On Wednesday 15th May, bright sunshine welcomed His Royal Highness, the Duke of Gloucester to Bedford School for a special inspection of Combined Cadet Force (CCF) contingents Bedford Girls’ School, Bedford School, Bedford Modern School, St Andrew’s School, Rushmoor School and The Bedford Free School.
The first cousin of Her Majesty the Queen, the Duke of Gloucester’s special visit marked the centenary of the last royal inspection of both Bedford School and Bedford Modern School contingents in 1918 (also held at Bedford School) by the Duke’s grandfather, King George V.
Falling just after the end of the First World War, the inspection in 1918 poignantly commemorated the 470 Old Bedfordians who lost their lives in the conflict.
The 33 BGS CCF contingents cadets were honoured to part of the parade, which included a general salute, followed by the inspection itself, finished with a march by the entire parade.
Isobel Horsfall, CCF Head of Corps, said: “We were honoured to have Duke of Gloucester inspect our Parade, on this momentous Centenary of the 1918 Parade. The success of the day is testimony to the hard work of all the staff and cadets involved. I am always very proud of the cadets and this was a particularly special end to a fantastic five years.”
