AIR cadets from Okehampton’s 2443 Squadron joined others from the Plymouth and Cornwall Wing to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the Royal Air Force at Plymouth Armed Forces Day. 

Dignitaries present at the extravaganza on Plymouth Hoe on Saturday included Air Vice-Marshal Martin Sampson, a former 197 (Devonport) Squadron Cadet, and Group Captain Carol Vorderman, of TV’s Countdown fame, in her role as an ambassador for the RAF.

More than 230 staff and cadets marched through the arch of the Royal Citadel then made their way up the Plymouth Hoe ramp and into the main arena.

After a general salute and march past, the Plymouth and Cornwall Wing marched off the Hoe to applause from members of the public and returned to the Royal Citadel, where Air Vice-Marshal Sampson and Group Captain Vorderman came to speak to them. They thanked cadets and staff for their efforts. 

‘It was a long day with cadets and staff from 2443 Squadron being picked up in Okehampton at six o’clock in the morning and not returning until seven o’clock in the evening,’ said Flight Sergeant Dave Wilkinson. ‘The cadets did very well especially in the very hot weather.’