On 19 Sept 2013, Thirty Cadets and Instructors from Surrey ACF travelled to Western Australia to take part in Ex Southern Cross, an exchange programme with the Western Australian Army Cadets. This programme started in 2004 with a visit of 18 cadets and staff from Western Australia and has continued every year with the Australians visiting the UK on even years and the British Cadets visiting Australia on the odd years. The exchange gives both cadets and staff the opportunity to experience training with the Australians in the ‘bush’ as well as taking part in a number of cultural visits and public ceremonies.

Led by Major Jon Riches, the UK contingent arrived at Perth Airport at approx 1700hrs ( Australian Time ) on Friday 20 Sept and were greeted by Lt Col (AAC) Bob Barber the Brigade Commander, as well as his Deputy, Lt Col (AAC) Mike Jenkin. After a series of briefings and kit issues, the group were straight into their first visit, which was an opportunity to experience the wildlife of Australia, including Koalas, Kangeroos and a variety of Reptiles. The contingent also took part in a wreath laying ceremony at Kings Park, where, alongside the Wardens of the Western Australian State Memorial, a wreath was laid on behalf of Surrey ACF to commemorate the sacrifice made by those from Western Australia, who gave their lives not only in the World Wars, but also in more recent conflicts.

The following day we travelled to Garden Island, to spend a day with the Australian Navy at HMAS Stirling, an active Naval Base south of Perth. This visit gave us the opportunity to experience not only the weapons systems used by the Navy, including the F88 Austeyr, but also to spend some time with the Clearance Diver teams and tour around a variety of service craft.

Between visits, the cadets were given the opportunity to make the most of local shops to obtain a variety of souvenirs and gifts for family and friends.

The next visit was to tour around both the Air Force Museum and the Western Australian Army Museum. This gave the cadets and staff an insight as to how the State has developed and been affected on a military scale, with the state providing a number of battalions during the two World War’s as well as having a VC winner from the Afghanistan conflict.

Next on the agenda was a day of survival skills taught to us all by members of the Australian SAS. This included collecting water, making shelters, lighting fires ( using a variety of methods ) as well as other basic survival skills. This prepared the team perfectly for their 9 day expedition into the Avon National Park and Stronghills.

This expedition was part of the Annual Camp and gave our cadets the opportunity to trek through some tough country over a period of 5 days, as well as take part in rafting and kayaking, as well as Climbing and Abseiling. This was thoroughly enjoyed by cadets and staff alike and some of the terrain we passed through was breathtaking. We were then given the opportunity to fire a variety of service weapons, including the F88 Austeyr, the Minimi and 9mm Browning Pistol. Finally we spent the last two days taking part in a number of competitions, including the ‘Cadet Challenge’ First Aid, Orienteering and a Drill Competition. The Surrey Cadets did the County proud winning all competitions that they entered. This included winning ‘The Ashes’ during the Drill Competition, which were made with the ashes from the pace Stick of an ex RSMI from Surrey ACF on their day of commissioning.

On our return to Perth, the team were given a couple of days R&R, which included a visit and tour around the SASR Historical Centre and Rottnest island, which houses some of the coastal defences from World War II.

The trip was a resounding success and I would like to take this opportunity to thank all of the sponsors who assisted in making this exchange possible. Without their assistance and support, we would not have been able to provide this experience to as many cadets as we did.

Many Thanks, Jon Riches, Major, Surrey ACF