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AIR CADETS KEEP NAVAL GUN RUN
TRADITION ALIVE
On Sunday 06th July Air Cadets from 121 (Nuneaton)
Squadron Air Training Corps did their bit to keep a fine Naval tradition
alive as they 'Ran the Gun' at the 30 Signals regiment open day at Gamecock
Barracks near Nuneaton.
The Cadet Gun Run, which has become an annual
event at the 30 Signals regiment open day, is normally a keenly fought
challenge between the Air Cadets and the Nuneaton based Sea Cadets.
Unfortunately the Sea Cadets weren’t able to take part this year so it was
all down to two Gun Teams from the Air Cadets to keep the tradition alive.
The Air Cadet display teams provided a
demonstration of teamwork and discipline in the main arena as they conducted
a Field Gun run using scaled replicas of the equipment traditionally used by
the Royal Navy at the Royal Tournament since 1912. Hundreds of spectators
were held spellbound as the two teams of 10 cadets disassembled, reassembled
and manhandled their replica guns and limbers around a gruelling course.
This years run, although conducted by two
teams from the Air Cadets proved to be as challenging as usual with a
healthy degree of rivalry between the Red Team and the Blue Team. With
commentary provided by the presenters from Anker Radio, the spectators were
encouraged to show their support for either the Red or Blue Gun Team.
Inevitably the Anker Radio broadcasters couldn’t resist throwing in the
chorus of their version of the memorably catchy TV advertising song “the Red
Team and the Blue Team had a race”. With both teams showing outstanding
demonstrations of physical effort, discipline and teamwork, the Blue Team
eventually gained the upper hand over the Reds and managed to storm across
the finishing line to victory in the fastest time.
The annual cadet Field Gun display has been
made possible by the Rotary Club of Arbury who presented the Ivan Davys
Field Guns to the Sea and Air Cadet units in recognition of the close
working relationship between the Rotary Club and the two cadet organisations.
Having Run the Gun there was no time to spare
for the members of the Red Team and the Blue Team as they hurriedly changed
out of their respective colours into RAF blue for their next performance in
the main arena as the Band of 121 (Nuneaton) Squadron.
Flight Lieutenant Ian Crewe officer commanding
121 Squadron said, "This was a fantastic public relations opportunity for
the Squadron, with the Gun Run and the Band having performed in the main
arena and our recruiting stand the Air Cadets have had a very high profile
at this years open day. The cadets have all worked extremely hard to perfect
what has proved to be a spectacular demonstration. What's even more
impressive is that the same cadets who performed in the Gun Run had only
moments to change into their full Band uniform before re-entering the main
arena to conduct the musical routine which took them to victory in the Air
Cadet Band competition held here at Bramcote during the recent Warwickshire
& Birmingham Wing Training Day. Our civilian committee members have also
done us proud once again this year with all the effort they have put into
our balloon race”.
He added "The Field Gun Run is traditionally a
Naval activity however this year the Air Cadets have had to field two teams
to keep the tradition alive. I hope the Sea Cadets from the Training Ship
Vanquisher will be able to join us again next year so that we can put the
Navy back into the Naval Field Gun Run.”
by Flt Lt Paul Hincks Media Communications
Officer 121 (Nuneaton) Squadron |
