Caterham School CCF welcomes Sgt Beharry VC to annual dinner

Caterham School CCF was honoured to welcome guest of honour, Sgt Johnson Beharry VC, to their annual dinner earlier this month.

A total of 160 cadets, unit officers, representatives from the school and guests from the regular and reserve Armed Forces met at the school for the special event.

After the dinner, the cadets were reminded of their history by the Commanding Officer followed by an amusing summary by the Senior NCO team of another busy twelve months of cadet activities. The Headmaster of the school also commended the unit on their continued commitment and the value of the cadet movement within the school.

Then the contingent was honoured to form an audience for Sgt Beharry, who took time to speak with the cadets.

Lt Matthew Owen, said: “The awe the cadets and staff felt in the presence of a Victoria Cross recipient was palpable, but his remarkable modesty, frankness and humour put all at ease.

“The cadets relished the chance to discuss all matters – from military life to meeting Her Majesty to football – with our esteemed guest, who could not have been warmer or more generous with his time and was the last to leave at almost 11pm.

“In their five-year careers with the unit, which have seen these cadets fly aircraft or jump from them, fire live on ranges or visit far-off lands, many described the evening as the most special and humbling moment.

“Few will forget the evening they met and chatted with so extraordinary and self-deprecating a soldier.”