On 24 Sept 2015, 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 1300hrs ( Australian Time ) on Friday 25 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.

After a day of shopping and a day of survival training, the cadets paid a visit to Fremantle Prison, touring the tunnels under the prison and gaining a basic insight into life there over the years. This was swiftly followed by a visit to the Western Australian Army Museum, which 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.

The cadets then had an opportunity to sample the local weather and marine life, by taking to boats on the Sea Lion Tour, near Penguin island. They were able to get close to not only penguins, but also sea lions, dolphins and the occasional angry pelican. This was the perfect way to finish the first week and lull the cadets into a false sense of security prior to their deployment to the Bindoon Training Area.

Annual Camp 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, and some basic climbing and abseiling. This was thoroughly enjoyed by everyone and some of the terrain we passed through was breathtaking. We were also given the opportunity to fire a variety of service weapons, including the F88 Austeyr, and the Minimi. 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 as well as spending a day cycling around 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