The 500th affiliation between the Royal British Legion and the Cadet Forces was celebrated in style at a ceremony with Burghfield Air Cadets, near Reading.
In front of veterans and proud parents, the cadets formed up before being addressed by their Commanding Officer, Flight Lieutenant Danny Norcross and long term supporter and Burghfield RBL President Air Commodore Jack Frost CBE DFC FL RAF (Ret’d). Following the exchange of affiliation certificates, a cake was cut in style using a ceremonial sword before the cadets and veterans had a chance to talk about their experiences.
The affiliation between the 2 groups allows members of the British Legion to work more closely with the local Air Cadets and for the Cadets to take an active interest in the Royal British Legion, with the possibility that they may join the organisation as members sometime in the future.
Wing spokesman, Squadron Leader Mark Trevena was on hand to witness the 500th Affiliation “the cadets here at Burghfield have had a fantastic year – firstly a reclassification to Squadron, being judged most improved Squadron in the South West, winning a major Wing sports competition and now this groundbreaking affiliation – this is Squadron that will continue to grow and grow under their CO, staff & civilian committee.
Branch spokesman Major (Ret’d) Mark Shaw-Brookman added “It was a wonderful evening that was extremely well attended not only by the cadets and my members but also by parents. I am very proud of the way that the squadron has turned itself around which, in no small part, is due to Danny’s enthusiasm”.