The Ely Air Cadets, parents and Squadron staff gathered last week to recognise their achievements over the past year. 

Celebrating not just the achievement of the individual award winners but the effort, the ceremony recognised the commitment and dedication of every cadet and volunteer member of staff.  

Awards were presented by two guests of honour, the Deputy Lord Lieutenant for Cambridgeshire Colonel Roger Herriot, and the mayor of Ely The Right Honourable Chris Phillips. The evening recognised another poignant achievement for the Squadron, with 1094 being awarded the Freedom of The City of Ely.

As well as the annual awards, Ely Squadron's Commanding Officer Flight Lieutenant John Donoghue RAF AC, promoted Corporal Billy Phillips, Corporal Monasch Tsui, and Sergeant Anna Munday.

The Fred Pizey Citizenship Plate, was awarded to Corporal Sophie Case-Upton for commitment to helping others, including voluntary work, Squadron fundraising and charity fundraising. 

The 1094 Squadron Cadet of the Year trophy was awarded to Cadet Warrant Officer James Munday.  

Meanwhile, the Jessen First Aid Trophy was awarded to Sergeant Kida Western as the cadet who has shown dedication to advancing First Aid training within the Squadron.  

The Recruit of the Year trophy was awarded to Cadet Holly Elstow as the best cadet from the past year's annual recruitment intake.

Sports Cadet of the Rear trophy was awarded to the cadet who has done their very best in representing the Squadron in Cadet Sports competitions, Corporal (now Sergeant) Anna Munday.

The O’Donovan Deportment Trophy was awarded to Sergeant Logan Constable as the cadet who consistently maintained the highest of standards in their uniform and military bearing.  

The Squadron Non-Commissioned Officer (NCO) of the Year trophy was awarded to Sergeant James Wallman for being a role model for others to follow his example. 

The Bolden trophy for the most improved cadet over the past year as chosen by The Squadron’s Senior Cadets was awarded to Corporal Catrin Andrews.  

The John Grant plate for endeavour in the face of adversity, in line with the Royal Air Force’s motto Per Ardua Ad Astra, 'through hardship to the stars', was awarded to Sgt Kida Western.

The Squadron Commander's Silver Salver, for the Squadron's Commanding Officer to recognise the very highest levels of commitment and dedication to the Squadron. Awarded this year to Flight Sergeant Davis Russellcook.