Shirley Make it Excellent 11

By A FSgt J. Parker Surrey Wing ATC
Last Update: 29/07/2009 12:33:12

1924 Shirley Squadron have once again marched their way to victory in the annual Surrey Wing Drill competition. The 13 cadets carried out the required sequence of drill manoeuvres to perfection, impressing the new Wing Commander enough to award them the Croydon Times Challenge Trophy for an incredible eleventh time in a row.

Wg Cdr Xavier commented, "I am at my happiest seeing cadets working hard to achieve the high standards of drill. I am hugely impressed at the effort that the cadets of 1924 Squadron have put into this victory. Their consistency is admirable; they have set a standard that every squadron should aspire to.”

There was also a first for this competition with the award of the Banner Drill Trophy, kindly presented to the Wing by the current Wing Warrant Officer, WO (ATC) Ed O’Neal. Of the six squadrons to enter this inaugural competition, 261 Guildford Squadron had the honour of being the first to be engraved onto the trophy. They will now have the duty of carrying the Wing banner at all parades for the next year. 261 Squadron also grabbed the Trophy for Best NCO in charge of a Squad, with Cdt FS Chelliah giving the clearest commands on the day.

The prize giving was completed with 328 Kingston-upon-Thames Squadron being awarded the best uniform inspection trophy, after impressing the RAF Regiment judges with their pin sharp creases.

Wing Warrant Officer, Ed O’Neal remarked at the end of the competition, "I congratulate the cadets on their performances today, and would like to thank former Surrey Wg cadets, and now, Cpl Austin, (RAF Halton), and Fg Off Fowler, (RAF Honington) of the RAF Regiment for their time and assistance today. We must also thank the Army for their kind permission to use the Parade Square at Buller Barracks in Aldershot.”

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