A total of 200 Tonbridge cadets took part in the School’s annual CCF Inspection Day on Wednesday 19 March.

This year’s parade was attended by parents, staff, and friends, who welcomed Brigadier (Ret’d) Peter Gilbert QVRM TD DL VR, Deputy Lieutenant, as Inspecting Officer.

Peter is an Honorary Colonel of the Kent Army Cadet Force, and Chairman of the South-East Reserve Forces’ and Cadets’ Association. An Army doctor by trade, he was previously commander of the British Military Hospital at Camp Bastion in Afghanistan.

To read more about Brigadier Gilbert, please click here.

The 36-strong Honour Guard display was commanded by Cadet WO2 Jones (FH), accompanied by The Band of the Scots Guards under the baton of WO2 Gibson. A silent drill display was performed by the CCF Honour Guard, consisting of over 200 individual rifle and foot drill movements.

Following the parade, boys took part in a music masterclass with The Band of the Scots Guards, finishing with a marching performance of ‘Edinburgh Castle’ after just 40 minutes of practice. The cadets were also treated to displays by the Princess of Wales’s Royal Regiment, as well as a display of engineering equipment and Nepalese cultural artifacts provided by 36 Engineer Regiment & The Queen’s Gurkha Engineers.

Other afternoon activities included a Laser Clay Pigeon shoot, an Royal Navy Boarding and Compartment Clearance simulator, and an RAF survival demonstration provided by each service’s respective Cadet Training Teams.

In addition, the School organised a drone obstacle course, field gun practice, shooting on our 25-metre indoor range, both archery tag and laser tag, a CCF boat display, raft building and a SCUBA diving activity.  

The cadets also enjoyed activities set up by all three emergency services, in particular, the opportunity to use high pressure firehoses under the supervision of Kent Fire and Rescue Service.

A special mention to Sqn Ldr Hargreaves, Contingent Commander, who was presented with his Cadet Forces’ Medal by the Inspecting Officer, earned after 12 years’ of uniformed cadet service.

To conclude the day, the CCF Annual Dinner took place where Guest of Honour, Brigadier Gilbert, gave a compelling speech and awarded prizes to the following cadets:

The Wilson Trophy (RAF Cadet): CWO Dobson (SH5)

The Dougall Trophy (Army Cadet): RSM Rice (WW5)

The Tennant Bell (RN Cadet): WO Pattison (WW5)

The Brennan Trophy (a member of the Honour Guard): CSM Saunders-Aroma (PS5)

The Paterson Sword, for the cadet who has done the most to further the aims of Tonbridge School CCF: RSM Jones (FH5)