The Cenotaph

Originally intended as a small part of the Peace Day events of July 1919, the Cenotaph was designed and built by Edwin Lutyens at the request of the then Prime Minister Lloyd George.

Literally meaning 'Empty Tomb' in Greek, The Cenotaph was initially a wood and plaster construction intended for the first anniversary of the Armistice in 1919. At its unveiling the base of the monument was spontaneously covered in wreaths to the dead and missing from The Great War. Such was the extent of public enthusiasm for the construction it was decided that The Cenotaph should become a permanent and lasting memorial.

The Cenotaph, made from Portland stone, was unveiled in 1920. The inscription reads simply "The Glorious Dead".

On the Sunday nearest to 11th November at 11am each year, a Remembrance Service is held at the Cenotaph to commemorate British and Commonwealth servicemen and women who died in the two World Wars and later conflicts. The monarch, religious leaders, politicians, representatives of state and the armed and auxiliary forces, gather to pay respect to those who gave their lives defending others.

The service has changed little since it was first introduced in 1921, hymns are sung, prayers are said and a two minute silence is observed. Official wreaths are laid on the steps of The Cenotaph. The ceremony ends with a march past of war veterans; a poignant gesture of respect for their fallen comrades.

Services of Remembrance are held at war memorials and cenotaphs throughout Britain and the Commonwealth nations. While the style and size of these memorials vary considerably from place to place, an exact replica of Lutyens' Cenotaph stands proudly in London, Canada.

SMI Crofts

CNE SSM

The Unknown Warrior

The British tomb of The Unknown Warrior holds an unidentified British soldier killed on a European battlefield during World War I. He was buried in Westminster Abbey, London on November 11, 1920, the earliest such tomb honouring the unknown dead of World War I. Even the battlefield the Warrior came from is not known, and has been kept secret so that the Unknown Warrior might serve as a symbol for all of the unknown dead wherever they fell. The Unknown Warrior is a recipient of the United States' Medal of Honor.

The idea of a Tomb of the Unknown Warrior was first conceived in 1916 by the Reverend David Railton, who while serving as an army chaplain on the Western Front, had seen a grave marked by a rough cross, which bore the pencil-written legend 'An Unknown British Soldier'. He wrote to the Dean of Westminster in 1920 proposing that an unidentified British soldier from the battlefields in France be buried with due ceremony in Westminster Abbey "amongst the kings" to represent the many thousands of Empire dead. The idea was strongly supported by the Dean and the then Prime Minister Lloyd George. There was initial opposition from King George V (who feared that such a ceremony would reopen the wounds of a recently concluded war) and others but a surge of emotional support from the great number of bereaved families ensured its adoption.

Arrangements were placed in the hands of Lord Curzon who prepared in committee the service and location. The body was chosen from four bodies draped with Union Flags at the chapel at St Pol near Arras, France on the night of 7 November 1920 by Brigadier General L.J. Wyatt and Lieutenant Colonel E.A.S. Gell. The remains were placed into a simple pine coffin. The coffin stayed at the chapel overnight and on the afternoon of November 8, it was transferred under guard to the castle library within the citadel at Boulogne.

Troops lined the route and a company of the French 8th Infantry regiment, recently awarded the Légion d'Honneur en masse, stood vigil over it overnight. The following morning, two undertakers entered the library and placed the coffin into a casket of the oak timbers of trees from Hampton Court Palace. The casket was banded with iron and a medieval crusader's sword, chosen by the king personally from the Royal Collection, was affixed to the top and surmounted by an iron shield bearing the inscription 'A British Warrior who fell in the Great War 1914-1918 for King and Country'.

The casket was then placed onto a French military wagon, drawn by six black horses. At 10:30 a.m., all church bells of Boulogne tolled; the massed trumpets of French cavalry and bugles of French infantry played the Aux Champs (the French "Last Post"). Then, the mile-long procession - led by one thousand French schoolchildren and with a division of French soldiers forming the guard of honour - made its way down to the harbour. At the quayside, Marshal Foch saluted the casket before it was carried up the gangway of the destroyer, HMS Verdun, and piped aboard with an admiral's call. The Verdun slipped anchor just before noon and was joined by an escort of six battleships. As the flotilla carrying the casket closed on Dover Castle it received a 19 gun Field Marshal's salute. It was landed at Dover Maritime Railway Station at the Western Docks on 10th November, from where it was taken to Victoria Station, where it arrived at platform 8 at 8.32pm that evening and remained for the night of the 10th - at both locations there is a plaque. Every year on November 11th there is a small Remembrance service at Victoria Station between platforms 8 and 9.

On the morning of the 11 November 1920 the casket was loaded onto a gun carriage of the Royal Horse Artillery and drawn by six horses through immense and silent crowds. The route followed was Hyde Park Corner, The Mall, and to Whitehall where the Cenotaph was unveiled by King George V. The cortège was then followed by the King, Royal Family and ministers of state to Westminster Abbey, where the casket was borne into the West Nave of the Abbey flanked by a guard of honour of one hundred recipients of the Victoria Cross. The guests of honour were a little group of about one hundred women. They had been chosen because they had each lost their husband and all their sons in the war. "Every woman so bereft who applied for a place got it". The coffin was then interred in the far western end of the nave, only a few feet from the entrance, with soil from each of the main battlefields and covered with a silk pall. The Armed Services then stood as honour guard as tens of thousands of mourners filed past. The ceremony appears to have served as a form of catharsis for collective mourning on a scale not previously known.

The grave was then capped with a black Belgium marble stone (the only tombstone in the Abbey on which it is forbidden to walk) featuring this inscription, composed by Dean Ryle, Dean of Westminster, engraved with brass from melted down wartime ammunition:

BENEATH THIS STONE RESTS THE BODY
OF A BRITISH WARRIOR
UNKNOWN BY NAME OR RANK
BROUGHT FROM FRANCE TO LIE AMONG
THE MOST ILLUSTRIOUS OF THE LAND
AND BURIED HERE ON ARMISTICE DAY
11 NOV: 1920, IN THE PRESENCE OF
HIS MAJESTY KING GEORGE V
HIS MINISTERS OF STATE
THE CHIEFS OF HIS FORCES
AND A VAST CONCOURSE OF THE NATION
THUS ARE COMMEMORATED THE MANY
MULTITUDES WHO DURING THE GREAT
WAR OF 1914 - 1918 GAVE THE MOST THAT
MAN CAN GIVE LIFE ITSELF
FOR GOD
FOR KING AND COUNTRY
FOR LOVED ONES HOME AND EMPIRE
FOR THE SACRED CAUSE OF JUSTICE AND
THE FREEDOM OF THE WORLD
THEY BURIED HIM AMONG THE KINGS BECAUSE HE
HAD DONE GOOD TOWARD GOD AND TOWARD
HIS HOUSE


Around the main inscription are four texts:
THE LORD KNOWETH THEM THAT ARE HIS (top)
GREATER LOVE HATH NO MAN THAN THIS (side)
UNKNOWN AND YET WELL KNOWN, DYING AND BEHOLD WE LIVE (side)
IN CHRIST SHALL ALL BE MADE ALIVE (base)

Later history:
A year later, the Warrior was conferred the US Medal of Honor on 17 October 1921, from the hand of General Pershing; it hangs on a pillar near to his burial site. (Later, on 11 November 1921, the U.S. Unknown Soldier was reciprocally awarded the Victoria Cross, Britain's highest award for gallantry.) When Elizabeth Bowes-Lyon married the future King George VI on 26 April 1923, she laid her bouquet at the Tomb on her way into the Abbey, a gesture which every royal bride married at the abbey since has copied, though on the way back from the altar rather than to it. When Alfred Rosenberg, the Nazi ideologist, visited Britain on a diplomatic mission in 1933 he laid a wreath with a Swastika on it at the tomb. A British war veteran threw it into the Thames. On the death of Queen Elizabeth, The Queen Mother in 2002, the Queen Mother before she died expressed her wish for her wreath to be placed on the tomb of the Unknown Warrior in Westminster, the Queen laid the wreath.

SMI Crofts

CNE SSM

Ypres

The Ypres Salient

Why The Poppy?

Scarlet poppies (popaver rhoeas) grow naturally in conditions of disturbed earth throughout Western Europe. The destruction brought by the Napoleonic wars of the early 19th Century transformed bare land into fields of blood red poppies, growing around the bodies of the fallen soldiers.

In late 1914, the fields of Northern France and Flanders were once again ripped open as the First World War raged through Europe's heart.

The significance of the poppy as a lasting memorial symbol to the fallen was realised by the Canadian surgeon John McCrae in his poem In Flanders Fields. The poppy came to represent the immeasurable sacrifice made by his comrades and quickly became a lasting memorial to those who died in the First World War and later conflicts.

In Flanders fields the poppies blow
Between the crosses, row on row,
That mark our place; and in the sky
The larks, still bravely singing, fly
Scarce heard amid the guns below.

We are the Dead. Short days ago
We lived, felt dawn, saw sunset glow,

Loved and were loved, and now we lie
In Flanders fields.

Take up our quarrel with the foe:
To you from failing hands we throw
The torch; be yours to hold it high.
If ye break faith with us who die
We shall not sleep, though poppies grow
In Flanders fields

By John McCrae 1915

Do you know who makes 80% of the poppies that we wear on Remembrance Day?

Follow the link to find out.

SMI Crofts
CNE SSM

The Battle Of The Somme

The Battle Of The Somme

Diss - Simon Ground Award - 02

After yesterdays article in the Diss Mercury, today's Diss Express also covers the story of Diss Cadets at Annual Camp and Cpl Frewin receiving the Simon Ground Award.

SMI Crofts

CNE SSM

Diss - Simon Ground Award

Not to be out done by Kings Lynn, Diss Troop also made their local paper this week with a short report on Annual Camp and Cpl Frewin receiving the Simon Ground Award.

SMI Crofts

CNE SSM

Kings Lynn - High & Dry

Once again it's Kings Lynn that makes it on to my Blog. SSI Robinson sent me this cutting from their local paper, the Lynn News. Its hot off the press as it only appeared today.

If your Detachment has been involved in anything like this or has appeared in the local paper send me a cutting by post or e-mail and I'll put it on to the Blog.

SMI Crofts

CNE SSM

Lions’ gift to keep cadets dry
LYNN Lions Club’s fun day this summer wasn’t much fun for the town’s Army Cadets – because they got soaking wet.
The cadets, who were helping the Lions on the day, soldiered on despite the rain, and as a thank you the Lions on Tuesday presented them with ten sets of wet weather gear worth £122.50.
“Hopefully these will keep the cadets dry while working – especially if they help again at another fun day,” said Lion David Gifford. “The gear can also be used on hikes and camps.”The presentation was made by Lions President Mike Thompson at the Cadet headquarters in Providence Street, Lynn.

Cadet Force Medal

Congratulations to Captain R. W. Dyke for getting his second clasp for his Cadet Force Medal in recognition for his commitment and dedication to the ACF.
Captain Dyke is CNE's CAA and anyone who has been issued their kit at Croxton Road would have seen his cheery smile.

SMI Crofts

CNE SSM

CNE Squadron Changes

As of the 1st of October 2009 some changes will be taking place within the Squadron.

Below is a list of all CNE Detachments and the Adults who will be at each Troop:

HQ
Squadron OC: Major Pratt
Squadron CAA: Captain Dyke
Squadron Training Officer: Captain Pickering
Squadron Sergent Major: SMI Crofts
SNR Platoon/Combat Cdt: LT Madeley
2I/C: SNR Platoon/Combat Cdt: SMI Crofts
Adult Trg/Cdt KGVI Tester/Trainer: Captain D. Dumbleton
Duke Edinburgh co-ordinator: SSI Wiseman

Attleborough:
OC: SI Webster
2I/C: SI Wilmott
SI Seaman
PI Keen
PI Dye

Diss
OC: SI Caston
2I/C: SI Young
PI Gilson
PI Ashworth

Downham Market
OC: SMI Macgegor
2I/C: SSI Catchpole
SI Eves
PI Stopford-Pickering
PI Robinson
PI Swancott-Grant

Kings Lynn
OC: SSI Robinson
2I/C: SI Jeffery
SI Crawley
PI Cocksedge

Long Stratton
OC: SI Laws
2I/C: SI O'Brien
SI Garstka
SI Binks
PI Palmer

Thetford
OC: Captain S. Dumbleton
2I/C: SSI Goldsmith
SSI James
SI Gilson
PI Berwick
PI Bowden

PI Godfrey
PI Pearson

Watton
OC: SI Gillbanks
2I/C: PI Blythe
PI Jones
PI Ling

Wymondham
OC: SSI Toser
2I/C: SI Porter
SI Cooper
PI Shearer
PI Caston
PI Toser
PI Dench
PI Gill

SMI Crofts

CNE SSM

Cadet 150

Next year is the 150th Anniversary of the Army Cadet Force, there are many events planned which you will find out when the details are more concrete. I intend to do some Squadron fundraising, including The Game & Country Fair, bag packing in local supermarkets and a couple of trips designed to get maximum press coverage for the Squadron as it celebrates the 150th Anniversary.

If you have any ideas or there is anything you want to do then let me know and I'll see if its feasible and help to set it up.

Most news and updates will appear on my own Blog so for future updates keeping taking a look from time to time. There is a link to my e-mail address on the Blog or you can send me any ideas by post to:

SSM Crofts,
CNE Squadron Sergeant Major,
C/O WETC,
Croxton Road,
Thetford,
Norfolk,
IP24 1LH

SMI Crofts
CNE SSM

Combat Cadet Blog

For all of those who were on the Combat Cadet weekend or are considering taking part in future weekends take a look at the Combat Cadet Blog for photos of the Obstacle Course Training and details of future weekends.

Combat Cadet Blog

SMI Crofts

CNE SSM

Annual Camp Photos

If you have any good photos from Annual Camp then send them to me on a disc through the internal mail or by e-mail and I will put a selection on the Blog soon.

SMI Crofts

CNE SSM

Annual Camp 2009

By the time this message automatically posts on Thursday the 30th July I will be on the road to Camp with the OC, CAA & TO. No doubt you will all be looking forward to seeing my smiling face as you all get off the coaches on Sunday.

Once Camp is over I will put up a selection of photos so have a look at the Blog then and see if you feature in any of them.

SMI Crofts

CNE SSM

Apollo Moon Landing

40 years ago today Neil Armstrong & Buzz Aldrin walked on the moon, even I was too young to know what was happening as I wouldn't have even celebrated my 2nd Birthday.

To read more about Apollo 11 and the other Apollo missions follow the link to the NASA site.

After Armstrong & Aldrin and by the end of 1972 only another 10 men would walk on the Lunar surface and no one has walked their in your lifetime. Nasa's site is full of articles and pictures and well worth a look.

SMI Crofts

CNE SSM

Trooping The Colour

On the 6th of June Diss Long Stratton Cadets went to London to watch Colonel's review of Trooping The Colour.
Afterwards they also went to the Imperial War Museum.
Here are some photos of their day.


SMI Crofts
CNE SSM

Diss & Long Stratton's National Memorial Visit

On Saturday 11th July Cadets from Diss & Long Stratton visited the National Memorial. Although the weather wasn't good on the journey to the Memorial it managed to stay fine, except for a couple of showers.

After arriving we got talking to a survivor of the HMS Dunedin which was sunk by a German U-Boat on the 24th November 1941. He invited the Cadets to a wreath laying they were doing at 14:15hrs and we were delighted to attend. Of 491 crew only 72 survived the U-Boat attack and of those only 4 are alive today. One of the members of the Dunedin society will hopefully be sending us some pictures which I will add when they arrive.

During the day we met many ex Royal Engineer's and two of those were Chelsea Pensioners who were especially pleased to see so many young Cadets wearing their cap badge.

My thanks to Sgt Caston & PI Gilson for their help during the visit and to the Cadets of Diss & Long Stratton for their behaviour and turnout which was mentioned by many visitors to the National Memorial during the day.

SMI Crofts

CNE SSM

Soldier Magazine: Frimley Park

In this months Soldier Magazine there is a feature on Frimley Park the headquarters for the Army Cadet Force.

All Adults who do their AI's & KGVI Courses and Cadets who do the Cadet Leadership Course and Master Cadet Course will go there.

It is definitely somewhere that all Cadets should go before their time in Cadets comes to an end.

SMI Crofts

CNE SSM

Frimley Park Article

Stradsett Hall Car Parking

On the 4th & 5th July Cadets from Kings Lynn, Downham Market & Diss spent the weekend car parking at Stradset Hall. Many visitors complimented the Cadets on their turn out and professionalism so well done to everyone who turned up and helped not only with the car parking but for showing the Squadron in such a positive light.


SMI Crofts
CNE SSM

Spr Cocksedge - Where did I park those coaches?

Spr Hunt & Friend

A Spitfire that flew over the show on Sunday Afternoon.

2LT Bush after a hard days parking on Sunday.

Pictures & Activities

If any CNE Cadets or Adults have any pictures or news of activities that they have done or want any help with then send them to me and I'll put them on my Blog.

My e-mail address is hyperlinked from my name on the right of the Blog.

So far only Diss, Long Stratton & Kings Lynn are mentioned but I would like to have articles from all CNE Detachments on here soon.

In just over a month we will be departing for Okehampton for this years Annual Camp so if you take any photos of the various activities that we will be doing or want to write an article about what you did then submit them once we have returned.

SMI Crofts

CNE SSM

Combat Cadet 2010

Next years competition may be a way off yet but already last years Combat Cadet Blog has been ripped down, given a fresh lick of paint, had some new pictures hung up and will be the place to go to for information on Combat Cadet 2010.

News and information will be sent out to all CNE Detachments but for the most up to date news take a peek at the Combat Cadet Blog from time to time.

As anything new appears I will plug it here as well.

Combat Cadet 2010

SMI Crofts

CNE SSM

Kings Lynn Visit

On Tuesday 30th June I popped in to Kings Lynn for the start of my tour round all Detachments prior to going to Annual Camp.

I would like to thank SSI Robinson and all the CFAV's & Cadets at Kings Lynn for their hospitality.

SMI Crofts

CNE SSM

Okehampton Camp

For those attending this years camp who have no idea where we are going here's a map for you to browse.



View Larger Map

SMI Crofts

CNE SSM

Diss & Long Stratton At Weybread

Over the weekend of the 12th - 14th June Diss & Long Stratton Cadets spent the weekend on the Weybread training area in preperation for Annual Camp.

Diss & Long Stratton At The Palace

On May 9th Cadets from Diss and Long Stratton watched the changing of the Guard from inside the fence at the Palace.
Afterwards they had a tour around the Guards Museum before going to the National Army Museum in the afternoon.

Shirt Sleeve Order

As of tomorrow [1st May] it will be time for Shirt Sleeve Order, so when wearing a shirt, your sleeves will be rolled up. If you haven't been shown how to do this properly or how far above the elbow your shirt is to go ask one of your adult instructors to show you on your next parade.

SSI Crofts

CNE SSM

Promotions

Congratulations to:

Spr O. Brown Long Stratton to L/Cpl

SSI Crofts

CNE SSM

Final Score

The annual football match between Downham Market and Kings Lynn Detachments took place on on Sunday 12th April.

After a hard fought game Downham Market retained the cup after winning 5 - 0.

SSI Crofts
CNE SSM

Combat Cadet Selection

On Sunday April 12th I went to watch the Combat Cadet Team be put through their paces over the Assault Course.

CNE Squadron have more Cadets on the team than any other Sub Unit so my congratulations to them for all their hard work since the selection process began in November.

As well as being part of the Combat Cadet Team competition they will have earnt pass marks in many 2* & 3* subjects and may get Combat Cadet Colours for their Sports Brassards.

Although the selection process is hard work I would recommend that any Cadet who is old enough look out for the details of next years Combat Cadet selection process and consider trying to make the team.

Here are some photos of the team being put through their paces by SSI James from Thetford Detachment.

SSI Crofts

CNE SSM

Photos supplied by SSI Tucker - County Training Team