I watched the VE Day parade from London this morning and it was wonderful to see two very smart and articulate ATC Cadets taking a leading role right at the start of the event. Well done to them. What wonderful ambassadors for our organisation.
Then there were the cadets who were part of the final contingent. What an extraordinary experience that must have been for them. I took part in something similar in the summer of ‘77 for the Silver Jubilee and remember it vividly.
Now, I’m not one to criticise over harshly but, who selected the band to lead the youth and cadet contingent? The boys and girls from the Boys/Girls brigade were so out of their depth I really felt for them.
This was a military parade so I would have thought the SCC/ACF/RAFAC National Bands would have been a better choice. Even a combined band from all three would have been possible.
Failing that, Brentwood Imperial Youth Band would have been more than capable.
Also, I’d have liked to have seen a Police or Fire Service Band leading the civilian service contingent. They do exist and hold a wealth of musical talent.
A great event but the tail end let the cadets and other youth groups down I thought when it could have been a fine showcase for our own musical talent. Pity.
1 Like
I managed to catch the fly past completely by accident! Was in London seeing friends over the weekend, was heading home via Victoria and got off the tube 10 mins before the flypast!
1 Like
“Dad, why are you wearing half of the curtains from the lounge”
completely agree, heard on the comentary that the cadets were taking part. The RAFAC cadets taking part looked visibly embarrased, I felt for them. If the organisers thought it a good idea to have youth invlovement surely each organisation should have had a contigent, Brentwood Imperial band are fab, but so are Woolwich RAFAC band and many other uniformed youth bands.
1 Like
I did feel sorry for that group marching down, so separate from the rest of the parade it meant they got a lot of attention. For something so big it would have been nice to see a contingent from each organisation in their own flight instead of the bridge that there was.
2 Likes
Cadet 150 parade down the Mall 
Now that was a parade!!
2 Likes
Something in that photo which i spotted on the footage…perhaps best shown below in my cropped image.
are there what look like “medal hoops” on Wills left pocket?
these these hoops? if so what are they for?
or is it just my eyes seeing something?
1 Like
Will be for some of his other garnish… you can see some other bits here and some of the loops visible:
thank you - that explains it and makes me feel better my eyes do work and i am not seeing things!
1 Like
I think it could be his garter star or similar. The blue sash is another honour and he has a neck decoration too.
1 Like
When does he get his LSGC then?
Same as everyone else I suppose. I think the POW qualifies for continuing service so will be promoted as if he was still active. He’ll be Group Captain Wales soon and need a new hat.
Meanwhile, who’s this naughty veteran Flt Lt in his greatcoat behind the Princess?
