The annual Combined Cadet Force Service of Remembrance was held at Aberdeen’s Robert Gordon’s College on November 6.
The event was arranged by Wing Commander Dan Montgomery who invited HRFCA to lay a wreath at the college war memorial.
Prior to the service, guests were given a tour of the facilities and had lunch with Head Simon Mills, members of staff and cadets representing the Army and RAF contingents of the CCF plus the pipes and drums and adult volunteers.
Following lunch the cadets took poppy crosses and laid them at the headstones of former pupils who had died in the service of their country.
Citations were read by Cpl Yasmin Brown, Col Sgt Niall McDowell, Sgt Rowan Monaghan and Pipe Sgt Hugo Gamba before guests were piped a lament by Pipe Major Daniel Milne. On return to the college, cadets provided the guests with presentations about their experiences of the CCF and what they have gained from their membership.
The service of remembrance followed, attended by parents and guests, including civic leaders and Mr John Cruickshank VC – the sole remaining WWII Victoria Cross winner awarded for sinking a German U-boat and then, despite serious injuries, safely landing his aircraft.
After the moving service, the CCF paraded and were inspected by reviewing officer Air Chief Marshal Sir Anthony Bagnall, who congratulated the cadets on their smartness and drill.
Prior to guests and students dispersing, the Gordon Campbell sword was awarded to Col Sgt Niall McDowell.