On Saturday the 11th November a handful of cadets assembled at the CCF hut for 0700hrs, eagerly anticipating heading up to the City of London to participate in the Lord Mayors Show. This year we were Group 37 on the parade, where we were forming part of the wider YOU (Youth Organisations in Uniform) organisation. We arrived just before 0900hrs and we met with the rest of our float. This included The Army Cadet Force, Boys’ Brigade, Fire Cadets, Girls’ Brigade, Girl Guides, Jewish Lads’ and Girls’ Brigade, RAF Air Cadets, Sea Cadet Corps, Scouts, St. John Ambulance Cadets and Volunteer Police Cadets.

There were over 80  young people on parade with the YOU float, and 132 floats in the procession this year so that took a reasonable amount of time for everybody to turn up, be briefed and get into order for the procession to begin. Whilst waiting, we had the opportunity to speak to some Royal Marine Commandos and see lots of their awesome kit, including the new L400 Assault Rifle. At 1100hrs, as it was Armistice day, there was a 2 minute silence which was respected peacefully, and then at 11:03 the “QUICK MARCH” order was given! A marching band joined us for the route and provided some entertaining music to smile, wave and high-five the huge crowds with on this big day.

As the senior officer present, Wing Commander Leggatt saluted Michael Mainelli, the 695th Lord Mayor of the City of London, as we marched past Mansion House. Upon arrival at the Royal Courts of Justice on the Strand, the Lord Mayor takes the oath of allegiance, while we are on our lunch break, which had been provided by the Lord Mayors Show. After lunch we escorted the Lord Mayor back to Mansion House before we were able to disperse and head home.

All in all, this was a great day out and having the opportunity to take part in a procession made me feel like a celebrity, albeit just for a day.

Sergeant Toby Cascarini

Royal Russell CCF