A small group of cadets from 2195 (Long Eaton) and 1360 (Stapleford) Squadron RAF Air Cadets were given the chance to pay a visit to RAF Scampton in Lincolnshire, which is most commonly known to be the home of the world-renowned RAF Aerobatic Team, the Red Arrows. 
The cadets arrived at the airfield in the early morning, and were welcomed by the first of the 3 practice displays by the Red Arrows themselves, with the jets flying right overhead! They were split into 2 groups, each having separate tours of the airfield, having a detailed look into the history of the base, from its WW1 years right up to the 1980’s. It is also very commonly known to be the home of the Dambusters, who bombed the German Ruhr Dams in 1943. The cadets had the chance to look around the old machinery, and visit Guy Gibson’s, the leader of the Dambusters, office, getting a brief insight into what WW2 life was like.
After this, they went to the Junior Ranks mess for lunch where they were introduced to a small portion of regular RAF life on the base. They were given their meals, and were able to socialise with fellow cadets from the other squadrons.
After everyone had eaten, they had the extremely rare experience of getting up close to a Red Arrows Hawk T.1! The ground crew, also known as the ‘Circus’ were more than happy to give the cadets a tour around the cockpit of the aircraft and also around the outside of it, with many actually sitting in a cockpit of a Hawk T1!
Once the tour of the aircraft and the hangar had finished, all of the cadets were gathered outside to watch one of many of the fabulous displays that the Red Arrows put on for millions of people a year. As this was only a practice display, the cadets did not get to see all of the planes in the air, but nevertheless they all loved what they saw. When the pilots landed, the cadets managed to get them all to wave when they were rolling past!
Cadet Vardy of 2195 Squadron said “I absolutely loved to see the Red Arrows up close, and getting to see them do a display too; it gives you an insight into what the Red Arrows Pilots and ground crew do daily!’
The Cadets and Staff from 2195 would like to thank SAC Dinsdale, part of the Blues and service helper for 1360, for organising the day trip for us.
Written by Cadet Luke Sherrard
Edited by Cadet Sergeant James Bland
Squadrons visit the Red Arrows!
