Two Air Cadet Adult Volunteers have recently attended a Gold Award Presentation at St. James’s Palace to receive their Gold Duke of Edinburgh Award.

Sergeant (ATC) Shoheb Akhtar and Civilian Instructor Ravi Halai, both aged 22, of 282 (East Ham) Squadron ATC based in Vicarage Lane, were invited to St. James’s Palace to receive their Gold Duke of Edinburgh Awards in the presence of HRH The Earl of Wessex; Prince Edward, Celebrities and special guests.

Both SGT (ATC) Akhtar and CI Halai spent seven long years working towards their Gold Award and between them have walked approximately 460 miles over rough terrain and through horrendous weather, from the peaks of Ben Nevis in Scotland to the hills of the South Downs in the South of England as part of their expeditions.

The duo’s efforts were finally recognised when they received an invitation from the Palace to attend the Gold Award Presentation. The VIPs on the day included HRH the Earl of Wessex; Prince Edward, former Paralympics’ World Swimming Champion; Sarah Cunningham, and the Mayor of Croydon Margaret Mead.

The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award consists of a programme of activities that can be undertaken by anyone aged 14 to 24, regardless of personal ability, and once completed can lead to a Bronze, Silver and/or Gold Award,

“I have waited for this moment ever since I joined the Air Cadet Organisation back in 2001. I have greatly enjoyed being involved the Duke of Edinburgh Award Scheme and having finally achieved the top level is truly an amazing feeling” states CI Halai.

When asked what the hardest part of the Award was, SGT (ATC) Akhtar answered; “Definitely the expedition, especially the final day. It was very hot and we were all knackered. Our water supply was running low so had to turn to fast flowing fresh water streams which were only found near the peak of the mountains. It was like a survival exercise, but we kept our heads high and worked together as a team and made it through the worst. I look back at it now and it was probably one of the best times of my life, a true adventure!”

Air Cadets from 56(Woolwich)Squadron gathered with the local Mayor and press to unveil a memorial stone at Woolwich Barracks for Flying Officer Robin Waterston.

On 31^st August, 1940, Flying Officer Robin Waterston set out on a sortie as part of the Royal Air Force’s attempts to halt the onslaught of German air attacks during the Battle of Britain.  As the day progressed tragdy was to strike when Flying Officer Waterson was shot down over Woolwich Barracks in South East London. He was 25 years of age.

Cadets from the 56 (Woolwich) Squadron joined the Mayor of Greenwich, Mr Alan McCarthy, as well as members of the Royal British Legion on the 13^th October 2009 for a commemoration of the Pilot’s death.

In addition, a stone memorial was unveiled in remembrance of Flying Officer Waterston in Woolwich Barracks. His aircraft still remains buried underneath the main road, where it finally came to rest after being shot down. There may be plans in future to excavate the plane, and this will involve the Cadets of 56 (Woolwich) Squadron who are based very near the site.

One onlooker at the ceremony recalled of that day in 1940 “We had thought it was a German plane that had crashed but when we arrived at the site, we found that it was Spitfire with the pilot Robin Waterston in the aircraft. We all prayed for him as he passed away”.

The Cadets found the experience both sad and emotional as well as a reminder of the great sacrifices of the pilot and all the other men and women of the Armed Services made.  Cadet Morris found it of “great honour” to lay the wreath against the stone.

Warrant Officer Mark Bird, Officer in Charge of 56 (Woolwich) Squadron who was also in attendance remarked “It’s sad to think that this airman and his sacrifice had been forgotten by all but a few in our community, but now with this monument we can help keep his memory and the sacrafice made by him alive. It was such a privilege for the Squadron to be asked to provide the guard of honour for the unveiling and we will continue our part by taking responsibility for the upkeep of this monument.”

Cadet Yamout provided the Guard of Honour at the ceremony, who was also honoured by proud to participate. There has been much discussion in the media lately concerning the destruction, damage and neglect of war memorials, whether because of vandalism, neglect or destruction of memorials for new buildings. It is be a great honour and commitment for 56(Woolwich) Squadron to guard and maintain the site of the stone. The memorial stone is a daily reminder to all those in the community passing by, as well as to those Cadets who attend 56 Squadron.