Mission Statement
South West London ACF is committed to delivering a modern, inclusive, and high-quality Cadet and Cadet Force Adult Volunteer experience that develops confident, capable, and resilient people within our communities.
We foster a culture where wellbeing is prioritised, diversity is valued, and all cadets and adult volunteers are supported to thrive and grow. Through dynamic training, strong leadership, and a focus on personal development, we maximise every opportunity to help individuals realise their full potential and support to achieve this.We are proud to be a forward-thinking and high performing Sector that sets the standard in the delivery of the Army Cadet Force experience.
Find your nearest detachment on the map
Our Stats
430passes
No. of individual ACS Star Levels passed at Annual Camp.
320passes
Number of individual ACS Star Levels passed for the year.
897passes
No. of individual ACS individual subjects passed at Annual Camp.
328Cadets
went to Annual Camp this year.
7106passes
Number of individual ACS Subject passed for the year.
884hours
of Charity and Community based activities.
Key Information and Contacts
Greater London South West Sector ACF
Army Reserve Centre
27 St Johns Hill
Battersea
London, SW11 1TT
EMAIL US:
PHONE US:
Our Sector Headquarters is situated in Battersea and this is where our Admin staff are located, each Tuesday the HQ team hold training, planning meetings & engagement events.
13 Company is situated in Wandsworth and covers the areas of Wandsworth, Putney, Balham, Wimbledon and Morden.
14 Company is situated in Croydon and covers the areas of Croydon, Coulsdon, New Addington and Mitcham.
15 Company is situated in Kingston and covers the areas of Kingston, Cobham, Epsom and Sutton.
Music – Every Company within South West London ACF has a music element. By having music as one of our core modules, it means we can deliver a unique and much wider Cadet Experience and discover hidden talent within our people.
Colonel C. Jones
Sector Commandant
Colonel Colin Jones brings over four decades of dedicated service to the Army Cadet Force, embodying the values of selfless commitment and leadership. His journey began as a cadet in Surrey ACF, rising through the ranks to become a senior cadet. Since becoming a Cadet Force Adult Volunteer in 1990, he has served in nearly every role within the ACF, including Detachment Commander, Company Commander, County Training Officer, and Deputy Commandant in two counties. In 2017, Colonel Jones was appointed Commandant of South West London ACF, a role he regards as the pinnacle of a deeply rewarding Cadet Force service. His leadership is grounded in the belief that inspiring young people to achieve their potential creates stronger communities and better citizens. He is particularly proud of having progressed from cadet to Commandant, a path that exemplifies the opportunities the organisation offers. Following a distinguished career in operational leadership within the public sector, Colonel Jones has continued to champion youth development through his work supporting the growth of the Combined Cadet Force in London schools. Colonel Jones finds lasting pride in witnessing the growth of cadets and adult volunteers alike. His service is a testament to the transformative impact of the Cadet Forces, instilling confidence, resilience, and a sense of purpose in young people from this fully inclusive organisation.
Lt Colonel M. Purse
Deputy Commandant
Lieutenant Colonel Mark Purse began his Army Cadet Force (ACF) journey at the age of 15, joining Bishopbriggs Detachment in the Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders Battalion. Showing early promise, he rapidly advanced through the Army Proficiency Certificate syllabus, ultimately achieving the rank of Cadet Company Sergeant Major (CSM) in 1985. Immediately upon aging out, he continued his service as a Cadet Force Adult Volunteer (CFAV) and simultaneously enlisted in the Territorial Army as a Radio Technician with the Royal Signals. In 1987, Col Mark was awarded his ACF Commission and left the TA to focus entirely on the cadet movement. His dedication led to a transfer to South West London ACF in 1990, where he has served in a range of leadership roles including Detachment Commander, Company Commander, and Training Major. Across four decades of continuous service, he has exemplified commitment, leadership, and the core values of the ACF. A highlight of his cadet career was receiving the Duke of Edinburgh’s Gold Award from HRH Prince Philip at Kensington Palace—an experience he regards as one of his proudest achievements. Outside of the cadet world, Lt Col Mark brings the same level of professionalism to his civilian role as a Senior Railway Engineer, contributing to the safe and efficient operation of the UK’s rail network. With 40 years of unwavering service, Col Mark continues to inspire both cadets and adult volunteers, upholding the traditions and forward-looking spirit of the Army Cadet Force.
Major P. Oweh
Cadet Executive Officer
Having volunteered with the South West London Army Cadet Force (ACF), Major Peter Oweh commanded Detachments, Music and 13 Company. He will be leaving Kimberly Clark to assume the role of CEO of the Sector on 1st July 2025. Despite no prior musical background, Peter founded a cadet Corps of Drums, training cadets to perform military-style music to an exceptional standard. The ensemble, featuring drums, flutes, and bugles, has performed at prestigious venues including the Tower of London, Tate Britain, and notably before Her Late Majesty the Queen. Peter served as an Aide de Camp (ADC) to the Rt. Hon. The Lord Mayor of London. He is the Common Cryer and Serjeant-at-Arms, City of London. During his time as ADC, he launched an initiative of having a music competition for youth uniformed services in London calling it the Lord Mayors cadet music competition, a feat which is still ongoing annually. He remains closely connected to the City of London as a Freeman, a Freeman of The Worshipful Company of Masons, and a member of the prestigious Candlewick Ward Club. He holds a Master’s degree in Geographic Information Systems from the University of Greenwich. Peter’s main passion is military music. A keen bugler, he has performed at memorials and events, most notably his Regimental (RTR) garden of remembrance at Westminster Abbey where he sounded the Last post, and at the London Regiment’s Remembrance Parade. He also enjoys football and military history. In his spare time, he visits historic battlefields.
RSMI C. Ashton
Regimental Sergeant Major
With a distinguished career spanning over four decades, RSMI Ashton has dedicated 43 years to service through both the Territorial Army (TA) and the Army Cadet Force (ACF). He began his journey in 1982, joining the TA and continuing in the reserves until 2006. During that time, he received various awards in recognition of his commitment and professionalism. In 2008, after a conversation with the Detachment Commander at 135 Detachment, he joined the ACF. His leadership and dedication led to steady progression, culminating in his own appointment as Detachment Commander at 135. In 2014, he took on the role of Company Sergeant Major (CSM) for 14 Company, further demonstrating his capacity for leadership and training. In 2019, he was appointed to the Sector Headquarters (SHQ) as part of the Adult Training Team, and in 2023, he rose to the position of Regimental Sergeant Major Instructor (RSMI). This current role, while challenging, has allowed him to act as the eyes of the Commanding Officer, upholding discipline with fairness, and prioritizing the welfare of both Cadet Force Adult Volunteers (CFAVs) and cadets. Throughout his long and committed service, RSMI Ashton has earned a reputation for fairness, integrity, and dedication to duty. Outside of his uniformed life, he works alongside his partner in the food import industry, bringing the same work ethic and attention to detail that has defined his military and cadet force career.
1968 – Formed 1st April from County of London Army Cadet Force and elements of the City of London Army Cadet Force. 13, 14, 15 and 16 Groups.
1985 – 16 Group disbanded.
1995 – The Groups title changed to Company’s
1997 – To date, the Sector has taken part in several exciting overseas activities, including the Airborne March in Holland, skiing trips to France and Germany, two visits to Hong Kong, and has supported the Canadian Exchange by sending CFAVs.
2019 – onwards – Our current Commandant took command in 2019. Col Colin Jones also saw us through Covid where we were the only London Sector to do a virtual annual camp and local annual camps as we came out of Covid.
Interesting facts
Our current female CFAV’ total length of service is over 180 years.
One of our female instructors is one for the first female cadets in London to be able to join the ACF.
The world famous actor Timothy Spall used to be an Army Cadet at 131 Battersea Royal Tank Regiment.
Our Sector has taken cadets and instructors to Canada, Belgium, Hong Kong, Netherlands and in 2027 we are going to Australia.
Our Sector flash contains the 2 Saxon crowns representing the Royal boroughs of Wandsworth and Kingston, the Archbishops mitre represents the borough of Croydon as Croydon used to be the official residence of the Archbishop of Canterbury, the yellow line represents the River Wandle which flows through all the companies to the River Thames at Battersea. Our flash is registered with the Royal College of Arms.
The Worshipful Company of Arbitrators has an affiliation to 13 Company
The Worshipful Company of Constructors has an affiliation to 14 Company
The Worshipful Company of Masons has an affiliation to 15 Company
The Worshipful Company of Salters has an affiliation to South West London Sector.
The Worshipful Company of Fletchers has an affiliation to 135 Fusiliers, Balham Detachment.
The Worshipful Company of Communicators has an affiliation to South West London Sector.
-
Success Stories
Mrs Monika Nika Thank you absolutely everyone for looking after our children and making their experience safe and enjoyable. X Social media feedback from a family member after Annual Camp 2025.
-
Cadet receives Regimental Coin
Cadet receives Regimental Coin Cadet Under Officer Swallow I was completely shocked to get the Regimental coin from Colonel Easton, I was covered in cam cream when the VIP's from the Fusiliers regiment approached me.
-
Cadets support National ACF Ambassdor.
Cadets support National ACF Ambassdor. Jordan Wylie It is always an honour to be invited to visit cadets and listen to them and what motivates them. It was great to hear the ideas they had on how they will "Take ACCTION" in their detachments in aid of my Antarctic Odyssey challenge.
-
Trooping in the Colour 2025
Cadet CSM Kearney 151 Detachment, Kingston, PWRR The King's Birthday parade was a massive privilege to attend. It was amazing to see the strength of our nation, and to see the King in person. It was a once in a life time moment.
-
15 Coy raise £3000+ for SSAFA
SSI P. Cullen 154 Parachute Reg Detachment Commander SSI P. Cullen, a veteran himself said " It's always a pleasure completing a challenge like this, knowing that you are doing a great deed and raising money for such a great charity on Armed Forces Weekend is massive".
Latest News & Media Updates
Get all the latest news from detachments across the UK, including inspiring stories, amazing expeditions, and upcoming events
Volunteers’ Week Spotlight: Lt Gina Allsop
6 June 2026
Volunteers’ Week Spotlight: Sgt Helen Hughes
5 June 2026
Volunteers’ Week Spotlight: Lieutenant Colonel Sarah Oxford
4 June 2026
Contact Us
Greater London South West Sector ACFArmy Reserve Centre
27 St Johns Hill
Battersea
London, SW11 1TT
- Email us: gl-sw-ao2@rfca.org.uk
- Call us: 02079243229
Start your adventure
Join the Army Cadets to embark on an exciting adventure, develop valuable skills, and build lifelong friendships for young people between 12 to 18 within our own communities.
