CHINDIT CAMP
By David Cole
Location: Exmoor National Park
Date: 5-11 July 2014
This year marked the 60th Anniversary of Chindit Camp,
so was a memorable milestone. Once again, it proved
highly successful, even though Exmoor gave us its usual
treatment, weather-wise: heavy showers in the first few days
taught the Cadets the reasons for pitching tents correctly and
carrying waterproofs!
With well-tried schemes like 'Ditch Delight,' 'Blindfold Drop'
and 'Hidden Danger' to test some of the skills they have learnt
over the year, the Chindits quickly rose to the increasing
challenges over the first few days.
Chindit Camp is definitely not just a walk in the park. Even
before they start, the Chindits have to put up base camp tents
for sleeping and cooking. Divided into three sections they also
have to cook their own meals - and for some wash up for the
first time in their lives! Two mini 24-hour camping expeditions
were carried out in the valley of Dane's Brook, but for many,
'Night Fright' is the highlight of the week: trying to sneak past
NCOs guarding two post boxes in the dark.
The three section commanders, Lotti Cannons, Harry CooperSimpson and Charlie Clough proved themselves excellent
leaders. Charlie's Red Section were crowned winners, having
successfully conquered all to become rulers of Exmooria!
Camps
firing 60 rounds onto the enemy position. After the exercise we
did some final dry training, rehearsing harbour drills.
Our last day on camp was one of rest and relaxation. In the
morning we walked about 8km of the beautiful South West Coast
Path, and were rewarded with lunch in Padstow and then a trip
to the beach. Camp concluded with the falling out parade, during
which a number of presentations were made. Conrad Garbutt
was honoured for his commitment to CCF over the last two
years. Alicia Mileham was awarded Cadet of the Week - well
deserved, as she threw herself into all the activities with gusto.
And Alexander Brown was awarded NCOs' choice - awarded
by the NCOs to the Cadet who contributed the most during the
week to the general morale and smooth-running of the camp.
These awards were the icing on the cake, after a week in which
all Cadets learned an enormous amount, and came away with a
huge sense of achievement.
Oliver Gibbon and Devell Stevens wash up at the end of camp
Lucie Waddon takes aim during section attack drills
The Cadets on ieldcraft day
Chindit winning team of Alex Carter, Angus Crouch, Dan Bernado, Tom Potter,
Ollie Martin, Gemma Bulbarian, Charlie Clough, Jake Eyers and Oscar Willis
Blue Section waiting for a lift after the successful mission: James Dee, Ben
Bamber, Lotti Cannons and Daniel Luedicke
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