Royal Navy CCF cadets visited HMS Raleigh for a demanding and memorable visit

Our Royal Navy CCF cadets returned to HMS Raleigh this week for a demanding and memorable visit, and from the very first moment they made King’s Bruton proud. We received excellent feedback from Raleigh staff on their attitude, enthusiasm and teamwork. Our NCOs were particularly impressive, guiding cadets with patience and professionalism as they taught them to iron uniform to Naval standards and refine their marching. Their efforts paid off early in the day: as we marched to breakfast, the Raleigh Stage 1 recruits parted and stood to attention for us to pass, and our cadets instantly transformed, lifting their drill to an impeccable standard with crisp, confident precision.

The rest of the day was equally full of challenge, wet kit and determined effort. Firefighting training saw the cadets tackle different types of fires with extinguishers and hoses, learning how to apply the correct techniques while also discovering - very quickly - that hoses have absolutely no intention of keeping anyone dry. After this came the famous DRIU, the Damage Repair Instructional Unit: a ship compartment that floods rapidly while cadets work to save it using first-fix and second-fix equipment to plug holes and stem incoming water. Chaos, shouting and teamwork filled the space as two teams raced against the rising water level, finishing within a mere 20 seconds of each other. Despite the squally, pretty horrendous weather, spirits remained sky-high throughout the visit. It was a superb day at HMS Raleigh, with the cadets showing resilience, humour and professionalism in equal measure.

Section Commander, Lt Brown

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