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Army Cadets honour D-Day Landings in France

Over 200 Cadets from across the region took part in the commemoration last week. During the trip, Cadets got to visit the D-Day landing beaches, learn more about the war and D-Day, and speak with Veterans of the landings.

L Cpl Hallworth at the Pegasus Bridge museum

Cadet Lance Corporal Adam Reeves  aged 15, from Derby said: “I have a huge amount of pride for my country and wanted to witness the grounds on which one of its greatest achievements happened.

“I have learned about the beaches on which D-Day took place and about the planning and importance of D-Day to winning the war. The amount of Americans that died on Omaha beach, and the number of graves, was shocking.

“If these soldiers hadn’t fought then we would have been under the rule of Hitler. Instead, they have enabled our country to be the fairest, safest and possibly greatest of all time. They deserve the world’s respect and we do this by remembering them and keeping their stories alive.”

Lincolnshire Cadets with a WW2 tank

Whilst on the trip the Cadets took part in a series of commemorative and educational activities. This included touring several stands accompanied by expert guides and Cadets were given a commemorative booklet to further underpin everything they learnt on the trip.

In preparation for the trip, the Cadets were asked to research their family history and learn about any relatives who were involved in D-Day, whether it be in the planning, producing supplies or as a combatant.

Cadet Lance Corporal Charles Elwell aged 15, from Ticknall, discovered his great grandfather was part of the D-Day landings. He said: “I wanted to come on this trip because my great grandad was in the 79th armoured division which landed on Sword Beach. I wanted to walk in the footsteps of all the soldiers who gave everything for our freedom.

LCpl Elwell (right), with LCpl Lewsey next to coastal artillery

“I truly believe that you should learn about D-Day because without the soldiers’ bravery and courage we wouldn’t have the life we live and the freedom we enjoy.”

Cadet Bayley Martin aged 15, from Belper, said: “I wanted to come on the trip and learn about D-Day because it has shaped our society. I love exploring new places, learning about what happened in the past, and it is important to remember those who sacrificed their lives for us.

“From this trip, I learnt a lot about what happened on D-Day and the heroic actions of men, such as Company Sergeant Major Stanley Hollis VC who was the only recipient of the Victoria Cross for actions on D-Day.”

Cadet Corporal Poppy Needham aged 17, from Sleaford, said: “My favourite part of the D-Day trip was probably Pegasus Bridge because it was fun learning about my Dad’s Regiment and what they did, and how they took the bridge in the night.”

Lieutenant Ed Howard, an Adult Volunteer in Lincolnshire ACF, said: “The Cadets’ knowledge has expanded significantly. All the Cadets appreciated what people have done before them, especially for the peaceful ending of World War Two.”

Cadets from Lincolnshire with coastal artillery

Cadet Corporal Shannon Walton, aged 17 from Bolsover added: “It is important to learn about events like D-Day for the people who didn’t get to have a future, so their stories are passed on and they’re remembered.”

Cadet Lance Corporal Jack Hallworth, aged 14 from Glossop said: “I have learned that D-Day was made up of many operations which covered the whole coastline over many miles. I was surprised to learn about the Mulberry Harbours at Arromanches and the amazing engineering that was involved. It is important to remember D-Day as we must remember the price paid for Europe’s freedom.”

The trip was organised on a national level with around 2,000 Cadets from across the United Kingdom taking part.

To find out more about joining the Army Cadet Force as either a Cadet or Adult Volunteer register your interest through www.armycadets.com