A prestigious air cadet trophy, awarded annually for outstanding achievement, has been presented to an officer from Hertfordshire & Buckinghamshire Wing.

Flight Lieutenant Erica Vey, Officer Commanding 1066 (Hitchin) Squadron, received ‘The Guinea Pig Prize’ for 2008 at a recent awards ceremony held at RAF Cranwell, Lincolnshire.

The award was presented by Air Vice-Marshal Barry North OBE, Air Officer Commanding No.22 (Training) Group. Commandant Air Cadets, Air Commodore Ian Stewart was also present.

All Air Training Corps Officers, volunteer staff and cadets are eligible for the prize, which is awarded annually to the person that most distinguishes his or herself with an act of bravery or other achievement during the year. At the discretion of Commandant Air Cadets, the prize may be withheld where there is no act or achievement of the requisite high standards.

The Guinea Pig Club was formed at the Queen Victoria Hospital, East Grinstead in July 1941, membership being drawn from aircrew of the Royal Air Force who suffered serious burns. These aircrew were ‘guinea pigs’ of the new technique of skin grafting. In 1981 the club presented their President HRH Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh, with a figurine of a Royal Air Force fighter pilot. His Royal Highness gave the prize to the Air Training Corps, the organization of which he is Air Commodore-in-Chief.

Flt Lt Vey was nominated for the award by Sqn Ldr Paul Mimpress, a Senior Wing Staff Officer in Herts & Bucks Wing. She was awarded the prize for her bravery and continued commitment to the ATC after she was injured whilst on an annual camp in July 2007.

She sustained ankle and leg injuries after the Hercules aircraft in which she was flying in had to take evasive action. Despite the injuries leading to restricted mobility, Flt Lt Vey has continued to take part in the activities that she loves. She now plays wheelchair basketball for a club in London and earlier this year was part of the team that won the UK national women’s league final.

Sqn Ldr Mimpress said: “Flt Lt Vey is a very committed and determined Officer who, despite her recent difficulties remains dedicated to the ACO. Since her return to duty, she has already organised an air experience flight on a BAe 146 and Sea King aircraft for the cadets. This helped her to conquer her fear of flying since the accident. She has continually given 100% to her duties as an Officer in the Air Training Corps, resulting in great achievements for her cadets.”

Image 1: (Larger size) Flt Lt Vey receives the Guinea Pig prize from AVM North.
Image 2: (Larger size) Flt Lt Vey pictured outside College Hall, RAF Cranwell.