Deputy mayor joins army cadets

8:38am Sunday 4th February 2007

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FORDINGBRIDGE deputy mayor Jean Willis joined the army cadets last week for a glimpse of life on the frontline, as seen through the eyes of the Army's combat camera team.

Past, present and future soldiers were treated to a presentation by one of just two combat camera teams in operation in the British Army.

The specialist team from media operations, HQ Land Command, Wilton, were visiting 3 Troop detachment of the Hampshire and Isle Of Wight Army Cadet Force, at the drill hall, in Fordingbridge, to give a briefing on their work from around the world.

The media team are trained soldiers as well as photographers and cameramen, which enables them to go to the frontline with the troops to gather footage and photos.

Cadets and members of the local Royal British Legion had a hands-on experience. They tried on body armour, used cameras and were shown how images are processed and transmitted from remote areas in the field.

For Mrs Willis (82), who served as a bombardier in 1944, where she manned a gun site in Brussels, it was a chance to share stories and, as local Legion vice chairman, it was an opportunity to strengthen the bonds between past, existing and future soldiers.

"Some of them will go on to join our forces and we are here to let them know that the British Legion is there for them when they come out," she said. "Most of our members joined at the time of the Second World War so it's an ageing organisation. These young cadets are our future members."

Detachment commander sergeant major Kerry Barker has been a cadet volunteer for ten years. She leads the Fordingbridge troop of about 30 youngsters, aged from 12 to 17 years, from the Ringwood and Fordingbridge area.

The cadets have just returned from an adventure weekend where they took part in climbing, go-karting, clay pigeon shooting and archery.