CAMBRIDGESHIRE ACF SUPPORTS - RESERVE WITH PRIDE
2008 is a VERY special Year. Throughout the nation ‘TA100’ events and celebrations are taking place to mark the 100th anniversary of the creation of the Territorial Army (TA) and the Reserve Forces and Cadets Associations (RFCAs).
Administered by the RFCA for East Anglia, Cambridgeshire Army Cadet Force wholeheartedly supports the nationwide campaign ‘Reserve with Pride’ aimed at securing recognition of, and ensuring gratitude for, the vital part that TA reservists and the RFCAs have played, and continue to play, in the defence of our nation and their contribution to the fabric of our daily lives.
From all walks of life TA volunteers give up their spare time to work alongside the regular armed services of the United Kingdom in the defence of freedom worldwide. Employers, families and friends support them in their immense contribution. As well as demonstrating the courage and determination expected of their regular army counterparts, for 100 years TA volunteers have left their jobs, families and homes at the call of duty. Huge sacrifices have been made on the battlefields of the world since the TA was created - probably most notably during the 1st and 2nd World Wars. In modern times volunteers display the same sense of pride in service whilst serving on operational duty abroad and at home.
In Cambridgeshire, the Army Cadet Force has an especially close link with the veterans of the Cambridgeshire Regiment, most noted for their endurance of the most inhumane conditions in the Far East as prisoners of war during WW2. Many never returned. The Cambridgeshires were a Territorial formation from the outset and represent all that is admirable in reserve force service. Now disbanded, Regimental veterans retain close links with the current Royal Anglian Regiment.
A short history of the Regiment can be found
here
Each year in June, a commemoration service in honour of the sacrifices made is held at Ely Cathedral, which is attended by many veterans, friends, supporters and dignitaries. Cambridgeshire ACF, wearing the badge of the Royal Anglian Regiment, parade every year demonstrating their solidarity with the veterans. This year will be an especially important event.
The parade on 8th June holds extra special significance being the 100th anniversary of the creation of the Territorial Army and units of the TA will also be on parade to mark the event.
The service in Ely Cathedral is to be followed by a march past before several honoured dignitaries. Refreshments and information stands will be provided by participating units and the event is set to be one of the most fitting tributes to the sacrifices of volunteer servicemen since the inception of the Territorial forces.
© Cambridgeshire Army Cadet Force 2008