Many OCs spent time with the ‘Corps’ whilst at the College and have fond memories of Camps and Field Days spent in military bases across Scotland, Northern Ireland and England. While some of the Camps are gone, the memories remain. 

This year Campbell College CCF spent the first week of the Summer Holidays at Ballykinlar Training Centre - 60 cadets enjoyed, 9 training days, 9,000 rounds of blank and live ammunition, 06:00 wake up calls, no internet and definitely more than 10,000 steps a day.
 
A special year for Campbell College, in its 125th Quasquicentennial Anniversary, and the Combined Cadet Force, celebrating its 110th anniversary (although in different guises over the years) planned and executed a relentless and ambitious action packed programme of military training, delivered in a professional and fun mammer.

A huge amount was achieved on a Camp that will be hard to beat but it was only possible due to the hard work and commitment of those Cadets that attended. Each and every one of them put in a huge effort throughout the week and should be proud of themselves; we have nothing but positive feedback and praise for them all. The activities included:

• Drill and marching to the Pipes & Drums
• Cadet L98A2 rifle shooting
• Urban patrolling
• House clearances
• Section and platoon attacks
• Air Rifle shooting
• Command tasks
• 2 nights of overnight exercise
• Gazelle helicopter visit
• Assault course
• Paintball range
• Inter-section competitions
• DCCT range
• Watersports


A number of OCs assisted in the delivery of the Camp - OC Army Section Capt Andrew Gildea (7417), Training Officer Capt Nick Morton (8857), Pilot Officer Tom Phillips (10670), Lt Dillon Pinkerton (9999), Officer Cadets Cameron Dade (11878), Chris Ashe (11433) and Oliver Milligan (11681).

If you missed out on a commemorative coin, you can still buy one at www.campbellcollegeccf.co.uk
 

Finally, in 1909 Campbell College formed the first Officer Training Corps in Ireland and this year its successor the Combined Cadet Force celebrates its 110th Anniversary. It is also the 125th anniversary of the School.

One of the very first photographs of the Pipes and Drums in the CCF archive was taken in the school grounds around 1909/ 1910.  Members of the current Pipes and Drums recreated the photo last week while at Summer Camp in Ballykinlar. 

Thanks to current CCF Capt Morton (OC 8857) for the photos.

Ne Obliviscaris