It is part of the conditions of sponsorship by the MoD that all Cadet Forces are formerly inspected every two years to ensure that they continue to perform to the training requirements and standards as laid down. Earlier this term our CCF was subjected to rigorous inspections of weapons, ammunition, stores, security, accounts, training, achievements, range – in fact everything associated with the running of the cadet force. These have been done and we have passed with flying colours; this only left the formal review of training, which happened on Friday.
A number of firsts must be recognised;
The first time we have formally paraded all the cadets from two sections at the same time.
The first time we have paraded horses – in fact the first time any CCF to my knowledge has paraded horses.
The first time we had a cadet under officer hand the parade over to the inspecting officer.
The first time the inspecting officer has arrived by helicopter.
The first time our Headmaster was on parade as a uniformed member of the CCF
The parade was outstanding with everyone properly dressed and at their best. Newly appointed RSM Sam Trafford set the parade and handed over to U/O Greenwood who presented the parade to the Inspecting Officer in professional style.
After the parade, the cadets had the opportunity to get airborne in the Commodore’s Lynx helicopter – a thrilling experience and they all had a great view of the College and surrounding areas.
Commodore Westwood was extremely impressed and thoroughly enjoyed every minute of the day. Opportunity was taken for newly appointed Under Officer Oliver Greenwood to show the Commodore around the school undoubtedly bringing back some very happy memories. After a good lunch attended by the CCF officers and some of our senior cadets the Commodore was escorted around a number of our routine training activities; cavalry training provided by our very own Bursar and Lt. Smith (CCF), section attacks, DoE campcraft, Navy sailing, pulling and raft building, paintballing, air rifle, LSW (Light Support Weapon) basic safety, clay pigeon, fieldcraft obstacles, command tasks and .22 range shooting. He was then treated to a short tent pegging display from the Bursar (Lt. Gillow Riding Master of the Light Cavalry HAC) and (Trooper) Catherine Smith in front of South Terrace.
At his closing speech he congratulated all the cadets on a really splendid day and showed genuine pleasure at meeting them all and thanked them for all their hard work on the day. He also took the opportunity to award a service cup to Robbie Darnton. This cup was donated to the CCF some 15 years ago by Col. V.A. Narracott MBE, our first contingent commander and original founder of the CCF. The cup has never been awarded and it seemed appropriate for the Commodore, who was at the school at the time of Col Narracott, to award it for the first time on behalf of our Contingent Commander as recognition of service to the CCF.