British Cadet Rifle Team

The British Cadet Rifle Team, also known as The Athelings, are a team of eighteen cadets selected from the best cadet forces from throughout Britain.[1] Every year applications are submitted in the Autumn term and a selection committee with twelve members choose the best eighteen applications, and name an additional three non-travelling reserves. These selected cadets then shoot the National Rifle Association's Imperial Meeting in July before flying to Canada to compete with the Royal Canadian Army Cadets and shoot the Dominion of Canada meeting held at Connaught Cadet Training Centre.[2][3]

Selection criteria

In order to gain selection for the Athelings, cadets must fit the following criteria as determined by the selection committee.[2]

  • The cadet must have experience shooting in competition at Bisley
  • The level at which they compete must be very high
  • Must be under 18 years of age
  • They should have competed in at least one main NRA meeting in July
  • They should have an excellent cadet record
  • They must have accompanying references from their Headmaster or Cadet Unit Commander

History
The first stage of the Rex Goddard match is shot at Bisley, firing the L81 A2 Cadet Target Rifle.

The Athelings was started in 1910 when cadets from Australia, New Zealand and Canada came to shoot in England. This followed by subsequent exchanges that took place through the Imperial Cadet Association, founded in 1908 by Captain RJE Hanson. These early exchanges were well received and regular exchanges where started in 1928. This was also the period in which the term "Athelings" was introduced by Hanson to describe the members of the teams who go overseas to represent their country. Ætheling was an Old English word meaning "young noble". For the first time in history, the Athelings did not travel to Canada in 2021 following the Covid-19 Pandemic. This also occurred in 2022, with these being the only two times ever, the Athelings did not travel to Canada. [2][3][4]


Results
The C12 Cadet Target Rifle, shot by the Athelings during the Cadet Meeting at Connaught.
Results to 2016[3]
MatchCanadaAthelings (UK)
Michael Faraday3933
Alexander G Bell1152
Rex Goddard1217

References
  1. "The History of the Athelings". GB Rifle Team. Archived from the original on 20 December 2013. Retrieved 26 May 2023.
  2. "TARA information". TARA website. Archived from the original on 15 February 2013. Retrieved 19 December 2013.
  3. "CCRS history". CCRS website. Retrieved 19 December 2013.
  4. "Athelings history". Great British Rifle Team website. Retrieved 17 December 2013.
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