Last weekend nine pupils from the King’s College Royal Marines CCF Section competed against nineteen schools from around the country in the annual military skills and leadership competition, The Sir Steuart Pringle Trophy.
The team headed down to the Commando Training Centre Royal Marines (CTCRM), near Lympstone, where they were greeted by SAS legend Phil Campion, and British adventurer Bear Grylls, who spoke to the team and wished them the best of luck.
On a very rainy first day the team were tested in eight different military disciplines including map reading, first aid, drill and observation, while day two saw the most dramatic finale as the team clocked up a sub 22-minute endurance course, the fastest yet by a King’s team.
Given the extent of talent on this national stage, the competition is almost always decided by very slight margins and this year was no exception as the King’s team finished second, just pipped to the post by their newly-established main rivals, Shrewsbury School. Due to an incredibly spirited application of leadership and quick decision-making, the team also won the Break Contact trophy.
Preparation for this weekend was not a simple undertaking. The King’s team had trained extremely hard for a number of weeks and this included early mornings, late evenings and weekends.
Contingent Commander and Head of the RM Section at King’s College, Major Steve King said: “King’s have a long history of success in this event. While we were not overall winners this year, I can honestly say that I have never seen such a tenacious display of true grit and courage. We are all so very proud of their achievement.”
The photo shows:
Back row (L-R): Oliver Biggs, Alistair Ramsden, Milo Blakey and Harriet Fox
Front row (L-R): Samuel Cobb, Max Mejzner, Robert Coombs, Harry Dray and Joss Chippendale