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Queen Elizabeth Barracks, Strensall.

THE MAGAZINE OF LOTHIAN & BORDERS BATTALION ARMY CADET FORCE

THE ACHIEVER Issue 03 | Summer 2015

ANNUAL CAMP—2015 It’s upon us! As Lothian & Borders Battalion Army Cadet Force get set to head off to Queen Elizabeth Barracks in Strensall for this years Annual Camp, we take a look at what to expect when you arrive and find out what’s in store for the Cadets and Adult Volunteers.

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YOU DO NOT WANT TO MISS THIS OPPORTUNITY!! CADET CENTRE FOR ADVENTUROUS TRAINING (CCAT)

SCOTTISH COURSES WEEK

WHEN 22-28 AUGUST 2015 WHERE BASED AT ROTHIEMURCHUS LODGE, AVIEMORE, SCOTLAND WHAT Introduction to Mountain Scrambling (IMS) Classic Scottish Mountain Ridges – 5-days exploring the very best Scottish rock ridges. Pre-requisite experience SMF and some rock climbing experience Introduction to Sea Kayak (ISK) Classic Sea Kayak – 5-days exploring the very best of the NW Scottish coast line and sea life - summer isles. 1 x overnight expedition. Pre-requisite experience K2F or equivalent Intermediate rock Climbing (IRC) Classic Multi Pitch Rock Climbs – 5-days exploring the very best three star classic Scottish multi pitch rock climbs. Pre-requisite experience BRC or equivalent Mountain Bike Foundation (MBF) Classic Mountain Bike Journeys – 5-days exploring the very best wild and remte mountain bike trails. Pre-requisite experience fit and enthusiastic HOW Accommodation and messing provided Transport provided during the course Equipment provided. Cost-40.00 pp. Cheque or BACs transfer to be made payable to CCAT Adult Instructors and Senior Cadets (16-18 can apply)

APPLICATION – COP 10 JULY 2015 CCAT Course applications are to be booked via WESTMINSTER and authorized paper applications sent to: Roslyn Edwards, HQ CCAT, Capel Curig TC, Betws-Y-Coed, Conwy, LL24 0DS. Tel: 01690 720308 www.armycadetadventure.co.uk & CCAT facebook

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04 Weather is no match for Rhine.

05 L&B Hockey Team.

06 Annual Camp 2015.

08 Throwback Time!

09 Stop Press!

10 Get Social

11 Operation “Don’t Get Lost!”

12 Awards for Bonnyrigg cadets

13 Bisley Sharpshooters

14 The four seasons

15 Support for Quintinshill

16 Dep’ Commandant down under

IN THIS ISSUE

Issue 03 | Summer 2015

LOTHIAN & BORDERS BATTALION ARMY CADET FORCE

A NOTE FROM THE EDITOR

Welcome to the third issue of “The Achiever”, Lothian &

Borders Battalion ACF’s official Newsletter.

Thank you to everyone who took the time to write to us

following the publication of the first and second issues,

helping us to test the waters. It has been a long wait but

we’re back!

The feedback has been fantastic and has come

from a wide range of people both within the cadet forces

and those interested in what we are achieving.

PR is one of the key priorities for the Battalion over the

next 18 months and with so much going on including

annual camp, we are already hitting the ground running.

With the support of our PR Team, my aim is to attend as

many events as possible and promote the activities

undertaken by both the cadets and adults to the general

public and our stakeholders. If you want to get involved,

speak with your Company PR Rep or email

lbpro@armymail.mod.uk

As far as “The Achiever” is concerned, we are looking to

increase its frequency to be sure to share with your

friends and colleagues so they can stay up to date.

2Lt Andy Malarky

Public Relations Officer

Lothian & Borders Bn ACF

KEY PEOPLE Commandant

Col Ewan Marshall

Honorary Colonel

Col Grant Stott

Deputy Commandant

Lt Col Douglas Smith

Cadet Executive Officer

Maj Nancy Thorne

Alma Company OC

Capt Garry Mauran

Burma Company OC

Maj Hugh Wells

Kohima Company OC

Maj Shane McKenna

Minden Company OC

Maj Alan Cook

Tangier Company OC

Capt Peter MacDonald

Rhine Company OC

Maj John Tonner

THE ACHIEVER Public Relations Officer

2Lt Andy Malarky

Alma Company PR

TBC

Burma Company PR

AUO Simon Protano

SI Gordon Easton

Kohima Company PR

SI Mark Rodger

Minden Company PR

Lt Paul Brownlee

Tangier Company PR

TBC

Rhine Company PR

2Lt Andy Malarky

Media/PR enquiries;

2Lt Andy Malarky

Lothian & Borders ACF

Drumshoreland House

Broxburn, EH52 5PD

lbpro@armymail.mod.uk

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Nearly 100 cadets from Rhine Company shrugged off dipping temperatures during their February weekend. The cadets fought off snow and ice—which had been causing disruption in the weeks prior—by putting into practice the skills and training received at their local Detachments. Training included Navigation, First Aid and Fieldcraft.

The ability to adapt quickly was demonstrated by the cadets resulting in many new qualifications being gained and successful testing to allow them to progress onto the next stage of their career.

Overall, 17 cadets achieved new First Aid Qualifications from St John’s Ambulance service with five adult volunteers receiving their First Aid at Work qualification.

Major John Tonner, OC Rhine Company said; “I’m extremely impressed with the abilities demonstrated by the cadets and their maturity in applying themselves in the adverse conditions brought by the cold weather. It is a very unique opportunity for individuals to witness how valuable skills provided within the ACF can allow our young people to go further in life”.

Cdt Cpl Docherty leads his section.

WEATHER IS NO MATCH FOR RHINE COMPANY

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L&B HOCKEY TEAM A FORCE TO BE RECKONED WITH

Cadets from Lothian & Borders participated in the Army Cadet Force Association (ACFA) Scotland Hockey tournament in April.

Arriving at Lothian & Borders Headquarters on the Friday night, the team discussed tactics for the games ahead which were awaiting them in Perth. In all, six Battalions from 51 Brigade took part with the Lothian & Borders side drawing two games and winning a total of three.

The end result saw the Lothian & Borders side come second place due to goal difference allowing Glasgow & Lanarkshire to take the top spot. Motivation and moral was high however, as the Lothian & Borders team have been identified as a force to be reckoned with following their increasing rise in success over the last three years.

It was a fantastic event where the cadets got to show off their new hockey strips and with Glasgow & Lanarkshire's success, they are keen to seek support from the Lothian & Borders side to bulk their numbers for the 11-a-side National competition.

Adults in attendance included CSMI Borthwick (Minden), PI Kinghorn (Minden) and SSI McCauley (Rhine).

SSI McCauley had stated; “The team worked extremely hard and the result was a reflection on how much effort was put in by the girls on the day”.

The Lothian & Borders team line up consisted of;

Cadet Sergeant Major Atkinson (Minden Coy),

Cadet Corporal Teague (Minden Coy),

Cadet Corporal Brown (Kohima Coy),

Cadet Corporal Stewart (Rhine Coy),

Cadet Lance Sergeant Watson (Tangier Coy),

Cadet Kinghorn (Minden Coy),

Cadet Denholm (Minden Coy).

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ANNUAL CAMP 2015

Issue 03 | Summer 2015

This year cadets from Lothian & Borders ACF will be spending Annual Camp at Queen Elizabeth Barracks in Strensall, Yorkshire. Camp starts on Saturday 11th July and there is a packed programme which includes adventure training and a 24 hour exercise along with the opportunity to progress further

Over 500 cadets are expected at this year’s camp. During camp cadets will get to enjoy Strensall’s excellent shooting ranges and get the chance to try out clay pigeon shooting. When not on the ranges they will be able to undertake Army Proficiency Certificate training, learning skills such as navigation and fieldcraft and mastering a range of life saving first aid skills. Once they have mastered the basics the cadets will put their skills into practice during a challenging tactical field exercise. This year’s camp will also provide a wide range of adventure training opportunities including water-sports (Remember your old trainers to get wet!). In addition there will also be further training provided to the newer Adult Volunteers where the PIs will learn new skills to contribute within their Coys. Major John Murdoch, Battalion Training Major—Cadets comments: “I am always in awe of the achievements of both the adult instructors and the cadets. Our cadets always take on new activities with enthusiasm and I’m looking forward to seeing them challenging themselves, developing new skills and building their confidence throughout their time at camp. It gives me a great sense of pride when they tell me ‘it’s the best thing I’ve ever done’ and they’re sorry to be heading back home.”

Major wells teaching first aid at camp

We keep those back home in the know.

ANNUAL CAMP 2015

Issue 03 | Summer 2015

Photography caption and details

Command Tasks help foster confidence and teamwork.

Cadets will use the Dismounted Close Combat Trainer

SSI Lowry teaching during fieldcraft.

The Obstacle Course Fine dining in the field

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THROWBACK TIME! Battalion muster, Altcar 2004

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YOUNG MUSICIAN OF THE YEAR AWARDS

The Daily Record reported on the

District Area Final of the Rotary

Club’s Young Musician of The

Year Award where 28 Platoon

Cadet and Broxburn Academy

Pupil Sam Mallone hit first place

to head through to the next

stage.

He fought off stiff competition

from 19 other finalists at the

event held in Heriot Watt

University.

ACF AHOY! 24 Platoon (South Queensferry) welcomed their colleagues from the Royal Marine Cadets (RMC) at their Detachment earlier in the year to provide training to the cadets and adult volunteers to enhance the overall “cadet experience”. The ACF & RMC have been working closely together in their home town of South Queensferry with 24 Platoon providing Skill at Arms training ahead of the RMC’s annual Military Skills Competition hosted by the Royal Marine’s at their HQ in Lympstone.

BFBS Cadet of the week. Cdt C/Sgt Todd (Minden) took BFBS Radio’s Cadet of the week award in May. He was nominated by Cdt Cpl McAuley thanks to his selflessness to his fellow Cadets. You too have a chance to nominate a fellow Cadet for BFBS Radio’s Cadet of the week. Email access@bfbs.com to send in your nomination and why.

LINLITHGOW JOURNAL HAILS FOOTBALLERS The Linlithgow Journal and Gazette took to Social Media to congratulate the Footballers who represented the Battalion at the ACFA Scotland Football competition. The teams that represented the Battalion did extremely well and managed to secure well deserved spots at the top.

STOP PRESS

Issue 03 | Summer 2015

Cdt Cpl Sam Mallone in the Daily Record

Photography caption and details

Cdt C/Sgt Todd (Minden)

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There are many ways to keep up to date with all the latest on Lothian & Borders Battalion Army Cadet Force. You can find us online at the following; Website: www.lbcadets.co.uk Facebook: www.facebook.com/lbcadets Twitter: @LandBACF Youtube: @LothianBordersACF Don’t forget the national #ACFAdventures hashtag to share all your adventures in the ACF with the chance of having your images selected for the national magazine. This years theme is the great outdoors.

GET SOCIAL Issue 03 | Summer 2015

Cadets from 20 Platoon (Tangier) managed to hit the headlines this spring for Legion Scotland Today, the magazine for Legion Scotland. The spring issue featured Cdt L/Sgt Stephanie Watson and Cdt Kyle Laird who competed in Legion Scotland’s National Banner Competition. Cdt L/Sgt Watson managed to gain 2nd place in the Tri-service Cadet competition. Massive congratulations to Cdt L/Sgt Watson on an incredible performance from all at Lothian & Borders ACF.

Dalkeith Cadets from 12 Platoon (Alma) made their faces funny for money in aid of Comic Relief. In addition, all subs for the training night were donated to the charity. An extra round of congratulations were also in store for Cdt Sgt Butler who was appointed the Lord Lieutenant's Cadet for Midlothian by Sir Robert Clerk.

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OPERATION DON’T GET LOST!

Issue 03 | Summer 2015

It was an exciting night for 28 Platoon (Rhine) who participated in an orienteering exercise dubbed fittingly as “Operation Don’t Get Lost”. The exercise involved all of the cadets from the Broxburn based Detachment where Rhine Company Commander Major John Tonner also visited, leaving one cadet with a new rank and set of tapes. It was a fun filled night for the Detachment with congratulations going to the newly promoted Cdt Sgt Eddie.

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AWARDS FOR BONNYRIGG CADETS

Issue 03 | Summer 2015

Cdt Heckles receiving the Cadet of the Month award for May

Cdt’s Young, Phillips, Birrell and Cdt L/Cpl Barton receive their Youth First Aid certificates at 10 Platoon Bonnyrigg (Alma)

The newest NCO for Bonnyrigg Cdt L/Cpl Barton.

Cdt Cameron and Dickson receive their recruit certificates.

Bonnyrigg cadets from 10 Platoon (Alma) have been recognised for all their hard work and dedication in recent months during their Detachment Awards night. Awards on the night included “Cadet of the month” which was presented to Cdt Heckles, recruit certificates were presented to Cdts Cameron and Dickson following their recent basic training and successful passes on their half star tests. If that wasn’t enough, four Cadets were also presented with their Youth First Aid certificates, a nationally recognised qualification where the Cadets can now practice first aid and potentially be able to save a life if required. The first aid certificates were awarded to Cdt’s Young, Phillips and Birrell. Not forgetting the double whammy of the night for Cdt Barton who not only received his first aid qualification but also got promoted to Lance Corporal! Well done Cdt L/Cpl Barton and the remainder of 10 Platoon for all your fantastic efforts!

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BISLEY SHARPSHOOTERS

Issue 03 | Summer 2015

Cadets from Lothian & Borders’ Shooting Team headed for Bisley to compete in the National ACFA Target Rifle Competition. The team left Drumshoreland WETC early Thursday morning for Surrey ACF’s HQ before taking part in the shoo. The team consisted of Cdt Sgts Brown & Williams, Cdt Cpls Hyde & Oldfield, Cdt L/Cpls Hutchison & Peacock and Cdt L/Bdr Beverage assisted by 2Lt Williams, SI Amos and SI Reilly. If you have an eye for shooting and want to know more about getting involved in the competitions speak to your Coy Shooting Rep who can forward your interest to the Battalion Shooting Officer, SMI Kev Oldfield. Results will be published in due course.

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THE FOUR SEASONS Issue 03 | Summer 2015

Army Cadets from Broxburn completed a challenging expedition as part of their Duke of Edinburgh's Award. A total of 16 cadets—many from Broxburn Academy—took part in the expedition, 10 of which are progressing towards achieving their silver award with the remaining six currently going for their bronze award.

With the weather ranging from blue skies and sunshine to downpours of rain and even hail, the cadets were presented with a fantastic opportunity to test their skills in the outdoors both as individuals and as part of a team. Moral was high and the weather did not hinder the group's drive to successfully meet their goal.

SSI Robert Swindells who organised the expedition said; "It's the worst weather I've seen in nearly ten years, we had four seasons all rolled into a matter of hours".

He also added; "Usually you might expect a little bit of rain but the cadets were lucky enough to put all they've learnt into practice in the changing weather. Be that from packing the right kit to ensuring it is all properly waterproofed as well as being able to think about little things like changing your socks and looking after your own personal hygiene without the usual home comforts. It encourages them to be more independent and take the initiative".

Our very own Captain Bell who was assessing the expedition certainly noticed the ever changing weather (pictured below).

All of the cadets who took part successfully completed the expedition in the Pentland Hills Regional Park and are well on the way to receiving their bronze and silver Duke of Edinburgh Awards respectively.

“IT’S THE WORST WEATHER I’VE SEEN IN 10 YEARS.”

SSI Swindells, 28 Platoon

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SUPPORT FOR QUINTINSHILL

Issue 03 | Summer 2015

Army Cadets from Tangier Company, with support from Detachments further afield provided support to a service commemorating the deaths of more than 200 people in Britain’s worst Rail disaster 100 years ago.

The cadets, all aged between 12 and 18 provided assistance for the service which was attended by more than 1000 people by guiding guests to their seats for the memorial service before lining the streets for the memorial parade to march through on Saturday 23rd May.

HRH The Princess Royal, the Royal Colonel for the 1st Battalion Royal Scots Borderers and former Colonel in Chief of the Royal Scots attended the memorial service at Rosebank Cemetary in Leith along with First Minister Nicola Sturgeon. She later took the salute for the parade which marched through East Claremont Street.

The Royal Scots Association - supported by members of the 1st, 2nd and 6th Battalions of the Royal Regiment of Scotland, the descendant regiment of The Royal Scots - held the event which began with a parade from Dalmeny Street to the cemetery.

Three trains crashed at Quintinshill on 22nd May 1915 of which one train was carrying troops bound for Gallipoli. More than 200 soldiers were killed along with 12 civilians and an additional 246 injured persons were recorded.

It was a tragedy which greatly affected the community of Leith and one which continues to be remembered each year with relatives of the victims travelling as far as Jersey, Ontario and further afield.

A spokesperson for Lothian & Borders ACF said; “Not only do events in the community like these tie in with the core elements of being an Army Cadet, but it especially provides an opportunity for our young people to learn about the past, learn about the difficulties and challenges their community faced, and also for them to show their respects to the people who lost their lives during such an incredibly difficult time as this was”.

The troop train that was bound for the front line contained soldiers from 7th (Leith) Battalion of the Royal Scots, the regiment which local cadets were badge to prior to 2006.

Royalty, veterans, politicians and relatives of the victims also marked the anniversary with a special service in Gretna on Friday 22nd May.

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DEPUTY COMMANDANT

DOWN UNDER

I was visiting Australia for my son’s wedding and had the fantastic opportunity to visit with the New South Wales (NSW) Australian Army Cadets.

I was escorted throughout the visit by the Commander of NSW a Lt Col David Major and his Adjutant who are both

full time employees of the AAC. I met The King’s School AAC unit and a community detachment in Blackwood which is in the north of the Sydney area. The AAC has an interesting history; it was disbanded in the mid-seventies for a year and reformed a year after a public outcry. However, the Kings School kept its cadet unit. (Pictured left: Lt Colonel Smith, Lt Col Major and Major Mansfield).

At the school I was escorted by Major Andrew Mansfield. Most of the school participate in the AAC and the end of day parade was about the same size as our entire battalion.

They have a number of sub units of which the “elite” is the “RECON PLATOON” – the elite unit are selected from the entire unit and lead the other cadets. (Pictured below right).

Other units include the first aid platoon! Kings school can be distinguished from the community cadets by their “Slouch Hats” which have a red band rather than a khaki band. Their focus is on Leadership and the school boasts generals and prime ministers.

Like the CCF in the UK they parade as part of the school’s normal timetable. The cadets I spoke to are just like our cadets and enjoy the same challenges our cadets enjoy. One unique item is the leap of faith which all cadets participate in to build their confidence. They have to climb the pole and leap to catch the rope. Don’t worry TSA they are attached to a harness! (Pictured right; Leap of Faith).

The Community Detachment is totally different and they have to scrabble to raise funds – sounds familiar? Just like us they have to do fundraising events, including a NAAFI and supporting veterans events.

When I visited the unit I was met by Capt Ken Duncan (a fine Scottish name and he is of scots descent). The picture below shows Capt Duncan, me and his Senior Cadets. The detachment is quite strong and the new recruits parade in a bush hat until they reach a certain grade when they are issued with the Slouch Hat. The senior cadets carry out most of the instruction of junior cadets, but they can be up to 20 years of age.

Lt Col Douglas Smith took time out to share his experiences during a recent trip down under, where he met members of the Australian Army Cadets.

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Issue 03 | Summer 2015

So what’s the difference? Essentially as a youth organisation there is little difference, they have many of the same issues that we have, not enough adults, getting adults trained, support from the regular army etc. However there are some key differences:

They have a single cap badge just like the ATC here, it’s a pretty impressive cap badge and is worn on the slouch hat.

The cadets get issued their boots because they are part of their Personal Protective Equipment – PPE

Each unit has its own stores and has to account for all clothing etc.

The Cadets wear Insignia on both shoulders, badges of rank and the slouch hat so they can be easily identified as cadets.

Adult ranks also include LCpl and Cpl instructors

Adults get up to 48 Days pay a year, although like us most do more than this and do it for the cadets.

Each Community Unit has a “Parent Support Group” which helps with fund raising etc.

The Australian Government signed up to the anti – Child Soldier Accord and as such they don’t do things like section attacks, ambushes etc. as they see this as a breach of the accord. In fact the AAC refer to our cadets as “Little Tommies”

There is a total ban on smoking and alcohol

Annual Camp is only a week long They have an additional subject of bushcraft e.g. what to do if you get bitten by a venomous snake, of which there are few in Australia.

LEADING FROM THE BACK

This initiative is to give more leadership over to the senior cadets with the adults supporting from the back. It’s in its early stages but the senior cadets I spoke with were very enthusiastic.

In Summary

I hardly had enough time with the AAC and had I been there longer I would have been able to participate in field training. I was certainly made welcome and issued my own slouch hat. I left a few mementos behind myself, cap badges, TOS etc. and I have arranged for our Battalion Plaque to be sent to Australia via my son and who knows we may eventually have an exchange with Australia!

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ARE YOU READY FOR CAMP?

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LORD LOTHIAN HAILS MINDEN CADETS

Issue 03 | Summer 2015

Minden Company volunteered their services in Penielheugh for a recent re-enactment of the Battle of Waterloo to coincide with the 200th Anniversary of the famous battle. The cadets that volunteered their time assisted in providing additional manpower for the event while being treated to learn about the kit and equipment in use back then, where Andrew Deans (former CFAV with Lothian & Borders ACF) was on hand to help. Lord Lothian wrote a special letter of thanks following on from the event to all involved. It reads; "Sunday was a real triumph which even the sudden downpour could not dampen. That it was such a triumph was due to the enormous effort, hard work, imagination and organisation which you brought to the event. I thank you from the bottom of my heart. The crowd was enormous. The re-enactment was a master piece, the music tremendous, the fireworks dramatic, the pipe bands stirring. The food stalls and the drink tents welcoming, the children's entertainment great fun, the horsemanship of so many riders 'under fire' most impressive, the bonfire remarkable and the management of the whole event fantastic. Without your contribution this would not have been possible and I am immensely grateful. Peter Snow said he was blown over by the occasion and really enjoyed it all. 28th June 2015 will go down in Border history as the day when Penielheugh came alive. It exceeded all my expectations and I will never forget it.”

Lothian & Borders Battalion

Army Cadet Force Drumshoreland House, Broxburn, EH52 5PD

Telephone: 01506-586-698 www.lbcadets.co.uk

CONTACT US

The Army Cadets is about fun, friendship, action and adventure. We inspire young people (and adults) to challenge their limits and go further in life, no matter what they aim to do. Army cadets are boys and girls aged 12-18 who are looking for something more from life and to challenge their limits. ACF detachments meet one or two evenings a week with occasional weekend camps and competitions. Every summer there is an annual camp where everyone in the Battalion has the chance to experience one of the Army’s training camps for even more exciting activities. Everyone who joins does the Army Proficiency Certificate (APC), a programme of activity designed to develop leadership and team-working skills and help cadets to achieve their full potential. Cadets also get the chance to choose from a wide choice of additional activities - everything from rock climbing and mountain biking through to archery, abseiling and music. On top of that they can also gain a wide range of valuable qualifications. From doing a Duke of Edinburgh’s Award to gaining the BTEC First Diploma in Public Services or Music, cadets get the opportunity to learn valuable skills that are recognised and valued by employers. “No one realises just how good it is until they give it a chance” “it’s probably the most fun thing you’ll ever do in your whole life”

OPPORTUNITIES FOR ADULTS It’s not just cadets who benefit from joining the ACF, detachments around the UK also have opportunities for adult instructors. As a volunteer with the Army Cadets you will have an amazing range of training opportunities. Working with like-minded people you’ll make friends for life and you’ll be making real difference to young people in your community. Volunteering with us will give you confidence and help you develop leadership and team working skills which will help you move up the career ladder. When you start as a volunteer you will embark on a detailed, progressive training programme to give you all the skills you need. You will also have opportunities to progress up our rank structure either as an Adult Instructor or Commissioned Officer. “I am constantly being challenged and, at the same time, challenging myself! That’s what I like about cadets, it is never dull or boring, there is something new to learn all the time”

FIND OUT MORE The ACF is often confused with the Army but our link is through sponsorship. Although the ACF’s adults and cadets wear uniforms and use the same rank structure as the Army they are not part of it and there is no pressure to join the Armed Forces. In Lothian & Borders there are 35 detachments, in locations all over the region, from Queensferry and Bathgate down to Kelso and Jedburgh. Bordering the Firth of Forth all the way down to the border with England - there’s bound to be a detachment near you.

© Army Cadet Force 2015

MORE INFORMATION With 41,000 cadets an 9,400 adults in over 1,600 locations around the UK, the Army Cadets makes a big impact on young people, parents and communities.