The 126 (City of Derby) Squadron Rifle Drill Display Team were performing at RAF Wittering on the occasion of the Station Commander’s Dining Out before a very large audience of high ranking RAF and Army Officers. The Drill Team shared centre stage with the Military Wives Choir and the Band of the RAF Wyton. For the 16 members of the Drill Team, as always, it was a very nerve racking experience.
After having performed their well rehearsed routine the Drill Team presented arms to the Station Commander at the Sunset Ceremony. Guests and performers eagerly anticipated the fly past from the Dakota aircraft which flew past a total of 3 times!
After the performance the Station Commander and Station Warrant Officer chatted to the cadets and congratulated them on their hard work and excellent performance. The Station Commander even commented it was the best drill performance he had seen in a long time.
Cadet Warrant Officer Amber Short, team captain, said, “We had to spend every parade night perfecting our routine. The hard work and determination of the team us unparalleled – it was a real adrenalin rush to perform in front of so many people.”
The 126 Squadron Rifle Drill Team is a unique group of cadets. Their performance requires immense precision and accuracy. The team members are all excellent at drill and enhance this skill when put to music. Due to other ATC commitments and of course, school work, the drill team will only make two further public appearances this year.
Squadron Leader Ian Marshall, Officer Commanding 126 Squadron said, “It is important to continue to promote the Air Cadet Organisation in as many different ways as possible. The rifle drill team is a unique asset for the Air Cadet Organisation.”