During a recent visit to 499 (Port Talbot) Squadron, Group Captain Allen presented Cadet Warrant Officer Gethin Davies with the Blackham Bronze Trophy for 2009.  To be chosen as the Best Male Cadet in the Wales and West Region of the Air Training Corps, which comprises almost 6000 cadets was a superb achievement for Gethin, but little did he know that within just a few short weeks that his efforts and outstanding service within the Corps over the last 5 years would be acknowledged by receiving the accolade of “Best Male Cadet in the Air Training Corps for 2009”.

Gentlemen
I am delighted to announce CWO Gethin Davies, of No 499 (Port Talbot) Sqn, 3 Welsh Wing, has been successful in this year's competition.
Air Commodore Stewart told me that, although every candidate was of a very high standard, Gethin was a very clear winner.  My congratulations to Gethin, to his Squadron and to his Wing.

Dick Allen

R J Allen
Gp Capt
Regional Commandant (Wales & West)

Mike,
Please pass on my congratulations to Gethin on achieving the highest award an Air Cadet can gain. This award reflects the high standards that you have set and maintained at your squadron.

Well done
Mike  

Sqn Ld Mike Lovering

Hi Mike,
Please pass on my congratulations to ICWO Gethin Davies on the award of the
Dacre Sword - WELL DONE!!

Regards
Chris

C A FORD
Sqn Ldr, WSO

Mike,
Please pass on my congratulations as well as those of 1429 Squadron to Gethin, excellent achievement.

Regards
Mandy

AJ FORD
Flt Lt OC 1429

Mike
I would like to wish ICWO Gethin Davies the sincerest of congratulations on an exemplary achievement on behalf of all of the Cadets and Staff of 215 (City of Swansea) Squadron.
As OC you must be extremely proud ICWO Davies and I would request that you pass on all of our best wishes.

Regards
Phill Flower
Flt Lt
OC 215 Sqn

Mike,
Please would you pass on my congratulations to ICWO Davies on being awarded the Dacre Sword and Best Male Cadet in the ATC for 2009.
You must be very proud to have such a remarkable young man on your Squadron and also as a Squadron Commander to have given him the support and opportunity to develop over his 5 years with the ATC.
Congratulations to you both.

Regards,
Barry.
Barry C Thomas
Flt Lt RAFVR(T)
OC 2117 Sqn 

Dear Mike
What WONDERFUL news. Thank you so much and I know Chris and I would love to join you in October. Please pass on our congratulations to Gethin.
Thank you too for the super pictures.

Yours
John.....

John F Farley OBE AFC
Cranfield (Schools Aerospace Challenge)

The Venerable (AVM) B H Lucas CB
Archdeacon Emeritus of the RAF
Hon President, No3 Welsh Wing ATC

Please pass on my congratulations to Gethin & the Squadron for this achievement. I look forward to meeting him on the Presentation Evening in October. 

Bryn John

High Sheriff of West Glamorgan

Since 1983, the Dacre Sword and the Dacre Brooch have been awarded annually, selection being based on the all-round performance of the cadets nominated by the Regional Commandants. (based upon Wing nominations to Regional HQs)

The name of Dacre is well known in Buckinghamshire. Air Commodore Dacre was during the 1930s, station commander at RAF Halton. (Many of you will have travelled along Dacre Road on the main camp at Halton). In 1938 Mrs Dacre was appointed Senior Commandant (the ATS equivalent of Major). Her appointment was to the Buckinghamshire Territorial Association and her instructions were to raise five companies of women. For her work in this area, she was awarded the Territorial Decoration, an award rarely given to women at that time. In September 1939 she transferred to the WAAF as a Squadron Officer. She achieved the WAAF equivalent of Group Captain before leaving the service in 1948.
Mrs Dacre's son Flt Lt Kenneth Fraser-Dacre was killed in 1943. In his memory, Elizabeth Dacre presented the RAF with the bronze Dacre Trophy, which is awarded annually to the most proficient fighter squadron. Mrs Dacre died aged 93, in February 1995.