CCF Biennial Inspection at Merchiston
The Biennial Inspection is a much-anticipated event in the CCF calendar, involving all of Merchiston’s and St George’s cadets training, parading and learning in front of the inspecting officer. This year, Brigadier Alistair Deas spent the day at Merchiston on 16 March to see the importance of the role that CCF plays in the school. He was met at the front of the school by the Rogerson Cadre and the St George’s equivalent, who showed him their weapon-handling skills in a parade comprising a formal salute with their SA80s towards the visiting officer, before the Brigadier walked up and down the ranks talking to each of the cadets.
The Quarter Guard were praised by the Brigadier for their skill and discipline, as was the Company Sergeant Major who led the parade: upper sixth pupil, Gavin Deas. The Brigadier then carried on to the Headmaster’s office to meet all of the staff involved with the CCF and the Edinburgh students who were helping as part of the Officer Training Core initiative. Afterwards he was led to various parts of the school to see the training of the Chalmers East squad (14 year olds), cadre and non-commissioned officers. The training on the day comprised Chalmers East learning field craft, Rogerson (15 year olds) practising their battle formations, and the non-commissioned officers revising the structure and maintenance of rifles.
The Brigadier had nothing but praise for the staff and students, noting their enthusiasm for training and understanding of the wider benefits that CCF brings, calling the day ‘a hugely uplifting experience’. He especially praised Major Ewing for his leadership of the CCF in both schools, and the Regimental Sergeant Major: upper sixth pupil, Tim Tarr. The inspection was passed with flying colours, and it is to the credit of the pupils for achieving this. The pupils were very grateful for Brigadier Deas’ time and thanked him for the effort he made to travel and attend the inspection.
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