Duke of Edinburgh’s Gold Award success for Yorkshire and the Humber RAF Air Cadets
Our cadets are encouraged to take on new challenges. The Duke of Edinburgh Expedition is no exception. We had a chance to catch up with a few of our RAF Air Cadets who recently embarked on an experience of a lifetime – all supported by their cadet force programme.
On location in the Yorkshire Dales
Seven RAF Air Cadets from across the Yorkshire and the Humber region have successfully completed their challenging Duke of Edinburgh’s Award Gold expedition as part of a Regional expedition organised for Air Cadets from across the North of England. This took place in the Yorkshire Dales with a trek of over fifty miles (80 kilometres) and of four strenuous days in both sunshine and warmth, together with a day of non-stop rain and wind to complete the expedition.
The cadets were Sergeant Amelia Forrester and Flight Sergeant Louis Camps from 1323 (Ryedale) Squadron, Sergeant Connor Tiplady from 1053 (Armthorpe) Squadron, Cadet Warrant Officer Louis Byrne from 2222 (Brigg) Squadron, Flight Sergeant Harrison Buckley from 2434 (Church Fenton) Squadron with Sergeants Marek Bucholc and Daniel Hornby of 2168 (Yeadon) Squadron.
Learnt skills on the cadet programme prepare and equip
The cadets were well prepared for the experience having carried out a practice expedition on the North Yorkshire Moors in late June. Their journey took them from Redmire, near Leyburn via Hardraw, Hawes, Buckden, Kettlewell, Malham and completed on the hills above Kettlewell on day four. During their walk they also visited sites such as Aysgarth Falls and Malham Cove.
The expedition route was planned and navigated by the team members and included carrying all their equipment and food for four days, which meant that the load became lighter by the day.
An added enjoyment was that on completion of the expedition both Louis Camps and Louis Byrne received their A Level results. Louis Camps gained an A and two Bs in Politics, Maths and Physics and Louis Byrne two B grades and a C in Biology, Chemistry and Physics; and he plans to begin studying Paramedic Science at the University of Hull in September.
Completed with purpose
Connor also dedicated completion of the expedition to his best friend, Harry Peace, who was a fellow cadet at the same squadron. Harry was a strong-willed young man who was prepared for anything and gave everything his all. Both Connor and Harry completed their silver practice and qualifying expeditions together, after this they had planned ahead to attempt their gold together. Sadly, Harry, who was suffering from cancer, passed away in 2022 before this could be achieved and Connor was determined that he would carry Harry’s memory with him during his expedition which was successfully completed.
Amelia and Louis said, “The expedition was challenging but very rewarding, and we would encourage all young people to get involved with the award – we have gained fantastic skills and had a great experience!”
Flight Lieutenant Charlotte Bridges, the Regional Duke of Edinburgh’s Award Officer, who led both the practice and qualifying expeditions added, “The cadets worked hard to prepare for the expeditions, planning their routes and kit. They encountered all weathers during their expedition but worked together to ensure the whole team completed the expeditions. Once they have completed all four sections of the award, they will be eligible to attend a ceremony and garden party at Buckingham Palace to receive their certificates and badges, which I know they will be looking forward to.”
Well done to all participating cadets!