Thetford cadets return from South Africa expedition

A group of Thetford-based army cadets have returned from a trip of a lifetime adventure in South Africa.

The 16 youngsters from the Norfolk Army Cadet Force base in Croxton Road spent two weeks on the cultural experience exploring game reserves and learning about British military sacrifices in the African country.

The cadets aged between 16 and 18 spent the first part of their trip at the Imfolozi game reserve, near Durban, where they went on a wilderness trail for five days and nights and saw animals including white rhino, buffalo, lion and elephants.

They also visited a Zulu village for two days and laid a wreath at a British Army memorial and visited Rorke’s Drift, the scene of a famous Anglo-Zulu war battle in 1879 where 150 soldiers defended a supply station against some 4,000 Zulus and where 11 Victoria Crosses were awarded.

The cadets also completed a canopy trail and went white water rafting.

Col David Hedges, of the Norfolk Army Cadet Force, said everyone enjoyed the expedition and the 16 cadets would be putting together a presentation for their sponsors next year.

“It was a life-changing trip for some of them and for seven of them, they had never left the country before. The main purpose of this trip was to give the cadets a new experience and a clear insight into the lifestyles and history of a different culture.”

“The fundraising for this expedition was hard but manageable with everyone playing their part in raising the �50,000 needed to finance this adventure,” he said.