Stover CCF take receipt of their Union and School Standard Flags

A service of dedication and blessing was conducted by the Schools Chaplain the Reverend Fiona Wimsett in front of a temporary “field drumhead” of four drums placed by the Plymouth Marine Drum and Bugle cadre who led the parade and conducted the last post and reveille during a two minute silence in memory of the “Gunners” of 29 Commando Regiment Royal Artillery who have died on active service since the formation of the Regiment on the 15th of May 1962.

Lieutenant General Sir Andrew Ridgway KBE CB DL, Deputy of Devon presented the Union Flag in his role deputising for the Kings representative to Devon the Lord Lieutenant this is believed to be the first presentation of an official Union Flag following the Kings coronation on May the 6th within the United Kingdom a significant event for both the Combined Cadet Force and the School marking a small moment in history.

29 Commando Regiment is the School Detachments affiliated regiment, the commanding officer was represented by Major Mike Hawkes formally second in command who presented the School standard on behalf both the Regiment and Commando “Gunners” Veterans Association. Both the School and the Cadet Detachment are proud of the affiliation and our Cadets honoured to wear the cap badge of the Royal Artillery.

Local veterans associations from the Royal British Legion from across Teignbridge supported the event and paraded their respective standards, prior to the final act parading both flags with Lieutenant General Sir Andrew Ridgway taking the salute, the service ended with a rousing chorus of the National Anthem led by members of the Schools choir.

Later a buffet luncheon was served to all guests, including the Mayor of Newton Abbot on her last official duty, local dignitaries, participants and parents, the headmaster Mr Richard Notman presented a limited edition 1966 Royal Artillery commemorative Spode plate on behalf of the Cadets to the Officers, NCO’s and Gunners of 29 Commando Regiment as a gesture of thanks for their support of the Schools Cadets.

With the presentation of the Flags the Schools Detachment has formed a “Colour Party” with the intention of supporting military veterans associations, in particular the Royal British Legion with whom an affiliation Service will soon be conducted, joining parades and events throughout Teignbridge and South Devon.

All photographs are provided by Tim Partridge of Stover School who own the copyright.