Page 50 - Cadet Review Spring 2025

 HSY ACF
HUMBERSIDE AND
SOUTH YORKSHIRE ACF
VOLUNTEER WITH THE
COMMONWEALTH WAR
GRAVES COMMISSION
Saturday, 2nd November 2024 marked a significant
milestone for the County as they became the first
youth group in the United Kingdom to participate
as Eyes On Hands On (EOHO) Volunteers with the
Commonwealth War Graves Commission (CWGC)
in their own right. This historic event was the result
of nearly two years of planning and collaboration,
making it a momentous occasion for both the cadets
and the CWGC.
The idea of involving youth groups in the EOHO
programme began with a conversation between
the County Engagement Officer at HSY ACF and
the Victoria Cross Trust nearly two years ago. The
partnership between the two organisations initially
led to two successful volunteering sessions in
Doncaster and Sheffield, where cadets assisted
with the mapping and recording the condition of
Commonwealth war graves.
In response to these early successes, the CWGC
made a significant change to their national policy,
allowing under-18s to officially participate in the
EOHO programme. This decision paved the way for
HSY ACF to become the first youth group in the UK to
be formally recognised as EOHO Volunteers.
Before embarking on their first official
volunteering session, Captain Vicki Brooks and Staff
Sergeant Instructor Rebecca Montgomery, who
had completed their own training with the CWGC,
were ready to lead the charge. With their training
complete, the county was assigned three cemeteries
to begin the vital work checking the condition of
fallen heroes.
50 CADET REVIEW SPRING 2025