A Trafalgar Day to remember!

Almost 400 highly skilled and well-drilled sea cadets arrived at Horse Guards Parade early on Sunday 19 October, ready to take London by storm at the National Trafalgar Day Parade. They had left their training base near Ashford at dawn, having spent a few precious hours perfecting routines and forging the tight teamwork required for this showpiece national event. Cadets from across the UK found themselves on a steep learning curve in Kent, but everyone remained focused on the task at hand and motivated to succeed. “The highlight of training was getting to know everyone in our platoon and doing drill in new ways that we’ve never been taught before,” said Able Cadet Lucy of Hull Unit. 

Among those travelling from far and wide, none made more effort – or generated more interest – than the six young people and two adults who came almost 3,500 miles to represent Bermuda St George’s Unit. As part of Northern Area Sea Cadets, the Bermuda contingent was to train with cadets from Scotland and northern England as part of the 48-cadet Guard escorting the Sea Cadet Corps Colour. 

“Even though we’d never met the cadets we joined, and we were from a different part of the world, they still accepted us as part of the Guard and made us feel welcome,” said Ordinary Cadet Lexie. “It pushed a lot of us to go beyond our comfort zones, but because we had the same training and similar experiences, we were all able to work as a team.”

With an exceptional display from the PT Display Team building anticipation among the large crowd, the 61-strong Sea Cadets Band marched on to Trafalgar Square – and for the first time in recent memory, featured only cadets. After a performance of power and precision, the Bermuda cadets made their long-awaited arrival in the Guard, followed by platoons from each area and four other cadet forces. “It was really important to represent Bermuda,” said AC Xavier. “This was history for our unit,” added OC A’Lia. For Petty Officer Cadet Laura, “Coming from such a small place and knowing that so many people in Bermuda were watching was very empowering.”

With everyone assembled in the square, the former Chief of the Defence Staff and Reviewing Officer for the day, Admiral Sir Tony Radakin, inspected the Guard and Band before the cadet buglers delivered a soaring rendition of the Last Post. And after a rousing reading of Nelson’s Prayer by Cadet Sergeant Saul of Dundee Unit, even the steady rain could not dampen spirits for the famous march along The Mall and past Buckingham Palace. With the Massed Bands of the Sea Cadet Corps leading the way, spectators and supporters were treated to one last demonstration of music and marching that graced the historic surroundings. 

“It was great to be able to spot our cadets proudly wearing their ‘Bermuda SCC’ cap tallies,” said Bermuda St George’s volunteer Petty Officer (SCC) Ani Douglas. Their training and preparation at home had been led by Sub Lieutenant (SCC) Sam Bennett RNR, who reflected: “All their hard work in the lead-up to this trip clearly paid off, as they demonstrated discipline, professionalism and pride befitting their place in the Guard.”

“A magnificent parade”, was the verdict of Admiral Radakin, who praised the discipline and teamwork on show and delivered an inspirational speech to the cadets and volunteers gathered at Wellington Barracks. “The band and PT Display Team put a lot of effort in and caught everyone’s eyes,” said Cdt Sgt Saul. “The first National Trafalgar Day I came to was in 2022 as a young royal marines cadet and it was a very emotional sight; now I’ve progressed through the ranks, it still hits the exact same way.”

After carrying out their duties with pride, the Bermuda cadets and volunteers travelled up to Edinburgh for a memorable few days with their Northern Area colleagues. As well as visiting Rosyth Unit at their HMS Caledonia headquarters, they got to explore the Royal Yacht Britannia and walk up the city’s Royal Mile to Edinburgh Castle. “It was great to experience a different culture,” said OC Lexie. “We even got to try haggis and have a Scottish dancing lesson.” 

But the undoubted highlight for most, despite the chilly waters, was the chance to develop their rowing skills and try windsurfing at Port Edgar Boat Station – which also highlighted the key advantage of being a Bermuda sea cadet. “The access to subtropical oceans is a huge benefit,” explained POC Laura. “Although the subtropical temperatures are less appreciated when we are wearing our No.1 uniforms!”

Photos: P Beetlestone