Nijmegen Training Weekend 3

By Flt Lt D. Ratcliffe Surrey Wing ATC
Last Update: 15/05/2006 17:21:19

The third weekend of Nijmegen Training was Friday 24th to Sunday 26th March again at St. Martins Plain just outside Folkestone. As in previous training weekend all the participants assembled at 1924 Squadron HQ for onward transportation to our destination.

From our Squadron Sgt. Benton, Cdt Aldhous and myself travelled in the Minibus whilst Flt. Lt. Ratcliffe travelled together with Mr. Harris in Mr. Harris’s car. Cpl Musgrave was to join us on Saturday morning.

The trip down seemed to take no time at all and we were at our destination in good time. Things are pretty much routine now, as this was the third time we had taken part.

After a nights sleep it was up for a 06.30hrs session of PT before breakfast and setting off at around 08.00 hrs. We were split into the two respective teams that we would be in for the RAF two day, A team and B team. A team (being the team I was in) set out first and we quickly over took the Kent Wing teams that were marching that day.

It was a hard days march and when we got back we were completely exhausted. Team B had to be bussed back as they were behind us and the visibility had closed in to less than 1,000 metres which made it unsafe to march on the roads. They were only a kilometre or so from completing.

After a shower, evening meal and de brief it was into bed. We had lights out earlier than normal as the clocks went forward that night and we would lose an hours sleep.

Sunday morning it was up again for 06.30 hrs PT (unlike the previous day it was dark) and breakfast before setting out on the Sunday morning march in to Folkestone. After midmorning refreshments it was back to base for lunch and then home.

We have now completed three training weekends and we all look forward now to the RAF Two Day March in April after which the team for the Nijmegen March itself will be selected.

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