HRH Prince Harry Unveils New National Memorial In Folkestone

Over one hundred cadets and staff from Kent Wing joined HRH Prince Harry and other VIP’s along with regular and reserve military and cadet contingents for a unique ceremony in Folkestone to mark the 100th anniversary of the beginning of World War One.

Folkestone was a huge garrison town at the start of WW1 and the main departure point for millions of British and allied troops on their way to the battlefields of the Western Front. Part of the route taken led the troops from the cliff top – where they could see France – down to the harbour and the ships waiting to transport them to war.

The road, now known as the Road of Remembrance, was cobbled, uneven and slippery 100 years ago and the troops were given the order to ‘Step short’ in order to maintain their footing during the decent.

In memory of this, the ‘Step Short’ project was launched in Folkestone to create a National monument, in time to commemorate the 100th anniversary on the 4th August. It was decided to build a memorial archway, at the top of the hill where the soldiers would have passed. The Memorial archway was duly completed in high grade stainless steel to prevent it rusting – as it is open to the harsh sea elements – and a formal parade to unveil the monument was arranged for the 100th anniversary of the day War was declared.

A beautiful sunlit morning awaited the crowds gathered along the ‘Leas’ cliff top and as HMS Tyne provided the Royal Naval backdrop at anchor off the port, sailors, soldiers and airmen formed the parade under the archway.

HRH Prince Harry arrived and after a few words of dedication from Damian Green MP for Folkestone and Hythe, His Royal Highness unveiled the memorial plaque.

The Prince then took the salute at the formal march past as the parade followed the route taken by their forebears along the Leas and down the Road of Remembrance having been given the order once again to ‘Step Short’ before he then joined them for a slightly less formal meet and greet in the harbour.

Flight Lieutenant Geoff Hobbs-East, Officer Commanding 2433 (Ramsgate) Squadron had the honour of presenting the cadets to the Prince. He said, “Prince Harry asked me how many were on parade, where they were from, what sort of ages they were and I told him 13 up to 20th birthday. I gave him a quick idea of how many new Officers and NCOs were ex cadets as he was keen to know what careers the cadets were interested in.”

Those lucky enough to talk to Prince Harry about their future careers included Cpl Jack Etherington – 2374 (Ditton) Sqn, Sgt Benjamin Powell – 99 (Folkestone) Sqn, Sgt Mason Day – 438 (Thanet) Sqn, Cpl Alfie Marshall – 312 (Canterbury) Sqn. When Cdt Davey Kuhl of 2433 (Ramsgate) Sqn said he wanted to be a pilot and was asked what jet, the Princes response to “F20 Raptor” was “I hope in the future there will be a lot of aircraft for you to fly.”

Having shown considerable interest, he then departed to attend the twilight ceremony at the St. Symphorien Military cemetery, near Mons, Belgium with Prince William. The cadets were all left excited and proud to have been a part of this historic event and to have met and spoken with the Prince.