40 cadets from across the London & South East Region took part in a 3-day visit to Flanders, Belgium, during the period of National Remembrance last year. Supported by a grant from the Air Cadet Charity, the purpose of the visit is to give cadets a deep, personal understanding of the human cost and historical significance of World War I, while reinforcing the core values of respect, service, and self-sacrifice central to the Royal Air Force and the Air Cadet organisation. The annual excursion is so popular that over 200 cadets usually apply, however, due to accommodation limitations only 40 can take part. This year was no different.

Upon arriving in Flanders, cadets immediately embarked on guided tours of significant battlefields, war gravesites, and meticulously preserved First World War trenches, bringing the scale and nature of the conflict into sharp focus.

Later that evening, following an evening meal at the hostel, the cadets headed back out to the Menin Gate - a memorial within Flanders area. The roads had been closed off to allow the daily Remembrance service to take place, which remembers over 50,000 British and Commonwealth soldiers who died during World War I. Following a period of reflection, the cadets returned to the accommodation to begin preparing their kit for the next day.

On 11th November, the cadets took a leading role in two major parades. In the morning, they led the Poppy Parade - a marching contingent of over 1,500 troops - through the town of Ypres to Menin Gate, taking pride of place immediately behind the bands at the front of the parade; a decision made by the Royal British Legion. Cadets then acted as wreath bearers during the main Ceremony of Remembrance which followed, handing wreaths to the VIP’s which included the President of Belgium, high ranking military officers from across NATO and the President of the Commonwealth War Graves Commission.

"The trip has taught me a higher level of discipline, respect for sacrifice be it military or civilian and a wider knowledge of the history of our country. It was an amazing experience - not only do you meet cadets from around the whole Region, but you also learn about such important moments of history."
‍Cpl Scarlett, 173 (Orpington) Squadron

In the afternoon, the cadets participated in a private ceremony at Tyne Cot, the world's largest British Commonwealth war gravesite, organised by the British Military Attache to Belgium, once again serving as high-profile wreath bearers. The cadets then lined the route for the VIPs.

Throughout the visit, experienced guides weaved narratives, sharing stories of individual soldiers, including that of a 15-year-old, linking directly to the World War I curriculum cadets learn in school. Flight Lieutenant Purvis organised the tour. He explained that the trip is intentionally designed to be serious and reflective, without a traditional 'fun' element, emphasizing the gravity of the history they are witnessing. He said that all cadets acknowledged that they have a much better understanding of the sacrifices made on all sides. Educational tours of the battlefields of WW1 included Ypres, Passendale and Hill 60, as well as a visit to the 1917 Museum and Commonwealth War Grave Commission sites; Essex Farm, Brandheok, and the German war graves at Langemark.

"I was inspired to sign up by hearing how good the trip was from other cadets who had attended in previous years.  It is a great experience that all cadets should sign up for"
‍Cpl Shirt, 2048 (Dagenham) Squadron

“I had been concerned that the increased costs would spell the end of this long standing and very popular visit, but thankfully the grant from the Air Cadet Charity ensured that we could continue to give cadets from across the Region the opportunity to undertake this poignant and though provoking visit.”
‍Flight Lieutenant Purvis, 359 (Bexleyheath) Squadron

More than just a visit, the Flanders trip is an experience that leaves a lasting impression on every cadet who takes part. Immersed in the history, emotion, and symbolism of Remembrance, cadets return home with a renewed sense of respect, gratitude, and perspective. They not only gain a deeper understanding of the sacrifices made by those who served before them but also recognise the importance of carrying those values forward in their own lives. Each year, this journey ensures that the spirit of Remembrance remains alive through the next generation - cadets who have walked in the footsteps of history and seen, first-hand, the true meaning of service and sacrifice.

Lest we forget.