Merlin Flight

 

7 cadets from 360, amongst a total of 26, were given the privilege of being the first Welsh cadets to fly in a Merlin HC3 based at RAF Benson.

This was made possible by an ex-cadet of 499 (Port Talbot) Squadron, Flg. Off. Tim Bendall, who is now an operational pilot with 28 Squadron. He was on a training flight on the Sennybridge ranges and took the opportunity to fly cadets from his old ATC squadron, 499 (Port Talbot) Squadron and they kindly invited the 360 cadets to join them on the two flights he made. Tim was recently in Iraq where the Merlin was introduced to operational service and has also been at the Paris Air Show. 

Tim was given permission by his old Head Master at Dyffryn Comprehensive School to land on the School playing fields, and Mr. Grimes took the opportunity of meeting his old pupil again. 

The 7 cadets from 360 involved were, CWO. Adam Jones, Ex-F/Sgt. Lucy Dewitt, Cpl. Genevieve George, Cpl James Bowen, Cpl Amy Clarke and Cdt's Natalie Byrd and Osian Frobisher and wish to publicly thank the OC of 499 (Port Talbot) Squadron, Flt. Lt. Mike Stones, for their chance to experience a flight in a Merlin, the RAF's newest and most advanced helicopter.