Story and image courtesy of Bristol and Gloucestershire Wing Air Cadets.

Southwest Air Cadets Triumph at Nijmegen Marches.

A team of nine Air Cadets and two staff from the Southwest region achieved outstanding success at the prestigious Nijmegen Four Day Marches. They completed an impressive 100 miles over four days alongside 46,000 participants from around the world.

Co-led by CI Polly Davies and WO Edward Smart, the team proudly represented the Southwest region among approximately 6,500 international military personnel and thousands of other participants.
The RAF Air Cadets were represented by nine teams from across the UK, including:

· LASER (A & B)
· SNI Region
· Bedfordshire & Cambridgeshire Wing
· Bristol & Gloucestershire Wing (Southwest Region)
· Norfolk and Suffolk Wing
· Durham Northumberland Wing
· Cumbria & Lancashire Wing
· No 1 Welsh Wing

Training began in January with nearly 80 personnel. This number gradually reduced to three teams. After two demanding days at RAF Cosford’s qualifying event, nine cadets and two staff were selected to represent the Southwest Region as the 2026 Nijmegen team. Since then, they have trained rigorously, attending around 16 sessions and a qualifying weekend at RAF Cosford to prepare for this challenge.

From the moment they arrived in Nijmegen, soaking up the unique atmosphere and international camaraderie, to taking on the demanding march itself, this has been a week they will never forget.

Before the march, the team visited Oosterbeek Military Cemetery and the Airborne Museum. Oosterbeek holds the graves of those who fought bravely in the ‘Market Garden’ Arnhem landings, including two Victoria Cross recipients, famously depicted in the film A Bridge Too Far. This visit gave the team a profound insight into the sacrifices made during the operation. The Airborne Museum, focusing on Operation Market Garden, features detailed dioramas that bring history to life.

Then the marches began. Each day, teams marched 40 kilometres over long hours. Tired legs and many obstacles tested the team throughout. Yet, through months of preparation, determination, and mutual support, they crossed the finish line with pride, having achieved something truly remarkable.

This accomplishment means far more than the miles marched. It shows resilience, teamwork, commitment, and the honour of representing the RAF Air Cadets on the international stage. It proves that with dedication, boundaries can be pushed and goals achieved.

A huge congratulations to every cadet and staff member. They should all be immensely proud of their achievement.

The Southwest Region team’s exceptional performance earned them the Best Air Cadet Team award. WO Smart was also honoured with the Best British Forces Military Team Leader award , a rare accolade for cadet instructors.
This remarkable success highlights the spirit and capability of the RAF Air Cadets internationally.

A heartfelt thank you goes to the dedicated RAFAC support staff who backed the seven-month training programme, ensuring the team was ready over many weekends. This was truly a team effort, reflecting the motto: One Team, One Dream, One RAFAC.

Thanks are also due to the Air Cadet Nijmegen support team, led by Wg Cdr Evans, for their invaluable help before, during, and after the event.

Nijmegen is by far the best activity you can do with cadets. You work closely with your teammates and train hard. This leads to benefits such as improved fitness and personal development , plus, you get a shiny medal at the end! If you take part, be prepared for early mornings (we mean 01:30 reveille and breakfast!), but that is part of the fun.

Interested in road marching? Speak to your wing road marching officers to find out how you can get involved.

Train hard = March easy.

We look forward to seeing what this incredible group achieves next.