CCF ANZAC Day & Visit to No. 10

On the day, we first participated in the Gallipoli Association Memorial Service in the Crypt at St Paul’s Cathedral, forming a Guard of Honour for VIPs. We were accompanied by Mrs Sarah Morgan, now a Governor of MTS, who took part in the first Gallipoli Association Service as a CCF cadet from St Helen’s 30 years ago.

We then formed up at King Charles Street, where there was a parade and wreath laying ceremony at the Cenotaph on Whitehall - where the Duchess of Edinburgh, High Commissioners and Chief of Defence Staff were also present. It was an amazing experience, especially listening to and marching with the Band of the Welsh Guards who had also accompanied the ceremony. 

Brigadier Rich Morris RM OBE (an OMT who had also been present 30 years ago as a cadet) was unable to join us for the service in St Paul’s or the Cenotaph parade. However, instead he invited us to meet him at his office one street over – 10 Downing Street! We entered, and after a quick photo op in front of the famous black door, we made our way to the Pillared Room – one of the three state rooms in the PM’s residence. We received an informative talk from Brigadier Morris, who is now serving as the Military Assistant to the Prime Minister. He talked about how he had made his way from the Marines to Downing Street, and his day-to-day role working with both the Prime Minister and his international counterparts in other governments, as well as his experiences of meeting many international figures, including President Zelensky of Ukraine.

We capped off our No. 10 visit with a tour of the famous building, viewing the state rooms, the study, and of course the Cabinet Office, with everyone taking turns to sit in the Prime Minister’s chair - used by the great leaders of our country’s past, including Churchill and Disraeli. We finally had a meeting with internet celebrity and Chief Mouser to the Cabinet Office, Larry the Cat, before finally heading home for what will surely be one of the best experiences the CCF has to offer.

We would both highly recommend that any cadets take part in ANZAC day next year!