248 Squadron News

2009

2009-02-01T09:07:00.000-08:00

All events for 2009 will be publicised on this blog, if you have any photographs or news you would like to write about please send them to the Media Communications Officer.

Feel free to comment on any articles and photographs that are already published.

WING EX PICTURES

2008-05-11T14:14:00.000-07:00

Advanced Skill At Arms Weekend

2008-03-05T13:24:00.000-08:00

5 cadets and 3 staff of 248 (Letchworth) Sqn attended the first Advanced Skill at Arms weekend has been run by Herts & Bucks Skill At Arms Team at Longmoor Camp on Hampshire.

The 2 days were aimed at the older more experienced cadets in the Wing to provide a more challenging firing environment focusing on service style shooting using the L98 rifle.

With the highest number of staff ever in attendance on an SAA weekend, an L98 conversion course was run for those who currently held .22 qualifications. This succesfully resulted in Sgt Fievez becoming L98 qualified in Weapons Instruction and Range Management Qualifications.

For the first time in the history of Herts and Bucks Wing shooting the Electonic Target Range was used. With numberous practises being fired the cadets and staff all got to gain some experience in long range shooting with some practises using advancing movements.

The weekend was a great accomplishment and with another Advanced SAA weekend being run in October the SAA Team look forward to continuing success of these weekends.Flt Lt Matt Oram, the Wing Shooting Officer said "I was especially pleased with the motivation and enthusiasm of the staff throughout the weekend. Some of the advanced practices we were firing required a high level of supervision, I would like to thank all of the staff who attended the weekend, they all got stuck in and did a great job."

In addition to the Advanced Skill At Arms Weekend, there are 3 standard weekends being run throughout 2008 which will give the younger cadets a chance to develop their marksmanship techniques as well as train and fire on a whole range of weapons.

Any question regarding Shooting events please speak to Sgt Fievez

Marching Begins for 248

2008-02-14T15:56:00.000-08:00

6 Cadets and 2 staff from 248 (Letchworth) Sqn took part in the first marching event of 2008.

The one day training march started and finished at 1187 (Hemel Hempsted) Sqn on Sun 10th February. Some of the cadets who took part have never attended any of the marches that Herts and Bucks Wing participate in and are now looking forward to progressing to the next stage of the Marches.

With one more one day training march being held on Sunday 17th February the cadets and staff will then move on to the 2 day Chiltern Hills marches.

Any cadets or staff interested in taking part in the Marching Team should contact ASgt Fievez or ASgt Tierney

ATC Sunday

2008-02-14T15:47:00.001-08:00

Cadets from 248 (Letchworth) Sqn took part in ATC Sunday on 3rd February to celebrate the 67th anniversary of the formation of the Air Training Corps.

On parade with over 100 other cadets from around Herts and Bucks wing the cadets marched to the service held at RAF Halton.

ATC Sunday is a major parade in the Air Cadet calendar and is always very well attended, Sgt Adam Sowden carried the 248 banner with the other cadets joining in the service.
Picture by Flt Lt Philip Jones

Wing .22 Postal Competition - Final Results

2008-01-30T13:35:00.000-08:00

Team Scores

1st - 936 Sqn - 1316
2nd (joint) - 1365 Sqn - 1224
2nd (joint) - 1239 Sqn - 1224
4th - 248 Sqn - 1099
5th - 2203 Sqn - 840
6th - 1066 Sqn - 719
7th - 220 Sqn - 404
8th - 2370 Sqn - 398
9th - 1563 Sqn - 182
10th - 1113 Sqn - 106
11th - 2313 Sqn - 39
12th - 1875 Sqn - 18
13th - 332 Sqn - 12

Individual Scores

1st - Sgt Z Baker - 936 Sqn - 353
2nd - Cpl Howles - 936 Sqn - 346
3rd - Sgt Hughes - 1365 Sqn - 345
4th - Cpl Williams - 1365 Sqn - 341
5th - Sgt Richards - 1239 Sqn - 334
6th - Sgt A Sowden - 248 Sqn - 332
7th - Cdt Rose - 1239 Sqn - 319
8th - Cdt Baldock H. - 936 Sqn - 282
9th - Cdt Taylor A. - 248 Sqn - 260
10th - FS Gilson - 1365 Sqn - 257

Awards Evening

2007-12-02T11:36:00.000-08:00

This years awards evening took place on 1 Dec 07. The guest of honour, Wing Commander Henson was asked to present the following awards:

Best Cadet 2007 - Cdt Adaway

Best NCO 2007 - Sgt Sowden

Best Flight 2007 - C Flight

ASNCO award for Standards & Bearing 2007 - Cdt Daubney

CO's commendation - Cdt Taylor G for his efforts in raising money for the Sqn

In addition to these awards the following promotions were made:

Sgt Poynter (H) to FS

Cdt Daubney to Cpl

Cdt Taylor G to Cpl

6 of 248's newest cadets were also enrolled by Chaplin Howard March

Well done to all of you for all of the hard work that you put in to make this evening the great success it was.

Wing Overnight Ex 2007

2007-12-02T11:17:00.001-08:00

A team of 6 cadets led my Sgt Sowden have made 248 (Letchworth) Sqn proud at this years Overnight Ex.

For the first time in 4 years the 248 team have managed to complete the annual Wing Overnight Exercise.

The event is a 30km navigation exercise which takes place in the Halton area. Starting at 8pm and with 12 hours to complete it and numerous checkpoints to visit 248 Sqn made an impressive start.

Only missing 1 of the checkpoints and completing the course in just over 8 and a half hours the team came in 13th out of 40 competing teams.

The team should be congratulated on what was an excellent result, they should feel very proud of themselves and should be an inspiration to next years team to better what has been an excellent performance.

Well done to all of you.

Pictured: Cpl Beecroft, Sgt Sowden, Cdt Kirk, Sgt Tierney, Cdt Berry, Cdt Taylor G

Remeberance Parade 11.11.07

2007-11-16T10:56:00.001-08:00

Skill At Arms Weekend

2007-10-18T10:23:00.001-07:00

8 Cadets from 248 Sqn attended the final Skill At Arms Weekend for 2007 at Longmoor Camp in Hampshire.

All 8 Cadets passed the required standard on both the No8 and L98 rifles meaning they could take part in the large amount of shooting practises took place over the weekend.

The Skill At Arms weekends are designed to train and coach Cadets on a range of weapons as well as provide them with live firing practices. Staff training has now also been incorporated into the weekends.

The Wing Shooting Officer, Flt Lt Oram commented, "The weekend was a great success and I would like to thank the Cadets for showing a very mature attitude and a great willingness to learn. I would also like to thank all of the staff for their commitment and hard work throughout, without them the weekends just would not be possible."

2008 introduces a new style of Skill At Arms weekends with a clear definition between the Standard and the new advanced courses. Details will follow shortly.

For futher information on the SAA Weekends in 2008 please contact Sgt Fievez on shootingadj@hbwing.org.uk

Pictures of the cadets on the range can be found below.

Community Spirit

2007-10-07T09:39:00.000-07:00

Cadets and Staff from 248 (Letchworth) Sqn have shown what community spirit is all about this weekend in being involved in a number of community activities.

Saturday 6th October saw the cadets raising funds for the unit by Bag Packing at Sainsburys. The cadets were praised for their polite and mature manor by the shoppers and this was reflected in the donations they received.

On the same day the Cadets and Civilian Committee manned a recruitment stand at the Letchworth Get Involved fair at Plinston Hall. This is put together by the Heritage Foundation and is for those members of the community to have a look around and see what volunteer work they could be involved in.

Sunday 7th October was a very early start for 12 Cadets and Staff who made their way to Standalone farm to help with the car parking at the annual 10km road race organised by Letchworth Road Runners.

Alongside the Road Runners event the second day of the Get Involved fair was also going on. The stand attracted some very interesting members of the public which included veterans who have offered to come to the Sqn and give talks to the Cadets on the regular RAF Sqn's they were once a part of.

The whole weekend has been an excellent opportunity for 248 (Letchworth) Sqn to recruit, raise funds and raise their profile in the local community. OC 248, Flt Lt Wilton commented "The cadets, staff and the civilian committee have worked extremely hard over the weekend to make it a success, they have done very well and should be proud of themselves."

Pictured below: a selection of photographs from all 3 events:

248 Sqn Prepare for Overnight Ex

2007-10-02T07:05:00.000-07:00

Cadets from 248 (Letchworth) Sqn have begun to prepare for the Wing Overnight Exercise which is to be held at the end of November.

2 teams of cadets led by Sgt Sowden and Sgt Tierney navigated their way around a circular route of approximately 30km near the Halton area. With the weather holding out for them and carrying the required kit, the teams completed the task in just under 7 hours.

Knowing that navigation is not the only skill required to do well at the Overnight Exercise the teams have also devised a fitness plan to ensure their stamina is up to the highest standard.

Although the final team selection has not yet taken place all cadets and staff involved have been working hard to ensure 248 (Letchworth) Sqn get to pick the best possible team for the event.

OC 248, Flt Lt Wilton commented "We are confident that 248 (Letchworth) Sqn will do better this year than we have done previously and with all of the preparation and planning involved we are hoping for a good result."

Battle of Britain Parade Video

2007-09-21T14:56:00.000-07:00

Battle of Britain Parade

2007-09-21T12:36:00.000-07:00

This years Battle of Britain parade held at St Paul's church in Langleybury saw 12 Cadets and 3 Staff from 248 (Letchworth) Sqn join the 104 Cadets and 12 Staff pay their respects to those who have fallen in the Battle of Britain.

The parade was led by Sgt Mark Abson from 1113 (Berkhamstead) Sqn and his 2 escorts who carried the Union Flag. The banners that followed included those from The Royal British Legion, the Royal Air Forces Association and 6 ATC squadrons. Sgt Grover was given the privilege of carring the banner on behalf of 248 (Letchworth) Sqn.

The band from 1066 (Hitchin) Sqn accompanied the parade on the short march to St Paul's church where a service took place. Readings were read 2 cadets from 1187 (Hemel Hempstead) Sqn.
The congregation inside the church included the Mayor of the Borough of Dacorum, and the Mayor of the Borough of Hertsmere along with MP's from Watford, Hemel Hempstead and South West Herts. All of whom laid wreaths following the church service at the short service of remembrance held around the memorial outside of St Pauls church with Sqn Ldr Mimpress laying the wreath on behalf of the Herts and Bucks Wing.

The Parade Commander, Flt Lt Hutchinson commented "We had an excellent number of cadets and units represented from Herts and Bucks Wing and it is great to see that so many cadets have such a sense of occasion."
Photographs Crown © - Sgt T Fievez

Day Navex

2007-09-19T09:28:00.000-07:00

The day navex on Saturday 22nd September is to provide training in preparation for the Wing Overnight Excercise at the end of November.
A full team brief and kit lists will be given on Thursday 20th September.
If you are unable to attend on Saturday but would still like to be considered for the Wing Overnight Ex team please contact Sgt Fievez

Battle of Britain Parade

2007-09-13T16:33:00.000-07:00

This years Battle of Britain parade takes places on Sunday 16th September. Dress is wedgewood shirt and ties, please make sure you bring your jumpers with you. Departure will be from the Sqn HQ at 09:45. Return to Sqn HQ will be approx 13:30.
Any queries please contact Sgt Fievez.

Wing Swimming

2007-09-13T16:28:00.000-07:00

Wing Swimming will take place at St Albans Swimming Pool on Saturday 15th September. You need to be at the Sqn HQ for 15:45 in sports kit and preferably with a Sqn t-shirt or polo shirt.
Any questions please contact Sgt Fievez.

Death March 2007

2007-08-28T14:31:00.000-07:00

2 Cadets from 248 (Letchworth) Sqn have taken on the challenge of the Belgian Death March for the first time.

Sgt Wesley Tierney and Cdt Claire Adaway made up part of the 13 cadets and staff from Herts and Bucks Wing to take part in the event which is a 100km March to be completed within 24 hours.

Upon arrival at the Bornem campsite in Belgium, the cadets were given time to relax and prepare before they took on the huge task of the Dodentocht ®.

The march started at 21:00 hrs on Friday evening and with over 9000 fresh faced participants they were all prepared for the physical and mental challenge that lay ahead of them.
With a full support team behind them as well as the support that is laid on by the organisers the Cadets and Staff knew they were not on their own.
The first Herts and Bucks support checkpoint was set up at a distance of 53km from the start and the members of the team arrived at the checkpoint in an impressive time.

The cadets and staff all arrived and departed the checkpoint within an hour and a half of each other and after the hot meal provided all of them looked set to complete the march in good time.

By the second support stop at 82km the time between the first and the last Herts and Bucks marchers had grown to nearly 5 hours. Although the time remaining to complete the march was becoming a concern all of the staff and cadets were determined to finish the March within 24 hours.

At the finish line, the support staff were there to meet the marchers and walk them back to the campsite. With the 1st of 12 team members completing the Death March in a very impressive time of 17 hrs 02 mins. The longest time taken was 23 hrs and 55 mins, still within the allocated 24 hrs.

For further information on any of the UK or Overseas Marches please see Sgt Fievez

No 8 Weapons Training & WHT

2007-08-13T14:41:00.000-07:00

Due to low numbers of cadets that are available for the training and WHT that was planned for Saturday 18th August it has now been cancelled.

It is planned to run another Training and WHT day later in the year when all cadets who are going for their 1st class exams can be trained and tested.

WING OPEN .22 COMPETITION (POSTAL) 2007 – POSITION AFTER ROUND TWO

2007-08-06T15:43:00.000-07:00

After round two of the Wing open .22 competition, Sgt Adam Sowden has taken the top spot by 0.1 of a point with a total of 173.1, followed very closely by 3 cadets from 936 Sqn. Cdt Seb Daubney is 248's second best shot sitting comfortably in 10th position with 142 points.

248 Sqn are currently 4th in the competition with another 2 rounds to go. There is still everything to play for!!

Team scores to date:

1st - 936 Sqn - Score 644.5

2nd - 1365 Sqn - Score 612.3

3rd - 1239 Sqn - Score 593.4

4th - 248 Sqn - Score 552.1

No 8 Weapons Training & WHT

2007-08-03T04:40:00.000-07:00

It is my intention to run a No8 training day for all those cadets who need to pass their first class examination. This is an essential part of the first class training and without it you will not be awarded your first class badge.

The proposed date is Saturday 18th August. The training will run from 12:00 hrs until approx 17:00 hrs.

Anybody needing a renewal on their WHT for the No8 should also attend from approx 14:30 hrs onwards.

Please confirm your names to me ASAP.

Sgt Fievez

Recruitment at 248 Sqn

2007-07-31T13:12:00.000-07:00

248 Squadron are always looking to recruit new cadets and staff members.

If you or anyone you know is interested in joining 248 (Letchworth) Squadron please do not hesitate to contact us.

Email: 248sqn@hbwing.ork.uk

Telephone: 01462 482794

Or just drop into the Squadron on Icknield Way on either a Monday or Thursday between 19:00 & 21:45 and someone will be pleased to show you around and talk to you about what you can expect to gain from the Air Training Corps.

Squadon Bar-B-Q

2007-07-31T12:51:00.000-07:00

A Selection of photos from the Sqn Bar-B-Q

Wing Exercise 2007 by Cadet A Taylor

2007-07-31T12:04:00.000-07:00

We arrive at the Sqn at 17:00 on Friday evening in plenty of time and our first task was to do a kit check. After we got all the equipment we needed from stores we waited around for quite some time waiting for the coach to arrive and sure enough it was late and we were the first pick up!

3 hours later we arrived at Longmoor only to find that the luggage hold on the coach was broken. After more waiting around we finally got checked in and had a small team brief with Flt Lt Hutchinson who showed us the areas that were out of bounds. Eventually we got to our rooms which luckily were dedicated just to our team and after a quick unpack an early night was had by all.
We had an early start the next morning so after a large breakfast we headed off to the FOB where FS Strong was given a team leaders brief. Our first exercise was the dreaded log run which Berry and I sat out of but we cheered the team on and took lots of pictures. With a time of 5 mins 35 secs te team felt quite pleased with themselves.

The second task was the first aid exercise, Sgt Grover and I did the written test while the rest of the team got stuck into the practical exercise. Although we didn’t do as well as we had hoped we still felt good about it.

The rest of the command tasks we did quite well in and just before the day was finished Air Commodore Moulds came over and spoke to our team for about 10 minutes.

When we headed back to the block out team morale was at a high as we had inside information that we were in second place. So feeling very pleased with ourselves we had another early night as we know Sunday was going to be a tough day.

Another early start for everyone and our first task was the Nav Ex, we got a brilliant time of 13 minutes and with most teams taking approx 18 minutes we really were pleased.

Next came the speed march. With a time of about 25 minutes when we finised we were 4th although there were a lot of other teams to go through.

The shooting competition didn’t go to well for us and we didn’t do as well as we should have, but that didn’t put a dampen our mood when FS Strong got news that we were in 3rd place, 40 pts ahead of the team in 4th. We knew we had to work very hard on the confidence course on Monday to keep 3rd place.

On the Monday it seemed to take forever for our team number to be called to go to the confidence course but eventually it was. The whole team headed over despite of the really bad rain and with 8 of the team taking part myself and Cdt Wilson sat out. We cheered the team on from the side and took plenty of pictures and with a time of 5 mins 58 secs we were quite sure we had secured 3rd place.

On final parade when it was announced that we were 3rd the whole team marched onto the stage to be presented with our medals and certificate from Sqn Ldr Atkinson.

We were all very pleased with ourselves but it was mainly due to our great team morale and good leadership from FS Strong and Sgt Grover that we did so well.

A Trip Down Memory Lane

2007-07-31T11:45:00.000-07:00

Cadets from 248 (Letchworth) Squadron had a trip down memory lane as they listened intently to 3 ex members of the Squadron give a talk on what it was like to be an Air Cadet during and after World War 2.

Gordon Collinson who served as the Commanding Officer of 248 (Letchworth) Squadron was joined by Ex Warrant Officer Gordon Overton and Ex LAC Frank Spary. All 3 gentlemen served on 248 (Letchworth) Squadron both as cadets and staff between 1941 and 1959, with Gordon Collinson going on to join the Civilian Committee until 1972.

Gordon Overton initiated contact with 248 Squadron in January when he dropped into the Sqn in the hope of the cadets helping out with a fund raising event later in the year. Frank Spary bought along with him some of his old photographs and documents that he has had since 1942 to give the cadets a comparison to what the ATC use today.

The cadets took a huge interest in the tales that were told and thoroughly enjoyed the talk given by the 3 gentlemen, it was the perfect opportunity for the cadets and in particular Sgt Wesley Tierney to get a real insight into what is was like ‘back in the day’.

Sgt Tierney takes a very active interet and hopes one day to write a book on the history of 248. He has been a member of the Squadron for nearly 3½ years, and has collected all sorts of memorabilia since starting his project.

A current member of Sqn staff commented “The visit by the Ex-members of 248 was a real inspiration to the cadets and staff and has certainly given all of us an appreciation of how the Corps has evolved over last 65 years, it is so nice that they still have enough of an interest and have such good memories of the ATC that they want to come down and share them with us ”.

The cadets pictured with Gordon Overton, Gordon Collinson and Frank Spary.