A voyage of reflection

Twelve sea cadets from 11 different units across the UK went offshore to play a prominent role in May’s 85th anniversary commemorations of the ‘Miracle of Dunkirk’. Leaving Gosport, Voyage P21 headed to Ramsgate with TS John Jerwood to rendezvous with the Dunkirk Little Ships – the remarkable boats of the Operation Dynamo mission to evacuate troops from Dunkirk starting in late May 1940. TS John Jerwood escorted the flotilla of Little Ships into the English Channel, providing a special moment of reflection for the young people who were forging a unique link to the UK’s naval history.

“Touring the Little Ships, meeting all the people on them and escorting them across the Channel made me feel proud and connected to the past,” said Cadet Catrin, 13, of Ross-on-Wye & Monmouth Unit. “I was proud to be part of the celebration because we remembered the people who worked together and made sacrifices for others. I can now imagine how difficult it would be to take such small boats across to Dunkirk.” 

After berthing alongside the Little Ships and support boats in Dunkirk, the cadets changed into No 1 Uniform for their first engagement as Guard of Honour for His Royal Highness Prince Michael of Kent at Dunkirk’s Town Hall. 

Special duties 

The next day saw cadets preparing to represent the Sea Cadet Corps at the Commonwealth War Graves Commission (CWGC) Cemetery. There, Able Cadet Ben, 15, of Rushden Unit, acted as HRH Prince Michael of Kent’s wreath bearer alongside a young sailor from HMS Collingwood. The cadets later took the time to tour the cemetery, pausing to salute graves where they felt a special connection to someone of a similar age, or from their area. 

Other important events included a parade at the inauguration of a new monument to Dunkirk’s civilian victims with Phase 2 trainees from HMS Collingwood, and a parade and commemorative service at the Mémorial des Alliés. This is a monument to the courage of the Allied troops whose sacrifice contained the German advance and allowed the evacuation of over 338,000 troops, over a third of whom were French.  

“The 85th anniversary of Dunkirk is an amazing thing to commemorate, carrying on not only the tradition but the memory of it as well,” said Cadet First Class Corey, 14, of Ross-on-Wye & Monmouth Unit. “I have learnt a lot about the history of Dunkirk and the importance of this tradition.” 

Sunday provided the final opportunities to honour the Little Ships, beginning with a Thanksgiving and Remembrance Service held alongside the incredible vessels. Ordinary Cadet Daniel, 14, of Woking Unit, even spotted one bearing the name of his Unit TS Dianthus (Woking), and was invited onboard by the owners. The cadets were later thrilled to be joined by the HMS Collingwood trainees for an impromptu march around the town, following one of the bands in the official French military parade. After delighting spectators with their drill and ceremonial skills, cadets attended the sunset ceremony alongside the vessel of the Association of Dunkirk Little Ships’ Commodore, Kevin Finn.

Voyage of a lifetime

After a cultural visit to the UNESCO World Heritage Site of central Bruges, cadets were invited to visit the Ostend Sea Cadets where they were delighted to receive a guard of honour. A multi-national colours ceremony was followed by the Belgian cadets showing their UK counterparts around their unique wartime bunker HQ, before enjoying time aboard TS John Jerwood. Bidding farewell to their new friends, the UK cadets left Ostend for an overnight passage across the North Sea, arriving in Ramsgate just after sunrise.

TS John Jerwood’s Captain, Lieutenant Cameron Fisher RN, commented: “The cadets carried themselves with pride, discipline and a respect for the history they were representing. I’ve seen each individual grow in confidence, teamwork and maturity.” 

The cadets were all grateful to their Captain and crew. “This was a voyage of a lifetime,” said Leading Cadet Bracken, 17, of Long Eaton Unit. “Every young person should have this experience as the staff inspire and set you up with skills for life. 

“My navigation and nautical skills have been enhanced by all the incredible places we have seen and the environment that comes with it.” 

Photos: Sea Cadets/Colin Ridley