The Biennial Inspection for members of the Combined Cadet Force (CCF) at Adams’ Grammar School took place last Friday, 14 March. Over 200 cadets participated, all of who are members of either the Army or RAF sections of the CCF in school.
The inspection, which was watched by a number of parents, was conducted by Lieutenant Colonel Matthew Botford MBE, commanding officer of B Squadron of the Royal Mercian and Lancastrian Yeomanry based in Telford..
Major Skeate, who is Head of the CCF at Adams’ said, “Lieutenant Colonel Botford was very impressed by the drill and turnout of the cadets. Particular mention must go to RSM Partridge, who commanded the parade, Flight Sergeant Shepherd who led the Guard of Honour and Warrant Officer Barton who was responsible for the RAF section. The Marching Band, led by Drum Major, Flight Sergeant Shields and conducted by Colour Sergeant Mick Buxton, put on a tremendous display and was an excellent example of co-operation with musicians from across the school years. The drum display, led was Major David Keates, was superb.”
After the formal inspection on the parade ground the contingent and the inspecting party then moved on to Longford Hall, home to the school’s playing fields and junior boarders. During this second part of the inspection, the Cadets were able to demonstrate their skills in a number of training activities. These included a command task, led by Sergeant Dipple, an Observation Lane which tested camouflage and concealment skills, First Aid on an aircraft casualty, and the Harbour Area exercise, which involves establishing a base camp. The inspection concluded with a section attack.
Lieutenant Colonel Botford closed the event with a few words of thanks to the assembled contingent and congratulated them on their hard work and enthusiasm.
Flight Lieutenant Harris adds: “It was a hugely successful morning and an extremely memorable event for all our cadets. They were all very proud to take part and value the opportunity to experience something very special in addition to the normal school curriculum.”
