Eleven students from St Benedict's Combined Cadet Corps played a special role in the Coronation of King Charles III on May 6th, giving them the opportunity of a lifetime. The St Benedict’s CCF – which also recruits from Cardinal Wiseman - was selected to represent the 30,000 CCF Army Section Cadets across the country. Representatives from each year group were chosen to join a total of 178 Cadets attending the Coronation from organisations across the country, including the Army Cadet Force, Royal Air Force Air Cadets, Sea Cadets Corps, and Combined Cadet Force.

“Being involved in such a historic moment was a once in a lifetime experience and won’t be forgotten by any of us."

Sgt Mark C.

Sgt Mark C, who is in Year 13 at St Benedict’s, and LCpl Christel M, in Year 12 at Cardinal Wiseman, described the experience:

“Being involved in such a historic moment was a once in a lifetime experience and won’t be forgotten by any of us. The Coronation was awe-inspiring and allowed us to see the very best of the British and Commonwealth armed forces all working cohesively as one unit. After an early start at Ealing Broadway, we arrived at Victoria Station and were escorted to Wellington Barracks. During the Coronation Processions, we were standing near Admiralty Arch, where we had an incredible view of all the troops, as well as of the Royal Family. Then we walked down The Mall to Buckingham Palace; three of us were given the privilege of leading the Company front, representing the whole Contingent and the CCF. At the Palace gates we again had an amazing view of the Royal Family and the fly-past.”

"Until our Cadets saw the photographs afterwards, they had no idea of the size of the crowd which they were leading up The Mall - an immense privilege, & delivering on the King's personal request that Cadets be prominently included in this most special of days."

Captain Hullis, Contingent Commander of the St Benedict's CCF

Captain Hullis, Contingent Commander of the St Benedict's CCF, said: "It was humbling to be invited to send Cadets to represent the Army Sections of the CCF at the Coronation, & heartening to see them still bubbling with enthusiasm & joy after the long weekend. They were wonderfully looked after by a team of adults from Regional Command, HQ London District, & the Cadet Training Team. Until our Cadets saw the photographs afterwards, they had no idea of the size of the crowd which they were leading up The Mall - an immense privilege, & delivering on the King's personal request that Cadets be prominently included in this most special of days."

The two Adult Volunteers who accompanied the Cadets were both former students (Old Priorians) at St Benedict’s: Sgt Instr Peter Allwright and Lieutenant Andrew Hutchinson. SSgt Instr Hussain Sadiq – also an Old Priorian -  was involved in the parade itself with other members of the Honourable Artillery Company (HAC), wearing the iconic red tunic & bearskin.

 

St Benedict’s School CCF was founded in January 1930 & has been in continuous existence since.

The CCF exists in some 500 independent & maintained schools throughout the country and has expanded massively in recent years. There is no obligation or expectation that a Cadet who joins the CCF will go on to join the Armed Services; the aim of the CCF is to develop transferable skills and qualities which will be useful in later life. These include leadership, responsibility, self-confidence, initiative, reliance, team spirit, and pride in one’s appearance & Contingent.