2427 (Biggin Hill) Squadron Win Ulysses Trust ‘Best Expedition 2014’ Award

“In the Footsteps of Lawrence. Exploration and trekking in South Jordan. This imaginative and unusual expedition was the brain child of Flt Lt James Dyer, who led a team of 25, comprising 18 cadets (10 under 16) accompanied by 7 reservist and civilian instructors, to retrace the journey of Lawrence of Arabia through South Jordan. The project budget was £34,400, participants contributed £14,400, and the Ulysses Trust provided a grant of £4000. It was supported also by other benefactors who included the Lawrence of Arabia Society, but the unit also undertook some £7000 of local fund raising. The programme include 2 days desert survival training and a 6-day trek, but also comprised the production of a short film of their experiences and discoveries, and studying extracts from Seven Pillars of Wisdom which they were able to connect to their journey of over 100kms in temperatures up to 42°C.  The Expedition Report by Flt Lt James Dyer is at  http://ulyssestrust.co.uk/2014/in-the-footsteps-of-lawrence-jordan-2014. He comments: “the cadets enjoyed the experience and learnt a lot about themselves, expeditioning, experience of a developing world country and the Bedouin culture and the ability to survive in such a hostile environment. The staff found the experience a challenge but with the understanding of the power of overseas expeditions in developing young people and how that fits with the aims of the Air Training Corps, they have also started thinking about the next one!!” This reflects the opportunities available to cadets led by committed staff at their very best. Both, in this case, are a credit to the ATC, and well deserve the Best Cadet Expedition award for an outstanding project.”