School celebrates 110 years of CCF

A DINNER was held to mark the 110th anniversary of The Oratory School’s Combined Cadet Force and its association with the Welsh Guards.

The guest speaker was former school captain Colonel Tom Bonas (1966-1971), the former regimental adjutant of the Welsh Guards, based in London.

He has performed military duties on many state occasions, including the funeral of Queen Elizabeth II and the coronation of King Charles III.

He shared highlights from his 50-year military career and said he was “hugely honoured and privileged” to be back at the independent school in Woodcote.

About a third of pupils — both boys and girls — join the army, navy and RAF sections from third form upwards.

Lieutenant Colonel S J Bosher, contingent commander, said: “Oratory CCF continues to go from strength to strength. Last year we achieved the first Lord-Lieutenant’s Cadet appointment that the school has had since the formation of the school’s CCF. Now we have our first female senior under officer, who hopes to join the RAF.”

Pictured (top) are Col Bonas with pupils and, above, Lt Cl S J Bosher with members of the contingent