Army general inspects graduation parade in Harrogate (From York Press)
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Army general inspects graduation parade in Harrogate
8:44am Saturday 18th August 2012 in News
General Sir Peter Wall inspects the ranks
THE largest military graduation parade in Europe has been inspected by the head of the Army, General Sir Peter Wall.
Nearly 700 junior soldiers marched on to the parade ground at Uniacke Barracks, at the Army Foundation College, Harrogate, in front of thousands of relatives and friends.
The parade of 17-year-old students was only exceeded in size by the Trooping of the Colour in London.
General Wall, chief of the general staff, said: “Today is a proud day for the Army.
“It is not every day that we receive 700 people of such high standing into the next stage of their Army training.
“It is a proud day also for the soldiers in Cambrai, Peninsula and Waterloo Companies who are passing off today after a tough, challenging but successful 42-week course.”
Following the inspection and salute, prizes were awarded to the best students.
The junior soldiers, who have undergone a 12-month course in a unique combination of military skills and vocational qualifications, will now move on to receive phase two training in their chosen trade or specialism.
