On 26th November, a unique award was presented to a cadet of 2195 (Long Eaton) Squadron ATC from the Royal British Legion, Long Eaton Branch: The “Pals Award”.
The “Pals” award is presented to the cadet that has selflessly gone ‘above and beyond’ to encourage, help and support his or her fellow Cadets Though unlike many of the awards in cadets the award is selected by your fellow cadets. The award represents comradeship, which has always been important part of service life as it leads to good team work.
The award is inspired by Kitchener, who had to raise locally recruited Battalions during World War 1. These became known as “Pals”. They we made up of people we grew up together, went to school or worked together and depicts how every solider needed the comradeship and support from his mates and the same applies in the Air Cadets.
Cadet Sergeant James Bland, aged 15, was presented the award by President, Peter Bacon, of the Royal British Legion Long Eaton Branch in recognition of his commitment to the squadron and his helpfulness and comradeship with the cadets.
Sergeant Bland said “To be presented the Pals award is a great honour, especially to know that the cadets at the squadron selected me for the award.”
Written by Cadet Sergeant J Clulow
2195 Media Team