Following weeks of training and preparation, on the 23 March, a group of nine cadets from our Combined Cadet Force embarked on a trip to compete in the annual Combat Cadet Competition.
The first day was an early start for the cadets, waking up at 5.00 am to start the day’s activities. During the course of the day, the team partook in numerous pursuits to test their military knowledge and skills. The activities included the tactical stands of withdrawal under fire and casualty evacuation, as well as a planned section attack. However, one of the day’s highlights had to be the house-clearing stand, as this skill the cadets seldom get to practice. The morning was challenging, but the afternoon brought even more stands, including a weapons familiarisation stand, which the cadets much enjoyed. The last stand of the day was the 1.6-mile run whilst carrying their rifle. The Bedford School team excelled at this and a special mention must go to Fifth Former Ben Giles who flew round the course in a mere 10 minutes! After which, everyone collapsed into their beds, anticipating another hard day.
On the second day came the most exciting part of the exercise, in which every team took part in a joint attack on the village. The teams were graded either Bronze, Silver or Gold depending on how they scored over the weekend. When the prize-giving ceremony came, they hoped to have improved on last year’s silver and were thrilled to be awarded gold; not only that, but they came third overall, a truly great achievement. Well done to Felix Hill and Izzy, and the team for all their efforts.
