Thiepval Memorial

THIS YEAR marks the 100th anniversary of the start of the Battle of the Somme – one of the bloodiest battles of World War One. By its end, the British had lost 420,000, the French 200,000 and the Germans 500,000. The battle raged on for 141 days, starting on July 1, 1916, and ending on November 18, 1916. 

David Folder, a Cadet Warrant Officer of 1284 (Tenby) Sqn, was one of 10 Royal British Legion Standard bearers chosen to be at the Thiepval memorial.

The memorial commemorates the missing of the Somme, with 73,367 names of both Officers and other ranks of the United Kingdom and Commonwealth forces, who have no known grave.

There was a high military and security presence, with the Prince of Wales, the president of France, other members of the Royal Family, the Prime Minister, along with other dignitaries from all over the globe coming to pay their respects.

David, representing Wales, said, “I was truly overwhelmed by the size of the memorial, just being part of the parade was an honour.” David has carried the Welsh National Standard for the Royal British Legion for two years, and last November he was one of the lead standard bearers in the Royal Albert Hall.

The Royal British Legion provides lifelong support for the Armed Forces community, serving men, women, veterans and their families. David has been a member of the Tenby Branch of the RBL for three years, and has carried the standard for five years now, “It’s been such a privilege to carry the standard for the RBL, and I have played witness to the commemoration of people who have sacrificed their today, for our tomorrow.”

Furthermore, on July 7, CWO David Folder was one of only nine cadets in the entire Air Cadet Organisation (ACO) to be selected to fly with the Red Arrows. This was to mark the 75th anniversary of the ACO. The Red Arrows have only ever taken up cadets once before, so this was a flight of a lifetime.

During the flight, the Red Arrows did several fly pasts, changing formation and several steep turns. The flight was a transit from RAF Scampton to RAF Fairford, As the Arrows needed to preposition for RIAT. RIAT (Royal International Air Tattoo) is the world’s largest military airshow. In 2015, a total of 247 aircraft from 19 nations took part in the airshow. The flight lasted 40 mins, travelling at over 400 miles per hour and covering a distance of 150 miles.

The Red Arrows are the RAF Aerobatic Display Team, arguably one of the world’s best display teams , showcasing the skill, speed, agility and precision of the RAF. During their display seasons, they usually perform over 80 shows, along with around 200 flypasts.

The Reds assist greatly with recruitment for the armed forces, and whenever they can, they will engage in public relations, meeting and greeting with the thousands of people who watch their shows. This is to inspire a generation of people to join the Armed Forces, making the job of a Red Arrows Pilot seem achievable and most definitely desirable.

David was chosen from a select few cadets who, earlier this year, were awarded for being the best cadets in the organisation. David was chosen as the best cadet in Wales and West of England Region. The week started with several briefings, instructions on how to use an ejector seat and what to expect if an ejection was to take place, cockpit familiarisation and safety equipment fitting.

When asked about his week with the Reds, David said: “On the first day, we were introduced to Red Eight, Flt Lt Stew Campbell, and after a short meet and greet we were split into groups for our briefings. It was all fascinating, but we had little time to be awestruck as we knew we had to learn everything they taught us.” Learning about the safe usage of the safety equipment was imperative as, in an emergency, the cadets need to quickly and correctly leave the aircraft to prevent injury and death.

14 cadets were shortlisted to fly with the Red Arrows, but with only nine seats, there were some cadets who were going to be disappointed. However, as a consolation prize, they were given a flight in a King Air, a twin Turbo Prop aircraft. “We weren’t told until after our final medical briefing who was successful, and once we were told, the four cadets who were flying in the King Air were carted off as it was waiting for them on the apron. The entire week we were left on tenter hooks not knowing who would fly with the reds,” said David.

David was chosen to fly with Red Three, Flt Lt Si Taylor. Red Three is one of the newest members of the team, – this year is his first display season. “Three is a great pilot, always making sure I knew what was going to happen and demonstrating perfectly how the Reds stay in formation as well as telling me about how the Hawk handled.”

Once landed, there were a mass of reporters and film crew. All of the Cadets and Pilots were whisked away for interviews and pictures. Group Captain Carol Vorderman, the First Female Honorary Ambassador for the Air Cadets, greeted cadets as they exited the aircraft, all the while filming for her up -and -coming TV show, where she will be the ninth woman to have ever flown around the world solo.

The ATC has provided adventurous training for cadets for 75 years, instructing them in flying, gliding, field-craft and weapons training. Cadets have the chance to go on camps to RAF bases where they have the opportunity to learn about life in the RAF, Leadership skills and much more.

The ACO offers academic qualifications such as BTECs in Music, Aviation Studies, public services and the Institute of Leadership and Management. It also offers other skills and qualifications such as the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award, from Bronze to Gold, and it teaches First Aid from basic to advanced level.

However, if you prefer sports, the ACO offers a range of sports such as athletics, rugby, hockey, football and netball to name but a few. These can be done at a Sqn level all the way to a national level, where you will be able to represent the entire UK ACO in your chosen field.

If you’re aged between 12 and 17 and you’re interested in joining Tenby Sqn, then contact AFS Victoria Thomas on oc.1284@ aircadets.org or CWO David Folder on 01646 651635. Parades take place on Mondays and Wednesdays from 7pm until 9pm. Interested parties can also follow the organisation on Facebook at ‘1284.ATC’.

David concluded: ““I would like to say a huge thank you to the Air Cadet Organisation, for without them I wouldn’t be half the person I am today. I think that everyone should go to their local squadron, and just give it a go – you never know what you can get out of it. The ACO opens doors, most of it is fun, some bits difficult, but by pushing through you can realise your potential and rise above it. Per ardua ad astra.”