Sandy Cadets mark Remembrance Sunday

On Sunday 14th November, Cadets and Staff from 22 (Sandy) Squadron marked Remembrance Sunday, taking part in parades in Sandy, and at Temspford Airfield.

With the parade forming up at Swan Lane in Sandy, the Cadet and Staff marched off with the parade, led by the Sandy Scout Reunion Band to the War Memorial for a short service of Remembrance. Cadet Sergeant Kim Coates was carrying the Squadron Banner on the parade, with Cadet Sergeant Tiffany Cotton laying a wreath on behalf of the Squadron. The Parade then carried on to the Church for the formal service of Remembrance.

After the parade in Sandy, the squadron moved onto the former site of RAF Tempsford, for a second service in Remembrance for those who lost their lives flying from the former base, where many top secret missions were flown from throughout the Second World War for the Special Operations Executive (SOE).

The cadets formed up outside the barn, once used to equip the aircrews and SOE agents, before their flights into enemy occupied territory. The service then commenced with Cadet William Phoenix (14) reading a poem by R W Gilbert. The service ended with a number of Wreaths and Poppy Crosses being laid by the Cadets, families and surviving members of 138 and 161 Squadrons RAF, in honour of the Aircrews and SOE agents who flew from this small airfield and never returned.

Cadet William Phoenix said “It’s so important that we remember the sacrifices other have made for our country, so it was such an honour to have read the poem. The service at Tempsford was especially moving to hearing about the missions that took place, and the people involved”.

Squadron Commanding Officer, Flight Lieutenant Mark Robinson RAF VR(T) said “I was extremely proud of everyone on the squadron. For a number of them it was their first full parade and in front of the public too. Many people came over after each parade saying how fantastic they all looked. Well done to everyone”.