On Friday 9 October, the School’s Combined Cadet Force (CCF) welcomed alumni guests for its Biennial Inspection and Regimental Dinner, celebrating the achievements of the current contingent and marking a significant milestone in Mr Bob Gardner’s 20 years of service to the KGS CCF. The inspection was conducted by Air Commodore Edward Cole (Kingstonian 1984), who currently serves in the Ministry of Defence.

The Regimental Dinner brought together around 80 KGS CCF alumni, alongside current CCF staff, Upper Sixth cadets, and current and former members of School staff. The gathering provided a valuable opportunity for former cadets to reconnect with the School, renew old friendships and share memories of their time in the contingent, while meeting those continuing its traditions today.

Among those attending were Tariq Ahmed (Kingstonian 1984), recently appointed an Honorary Group Captain in 601 Squadron of the Royal Auxiliary Air Force, and Squadron Leader Mike Mason (Kingstonian 1986). Squadron Leader Mason served in the KGS CCF throughout his time at the School and has continued his commitment to service in the Royal Air Force. Their presence reflected the enduring links between the School’s CCF and the wider military community, as well as the different paths taken by former cadets after leaving KGS. Mrs Humphrey, Deputy Head, attended on behalf of the Head Master, demonstrating the School’s continued support for the CCF and its important place within the life of KGS.

Words from Major Andy Beggs, Contingent Commander

Tonight is particularly special as we celebrate several remarkable milestones: 116 years of KGS CCF, 20 years of service from Sergeant Major Bob Gardner, and 18 years of service within the CCF from Flight Lieutenant Mehdi Behnoudnia.

One hundred and sixteen years ago there were no mobile phones, social media, emails or even television. Looking at some of our current cadets, that concept seems almost unimaginable. Yet despite all the changes since then, the essence of the CCF remains the same. We still take young people away from home, deprive them of sleep, expose them to the Great British weather and somehow persuade them that this is character building.

KGS CCF continues to flourish. Today we have more than 180 cadets, following our largest intake for many years this September. At our current rate of growth, I am confident that we will exceed 200 cadets in the very near future.

On Flight Lieutenant Behnoudina

Speaking of dedicated staff, that brings me to one individual whose contribution to KGS CCF has been exceptional: Flight Lieutenant Behnoudnia. Who marks his 20 years as a teacher at KGS, eighteen of those spent within the CCF, leading the RAF Section.

Mehdi’s enthusiasm is infectious, his commitment unwavering, and his ability to inspire our cadets is truly remarkable. To say that he has, on occasion, run the RAF Section single-handedly would be no exaggeration.

He is one of those rare individuals who consistently puts cadets first and himself second. Time and again, he has given his time, energy and expertise to ensure that cadets receive the very best opportunities and experiences. Under his leadership, the RAF Section has flourished, making a significant contribution to the wider success of the contingent and helping shape the lives of countless cadets who have benefited from his guidance, encouragement and example.

His dedication, professionalism and selfless service have left a lasting mark on both the CCF and the many cadets whose lives he has influenced.

And Major Beggs words about Bob

My own relationship with Bob began in 2014. When I started at KGS. Taking the reins from Will Dunlop, who I am very pleased has made the effort to be with us this evening.  

Very early in my tenure as Contingent Commander, I began to notice a rather familiar pattern.

The phone would ring.

I'd answer cheerfully:

"Hello, CCF."

There would be a brief pause.

"Is that Andy? It's Sarah. Could you come to my office, please?"

Now, in those early days, optimistic and blissfully unaware of what this normally meant, I would dutifully trot off to Mrs Humphrey's office. I'd arrive, knock cautiously on the door, and hear the slightly ominous invitation:

"Come in, Andy."

Then came the line I soon learned to expect came:

"Mr Beggs……could you have a word with Bob?"

By about the third or fourth occurrence, my response had become almost automatic. A deep sigh, a shake of the head, and:

"What's he done now?"

Thankfully, any diplomatic incidents were usually short-lived and within a few hours Bob would be laughing with the very same colleague that he had apparently upset. Peace restored….well this time anyway.

In fairness, the answer was rarely as serious as the tone of the summons suggested. But after a while, whenever the phone rang and Mrs Humphrey was on the other end, I found myself mentally preparing for the latest chapter in The Adventures of Bob. The details changed, but the opening scene was always remarkably consistent.

Of course, I am not the only person in this room whose life has been shaped by Bob.

From become a regular breakfast table topic of conversation in the Pugh household, to the generations of cadets who learned that entering "Bob's Office" to request a replacement beret was not a task for the faint-hearted.

"What do you want?"

"Where's the old one?"

"Why have you lost it?"

Yet cadets soon discovered that Sergeant Major Gardner's bark was considerably worse than his bite.

Words from former staff member Will Dunlop on his memories of working with Bob

Had it not been for Bob's arrival at KGS in 2006, it is highly likely that the CCF would have folded. A difficult situation with staffing had led to a serious decline in numbers and things were sliding badly. Bob arrived in the summer term, straight from the regular Army, and immediately got a grip of things. Training became meaningful, equipment became plentiful (mostly thanks to an informal just-about-legal arrangement with the Quartermaster at Sandhurst which probably still exists today) and cadets started turning up regularly - mostly because they wanted to know what on Earth Bob would say next! By the time I arrived, just in time for annual camp at Warcop, the ship had already turned and we had the basis of the contingent as it is today. I think the key to his success is his willingness to give cadets genuine responsibility. This was not always easy and sometimes caused problems - even Bob would admit that letting David Forshaw loose in the armoury with an etching tool was one of his less wise decisions - but it's a lesson that they carry with them into adult life.

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What I admire most about Bob is his ability to see humour in situations that appear catastrophic. Usually because he has seen the same catastrophe three times before.

The simple truth is that KGS CCF would not be what it is today without him.

Bob, on behalf of everyone here, thank you for your loyalty to the contingent, your service to the school, your friendship, your humour and your unwavering dedication over the last twenty years.

It was a fantastic evening all round - we are sorry that some of you could not join us but we hope to see you that the next CCF Dinner in a few years time.