Last week saw 51 cadets from B-Coy, Lancing College CCF, depart for 24 hours of navigation and basic fieldcraft training in Pippingford Park, part of the Ashdown Forest area in East Sussex. The park boasts spectacular scenery and the entire area is a fantastic place in which to train; fortunately, the weather remained glorious throughout the exercise, allowing for full appreciation of the landscape.

Cadets were divided into small groups and dropped off at various locations around the Pippingford area, with the task of navigating to a series of marked points, stamping their route cards, and eventually arriving at the training area itself. The clear skies also made the walk hot and tiring, and cadets were happy to be given a chance to relax and cook themselves a meal, after they had constructed ‘bashas’ under which to sleep, in a wooded area within the park.

The remainder of the exercise was dedicated to basic military training. Cadets participated in a planned ambush late into the Wednesday night, (which, for most, was the first opportunity to fire the new cadet rifle) and undertook patrols around the training area, gaining an insight into tactical movement and fieldcraft skills. An 06.30 reveille was met with surprisingly little complaint from the company, and a morning of section attacks and tactical battlefield manoeuvres was undertaken with enthusiasm and a sense of enjoyment by all.

First and foremost, many congratulations must go to the IVth form cadets; they were challenged with new skills and situations throughout almost the whole exercise, and their capacity to learn the necessary lessons was impressive, as was their commendable discipline in the field and calm execution of weapons handling drills. Many thanks are also due to all adult staff; Lts Dragonetti, Daly and Coakes, Maj East and WO1 Woodger, plus Dr Palmer, Chris the minibus driver and ‘Louis’ our 8CTT instructor, for giving up their time thus enabling our training to take place.

A thoroughly good time was had by all, and we look forward to the forthcoming summer camp!

Report by Cpls Taylor C and Nick R