The Combined Cadet Force announced the incoming Senior Cadet Officers for the 2026/27 academic year at their Annual Dinner and Awards evening on Friday 16 January.
Congratulations to Flight Sergeant McTaggart, Staff Sergeant Harrison, Sergeant Pemble (Army) and Staff Sergeant Pickering (Army) who were announced as the senior cadets for the academic year of 2026/27, and shall assume their new ranks, roles and responsibilities in April. FSgt Mctaggart was announced as the new Head of RAF and shall be promoted to Warrant Officer, SSgt Harrison shall assume the role of Head of Army and will be promoted to Warrant Officer Second Class. A lso being promoted to Warrant Officer Second Class and assuming the role of Contingent Quarter Master Sergeant, Sgt Pemble. Head Cadet, assuming the role of Regimental Sergeant Major and the rank of Warrant Officer First Class is SSgt Pickering.
Many cadets made applications for these roles and each should be proud of what they have achieved with the CCF so far. Suitable candidates were discussed amongst staff members with the final decisions made by the Contingent Commander, Flt Lt Jonathan Richardson. The newly appointed Officer Cadets will shadow the incumbent Cadets before formally taking on their new ranks, roles and responsibilities at the Beret Parade on 16 April.
A number of awards for achievements throughout the year were also presented at the Dinner. The Award for Best Drill goes to both Staff Sgt Harrison and Staff Sgt Pickering who took on the challenge of being the first to perform rifle drill at the Remembrance Parade for many years, possibly ever. They “struck, seized and grasped” the opportunity, and delivered a performance they and all at OSH should be proud of.
The Award for Best Cadet Trainer goes to FSgt McTaggart who displayed a technical subject knowledge rarely seen within cadet spheres. He has delivered training to RAF cadets at a level that can only be done through study, commitment and practical flying experience.
SSgt Harrison also receives the Award for Best First Aider for valiantly assisting in a medical incident away from the contingent, putting his training into practice in a real-life scenario. While at a festival he became aware of an unconscious person in the crowd. Members of the public were attempting to pour water in her mouth as she lay on the ground on her back. He intervened and stopped them, placed her in the recovery position and monitored her condition whilst awaiting the arrival of staff who took her to the first aid post.
Regimental Sergeant Major Byard-Jones received the Malcolm Wilcox Award for Best Turned Out Cadet. He has truly led by example, displaying the highest standards to all whilst at the forefront of ceremonial duties, and also whilst on exercise.
The Award for Best Signaller goes to Staff Cadet Denton. Despite being relatively new to the OSH cadet experience she demonstrated superb command and control over her section during last year’s Summer Camp. She utilised communication information systems (CIS) to lead her section on several exercises including night navigation and reconnaissance, exhibiting voice procedure and technical ability that belied her experience.
Having consistently shot zeroing groups with the L98 rifle of 20mm at 25m with iron sights at a recent range day, and showing excellent safety skills and understanding in the handling of weapons systems, the 2026 Award for Best Shot goes to Sgt Scarr.
Finally, the Award for Best Adventurous Training goes to Sgt Sandhu for displaying excellent skill on his leg of the Lowland Leader Experience weekend at Long Mynd, and did so whilst displaying understanding and professionalism towards his peers.
Contingent Commander Flt Lt Richardson said, “Huge congratulations to all the Cadets who’s hard work, efforts and ability were recognised either by way of receipt of an award, or their successful application for a senior role within the Contingent for the next academic year. All OSH Cadets deserve our congratulations and thanks as their ongoing efforts and commitment enables the Contingent to continue to go from strength to strength.”
Many congratulations to them all. There are still awards to be presented, with the top accolades of Best Army Cadet, Best RAF Cadet, and Best Overall Cadet to be announced at the School’s Prize Giving in June.