Army cadets are honoured

Dec 23 2008 by Our Correspondent, Perthshire Advertiser Tuesday

ARMY cadets from Korea Company of the Black Watch Battalion Army Cadet Force have recently been presented with a number of awards to mark their many achievements.

Honorary Colonel certificates marking significant contribution to the Black Watch Battalion were presented to Cdt Gail Scott, S/Sgt Asleigh Jolly, S/Sgt Louise Mcauley and Sgt Peter Ward all Perth RLC detachment for representing and winning the National First Aid Competition at Sandhurst. LCpl Lewis Sinclair also from Perth RLC was awarded his certificate for representing the battalion at athletics. Four cadets from Blairgowrie were also awarded certificates. Sgt Grant Duffy was awarded his certificate for representing the battalion in swimming and shooting; Cpl Connor Boag for shooting and athletics; Cadet Asleigh Smith was awarded her certificate for swimming success; and Sgt Corrie Aitken won his certificate for cross country.

BTEC diplomas in public services were awarded to Sgt Grant Duffy, Blairgowrie, S/Sgt Sarah McColl and Cpl Ben Slaski from Stanley.

S/Sgt Louise McAuley from Perth RLC was presented with her Master Cadet Badge which is the highest proficiency award to be achieved in the Army Cadet Force.

Some of the cadets were multiple achievers in being awarded a number of awards.

Some adults were also recognised for their commitment to the Army Cadet Force. Cadet Force Medals awarded for 12 years meritorious service was awarded to Lieutenant Noel Murdoch who is based at the Newburgh Detachment. Captain David Shaw the Korea Company second in command was presented with the first clasp to his Cadet Force Medal for 18 years meritorious service. Lieutenant Larry Jenkins, the Detachment Commander at Kinross was formally presented with his commissioning scroll on being confirmed in the rank of Lieutenant.

All the awards were presented by the Lord Lieutenant of Perth and Kinross, Brigadier Mel Jameson. Also present at the awards presentation were the Perth and Kinross Council convenor of lifelong learningLiz Grant, the commandant Black Watch ACF, Colonel Martin Passmore, and Korea Company Commander Major Douglas Pover.

Meanwhile cadets from the Black Watch Battalion Army Cadet Force played an important part in the recent Perth St Andrew’s Day parade. The cadets efforts earned high praise from the Provost Dr John Hulbert.

Cadet Regimental Sergeant Major Mark McDonald (18) from Stanley– the 212 Squadron, Perth and Kinross Council Young Citizen of the year for 2007/8 – had the honour of starting the parade off and ensuring all were in step.

Another cadet, Sergeant Christopher Gregory (17) from the Blairgowrie Detachment, also had an important part to play in the parade in Perth. Chris, who is the Blairgowrie Detachment standard bearer, was asked to carry the Scottish Saltire on the parade.

Chris has plenty of practice with carrying the standard as he has paraded recently on the Blairgowrie Remembrance Parade, Davie Park war memorial re-dedication and the Alyth Christmas parade.

Also on parade was the recently appointed Lord Lieutenant’s cadet for Perth and Kinross, S/Sgt Mhari Barnes from the Kinross Detachment. The parade included eight cadets from Perth Viewlands Detachment and four cadets from Perth RLC detachment.

In addition, a further 10 cadets from Blairgowrie in the charge of cadet S/Sgt Cheryl Laird assisted with the marshalling of the parade. They marched on the outside of the parade wearing high-visibility jackets ensuring the safe arrival of parade participants.