Over the summer holidays, 11 members of the LSF Combined Cadet Force were invited to be guests at the Commandants’ rehearsal at The Royal Military Academy Sandhurst (RMAS). The visit was coordinated by Major Alex Dart (LGS 1996) in the CCF and was kindly hosted by Captain Amy Cooper (LHS 2009) in her role as the Old College Adjutant. Equally supporting was Colour Sergeant Schurch from the Royal Anglian Regiment as a member of permanent staff at RMAS.
The visit aim was twofold; a career focus aspect and for those members of the CCF to receive an insight to military Officer training common to all 3 Services prior to speciality to Service elements.
A particular highlight was the parade where over 500 students, band and horses practiced ahead of His Majesties representative taking the salute 48 hours later. This dovetailed in to Colour Sergeant Schurch’s excellent guided tour of the site, highlighting the career pathway and answering questions.
During their visit, the students received an information sheet about RMAS and the Sovereign’s Parade / Commandant’s Parade:
Old College
Old College, the oldest building in Sandhurst, was completed in 1812 during the reign of King George III.
The steps leading up the the Grand Entrance are covered by a portico. Above the portico you will see a pediment portraying Roman gods Mars and Minerva – Mars, the god of war and Minerva the god of wisdom. This indicates that the young men and women who enter the academy will be taught not only the art of war – how to fight – but they will also learn the wisdom of when to use those skills … and whether to use them.
When they first arrive at Sandhurst, the Cadets climb the steps to the Grand Entrance and enter the Old College through the big black doors. The next time they may do so is not until 11 months later, when they have completed their training and they ceremonially march up the steps at the end of Sovereign’s Parade, ready to join the Army as Commissioned Officers.
Sovereign’s Parade / Commandant’s Parade
The Sovereign’s Parade is steeped in history and traditions. Our LSF Cadets watched the last full-dress rehearsal (Commandant’s Parade).
The Parade- The Academy Adjutant, Major Andrew Dunlop of the Welsh Guards, riding Onyx, leads the Cadets on to Old College Parade Square.
- The Cadets march on by Divisions and form up in half Divisions.
- The Senior Cadets, who have now completed the 11-month course, are in the front rows.
- The Cadets in the Intermediate Division, who have completed 2 terms, are in the middle rows.
- The Cadets in the back rows are the Junior Division and have just completed their first term. The Junior Cadets carry rifles, rather than swords, which are heavier and the Cadets must hold them steady for about 1.5 hours.
- The Sovereign’s Banner (the red ‘flag’) and the RMAS Colours (blue ‘flag’) are received on the parade.
- The Sovereign’s Representative is received with a Royal Salute and then inspects those on the parade.
- The Sovereign’s Platoon has the honour of trooping the Sovereign’s Banner.
- The Parade marches past in slow and then quick time.
- The Sovereign’s Representative addresses the Parade, and presents prizes to the prize winners.
- At the end of the Parade, the Senior Division marches up the steps of the Grand Entrance. They are followed by the Academy Adjutant riding his horse, and the black doors are closed. No one knows why the horse climbs the steps into Old College … there are many myths, but the true reason remains a mystery. Once they are inside the building, Onyx is treated to a polo mint and Major Dunlop a glass of port!
- The Old College Adjutant then assumes command of the Parade and leads the Intermediate and Junior Divisions off the Parade Square.
