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| 19 May 2025 | |
| Alumni Reunions |
Last week, the Sandhurst Trust had the great honour of hosting a truly special occasion, the 70th Reunion of Royal Military Academy Sandhurst alumni. The event brought together former officer cadets who trained at the Academy in the early 1950s, rekindling old friendships and celebrating the legacy that defines Sandhurst.
Amongst the guests was a former member of the colour party from Intake 15 and a member of the Academy's Fencing team, 1952 to 1955. Their return to the familiar surroundings of Sandhurst stirred powerful memories of their time at the Academy.
Two alumni from Intake 16 were surprised to discover that, all those decades ago, they had been living in adjacent rooms, a rediscovery that sparked lively conversation and laughter. Another guest, who had returned to Sandhurst years later as an instructor, revisited his old office and recounted a particularly memorable moment: a stern conversation with a cadet who would later become Chief of the General Staff, an encounter so striking it earned a place in the general’s memoirs!
As part of the day’s activities, alumni and their guests visited the Sandhurst Museum and the Royal Memorial Chapel, a place that hold deep significance for anyone who has passed through the Academy’s gates.
A surprise highlight came when a Sandhurst staff member shared a video of the Sovereign’s Parade for Intake 15 which was discovered on YouTube. This and the opportunity to read the speech made by HRH Duke of Edinburgh, sparked a wave of nostalgia and much discussion.
Perhaps one of the more unique moments of the day was the opportunity for alumni to read through their original RMAS reports. Many did so with a mixture of trepidation and curiosity. One former cadet admitted he was hoping to uncover some clue as to why a certain instructor had taken such a strong dislike to him, a question that has lingered in his mind for years.
The day finished with a special lunch held in the Old College, where the alumni were joined by the Commander of the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst and members of the current Old College staff. This gathering provided an opportunity for past and present to connect over shared values and experiences, bridging generations of military service. During the meal, the Commander, Brigadier Nick Wight-Boycott offered a warm welcome and delivered a briefing on the Academy’s current procedures, training protocols, and the evolving role of officer cadets in today’s British Army. His remarks offered fascinating insight into how the Academy has adapted over the decades whilst continuing to uphold its proud traditions. The veterans listened with great interest, many commenting on how the core ethos of leadership, discipline, and service remains unchanged.
The Sandhurst Trust organises over 50 reunions a year at the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst, to find out more please visit the Reunion section of our website.
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