Sword of Honour for Exeter School alumnus

An Exeter School alumnus has been awarded the prestigious Sword of Honour at the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst.

Nathaniel Newman (2006 - 2013) was presented with the honour of ‘Best Cadet’ at the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst.

The Royal Military Academy Sandhurst in Surrey is where all officers in the British Army are trained to take on the responsibilities of leading the soldiers under their command.

Army Scholar Nat said he was delighted and honoured to receive the award.

“Everyone who attends the Royal Military Academy will agree that it is a long and challenging year, and it is a challenge which can only be conquered as a team,” he said.

“I owe a great deal to those who commissioned with me, as they helped me throughout and ultimately enabled me to be awarded this honour.”

Nat is currently undergoing Speciality to Arm training at the Platoon Commanders Battle Course in Brecon, which all Infantry Officers must complete before they can be considered fully qualified. On completion of this course he will join the 3rd Battalion the Rifles who are based in Edinburgh.

Nat credited his former school with helping him on the start of his journey to become an Army Officer.

“I was a keen member of the Combined Cadet Force Army section which initially sparked my interest and gave me a taste of what was to come,” he said.

“I would very much like to thank all those who were involved in this training, particularly Mr Keyes and Mr Daws, as I have fantastic memories of Friday afternoons.

“I also very much enjoyed the Ten Tors Challenge whilst at school and was very fortunate to complete all three distances, I still have the medals to prove it!”

Former Head of Army Section Nick Keyes said Nat was an excellent cadet and it didn’t surprise him that Sandhurst was of the same opinion.

“He is heading for the best job in the world, commanding a platoon of British soldiers, and he will be very good at it,” he said.

“We are all very proud of him, and retain happy memories of training with him in Exeter School Combined Cadet Force.