This year, Exeter School’s Combined Cadet Force (CCF) welcomed its inspecting officer for the CCF biennial inspection. It was a day of practical skills, strong leadership and, to round it off, an evening steeped in military tradition.
Over 150 Cadets in Action on Woodbury Common
Our inspecting officer, Colonel John Cummings, headed out to Woodbury Common, where he saw over 150 cadets in action. Our Upper Sixth cadets led the way and instructed our new recruits at a series of stands across the common. These covered:
- Leadership
- Navigation
- Two first aid activities
- Camouflage and concealment
- Shelter building
The new recruits learnt the essential skills of cadet life from the senior pupils, and the Upper Sixth showed real confidence as instructors.
A Military Mess Dinner for the Upper Sixth
Each year, staff host the inspecting officer and the guests who support our contingent through the different phases of the year at an evening dinner. This year’s Upper Sixth cohort was so strong that we invited them to join us.
The Upper Sixth were so keen that we ran the evening like a military mess dinner, with a black tie and cocktail dress dress code.
Tables With a Tri-Service History
We named and dressed each table in military style. Each name came from one of the very first Tri-Service operations of the Second World War. This linked the evening to the history of the CCF, which was officially formed seven years after the first Tri-Service operation, Operation Archery.
Stories From the Second World War
During the three-course meal, the head of each CCF section entertained the “mess” after every course. Each told a short story of their choosing from the Second World War and from their section’s service. They all read their stories magnificently and held the audience’s attention throughout.
Etiquette, Tradition and a Toast to the King
The mess dinner gave our cadets another great opportunity to:
- Practise dinner etiquette
- Hold table conversations with guests
- Learn about military traditions
We toasted the King, and our guest buglers from 6 Rifles gave an interesting show on the history of the bugle.
Thank you to Colonel Cummings, our guests and the buglers from 6 Rifles for making the CCF biennial inspection such a memorable occasion. Well done to all our cadets, and a special thank you to our Upper Sixth for leading by example, both on Woodbury Common and at the dinner table.
