Tonbridge cadets joined by a Chinook on an excellent CCF Inspection Day
Almost 200 Tonbridge cadets took part in the School’s annual CCF Inspection Day on Wednesday 15 March.
This year’s event, an RAF-led parade attended by parents, staff, friends and the public, welcomed Air Vice-Marshal Ranald Munro CBE, Commandant General Royal Auxiliary Air Force, as Inspecting Officer.
A career reservist, AVM Munro joined The Parachute Regiment in December 1986. He has served in Iraq and on the General Staff as Colonel (Reserves). He was appointed Deputy Commander Land Forces (Reserves) in October 2012, and received the CBE. In April 2016 he was appointed Assistant Chief of Defence Staff (Reserves and Cadets).
Guests included members of The Princess of Wales Royal Regiment, the Royal Engineers, and Britannia Royal Naval College. This year there were also many returning Old Tonbridgians, eager to pay tribute to retiring Adjutant Major Martin Brennan, who is coming to the end of a distinguished 23-year career at Tonbridge.
They included Lt Tom Brown OT (PH 09-14), a past winner of the prestigious Sword of Honour at the Royal Military Academy, Sandhurst.
The Parade, which included a substantial display of continuity drill by the CCF Honour Guard, was commanded by the School’s Warrant Officer Class I Alex Peggie (HS5). It concluded with a spectacular low-level Chinook flypast, flown by Flt Lt Tim Griffith of 18 Sqn RAF.
Following the parade, cadets had the rare opportunity to experience flying in a military helicopter as the aircraft took them for a series of short flights around the local area.
Other afternoon activities included a Royal Tournament-style Field Gun Run, a laser clay pigeon shoot, archery, and the opportunity for boys to try out a virtual reality flight simulator.
Other attractions for visitors to peruse included a boat display, equipment from Kent Fire & Rescue Service, Search & Explosive Ordnance Disposal kit used by the Royal Engineers, and an antique Ferret armoured car.
Squadron Leader Stefan Hargreaves, Contingent Commander for the School’s CCF, said: “The cadets put on an exceptional display, made even more special because of being Maj Brennan’s very last Inspection Day as Adjutant.
“It caps off some 70 terms of outstanding service to the CCF, during which time he has inspired cadets to learn new skills and leadership, to grow in confidence and to become the very best version of themselves, with an impressive number going on to join the Army and the other services. We are indebted to all that he has offered to us as Adjutant during the last 23 years.”
Maj Brennan is succeeded as Adjutant by Sgt Andrew Davison, formerly of the Household Cavalry and a veteran of the war in Afghanistan.
The following awards were made on CCF Inspection Day:
The Tennant Bell (Royal Navy)
Warrant Officer Class II Christopher Sneddon (OH5)
The Dougall Trophy (Army)
Warrant Officer Class II Company Sergeant Major Oliver Whittall (SH5)
The Wilson Trophy (Royal Air Force)
Cadet Warrant Officer Ewan Gadd-Chapman (CH5)
The Paterson Sword for the best overall contribution to the CCF
Warrant Officer Class I Alex Peggie (HS5)
