Drilled to perfection
Strong competition at the National Drill and Piping Competition inspired every team to do their very best
Cadets from across the UK once again gathered at HMS Raleigh for an unforgettable National Drill and Piping Competition in April. With Captain Sea Cadets, Captain Hannah MacKenzie VR RN, in attendance for the first time, every team was inspired to deliver some razor-sharp drill and pitch-perfect piping.
Wessex District’s reputation for outstanding drill meant it was no surprise that Poole Unit’s excellent Unarmed Squad won their category for Southern Area. Petty Officer Cadet Charlie was also named Best Squad Commander – having kept his team ahead of a strong Lincoln Unit performance. The Armed Guard brought another gold for Poole, who joined forces with Bournemouth Unit to deliver a convincing win. Yet more Wessex glory came in the Colour Party, where Southampton Unit’s impeccable routine owed much to late replacement Leading Cadet Emily of Warsash Unit.
Bournemouth Royal Marines Cadets’ Guard also came within half a point of gold in their category, led by their joint Best Guard Commander, Marine Cadet Joe. In the event, Chesterfield Detachment earned a narrow victory, with one cadet in particular showing incredible commitment to her team. “Five minutes before the march down and Cadet Lance Corporal Tilly was in med bay having her feet strapped up because of blisters,” said Chesterfield’s Officer-in-Charge, Sgt (SCC) David Wild. “In true Royal Marines style, she smiled in the face of adversity, dug deep and cracked on!”
The RMC Guard was one of the tightest contests of the weekend, with just 7.5 points separating the top five teams. Tiverton Detachment was hugely proud of its third place, with Cdt L/Cpl James sharing the honour of Best Commander. And while Chislehurst & Sidcup Detachment finished just outside the medals, they were delighted to be part of such a great competition – and thrilled for their Commander, Cadet Sergeant Maisie, who won an individual silver just one point behind the joint golds.
Eastern Area were also able to deny their Southern rivals in the Continuity event: Scarborough Unit showing real class and composure to follow up last year’s second place with a spellbinding gold medal display, ahead of the 2025 champions from Warsash Unit. And there was much more for Team Eastern to cheer in the piping event, where reigning champions proved impossible to dislodge.
Scunthorpe Unit retaining their Team Piping title was particularly special for POC Kieran, who was competing for the final time having medalled for the past three years. In the Individual Piping, the incredible Cdt Sgt Rafael of Leighton Buzzard Unit won an unprecedented third gold in a row. Showing all his skill and experience, Rafael rose to the challenge presented by the exceptional Ordinary Cadet Xamer of Eastbourne Unit (left) – who finished just 3.5 points behind, in his first-ever national competition.
Lt Cdr (SCC) Lisa Grinter RNR
“Seeing the culmination of our cadets’ hard work manifest into such flawless performances was truly inspiring”
As ever, the Northern Ireland District team drew huge admiration for their energy and smartness after a 20-hour journey from Belfast. They also won a great deal of respect with their outstanding performances – as runners-up in the Colour Party (in defence of their title) and Team Piping, along with a brilliant bronze for LC Theodore of Carrickfergus Unit in that epic Individual Piping final.
In the final reckoning, Southern Area were crowned the overall champions ahead of Eastern Area, aided by the magnificent contribution from Wessex District. “Seeing the culmination of our cadets’ hard work manifest into such flawless performances was truly inspiring,” commented Lt Cdr (SCC) Lisa Grinter RNR, after her final competition as Wessex District Officer. “The success is a direct result of our adult volunteers’ professional mentorship and the exhaustive hours they invested in training.”
The overall runners-up could also lay claim to an incredible achievement, with every single cadet in the team travelling home with a medal. “As a first national competition as Area Recreation Officer, it’s been an absolute pleasure to spend my weekend with our fantastic Eastern Area Team,” confirmed a very proud Lt Cdr (SCC) Louise Everett RNR. “From polished performances to a vast array of medals and trophies, our cadets have absolutely shown what it is to be on top!”
As ever, the winning teams and individuals were all honoured to receive their medals and trophies from MSSC President, Admiral Sir Philip Jones GCB DL, who commented: “One of my favourite days of the year – the standards were as high as ever. The enthusiasm and quality of those cadets on parade today was first-rate.”
“I really enjoyed it,” agreed Captain Sea Cadets, Captain Hannah MacKenzie. “To the cadets who participated, and their volunteers – amazing effort! As Captain, I was so proud to witness some fantastic performances from everybody on parade. Bravo Zulu!”
Photos: Sea Cadets
