The CCF Inspection
Always an important date in the St Edward’s calendar, the CCF Inspection this year was especially significant due to the return of the parade to the School Quad. We were also delighted to welcome Major Mike Dobbin OSE as Inspecting Officer this year.
Major Dobbin OSE (pictured below with the Warden) was in Field House between 1998 and 2003. He was awarded the Military Cross in 2012 in Afghanistan and the Distinguished Service Order in 2016 for his courage and leadership of his troops under enemy fire – two of the country’s highest medals for gallantry.
Our largest ever Guard of Honour, trained by Capt. Perera, put on a fine display of rifle drill, whilst the Concert Band provided music.
The seven prize winners were presented with their awards – pictured below from left to right: (Back row): Squadron Leader Nick Coram-Wright (CCF Contingent Commander), Sergeant Chandos Neville: The Wakeling Stick for the leading cadet in the Army Section; Sergeant Joe Porter: The Rifle Sword of Honour; Major Mike Dobbin, DSO, MC, (Front row): Corporal Felipe Herrera: Commendation Award for their contribution to the CCF over the last four years; Corporal Matilda Pumfrey: Commendation Award; Petty Officer Millie Cooper: The Sultan Award for the leading cadet in the Navy Section; Sergeant Simon Parkhouse: The Hopes Award for the leading cadet in the RAF Section; Corporal Andrew Watson: Commendation Award.
After a buffet lunch for the prize winners and their parents, the Fourth Form cadets, led by their NCOs, enjoyed a range of activities including command tasks, first aid, archery and low ropes. The afternoon concluded with a high-octane obstacle course competition between the three sections.
CCF Contingent Commander, Squadron Leader Nick Coram-Wright said: ‘The timings were very close indeed and congratulations were in order for the Army Section who were the winners, just one second ahead of the Navy and four seconds ahead of the RAF.’
The Combined Cadet Force, which was founded as a youth organisation in 1948, aims to enable young people to develop leadership skills through training and promote the qualities of responsibility, self-reliance, resourcefulness, endurance and perseverance – aligning well with the St Edward’s Values. Pupils join the CCF at Teddies at the start of the Fourth Form and it is a core activity in our Co-curricular Programme. Pupils can choose between the Army, Navy and RAF Sections, or Life Skills. For more information, visit the Teddies CCF page here.
Congratulations to all award winners, pupils and staff who took part in the day and a special thank you to Major Mike Dobbin OSE. For more pictures of the Inspection Day, you can visit our gallery here.