OPERATION REFLECT
Operation Reflect is the Army’s approach to commemorating the First World War (FWW), a programme
which is running from 2014 through to 2018. Central to this is the focus on the cadet forces and a competition which
encourages young people to research socio-economic and military history, and analyse what this meant, and the sacrifices made for normal
people, many of whom were not much older than themselves.
September saw our County competition, with teams representing detachments from Amble, Bedlington, Hexham, Monkseaton, North
Shields and Slatyford, who were competing for the two places at the Regional final. Each team having researched the life, times and
military experiences of individual soldiers, some of whom were relatives of the cadets involved. What a lot of time, effort and innovation
went into their presentations. The judging panel, as last year, were impressed by the dedication that had gone into the work presented.
After a hard fought competition, Bedlington and Slatyford, who had produced thought provoking and passionate presentations, were
chosen to represent Northumbria at Regional level. Thanks go to all cadets involved for their hard work and for their adult instructors who
encouraged, cajoled and supported them in an area which does not lie within the usual remit of cadet life.
Come October our two teams presented to a panel from 4 Infantry Brigade. It was clear that much research had been undertaken and the
level of presentations were extremely high from not only Northumbria, but also colleagues from Humberside and South Yorkshire and
Yorkshire North and West. The panel had a tough time coming to their final decision. However, as last year Northumbria took first
(Slatyford) and second (Bedlington) places. The former with a presentation about Lt Walter Tull, the first black officer in the British Army.
Whilst the latter were very close runners up with