About the Combined Cadet Force - Amazon S3



Date: 26 October 2018THOUSANDS OF ARMY CADETS COMMEMORATE WW1 ARMISTICEOVER 3,500 ARMY CADETS TRAVEL TO A FRENCH BATTLEFIELD THIS MONTH, THE LARGEST MOBILISATION OF CADETS IN THE ORGANISATION’S HISTORYPOLL OF 11 – 18-YEAR-OLDS COMMISSIONED TO MARK THE COMMEMORATION REVEALS THIRST TO BE TAUGHT ABOUT WW1 AT SCHOOLYOUNG BRITONS WANT TO LEARN WHY WORLD WARS STARTEDThis month the Army Cadets are continuing their WW1 Armistice Commemorations by gathering together the largest number of cadets for a single event in the organisation’s history.The initiative will see over 3,500 cadets from across Great Britain travel to French battlefield, Thiepval, as part of a three-day tour marking 100 years since the end of the 1st World War. Accompanied by their volunteer instructors, the cadets will journey to France (from Shorncliffe in Kent) in five groups of over 700.Before undertaking the visit, the cadets undertook research to understand more about their own families’ 100 year journey from WW1 to present day - resulting in many fascinating case studies. Their research helped them to understand the roles their relatives played during WW1, encouraged them find out more about local heroes, and enabled them to reflect on the freedoms they enjoy today.During the visits (over the period 19-29 October), each group of cadets will get the opportunity to talk to experts about the causes of WW1, the course of the War, technology (including tanks, mines, aircraft, artillery and radio), media, medicine and commemoration. At the end of each visit the groups will take part in a commemorative parade at the Thiepval Memorial.A new study among 11–18-year-olds, commissioned to mark the commemoration, reveals a thirst for education on the World Wars. Many (65%) youngsters feel the history of the Wars should be taught in schools in memory of those who gave so much for others - and half believe it’s important to be educated in order to avoid similar Wars taking place again. Interestingly, of all the aspects of the Wars that children are keen to learn about, the most common is understanding why they began in the first place (66%). Over half (59%) want to be taught about what life was for children and what living conditions were like for those who were serving in the Wars and for civilians back at home (58%) and two-fifths (39%) are eager to study the technology inspired by the wars.Young people are so keen to better understand more about the two World Wars that they are taking it upon themselves to find out. Half (49%) have asked family members about family who may have served with half of those going on to scour the internet for information; a third search for documents at home; with one in seven (14%) even going as far as looking for War records. More than 1 in 10 (11%) have visited a WW1 or WW2 battlefield and three-quarters (76%) would like to.Dr Richard Crawford from the Army Cadets says: “Young people are becoming increasingly interested in the historical significance of WW1 as we approach the centenary of the Armistice. Bringing together the largest gathering of Army Cadets to visit the WW1 sites provides an opportunity to bring to life historical stories for cadets and to encourage them to explore their own family links to the conflict.. The chance for so many of our cadets to take part in this momentous event will, I’m sure, leave positive and lasting memories for them all.”Contacts: For further information and interviews with cadets and adults who took part, contact: Valerie McBurney, tel: 07795 296 838, email: hvrc@; or Laura Jones, tel: 07745 185 714, email: marketing@ Images are available at: TO EDITORSFurther background on the Army Cadet Force and Combined Cadet Force cadets taking part and sample case studies from cadets and adults taking part can be found in the press pack at: Or visit: and was carried out by Mortar London which conducted an online survey among 1,000 young people aged 11 – 18 across the UK between 22-27 September 2018. See also Statutory guidance National curriculum in England: history programmes of studyFurther Information Most of the cadets taking part in Army Cadet Armistice 2018 are from the Army Cadet Force, local community cadet units that attract cadets from their local area. Joining them are some cadets from Combined Cadet Force (Army) units based in schools. This year marks 100 years since the end of WW1, and to honour and commemorate those who fought and died in the war, the Army’s Cadets (ACF and CCF) have joined together for the single largest event in their history. Over 3,500 cadets from across the UK will travel to Thiepval in France, as part of the commemorative tour. Accompanied by adult volunteers, the cadets will journey to France from Shorncliffe in Kent in five groups of over 700. In total 39 ACF counties are taking part and 13 CCF schools. The visit will give the cadets the opportunity to speak to experts about the causes of the war, the technology used, medicine, media and commemoration. During each visit the cadets will visit four battlefield memorials (Ulster, Sheffield, New Munich, Caribou) before taking part in a Drumhead Commemorative Parade at the Thiepval Memorial. Every cadet taking part will receive a detailed commemorative booklet providing historical background and supporting information as well as a commemorative D-Shaped mess tin, an enamel mug, a knife-fork-spoon set, and a commemorative bag.About the Army CadetsThe Army Cadet Force (ACF) is one of the UK’s largest voluntary youth organisations, with a history dating back to 1859. It now has around 39,000 cadets and 9,000 adults in 1,600 locations the length and breadth of the UK. Army Cadets are boys and girls aged 12 to 18 looking to get more from life. The Army Cadets is about fun, friendship, action and adventure. The organisation aims to inspire young people to challenge their limits and go further in life, no matter what they hope to do. Some cadet activities have a military theme, while others have more of a community focus, but they all help young people to develop independence, confidence and the ability to step up to any challenge.What the Army Cadets DoArmy Cadets detachments meet once or twice a week as well as holding occasional weekend camps and competitions. Adult volunteers get to know each cadet individually and can offer a huge range of training, qualifications and challenges. ACF activities are fun and wide-ranging and include:Adventurous trainingCadet and the communityCamps CompetitionsDrillDuke of Edinburgh’s AwardExpeditionsFieldcraftFirst aidInternational exchangesMilitary knowledgeMusicNavigationQualificationsRadio communicationsShootingSkill at ArmsSportsAll cadets complete the Army Proficiency Certificate (APC) which helps develop leadership and team working skills. There is also the opportunity to train and gain qualifications such as the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award or BTEC Diplomas.Regions taking PartThe Army Cadets taking part are from a number of ACF ‘counties’. These are: Bedfordshire and Hertfordshire ACF, Buckinghamshire ACF, Cambridgeshire ACF, Cheshire ACF, City and County of Bristol ACF, Cleveland ACF, Clwyd and Gwynedd ACF, Cornwall ACF, Cumbria ACF, Devon ACF, Dorset ACF, Dyfed and Glamorgan ACF, Essex ACF, Glasgow and Lanarkshire Battalion ACF, Gloucestershire ACF, Greater London South East Sector ACF, Greater London South West Sector ACF, Greater Manchester ACF, Gwent and Powys ACF, Hampshire and Isle of Wight ACF, Hereford and Worcester ACF, Humberside and South Yorkshire ACF, Kent ACF, Leicestershire, Northamptonshire and Rutland ACF, Lincolnshire ACF, Middlesex and North West London ACF, Norfolk ACF, Northumbria ACF, Nottinghamshire ACF, Oxfordshire ACF, Royal County of Berkshire ACF, Somerset ACF, Staffordshire and West Midlands North ACF Suffolk ACF, Surrey ACF, Sussex ACF, Warwickshire and West Midlands South ACF, Wiltshire ACF and Yorkshire North and West ACF.The ACF in NumbersThe ACF operates in the four nations: England, Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales, with 1,647 detachments in 56 counties. There is also an ACF unit in Cyprus. ACF cadets are 67% male and 33% female. In 2017-2018, ACF cadets achieved 1,584 Duke of Edinburgh’s Awards: 142 Gold, 382 Silver and 1,060 Bronze.In 2017, 224 cadets attended the Master Cadet course and Champion Cadet competition; 6,942 gained first aid qualifications (2017-18) and 4,083 cadets registered for BTEC Level 1-2 awards in 2017-18.In 2017-18 123 ACF volunteers passed the Cadet Force Commissioning Board to become ACF officers and 213 volunteers passed their foundation/intermediate courses at the Cadet Centre for Adventurous Training (CCAT).In 2017-18 the estimated number of hours devoted to ACF activities and training for adults (excluding standard parade nights) is 16.4 million In 2017-18 the estimated number of hours devoted to ACF activities and training for cadets (excluding standard parade nights) is 28.5 million In 2017-2018, 22,963 cadets attended annual camp. About the Combined Cadet ForceThe Combined Cadet Force (CCF) is a Ministry of Defence sponsored youth organisation based in schools in the United Kingdom. The first school cadet corps was established at Rossall School in 1859 purely as an army contingent. Soon after, other corps were formed at several other public schools (including Eton College). The CCF was created on 1 April 1948 by the amalgamation of the Junior Training Corps (formerly the Junior Division of the Officers Training Corps) and the school contingents of the Sea Cadet Corps and Air Training Corps.Today a CCF may include Royal Navy, Royal Marines, Army and Royal Air Force sections. In 2018 there were over 43,000 cadets (aged 12-18) and more than 3,600 adult volunteers in almost 500 contingents in independent and state schools around the UK. In 2008 the Government announced a pilot phased expansion plan for state-funded schools. Following its success, in June 2012 the Cadet Expansion Programme was launched with a target of delivering 100 new cadet units in English state-funded schools. In March 2015 the Government committed an extra ?50m towards reaching a new goal – 500 units across the whole of the UK by April Fs aim to help cadets to develop personal responsibility, leadership and self-discipline. Although CCF contingents are based on the values and ethos of the Armed Forces, their focus is on developing tomorrow’s citizens by providing challenging, interesting and fun activities. Through military-themed activities, cadets have the opportunity to develop skills such as leadership, self-reliance, resourcefulness, endurance and perseverance.Like, the ACF, CCF activities are numerous, educational and challenging. They include:Camps and training weekendsCompetitionsDrillExpeditions such as skiing and battlefield toursFieldcraftFirst aidCommand TasksMilitary knowledgeMusic campsNavigationQualificationsShootingSkill at ArmsSportsStrategic problem-solving challengesIn addition, this year 17,500 cadets and adult volunteers took part in nine MOD-organised summer activity and adventure camps. Schools taking PartThe CCF (Army) schools taking part in Army Cadet Armistice 2018 are: Bradford Grammar School, The De Ferrers Academy, Holly Lodge High School, Knole Academy, London Oratory School, Magdalen College School, Poole High School, Royton and Crompton School, The Samworth Church Academy, Shenfield High School, Victoria College and The Vyne School. Case StudiesWe have case studies from a number of the ACF counties and CCF schools taking part. Here are some short snippets from a few: Cadet Case Study – ACFLucie Gillmore from Nottinghamshire ACFStory: Lucie’s great-great grandfather Private Earnest Meads was sent to the Western Front along with other members of 6th (Service) Battalion Northamptonshire Regiment, part of 54th Brigade of the 18th Division.On September 21st 1918, Ernest found himself with only one round remaining for his Lee-Enfield Rifle after advancing with members of his Company towards German trenches. In the final stages of the advance Ernest jumped into a trench occupied by German soldiers, who were so shocked by his bold move that they immediately surrendered. His bravery was recognised by Major General Sir William Heneker who authorised the award of the Mention In Dispatches for his “…gallant conduct and devotion to duty in the field.”Adult Volunteer Case Study – ACFSergeant Cathy Dewar from Kent ACFStory: A number of Cathy’s relatives fought in World War One. Her maternal great-great uncle Walter Henry Divers emigrated to Canada before the start of the First World War where he joined the Canadian Expeditionary Force (CEF). He was sent to France with the CEF where he took part in the Battle of the Somme. He was killed in action from steel fire on the 11th September 1917 at Vimy Ridge, France at the age of 30. He is buried in Aix-Noulette Communal Cemetery Extension and his name is on the Vimy Ridge Memorial and in the Book of Remembrance at Edinburgh Castle.Walter’s brother, Sydney Thomas Divers, also took part in WW1, where he served in the ranks with Transport and Supply Column, 40th Division (London) Territorial Force. After the war he stayed in the army, working his way up to become a Brigadier and was awarded a Bronze Star. He died in New Zealand in 1979, having had an amazing career all around the world.Cathy’s paternal grandfather served in the Honorable Artillery Company and was wounded twice – once on 11th May 1917, receiving a minor shrapnel wound to the thigh and then again on 5th November 1917, receiving a bullet wound to the thigh. After his injuries he was transferred to the RASC and was discharged in May 1919 as ‘surplus to requirements’. He died in 1954 without ever talking about the war.Cadet Case Study - CCFIshbel from Tunbridge Wells Girls’ Grammar SchoolStory: Ishbel’s grandfather, Harry Clarence Yates, served with the Royal Corps of Signals. He kept a diary during the war which is now in a museum. He was the youngest of 11 children and returned to his grocery business in Manchester after the war.He was 17 when war broke out and 19 when enlisted. Started as a private but was swiftly promoted to Lance Corporal. However, he didn’t’ wish to serve in the usual army and decided to give up his rank and move into the Royal Corps of Signals. The diary records his travels, the trenches, the fatalities and illness which engulfed many of the men, including him, who were fighting the Turks.A small squadron of signallers were sent to Mesopotamia (Palestine) where they served for some time fighting the Turks. Harry then moved to Egypt alongside his best friend Walter who he met during his service. A couple of months later, Sgt Bates was evacuated sick meaning Harry had to take up the role at the age of 20.Artefacts / memorabilia: Yes. Photos of Harry and copies of his diary.Volunteer Case Study2Lt David Bebbington, Adult Volunteer at Magdelen College, Oxford, who is escorting cadets on the trip, has recently written a book about 50 former pupils who died during WW1 and their individual stories.He said: "Researching and writing the book has helped to piece together a much greater understanding of the effect their service, and their sacrifice, had on the school community back home."This is therefore a very exciting and relevant trip for our cadets. Memories of the 50 former pupils are very much alive for us. School houses and several competitions that we run hold their names, and the poppy installation in our dining hall was installed by Tom Piper, one of the artists behind the Tower of London poppy installation and also a former pupil."Further information / contactsFor press enquiries on Army Cadet Armistice 2018 contact:Valerie McBurneyHead of ACF Marketing and Communications020 7426 8373 / 07795 296838hvrc@Laura JonesACF Marketing and Communications ManagerTel 020 7426 8365marketing@Liz LeonardCCF Marketing and Communications Manager020 7426 8372 / 07799 907 523marketing@.ukPhotographsImages from a number of the trips are available at: ................
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