Army

Sovereign's Parade: Latest Cadets Commissioned As Officers In British Army

The Sovereign's Parade has taken place at the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst, where the latest cadets have commissioned as officers in the British Army.

The parade marked the end of a hard year of training for the 243 officer cadets.

On the parade square, the soon-to-be newly-commissioned officers were inspected by Deputy Supreme Allied Commander Europe, General Sir James Everard, on behalf of Her Majesty the Queen.

Officer Cadet Nelson Bacon said: "You sort of make out to yourself that it's going to be hell for the whole year... there are bits where you are sort of thinking about your life choices and it is pretty hard but they don't last forever and, as a whole, it is pretty enjoyable.

"If you're thinking of doing it, then get on with it and do it because it's great!"

The cadets lined up on the parade square and were inspected by General Everard.
The cadets lined up on the parade square and were inspected by General Everard.

Of the 243 cadets, 33 were from 23 overseas armies, including Jhada Temeiza - the first female Palestinian to commission from Sandhurst. 

"I'm so happy, I can't believe it," she told Forces News. 

"It was a lot of pressure in the beginning but now I'm so proud of it and I'm so proud that I have at least opened the path for the girls after me and maybe there will be more and more after me."

Officer Cadet Jack Walmack, from the US Army, received the International Award, which is given to the overseas cadet who achieved the highest score over the training year.

"I'm thrilled, I'm very excited to get the award," he said.

"It's a real big honour."

As per tradition, the cadets marched off the parade square for the final time and were followed by the Adjutant on horseback, who went up the steps and through Sandhurst's grand entrance. 

The cadets will officially commission into the British Army at midnight on Friday. 

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