Monthly Archives: June 2025

Lieutenant Newman was confirmed as the new Contingent Commander today by 38 (Irish) Brigade Cadet Training Team. The CCF has been without its own CC since Lt. Daniels retired in June last year. Commander Gordon stood in from 38X CTT in the interim. Lt Newman brings many years experience to the CCF having a wealth of experience with ACF etc. We look forward to the passion and energy Lt Newman will bring to the Army Cadet Syllabus, badges, awards and promotions.

Today several Cadets earned their Basic Award which Lt Newman duly presented to them:

Cadet Pressley
Cadet Gowdy
Cadet Kavalynas
Cadet Francey

Also earning their stripes today was

Corporal Fleming and
Lance Corporal Afangsenkov
Corporal Cytryna

We look forward to camp in July and return in September on a changed day, Monday for Parade. This change will mean a great opportunity for Laurelhill CCF to carry out the syllabus and have more opportunities to have fun and not be so weather dependent. This will allow us to use the school assembly hall for activities.

If you are 12 years old and would like to join the CCF speak to David or Adele in school or collect a registration form from your Form Tutor.

On the 31st of May, cadets attended the Commemoration of the

BATTLE OF THE HITLER LINE:

The Hitler Line was a German defensive line in central Italy during the Second World War.

The North Irish Horse Regimental Association and Scottish and North Irish Yeomanry commemorated the Battle of the Hitler Line in May 1944 when they paraded through Carrickfergus on Saturday 31 May.

Soldiers of the North Irish Horse, supporting Canadian infantry, played a prominent part in the Battle of the Hitler Line and many members of what is now B (North Irish Horse) Squadron of The Scottish and North Irish Yeomanry died in action during the battle, on 23 May 1944.

The Battle for the Hitler Line was a pivotal event, which breached Nazi defences and paved the way for ultimate victory, but at a terrible cost, with over 1,000 Canadians killed or missing and 34 officers and men of the North Irish Horse Regiment killed, 36 injured and 25 tanks destroyed.

“The unit’s Churchill tanks were integral to the success of Operation Chesterfield by breaching the  Hitler Line during the closing months of World War Two.

The North Irish Horse commemorate the battle each year in Carrickfergus, close to the Churchill IV tank which was built in the town during the Second World War. The Churchill tanks were used by the regiment in Europe and often had the names of Ulster towns displayed on their livery.

Laurelhill CCF sponsoring unit is the Scottish and North Irish Yeomanry, so it was fitting for the Cadets to be able to attend and take part in the SNIY parade, as an act of remembrance but also living history.