:: Exercise Southern Cross 2008    31 August 2008   Day 24 Last Night 

The last day before leaving for home always drags. To relieve the boredom we set off for Windsor on a dull and rainy day. We spent the morning site seeing and shopping, packed in the evening and had a final farewell reception. Kind words were spoken and gifts exchanged. Perhaps the most interesting was the presentation to the WAACC Drill Team who won the Drill Competition. RSMI Jo Brocklehurst was so disgusted that she burnt her pace stick and we bottled the ashes and presented them to the winning team. We will try to win them back next year. I think there is another competition that uses a similar format - can't think what though!

It is hard to believe that the visit is over. What more is there to say? Only that you have lived up to the standards of the previous Exercise Southern Cross contingents by being well mannered, attentive and self disciplined. You are a credit to the Western Australia Australian Army Cadet Corps and to your instructors. We look forward to seeing you next year in Australia and to your future visits to the UK.

Major Jenkin Gets Wet In Windsor	Just Because It Says EAT, It Doesn't Mean You Have To EAT	A Final Group Photo	The Presentation Ceremony	Presentation Of The Ashes	The Ashes

:: Exercise Southern Cross 2008    27 August 2008   Day 20 Final Day's Training

Well Annual Camp is rapidly drawing to a close. Stores are being returned and the camp cleaned up. The last of the visiting dignitaries are leaving and everyone is looking forward to going home.

The Lord Lieutenant of Surrey, Mrs Sarah Goad JP, Discusses Southern Cross With Major Michael Jenkin	Major Hayter and Lt Butler Demonstrate That Being Crazy Isn't A Requirement To Join The ACF - But It Does Help	Under Officer Iyer Can Be Seen Preparing For The Escape & Evasion Exercise

:: Exercise Southern Cross 2008    26 August 2008   Day 19   Adventure Training

For the three star cadre, today was their Adventure Training day. On offer was canoeing, kayaking, abseiling, archery and clay pigeon shooting. Everyone seemed to have a great time.

A Dramatic Start To The Day	Robin Who?		Gotcha

Avast Behind!	Letter Home?	You Clip This On Here	Here We Go		Happy Landing

:: Exercise Southern Cross 2008    25 August 2008   Day 18   Just Another Day

During Monday the cadets continued with Army Proficiency Certificate Training supervised by Surrey ACF Staff while the WAACC adult staff slipped away to have a quick look at Salisbury and its magnificent cathedral. The cadets were safe enough and didn't even notice the absence of their Officers. While they were away they also caught sight of the Australian Army Cap Badge cut into the hillside on Salisbury Plain.

Australian Army badge	Proud To Be Australian	Cloistered	Cathedral

:: Exercise Southern Cross 2008    24 August 2008   Day 17   Church Parade

A quiet day for everyone on camp. The day started with a church parade conducted by the Rev Canon Nigel Nicholson and the Rev Nigel Knights Johnson. A good choice of hymns and a singing competition between the adults and cadets provided the background to a thought provoking sermon by Rev Knights Johnson.

Extreme Left: Rev Nigel Knights Johnson Extreme Right: Rev Canon Nigel Nicholson DL Centre: Major Chris White, OC E Company

The County Banner Is Marched Into The Church	The Commandant Reads The Lesson	An Australian Cadet Reads A Lesson	The Cadets Get Into The Spirit Of The Service	Australian Cadets	Enthusiasm

After the service the whole county disappeared to Southsea for the rest of the day. No pictures of the cadets, I'm afraid, they disappeared faster than you could say Woolabrawonga!

WAACC Staff Take A Well Earned Break

:: Exercise Southern Cross 2008    23 August 2008   Day 16   In Camp Training

A good night's sleep, some good food and the training continues.

	A Good Breakfast		Commandant Talks To The Australian Cadets		Capt Knight Walks To Dinner With The Sergeants' Mess

:: Exercise Southern Cross 2008    22 August 2008   Day 15   FTX Day 3 The End

The Australian cadets attached to the three star cadre returned to camp after their 3 day field training exercise. The weather had been very mixed, but not bad enough to spoil the adventure. Everyone, Ozzies and Brits returned to camp ready for a good meal and a long sleep.

The exercise was centred on New Zealand Farm (perhaps it should have been Australia Farm!) and involved patrolling and tabbing across the plain with the inevitable dawn raid at the conclusion. The Australians showed their professionalism and their mettle and were the equal of their UK counterparts.

Tabbing Across The Plain	Salisbury Plain Flat & Featureless & Cold & Wet	Machine Gunner	1000 Yard Stare

On Guard	Lt Stacey & WO1 O'Sullivan	Capt Knight Catches A Few Zs	The Final Assault

Fortunately, all the Australians came back to camp unscathed after a great two nights out on one of the most inhospitable training areas in the country.

:: Exercise Southern Cross 2008    21 August 2008   Day 14   FTX Day 2

Haven't seen much of the Australian cadets for the past 24 hours. They are somewhere on the plain patrolling and preparing for the inevitable dawn raid tomorrow. "Hard as Nails" Hayter was spotted on camp briefly. Will publish some photos when they return tomorrow.

Briefing	Brigadier James Visits The Cadre	Hard as Nails

:: Exercise Southern Cross 2008    20 August 2008   Day 13   FTX Starts Today

A much better day. The weather is warmer and sunnier but threatening rain. No consolation for the Australian Contingent who are off today on a two night three day FTX. Major Hayter, the Cadre Commander, takes no prisoners. "Hard as Nails" Hayter will have them criss-crossing the plain come hell or high water. However, I am sure WO1 O'Sullivan WAACC might have something to say about that.

The cadets spent the morning prepping their kit, loading up with compo rations and generally psyching themselves up for a two day adventure. 

	WO1 O'Sullivan	Learning The Ropes

:: Exercise Southern Cross 2008    19 August 2008   Day 12   Helicopters Galore

A somewhat cold and windy day. However, training went on regardless. Two Chinook helicopters and Lynx turned up to cabby the cadets around the plain. Every cadet on camp has been in the air, and there are more to come. 

Today the three star cadre which includes the Australian Contingent spent most of the day on the ranges shooting. Judging by the photos below it must have been pretty exhausting. 

WAACC Cadets Working In The Butts	ZZZZZZZZZ	Captain Law Snatches A Few Zs

The Australian cadets are melding into their cadre sections very nicely. Tomorrow they start a three day field training exercise on the plain.

One Of The Team	Safety Brief	General Wood Looks Down On Major Jenkin	Another Group - More Safety

Chinooks	A Lynx

:: Exercise Southern Cross 2008    18 August 2008   Day 11   Training Starts

On a cold, windy and miserable day training started in earnest. All cadets and Instructors on camp had to retake their weapon handling tests to ensure they were fully up to date on safety with the weapon. Despite the weather the Australian contingent maintained their cheerfulness and determination. Weapon training, drill and turn out and a ride in a helicopter were on the menu. 

CUO Iyer Supervises		All Good Mates

Oh did I mention it, the Australian contingent walked away with the drill competition prize in a hotly contested fight. What a way to end the day.

New Aussie Headgear	Make 'Em 'Ave It	A Clear Winner

:: Exercise Southern Cross 2008    17 August 2008   Day 10   Arrival At Westdown Camp

Today was the day we headed for the delights of Surrey ACF's Annual Camp. Two weeks of fun and frolics at Westdown Camp on Salisbury Plain Training Area. One of the biggest in the UK. The transport turned up on time. The cadets arrived when they were expected and after a lot of shouting and hollering everyone ended up with a billet and a bed-space. Bliss! The weather was mixed but threatening rain and the outgoing contingent reported inclement weather on the way! Anyway - as we always say, "If it ain't rainin', it ain't trainin'. Apologies for the late posting of this bulletin - we had a bit of trouble with the technology. Broadband was Noband for a short while. 

:: Exercise Southern Cross 2008    16 August 2008   Day 9   A Break & A Nice Slow Day

Annual Camp is looming on the horizon, so today was spent getting ready for camp, sorting out clothing, laundry and some shopping in Guildford. It was nice to take everything in slow time. The weather over the past week has been incredibly kind to us. When it rained we were indoors and when we were outdoors the rain held off and sometimes the sun shone. In other words, a typical English Summer. Today the sun shone during the day but it clouded over in the evening with a slight cool breeze, just enough to keep the Western Australia flag fluttering lazily. 

Guildford High Street	Room	Inspection

In the evening, as a reward for an above average room inspection, we went down to the Wey Inn for some relaxation. Don't worry, it was soft drinks all round. Major Jenkin discovered that the Landlord of the Wey Inn was working aboard the ship that originally carried him to Australia - how spooky is that. 

A Little Pool	Not Sure This Is How You Play The Game	The Coke's Drill Is Better Than The Cadet's!	Major Jenkin With Landlord Of The Wey Inn

Tomorrow we will all be off to Westdown Camp on Salisbury Plain for two weeks of adventure. I hear we are expecting no less that five helicopters to visit us. Brilliant.

:: Exercise Southern Cross 2008    15 August 2008   Day 8   The Kings Troop & The Tower Of London

An early start today for the two hour trek into London to visit The Kings Troop, Royal Horse Artillery who were preparing for their duty as the Queen's Life Guard. We were hosted by Captain Alex Markwick who described the role and duties of the Kings Troop and showed us around the Barracks. A fantastic morning.

The Kings Troop Prepares to Mount Guard	Troop Sergeant	Capt Markwick Addresses The Group	In The Gun Room

Inspecting The Tack Room		The Blacksmith's Shop	Saying Thank You

A quick dash across London to visit the famous Tower completed another exciting day. 

Tower of London

:: Exercise Southern Cross 2008    14 August 2008   Day 7   The Historic Ships

At last a quiet day. We left Farncombe at 0800 hours and arrived at Portsmouth for 1000 hours to see Britain's historic ships: The Mary Rose, The Victory and HMS Warrior. Included was a harbour tour by boat that proved conclusively that the rumour our navy comprised two canoes and a rigid raider was untrue! We saw two aircraft carriers, destroyers, frigates and many support vessels. A great day out.

The Traditional Group Photo In Front Of HMS Victory	The Staff	The Weather Deck Of The Victory	A Fine Group Of Men	The Australian Army's New Combat Kit

HMS Warrior In The Background	Captain Law Shows Off His New Hat. The Motto - "The Captains Word Is Law"		HMS Illustrious Plus Warships With The Spinnaker Tower In The Background

:: Exercise Southern Cross 2008    13 August 2008   Day 6   The Battlefield Tour

Serre and the Thiepval Memorial

Pozieres & Moquet Farm

Australian 1st Division Memorial

Adelaide Cemetery

Serried Ranks Of Australian Graves	& Other Allied Graves	Major Hopkin & Major Jones

Villers-Bretonneux

The Australian War Memorial site given to Australia by France in perpetuity. An awesome and fitting memorial to Australia's sons.

Honouring Sgt Mead	The Memorial	The Ceremony	The Ceremony	After The Ceremony

and finally after two exhausting days the journey back to the UK by Eurostar

A Small Presentation	Boarding The Eurostar	Boarding The Eurostar

:: Exercise Southern Cross 2008    12 August 2008   Day 5   The Battlefield Tour

The next two days were to be spent on the Somme and at Ypres where the Australian Imperial Force fought in the Great War. The tour Our guides were Lt Col John Ross TD (former Deputy Commandant of Surrey ACF) a military historian and Major Simon Hopkin (Cadet Executive Officer) and retired Professional Soldier (a Gunner, for his sins!). 

Nothing could prepare the young cadets for the poignant and emotional experience they were about to undergo. Seeing the ground over which their forebears fought, visiting the cemeteries where those who fell were buried, witnessing how young many were who gave their lives in the cause of freedom. The magnitude of those events can only truly be gauged on the ground. Row after row of grave stones, cemetery after cemetery, monument after monument. Hearing the tales of heroism, of comradeship, of triumph snatched from near defeat, of defeat itself is sobering and humbling. Let the following pictures tell their own tale, but, be proud of your young men for the dignity they displayed at the Menin Gate and at Villers-Bretonneux when honouring their brave countrymen. 

Polygon Wood and the 5th Australian Division

On Our Way	Lt Col Ross Explains The Battle At Polygon Wood	Australian 5th Division Memorial	Contemplation	Polygon Wood Cemetery

Sanctuary Wood and the Trenches

Major Hopkin Describes Trench Warfare	Concentration	A Good Use For An Old Bunker	Lt Col Ross Shows The Remains Of A Mine Crater	Langemark German Cemetery

Tyne Cot Cemetery

Dinner In Ypres & The Menin Gate

Major Jenkin Reads The Oath At The Menin Gate	Laying The Wreath	Paying Homage	After The Ceremony

Once the formalities were over off we went to our Hotel - only to be greeted with another dinner - oh no!!!!

Not Another Dinner!

:: Exercise Southern Cross 2008    11 August 2008   Day 4   The Duck Tour, The Guards & Number 10

Up with the lark, thirty of us showering using five tiny showers, packing up our kit and then breakfast on board. The start of another busy day. A quick farewell to Steve the concierge on board the Belfast, another photo opportunity on the Quarterdeck, then off.

At 0900 hours we were picked up by a London Duck Tours DUKW driven by Paul for a journey across London to Wellington Barracks and a reunion with Major David Sewell of the Guards.

Breakfast	On Board HMS Belfast	The Duck	The New WAACC Walking Out Dress	Major Sewell Does His Stuff

Major Sewell explained the variations in the uniforms of the different Guards Regiments and how the parade and inspection was organised. A fascinating talk. We watched as the Guards formed up and marched on parade, bayonets fixed and  bands playing. One the Guards had left Wellington Barracks we followed them to Buckingham Palace to see the Changing of the Guard. The crowds were huge, many showing more interest in the Australian cadets than the real show. Then it was off to Downing Street for a quick peek at Number 10.

The Guards Prepare For Parade	The Band of the Coldstream Guards	Major Sewell Addresses the Cadets

Downing Street, the heart of the nation, the powerhouse of Great Britain. Guess what? It was covered in the most exotic of scaffolding and fabulously colourful cones. Must have a word with Mr Brown. I thought they might have waited until WAACC had left. Never mind. We made the most of it. The main thing is all the other tourists thought we were something really important. A quick word with the Constable in Charge and we were in. Cameras flashing and big grins all over our faces.

Australian Staff	The Group At No 10	UK Staff

Once that was over, we legged it across the river to the South Bank to meet our sponsors London Duck Tours for a tour of the City and sail down the River Thames. Absolutely brilliant! Many thanks to LDT for making this possible.

All Aboard The Skylark		A Life On The Ocean Wave

The afternoon finished with a visit to the Imperial War Museum where the Trench Experience set the cadets up for the Battlefield Tour of Ypres and the Somme which was to commence the next day.

The Imperial War Museum (Nick Fraser)

A truly great time was had by all. A quick nights sleep and then up at 0330hrs for the Battlefield Tour.

:: Exercise Southern Cross 2008    10 August 2008   Day 3   On The Range & HMS Belfast

Following the weapons training we did yesterday, the contingent moved out to the Electric Target Range at Pirbright to fire the weapon live. The weather was kind to us - the sun shone and there was a cool breeze. Just in passing, in the friendly competition on the shooting range the best shot was a Brit with 14 out of a possible 15 hits - me!  Just thought I'd get that in seeing as we are doing quite well in the Olympics too. 

More later. The contingent is now away for 24 hours in London. We will be spending the night on HMS Belfast and visiting Wellington barracks, Downing Street and the Imperial War Museum. And, let's not forget the London Duck Tour - our sponsors for the London Trip.

The visit to HMS Belfast was absolutely awesome. Emma gave us a fascinating educational presentation on the ship's history. We had a fantastic look all over the ship and spent the night on one of the sailors' mess decks. many thanks to Mr John Bigos of London Duck Tours for sponsoring this fantastic look at life afloat.

Jet Lag	Emma Does Her Stuff	Flash Harry	Taking It Easy	Avast Behind!

After the tour of the boat it was off to Pizza On The Dock for dinner. On the way we had a photo opportunity near Tower Bridge. Every tourist in London wanted his/her photo taken with the Ozzies. Pity about the rain.

Six Big Beast pizzas and loads of soft drinks for dinner. Sorry mums and dads. Better food tomorrow! Then it was off to bed.

We Laid On A Special Raising Of Tower Bridge	Posing In The Rain A Tourist Attraction In Its Own Right	Pizza On The Dock	Hey, The Aussies Brought A Sheila With Them!	Can You Imagine Getting Through 6 Big Beast Pizzas

The Rain Stopped Just As We Left The Restaurant (On The Right Of The Picture)	Hello Shipmates	Cadet Sgt Boroman	Cadet C/Sgt Tresman	Captain Knight, Off Cdt Aroskin, Sgt Parrott & Major Jenkin

At 2130 hours we were locked in the ship for the night. I now know why a sailor's life is not for me! The cadets had a really great time and once lights out was called everyone zonked out totally exhausted.

:: Exercise Southern Cross 2008    9 August 2008   Day 2  Training Starts

One of the most important factors in life is a good breakfast and one of the best sources of a good breakfast is the British Army. You can't beat a full English - maybe with a bit of Vegemite. Vege-what?!  Who better to provide it than Captain Cooney and his band of peripatetic chefs. The Australian cadets are bearing up well. The jet lag is slowly wearing off after a good night's sleep.

What better after a good breakfast than a couple of hours weapons training. Major Jones and his team spent the morning passing on their skills with the Cadet GP Rifle. All the cadets and adults passed the assessment with flying colours. Then, out into the field for a rapid introduction to patrolling and ambushing. The weather, which was great in the morning, turned cold and rainy in the afternoon. Nevertheless, the patrolling exercise with blank ammunition sort of took the cadet's minds off the rain.

	Getting To Grips With The Rifle	Cdt Sgt Boroman Instructs On The Cadet Rifle	Capt Law & WO1O'Sullivan Look on	Safety Precautions

More Safety		C/Sgt Tresman & Cdt Sgt Boraman	2Lt Cox	Too Much Cammo

One of the most exciting events for a cadet is to participate in a field training exercise. Following instruction by 2Lt Natalie Cox the Australian cadets sprang and ambush on their unwitting Instructors. The noise was unbelievable.

The Ambush		The Enemy

After the exercise was over the whole party returned to the WETC for a good roast dinner followed by a session of Ten Pin Bowling at the Spectrum Centre in Guildford. A really great night. The score: UK Officers 1 - Australia Officers 1, an honourable draw.

:: Exercise Southern Cross 2008    8 August 2008   Day 1  Arrival

Well, we didn't promise good weather and we didn't get it. On the way to the airport we went through an absolute torrent of rain. Royal Brunei came up trumps and landed the Australian party 50 minutes ahead of schedule giving the UK reception committee kittens in the process. The thought of 22 jet lagged Australians loose at Heathrow Airport in the early hours was too much to contemplate! Only kidding folks. Our own Sergeant Major Paul Butler (a big wig at Heathrow) was behind the scenes keeping his eye on them.

Welcome	To	Britain

Fortunately the weather cleared in time to man the buses and make our way to the Surrey Army Cadets Weekend Training Centre at Farncombe. After settling in and a good brunch provided by Captain Brendon Cooney, SMI Stephen Roots and SSI Cheryl Gardner, the cadets set about collecting equipment for the forthcoming weekend training. You parents out there can be sure that your cadets are being well looked after. 

We've Arrived	And To Prove It	We're	Here

RSM Briefs The Troops	Hello Mum	LO

	When I Was Your Size I Could Do This By Myself		Erm, I Think This Fiddly Bit Goes Here	Captain Cooney Discusses Brunch With Major Jenkin

  A short break, some PT and a visit to Farncombe to keep the troops awake. That Major Jenkin is something else! Who invited him along. On the way back to the WETC we visited the memorial to Mr Jack Phillips, a Farncombe man and the signaller on the Titanic who went down with the ship while still sending out a frantic SOS. Very impressive. Roll on bed-time.

	PT Anyone	Physical Jerks!	Jack Phillips' Memorial