An account written by Cadet Lance Corporal Jessica Atkinson
Every year, a different county represents the Army Cadet Force in the march past the Cenotaph at the Remembrance parade in London. 2022 was Hampshire and Isle of Wight’s turn which took nearly 50 years to come around.
During annual camp in August, all cadets were told about this opportunity and many applied including some from the Isle of Wight. Luckily, four of us (Lcpl Jessica Atkins, Lcpl Joe Rogerson, Cpl Will Hickmott and CSM Alex Watson) were selected.
The training for this nationally televised event consisted of two full weekend camps focusing on drill and individual kit as well as two days in Winchester at Newburgh House which is Hampshire and Isle of Wight’s ACF HQ for kit alterations and general preparation for London.
This included the issuing of Number 2 dress for all cadets helping out in the Royal Albert Hall Festival of Remembrance on Saturday the 12th November. From the Island, three of us (Lcpl Jessica Atkins, Lcpl Joe Rogerson and CSM Alex Watson) were chosen.
Finally, Friday the 11th November came around and all the cadets from across the county met in London at Hammersmith Cadet Training Centre. We had multiple kit inspections and spent the rest of the evening preparing kit and polishing boots. The adult instructor in charge, RSM Harris, also went to the Royal Albert Hall to receive timings for the next day.
On Saturday, we arrived at the Royal Albert Hall at around 8am and were briefed about our roles in aiding the Royal British Legion. The ACF joined other organisations in poppy and programme selling and assisting veterans in wheelchairs. We also watched the afternoon showing of the Festival of Remembrance between volunteering. Hampshire and Isle of Wight’s cadet RSM Marvin Dobie also represented the ACF in the banner party during both the afternoon and televised evening shows. In total, all cadet and other organisations raised over £25,000 for the Royal British Legion. I will forever be moved by the Festival of Remembrance and feel so thankful that I had the opportunity to volunteer for the RBL and meet many veterans including some from WW2 and the Falklands.
The rest of the cadets and adults just participating in the march past the cenotaph spent the day visiting different tourist sights round London and were watching the evening showing of the Royal Albert Hall Festival of Remembrance when we arrived back at the CTC.
From the island, two of us (Lcpl Jessica Atkins and Cpl Will Hickmott) joined the other thirty cadets and some adult instructors in the march past the cenotaph on Sunday the 13th November. Everyone was brought to the mall for a final kit inspection then we were marched into position up from the cenotaph.
As crowds gathered, we heard the gun salute and stood to attention for the two minute silence. After the national anthem, we could see the PM and members of the Royal Family just hundreds of meters away laying wreaths and paying their respects.
It was amazing to watch all the veterans representing every regiment and section of the armed forces marching past us in the parade. I will never forget their faces full of pride as thousands of onlookers applauded their service and remembered those who we have lost. Loads of veterans individually greeted army cadets representing their regiments and whilst we were waiting, some veterans that were naval divers entertained us all with many stories.
Suddenly, the parade moved forward and we were marching towards the cenotaph. An eyes left was called as we past the monument and continued towards Horse Guards. Before finishing the march, Prince Edward took the salute so we did an eyes right towards him. Then we formed up in a squad surrounded by all those that also marched and took a second to reflect on what we just participated in.
I will forever be thankful for this opportunity that allowed me to make friends from across the county and represent an organisation that has given me so much. It was so special to be able to pay respects in such a special way and meet many amazing veterans.
On Sunday 13th November, Deputy Lieutenant Dr Nick England DL, attended a service at All Saints Church in Ryde on behalf of the Lord-Lieutenant.
