16 local army recruits swear oath of allegiance at special ceremony

The recruits, who were from across north and west Cumbria as well as the south of Scotland, gathered at the civic centre in Carlisle for a special ceremony where they pledged their oath of allegiance to King Charles III and senior figures in the army.

The event began with a short speech on the importance of the day in the young recruits army career from Lance Sargeant Rhyan Sasbry of the Scots Guard before the oaths were said.

Afte pledging their allegiance to the crown, the recruits received their oaths from the Mayor of Carlisle, Cllr Abdul Harid, who was representing the city at the event.

Receiving an award from the Mayor of Carlisle (Image: Isaac Cooper)The Mayor of Carlisle, Cllr Abdul Harid, said: “It's fantastic to see young people going into the armed forces.

“They’re great ambassadors and they inspire all members of the community.

“It's also a great day for Carlisle as well.

“We are proud to have young people joining the armed forces and the people of Carlisle will feel that our kids are defending the nation, representing the nation and we feel proud of that.”

The recruits are all set to join different regiment or corps including the infantry, the Royal Engineers, the Medical Corps, the Royal Logistic Corps and the Royal Armoured Corps.

Saying the oath of allegiance (Image: Isaac Cooper)“It's been a real privilege to be here representing the army,” said Major Jen Henry.

“I believe it is a record intake for the Carlisle Careers Office, so to have so many recruits going through to Harrogate its fantastic for us.

“I also want to thank the mayor and the Council for having us because that this isn't done nationally or even regionally normally, so to have a civic ceremony where their families can be present and they can publicly pledge their support to the armed forces is really nice.

READ MORE: Cllr Brian Wernham selected as Liberal Democrat candidate for Carlisle

“The army are still recruiting, and I'd argue it's the best job that you'll ever do, and it's the best opportunities you'll ever have.”

The list of recruits are as follows. Cody McCrae, Lee Hunter, Elliot Hughes, Harley Stephenson, Owen Gill, Vinnie Hodgson, Kaikane Prowse, Nathan Carruthers, Jack Burrows, Rowan Ewart, Joshua Johnson, Bradley Hampson, Honey Thompson, Will Carr, Tom Minns and Izzie Branney.