More than 170 cadets from across the UK travelled to Belgium for a battlefield and music tour that ended with a memorable act of Remembrance in Ypres.
The tour brought together 85 squadrons during the 85th anniversary year of the Air Training Corps. Cadets explored First World War battlefields, museums and memorials before joining the Last Post ceremony at the Menin Gate.
Organised by Squadron Leader Rob Wilkinson from Central and East Region and Squadron Leader Helen Greaves from London and South East Region, the tour was designed to build connections between cadets from different wings while giving them the chance to take part in an international act of Remembrance.
At the battlefield sites, cadets heard the stories of those killed in the conflict and learned more about the experiences of British and Commonwealth forces. They also discovered the often-overlooked work of the Chinese Labour Corps, including its role in recovering and reburying the dead after the war.
The final evening brought the group to the Menin Gate in Ypres. Cadets marched through the town and joined the Last Post Association’s daily ceremony. A 50-strong band from Central and East Region played I Vow to Thee, My Country as wreaths were laid and members of the public paid their respects.
Sergeant Cyrus Sequeira, from 1083 (Uxbridge) Squadron, described the tour as “an eye-opener, not only to the atrocity of conflict, but to the sheer scale of sacrifice made by hundreds of thousands of people from across the Commonwealth”.
Squadron Leader Rob Wilkinson said: “Seeing the pride, excellence and conduct of the cadets has been the best part of my 35 years of cadet and service experience. I could not be prouder.”
Flight Sergeant Luke Wilkinson, from 1237 (North Hykeham) Squadron, said: “Belgium was a genuinely moving experience. It gave me a completely new perspective on how awful the First World War was. To see the Menin Gate and play with such a fantastic band felt very special, and the camaraderie between the cadets was unlike anything else I’ve experienced through cadets.”
Cadet Taylan Akdeniz, from 85 (Enfield & Southgate) Squadron in Middlesex Wing, said visiting the cemeteries helped him understand the scale of the loss. “Behind each headstone was a unique story and life,” he said. “Many were around the same age as me, and some were even younger. Being there in person gives you a perspective that you simply don’t get from textbooks.”
For Taylan, the Last Post ceremony was the highlight. “I was immensely proud to take part, wearing the uniform and representing the RAF Air Cadets and the United Kingdom. It is a moment I will never forget.”
The tour ended at the Canadian National Vimy Memorial, where cadets had a final opportunity to reflect before returning to the UK.
The organisers thanked South East Reserve Forces’ and Cadets’ Association, East Anglia Reserve Forces’ and Cadets’ Association, East Midlands Reserve Forces’ and Cadets’ Association, the Air Cadet Charity and the Connaught Trust for their financial support.
They also thanked RAF Waddington Motor Transport, 504 Squadron and Air Support Logistics for providing personnel, equipment and practical support.