Remembrance Day - Combined Cadet Force
Combined Cadet Force
With over 230 cadets enrolled, the School's CCF or Combined Cadet Force is the largest single co-curricular activity offered by the School. Pupils can opt to join at the beginning of Year 9 and many are still involved at the end of Year 13, by which time they will be leading and instructing the younger members of the Contingent.
(about 50 cadets) and the Royal Navy (about 30 cadets). The CCF parades weekly when all cadets take part in a variety of activities that have been planned for them by their section staff and cadet NCOs.
Remembrance Day Parade
The Remembrance Day Parade is attended by all members of the CCF each year to remember the fallen and pay respects to those who have lost their lives as a result of war. The parade is a major highlight of the ceremonial side of the Cadet experience and involves the Alleyn's CCF, led by the school military band, marching from Townley Road to Christ's Chapel in Dulwich Village for the Service of Remembrance. After the service, wreaths are laid by the School’s Captains, Contingent Commanders and members of the Dulwich Estates at the Memorial in the Chapel Grounds.
A significant amount of preparation and practice is carried out by every cadet before Remembrance Day including a week of drills and practice runs. In addition, every cadet is required to have a neatly pressed uniform and well-polished boots - preparation that can sometimes take hours. This level of organisation and practice allows the events of the day to run smoothly and ensures that all cadets manage to keep in step on the march to Dulwich Village, despite the added pressure of being watched by family, friends and the general public. It is a testament to the adaptability of the cadets involved that they are able to march together, with drummers and flautists, for the return march to Alleyn's as one parade. This clearly demonstrates the level of discipline and dedication required of every Alleyn's Cadet.