1360 Squadron!

Stapleford Cadets Remember Local VC
 

The heroic actions of Stapleford First World War Hero, Lance Cpl Walter Parker VC of the Royal Marines Light Infantry, were remembered in a parade and service attended by Stapleford Air Cadets,

Consisting of Royal Marine drummers and buglers, Royal Marine Association Members, veterans and standard bearers followed by cadets from The Royal Marines, Sea cadets, Army cadets and 1360 (Stapleford & Sandiacre) Sqn ATC, the parade was one of the largest seen in Stapleford.

It was the 30th April 1915 that stretcher bearer Walter Parker performed his duties heroically under heavy Turkish fire in the trenches of Gallipoli, and these heroics are celebrated every year at Walter’s grave in the Town’s cemetery by the Nottingham Royal Marines Association.

This year, the 95th anniversary, was marked by a church service conducted by the Reverend Geoffrey Halliday, followed by the parade to the Walter Parker VC Square where Last Post was sounded and wreaths laid.

Reassembled, the parade then marched past the saluting base where Major General FHR Howes OBE, Commander General Royal Marines, took the salute.

“Because of the order of march, the squadron was at the back of the parade. However, being the only Stapleford people on the parade, we got the loudest cheer from the large crowds that lined the route, another proud day for 1360,” said Squadron Commander, Flt Lt Allan Munns: “It's good that we remember the past heroes without glorifying the horrors that were faced.”

Image: Cadets of 1360 Squadron marching passed the cheering and flag waving crowds

Air Cadets To The Rescue

Two Nottingham cadets used newly acquired first aid skills during a lunch break in a well known Fast Food Outlet.

Although only recently qualified, the two cadets, Cdt Ryan Marriott of 1360 (Stapleford & Sandiacre) Sqn and Cdt Coner Bacon of 1359 (Beeston) Sqn, responded to a call for help when a member of the outlet’s staff fell ill.

The two eighteen year old cadets were having a break for lunch whilst helping man the Cadet 150 event in Nottingham’s Market Square. They had settled down for their well deserved meal when one of the staff asked for their help.

The two cadets comforted and correctly treated the young lady’s condition until St John’s Ambulance First Aiders arrived. Cdt Bacon said: “We were only too pleased to help although my chips went cold!”

Cdt Marriott had completed First Aider Plus in January and Cdt Bacon completed his Activity First Aider around the same time. Neither have yet received their badges but being in uniform they were seen as responsible and approachable. They are a credit to their squadron and the Corps.
 

Image: Cadets Ryan Marriott and Conor Bacon

Cadet Michael Whittle from 1360 (Stapleford and Sandiacre) Squadron Air Training Corps has just completed his first Air Experience Flight with the Royal Air Force.

Michael, 14, from Stapleford, travelled to RAF Cranwell where he enjoyed a sortie above the Lincolnshire countryside.

The flight took him above the clouds where he was able to fly the plane himself.

Michael said "this was the best experience in the world, the views were spectacular!"

Michael flying the plane.

The view from the cockpit.

After the formal part of the evening had concluded, the Officer Commanding, Flight Lieutenant Allan Munns, gave a talk on the Air Cadets and the squadron.  Putting her on the spot, Allan asked Cadet Warrant Officer Jade Brock (18) to give her opinion of the ATC; “it is the most fantastic organization, almost everything is possible once you are in.  I’ve done so much in the five years since I joined, none of which would have been possible had I not been in the Corps” she told the assembled dignitaries and parents.