Our Head Cadet, Anna Gray, meets the Duchess of Sussex at the Field of Remembrance Service

A moving experience for our Regimental Sergeant Major, Upper Sixth Former Anna Gray, when she was introduced to the Duchess of Sussex at the Field of Remembrance Service at Westminster Abbey recently. Anna was chosen to represent the CCF and all the UK’s Army Cadets at the service which has been held every year since 1928.

The Abbey’s grounds are covered with poppies and memorials to remember loved ones who made the ultimate sacrifice for their country. Representing the Royal family, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex also planted crosses to honour those who sacrificed their lives for the nation and stood in silence as the Last Post was played.

They then met veterans from all areas of the armed forces including 20 D-Day veterans. As the Duke and Duchess passed the CCF members, the Duchess stopped to speak to Anna, who commented, “It was so nice; she was very down to earth. It was such an honour to be there amongst all the veterans who have served the country all their lives and to represent the UK’s CCF and Reed’s School.”

Anna is hoping to continue her connection with the armed forces by joining the OTC (Officers’ Training Corps) when she attends either Bristol or Oxford University to study Ancient History after completing her A Levels.

Reed’s CCF has been run as a formal partnership with Hinchley Wood School for over 10 years. More than 20 cadets from Hinchley Wood come to Reed’s on a weekly basis and joint exercises are run for both schools. CCF offers students the chance to develop their confidence, leadership, team work and self-reliance.