The Lord Mayor’s Show is an ancient and annual tradition in the City of London, marking the accession of a new Alderman to the office of Lord Mayor.
It is a day of celebration and parade, with participants from the Armed Forces, civil society, youth groups and voluntary organisations.
This year, 2 Officer Cadets from the Oxford URNU, Officer Cadet Ben Fernando and Officer Cadet Thomas Davis, took part as representatives of the Worshipful Company of Scientific Instrument Makers, a livery company of which both are also members.
The parade began with 2 minutes' silence at 11am to mark the armistice, before setting off from the Museum of London in full academic Navy dress - 1s with gowns.
The route skirted many of the most significant sites in the City of London, including the Guildhall, Mansion House, St Paul’s and Bank of England. The mid-point of the precession was at the Royal Courts of Justice on the Strand, where during the swearing-in ceremony there was an opportunity to embark HQS Wellington, a WW2 Sloop, for lunch prior to marching back to the Guildhall though huge crowds whose enthusiasm really made the event.
Officer Cadet Ben Fernando, Oxford URNU said: "The day finished with a stunning firework celebration on the River which was a great end to a spectacular civic event."
Lieutenant Will Jones RN, Commanding Officer of the Oxford URNU, said: "The show was a great opportunity for Officer Cadets to ably represent the Unit at such a high profile event.”
Oxford is one of 15 URNUs located across the UK offering opportunities to 750 undergraduates from the country’s leading universities.
The URNU's mission is: "To develop an understanding of the Naval Service in undergraduates, so that those who go into civilian employment are positive advocates thereof and to facilitate a Naval Career for those who choose one."
The URNU is a chance to experience military life without commitment and gain new skills applicable to all walks of life.
Words by: OCdt Ben Fernando, Oxford URNU
