Page 13 - Cadet Review Spring 2020

Mirfield celebrates
Remembrance Day in force
868 (Mirfield) Squadron were, as usual, actively involved in the Mirfield Remembrance Day event, reputedly one of the biggest in the country. This year was no exception with the streets of the town packed by thousands of supporters.
Because of the possibility that reputation could pose the town a very real danger of terrorist related activities, thorough security precautions were in place on the day and an observable police presence helped to ensure that everybody was kept safe.
The parade was, as usual, held in the afternoon, so as not to clash with the neighbouring parades in Dewsbury and Huddersfield. Promptly then, at 14.00, the parade in Mirfield set off to march from Lowlands Road to Ings Grove Park, where a short service was held at the town’s war memorial.
The marching contingent was preceded by police vehicles, a fire engine, and the Royal British Legion Bikers Division. Leading the march was the band from 868 Squadron, and, in addition to, their main flight in the first column their cadets provided all the standard bearers and two took the role of 'tail-end charlies' marking the rear of the parade carrying giant poppies. Also, 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.
The memorial service was presided over by the local Royal British Legion chaplain, Ian Grange,
who was supported 868 Squadron’s own chaplain Christine Shedd. During the service commemorative wreaths were laid by Deputy Lieutenant Iqbal Bhana, parliamentary representative Paula Sherrif, and Councillor Martyn Bolt, Mayor of Mirfield, and they were followed representatives of the armed forces and all major community groups, including 868 Squadron’s past Cadet Warrant Officer Miles Gilroy who laid a wreath on behalf of the Royal Air Force, together with Cadet Alicia Dwyer laying one for the Squadron and Cadet Mitchell Breare for the Royal Artillery.
The effort from the whole Squadron was inspiring – well done!
After the service the parade reformed and marched back through the town to the applause of onlookers, and a salute was taken by the Deputy Lieutenant; it took about eight minutes for the entire parade to pass by.
Following the parade, Squadron Commander Flight Lieutenant Peter Doubell commented: “I was very pleased and proud of the attendance and turn-out of cadets today. Our cadets did a splendid job as standard bearers, with one stepping into the role only just before the parade when the regular Royal British Legion standard bearer was taken ill. The band managed to set the tone for the parade, and performed well even without their leader who was called into work! The effort from the whole Squadron was inspiring – well done!”
The Squadron contingent after the parade
Parading through the streets of Mirfield
At the War Memorial for the Commemoration Service
Standard Bearers (Cpl Cora Smith, CWO Kiara Baillie, Cdt Joshua Clark, Cpl Jacob Stockwell, Cpl Toby Mathews)
CADET REVIEW SPRING 2020 13