AIR CADETS FROM Aberdeenshire went ‘on parade’ at RAF Lossiemouth recently after being awarded a trophy as the best squadron in the Aberdeen and North East Wing.
The cadets from 875 Squadron based at Westhill were awarded the MacRobert Trophy, which is awarded after account is taken of all activities the cadets take part in throughout the year.
They received their trophy at a visit to XV(Reserve) Squadron which was coordinated by Squadron Leader Bryan Parsons, who said: “It was lovely to give the cadets a look at the current MacRobert’s Reply and show them how fast jet squadron run.
“Some of them may go on to join the Royal Air Force but for all of the members it was a great opportunity for them to see how our whole team works together to produce ground crew and air crew trained to the highest standards.”
The ATC squadron has had a lot of success at the Wing Field Day over the last couple of years, winning the drill and banner drill competitions the last two years and will be off to represent the Wing and the Scotland and Northern Ireland Regional Field Day in Rosyth.
Winning the MacRobert Trophy also automatically them into the Lees trophy which is to find the best squadron in the Air Training Corps.
The MacRobert Trust have a long-standing connection with the Tornado Operational Conversion Unit that began in the 1930s. During World War II Lady MacRobert donated £25,000 for the purchase of a bomber that was named ‘MacRobert’s Reply’.
That was flown by XV Squadron – and to this day an aircraft from the squadron bears the same name.