CCF General Inspection

The Corps put on its annual showcase last Sunday in beautiful sunshine. An immaculate Guard of Honour welcomed our Inspecting Officer, Brig Oliver Stokes MBE OC, back to Home Field: Brig Stokes, Commander of 4 Brigade, is the most senior serving Old Caterhamian in the British Army. Thereafter a very large audience of parents, staff and guests were shown around various stands, including climbing, archery, first aid and bushcraft, where the cadets showed off their training.

News of the abduction of Sqn Ldr Armitage brought the guests back to Home Field in alarm, but thankfully the Caterham Rifles were on hand once again to save the day. A slick platoon attack drove the dastardly dissidents in their rickety vehicle back until at last all resistance was crushed. But still vulnerable, the Caterham Rifles called for airborne support, and to the delight of everyone the Flying Tigers, the parachute display of our sponsor regiment, obliged. Trailing huge flags and streams of smoke, six parachutists landed on the cricket square to a loud ovation and the surprise of all, cadets included.

The day finished with the whole contingent on parade. Brig Stokes commended the 130 cadets on their excellence, commitment and positivity, before awarding prizes: Best Recruit went to Recr Josh B; Best JNCO to Cpl Freddie H; and Best Cadets in the two sections to CSgt Kaitlyn G and FSgt Holly M. The Corps paid tribute to Brig Stokes, a great supporter of his onetime contigent, by asking him to make the inaugural award of the Stokes Pace Stick to the Senior Cadet, CSM Callum C. As the Union Flag and RAF Ensign were lowered, all cadets involved could reflect on another outstanding performance at a very busy time of year.

Lt Mathew Owen