Trafalgar Day around the UK

Southern

Portland Sea Cadets’ area review coincided with the anniversary, so, after inspection by the Area Officer, cadets put on a presentation that told the story of the famous battle, setting the scene for the events that unfolded. On his first visit to a Sea Cadets unit, everyone was delighted to have the newly appointed Captain Sea Cadets, Captain Neil Downing RN, share in the evening.

Northern

Cadets in Glasgow paid tribute by laying a wreath at the Nelson Monument at Glasgow Green. Lt Cdr (SCC) Graeme Wilkinson, who laid the wreath, said, “Glasgow’s was the first monument to be erected to Nelson in the UK, in 1806, just a year after the battle. Nelson’s Column, on London’s Trafalgar Square, was built between 1840 and 1843. So in laying the wreath at the Glasgow monument, I was trying to play my part in keeping Glasgow at the forefront of the tributes to Nelson. His victory brought about British naval supremacy for the next 100 years, and Glasgow benefited enormously from the unrivalled maritime trade that ensued. 

“Nelson’s people-oriented leadership, kindness, bravery and daring set a good example for our young people to follow. Short in stature and with only one arm and one good eye, Nelson’s victory is a lesson that heroes come
in all shape and sizes, and what you stand for is more important than what you stand in.”

North West

In Stockport, 76 cadets and 21 volunteers attended a service at St. George’s Church. Area Officer Cdr Bagot-Jewitt presented a 50-year long service medal to Manchester’s DDO Lt Cdr (SCC) Alan John Williams, while Lt (SCC) Adrian Watson, from Middleton and Chadderton Unit, was presented with his Commissioning Scroll by the Deputy Lieutenant of Greater Manchester Cdr (SCC) Janet Evans MBE DL RNR. Other VIPs in attendance included Inspecting Officer Commander P Russ RD, MA, MNI, RNR and mayors of several nearby towns. 

Eastern

Seventy Cadets from Grimsby, Immingham, Lincoln, Scunthorpe and Boston marked Trafalgar Day in Grimsby, by parading through the town to Grimsby Minster. The platoons marched on the Guard and through the town centre with the Grimsby band playing. They then received the colour and the VIPs, including Deputy Lord Lt for Lincolnshire (Alex Baxter) and the Deputy Mayor for NE Lincs (Cllr Steve Beasant), who inspected the guards.

This was followed by a church service to commemorate the battle, led by Chaplain Jake Pass, an SCC Chaplain.

South West

The Joint Services Officers Mess at MOD Corsham carried out their traditional Trafalgar Night Dinner, with Rear Admiral Nick Washer as the principal guest. Sea cadets from Chippenham Unit attended, piped the dinner call for officers to dine, before ‘parading the beef’ (serving dinner) in a traditional naval way.

Attending the dinner was Lt Cdr (SCC) Jason Kinghorn RNR, Chair of the National Sea Cadet Advisory Council and MSSC Trustee, who said, “Praises were made in the after-dinner speeches by both Mess President and Admiral Washer on the piping, drill, smartness and bearing of Chippenham sea cadets. BZ all!” 

London

At the Old Royal Naval College Greenwich, 117 sea cadets, 33 royal marines cadets and 71 volunteers from 38 units took part. Area Officer James Nisbet RN said: “What an incredible day – our cadets and volunteers from across London Area paraded at the Old Royal Naval College Greenwich in glorious sunshine to celebrate Trafalgar Day. One of my proudest days being Area Officer and my thanks go out to every person who helped to make this such a special event.” 

The principal VIP was Les Chapman, the Master of the Honourable Company of Master Mariners. Also present were Cdr Greg Young VR RNR, CO of HMS President; Cdr Hannah Mackenzie VR RNR, CO of HMS Wildfire; and Joanna Cadman, Chairman of the Royal Society of St. George.