By Press Release
Every year, a different county represents the Army Cadet Force (ACF) in the march past the Cenotaph at the Remembrance parade in London. In 2022 it was Hampshire and the Isle of Wight’s turn – which took nearly 50 years to come around.
During annual camp in August, all cadets were told about the opportunity and many applied, including some from the Island. Luckily, four of us (myself, LCpl Joe Rogerson, Cpl Will Hickmott and CSM Alex Watson) were selected.
The training for this nationally televised event consisted of two full weekend camps, focusing on drill and individual kit, and two days of kit and general preparations in Winchester at Newburgh House, which is Hampshire and Isle of Wight ACF’s HQ. This included Number 2 dress being issued for all cadets helping out in the Royal Albert Hall Festival of Remembrance on Saturday, November 12. From the Island, three of us (myself, LCpl Joe Rogerson and CSM Alex Watson) were chosen.
Finally Friday, November 11 came around and cadets from across the county met in London at Hammersmith Cadet Training Centre (CTC). We had multiple kit inspections and spent the rest of the evening preparing kit and polishing boots. The adult instructor in charge, RSM Harris, went to the Royal Albert Hall to receive timings for the next day.
On Saturday, we arrived at the Royal Albert Hall at around 8am and were briefed about our roles in aiding the Royal British Legion (RBL). The ACF joined other organisations in poppy and programme selling and assisting veterans in wheelchairs. Between these duties we also watched the afternoon showing of the Festival of Remembrance.
Hampshire and Isle of Wight’s cadet, RSM Marvin Dobie, also represented the ACF in the banner party during both the afternoon and televised evening shows. In total, all cadet and other organisations raised over £25,000 for the RBL. I will forever be moved by the Festival of Remembrance and feel so thankful that I had the opportunity to volunteer for the RBL and meet many veterans, including some from WW2 and the Falklands.
The rest of the cadets and adults, just participating in the march past the Cenotaph, spent the day visiting different tourist sights around London and were watching the evening showing of the Royal Albert Hall Festival of Remembrance when we arrived back at the CTC.
From the Island, two of us (myself and Cpl Will Hickmott) joined the other thirty cadets and some adult instructors in the march past the Cenotaph on Sunday (Nov 13). Everyone was brought to The Mall for a final kit inspection we were then marched into position up from the Cenotaph.
As crowds gathered, we heard the gun salute and stood to attention for the two-minute silence. After the National Anthem, we could see the PM and members of the Royal Family just hundreds of metres away laying wreaths and paying their respects.
It was amazing to watch all the veterans representing every regiment and section of the armed forces, marching past us in the parade. I will never forget their faces full of pride as thousands of onlookers applauded their service and remembered those we have lost. Loads of veterans individually greeted army cadets representing their regiments and, whilst we were waiting, some veterans that were naval divers entertained us all with many stories.
Suddenly, the parade moved forward and we were marching towards the Cenotaph. An ‘eyes left’ was called as we passed the monument and continued towards Horse Guards Parade. Before finishing the march, Prince Edward took the salute so we did an ‘eyes right’ towards him. Then we formed up in a squad, surrounded by all those which also marched, and took a second to reflect on what we just participated in.
I will forever be thankful for this opportunity which allowed me to make friends from across the country and represent an organisation that has given me so much. It was so special to be able to pay respects in such a special way and meet many amazing veterans.
Pictured: HM Lord-Lieutenant of the Isle of Wight, Susie Sheldon and Jessica Atkins