Squadron lands cadet awards

THE Australian Air League Cranbourne squadron has taken out three awards in the annual state group review.
The Victorian squadrons met recently to compete in a variety of drills, athletics and uniform competitions, with the Cranbourne team cleaning up.
The squadron took out the top flag drill award, the best squadron on parade and the fields game event.
Officer commanding the squadron David Boyde said his crew of 22 were rapt about winning three of the top awards in the annual event.
“It was unique for us to get the flag drill award. The last time we won was four or five years ago,” Lieutenant Boyde said.
The event consists of three cadets carrying the flags, three escorts behind who salute as they pass a dignitary or a shrine and a corporal or sergeant at the rear.
“They performed really well and brought home the trophy,” Lt Boyde said.
As well as winning the parade on the field, which included all members of the squadron, the Cranbourne group also took out the top athletics events, consisting of three ball games.
The crew were fastest in tunnel ball, under and over, and bounce ball.
They also received second place in the flight drill.
Lt Boyde said a boy from the squadron also won an essay writing prize.
“It’s not only on the field work. There are chances to do model making, plastic and balsa of model planes, and dioramas.”
He said the Cranbourne squadron was now beginning preparation for the major review, which includes all the squadrons in Australia, with the next to be held in Sydney in 2009.
For information on the squadron call 0400 041 800.