Over Easter, having won the Regional finals back in November, the Oundle School RAF section’s Ground Training Squadron competed and came in 4th place in the National Finals of the Air Squadron Trophy Competition competing against the winners and runners up – nineteen teams in total – from every region across the UK.
L/Cpl Maddy Farley (16) commented, “After winning the Regional round, we had qualified in good stead and were ready for a day full of fierce competition. Our first event was the drill section of the competition and involved the whole team of thirteen members, led by drill instructor FS Peter Anson (18). The inspection went smoothly; particular notice was taken of our ‘change step’ which was noted as being extremely impressive considering that most cadets are unable to do it correctly. Congratulations must go to FS Anson for his amazing commands and patient teaching. All the hard work paid off as we were awarded 3rd place in the drill section.”
The Oundle First Aid team comprised of FS Jemima Burgess (18), Cpl Ian Ostojic (17), Cpl Hayley Harris (18) and L/Cpl Maddy Farley (16). The team scenario was well led by FS Burgess and was followed by individual assessments including a CPR related collapse with a bystander and a car crash victim with spinal injury. The team secured 9th place in this section.
The team of five shooters who took part in the DCCT shooting – FS Burgess, Cpl Harris, Cpl Lane (18), LCpl King (17) and Cdt Dixon-Smith (15) – all shot with incredible flare and were said to be some of the best shooters of the day. There were stella performances from all the
team despite some technical setbacks, with particular mention to FS Burgess for her astounding score of 20/20 and a grouping size of 81mm. This sharp shooting won Jemima the shield for best shot at the awards parade. Overall the shooters gained 4th place just behind local rivals Kimbolton.
The Aircraft Recognition test was led by FS Anson, Oundle’s resident Air Rec champion and winner of last year’s best Air Rec shield at the Nationals and the team attained 3rd place. In the Fitness Bleep Test, the team of four valiant runners, FS Burgess, LCpl King, LCpl Stringer (17) and Cdt Dixon-Smith gave their all and were placed 9th which was very impressive despite the strong competition they faced.
Maddy added, “The sixth event of the day was Command Task and involved a team of eight led by FS Anson and FS Burgess as second-in-command along with Cpl Ostojic as Safety and Standards. As a team we managed to competently work through the task and managed to almost complete it before the time limit. As a group we all managed to listen to and follow instructions which proved to be the winning ingredient because we managed secure 5th place.” 
The RAF Knowledge test was the final test of the day and the test comprised of twenty multiple choice questions including questions about the founders of the CCF, how to read a map and ranks within the RAF. The teams combined score secured 5th place.
Maddy concluded, “With all these scores from each section in, we anxiously awaited the results. The top three teams for each event were announced. Many of the sections being won by Dulwich College (1st), Wilson’s College (2nd) or Kimbolton School (3rd). Huge congratulations have to go to all the teams who participated in the competition. Their efforts and success have inspired all of us to be the best that we can be. They are not only our fellow competitors but they also are part of the CCF and this is something that we all have in common and our friendly rivalry will continue to spur us on in years to come. The competition has made us work harder than ever and it makes it really worth the while when fantastic results are seen.
Fourth place is higher than Oundle has ever placed in this competition and this success is attributed to the hard work of cadets On the behalf of all of the team I would like to thank Flt Lt Kirk for all the help and support she has given us and the work she has made us do to be the best we can be.”
Commander of the School’s Combined Cadet Force, Major Andrew Mansergh, added, “The performance of the RAF Cadets in the Air Squadron Trophy has been tremendous. Two things stand out: First, the preparation is all completed in the Cadets’ own time, marking impressive personal commitment and a fine example to all their peers. Second, the Cadets pushed themselves to this achievement, it has not been handed to them on a plate. They arranged the training, they led the training and they provided the desire and the leadership. It is an excellent example of what the CCF sets out to achieve – developing leadership amongst young people.”
The Team:
Flight Segeant Peter Anson
Flight Sergeant Jemima Burgess
Cpl Hayley Harris