On Friday 2 May, the Merchant Taylors’ CCF Contingent celebrated Inspection Day – the largest and most significant event in the calendar.
Writes WO1 (RAF) Dominic L.
The principal inspecting Officer this year was Air Chief Marshall The Lord Peach, former Chief of the Defence Staff, whose presence added considerable distinction to the proceedings of the day.
Activities commenced promptly at 0800, with rehearsals taking place in the parade square. Cadets attended meticulously to their appearance, ensuring their uniform met the highest standards in anticipation of the arrival of the Inspecting Officers and the ceremonial march-past. The formal parade began at 0930, opening with the inspecting Officers reviewing each of the three sections: the Army Section, under the leadership of Regimental Sergeant Major Adam T.; the Royal Navy Section, under the leadership of Warrant Officer Cadet Olivia G.; and the Royal Air Force Section, which I had the honour of leading. Following the uniform inspection began the march past carried out with the utmost precision, the parade being commanded by Cadet Under Officer Panav G., the senior-most cadet for this academic year.
The parade was followed by the strongly contested drill competition. Each section fielded a team of their most drill proficient cadets, all of whom had been in thorough preparation for many weeks in advance. The calibre of drill displayed this year was the finest I had seen during my time in the contingent, with all three teams delivering outstanding performances. Ultimately, it was the Royal Navy Section who triumphed, claiming the trophy for drill this year.
The parade was followed by the strongly contested drill competition. Each section fielded a team of their most drill proficient cadets, all of whom had been in thorough preparation for many weeks in advance. The calibre of drill displayed this year was the finest I had seen during my time in the contingent, with all three teams delivering outstanding performances. Ultimately, it was the Royal Navy Section who triumphed, claiming the trophy for drill this year. **
Following the principal ceremonial proceedings, the three sections began their own respective programmes of afternoon activities. The Army Section’s highlight was an exemplary demonstration of a Section Attack, led by Corporal Christoph Z. with Corporal Daniel Z. as 2I/C, which was executed with commendable skill and professionalism.
The Royal Navy Section offered a diverse array of activities including field gun, powerboating, kayaking, sailing and other water sports – each undertaken with energy and enthusiasm.
The Royal Air Force Section hosted a multifaceted competition involving 6 teams tackling a series of demanding tasks, from flight simulator aircraft landings and drone operation to leadership exercises and aircraft recognition, among others. All participating teams acquitted themselves admirably, with Team A, captained by Sergeant Sebastian L., emerging as the overall victor.
The day’s final events comprised the shooting competition and the tug-of-war. Shooting, traditionally dominated by the Army Section, proved to be a much closer contest than expected, with the RAF team delivering a strong performance. Nevertheless, the Army Section did emerge victorious once again. In the tug-of-war competition, the RAF team made an early exit in the initial rounds in accordance with familiar patterns. The Army and Navy teams engaged in a fiercely contested final, with the Army Section ultimately prevailing with a score of 2-1.
The day concluded with the customary prize giving ceremony, which saw the Army Section win the inter-section competition this year, and a number of other awards presented to cadets across all sections and ranks, in recognition of outstanding service and achievement.
Inspection Day consistently serves as a dignified and poignant farewell for the senior cadets. For the 17 of us remaining in the Upper Sixth, it marked the conclusion of our time as cadets, as we now depart on study leave. For those of us continuing to attend parades during this period, attention will turn towards facilitating a smooth transition of leadership to the next generation of cadets. I am have no doubt that my fellow leavers would wish to join me in extending sincere and heartfelt gratitude – to one another, and to the dedicated staff – for making these past four years with the CCF a truly formative and memorable experience. The opportunities we have been afforded will remain with us for a lifetime.
