Pocklington School Combined Cadet Force members have been praised for their “impeccable” turnout as guard of honour at a local Remembrance Sunday Service. 

The School RAF CCF contingent was invited to attend the service at St Catherine’s Church, Barmby Moor, followed by a wreath-laying ceremony at its Commonwealth War Graves Memorial. The church was used by the nearby former WW2 RAF base and its churchyard contains the graves of 54 airmen of the Second World War, as well as two First World War burials. 

Upper Sixth Form CCF cadets who attended were Mikey Smith (who laid the wreath), Joshua Toulmin (Head of Section), Afonso Spencer (Head of Army section – standard bearer), and Edward James (CSM Army), along with teacher Patrick Dare (OC RAF Section, Pocklington School CCF.) 

Following the solemn and moving Remembrance Service and wreath laying at the war graves site, church warden Mr Fallowfield said: “It was an honour to welcome a cadre of cadets from the CCF at Pocklington School. Their marching and turnout was impeccable. Together with the raising and lowering of their standard during the wreath laying and act of remembrance, it was a fitting tribute to those buried in the cemetery.” 

He added: “During the past week I have had many favourable comments regarding the cadets’ involvement, all saying what a lovely sight to see these young men honouring our war dead and requesting me to keep a close association with your good self and the school in general." 

The Secretary of the 102 (Ceylon) Squadron Association, also praised Mr Dare for arranging for the CCF members to attend at short notice. He added: “Mr Dare was able to make their attendance both relevant and dignified… Your students were a credit to your school, their Cadet Force and to themselves.”  

Patrick Dare commented: “It was a pleasure and a privilege to be able to help out and to be part of this moving service and wreath laying ceremony. I am proud of the boys and I know that it meant as much to them as it did to me to be part of this occasion.”

Afonso Spencer, Head of Army Section and flag bearer at the service said: “Being at this remembrance parade service was extremely moving and one of the best experiences I have ever had. Us being there, representing the school and being the honour guard clearly meant a lot to the veterans and their families who deserve the utmost respect and I am proud to have been there alongside my friends Edward James, Josh Toulmin and Mikey Smith”.

Photo L-R: Joshua Toulmin, Afonso Spencer, Patrick Dare, Edward James and Mikey Smith