Stories

Wednesday 19 March 2025 saw CCF Cadets and staff on Parade for the Biennial Inspection of the Contingent, with Brigadier Anthony Lamb (Head of Youth and Cadets across the whole of the MoD) attending as the Inspecting Officer.   

The day started with the Brigadier being greeted on the front steps by a Guard of Honour, followed shortly after by a march past of the Corps of Drums and the whole Contingent - some 160 personnel on parade all led by the Drum Major (WO2 Marco). 

After lunch the Brigadier was taken on a walkabout by the Coxswain (WO1 Oscar) and the RSM (WO1 Eva) meeting some of our PADI OW qualified cadets undertaking some diving training in the pool and then a demonstration of field skills by the army section with a simulated medivac on the school fields.  The main event of the day was the annual Rifle Drill Competition.  The visiting ‘Judges’ from RNHQ and 151 Transport Regiment RLC were most impressed describing the performances as outstanding.  The army took the prize again this year, but only by a ‘gnat’s whisker’. 

The Brigadier and guests (the latter included representatives from the Worshipful Company of Marketors, RNHQ and London District HQ) were very impressed with everything they saw.  The Corps of Drums gave a dazzling performance, and the Drill Teams displayed some of the best rifle drill the Judges had seen (and would put many regulars to shame).  It was a fantastic day where the staff were extremely pleased with how well the Inspection went and especially delighted with the performance of the cadets. Their skill, discipline, and professionalism were clear, and it was fantastic to hear such high praise from the Brigadier and the guests at the end of the day.  Not forgetting the CCF Staff, the success of the day was a testament to their dedication and commitment to the CCF – it all ran very smoothly.

The Contingent Commander couldn’t be more pleased with everyone involved - the cadets should be incredibly proud of themselves.