The CC 223 Commandant’s Parade took place on Wednesday 9th August at the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst. This is the full dress rehearsal for the Sovereign Parade which takes place two days later.

The Sovereign’s Parade marks the end of an Officer Cadet’s time here at the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst as they are commissioned into the British Army and many overseas armies. The Sovereign’s Parade is a closed event for friends and family of those successfully commissioning from the 44-week course and takes place three times a year.

Members of the public can, however, attend Commandant’s Parade through the Sandhurst Trust. We were pleased to host over 250 guests to this term’s parade.

Amongst those groups attending were special interest clubs, cadet groups, individual members of the public and one group of RMAS alumni who combined their attendance at the parade with a reunion.

14 Pl Rhine Coy SMC 32 combined the parade with a 40th Reunion held in one of the Prestige Rooms in Old College.  This group even received a mention by Commandant RMAS, Major General Zac Stenning OBE in his speech during the parade.

Another group enjoying the day were the team from Toucan Tech who have recently worked with the Sandhurst Trust to implement a new website and alumni platform.

Also amongst the guests was a special gentleman who was a cadet from one of the earliest intakes to commission from the newly formed Royal Military Academy Sandhurst. William is an alumnus of Intake 2 having commissioned on 21st December 1948.

William commented that there were many changes since he stood on the parade square on that cold December day. He proved this to the Sandhurst Trust team by proudly referring to his original programme from 1948 (overseen by RSM J.C. Lord MBE as the Academy RSM that day) which he has kept in pristine condition for over 74 years.

Afterwards William had the opportunity to speak with current Officer Cadets who were eager to learn about his experience, just as he was curious about theirs.

We hope all our guests enjoyed their day at the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst and we look forward to hosting more at the next Commandant’s Parade in December. 

I wanted to write a note to you all and thank you from the bottom of my heart for what you made happen yesterday and for all your support so far. Being invited to the Commandant's Parade was an exceptional experience for our young British cadets and the feedback I have received from them and their parents is overwhelming. 

David and Keith were outstanding hosts and made us all feel very welcome and for me personally being back on the grounds, after 16 years, can only be described as feeling like I was 'home' again. 

To find out about booking Commandant Parade tickets at the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst with the Sandhurst Trust please visit our events pages.

Finally, the Sandhurst Collection found this photo from the December 1948 Parade as mentioned above. Wonder which one is William?