As I write, the rain is coming down in droves, the wind is howling, and Falmouth harbour is looking as grey as the RFA supply ships berthed alongside the docks. What better way to brighten up the day than with the Ulysses Trust Winter newsletter, packed full of interesting articles, expeditionary discoveries, and inspirational photographs. […]
Winter Newsletter 2015 Read More »
In the summer of 2015 I was fortunate to be selected as one of a handful of service skippers for the newly acquired 72’ yachts and in turn for Leg 6, Hobart to Auckland. Flying out to Hobart on New Years eve we had 4 days of yacht preparation and training before setting off on
Transglobe Leg 6 – London UOTC Read More »
On a cold Sunday afternoon 10 members of 202 (Midlands) Field Hospital met at the Army Reserve Centre in Kings Heath, with a mixture of emotions ranging from excitement to apprehension as to what they had actually volunteered for. The group was very diverse ranging in age from 29-55 and was very much a mixed
Ex Dragon Inca Medic – 202 (Midlands) Field Hospital Read More »
From the 26th September to the 11th October 2015 the Royal Yeomanry completed an Adventurous Training expedition in the High Atlas Mountains in Morocco. The main effort of the expedition was to traverse a section of the High Atlas between the Tizi-n-Test pass the the Tizi-n-Tichka pass and hoping to bag as many peaks as
Ex Cockney Toubkal – Royal Yeomanry + East Midlands UOTC Read More »
104 Regiment Royal Artillery (the Welsh Borderers) is an Army Reserve unit specialising in the operation of Unmanned Aerial Systems, or Drones to the civilian, and for the last 3 years it has had the opportunity of conducting an annual flying camp utilising the facilities offered by the Californian National Guard based out of Camp
Ex Atlantic Sail 2 2015 – 104 Regt RA Read More »
The kayaking club at King Edwards School, Birmingham is a small but keen group of boys who meet every Thursday lunchtime to hone their skills in the swimming pool. Once or twice a year we load up the boats and kit and head out to rivers across the UK for a weekend to transfer these
Ex Dragon KES Kayaking 2015 – King Edward’s School CCF Read More »
It all started on the 13th October. Seven intrepid explorers set off in search of adventure. Some of us knew vaguely what to expect, the others had no idea! Later that night we arrived in Lanzarote and finally met our Skipper Russ and First Mate Esh, who was to become our hero in the days
Ex Atlantic Ubique 2015 – 103 Regt RA Read More »
Junior cadets from Durham Army Cadet Force had the fantastic opportunity to take part in an eight day adventure training camp in Cornwall, during the October half term holiday on Exercise Fistral Folly. The 105 cadets and 19 staff moved into RAF St Mawgan at 0300hrs 24th October 2015, the camp runs parallel to Newquay
Ex Fistral Folly 2015 – Durham Army Cadet Force Read More »
Between 17th and 27th October 2015 a group of Cadets, and Adults from Oldham Hulme Grammar Schools Combined Cadet Force visited the Carpathian Mountains of Slovakia and Poland to complete a 6 day trek through the Slovakian and Polish Tatra Mountains as part of the Gold Duke of Edinburgh’s Award Expedition. Our journey started with
Ex Polish Polka Venturer – Oldham Hulme GS CCF Read More »
Bristol ACF conducted Exercise Bristolian Zeus during the back end of October 2015, with the main aim of cycling some of the varied technical and challenging off road routes of Cyprus. From the stunning views along the Cyprus coastlines showing off the deep blue and emerald sea of the Mediterranean, to the craggy and muddy
Ex Bristolian Zeus 2015 – Bristol Army Cadet Force Read More »
Reservists from HMS President, HMS Flying Fox and HMS Ferret took part in the 2015 Rolex Fastnet Race aboard the RNVR Yacht Club’s Beneteau 40.7 yacht Volunteer. Organised by the Royal Ocean Racing Club (RORC), the race celebrated its 90th anniversary in 2015, with a record fleet of 356 yachts from 25 countries competing in
Fastnet 2015 – Maritime Reserves Read More »
Ex Dragon Diver was a 21 day diving expedition to the Florida Keys, USA organized by 157 (Welsh) Regiment RLC. After some last minute changes, the team included a wide mixture of units: a large contingent from Wales UOTC and even an RAF OCdt. The group also included a mix of experience levels; 10 of
Ex Dragon Diver – 157 (Welsh) Regiment RLC Read More »
On 24 Oct 15 ten personnel from 75 Engineer Regiment left Manchester and travelled to Costa Blanca, Spain for a week of climbing the stunning limestone sport climbing routes which populate the area just North of Benidorm. The week’s aim was to introduce novice climbers to the sport with the long-term aim of them continuing
Ex Northern Ypres Trepador – 75 Engineer Regiment Read More »
Twenty minutes into the journey, an about turn was required to retrieve the passport left at Barracks. Passports all present and correct we proceeded to board the plane where we were entertained by the sight of two bags forgotten on the runway, only to later discover that they contained an expedition member’s tentage and personal
Exercise Icelandic Endeavour – Royal Wessex Yeomanry Read More »
On Tuesday 18th August 2015, 15 bright eyed and bushy tailed British Air Cadets from 1955 City of Wells Sqn set of on an adventure of a life time to Ontario Canada, flying into Toronto international Airport. We arrived at rush hour and our convoy wound its way around various short cuts until we hit
Expedition Red Maple Leaf 2015 – 1955 (City of Wells) Sqn ATC Read More »
Aim: The main aim of the exped was to Kayak in pairs around the famous Cape Point transferring from Indian Ocean to Atlantic Ocean then continue on foot along the Atlantic Coast to the top of Table Mountain. Day 1 – We split into 2 groups; one group went walking from Fish Hoek Bay to
Ex Sea Province 2015 – Southampton University Air Squadron Read More »
A Slice of Cornwall I need something different in the Adventure Training diary this year, something new, something challenging, something exciting. After a few hours searching the web I was on the phone to a very laid back South African accent which called itself Shaun, “Yes buddy, sure thing, we can do that, no problem
Ex Blue Salt Blade 2015 – Devon and Somerset Air Training Corps Read More »
This year (2015) the Royal Marines Cadets Expedition team flew out to the USA where they would attempt to complete a section of the Appalachian trail in Connecticut along with cultural visits and further training with the US Navy & Marine Corps. The team consisted of 11 RM Cadets, 5 Sea Cadets and 5 Staff/Instructors.
Ex USA 2015 – Bravo Company, Royal Marines Cadets Read More »
Ex Madagascar Blue was a trekking expedition to the island of Madagascar. On the 29th of August nine Officer Cadets from the Cambridge University Officer Training Corps flew to Antananarivo to begin a three week expedition, taking in three of Madagascar’s National Parks and experiencing the landscape and culture of a very different country. Madagascar
Ex Madagascar Blue – Cambridge University Officer Training Corps Read More »
The seven day diving expedition was based in Marsa Nakari, Egypt. We were a group of ten personnel which included regular, reserve and civilian SADS from Harrogate. The expedition ranged in ability from novice diver undertaking the BSAC Ocean Diver qualification to Open Water Instructor trainers. The main objective of this exercise was to qualify
Ex Dragon Jerboa Plunge – HQ 7 Inf Bde and 3 PWRR Read More »
In 2015, the Joint Services Adventure Sail Training Center (JSASTC), organised the “Exercise Transglobe”. This exercise is one with tremendous military tradition, which happens every five years. A group of UK forces personnel take parts on legs of a trans- global trip on the two 72ft yachts. I was lucky enough to be selected to
Ex Transglobe 2015 – University of London OTC Read More »
With the messages from the Speech Day still ringing in our ears, we headed north, to Halton Camp on the banks of the River Lune. Those essential characteristics of resilience, self-reliance and self-confidence would certainly be tested in this week, the aim of the week was to develop a solid nucleus of junior leaders within
Wrekin Cathedral Challenge 2015 – Wrekin College CCF Read More »
The overall aim of this overseas expedition was not only to teach the Cadets and Staff about adventurous training but also to teach them life skills in adapting to change within a new environment, teamwork and leadership. The Cadets were aged between 15 and 18 and both Cadets and Staff were from Cumbria and Lancashire
Pyrenees Adventure 2015 – Cumbria and Lancashire Wing ATC Read More »
Each year the Ulysses Trust seeks to encourage aspiration by presenting an award to the best expedition to which it has provided support, amongst the Volunteer Reserve, University OTCs, and Cadets. It seems that every year the competition gets stronger, with some exceptional expeditions taking place which are truly inspirational. This year is no exception,
Ulysses Trust Expeditionary Award Winners Read More »
Exercise Rolling Eagle saw a team of three officer cadets from Exeter University Officer Training Corps embark upon a trans-continental cycling challenge, crossing North America from Seattle, Washington, to New York City. The expedition aimed to improve the organisational, planning and leadership skills of those involved, in addition to presenting a physical and mental challenge
Ex Rolling Eagle – Exeter University Officer Training Corps Read More »
After a relatively comfortable, sleepless eight-hour flight from RAF Brize Norton, the plane finally touched down on the Ascension Island and we emerged from the cabin into the bright and humid South Atlantic air. Our 12-strong party, comprising Army, Air Force and (retd) Navy personnel had been brought together to conduct overseas Adventurous Training (AT)
Ex Ascension Serpent – 208 Field Hospital Read More »
As part of its role Exeter UOTC is tasked with organising high quality and demanding Adventurous Training for the Cadets. This should deliver foundation qualifications but also give the Cadets exposure to just how demanding AT can be and how it can be used to develop personal qualities and teamwork. The Dolomite mountains of northern
Ex Falzarego Tiger – Exeter University Officer Training Corps Read More »
At Sheffield University Officer Training Corps (SUOTC) we run an annual adventure training expedition for the cadets and subalterns reaching the end of their third and final year of OTC. This is the culmination of all their training and development and a ‘last hurrah’ before they embark on civilian and reservist careers or set off
Ex Northern Cutlers’ Climb – Sheffield University Officer Training Corps Read More »
On the 16 May 15 selected members from all three squadrons of 1st Military Working Dog Regiment left the UK for Marrakech, Morocco. The aim of this exercise was to introduce us to the activity of mountaineering, by giving us the Summer Mountain Foundation course, and what better place to have this experience than in
Ex Dragon Toubkal – 1st Military Working Dog Regiment Read More »
On 1 June 2015 a group of 14 intrepid adventurists left the UK bound for the high mountains of the Bolivian Altiplano. Flying via Miami we eventually touched down in La Paz (4000m) after around 15 hours in the air. This Army Mountaineering Association (AMA) Expedition had an ambitious plan to scale a number of
Ex Altiplano Tiger – Army Mountaineering Association Read More »
Early on 11th August, 17 cadets from Oakham School CCF departed on an expedition which was to combine an appreciation of two battlefield sites from the Peninsular Campaign with a challenging trek across the Sierra de Gredos mountains of central Spain. The journey took in a 24-hour ferry crossing between Portsmouth and Santander which provided
Expedition Peninsular Cadet – Oakham School Combined Cadet Force Read More »
Two days after the end of a busy year 14 cadets and 3 staff from Bromsgrove School Combined Cadet Force embarked on a three week expedition of a lifetime to some of the remotest areas of KwaZulu-Natal in South Africa. The aim of the expedition was to give the cadets an opportunity to develop self-reliance
Exercise Zulu Kingdom – Bromsgrove School Combined Cadet Force Read More »
“Oh, I could never do that…I can’t even bear to put my face underwater.” Curious to know who had commented on Justin Maker’s near perfect forward roll into the blue waters of the Mediterranean, I turned round to see a middle-aged British tourist sitting with two of her friends on the sun-baked concrete quayside beside
Ex Submerged Battlefield (Dragon) – Army Training Unit (West Midlands) Read More »
A team of 12 Air Cadets and 3 staff from 234 (City of Durham) Squadron have returned from the challenge of a lifetime, trekking in the French Pyrenees and summiting the mighty Pic du Canigou. It had taken 15 months of planning, fundraising and training, so when the Cadets arrived at the airport, the excitement
Pyrenees Trekking Expedition 2015 – 234 (City of Durham) Sqn ATC Read More »
After a brisk walk to the boarding gate, 16 members of Bristol University Officer Training Corps and 4 external instructors were en route to Sharm El Sheikh, with complimentary extra legroom to boot. Upon arrival in Egypt we were greeted with warmth from both the local climate and the lively tourist guide who would be
Exercise Cabot Coral – Bristol University Officer Training Corps Read More »
The aim of Exercise DRAGON CORSE was for members of 203 Fd Hosp to complete the northern half of the GR20 high altitude route in Corsica. Putting 16 Officer’s and Soldiers under pressure while conducting arduous physical and mental adventurous training and develop leadership outside of their normal comfort zones. The biggest challenge on this
Exercise Dragon Corse – 203 (Welsh) Field Hospital Read More »
Exercise Northern Alpinista consisted of a two week mountaineering expedition to the Benasque valley region within the Spanish Pyrenees. The expedition took place during July 2015 and was supported by 15 Officer Cadets (OCdts) from Leeds University Officers Training Corps and Regular and Reserve Forces instructors and staff. The location was chosen for its appeal
Exercise Northern Alpinista – Leeds University Officers’ Training Corps Read More »
Gale force winds, rough seas and seven days spent almost entirely within the confines of the 72 foot ketch, Alba Venturer, set the scene for the West Coast Challenge Sailing Expedition 2015. Eleven cadets from across the UK together with two adult staff joined the OYT Scotland crew to sail out of Oban for a
OYT West Coast Challenge – Headquarters Air Cadets Read More »
MTMC (Mission Training and Mobilisation Centre) based in Nottingham and Lydd, took part in their annual diving expedition from 08 to 22 May 2015 on Exercise Dragon Diver 2. This was an expedition to two of the Canary Islands, Fuerteventura and Tenerife. Planning for the expedition started in Oct 2014, novice divers were trained to
Ex Dragon Diver 2 – British Army Read More »
It’s one of the toughest summits to reach in the Pyrenees. At a mighty 2784m above sea level combined with a 20m final sharp ascent, stunning views and a test of nerve, few mountains can rival the excitement of the Pic du Canigou in southern France. After 15 months of planning and fundraising, a team
Operation Vertex – 2344 (Longbenton) Squadron Air Training Corps Read More »
The 2015 Scot-Paddle with the Sea Cadets was probably the best way in my opinion to experience the wild and beautiful nature of Scotland for the first time. Our six days paddling and camping on Loch Morar and Loch Nevis was an awesome experience. From the bug infested fields, to the harsh but forever present
Knoydart Wilderness Open Canoe 2015 – Marine Society and Sea Cadets Read More »
Day 1 and 2 – Monday 6 and Tuesday 7 July 2015 It was a bright morning as students started to gather at the Keep from 0700 hours. Final administration of passport checks, personal insurance and EHIC’s were being carried out when it became apparent that one of the students expedition rucksack’s that had been
Exercise Northern Carpathian – Northumbria UOTC Read More »
The Tour de Mont Blanc is one of the most popular long-distance walking routes in the world, traversing through France, Switzerland and Italy as it circumnavigates the immense Mont Blanc massif, the highest mountain in Europe. The full distance is usually walked in 10 days; due to work and time constraints we had decided from
On the 28th of June 2015 Basingstoke Sea Cadets ventured out on a week’s trip to Gibraltar to complete a Competent Crew course with All Abroad Sailing Academy. The first day mainly consisted of travelling. We arrived in Gibraltar in the midday heat, which gave us an idea of the weather to come! Our boat,
The Rock 2015 – Basingstoke Sea Cadets Read More »
The overall aim of the expedition was designed to introduce and develop overseas leadership skills for adult volunteer staff by participation in a real ‘expedition situation’ where they are the participants. Each day was spent in the mountains developing technical, journeying and leadership skills in a demanding high alpine environment. The area chosen was the
Exercise Mercantour 2015 – HQ Air Cadets Read More »
Nothing says summer more than relaxing on the lawn with the sounds of the village cricket match in the distance, the latest test match on the radio, a glass of something cool by your side, and the latest edition of the Ulysses Trust summer newsletter to enthrall you with exploits of derring-do in far flung
Summer Newsletter 2015 Read More »
It is now a month since the final team from Exercise Alpine Arc arrived at the shores of the Mediterranean; successfully completing the final kilometres of an extraordinary ski-journey through the European Alps. A journey which began in Puchberg am Schneeberg in Austria before winding its way through 1100kms of snow-locked mountains; accumulating almost 80
Exercise Alpine Arc – Oxford University Officer Training Corps Read More »
Over the week of 18-22 May 2015, 5 Military Intelligence Battalion spent a week in the far north west of Scotland, based out of the MOD Adventure Training Lodge at Dundonnel. On Wednesday 20 May, the group was afforded the opportunity to go Sea Kayaking near Lochinver, courtesy of a financial grant made by the
Ex Northern Phoenix Munro 2 – 5 Military Intelligence Battalion Read More »
Exercise TIGER SOAR 15 was a two week Adventurous Training Expedition in the French Alps run by the Army Gliding Association (AGA) 18 Apr – 3 May 15. Seven Army glider pilots deployed, two of whom are reservists: Lt Col Ian McFarlane YORKS and Maj Jamie Sage RE (Chairman AGA). Both Jamie and Ian are
Exercise Tiger Soar 15 – Army Gliding Association Read More »
On 14th April 2015, our intrepid team boarded flights to begin their journey to the High Atlas Mountains of Morocco. The aim of the expedition was to complete a demanding six day trekking expedition culminating in the summit of Jebel Toubkal , the highest mountain in North Africa, whilst increasing cohesion between our geographically disparate
Exercise Northern Atlas – Scottish and North Irish Yeomanry Read More »
A “Very Polite” Walk in the Alps – Reservists on the Tour du Mont Blanc. By Sapper Kimberly Gee and Sapper Kofi Steele (Reservists with 75 Engineer Regiment, currently studying at Manchester Metropolitan University) When presented with the opportunity to attend Ex Northern Ypres Paccard, trekking the Northern half of the Tour du Mont Blanc,
Exercise Northern Ypres Paccard – 75 Engineer Regiment Read More »
After a slight false start with Off Cdt Moss having arrived a day early, kit prep took place at RAF Wittering. Expedition members were issued regulators, BCDs, masks, wetsuits, dive knives, fins, dive computers and grot bags. We met our four instructors Kev Jones, Mark ‘Misty’ Istance, Jim Metcalf and Sam Goodwin at RAF Brize
Exercise Ascension Endeavour – Cambridge University Air Squadron Read More »
Exercise Drakensberg Duke 2 saw 4 LANCS returning to South Africa for a second year, keen to test itself once again on some of the challenging trails of the Drakensberg Mountains in Kwa-Zulu Natal province, a World Heritage location. The expedition was led by me, Major Nick Kennon, with WO2 Richard Shipton as JSMEL and
Exercise Northern Drakensberg Duke 2 – 4 Lancs Read More »
Exercise Neptune Serpent 2015 was an adventure training diving expedition to the Egyptian Red Sea in March 2015. It was organised by HQ 2nd Medical Brigade and included Reservists and a few Regulars from across the UK. It was based on a live-aboard vessel, the MY Nimar based out of Hurghada and a total of
Exercise Neptune Serpent 2015 – 2 Medical Brigade Read More »
Exercise Dragon – Arctic Heights was a ski mountaineering expedition run by Cambridge University Officers’ Training Corps, exploring Norway’s remote Lyngen Alps. These sheer mountains rise from the Arctic Ocean at the North Norwegian coast, forming a steep sided peninsula flanked on either side by open water. Lyngen is one of Norway’s least populous regions;
Exercise Dragon Arctic Heights – Cambridge UOTC Read More »
Between the 27th March and 5th April 33 cadets and 13 Adults from Northumbria ACF travelled to Serre Chevalier in the French Alps for weeks Alpine Skiing. This was the first venture of this size to be undertaken by Northumbria ACF. The Exercise was designed to give the cadets the opportunity to learn to ski
Exercise Alpine Adventure 2015 – Northumbria Army Cadet Force Read More »
From the 01-07 March 2015 the National Air Cadet Adventure Training Centre Windermere ran Ex Winter Cairngorm – a winter expedition in Scotland for 16 Cadet Force Adult Volunteer Staff. The aim of this expedition was to provide a winter mountain foundation course (WMF), winter climbing foundation (WCF) course and the opportunity to gain further
Exercise Winter Cairngorm 2015 – HQ Air Cadets Read More »
“Du bærer livet i sekken” (Norwegian Nordic ski traveller, 2 Apr 15)* Ten days before the Easter holidays, a team of seven staff and cadets, took part in an arduous cross-country skiing expedition, this was to the Hardangervidda Mountain Range in Southern Norway. The aim of the venture was to introduce a fairly novice group
Exercise Nordic Challenge Norway – Wycliffe College CCF Read More »
On the 15th March this year a team of fifteen air cadets and staff embarked on a 9 day expedition to Kiruna in the north of Sweden, deep in the Arctic Circle wilderness. After almost two years of fund raising and anticipation we were finally on our way to Stockholm the capital city of Sweden.
Exercise Northern Lights – 1998 (West Cross) Sqn RAF Cadets Read More »
From the 14th February until 21st February 2015, Writhlington School Combined Cadet Force undertook an expedition to Andorra in the Pyrenees. The aims of the expedition were to introduce alpine skiing to novice cadets and to develop the skills of those with previous experience. All cadets were assessed on the Snowsport Scotland Snowlife Award scheme.
Expedition Mountain Goat 2015 – Writhlington School CCF Read More »
Ex ROCK POOL 2015 was an Adventurous Training scuba diving expedition to Gibraltar from 20 Apr to 01 May 2015 organised by Portsmouth West Sub Aqua Club (PWSAC) that is based in HMS COLLINGWOOD Fareham. The expedition was made up of both Regular and Reserve forces personnel. The aims of the expedition were to conduct
Exercise Rock Pool 2015 – HMS Collingwood Read More »
295 (Hampshire Yeomanry) Battery Royal Artillery is one of the newest Batteries in the Royal Artillery that was raised September 2014 with a small cohort of ex regular soldiers and a great deal of enthusiasm. The first challenge is to recruit and build the team of Reservist soldiers, and offshore sailing is perfect for building
Exercise Trident Ubique – 295 (Hampshire Yeomanry) Battery Royal Artillery Read More »
Exercise Vulcan EMU was a trekking expedition run between the dates 26/08/2014 until 05/09/2014 for Officer Cadets of East Midlands UOTC. Led by (IC) Officer Cadet Marcus Robertson and (2IC) 2Lt Darren Hastings, the expedition was instructed by Major David Larkam. The aim of the expedition was to improve the team members experience of trekking
Exercise Vulcan EMU – East Midlands UOTC Read More »
This year’s planning for ‘Pyrenees 2014’ started with a shorter lead into than 2011 trek due to the experience and planning of other squadron activities, so back in November 2013, the initial letter went out and presentations by myself from the previous trek to encourage interest from the over 16’s. 10 cadets took up this
Trek Pyrenees 2014 – 633 (West Swindon) Squadron ATC Read More »
At West Buckland School CCF we are keen to get some of the more intrepid cadets away from the DofE treadmill of Exmoor and Dartmoor and do something far more adventurous. Expedition TIGER VENTURER ICELANDIC EXPLORER (catchy, I know) was born, and in August seven cadets and three staff travelled to Iceland to extend the
Tiger Venturer Icelandic Explorer – West Buckland School CCF Read More »
This 6-day mountain walking expedition took place in the Tatra mountains of Poland with 9 members of the Army Reserve unit, 208 Field Hospital which is based in Liverpool. The aims and benefits of this type of expedition is to develop individual courage and leadership skills through controlled exposure to risk in a challenging outdoor environment,
Ex Northern Tatra Serpent – 208 Field Hospital Read More »
Fifteen 6th form cadets from Oakham School’s CCF set off in mid-August on a 10 day expedition to explore the Peninsular battlefields of Central Spain where their forebears of the two affiliate units – Royal Anglian Regiment and Royal Logistic Corps – fought against the French during Wellington’s ultimately triumphant campaign. In particular, the battlefields
Peninsular Cadet 2014 – Oakham School Combined Cadet Force Read More »
The majority of the participants arrived at Newcastle airport hotel on the evening of Saturday 2nd August 2014, eagerly awaiting the long haul flight to Christchurch the next day. Armed with all the paraphernalia required for the three week arduous ski touring event that lay before us, our bags were full to the brim with
Ex Northern Aoraki Serpent – 12 AMS Army Reserve Units Read More »
Aim:- To walk the length of the length of the Mullerthal Trail in Luxembourg’s Mullerthal (Little Switzerland) Region. From the start this was a strange one, a freak overnight stop in Luxembourg on a family holiday by the party leader identified some beautiful walking terrain and stunning scenery. From then on it was Luxembourg you
Ex Mullerthal Trail 2014 – Colstons School CCF Read More »
Twenty six members of George Heriot’s School CCF spent six days of their October break embarking on Adventure Training in the Lake District. For many it was their first experience of adventure sports outside and every member of the party was looking forward to the challenges which lay ahead. The expedition had three main objectives; teamwork and
Jingling Geordie AT 2014 – George Heriot’s School CCF Read More »
On Sunday 20th July 2014, 32 excited teenagers and 9 equally excited adults gathered at Manchester Airport for the beginning of our mammoth trip across the world to embark on the Gold expedition for the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award. For the previous 10 months, students and staff alike had been working hard to train, prepare
Hawaiian Saunter Venturer 2014 Read More »
Over 5th – 12th September 2014, a team 9 of divers, consisting of 7 members of Army Training Unit (North East), a member of 170 Royal Engineers and our Sub-Aqua Diving Supervisor, a Royal Signals WO who is currently working at the Royal Artillery Barracks, Larkhill, undertook an adventure training expedition in Lanzarote. The aim originally
Northern Blue Merlin – Army Training Unit (North East) Read More »
Exercise NORTHERN APACHE was a 32 Signal Regiment, Level 3 Adventure Training expedition to Arizona, USA, over the period 01 – 15 Nov 14. The aim of the exercise was to summit Arizona’s Ultra Prominent Peaks (each with a topographic prominence of 1,500 metres or more), culminating in a summit of Humphreys Peak at 3,852
Ex Northern Apache – 32 Signal Regiment Read More »
Exercise Parbat Tiger was an Army Mountaineering Association (AMA) expedition to the Kumba region of the Himalayas in Nepal, to climb technical 6000m mountains. The expedition’s primary objective was the development of AMA members to facilitate them leading future high altitude expeditions. Fifteen team members from across the regular and reserve Army, were selected and
Ex Parbat Tiger – Army Mountaineering Association Read More »
Exercise Bavarian Wanderer II was an extremely successful level 3 Adventure Training exercise in the spectacular Bavarian Alps, for forty personnel from Tayforth UOTC. The aim of the exercise was to build on training which the Officer Cadets taking part in the exercise had received over the course of the year, namely to work on
Ex Bavarian Wanderer II – Tayforth UOTC Read More »
Exercise Dragon Formigal was a 37 Sig Regt adventurous training exercise in the Aragon region of the Spanish Pyrenees, held over the period 04-17 August 2014. The aim was to complete two treks along sections of the GR11 and to also introduce participants to mountain biking along some of the trails within the region. The
Ex Dragon Formigal – 37 Signal Regt (V) Read More »
On the 18th August 2014, members of Cambridge University Officer Training Corps set off to Belize for a scuba-diving expedition with the aim of developing diving skills in a new, unique and often challenging environment. Expedition members were also given the opportunity to complete PADI courses and qualifications, instructed by Capt Lee Piper and Mr
Ex Dragon Deep Blue – Cambridge UOTC Read More »
Exercise CONDOR EMU saw nine Officer Cadets from EMUOTC summit four Andean mountains, with the aid of Maj Tolan (Alpine Mountain Leader) and Tte Saavedra (Bolivian Mountain Infantry). During the month long expedition the team completed an acclimatisation phase at Illimani base camp (4500m), summited an acclimatisation peak (Janco Laya 5550m) and three further peaks,
Ex Dragon Condor Emu – East Midlands UOTC Read More »
The aim of adventure training was to develop through authorised challenging pursuits and within an outdoor environment, leadership and the qualities necessary to enhance the performance of military personnel during peace and war. Our expedition was to take us, a group of twelve novice mountaineers and two instructors of the Royal Yeomanry, from Port de
Ex Cockney Yeoman Solero – Royal Yeomanry Read More »
An Account by Expedition Member Pte L H Johnson Diving at the Ascension Island really is a unique experience, due to the volcanic ground and untouched diving sites, wrecks and marine life; truly it is a great place to carry out Adventure Training. The expedition team was made up of 11 members including the SADS
Ex Yorkshire Stallion 2014 – 4 Yorks Read More »
Valais, organised by the Swiss Military every two years. Teams of three depart Zermatt and race to Verbier, a distance of 53km (110km actual snow distance) and ascend a total of 4000m. The Swiss Army organised the first military patrol in 1943 to test the abilities of its soldiers. The modern race format is renowned
Ex Valais Eagle 2014 – 144 Para Med Sqn, 170 (Infra Sp) Engr Gp RE Read More »
Between 24 and 31 October 2014, nineteen Royal Navy CCF cadets (12 male and 7 female) and three staff members from Calday Grange Grammar School (Wirral, Merseyside) travelled to Gibraltar for an adventure training expedition. The chosen expedition name, as above, is as a result of an MOD requirement that all cadet expeditions should be headed with
Ex Northern Venturer Jebel-Tarik 2014 – Calday Grange Grammar School CCF Read More »
Ex CADET ROCK was an eight day climbing expedition to the Costa Blanca run by the Cadet Centre for Adventurous Training (CCAT). Four instructors which included Maj Kevin Edwards OC CCAT, Lt Col Cath Davies, Billy McIntosh and Dave Rees plus 8 x Cadet Force Adult Volunteers and Senior Cadets flew from Manchester to Alicante
Ex Cadet Rock 2014 – Cadet Centre for Adventurous Training (CCAT) Read More »
It was nothing like I had ever seen before. The poverty, the way of life, it was like I had stepped into a film set, yet it was so surreal. There were children running around the streets, dogs lying in the roads and don’t even get me started on the traffic. It was so incredibly
Kalokath’s Cadet Venture 2014 – Oldham Hulme Grammar School CCF Read More »
When initial planning for this expedition started the aim was to provide cadets with the environment to develop personal and team skills and to take them out of their “comfort zone”. With the emphasis being on Adventure Training one of the goals would be the reaching the top of Mount Fansipan (3143m), the highest mountain
Vietnam Venturer 2014 – 2391 (Parkstone) Squadron ATC Read More »
On the 1st of September 2014, 5MI deployed to Morocco for a two week trekking expedition into the Atlas Mountains in conjunction with the Moroccan Army. Although originally this trip was intended for 5MI and the Int Corps Reserves only, it was opened up to the wider Corps. The 14 participants were Lt Col Bavin,
Ex Northern Phoenix Atlas – 5 MI Bn Read More »
What better way to spend a cold winter’s night than in front of a roaring fire with a hot toddy and the latest edition of the Ulysses Trust Winter Newsletter. In this edition we focus on our recent awards ceremony showcasing not just the event, but also highlighting the reports from the three award winning
Winter Newsletter 2014 Read More »
It is with great sadness that we note the passing of Sir Tommy Macpherson CBE, MC**, TD DL on 6th November 2014, aged 94. Sir Tommy Macpherson had been a vice-patron and great supporter of the Ulysses Trust from its inception in 1992. It was not just what he did, but also the way he
Sir Tommy Macpherson Read More »
A team of nine cadets and staff from 2344 (Longbenton) Squadron have succeeded in climbing their first foreign peak – the Pic Du Canigou in France. Flight Lieutenant Will Close-Ash, who famously assisted in rescuing a group of Belgian climbers on the peak in 2008, was leading the team. The group of seven cadets and
Operation Vertex – 2344 (Longbenton) Squadron Air Training Corps Read More »
On 14th February 2014, 33 Air Cadets and 9 staff from the South West, set off for Alpine Adventure in Bavaria, Germany. The trip has been running in various forms for over 20 years, and provides cadets with the opportunity learn to ski or improve on their current level of skill, under the supervision of
Ex Alpine Adventure 2014 – South West Region Air Training Corps Wings Read More »
Leeds University Officers’ Training Corps conducted an adventurous training expedition consisting of rock climbing and trekking in the Dolomites in Northern Italy. OCdt Victoria Carbutt takes up the story… Our first full day in Cortina d’Ampezzo consisted of an acclimatisation trek to Tonde de Cianderou from Camping Olympia (SH 1711m), which was to be our
Ex Northern Dolomites – Leeds University Officers’ Training Corps Read More »
Why should cadets have all the fun? There have been a number of international trips for cadets in recent years but this was the first overseas trip designed specifically to allow Cadet Force Adult Volunteers (CFAVs) the opportunity to broaden their mountaineering and climbing experience. Officer Commanding Cadet Centre for Adventurous Training (CCAT), Major Kev
Ex Canadian Odyssey 2014 – Cadet Centre for Adventurous Training Read More »
12 cadets and staff from 461 (Chichester) and 2530 (Uckfield) Sqn’s ATC have just returned from a 12 expedition to Switzerland, made possible from a year’s hard fund raising and planning, including lots of generous donations notably the Ulysses Trust and RAF Charitable Trust. The group took the decision to travel by train rather than
Ex Swiss Adventure 2014 – 2530 (Uckfield) Sqn & 461 (Chichester) Sqn ATC Read More »
Cadets from 46F Kensington Air Cadets took to the Scottish Highlands for a week of action packed adventure training. To help fund the camp cadets helped Christmas shoppers pack their bags at the local Sainsbury’s store on Cromwell Road, as well as the generous grant awarded by the Ulysses Trust and donations made by the
Ex Highland Fling 2014 – 46F (Kensington) Squadron Air Training Corps Read More »
The group were all from Essex Wing Air Training Corps, made up of four adult leaders and the rest either cadets or civilian instructors between the ages of 17-20. The whole adventure lasted ten days and was a superb opportunity for all to experience a challenging, demanding and educational expedition in an area of incredible
Ex Ice and Fire 2014 – Essex Wing Air Training Corps Read More »
The Ulysses Trust annual award ceremony took place on the 22nd October in the prestigious Long Room of the Honourable Artillery Company to celebrate the adventurous training achievements of Reserve and Cadet Forces over the year. An auspicious event in anyone’s social calendar, the Ulysses Trust awards is always well attended, and this year was no
Ulysses Trust Awards A Resounding Success Read More »
This expedition must rank as one of the most successful ever mounted by the Army Cadet Movement. 57 out of 58 participants, in two independent groups and 8 adults and 20 cadets, summited Point Lenana (4,985m) on Mt Kenya. Also a local primary school was given a brand new classroom that was built from scratch.
Ex Northern Kenyan Venturer – Army Cadet Force & Combined Cadet Force (Army) Read More »
A group of 10 staff and instructors from the Regional Training Centre, Northern Ireland (RTC(NI) recently took part in Ex CANPADDY FINN – a 14 day exercise based at Trails End Camp (TEC) in the Canadian Rockies. The group included staff members from the Royal Irish, RLC, Royal Signals and AGC (RMP) all of whom
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This expedition was held between the 21st and 31st of July. It was a Summer Alpine Mountaineering Expedition, which its main aim was to complete a section of the GR10, a well renowned French hiking route. The GR10 follows the Pyrenean mountain range, which is situated between the French and Spanish border. This route is
Exercise Dragon Pyrenees Pursuit – Birmingham UOTC Read More »
During July 2014, 8 staff and 13 cadets headed for British Columbia, Canada for a 26 day RFCA expedition, supported throughout by the Yorkshire Cadet Trust. It commenced almost 18 months ago with 60+ cadets vying to gain a place on the team. The selection process took place over Easter 2013 (North York Moors) and
Exercise Northern Rocky Mountain Venturer – Yorkshire ACF and ATC Cadets Read More »
On the 11th June members of Bravo company’s expedition team set off to Pembrokeshire, Wales to walk a section of the coastal path, the team of 12 Cadets and 8 Staff plus Logistics team were kindly accommodated by Fishguard Sea cadet unit for the duration. On Saturday the 12th saw the team load their kit
Bravo Coy Expedition 2014, Pembrokeshire Coastal Path, Wales. Read More »
It’s not often that the tables are turned on us, however Bravo Coy RM Cadets did just that! Lt Glenn MacLennan and his team of RM Cadets organised a self funded expedition earlier this year to trek 80km around the Pembrokeshire Coastal Path, which is not to be underestimated, and in so doing raised £715 in
Bravo Coy RM Cadets Support The Ulysses Trust Read More »
On Monday 23rd June, ten intrepid students from Selly Oak Trust School in Birmingham began their Tall Ships expedition. The students were all sixth formers at the school, which is one of the largest for young people with special educational needs in Europe. The students were a mix of those who had been on a
Tall Ships Challenger 2014 – Selly Oak Trust School Combined Cadet Force Read More »
Exercise ALASKAN BUGLE was an expedition for 12 members of 1 Rifles supported by two reservists Maj John Tolan (Alpine Mountain Leader) and Maj Kirsty Watson (Team Doctor). The expedition aim was to climb Mt Denali at 6189m North America’s highest peak. The mountain is a serious challenge at the best of times and this
Ex Alaskan Bugle – 208 Field Hospital, 1 RIFLES, EMUOTC Read More »
Let’s imagine a group of ten young people – who have never sailed anything larger than a Pico dinghy before – setting sail across the Irish Sea in a 35ft yacht. The thought alone screams “DISASTER!” But on July 28th 2014, ten young people from Chorley Sea Cadets aged 13 – 16 left Chorley train
Operation Celtic Discovery 2014 – Chorley Sea Cadet Corps Read More »
An expedition has 3 components: Plan, Do, Recover…Fantasise, Criticise, Romanticise!. “We’ve climbed Mt Kenya…what next?”. That was the challenge posed by the Commanding Officer on our return from Kenya in 2013. The European Alps were closer and Mt Blanc the highest in western Europe at 4808m was a perfect ideal. The long and laborious process
Ex Northern Alpenglow 2014 – Glasgow & Strathclyde UOTC Read More »
Colston’s School is based in Central Bristol and Ex Scaffold Tower’s aim was to have a first foray further afield from Bristol in a true area of Wild Country summiting the peak of Scafell Pike. The Lake District provided the area and the expedition was a great success despite the 10 cadets being wittled down
Ex Scaffold Tower 2014 – Colston’s School Combined Cadet Force Read More »
The aim of our expedition was to Open Canoe the reverse route taken by Bonnie Prince Charlie on his return to Scotland in the year 1745, whilst being completely self-sufficient. We also wanted to learn how to cook over an open fire, how to set up wild camps, simple survival skills such as carving tools,
Jacobite Journey – Loch Shiel 2014 – Marine Society & Sea Cadets Read More »
Exercise BOLIVIAN VENTURE 2014 (BV14) was a major high altitude expedition to the Northern Cordillera Apolobamba region of Bolivia and Peru. The expedition took place during the period 3 – 26 June 14 and consisted of twenty-eight personnel broken down into a trekking team of seven and a mountaineering team of twenty-one. Both teams were
Exercise Bolivian Venture 2014 – 612 RAuxAF Sqn and 3 AEF Read More »
Exercise Ibex EMU was a mountaineering expedition that ran for 19 days from the 14th July – 1st August. It took place in Saas Grund, Switzerland and Chamonix, France. The main effort of the expedition was to summit Mont Blanc. Our unit had attempted to do this previously but had failed due to poor weather
Ex Ibex EMU (Dragon) 2014 – East Midlands UOTC Read More »
The annual HQ Air Cadets/Ocean Youth Trust Scotland West Coast Challenge offshore sailing expedition for senior cadets aged 18 years and over took place from the 18th to the 24th of August 2014. Sailing out of Oban on-board Alba Explorer under the watchful eyes and expert guidance of the OYT Scotland sea-staff the novice crew
OYT Scotland West Coast Challenge 2014 – Headquarters Air Cadets Read More »
City of Liverpool Sea/Marine Cadets deployed to Holy Island, Anglesey, North Wales from 10-15th August 2014 for Exercise Rip Curl. Prior to the exercise the cadets raised funds to pay for the local purchase of climbing equipment and wet suits (a total cost of £1798). Cadets from the unit carried out two bag packs at local
Ex Rip Curl 2014 – City of Liverpool Sea Cadets (TS Mersey) Read More »
On the morning of Saturday 26 July 14, 24 Cadets and 6 Adult Instructors from Staffordshire and West Midlands Army Cadets force started the long drive north to Inverness for the start of a seven day adventurous training package. The aim of the expedition was to expose the cadets to the adventurous opportunities the Highlands
Ex Highland Dragon Venture – Staffordshire and West Midlands Army Cadet Force Read More »
On Monday 4th August, eight cadets dragged themselves out of bed in the very, very early hours of the morning to board a plane to Oslo. After travelling most of the day we arrived at Haugastol, the hostel which sat at 1000 metres above sea level. We ate like kings and prepared for the days
Exercise Viking Trek – Morrison’s Academy Combined Cadet Force Read More »
Exercise Ice Dragon 2014 was an adventurous training expedition sponsored by the Ulysses Trust. The expedition leader was OCdt Smith of Bangor Company and involved 13 members of Wales Universities Officers Training Corps (WUOTC). The two mountain leaders with the requisite adventurous training qualifications were SM Williams, currently RA and serving as PSI of Bangor
Ex Ice Dragon 2014 – Wales Universities Officers Training Corps Read More »
