Dozens of Sandhurst cadets broke coronavirus rules in drunken party at prestigious military academy

EXCLUSIVE: Carpeted: Dozens of cadets at Sandhurst broke coronavirus rules in a drunken party at the prestigious military academy

  • EXCLUSIVE: Understood about 50 cadets got drunk together and smashed a TV 
  • Members of the Burma Company platoons told to stay in three separate bubbles
  • The cadets are now subject to 5am room inspections and extra cleaning duties 

Dozens of cadets at Sandhurst have been disciplined for breaking coronavirus rules by holding an alcohol-fuelled party at the prestigious military academy, The Mail on Sunday can reveal.

Army chiefs launched an investigation after trainee officers went on a drunken spree in the Old College, which faces the famous parade ground where graduates take part in the passing out ceremony.

It is understood that about 50 cadets, who had been ordered to stay in three separate ‘platoon bubbles’, got drunk together before throwing alcohol that glowed in the dark over each other and smashing up a TV.

Dozens of cadets at Sandhurst have been disciplined for breaking coronavirus rules by holding an alcohol-fuelled party at the prestigious military academy (pictured: Cadets at Sandhurst)

The cadets – members of 22, 23 and 24 platoons of Burma Company – are now subject to 5am room inspections and extra cleaning duties while commanders decide whether to kick out the ringleaders. 

Those involved had just completed the first part of their one-year training and had been locked down inside Sandhurst for the past three months.

Describing the mayhem last Saturday, a source said: ‘It started well enough with everyone staying in their platoons, but as they drank more, the social distancing which has been in place for months went out the window.

‘They were throwing drinks and activating military glow-sticks. 

‘It was like a rave with the lights out and everyone downing luminous cocktails [drinks that glow under ultraviolet light] and hugging each other.

‘They’d been confined to base since arriving here. I think they’d just had enough of all the restrictions and regulations, which is understandable. 

‘But given that Army officers are supposed to set an example by their conduct, they’ve really let themselves and their instructors down.’ 

Cadets from Alamein company at Sandhurst were said to be disgusted about the behaviour of those in Burma company for breaking the rules, saying they had ‘behaved like idiots’. 

Sandhurst's Commandant Major-General Duncan Capps (pictured) will be under pressure to crack down hard

Sandhurst’s Commandant Major-General Duncan Capps (pictured) will be under pressure to crack down hard

News of the incident will be particularly galling to junior officers who have been mobilised to help with coronavirus testing across the country and who helped to build the emergency Nightingale hospitals.

Sandhurst’s Commandant Major-General Duncan Capps will be under pressure to crack down hard after Colonel Andrew Jackson was removed from his role as Deputy Chief of the Army’s 16 Air Assault Brigade when it was reported in May that he hosted a drinks party in an officers’ mess at Merville barracks in Colchester.

Sandhurst was established in 1812 and former cadets include Sir Winston Churchill and Princes William and Harry.

Last night, an Army spokesman said: ‘We are aware of an incident at Sandhurst last week. 

While this matter is under investigation it would be inappropriate to comment further. 

Those who fall short of the Army’s high standards can expect to face sanctions.’

Read more at DailyMail.co.uk