Best Army Section in London!

Over half-term, an eight-cadet team from Corps’ Army Section achieved the exceptional feat of winning the inaugural Garrison Sergeant Major’s Cup. This four-day military skills competition, open to all Army Cadets in London, aimed to stretch and test senior cadets in all facets of cadetship, and Caterham’s cadets rose to the challenge in the finest fashion.

The first two days saw the team of Fifth Year and Lower Sixth cadets in the field at the Royal Military Academy, Sandhurst. Under the tutelage and assessment of regular soldiers from London Central Garrison, the section conducted reconnaissance patrols, sprung ambushes, dealt with terrifyingly realistic first aid scenarios and assaulted enemy positions, accompanied by the roar machine guns and abundant pyrotechnics.

Day Three was spent on the ranges. In the march and shoot competition, an exceptional 24-minute team 4km, carrying rifles and belt-kit, was backed up by some fine marksmanship to put Caterham’s noses ahead of the other teams going into the last elements. But first the section relocated from Sandhurst to Wellington Barracks on Birdcage Walk, within sight of the Palace: a black-tie mess dinner in the Sergeants’ Mess was a real treat and a vanishingly rare experience for cadets to dine in such hallowed surroundings.

At dawn on the last day, the team donned immaculate No. 2 dress and strode out onto Wellington Barracks’ iconic square for a morning of intense drill under regular drill sergeants from the Foot Guards. At last, it was make or break as the drill competition got underway, the cadets strutting their stuff before the Regimental Sergeant Major and the Commanding Officer of LCG. Their performance was immaculate, garnering (unusually) effusive praise and indeed perplexity from the Army’s custodians of ceremonial for the extraordinary quality of their drill and turnout.

The result was by now in no doubt. Between the classical columns of the barracks’ façade and in front of the cream of London’s Army Cadets (as well as hordes of tourists poking curious noses through the railings), first place salvers were awarded to Caterham School CCF. A service of thanksgiving in the Guards’ Chapel and a curry lunch in the mess was a lovely way to finish a fantastic camp – our thanks go to those in LCG and LONDIST who put together such an inspiring four days.

Watching the glories on the square and joining the cadets to celebrate afterwards was a large group of family and friends, whose support was greatly appreciated. Only they, perhaps, were prouder than I of the exceptional achievement of these exceptional young men and women.

Maj Mathew Owen

OC Army Section