Millfield students represent Combined Cadet Force nationally in Cenotaph Parade

Millfield’s Combined Cadet Force had the honour of marching in the Cenotaph Parade on Whitehall on Remembrance Sunday, representing the Combined Cadet Force (CCF) nationally. 

Led by Captain Craig Middleton, Millfield’s Assistant Head (Pastoral and Enrolment), 27 cadets from Millfield, St Dunstan’s School in Glastonbury, Wells Cathedral School and Pate’s Grammar School, laid a poppy wreath in remembrance. 

On Saturday 11 November, the cadets supported the Festival of Remembrance in the Royal Albert Hall, where Millfield Sixth Form students James Bratton and Ella Osborne were CCF banner bearers and escorts. The students also performed front of house duties such as giving out programmes, poppies, wheelchair support and escorting people to their seats. 

Year 11 Millfield student, Zac Cooper, who was one of the 15 Millfield students to march in London, said “As a Royal Marine Cadet, from Millfield, the Festival of Remembrance and the march past the Cenotaph on Sunday held tremendous significance to me, in honouring and paying our respects to the brave souls who are serving and have served in the forces. I felt honoured to volunteer with the Royal British Legion at the Royal Albert Hall for the Festival of Remembrance and was privileged to spend time with veterans and current service personnel. 

Sunday’s march past the Cenotaph was a powerful display of unity and reverence, with veterans, current military personnel, and cadets coming together to honour the fallen. It was an incredibly humbling and emotional experience for me. It was an honour to take part in both events and receive a salute from the Princess Royal.” 

Millfield’s CCF was established in 2019 and currently has over 100 cadets. It is an Army Section aligned to the Welsh Guards and has evolved from a voluntary after-school activity to a specialised programme with a full-time School Staff Instructor (SSI).