Page 54 - Cadet Review Spring 2024

SWY Wing ATC
The main Squadron contingent, led by Fg Off Matthew Jagger
REMEMBRANCE DAY
“Don’t worry, it doesn’t rain on Remembrance Day” Those were the misguided words of Flt Lt Peter Doubell, Officer Commanding 868 (Mirfield) Squadron in the days leading up to the event.
He was wrong, this year at least, it was wet in Mirfield, especially in the afternoon. The parade in the town was, as usual, held in the afternoon, so as to avoid clashing with the neighbouring parades in Dewsbury and Huddersfield.
The local population take the event very seriously and were not put off by a little wet weather.
Thousands of supporters took to the streets to support the parade through the streets and service held at the town’s War Memorial in Ings Grove
Park. Among those marching were civic dignitaries, veterans, serving members of the armed forces, and some members of the public, including a very strong representation of the youth of community: scouts, guides, cubs and brownies, Army Cadets and of course cadets from 868 (Mirfield) Squadron were present in strength.
In addition to their main marching contingent, led on this occasion by Fg Off Matthew Jagger (a recent recruit to the RAF, returning for the day, before joining his new posting at RAF Coningsby), they provided four out of six standard bearers, carrying their own banner together with the Union Standard and standards for the Royal British Legion the Normandy Veteran’s Association. The Squadron
I was very pleased to see our band leading the proceedings
band took pride of place, leading the whole parade. Because of the possibility that the reputation of
such a large event, once reported as the largest Remembrance Day Parade outside central London, could pose a very real danger of terrorist related activities, thorough security checks had been carried out before the event and precautions were in place on the day, including blocking the side roads, and an observable police presence helped to ensure that everybody was kept safe.
The memorial service was held in Ings Grove Park and was presided over by Ian Grange, the local Royal British Legion chaplain, who was support by other local faith leaders, including 868 Squadron’s
The Squadron band leading the whole parade
54 CADET REVIEW SPRING 2024