Proud day for junior soldiers as Army chief takes salute

Major General Sir Peter Wall inspected the graduation parade at the Army Foundation College yesterday with nearly 700 junior soldiers marching on to the parade ground at Uniacke Barracks.

The parade of 17-year-old students, who joined the college in Penny Pot Lane in September last year, is only exceeded in size by Trooping the Colour, held in London.

Sir Peter, the Chief of the General Staff, was present to inspect the students from all over the UK and take the salute.

Cambrai, Peninsula and Waterloo Companies marched onto the parade square, led by the Heavy Cavalry and Cambrai Band. Following the inspection and salute, prizes were awarded to the best students.

The Junior Soldiers will now move on to receive phase two training in their chosen trade or specialism.

Their Commanding Officer, Lieutenant Colonel Khashi Sharifi, said: “The graduation parade will mark the culmination of 12 months of hard work for the young men and women of Cambrai, Peninsula and Waterloo Companies. They should be rightly proud of their achievements at the college and enjoy sharing this special day with their families and friends.

“After a well-earned summer break, our Junior Soldiers can look forward to their specialist training before embarking on the busy, rewarding careers that lie ahead of them.”