Sandhurst Cadet
22.12.11
Exercise Sandhurst Cadet
Cadets in front of Old College, RMA Sandhurst
For the first time, cadets from the ACF and CCF have been asked to participate in the Sovereign’s Parade at the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst. Two cadets from the Lincolnshire Battalion travelled to Cadet Training Centre (CTC) Frimley Park on the 15th of December. Cadet RSM J Ward and Cadet Sgt. H Griffen, joined up with twenty five other cadets from across the country, and were briefed and inspected by Sgt Major Murray, a member of the permanent staff at CTC.
After the inspection the cadets travelled by coach to Royal Military Academy Sandhurst (RMAS) and were given a conducted tour of the Old College, by Captain Lynn, of RMAS. The tour, which included the Chapel (within Old College), the Wellington room, Heritage room and the Royal Memorial Chapel, was extremely interesting and all the cadets said they had enjoyed it. This was followed by a briefing, by Capt. Lynn, on the duties the cadets would have to carry out the next day. Then it was back to CTC Frimley Park, for dinner and a relaxing evening, bulling boots and preparing uniforms for the next day.
Friday dawned cold with snow, as we set out after breakfast to RMAS, thinking of the next few hours to be spent on the square, in front of old college! On arrival we were met by Captain Lynn and shown where to operate, as guides and to hand out programs, to the visiting families and friends of the Officer Cadets who were finishing their time at RMAS.
The cadets got started early, drying off the visitor’s chairs on the edge of the parade square, sorting out the programs and trying to stay out of the freezing wind, as much as possible! With an estimated 2000 plus visitors, both military and civilian, we were kept busy. Soon the flow of visitors stopped and everyone was seated, the cadets and adult instructors retreated to the gaps between the seating areas to watch the parade.
The parade was most impressive! Superb turnout and drill, although some of the drill movements were unfamiliar to us, we all enjoyed the spectacle.
Handing out programs
After the parade finished, the cadets tidied up the unused programs and then formed up, for a debrief, prior to going to lunch. During the debrief, General Sir Nick Parker, KCB CBE, Commander Land Forces, came over and introduced himself to the cadets. He thanked the cadets for their participation in the day’s events and commented favourably on their enthusiasm and professionalism. Then it was off to lunch and a welcome respite from the cold wind! Then back to CTC Frimley Park, to get changed, debrief and set off to our respective home counties. It had been an enjoyable experience and hopefully Cadets will be asked to take part in future Sovereign’s Parades?
Cadet RSM Ward and Cadet Sgt. Griffen with a Napoleonic Cannon
As a footnote; one of the Officer Cadets on the parade, finishing his first term at Sandhurst, was Ex Cadet Sgt. Chris Woods from Crowland Detachment, 3 Coy!
Chris joined the ACF in 2003 and left in 2008 to go to the University of Cumbria. There he gained his degree in Adult Outdoor Leadership before taking his place at Sandhurst in September 2011. If we are asked back to Sandhurst, it would be great to have a few cadets from Lincolnshire there to witness Chris passing out as a commissioned Officer?
