Photographs from the Army Cadet's 150th anniversary celebrations.

On the day that commemorated our Armed Forces nationally, nearly 250 young people from the Army Cadet Force, Sea Cadet Corps and Air Training Corps assembled in Derby Market Square to celebrate 150 years of cadetting. They were joined by a number of ex-service organisations and supported by Regular Forces recruiting teams.

The public were able to watch a range of impressive displays, including inter-service drill and first aid competitions and, if brave enough, could have a go at the climbing wall. A team from the Army Cadet Force (ACF) that is trekking to Mount Everest base camp this October also used the wall for demonstration climbs. The day’s events ended with a joint parade and march past of the War Memorial where Her Majesty’s Lord Lieutenant Mr William Tucker took the salute.

In the evening guests attended a reception hosted by the Mayor of Derby, Cllr Amar Nath, and the Chairman of Derbyshire County Council, Cllr Robin Baldry. The joint bands of the ACF in the Midlands then showed off their talents to the assembled crowd with an exciting and varied programme of music compered by CSgt Adrian Beckett MBE. There was also a chance to hear the new Cadet Forces sweetheart, Kirsty Michele Anderson, one of the brightest opera sopranos in the UK today. The National Anthem brought the unforgettable evening to a close.

A BRIEF HISTORY

• 2010 marks 150 years since the Cadet movement was formed to help bolster the country’s defence after heavy losses in the Crimean War.

• The first Army Cadet Unit, The Robin Hood Rifles, was formed by Lady Octavia Hill on Castle Green, Nottingham in 1859.

• The Cadet Corps, set up in eight public schools, were seen as a means of training young men in case of war.

• Aware of a threat of invasion from France the Cadet Corps were recognised by the War Office and permitted to wear the uniforms of their parent Volunteer battalions.

• In 1908 Cadet Companies came under the control of the Territorial Forces Association. Public school units became Officer Training Corps.

• In 1914 the War Office took control of independent cadet units and the name Army Cadet Force was born.

• Following World War I, defence cutbacks meant some Cadet Corps developed into Rifle Clubs. Battalions not associated with schools became self-funding Social Welfare Organisations.

• The British National Cadet Association was formed in the 1930s. At the outbreak of World War II they supported the Home Guard.

• The Army Cadet Force was reformed in 1942.

• In 1957 it became a national youth organisation sponsored by the MOD.

• The Sea Cadet movement was created to give young people instruction on a naval model with old seafarers providing training. The Sea Cadet Corps (SCC) became a national organisation in 1904.

• The Air Training Corps (ATC) has its origins in the Air Defence Cadet Corps. The earliest squadrons paraded in October 1938 with administration in the hands of a committee of local citizens.

• In 1941 the Air Defence Cadet Corps became the Air Training Corps.

Today’s Cadet Forces have evolved into unique voluntary youth organisations that offer young people opportunities to develop themselves, try new adventures and activities, and learn key lessons in citizenship

Peter W. Hurst