Fletton Detachment is based at the Army Reserve Centre, Peterborough, which is also the headquarters of our No1 (Hereward) Company and the headquarters of 158 Regiment The Royal Logistics Corps. As well as having its own building, the detachment also has use of the drill hall, outside parade area and many classrooms, making it an impressive location.
Detachment Profile: Fletton
Fletton Detachment's cadets and adults.
The Detachment Commander (DC) is SSI Rylan Ray. SSI Ray served as a cadet at Walton before becoming an adult volunteer and joining Fletton in 2018. After a spell as an Instructor at Walton, he returned to Fletton to become its DC in January. He has been keen to build on the successes of previous DCs to ensure the detachment is achieving its full potential. His priorities have included recruitment drives, successfully doubling the number of cadets to around 40 regular members, and greatly increasing the number of Cadet Non-Commissioned Officers, (NCOs) as they are an essential element to providing teaching at the detachment. He has also been joined by several new adults, SI Martin Podzuns, PI Phil Harwood, SI Darren Dickings and Non-Uniformed Volunteer Tina (TJ).
SSI Ray at his desk.
SSI Ray said; “We have great support from staff and cadets. TJ just can’t do enough for everybody, as well as dealing with admin she provides an invaluable ‘listening ear’ for the cadets as well.” SSI Ray is also committed to getting cadets involved with their local community, planning a whole series of engagements at nearby events throughout the year.
Cdt Cpl Barnes give instruction in drill.
The detachment is certainly thriving, and morale is high. Cadet Sergeant Harwood said: “Fletton is amazing! We have the best staff here!”. On the evening of 16th May, the cadets form up for first parade and SSI Ray inspects their turnout and briefs them on the evening’s activities. This includes lessons in drill, with cadet NCOs teaching both Basic Level and One Star Cadets. SSI Ray teaches classes on first aid, including how to perform Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation. SI Podzuns leads a class in expedition planning, emphasising the self-reliance, team-work and preparation needed to succeed living and walking in the field. Cadets also meet to discuss a forthcoming open evening, another chance to bring in more cadets. Their planning meeting demonstrates the commitment felt in this detachment, and the support the staff are receiving from the cadets themselves in ensuring future success by bringing in more members.
SSI Ray instructs in first aid.
At the end of the evening, the cadets again form up for final parade. This is an opportunity to thank everybody for their work throughout the evening, and also appoint Cadet Corporal Barnes to be Mayor’s Cadet, and to promote three new Cadet Sergeants, Wing, Podzuns and Harwood. Cadet Sergeant Harwood said: “I’m so happy, I want to say thank you to all the adult instructors here, I’m just over the moon!”
Learning CPR.
The new appointments are warmly applauded by all the cadets present, with many congratulating and hugging them at the end of parade. SSI Ray said: “We are teaching discipline, respect, and all the other traits that we try to develop in young people to give them the best start in life. I’m hugely proud of Fletton Detachment and the way its come together as a community.”
Cadet Sgt Harwood receives her promotion.
Text and photos by SI Doug Stuart
