Last night the cadets were having fun with fieldcraft (or perhaps preparing for a zombie apocalypse). June has been a great month with promotions, new recruits, activities and lots of cake! It's going to be an exciting summer! #aircadets #whatwedo #RAFAC #orpington #kentwing

Congratulations to Cpl Hedge, Sgt Almond and Flight Sergeant Rick who were awarded their Jack Petchey medallions this evening for their outstanding contributions to 173 (Orpington) Sqn #jackpetchey #Orpington #aircadets #kentwingatc

Cadet Penny has been practicing her drill, here she is stood at attention in her fancy new blue uniform. Cadet Penny is an important member of 173 Squadron serving as our Squadron Mascot and Happiness Officer #orpington #aircadets #kentwingatc

OK, so we're not famous for our dancing but our staff, NCOs and cadets know how to have fun at the fair. Get in touch to find out more about joining us as a cadet or adult instructor #orpington #aircadets #kentwing #chelsfield #RAFAC

Recruits seem to be getting younger and younger these days #orpington #chelsfield #aircadets #RAFAC #kentwing #173squadron

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Delighted to have taken part in the Elworthy competition today and to bring home medals for Best Watermanship Team. 173 Squadron have water wings too! #Elworthy #orpington #rafac #aircadets

We are delighted to introduce our new cadet, who has transferred to us from North Pole Wing. Cadet Elf-Mantoura, a distant relation of our former OC, has earned badges in Principles of Reindeer Flight and Sleigh Propulsion. We look forward to having Cdt Elf-Mantoura at 173!

Day 1) Cadet Elf-Mantoura has arrived early by sneaking in through the gate. He was reminded of our parading hours and how not to be late. He was excited to make new friends, but his disciple is woe. Little do the silly little humans know, his mischief is high; obedience is low!

Day 2) Cdt Elf-Mantoura found some keys lurking around in the staff office. Curious, he tried to unlock every single door! He found out that it was the keys to the trophy cupboard, so he climbed in, wrapped his arms around the trophy, and almost committed a sin!

Day 3) Elf, Elf, Elf, can he not see! The mug he has captured is infact ma'am tea! Silly little Elf, what was he thinking? It is well known that officers must always be drinking (caffeine). Now, he has fallen out with the OC. We wonder what his punishment will be!

Day 4) Cadet Elf-Mantoura up to mischief again! Yesterday it was Ma'am tea, but now her beret (at cross country)! Oh no, Ma'am is fuming. Her anger levels are zooming! Cadet Elf-Mantoura took the beret and hid behind a tree. Santa's said he was a good cadet, but is he?!

Day 5) What a splendid thing to do by Cadet Elf-Mantoura - raiding Warrant Officer Rick's stores! Even the NCOs tremble before going into stores, but Elf took the keys and walked in with such ease! He saw a pair of Flight Sergeant ranks, took them, and walked out in a breeze!

Day 5) Cadet Elf-Mantoura saw the Christmas tree looking bare. He needed to add to it then and there! Whilst everyone was busy with activities and the Junior Ranks Mess was free, Elf saw the chance to toilet paper the Christmas tree!

Day 6) Silly Elf took to the air, and it seemed like he did not care! He demanded to fly higher, but in the process, destructed the Spitfire. The landing gear's now broken.The OC is now filling out an MoD Form 492 incident report. Sqn Ldr Turner now has another incident to sort.

Day 8) Whilst 173 (in this picture, half of A-flight) were making their gingerbread hangers, Cadet Elf-Mantoura thought it would be a good idea to perform some bangers! Confetti was left all over the floor, and when he was asked to clean it, he said "No", and walked out the door!

Day 10) Infuriated by the football match, Elf threw all the baubles on the floor. He knew what Kane was worth and wondered why Southgate would let him take more (penalties). Let's hope Elf doesn't ruin anything anymore, else the police will be knocking on the squadron door!

Day 13) Elf was caught climbing up the Ensign pole. He thought he could go back to the North Pole. But, I guess he was moving too slow because WO Rick caught him when he was down low. Proof shows that Elf wanted to turn the ensign upside down!!!

Day 14) Elf knew that Pilot Officer Pak was going to have a lesson today, so he took some bandages from store without asking if he may. The poor cadet did not realise until they got up for break. He fell, and an incident report was what staff had to make

Day 16) Elf-Mantoura went to see our friends in the Squadron at Bromley. Whilst none could look, their banner he took. His escape plan failed as Sgt Sykes threatened to have him jailed. Now the banner is returned but his bridges are burned and he won't be welcome back at Bromley.