National Cadets Week CFAV Profile: WO2 Marcellus Roberts
Cambridgeshire ACF is fortunate to have many long serving and dedicated Cadet Force Adult Volunteers (CFAVs), whose experience and hard work forms a vital backbone for the organisation. Of these, WO2 Marcellus Roberts is amongst our longest serving and most dedicated.
(Above) Marcellus as a soldier, Germany, 1980s.
Born in Shepherd’s Bush, Marcellus moved to Peterborough and then joined the Army in 1977 at the age of 16. He served with the Royal Anglian Regiment for 12 years, including serving in Canada, Cyprus, Germany and several tours of Northern Ireland, during one of which he was injured by a bomb blast during a street patrol. He is full of praise for the Army and how much he benefited from his service. He said: “I didn’t know much when I joined, but the Army taught me a lot, it taught me to be proud of being a soldier. I learnt the importance of discipline and following orders, and it taught me leadership and respect. I liked the friendship and the camaraderie. It was the happiest time of my life.”
(Above) a press photograph showing Marcellus, in sporting pose, having just started work with the Army recruitment office, around 1979.
Marcellus was a keen sportsman in the Army, taking part in football, boxing, athletics and triple jump, resulting in him being awarded the Battalion Colours.
On leaving the Army, he got a job working for the Ministry of Defence at Waterbeach, near the Army Cadet Training Centre. Through mutual acquaintances, it was suggested he might volunteer with Cambs ACF, first of all joining Fletton Detachment in 2006 and then becoming its Detachment Commander (DC). From here, he joined the Corps of Drums as its DC.
(Above) Raising the Colours at detachment, 2020.
His time with The Corps Of Drums has been marked by his dedication and continual drive to find new recruits and keep the Corps active. This hard work has resulted in the Corps thriving and giving a number of exceptional public performances recently, most notably at our showcase day in July where visiting Chelsea Pensioner Roy Palmer described them as ‘magnificent’.
(Above) Receiving the King’s Coronation Medal, 2025.
Marcellus’s 20 years with Cambs ACF have been full of great moments, but particular highlights include the 150 anniversary of the Army Cadets and visiting the Menin Gate in Belgium. At the 150第 Anniversary, the Corps of Drums joined others to perform on The Mall, London, after which they were invited to Buckingham Palace.
He said: “My approach to volunteering is shaped by my Army service, where I learned the value of leading by example, serving others and maintaining high standards. I’m really proud to serve as an Adult Volunteer with Cambridgeshire Army Cadet Force, having dedicated 20 years of service to helping young people develop confidence, discipline, resilience, teamwork and leadership. I have helped strengthen Cadet Music across Cambridgeshire ACF by developing structured training in drumming, bugling, flute, music theory, drill and ceremonial skills for cadets of all experience levels.”
(Above) With members of the Corps of Drums, 2024.
“Seeing a cadet arrive with little confidence or experience and later perform on parade, achieve a qualification, teach another cadet, or take on a leadership appointment is one of the greatest rewards of being an Adult Volunteer.”
Marcellus is clearly inspired by helping and supporting cadets, and being part of a loyal and dedicated team. His support for cadets has led to lasting relationships, with many of them keeping in touch with him as adults. Even after his military service, he still found he had lots to learn, and his ACF experience would go on teaching him new skills.
“What being a CFAV has taught me most is patience, to take time with the cadets to help them achieve. I have learnt the importance of encouraging young people, helping to push them forward. I try to be approachable and always put the cadets first. I have also learned to trust them to make decisions, and to allow them to make mistakes -that’s how they learn.”
Text by Lt Doug Stuart