The King’s School Canterbury army cadet CSM Manney conducted the centenary Turning of the Page ceremony this weekend alongside Victoria Cross recipient WO1 Johnson Beharry VC.
CSM Manney, WO1 Beharry VC and veterans of the Royal East Kent Regiment (the Buffs) and Queen’s Regiment led the ceremony of remembrance in Canterbury Cathedral in a special event commemorating its 100th year anniversary.
The ceremony commemorates members of the Princess of Wales’s Royal Regiment (PWRR) and its antecedents who have fallen in armed conflict. It is observed daily, drawing hundreds of visitors, pilgrims, and members of the public who gather to witness the solemn tradition.
The mark its centenary, the duty of conducting the ceremony was shared between WO1 Beharry VC, representing the current PWRR; two veterans of the East Kent Regiment and the Queens Regiment, antecedents of the PWRR; and CSM Manney, representing the hundreds of cadets affiliated to the Regiment.
The involvement of veterans, serving soldiers and cadets in the special anniversary event represented the enduring connection between past, present and future members of the PWRR and the armed forces community.
The Cathedral fell silent for two minutes as the Last Post was played by an army bugler. The bell of HMS Kent was rung before pages of the Book of Remembrance were turned. The service concluded with prayers led by a cathedral chaplain.
Army cadets from The King’s School Canterbury have taken a leading role in performing the ceremony during this centenary year, with Sixth Formers volunteering to lead the event on Saturday mornings.
The ceremony’s daily rhythm is an enduring act of remembrance. As one of longest continually observed traditions at the World Heritage Site, the ceremony reinforces public awareness of the sacrifices made by soldiers from Kent and beyond.
CSM Manney said after the ceremony: “”I was so thankful to have the opportunity to represent fellow cadets at the 100th anniversary of the Turning of the Page ceremony. I’m proud to have been a part of such a special ceremony, and it was amazing to meet all the other participants, particularly WO1 Beharry; it was such an honour to meet a Victoria cross recipient.”
Major Alistair Goddard (CCF), who leads the CCF at King’s, commented: “This centenary is a powerful reminder of the Regiment’s legacy, but also of how important it is to pass on its values such as leadership, discipline, service and respect to the next generation. Seeing Cadet Sergeant Major Manney share this duty with one of Britain’s most decorated soldiers reminds how remembrance remains both a living tradition and a shared responsibility. We are very proud of her involvement in the centenary event and her weekly conduct of the ceremony each Saturday”.