A St Edward’s School student has been presented with an award by HRH Princess Anne at the Sea Cadets National Drill and Piping Competition.
Jameson, 15, from Poole, along with fellow members of Parkstone Sea Cadets, competed against other units from around the UK in disciplines from intricate drill displays to piping performances at the annual Sea Cadets National Drill and Piping Competition.
Jameson, who has been training with his unit for almost five years, came home with a clutch of awards. The unit as a whole won two team events – first prize for Best Armed Guard in the UK and Best Arena Display in the UK. Jameson also won the Individual Award for Best Armed Guard Commander in the UK.
Each competing group was made up of eight armed guards, plus an armed guard commander - Jameson - who gave the verbal orders.
In attendance at the competition was The Princess Royal who honoured a few lucky cadets by personally awarding their trophies and medals – Jameson’s among them.
Jameson said:
“I’d heard rumours about who the guest of honour might be, but I was speechless when I saw Princess Anne at the awards ceremony.
“The awards are a very long process. We carried out our routine at 9am, but the awards didn’t even start until 3pm, so my nerves just kept building - especially with the Princess sat in front of me!
“When I found out we’d won and our group was called out, I was incredibly happy. I marched up to the stage, and saluted the Princess, speechless and shaking. I let her know how much I had wanted to meet her.
“They took our photo, handed me my trophy and I marched back down to the side. But just as I put the trophy down, I was called again so had to immediately march back up. That time she asked me if I wanted to progress in the cadets, which I do, so I told her about my plans to become a Warfare Officer in the future.”
Jameson is planning to complete his A-levels at St Edward's before starting his officer training with the Royal Navy at 18.
Executive Headteacher, Mr Michael Antram, said:
“Jameson is not one to make a lot of fuss – but we felt this remarkable achievement was thoroughly deserving of celebration and recognition.
“We are very proud of his hard work and success in winning these prestigious national awards. His commitment is admirable and he sets a fine example to our younger students, including many fellow Sea Cadets in Year 7 and Year 8 whom he works with and teaches as a part of his training.”
“I have no doubt he has all the personal qualities and abilities to become a fine Officer in the Royal Navy.”
The Drill and Piping competition has been going on for 32 years within the Sea Cadets and Marine Corps organisation, with this year’s national event held at HMS Raleigh in Cornwall at the end of April.
Jameson’s unit made their way to the national competition through successfully competing at district and regional level, with only the best teams at the national finals.
There will be another competition in London next February with another opportunity to rank up. The unit will also take part in remembrance events in November.