Captain Sir Tom Moore in Harrogate for soldier’s graduation

Captain Sir Tom Moore will visit Harrogate’s Army Foundation College later today to inspect graduating soldiers.

The visit is part of his new role as Honorary Colonel Officer of the college.

He will be there to inspect 294 Junior Soldiers from Cambrai Company on their passing out parade.

The Junior Soldiers of Cambrai company began their training in March but due to coronavirus, they had to do 10 weeks of virtual training before returning to Harrogate in May.


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Sir Tom raised £38.9 million for the NHS after completing 100 laps around his garden during the coronavirus lockdown – becoming a national treasure.

He made his first visit to the college in August when he took a tour of the site and met with junior soldiers. The college also gave Sir Tom Moore his new Colonel’s rank slides.

Captain Sir Tom Moore visits Harrogate army college

Captain Sir Tom Moore visited Army Foundation College in Harrogate today in his first visit as its Honorary Colonel.

The World War II veteran looked around the college, met and chatted with junior soldiers. The college also gave Sir Tom Moore his new Colonel’s rank slides.

He raised £38.9 million for the NHS after completing 100 laps around his garden during the coronavirus lockdown – becoming a national treasure.


Read more:


Captain Sir Tom Moore said he was pleased to visit the college today:

‘‘It is a real honour to have been made Honorary Colonel. The skills I learnt in the army benefitted me throughout my life and it was wonderful watching the training in action today and speaking with the junior soldiers just starting out, I wish them all well.”

Captain Sir Tom Moore visits Harrogate Army Foundation College

Captain Sir Tom Moore stands for a group photo.

Harrogate AFC prepares 16 and 17-year-olds for a career in the army. It appointed Captain Sir Tom as Honorary Colonel when he turned 100-years-old.

Lieutenant Colonel Simon Farebrother MC, the College’s Commanding Officer, said:

“We were absolutely thrilled when Capt Sir Tom became our Honorary Colonel and this visit is the icing on the cake. He is an inspirational figure for the College Staff and Junior Soldiers who, like him, are fulfilling their potential in the British Army. A wonderful day!”

Captain Sir Tom Moore visits Harrogate Army Foundation College

Captain Sir Tom Moore talks to some trainees during a visit to AFC Harrogate.

Junior Soldier, Daniel Barker, from 11 Platoon, Cambrai Company, stated:

“Sir Tom is an inspiration to me as I have seen first-hand the goodness that the NHS can do. In 2018 my Grandad had cancer. The treatment was unsuccessful, but the NHS were successful in every way. The money Sir Tom Moore raised will go to help families like mine. Speaking to him was an honour”.

Captain Sir Tom Moore visits Harrogate Army Foundation College

Captain Sir Tom Moore engages with a senior officer during a visit to AFC Harrogate.

Lewis Sharpe, also a Junior Soldier of 11 Platoon, Cambrai Company, said:

“The inspiration that Sir Tom has demonstrated has inspired me to push myself further. Coming from a difficult background myself, the hard work Sir Tom has shown has proven to me what you can achieve with sheer determination. It was a privilege speaking to Sir Tom today”.