CCF at RGS High Wycombe

‘…some have made the greatest sacrifice of all.  They felt that their country called them, and they did not hesitate to answer the call.  And while we deeply mourn their loss, the School will always keep their memory green, and when happier times come back again, the example of their self-sacrifice will still remain for all the succeeding generations who will receive their education within these walls.'

Mr G.W. Arnison, RGS Headmaster, 1915
 

RGS has a long history of association with the armed forces, dating back to 1909 when the School’s Officers’ Training Corps (OTC) was founded. Today, around 200 boys participate in the Combined Cadet Force (CCF), with an Army and Royal Air Force section. We are one of only four schools in Buckinghamshire offering CCF.

The CCF educational partnership between schools and the Ministry of Defence enables boys to develop a range of life skills, significantly those of personal responsibility, leadership and self-discipline.

Our Heritage

Many of RGS boys have served in conflicts past. Two are particularly memorable OW war veterans, Frederick Youens and Ian Fraser, fought in the First and Second World Wars respectively. Both were awarded the Victoria Cross, the highest and most prestigious award ‘for gallantry in the face of the enemy’ that a serviceman in the British and Commonwealth forces can aspire to attain. They continue to be an inspiration and source of pride to our young cadets today.

Every year, the whole school community, including governors, neighbours and friends, gather in the Quad in memory of our OW casualties of war. Over 100 cadets also represent the School in High Wycombe, the largest youth group represented in the local community.

CCF activities and training today
Activities include archery, shooting (including competition shooting) survival skills, urban warfare training, flying at RAF Benson, leadership exercises and participation in national cadet competitions. The CCF parades every Thursday at School and cadets venture off-site for visits, weekend camps, week-long camps and courses.

The Army  and RAF Sections aim to promote qualities of responsibility, self-reliance, resourcefulness and service to the community. Activities include drill, skill at arms, shooting, fieldcraft and first aid.  The cadets are also involved with volunteer community and charitable work and can gain nationally recognised qualifications such as the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award Scheme.

Youens Company
Youens Company, the Army Section was formed in 1948, when the School’s OTC became the CCF. Youens Company was affiliated to the Royal Green Jackets until February 2007 when this Regiment became part of The Rifles of which they are now affiliated to.

A significant part of a cadet’s time can be spent undergoing fieldcraft training, such as the deployment to the Sennybridge Training Area in the Brecon Beacons for 'Ex Sharpe's Attack', a 48 hour field training exercise over 25km of remote and inhospitable terrain ending at Cilieni Village.

In recent years Youens Company has entered the prestigious Cadet Cambrian Patrol held in Sennybridge and have frequently been medal winners.

Army
The CCF has been instrumental in giving me the confidence to successfully apply to be an officer in the British Army.

(OW) Oli Sherwood

RAF Section

The RAF Section is focused on military aviation. All RAF cadets can fly at least once a year in a RAF training aircraft, piloted by a qualified flying instructor, and will  be given the opportunity to take control of the aircraft.  Subsequent flights may include aerobatics.

RAF cadets will also participate in fieldcraft training, shooting and leadership exercises.

Visits to RAF stations and a week-long summer camp offer great insight into Service life and future career opportunities.  There are also opportunities for senior cadets to win Flying Scholarships.