RGS CCF selected out of 600 units nationally

Our contingent were given the honour to represent the 45,000 cadets and 3,500 staff who make up the Combined Cadet Force at the National Service of Remembrance at the Cenotaph in Whitehall, on Sunday 13th November 2022.  

They also took part in the Royal British Legion Festival of Remembrance at the Royal Albert Hall on Saturday 12th November, as banner bearers and front of house volunteers.  

A unique and memorable opportunity to take part in two important national events, made even more poignant this year by the death of Queen Elizabeth II.  The cadets were also instrumental in supporting the Festival of Remembrance at the Royal Albert Hall, selling programmes and poppies which raised £25,000 for the Royal British Legion. Students offered wheelchair assistance to the veterans who kindly took their time to talk with the cadets. 

CCF Contingent Commander Squadron Leader Caroline Hutton-Stott, gave her thoughts on the event: 

"I'm so proud of how all our cadets conducted themselves, showing impeccable behaviour and respecting the magnitude of the event. The work the Royal British Legion does is invaluable, so it was a great honour to support the veterans and their families at such an important occasion."

As the only school contingent present, RGS students marched alongside 10,000 veterans past the Cenotaph in London, returning to Horse Guards parade with Prince Edward taking the salute and watched by an estimated 7.5million on television.

Some of our RGS cadets shared their experiences of the memorable weekend.

Ayesha Premchand, Y10:

"It was a great privilege to be part of the CCF remembrance service trip last weekend. The experience was particularly special for me because my great grandmother Lolita, who sadly passed away only a few weeks ago, at the amazing age of 101, spent many years in the RAF. I know she would have loved to see me representing our cadets and I felt she was marching alongside me as I took my place in the parade.

Daniel Huo, Y13: 

"I was privileged to be the CCF Standard Bearer at the Festival of Remembrance. Myself and three representatives from the different cadet forces had practiced banner drill especially for this event. Being part of cadets has been such a important part of our lives, teaching and developing us into who we are now. The atmosphere during the performance was breathtaking, you could tell how much remembrance meant to the audience which included the royal family who were present. Representing the national organization on such a huge platform was a massive honor and something I will never forget.

Emily Petch, Y13:

"I found the Royal Albert Hall display incredibly moving, there was a powerful atmosphere and a strong tone of reflection and commitment. I was able to see our King and Prime Minister as well as other prominent members of the Royal Family after the performance. There was an indescribable energy especially when we marched past the Cenotaph the next morning. As we marched, we became completely absorbed and focused, and became unified in collective remembrance and respect for the fallen. It was an honour to be involved and I am proud to have represented my school, contingent and the Combined Cadet Force.