There were three awards available; Best Drill Instructor, Best Inspection and Best Overall. They call it a clean sweep – 350 Squadron came first place in all areas of the competition. 350 Squadron hasn’t come this far in the Area/Wing Drill Competitions in previous years, it is only the last two years that 350 Squadron has shown that it is now a ‘Drill Squadron’.

According to our records, this is the first time a Squadron in Surrey Wing has come first in all three parts of the competition – it is definitely a first for 350 Squadron. It wasn’t easy going though, with the school exam period just before the Drill Competition gets underway it was difficult to get 13 cadets who were able to attend every drill practice.

Cadet Warrant Officer Corrin Wilkie lead the drill squad for a second year in a row, she won Gold in 2013 for Best Drill Instructor and won again on Sunday – it is great that she has been recognised for all her efforts, she really is an asset to the Squadron, We are lucky to have CWO Wilkie on board and are extremely proud of her.

Warrant Officer Roswell (Officer in Charge 350 Squadron) pushed the team to their limits with extra evenings at the Squadron focusing on Drill Practice and Uniform Preparation. They also got the opportunity to attend the Royal International Air Tattoo at RAF Fairford on Friday 11th July 2014, but they were back at the Squadron on Saturday for more hard work. Sutton Sea Cadets, our neighbours, kindly let us use their facilities at TS Puma meaning the cadets could stay overnight ready for the competition the next day.

350 Squadron has gone from strength to strength and we are positive this is set to continue. With increasing regular cadets attending on Monday and Thursday evenings, and continuously enrolling recruits into the Air Cadet Organisation the Squadron has had a great start to 2014. Will the rest of 2014 be better? We know it will! We are planning a Squadron Camp to Belgium to meet 350 Squadron Belgium Air Component, which will be a fantastic experience for both cadets and staff. If you, or anyone you know, would like to be part of our future - get in touch by emailing us at contact@350squadron.org.uk.

Based on information supplied by Stuart Keaney.