Royal Anglian Parade

Cambridgeshire ACF is very proud of its connections to the Royal Anglian Regiment. Most of our detachments are affiliated to the Regiment, and most of our members wear their cap badge. Amongst its many duties, The Regiment also helps keep alive the memory, actions and sacrifices of local infantry Regiments which have long since ceased to exist, including the Cambridgeshire Regiment, in which Cambs ACF takes a particular interest. On Sunday 16^th July, local dignitaries, together with veterans of the Regiment and current and formers members of Cambs ACF, gathered to parade at Ely Cathedral and take part in a Remembrance service.

The parade consisted of the members of the Association, veterans from other units of the Armed Forces, and Cambridgeshire Army Cadet Force. It was led by the Association Standard Bearer, Kenny Pearce, and the Parade Officer, Col Roger Herriot OBE DL. Also attending were the Mayor and Mayoress of Ely, Cllr Chris Phillips and Mrs Mary Rone, and Association President Col (retd) Tony Slater OBE, and Col (retd) David Denson TD, County Colonel Royal Anglian Regiment Association.

Sixteen cadets took part in the parade, which was also supported by our Corps of Drums. As well as Remembrance, the event was an opportunity for old friends to meet up, and to celebrate their service. Past and current senior staff from Cambs ACF were well represented, and (as well as Roger Herriot), these included our Commandant, Colonel Deacon, and retired Colonels Mark Knight MBE, Steve Martin, and Trevor Cox. The parade marched past the Lord Lieutenant, who took the salute. Our cadets were led by County Training Officer Major Jay Annis, and the ACFs participation was planned by Lt Mark Parker.

After the parade, the whole group moved into the Cathedral for a Remembrance service at St Georges chapel, which records the names of fallen soldiers from the Cambridgeshire and Royal Anglian Regiments. The service was led by Dean of Ely Cathedral, The Very Revd Mark Bonney, and was followed by wreath laying at by the Lord Lieutenant and others.

Following the service refreshment were served in the Lady Chapel, and Col Tony Slater OBE thanked all those who had attended, with special thanks to the cadets and their adult instructors who have supported the Association at this event for a number of years. He also thanked the buglers from the ACF Corps of Drums for playing the “Last Post” at the service.

Lt Col David Denson TD said “this occasion is a very important event for the Association having taken place on an annual basis since the Cambridgeshire Regiment returned from the Far East at the end of WW2”.

Lord Lieutenant’s Cdt Colour Sgt Lucy Miles said; ‘The cadets turnout and drill was of a very high standard, and they were an inspiration to everyone. It was also brilliant to parade with the Royal Anglian veterans, and it makes me even more proud to wear their cap badge.’

Text and photos by SI Doug Stuart with thanks to Col David Denson.