Stover School CCF: A Weekend of Reflection and Remembrance

We’re shining the spotlight on School Staff Instructor (SSI) Nicholas Maylam, Stover School CCF as he shares how his contingency took part in Remembrance services during November.

SSI Mayhem comments “It was a busy weekend for Stover School CCF – we attended four memorial services and supported our school’s Remembrance Day event as well. Wreaths were laid by our cadets at the Newton Abbot Town Council parade, and we were proud to be joined by our affiliated Royal British Legion (RBL) branch, which was very special. The next day, the contingency attended the Citadel on Plymouth Hoe, which is home to the Royal Artillery who are our affiliated regiment. We were fortunate enough to be joined by members of 79 Kirkee Battery and the Battery Seargent Major. The cadets proudly paraded our school Banners to the 29 Commando Memorial, where we also laid a wreath.

After the parade, one of our cadets was presented with the Royal Artillery Sergeant Major’s Swagger Stick and they were also promoted to the rank of Cadet Sergeant Major. They can now proudly use the official title of ‘Cadet Battery Sergeant Major!’ It was a poignant day; one filled with reflection but also pride as we spent time with our affiliated regiment and it was wonderful to see a cadet be promoted in such a fantastic way.

Proudly Representing the School

Armistice Day saw the cadets take part in our whole school Remembrance service, which was led by our CCF’s honorary padre, Reverand Fiona Wimsett. We were joined by the Army Cadet Force’s (ACF) Colonel Jon Beake (Bristol and the Channel Isles ACF) who laid a wreath at the Canadian Forestry Corps Memorial on behalf of the Canadian High Commission. Afterwards, former Commando Major Mike Hawke, gave an inspiring talk to the school about his time during the Falklands War.

It was a beautiful service. The school choir performed Celtic songs, and the Scottish laments were performed on the bagpipes. We also had two students give sterling performances on the Bugle, where they played the Last Post. The service concluded at the Canadian Forestry Memorial (which is located within the school grounds).

Coming Together with a Fellow CCF School

We did some research in to the Canadian Forestry Corps here at Stover School and following on from these findings, our fellow CCF contingency at Gordon’s School laid a wreath on our behalf at the Commonwealth War Graves. Gordon’s School CCF also placed crosses on the graves of 30 men from the Canadian Forestry Corps – we’d like to thank them for doing this on our behalf.  

It was a poignant few days for our cadets and one we will never forget.”