The Princess Royal visited Bedford School today (Wednesday), to inspect Combined Cadet Force contingents from four Bedford schools and unveil a new memorial board honouring Old Bedfordians killed in the First World War.
Her Royal Highness attended the school’s Annual General Inspection, where cadets from Bedford School, Bedford Girls’ School, Bedford Modern School and Bedford Greenacre Independent School assembled on the playing fields for inspection and march-past.
Cadets inspected
On arrival, The Princess Royal was received by the Lord-Lieutenant of Bedfordshire, Susan Lousada, before meeting the head teachers of the four schools and their contingent commanders.
The event included a general salute, a formal inspection and a full march-past.
Major Peter Lumley-Wood, Contingent Commander of Bedford School CCF, said: “We are extremely honoured to welcome HRH The Princess Royal to school as the Reviewing Officer for our Combined Cadet Force Annual General Inspection.”
Memorial board unveiled
Following the inspection, The Princess Royal went to Bedford School’s Memorial Hall to unveil a new memorial board commemorating 21 Old Bedfordians who died in the First World War.
The school said the names were identified through research carried out by its alumni office and local historians. They now join the 756 names from the First and Second World Wars already commemorated in the hall, which marks its centenary this year.
Relatives of those newly honoured attended the ceremony.
“It was an absolute privilege to welcome Her Royal Highness The Princess Royal to school for this important and poignant occasion,” added Bedford School Headmaster James Hodgson.
“Today allowed us not only to celebrate the dedication and professionalism of cadets from all four schools in Bedford, but also to honour the memory of Old Bedfordians whose stories deserve to be preserved and remembered.”
Unveiling the board, Her Royal Highness The Princess Royal (Princess Anne) spoke of becoming president of the Commonwealth War Graves Commission (CWGC) and of the work that continues to remember those who had made the ultimate sacrifice.
“I hope more families and people will come together to tell and remember their stories,” she said.
“A deeply meaningful moment”
Lord-Lieutenant of Bedfordshire Susan Lousada said the cadets had demonstrated the commitment, leadership and teamwork that the cadet movement encourages.
She added, “The unveiling of the memorial board provided a deeply meaningful moment of remembrance, ensuring that the sacrifice of Old Bedfordians who gave their lives in the First World War will continue to be recognised by future generations.”
The Bedford Independent and Simply Bedford spoke to cadets and others at the event for a special film that will be published tomorrow across our social media channels.
