E Company News
E Company
Peak Trek 20th Anniversary
8th – 10th June 2007
Imagine my delight when I was asked by E company’s Commanding Officer Major MJ Davanna, if as a founder member of E company Peak Trek I would like to come on the 20th Anniversary trip.
Major Davanna, Captain Bradbury (D of E Officer), SI Crosby, 25 Cadets and myself set off at 18:30 from Corby heading towards Mandale farm, Monyash Derbyshire Peak District.
We Arrived at approx 22:00 to be welcomed with hot drinks and biscuits served by TSMI Stew (Fossil) Travis who had, as always, travelled on the advanced party with his team; SSI Machin, SI Fox and SI Smith. They had put up all of the tentage and cook-houses ready for our arrival. After tea and bikkies, all went to bed around 23:30
We awoke to the sounds of the birds singing and the smell of bacon and eggs cooking, along with sausages and beans and various cereals. A good breakfast was enjoyed by all.
The cadets were then squaded into 3 groups: 2 x 8 and 1 x 9. The first group was led by Captain Davanna and SI Smith, the second was led by SSI Machin and SI Crosby and the third was led by SI Fox and Captain Bradbury.
After route cards, map and compass issue and sun block, the groups were transported to the drop off points.
On the walk the cadets learnt about the country code, back bearings, plotting positions and basic map and compass work for more junior cadets. It was a very hot day, temperatures in the high 20’s, so we had a couple of water replenishments on route.
The cadets all completed the 11 miles, except one lad who had suffered from the weather and after 8 miles finished the walk in the minibus. Well Done ALL!
They arrived back in camp, hot, sweaty and tired. After hot showers, a change of clothes and a hot meal, they still had enough energy for a couple of hours down time where they played games and socialised with other groups on the camp site.
Around 23:00, it was time for heads down. The cadets went to bed and the adults had a well deserved cup of coffee whilst putting the wrongs of the world to rights.
Sunday morning we were up at 06:30, again to a hot full English, prepared and cooked by the company Commander and SMI Travis.
After breakfast we broke camp, packed all kit and tentage away and cleared the campsite. It was then off to Castleton Water where the cadets had a couple of hours to walk round the lake, visit the craft fair for souvenirs and nick nacks to take home. They had a packed lunch by the lake. After lunch we departed for home locations, arriving back mid afternoon.
All the cadets enjoyed the weekend; it was a nice break before annual camp.
Well done to E Company, and here’s to the next 20 years.
JA McIntyre JP
RSMI
LN&R Army Cadet Force
