:: Exercise Southern Cross 2006 

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Diary                  Programme                Instructors

:: D-Day +20 Onwards     Goodbye Australia

Well the final days of the Australian visit saw the cadets participating in adventure training activities. Climbing, abseiling, archery, paint-balling and sailing. No photos, I’m sorry to say, because I wasn’t allowed to go! Nevertheless, the cadets had a really great time and we managed not to break any. Oh, yes and another flight in a helicopter, this time a Gazelle.

The final day at camp was spent relaxing, packing and generally preparing for the trip back to Farncombe. A small party was held on Tuesday evening for everyone involved in the organisation of the trip to reminisce about the visit, the friends they had made and the things they had seen. Col Blowers waxed lyrical about the benefits of the UK/Australia Exchange and hoped that it would continue for many years. Colonel Berkshire replied in his inimitable style and showered his hosts with all manner of things. It was brilliant, albeit tinged with a little sadness that it was nearly all over.

The next day the bus pulled out and headed east for Surrey at the beginning of the long trip home.

A day to get their lives in order, some sightseeing in London and then a very early start for Heathrow Airport. By the time you read this your young Australians will be well on the way home, tired, exhausted probably, but having had an experience of a lifetime.

:: D-Day +17 Onwards     Dartmoor

Since the last bulletin the Australian contingent has really found out what is meant by the ACF battle cry, “If it ain’t rainin’, it ain’t trainin’” Two wet and miserable nights on Dartmoor introduced them to the vagaries of the English weather. However, as they have shown many times during their visit the Ozzies rose to the occasion and put up a spirited performance, participating in patrolling activities by day and night, culminating in a dawn raid on a heavily fortified position. All went well, apart form Captain Law disappearing down an eight foot hole and having to be retrieved by his patrol. WO1 O’Sullivan commented, “I’ve soldiered in some tough places in my time but Dartmoor is something else!” Let's face it, they didn't build a prison on Dartmoor for nothing!

Returning to camp wet and bedraggled, the cadets were no worse for their experience and were looking forward to their next challenges the climbing wall, abseiling and waterman-ship.

Before that the Cadet Under Officers were guests of the Surrey ACF Officers‘ Mess at their Regimental Dinner Night on camp. The evening was a great success with the strains of “Waltzing Matilda” echoing endlessly around the mess during the evening and Under Officer Ashleigh Brady celebrated her birthday with a rousing chorus from all the Mess. The Commandant made reference to the outstanding quality of the Australian Cadets and to the value and benefit of the Exchange Programme.

As the visit approaches its end, we can’t believe how quickly it has all passed by. It doesn’t seem five minutes since the first meeting at Heathrow Airport.

The final posting for Exercise Southern Cross will be made in a couple of days so keep calling back.

:: D-Day +10 Onwards    At Annual Camp

Apologies for being out of touch for so long. Modern technology does not seem to extend to the Military Training Camps in the UK. Despite frantic efforts to connect to the web using GPRS, 3G, mobile phones and other modern miracles it appears that a forked stick is as far as we have got at Fremington! Courtesy of the Library in Barnstaple (I hear you ask, where?) I have been able to plug into cyberspace to bring you the latest bulletin.

The weather in North Devon has taken a decided turn for the worst. Cool with occasional showers, outlook similar, the promise of a heat wave in August has evaporated. The Australian cadets have taken to wearing a UK combat jacket over their Australian uniform less as a fashion item and more practically to keep themselves warm! Nevertheless, spirits are high and they have been engaged fully in the training programme. To date they have continued their familiarisation with the Cadet GP rifle and have fired the weapon during section battle drill exercises and on the live firing range. They have flown in a Chinook helicopter (the big jobby with the twin rotors) and at present they are in the middle of a two night field training exercise on Dartmoor sampling the  delights of UK composite (compo) rations (or meals ready to eat as the Yanks call them). The weather on Dartmoor is decidedly unfriendly now and turning very wintery. No worries, the staff are well used to working in these conditions and the cadets will be quite safe.

The visit still has several days to go and there is much more adventure ahead for the cadets.

I will post another bulletin before the end of camp, courtesy of Barnstaple library. Keep looking.

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:: D-Day +9      Sunday 13 Aug 2006      Off To Annual Camp

On a wet and blustery Sunday morning the Exercise Southern Cross cadets mustered on the parade square at Farncombe. Joined by cadets from the Farncombe Detachment, they set off by coach for the long trek to North Devon. Major Mulder and Captain Jim Newbury coordinated the movement of the coaches. Eventually everyone reached camp safely.

By contrast to Surrey, the weather in Devon was warm, dry and occasionally sunny. Perfect weather for a busy annual camp. At home, the drought broke with a vengeance. Eight hours of torrential rain flooded roads, disrupted traffic and caused mayhem throughout the region. Why does it always happen just when you can't help out at home?

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:: D-Day +8      Saturday 12 Aug 2006      At Last A Quiet Day!

Not much happened today. I think everyone was pleased for a rest and the chance to prepare for Annual Camp. The Surrey cadets who had helped out during the week made their way home. As the Western Australia flag flew proudly in the ever increasing wind and the weather started to turn cold and threatened rain, a huge pile of laundry headed for the launderette and we all went shopping in Guildford.

Thanks to Captain Brendon Cooney, SSI Cheryl Gardener and David who have done so well in the kitchen feeding the Southern Cross contingent, despite the odd hiccup in timings.

Reports may become more sporadic hereon in as the internet links at camp depend on mobile phones and signal strengths. I will try to keep you up to date as best I can.

:: D-Day +7      Friday 11 Aug 2006      Changing The Guard And Other Military Adventures

Tempus fugit. Exercise Southern Cross 2006 is one week old today. It can't be possible, especially with so much more to do and see. Friday was the big one as guests of the Guards at Wellington Barracks and the Royal Horse Artillery at St John's Wood.

First the Guards. Major David Sewell kindly looked after us at Wellington Barracks and described the history of the barracks and the local area. He explained the intricacies of the Guard Mounting and the various protocols, customs and traditions of the different Guards Regiments. What a privilege to be allowed to see the Guards prepare for their duties inside the railings at Wellington Barracks. We were watched by a huge crowd of tourists, including many Australians, who wondered who we were and what we were doing.

After the Guard left Wellington Barracks we pursued them to Buckingham Palace to see the ceremony there. Unfortunately we weren't allowed inside the railings so had to take our chances with the tourists. The crowds were huge and we didn't get much of a view, however, there was a great buzz and the tourists were as much interested in the Australian cadets as in the Guard Mounting!

On to visit Kings Troop, The Royal Horse Artillery at their Headquarters in St John's Wood. What a place. If this is soldiering you could be tempted to join tomorrow. Captain Katherine Monk, resplendent in her blues,  was our host and what an enthusiast. She showed us every aspect of the Troop. Stables, riding school, veterinary surgery, the guns followed by a cool video in the Officer's Mess. This was a great visit.

Saying goodbye to St Johns Wood Barracks we fought the traffic to try to get to the Tower of London before it closed for the night. We were unlucky. The traffic was horrendous and we arrived too late, despite the help given to us by a car park attendant who squeezed our three minibuses into his already full car park. 

We meandered around the outside of the Tower where Major Jenkin demonstrated his outstanding knowledge of British history and acted as tour guide. The tourists photographed our group at every turn! Onto Tower Bridge and down to get a close look at HMS Belfast a museum ship moored opposite the Tower. The group hope to visit the Tower later during their stay. I hope they get there, it is an outstanding attraction.

At last a rest at Pizza on the Dock in St Katherine's Dock, a prestigious yuppie development. The cadets demolished six big beast pizzas in less time than it took to lock the Tower of London!

Finally, the 'piece de resistance', we entered the Tower of London to witness the ancient 'Ceremony of the Keys'. The Tower is a spooky place during the day, but at night it is something else. A Yeoman Warder guided us into the Tower and explained in great detail the ritual that has been carried out every night for the past 700 years. We had to be totally silent and no photographs were allowed (so I have retrieved some off the internet.) 

At last, exhausted after a very long day, we made our way back to Surrey and the delights of the Weekend Training Centre.

:: D-Day +6      Thur 10 Aug 2006      Somewhere In London

Today was a day for relaxing after the hectic Battlefield Tour. But, did our pommie hosts let us relax? No. Just joking! The day started well: a mega-breakfast from the Cooney Kitchen Crowd followed by an amazingly quick journey into Central London during the rush hour. We arrived at the Imperial War Museum shortly after 0900 hrs. It doesn't open until 10:00! No photos I'm afraid as I had to dash off and complete the recce for tomorrow. Anyway, just imagine a big building crammed to the rafters with hundreds of years of militaria, from uniform buttons to ships guns, and you might just get an idea of how interesting the place really is.

After the IWM, we proceeded at UK standard marching pace to Waterloo where we caught an old WW2 DUKW amphibious craft for a land and water sight seeing tour of London - the Duck Tour.

After the exhilarating ride in the DUKW, we went to the London Eye, also situated on the Embankment at Waterloo. This too was a great experience seeing London from the 'air'.

:: D-Day +4 & +5      Tues & Wed 8 & 9 Aug 2006      The Western Front

After a lightening tour of the Western Front and a late return to England I am going to let the photos do most of the talking. No-one could fail to be moved by the evidence of the supreme sacrifice made by all the combatants in the Great War. 

The battlefield tour covered Ypres and the Somme on the Western Front. Led by our gallant Deputy Commandant, Lt Col John Ross, and Cadet Executive Officer, Major Simon Hopkin, we were given an insight into the strategy and tactics of the Great War as well as seeing for ourselves its horrific cost. Evocative names such as Polygon Wood, Tyne Cot, etc added to our lexicon of Great War vocabulary. We saw the trenches where men lived and died, we saw where they were buried and we witnessed for ourselves the reverence and respect with which those ordinary men are now treated in their last resting place. The cadets laid wreathes to the memory of the men of Australia  at the Menin Gate in Ypres and at the hugely impressive Australian War Memorial on the Somme. Australia you would have been proud of the way these young people approached the ceremonies with dignity and respect beyond their years.

:: D-Day +3      Mon 7 Aug 2006      Historic Dockyards at Portsmouth

A lazy start to an exciting day. The weather was kind; cloudy but warm with a threat of rain. We set out at 0800 hrs for the famous naval dockyard at Portsmouth. An amazing run through the rush hour traffic saw us arrive at HMS Dreadnought naval base where we parked our minibuses, courtesy of the Officer of the Day, because the jobs-worth wouldn't let us park on the Historic Ships car park. Thank you Royal Marines, who said inter-service co-operation was a myth?

What a choice when got there. First off, a tour of HMS Victory, Nelson's flag ship at the Battle of Trafalgar and still the oldest commissioned warship in the world. One hour was not enough. Absolutely amazing.

Following the Victory we visited the Mary Rose ship hall and museum, the Warrior (the first iron warship) and the innumerable other attractions at the dock yards. A quick "cut lunch" horror bag and we were off on the harbour tour where most of the UK navy seemed to be in dock. HMS Illustrious was in port along with HMS Liverpool and many others.

We jumped ship at Gun-key Wharf to go shopping before we headed back to the delights of the Week End Training centre at Farncombe.

Back in a couple of days after the battlefield tour. See you soon.

:: D-Day +2      Sun 6 Aug 2006      More Training & An Old Relic

Today the visitors did more of what they did yesterday but with tests. The weather was really pleasant. Sunny with some cloud cover and a nice cool breeze, maximum temperature about 28C. The shelter of the trees was really helpful. Everyone passed their safety assessment on the Cadet GP Rifle. We had hoped to fire blank ammunition but the weather has been so dry that there was a pyro ban to prevent the training area from catching fire.

The party stayed out in the woods until early afternoon learning patrolling, observation and camouflage. For lunch the visitors had their first taste of a UK Horror Bag. "These are better than the ones we have at home," shouted a still lone voice. Well done Captain Cooney (our Catering Officer). 

To round off the day we set out in the late afternoon to visit the UK excuse for "Ayres Rock". Not quite on the same scale, we visited Stonehenge, the famous stone circle built thousands of years ago for reasons no one can quite figure out and how they did it no one can figure out. A bit like the Cadet Forces really, I suppose!

It was an impressive monument  and even the most blasé cadet could not fail to be impressed by this enigma. After a short tour we mounted the minibuses and set off for Farncombe for another of the Catering Platoon mega-meals.

Many thanks to the staff who helped out at the weekend - SI Mai Robinson, CSM Jim Drapper and SSI Charmain Turner - giving up their free time to assist. Everyone really appreciates your help.

Oh and we mustn't forget the UK cadets who have given up their week to  help as well. The Ant and Dec of Surrey ACF Cadet Lance Corporal Boraman and Cadet Lance Corporal Leary. Our Cadet RSM Chris Roper a veteran of Southern Cross 2005 as well as Cadet Corporal Mark Bristow (nice haircut Mark!) also from Southern Cross 2005.

:: D-Day +1      Sat 5 Aug 2006     Training Starts Today

Our Australian friends have only been here twenty-four hours yet it seems they have been here for months. We all enjoyed another of the Catering Platoon mega-big breakfasts. Who brought the Vegemite? Yes, it was him again, that Major Jenkin. Many of the cadets have taken a liking to fried black pudding - bet they don't know what's in it! In England we say that a good breakfast sets you up for the day. The amount the Aussies eat they should be set up for a week! Only kidding guys. But, Captain Cooney did have to send out for extra sausages today.

Our main training aim today was to make the Australian cadets proficient in handling the Cadet GP Rifle, so that at Annual Camp they can take part in all the same activities as the Surrey cadets. We spent most of the morning at the headquarters stripping, cleaning and assembling the rifle, followed by loading unloading and making safe. What fast learners. Taught by a mixture of senior cadet NCOs and Adult Instructors, the Australian cadets very quickly picked up the key safety procedures and were becoming quite proficient. Late morning Colonel Andrew Blowers, our Commandant, arrived to see the visitors and during his visit we had a group photograph in the baking heat. 

After another mega-feast at lunchtime we went out to the Elstead Training Area where we continued our introduction to the rifle. The temperature during the day reached 31C and the shade of the trees on the training area was very welcome. The weather is forecast to be even hotter later in the week.

After a pleasant couple of hours out in the UK woodland we made our way back to the Headquarters for yet another mega-feast. Meals were turning up faster than on an international airliner. However, for Captain Jason Law there was the pleasure of discovering profiteroles for the first time. Death by chocolate!!

To while away some of the evening we all went 10 pin bowling at the Guildford Spectrum Bowl. Who turned out to be the best bowler? Yes you guessed it -  that Major Jenkin again! And who was the cadet that bought a £15 bicycle wheel pizza after already scoffing three Brendon Cooney mega-meals?

What a day. How fast it went. And, what stars the Australian cadets are. 

:: D-Day      Fri 4 Aug 2006      The Aussies Have Landed

On a cool August morning with a bright red sky, following their mammoth 22 hour flight from Perth in Australia to the UK, the Exercise Southern Cross contingent landed at Heathrow Airport bang on time. Resplendent in their blue travelling gear the party broke all records in clearing the baggage hall, customs and immigration. After a short pause to wait for transport, the party boarded the fleet of minibuses and headed for Surrey ACF Headquarters.

After a break to bed themselves in the party tucked into a huge brunch provided courtesy of the Surrey ACF Catering Platoon and in particular Chef SSI Cheryl Gardener. Following brunch, organisation for the rest of the visit was the priority as well as struggling to stay awake after hours in the sky. Who said it was good idea to play football. Blame Major Jenkin. It seemed like a good idea at the time.

The day was spent chilling out, exploring the local neighbourhood and yes (Dr Weaver) they found the memorial to Mr Jack Phillips the senior radio operator on the Titanic. Interestingly many other neighbourhood features are also named after this local hero.

A barbeque in the late afternoon, a meeting with some old friends from Southern Cross 2005 and the day slowly turned to night. There were plenty of sore eyes by bed time. An early night to recharge the batteries and a new day to look forward. Below some images of the day. Click to enlarge.

:: D-Day -1     Thur 3 Aug 2006      Our Guests Are On Their Way

The contingent of Australian Army Cadets who are visiting Surrey ACF left Perth at 12:40 local time by Royal Brunei Airways and arrived at Heathrow at 05:55 UK time on Friday 4th August. Their departure was caught on camera by Dr Paul Weaver of the Western Australia Army Cadet Corps. Great pictures Paul!

Flying in a Boeing 767-300, the party enjoyed a lunch on board before landing, after a 5 hour flight, at Bandar Seri Begawan in Brunei.

After a brief stop, the flight from Brunei to Heathrow took off at 19:30 local time and took 17 hours 25 minutes to reach London. At Heathrow the party was met by Major Alan Mulder, Captain Jim Newbury and CSM Chris Ridgers and transported (hope that's the right word) to the Surrey ACF Weekend Training Centre and Headquarters at Farncombe in Surrey.

We hope the flight was enjoyable girls and boys because the next week is going to be an exhausting round of visits and excursions.