x 5 round groupings, with the 4 cadets with the best groupings competing for best shot of the day. After an enjoyable afternoon of firing, the cadets returned to Brunswick Camp to prepare their kit for the field on Wednesday.
Day 5 (Wednesday 2 July 25) – On Wednesday, the cadets set off early to head towards the training area in Minley, where they would spend the day. They ate their ration-pack breakfast on the minibus, which had already been heated up in the cookhouse. When the cadets arrived, they split into their three sections for the day, each section having a mix of star levels, from basic, right up to 3 Star.
The day was filled with thrilling activities set up by different people, and one activity was even set up by soldiers from the REME. The carousel of activities included Major Lacey’s mission to retrieve information across a ditch of ‘quicksand’, requiring teamwork and organisation. Sergeant Greenwood’s first-aid activity involved saving some hikers from an accident using DR ABC and lots of communication skills. Sergeant Solly’s ambush lesson showed the cadets how to prepare and execute an ambush successfully, and also included parts on camouflage and concealment.
Then there was Major Larson’s stand, which included looking at some General Purpose Machine Guns (GPMGs) and learning how to disassemble and reassemble them. There was also a team-building exercise highlighting communication and trust among teammates, where one member directed the others (who were blindfolded) to retrieve items. Another stand was Lieutenant Blows lesson on radios, teaching the cadets about how they work and how to operate them. The last activity was with soldiers from the REME, learning how to tow a Land Rover if it got stuck. With the REME, the cadets also got to see an Support Vehicle – Recovery (SV-R) called ‘GOOSE’, and they learned all about what it does, including vehicle recovery. It took an immense amount of teamwork — the cadets were running back and forth to get it done, learning tips and tricks for towing the Land Rover.
In the meantime the 3 star cadets were trained to act as 0 over a radio net, this includes, setting up the signals tent, putting up the radio antenna, writing down all radio chatter along with who sent the message, who it was for, the time of the message and the information sent. This was a good way for the cadets to practice radio procedures. The 3 star cadets also helped build the model for the later ambush, along with some acting as 0 during the actual ambush also.
The day ended with the ambush. The cadets were briefed on what was about to happen, then prepared by checking their camouflage, topping up their water, and most importantly collecting ammunition for the ambush. They were issued two magazines of thirty rounds each. Section by section, they followed their scout towards the FRV (Final Rendezvous), patrolling through the fields and woods. Later, they awaited further instructions to proceed, and so they did. They scattered throughout the woods, all facing one target. They succeeded, but on their way back they were counter attacked themselves. In a field of long grass, they fired back, and once the enemy had been defeated, everyone headed back to the minibuses. It was an amazing day out in the field.
Day 6 (Thursday 3 July 25) – On Thursday morning, after breakfast, the cadets made their way towards Baker Barracks on Thorney Island, Portsmouth. There, they were introduced to some officers and soldiers from the REME and got to walk around the base, looking at all sorts of secret military equipment and vehicles.
They saw some classic Land Rovers, as well as bigger trucks and vehicles. They then moved on to artillery, where they met people who specialised in them. They explained the tests and requirements needed to operate one. The cadets got to try looking through the sights, holding, and moving it around — it was really interesting because it used thermal imaging.
Later, they moved on to looking at some tanks and even walking on and over them. Afterwards, they had a little competition using the crane of an SV-R. The challenge was to transport a bucket of water from one tyre to another without spilling. It sounded easy at first, but watching the other groups made the cadets realise it was trickier than they thought, as even a slight movement could make it swing too much.
Thorney Island ended up being very fun and exciting. The cadets enjoyed seeing everything and even interacting with a few of the people there.
Day 7 (Friday 4 July 25) – On Friday, the cadets set off early for their much-anticipated Adventure Training (AT) day at Horseshoe Lake Activity Centre. On arrival, they were issued helmets and life vests before splitting into four groups of six. With kayaking, sailing, raft building and paddle boarding on offer, there was never a dull moment.
Each activity was led by instructors who brought energy and fun to the sessions. Kayaking challenged cadets to switch kayaks mid-water — a task that demanded both balance and trust in their peers. Paddle boarding included a “tower challenge,” stacking the boards to create a makeshift diving platform, which quickly became a highlight. Sailing began as a relaxing experience, with cadets gliding across the lake, until the wind picked up and capsizing turned into a regular and very entertaining event. Raft building was as chaotic as ever, with only barrels, wooden logs and rope at the teams’ disposal, plus a strict question limit. Once rafts were built, cadets raced around a buoy before finishing with a competitive game of trying to throw a ball into the opposing team’s raft.
After an afternoon full of activity and laughter, cadets returned to Brunswick and were treated to a buffet of Domino’s pizza, perfectly leading up to the annual paper plate awards, a long standing tradition from the outgoing SNCO’s. It was a thoroughly enjoyable day filled with energy, teamwork and lasting memories.
Day 8 (Saturday 5 July 25) – The final day of camp still had plenty in store. Cadets were up at 0600 hrs and headed to breakfast for 0700 hrs before turning their attention to billet cleaning, which ended in a light-hearted room inspection. With billets handed back in good order, the focus shifted to rehearsing for the eagerly awaited drill competition. Cadets practised new drill moves such as changing step and saluting on the march, before groups were inspected individually by one of the officers. From this, the best cadet from each group was selected to compete in the final three, with the overall winner being Corporal F Orcajada.
The camp concluded on the drill square with the final parade, where a number of promotions and awards were presented:
Promotions
From Cadet to Lance Corporal:
- H Barnes
- L Curror
- F Grieve Dorta
- G Thomas
From Lance Corporal to Corporal:
- K Murphy
- E Norton
- M Willson
- A Stephen
- H Crosgrove
From Staff Sergeant to Company Sergeant Major:
- A Yasothar
Overall, as always, the camp was an absolutely amazing experience, so a special thanks to all the CCF staff who volunteered their time to make this year’s camp possible, ensuring every cadet left with smiles and unforgettable memories! Additional thanks to Regimental Sergeant Major Harrison, Company Sergeant Major Cascarini and Company Sergeant Major Yasothar for their dedication and outstanding presence over the past four years. Their contributions have been invaluable, and they leave with the best wishes of all for their future endeavours.
Written by: SSgt A Healy