Page 41 - Cadet Review Spring 2022

REMEMBRANCE DAY
IN THE REAL WORLD –
MIRFIELD REMEMBERS
A year ago, in 2020 the Nation managed to commemorate the day despite the constraints of the Covid-19 pandemic, it meant though that there were few actual events. Then, not having the opportunity to participate as normal the staff and cadets of 868 (Mirfield) Squadron Air Cadets decided they would make their own tribute and prepared a recorded commemoration which was released onto social media.
A year later, and although Covid-19 was still with us, the effectiveness of the vaccination programme throughout the country meant that ‘real-world’ events could again be held.
So, it was almost business as usual in the small Yorkshire town of Mirfield, where 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 general public, including a very strong representation of the youth of community: scouts, guides, cubs and brownies, the Army Cadet Force and of course cadets from 868 (Mirfield) Squadron out in force, supported by their Squadron band and providing standard bearers for the Union Standard, the Royal British Legion and themselves.
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 commemo- rative wreaths were laid by Deputy Lieutenant Jon
The effort from the whole Squadron was inspiring – well done!
Hammond-Booth, parliamentary representative Mark Eastwood MP, and Councillor Martyn Bolt, Mayor of Mirfield, and they were followed represent- atives 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 Isabel Calvert laying one for the Squadron.
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 five 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. The effort from the whole Squadron was inspiring – well done!”
The Squadron band leads
Wreath laying at the War
the 868 Squadron contingent
memorial in Mirfield
The Squadron members gathered
for a group photo after the parade
CADET REVIEW SPRING 2022 41