During a ceremony on 10 October at Dillington House in Somerset, Sixth Form pupil Max E was appointed as a Lord-Lieutenant’s Cadet. He was presented with his certificate and badge by the retiring Lord Lieutenant, Annie Maw, in the presence of the new Lord-Lieutenant, Mr Mohammed Saddiq.
Max is a cadet in our Royal Marines Section, and was a member of our record-breaking team that recently retained the prestigious Sir Steuart Pringle Trophy. His citation made specific reference to his competency as an instructor and mentor to our junior cadets, and his articulate and detailed delivery of lessons on fieldcraft, weapon handling and navigation during CCF sessions. It additionally mentioned the fact that he had been a member of our 55-mile Ten Tors team, despite being a year younger than his peers.
Each year, the Lord-Lieutenant of Somerset, along with other counties up and down the country, appoints several young people to serve as Lord-Lieutenant’s Cadet. In Somerset, the award is given to six top cadets each year drawn from all branches of the Sea Cadets, Army Cadets, the Air Training Corps, the Combined Cadet Force (CCF) and from civil uniformed youth organisations. When on duty, Lord-Lieutenant’s Cadets wear a distinctive sash with the badge of their appointment to denote their role. They assist the Lord-Lieutenant as required, often on parade for Royal visits, and act as ambassadors for their organisations and the young people of Somerset.
They are chosen on their merits within their respective cadet forces, and for their dedication and work within the local community. This accolade recognises and honours true commitment and dedication to the county’s Reserve and Cadet Force.
The CCF has a long tradition at King’s, and celebrated its Centenary in 2002. We currently have 260 cadets spread amongst the Royal Navy, Royal Marine and Army Sections and our Chindit Columns. Involvement is on a voluntary basis. Our Contingent Commander Major Steve King RMR encourages an ethos of leadership training with our senior cadets, where they will take on much of the responsibility for instructing junior cadets under the supervision of officers and staff. It is not surprising that most of our school prefects have had leadership training in the CCF.
Max will be a superb ambassador for King’s and we wish him the very best for his tenure. To find out more about CCF at King’s College, please visit www.kings-taunton.co.uk
Image courtesy of Wessex RFCA