South West London Army Cadet Training Day

Location: Brunswick Training Camp, Woking
Date: Wednesday 31st July 2024

Hosted by Major Nick Thomas, Assistant Commandant, I arrived at 10.00am to a warm and enthusiastic welcome from the Camp Adjutant who accompanied us to the Briefing Room where teas and coffees were served in a very relaxed informal environment. This was a time for getting to know my fellow attendees who consisted of fellow Liverymen from the Worshipful Company of Fletchers, Communicators and Arbitrators, as well as other distinguished guests including The Royal British Legion and the Mayoress of Kingston to name just a few, there were around 25 of us in total.

Following a short briefing and video introduction, we were introduced to the 1 Star Cadre under the remit of Major Steven Ronner (14th Company). These Cadets were being educated on the use of short wave personal radio’s and we were introduced to a young cadet who was keen to explain how the radio worked.

We then moved on to the parade ground where we were introduced to the 2 Star Cadre under the remit of Major Kaz Lorimer (13th Company). They were marched past us and returned to line up in three rows where we could approach the cadets and ask questions. I was amazed to learn that the youngest cadet was just 12 years old with the oldest being just a week under their 18th birthday. When they reach 18 years old, they must either commit to join the regular army or move on to other choices. I was fascinated by all the different regimental caps on display; there was representation from The Blues and Royals, The Middlesex Regiment, The Fusiliers, Parachute Regiment, Logistic Corps and REME. They were all immaculately dressed and all were very enthusiastic to talk to complete strangers about their experiences and future ideas, quite a few unsure whether they would join the regular army until after they complete their GCSE’s and A-Levels.

We then moved on to a training field where rock climbing and communication pole erecting was being performed by 3 Star Cadre, under the remit of Major Norman Fontaine-Thompson. There were two groups of cadets who raced each other to erect the communication pole using guide wires and it was great to see all the cadets working together to ensure the task was completed quickly and accurately. We were invited to speak to the cadets, many of whom are now coming to the end of the cadet process and are starting to make some very difficult decisions. The vast majority however were keen to join the regular army and continue the journey they had started years ago.

The final visit was to the Corps of Drums under the remit of Major Peter Oweh, who played a number of tunes for our enjoyment. Some of these cadets only picked up a. Musical instrument the week before, and yet the quality was extremely high, I think they must be practising 24 jours a day to get to that standard! Major Peter Oweh then asked for financial assistance to replace the Corps of Drums Sash which was made in 1972 and now showing its age, plus showing the late Queen’s insignia. It was through that the six Livery Companies affiliated to the cadets might like to contribute to the replacement costs. (Post visit – The Constructors have agreed the donation).

After an enjoyable lunch provided in the cadets’ mess room (I think they were a little confused by so many Major’s sitting with them), we had a short debrief and the event ended at 2.00pm. However, I was made aware that the Fletchers had arranged a separate private tour of the shooting ranges to make a presentation to the Major in charge, and knowing that our very own newly made liveryman Alex Hill was at those ranges, I was allowed to join them.

Alex was holding a class at the Shotgun Clay Pigeon range and we visited that range so I could meet Alex, who was very pleased to introduce us to the use of the shot gun and give a few guests a chance to fire a shot gun. Alex is clearly very experienced and knowledgeable and the Constructors should sign him up for next year’s InterLivery Clay Shoot, we have a secret expert! Alex was very grateful that I had found him to say hello and looked forward to attending a future Constructors event to meet more members.

The day complete we were escorted back to the car park at around 3.00pm and said our goodbyes. A most enjoyable day and an honour to represent the Constructors.

Post note – we were told there are only 30,000 regular soldiers in the British Army but 75,000 cadets, let’s hope some of them want to join the regulars!

John Curlewis
Liveryman