The Royal Air Force Air Cadets (RAFAC) celebrated the outstanding achievements of its cadets, volunteers, and units at the annual Honours and Awards Ceremony on Sunday, 28 September 2025. The prestigious event was held at the historic College Hall Officers’ Mess (CHOM) at Royal Air Force Cranwell.
The ceremony was a key event in the RAFAC calendar, recognising the very best in dedication, skill, and success across the organisation. Attendees, including award recipients and their guests, gathered to honour those who had gone above and beyond in their service and personal development.
A Day of Celebration
The day's events provided a memorable experience for all attendees:
- Arrivals and Refreshments: Guests arrived at RAF Cranwell and were welcomed with refreshments in the Lancaster Room at CHOM.
- Awards Ceremony: The main ceremony took place in the Longcroft Room, where a series of awards were presented to deserving winners.
- Photographs and Lunch: Following the ceremony, official photographs were taken on the front steps of CHOM, followed by a reception lunch in the Lancaster Room.
The event was attended by Air Vice-Marshal Cab Townsend, Air Officer Commanding 22 Group, who provided the closing remarks. The Commandant of the RAF Air Cadets delivered the welcome address. The ceremony was hosted by Flt Lt Mark Richardson, CWO Bethan Holmes, and Sqn Ldr Simon Dunn.
2025 Award Winners
Presentations were made across several categories, celebrating every aspect of the Air Cadet experience. The winners for 2025 were:
Academic and Environmental Achievements
Environmental Award for 2024: 331 (Chesterfield) Squadron.
Roger Austin Sword (for delivery of Duke of Edinburgh Award activities): Trent Wing.
Foster Trophy (Highest Grade in Level 3 EPQ): FS Chloe Bowskill
Currall Trophy (Runner Up in Level 3 EPQ): Cpl Srishti Jha
Adult Volunteers and Civilian Committee
Ian Todd Memorial Prize (for excellence in Civilian Committee support): Squadron Leader Dudley Howard.
Ganderton Sword (Top Officer Cadet from Initial Course): Pilot Officer Kayleigh Masterton-Smith.
Quinton Memorial Trophy (Top SNCO Graduate from Initial Course): Sergeant Alex Gavin.
AOC 22 Gp Commendations:
Flt Lt Andrew Brittain,
Mr Paul Thompson,
Sqn Ldr Simon Dunn,
Flt Lt Karl Kisley,
Sqn Ldr Cydonie De-Gale Coke,
WO Kevin Roswell,
Sqn Ldr Antony Woods,
Sqn Ldr Joanna Blackie,
Sqn Ldr Ryan Jones,
FS Timothy Elton
International Air Cadet Exchange UK Team,
Bedford & Cambridgeshire Wing Cadet Training Flight,
Essex Wing Warrant Officer’s Team.
Air and Space Commanders Commendations:
Sqn Ldr Nicholas Gensler
London and South East Region (LaSER) Permanent Staff.
Top Squadron and Unit Awards
The Air League Challenge Cup (Best performing Volunteer Gliding Squadron): 644 Volunteer Gliding Squadron.
Marshall Trophy (Most improved ATC Squadron): 1379 (Leiston) Squadron.
The John Cunningham Trophy (Most improved CCF unit): Kingsford Community School.
Royal Air Squadron Trophy (Best RAF section of the CCF): Loughborough Grammar School.
Morris Trophy (Best ATC Squadron - Runner Up): 34F (Balham and Tooting) Squadron.
Lees Trophy (Best ATC Squadron): 204 (City of Lincoln) Squadron.
Outstanding Cadet Achievements
Sir John Thomson Memorial Sword Regional Runners Up
Cadet Warrant Officer Dedman, North Region
Cadet Warrant Officer Goyal, London & SE Region
Cadet Warrant Officer Morris, South West Region
Cadet Warrant Officer Cartwright, Wales & West Region
Dacre Sword Regional Nominees
Cadet Warrant Officer Seedat, London & SE Region
Cadet Warrant Officer Byrne, North Region
Cadet Warrant Officer Nicholas, Wales & West Region
Cadet Warrant Officer Sharman, Central & East Region
The ceremony culminated with the much-anticipated announcements for the top individual cadet awards. The winners of the Dacre Sword (Top Cadet in the ATC), the ATC 75 Sword (Runner Up), and the Sir John Thomson Memorial Sword (Top Cadet in the CCF) were revealed to great applause.
Sir John Thomson Memorial Sword
This year's winner of the Sir John Thomson Memorial Sword for was Cadet Warrant Officer Dedman from Central and East Region.
Cadet Warrant Officer Dedman is an exceptionally talented and driven individual who stands out not only among his peers within a Section of 120 cadets, but across all 44 CCF (RAF) Sections in Central & East Region. He exemplifies the values of RAFAC through his leadership, initiative, and pursuit of opportunities both within and beyond the school environment.
Dacre Sword
This year's winner of the Dacre Sword competition for Best Air Training Corps Cadet was Cadet Warrant Officer Nicholas from Wales & West Region.
Cadet Warrant Officer James Nicholas is an exceptional cadet whose dedication, compassion, and pursuit of excellence set him apart. A smart, reliable, and respected NCO, James plays a vital role in Squadron operations and consistently supports his peers with empathy and maturity.
His achievements include the Master Air Cadet Qualification, Silver Leadership, Gold Cyber, Silver First Aid, and Blue Marksman, with Gold DofE and Silver Radio soon to follow. James’s selfless character is exemplified by his support for a fellow cadet with cerebral palsy, enabling full participation in ceremonial drill.
As part of the Immersive Technologies Team, James has represented RAFAC at prestigious events, earning praise for his warm and inclusive public engagement. His compassion and teamwork were further evident during QAIC, where he supported a struggling peer, highlighting his outstanding leadership and integrity. James is a truly inspiring ambassador for RAFAC.
Air Training Corps 75 Sword
This year's winner of the ATC 75 Sword competition for runner up in the Best Air Training Corps Cadet competition was Cadet Warrant Officer Seedat from London & SE Region.
Cadet Warrant Officer Samah Seedat epitomises the highest standards of the Royal Air Force Air Cadets. A dedicated and inspirational leader, she has consistently demonstrated excellence across all areas of the RAFAC programme. Since joining at age 12, Samah has achieved multiple Gold PTS awards, including Gold Duke of Edinburgh’s Award, and has represented her Squadron and Wing at national level shooting competitions.
In her adult staff role she leads by example, delivering four Youth First Aid courses and supporting over 30 cadets in their DofE journeys, including three at Gold level. Her commitment to personal development is equally impressive, as she works towards her Mountain Leader (Summer) qualification and DofE Assessor status.
Samah’s service as Wing Media Officer, prior to policy changes, showcased her professionalism and ability to operate to adult standards. She has represented RAFAC with distinction as Deputy Lord Lieutenant’s Cadet, Mayor’s Cadet, and at the RAF Annual Church Service, engaging with senior RAF leadership.
Outside of RAFAC, Samah runs a successful outdoor clothing business for women and girls and aspires to become a commercial pilot. Her resilience, leadership, and infectious personality make her an outstanding ambassador for RAFAC and a most worthy nominee.
The RAF Air Cadets would like to thank and congratulate all nominees and winners for their exceptional hard work and commitment.