On 15 November 2022, the CCF had its biennial inspection. The Reviewing Officer (RO), Commodore Paul Pitcher RN, inspected the Royal Navy, Army and RAF. The sections formed up on parade in the Sports Hall, having relocated indoors thanks to a yellow weather warning for heavy rain. The RO was looking at drill, dress and turnout and chatted to a large number of the cadets about their experiences and aspirations. The school Senior Wind Band provided a selection of contrasting pieces, including two marches - 'Barnard Castle' and the 'Royal Air Force March Past' - which provided a suitable martial atmosphere. After lunch, the clouds parted in time for three well-executed section battle drill demonstrations by the Army on Memorial Field. For the remainder of the afternoon the RO and guests toured a broad range of training activities around the school site: the Royal Navy show-cased field gun and limber drills and maritime ropework on the parade square, and virtual battleship recognition and navigation in the Lecture Theatre; the RAF demonstrated teamwork through blindfold drone piloting in the gym, and console-driven flight simulators and a paper aeroplane challenge, encompassing the principles of flight, in New College and the Army exhibited training in advanced drill movements, drumming, skill at arms, TIBUA (training in built up areas), military knowledge and patrolling in the grounds.

To view the programme of the Biennial Inspection, click here: Biennial Inspection programme

To view more pictures from the day, click here