The World Traders were delighted to visit its affiliated unit, 1475 (Dulwich) Squadron, Royal Air Force Air Cadets, for a special evening celebrating the success, talent and commitment of its cadets.
Representing the Company were Past Master Sue Garden, Patron of the Squadron, and Court Assistant Sarah Emilie Goodhew, Chair of the Armed Forces and Uniformed Services Committee. We were also delighted to join Air Marshal Sir Chris Harper, Honorary President of the Squadron, for an evening which provided a wonderful opportunity to see the cadets in action and recognise their achievements.
We were warmly welcomed by the Squadron’s new Commanding Officer, Pilot Officer Kane Stanislas RAFAC, who took up the post in April 2026, having himself been a cadet at 1475 (Dulwich) Squadron. His return to lead the unit in which his own cadet journey began was particularly fitting on an evening in which the themes of leadership, continuity and passing experience from one generation to the next were evident throughout.
The evening began with the annual Squadron photograph before what proved to be one of the highlights of our visit: an extraordinary musical performance by the Squadron’s band performing their London Wing Field Day competition pieces on the parade square.
We were all blown away by the standard and talent on display. What made it even more impressive was learning that many of the young people had no previous musical experience before joining the cadets and that the Squadron does not employ professional musicians to teach them. Instead, the older and more experienced cadets teach the younger cadets, who in time pass those same skills on to those who follow them.
It is a wonderful example of the cadet movement at its best: knowledge is handed down, confidence is built and young people are given responsibility for developing the next generation.
Following refreshments, we were given a review of the Squadron’s activities and achievements during 2026. We were delighted to learn that 1475 (Dulwich) Squadron is in very good health and continues to grow. With 35 prospective recruits due to join next month, the Squadron expects its strength to rise to more than 100 cadets.
We were then treated to a further ensemble performance in the main hall, which was great fun and another thoroughly enjoyable highlight of the evening. Just as striking as the talent on display was the wonderful sense of camaraderie amongst the cadets. Those performing were enthusiastically supported by their fellow cadets watching on, and the warmth, encouragement and good humour between them was infectious. It was a joyful demonstration not only of the remarkable range of talent within the Squadron, but also of the friendships, teamwork and sense of belonging that the cadet experience so clearly fosters.
The World Traders Air Marshal’s Prize
Following the Final Parade and Inspection came a particularly important moment for the Company: the presentation of the World Traders Air Marshal’s Prize.
The 2025 Award was presented to Sgt Nevaeh Johnson and the 2026 Award to Cpl Xaynee Don, in recognition of their winning essays on the subject “What is Leadership?”, written as part of the Squadron’s NCO training programme. Each received a certificate and fountain pen in recognition of their achievement as well as their name engraved on the trophy.
The awards have a particular resonance for the World Traders. They encourage young cadets not simply to develop as leaders themselves, but to stop and consider what leadership really means – the responsibility it carries, the example a leader sets and the importance of helping others to develop.
A Partnership We Are Proud to Support
What impressed us most throughout the evening was the culture behind these achievements: young people being encouraged to learn, to lead and, crucially, to pass what they have learnt on to others.
Our sincere thanks go to Commanding Officer, Pilot Officer Kane Stanislas RAFAC, his staff team and all the cadets for their exceptionally warm welcome and for such a memorable evening. The Worshipful Company of World Traders is immensely proud of its affiliation with 1475 (Dulwich) Squadron, and we look forward to continuing to support its cadets, celebrating their achievements and watching the next generation develop into confident young leaders.
Sarah Emilie Goodhew
Chair, The Armed Forces and Uniformed Services Committee
