“This is one of the most amazing opportunities I have done in my Air Cadet career” Last weekend Sergeant Harry Vardy, from 2195 (Long Eaton) Squadron, was the first cadet this year at 644 volunteer gliding school to successfully land his first solo circuit in the vigilant aircraft gain his Silver Gliding Wings. The journey started just 8 weeks prior to his first solo flight and not only involved practical gliding lessons but also involved a large amount of theory learning in a classroom environment. Every Saturday at the Gliding School, Sergeant Vardy would complete between 4 and 8 launches, weather depending. During these launches he learnt basic controls of the aircraft, how to use thermals to maintain altitude and most importantly and most challengingly to him how to successfully launch and land the aircraft. As Sergeant Vardy became more competent in controlling the aircraft, he began practicing his gliding circuits… Read More »
Air cadets from 1188 (Coalville) Squadron joined with Coalville Army Cadets and members of the British Legion to pay their respects to two local men who were awarded the Victoria Cross. Coalville Air cadets joined with the local army cadets and members of the Whitwick Branch of the Royal British Legion on Saturday 26th October in two acts of remembrance. Everyone met at the cemetery in Whitwick to remember Thomas Elsdon Ashford. He was a private in The Royal Fusiliers, British Army during the Second Anglo-Afghan War. He was awarded the Victoria Cross for conspicuous gallantry during a sortie from Kandahar, on the 16th August, 1880. He helped rescue and carry Private Massey for a distance of over 200 yards, under the fire of the enemy. He was assisted by Lieutenant William St. Lucien Chase. Private Massey had taken shelter in a blockhouse. Several times they were compelled to rest, but they persevered in bringing him to a place of safety. After his military… Read More »
