For the reserve forces and cadets association (GL)
Captain Tim Rayson
At the beginning of July, 20 cadets and 5 CFAVs from Middlesex and North West London Sector ACF embarked on an epic journey to Australia to participate in the two week exercise – VENTURER ANZUK CADET 25. The exchange is part of the ANZUK Initiative which is a partnership between Middlesex and NW London sector, 22 Bn Australian Army Cadets based in Sydney and the New Zealand Cadet Corps. The exchange which took 15 months of detailed planning and fund raising and enabled UK cadets to get involved in an amazing experience.
Not only did the cadets get to meet and make friends with cadets from Australia and New Zealand , but they also learned about the deep connection between the Aussies, Kiwis and the Brits in the First and Second World Wars, where they fought side by side especially at Gallipoli.
Highlights of the trip included a visit to the barracks of the 1st/15th Royal New South Wales Lancers and the onsite museum, followed by a barbecue hosted by the exercise hosts – 203 Army Cadet Unit. In the course of the exercise the cadets enjoyed some stunning Australian scenery in both Sydney and the famous Blue Mountains at Katoomba. In stark contrast they also visited the site of the Japanese POW breakout at Cowra, took part in the Last Post service at the Australian War Memorial in Canberra by lining the Pool of Reflection and spent 3 nights at RMC Duntroon – Sandhurst equivalent. There were visits to other Australian cadet units at Wagga Wagga and Marrangaroo as well where the cadets made more new friends and where there was always a welcoming BBQ in the evening – even if temperatures dropped to freezing – and the opportunity for impromptu sports activities such as rugby!
The exercise was generously supported by RFCA GL whose support made this exercise affordable for both CFAV’s and the cadets.
Here are some comments by those who participated:
Cadet Cpl Barrington.23 Coy The trip was, overall, a great experience which lived up to all our expectations of Australia. We saw a plethora of war memorials and museums and most importantly we met a large number of cadets from Australia and New Zealand that we were able to interact with and befriend, with many of us making friends for life.
Cadet LCpl Corneschi. 21 Coy “It was one of the best cadet bonding experiences I’ve had and it really represented the spirit of ANZUK”.
Cadet LCpl Donaldson. 19 Coy The trip itself put me out of my comfort zone as I was meeting new people in a different country, but I’m very glad that I went on it because it was great fun.”
2Lt Victoria Hill 19 Coy
During the exercise I experienced many opportunities that were a once in a lifetime experience that I never would’ve done had it not been for army cadets. This included seeing the New Zealand cadet Haka in person and lining the Pool of Reflection at the last post ceremony. The trip was extremely worth it and I would encourage everyone to try to gain this experience.
Cadet Sgt Englishby 20 Coy
On behalf of myself and my fellow cadets, thank you once again for your invaluable contribution to the ANZUK initiative. Your support has left a lasting impact on all of us, and the memories we’ve made will stay with us forever.