On Saturday 26th June, Cadet Shaun Gardner was the only representative of the Air Training Corps at the Armed Forces Day Parade in Leicester.
Cadet Gardner was asked by the Royal British Legion (RBL) to carry the 1181 (Syston) Squadron banner on the day of the parade after he had attended some of the RBL Standard Bearer Schools.
The day began with the massed Standards of the RBL, Territorial Army, Sea Cadet, Army Cadet and other organisations present, forming a guard of honour, outside Leicester Cathedral, for the specially invited guests, who included, Brigadier William Hurrell, CBE, DL, (Chief Executive, East Midlands Reserve Forces and Cadets Association), The RBL County President Lt Col Peter Roffey DL, The RBL County President Womens Section Mrs Janie Martin, The High Sheriff, Chairman of the County Council, Lord Mayor of Leicester, Lord Lieutenant.
There then followed a short service inside the Cathedral led by the Dean of Leicester the Very Revd. Vivienne Faull.
After the service, the parade reformed behind the Pipe and Drums band to begin the march to the Town Hall. The whole route was lined by hundreds of spectators who showed their appreciation and support by rapturous applause. On arrival at the Town Hall, the salute was taken by Brigadier Hurrell, Lt Col Roffey, Mrs Martin and Lady Gretton.
This was Cadet Gardner’s first time carrying the Squadron Banner and he did not disappoint anyone. He was very disciplined, smart and competent. Shaun commented “It was brilliant. I really enjoyed it but my shoulder hurts a bit now!”
CI Dan Reeves
1181 (Syston) Squadron
