VIDEO: Rotherham Air Cadets march to national success

The 15 youngsters, who belong to RAF Air Cadet Squadron (218 Rotherham), beat more than 900 other squadrons from across the UK to be crowned the best foot drill team in the country at a national competition.

It is the first time the squadron has achieved the accolade since it was founded more than 60 years ago and is the culmination of 12 months hard work after they topped two regional stages, before beating five other squadrons at the final.

The squadron also achieved the best inspection scores and drill instructor, cadet warrant officer Louis Webb (19), came joint second for his command and control of the squad. 

The team was honoured for their monumental win at a special presentation evening at Rotherham Town Hall hosted by the Mayor of Rotherham, Cllr Lyndsay Pitchley.

Cllr Pitchley said: “I’m delighted that so many young people are involved in cadet organisations here in Rotherham, making a positive contribution to society and taking part in some fantastic activities and, in this case, achieving national recognition.”

The mayor paid tribute to the dedicated team of adult cadet volunteers who had worked tirelessly to help the cadets develop and reach their potential.

The RAF believes foot drill and parade show discipline, organisation, team work and is a way of displaying high standards of dress and behaviour.

The judges were from the RAF Queen’s Colour Squadron, who are in charge of guarding Buckingham Palace, where they are permanently on display.

They were looking for accuracy, command and control, sharpness and a sense of pride.

218 Rotherham Sgt Stuart Haywood (30), who put the cadets through their paces to achieve the national award, said: “I am thrilled at their success. 

“The journey to RAF Halton was full of apprehension and the cadets, some of them as young as 13, were understandably nervous and excited. 

“Just reaching the national competition is a massive achievement as only six squadrons out of more than 900 reach this level.”

The Rotherham drill team has reached national level three times in the last four years, gaining higher accolades every time. 

Sgt Haywood added: “It was a very tense wait for the results and the team members were delighted when they were announced as overall winners.”

Commanding Officer Flight Lieutenant Mick Green (47), who has been involved with the squadron for over 20 years after joining as a cadet, said: “I never thought I would see the day when they actually became the best foot drill team in the whole of the UK.

“It was a very emotional day and something each cadet should be justly proud of.”