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Captain Tom gives seal of approval

A young soldier from Mossley took part in a graduation ceremony which was attended by Captain Sir Tom Moore.

Brodi Oldham, 17, graduated from the Army Foundation College in Harrogate.

Brodi, who went to Mossley Hollins High School, completed the intensive Army course, which is believed to be the largest of its kind in Europe.

Captain Sir Tom Moore conducted his first duty as honorary colonel by inspecting the junior soldiers at their passing out parade. Some 294 junior soldiers from across the country graduated.

The World War Two veteran was invited as the Chief Inspecting Officer.

He carried out the inspection during the graduation parade.

Sir Tom captured the nation’s hearts by walking 100 laps of his garden in Bedfordshire during lockdown and in doing so raised a fabulous £33m for the NHS.

During the graduation ceremony, two Apache helicopters flew past.

Training at the college usually starts in March, but because of the coronavirus pandemic the students had to carry out 10 weeks of virtual learning before returning to Harrogate in May.

Brodi’s proud mum Liz attended the service.

She said: “I’m really proud of Brodi. He has done amazing, especially through Covid as it set his training back.

“He missed out on his passing in parade, going to Normandy and had to do virtual learning when they sent him home after only being there two and a half weeks. 

“He then returned on May 31 to full-on training, but no time out. Even the week’s schedule leave wasn’t allowed and they had to stay on site, which was a lot for them as most are only 16 or 17 to be away from family for three months solid.

“He will now move on to Phase 2 Trade Training in Lyneham to be an Armourer in the Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers.” 

 

Main image:

HONOUR: Captain Sir Tom Moore (left) at the graduation ceremony at the Army Foundation College in Harrogate.

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