Recognition and Change at No. 3 (Ironside) Coy, Cambs ACF

(Above) Major Kell, Cdt CSM Harris and 3 Coy parade at camp.

Following the final parade of the Cambridgeshire ACF Annual Camp 2026, No. 3 (Ironside) Company took the opportunity to recognise a number of individuals who will be leaving the company or moving into new roles following camp.

Two senior cadets from Newmarket Detachment, who have successfully progressed through their ACF careers, reached the age limit for cadet service. Cadet Company Sergeant Major B. Harris and Cadet Staff Sergeant A Zdunek were both presented with engraved commemorative plaques by Major J. Kell MBE in recognition of their dedication and service.

(Above) Major Kell presents a leaving gift to Cdt CSM Harris.

Both cadets were thanked for the significant contributions they have made at both detachment and company level, where they have had a lasting and positive impact. Words of encouragement and support were offered as they look towards the next chapter of their lives, before they formally returned to the ranks for the final time.

(Above) Cadet Staff Sergeant A Zdunek is presented with a leaving gift.

The parade also saw a well-deserved promotion. Cadet Sergeant P Strike was promoted to Cadet Staff Sergeant, and will assume the role of Senior Cadet at Newmarket Detachment. Congratulations were offered by all present, along with best wishes for success in their new appointment.

(Above) Cdt Staff Sgt Strike is promoted.

There were also several adult volunteer changes within the company that deserved recognition.

Company Sergeant Major S. Rudderham concluded his tenure with the company following camp. In appreciation of his outstanding service, Major Kell presented him with an engraved miniature pace stick and stand on behalf of No. 3 (Ironside) Company.

His service has spanned numerous appointments over the years, including periods as a Detachment Commander at both Longstanton and Newmarket. Particular recognition was given to his time commanding the former Linton Detachment, where he regularly oversaw parades of around 45 cadets each week. His contributions also included a successful period as Company Shooting Officer.

(Above) Presentation to CSM Rudderham.

His transition into a Headquarters role enabled him to maintain regular contact with all detachments across the company, making him one of the most popular and recognisable CFAVs within Ironside Company. That said, cadets would agree that if his visit concerned discipline or dress regulations, it was always wise to stand by!

(Above) 3 Coy marches at camp.

Finally, Major Kell was presented with a parting gift by Captain D. Garner, Training Officer of No. 3 Company. Following five years as Officer Commanding, Major Kell’s tenure had come to a close. The engraved gift read “Thanks for Everything”.

Over 21 years of service to No. 3 Company, Major Kell has fulfilled a variety of appointments, including Detachment Adult Instructor, Detachment Commander, Company Staff Officer and Company Training Officer. The appreciation and gratitude shown by those on parade provided a meaningful and poignant conclusion to the proceedings, culminating in a rousing rendition of three cheers led by Cadet Company Sergeant Major B. Harris.

(Above) the Commandant presents the Lucas Tooth Trophy to 3 Coy cadets.

As Major Kell formally handed over command of No. 3 Company and its Company Standard to the incoming Officer Commanding, Major Baker, he wished all those moving on every success in their future endeavours and thanked them for their dedication, service and commitment to the Army Cadet Force.

The parade marked not only the end of an exceptionally successful Annual Camp, seeing No 3 Company win the Lucas Tooth Shield, but also the closing of several significant chapters within No. 3 (Ironside) Company. While farewells were made and responsibilities passed on, the legacy of service, leadership and commitment demonstrated by those recognised will continue to inspire future generations of cadets and adult volunteers alike.

(Above) Major Baker is promoted, and will now command 3 Coy.

With thanks to Major Kell MBE, WO2 Harris and Lt Stuart for text and photos.