The Royal Air Squadron Trophy (RAST) is the award for the best CCF (RAF) Section in the UK. Each Region holds heats to select their Sections to compete in the National finals.
The London & South East (LaSER) Region heat was held over the weekend of 8 and 9 Feb 25 at RAF Halton. It was a two day event due to the number of schools who wanted to compete; 18 schools sent their Sections, making it the biggest competition for the LaSER Cadet Training Team (CTT) area with 240 cadets and 50 staff in attendance.
The Sections took part in Drill, Air Rifle, Command Tasks, First Aid, Cyber with Aircraft Recognition and Space Knowledge. An exciting concurrent activity was the micro-helicopter flying which as in previous years proved very popular and a real challenge in hand/eye coordination through the hoops and around the obstacles.
With just seven points separating the top two teams, the competition was fierce with Wilson’s School being the overall winner, Dulwich College was the runner-up and with Chichester High School in 3rd place.
OC LaSER CTT, Sqn Ldr Jerry Davies RAFAC said “For those cadets attending, it was an unforgettable competition weekend filled with team and individual performances. I am sure they will all remember the competition for a very long time and have gained experience and knowledge from the weekend. I wish our top three teams every success going forward to represent the area at the National competition at RAF Cosford in March 2025.
I also wish to acknowledge the support of RAF Halton and that of the Station Commander, Wing Commander Peter Seanor RAF for permitting the use of the IFPT training facilities and accommodation throughout the weekend together with the supporting Cadet Force Adult Volunteers from across the area who assisted with the various stand elements and supporting administration."
Also at the event, and making the final presentations, was LaSER Regional Commandant, Group Captain Kevin Walton. He said
“This was my first Royal Air Squadron Trophy competition since taking over as Regional Commandant and I was hugely impressed. The standard across all the teams was extremely high and the enthusiasm of cadets and staff alike was infectious. Thank you and well done to all the cadets taking part and to all the adult volunteers and staff who made this fantastic weekend possible. Well done and good luck next month"
Group Captain Kevin Walton
Regional Commandant London & SE