Teens swear oath at Army’s largest event

Close to 30 teenagers from across the Fylde coast have formally sworn their allegiance to Queen and country in the largest oath ceremony in the UK this year.
The largest number of army cadets in the UK this year pledge the oathThe largest number of army cadets in the UK this year pledge the oath
The largest number of army cadets in the UK this year pledge the oath

More than 150 family and friends watched on as 29 young men and women swore their allegiance at Blackpool Town Hall earlier this month.

Sgt Andy Power, who attended the ceremony, said the group will now take part in training at the Army Foundation College in Harrogate, Yorkshire.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

He added: “Half the group will leave on Sunday and start training and the rest will go a week later.

“They are 16 and 17-year-olds and it is the largest single intake at this time.

“Half the group will take part in training for 49 weeks and this includes infantry and artillery work, while the second group will have a 23 week course, but they will focus on particular skills such as engineering.”

The ceremony, held in the council chamber, saw the new recruits promise to protect the Queen and her successors against all enemies, as well as observe and obey all orders by generals and officers.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

The Royal Family has strong links to the Army, with Prince Harry the most recent member to join, training at Royal Military Academy Sandhurst.

He took part in two tours of Afghanistan before leaving the Army in June 2015.

Jason Teasdale, Army spokesman added: “The size of the ceremony demonstrates that Blackpool and the Fylde remains key to Army recruitment.”

Related topics: