Seven cadets from 1109 (Thetford) Squadron enjoyed a week away on annual camp at RAF Benson in August.
RAF Benson, home of the Merlin and Puma helicopters, gave the cadets the chance to experience living on a working RAF station. The week included fantastic activities ranging from section visits to Air Traffic Control, RAF Regiment, Engineering, RAF Police and the armoury to flights in the Grob Tutor, Puma and Merlin helicopters as well as day trips to Windsor Castle and Thorpe Park.
It is safe to say this was an action packed week and the cadets from Thetford Squadron enjoyed every minute! Cadet Sergeant Mitchell Plumpton said; ‘Annual Camp was a very good learning curve for me, but it was also very enjoyable like many of the previous camps I have attended. My personal highlight was being in one of the last RAF Merlin helicopter flights!’.
Cadet Flight Sergeant Tommy Lawrence’s week at RAF Benson was finished off with a fantastic sense of achievement after being awarded the ‘Best NCO’ on camp He added ;‘I really wasn’t expecting to be awarded the Best NCO. The camp was a great opportunity to lead a flight and use my experience as an NCO to help others’.
In recognition of his hard work during the week Tommy was awarded a T-Shirt and badges from 33 Squadron who currently operate the Puma HC2.
By Sergeant (ATC) Matt Drewry