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As part of our preparation for a Military Skills competition later in March we decided to take a bunch of enthusiastic cadets onto our local military training area to put them through their paces. We had 19 cadets sign up including 3 Year 9s and for all of them the weather and condition were really challenging with temperatures dropping to negative 5. As a bonus there was a marquee that had been erected for an event the following week and we “borrowed” it to use as a sleeping shelter. Many thanks to the staff who endured the conditions and planned all the activities.

As part of our community focus we linked this weekend and the following weekend to the “Sleep out for Tommy Appeal” run by the Royal British Legion through JustGiving to raise vital funds and awareness for over 6000 veterans that are experiencing homelessness in the UK right now. To date (11th March) as a contingent we have raised £1000 - Major Patterson 

Throughout the weekend in Pippingford Park training area on Ashdown Forest, the cadets in CCF had to face many environmental challenges. However, even through torrential rain, sub-zero temperatures, thunderstorms and hail, positive attitudes remained in everyone all weekend. From rescuing survivors from blown minefields to simply performing patrols I believe that everybody either learnt or improved their skills needed in CCF.

After a 2.5 hour walk through the dark forests on Friday evening (note from Major P - it should only have taken 45 minutes!). With the sky lit up by lightning, we made our way back to base camp and received teaching by Captain Tester with a revision lesson on the three types of patrols, ambushes and how they are carried out, along with a quiz to test everyone's knowledge on important basics. Then hot meals were prepared from our ration packs and everybody got ready for the night ahead.

The Saturday morning was an early start and after a hot breakfast, everyone was packed and ready for the day ahead. Following a morning of trekking through a muddy forest and a series of activities including signals, reconnaissance patrols and first aid, everyone returned to the meeting point and debriefed on the next task. A triangular harbour led by Joshy was put in place and all cadets set up their bashas (a waterproofed nylon sheet held in place with bungees) with a partner, ready for them to sleep in that night. 

Unbeknown to us, the staff waited until we had settled in before telling us the enemy knew where we were - allegedly as we’d sung happy birthday too loudly to one of our fellow cadets. We had to pack everything up really quickly and make our way up a long hill to set up again.

Everybody thought the day was over, however we were all wrong; once the sun had set, we were informed that we must perform an ambush in complete darkness. We lay out in a field waiting for the enemy to walk along a road and then sprung an ambush on them. This was made more realistic as we were able to use laser rifles.

After another early start for us, everyone packed everything they would not need for the rest of the camp and prepared for Sunday’s tasks. Similar to the day before, the two groups were sent into Pippingford Park to find their stations for tasks, some being very active like section attacks, and others being more relaxed such as map making. Once the morning was over, everyone made the muddy walk back to the base point to have a much-deserved rest for their feet. When everyone had made it back we had a final parade (note from Major P - the author was promoted to Lance Corporal) and then we all piled on the coach ready to head back home covered in mud, with filthy boots and a bergen (army rucksack) full of wet kit.

Compared to the other camps I have been on, Winter Warrior was the most challenging. However, I am glad that I got to experience it first hand and I think that everyone else who went would agree.

LCpl Young