Remembering fallen heroes

How units across the country commemorated Remembrance Day, including a royal greeting for a First Sea Lord's Cadet

First Sea Lord’s Cadet Henery and Commander (SCC) Ray Mitchell RNR

Thanks to the efforts of Cdr (SCC) Ray Mitchell RNR, the Sea Cadet Corps was grateful to have a plot in the Westminster Abbey Field of Remembrance for the second year. Once again this commemorated the 53 former members of the Corps who died in conflicts or in military service, as well as six members who died during their voluntary service to Sea Cadets.

Southern Area’s First Sea Lord’s Cadet, Petty Officer Cadet Henery of Portsmouth Unit, had the honour of greeting Her Majesty Queen Camilla as she officially opened the field – which was also visited by the London Area cadets and volunteers representing Sea Cadets at national Remembrance events. POC Gabriella of Richmond Unit was hugely proud to be our Standard Bearer at the Royal Albert Hall’s Festival of Remembrance, before our platoon marched smartly down Whitehall at the National Remembrance Service. Cadets then laid a wreath at the Cenotaph and saluted HRH The Duke of Edinburgh at Horse Guards Parade.

Hundreds of our units also took leading roles in Remembrance Day events in communities around the UK. Following their regular civic parade in the morning, Woking Unit joined veterans and serving personnel for the US Veterans Day ceremony at Brookwood American Military Ceremony. Cadets served as Colour Guard, laid a wreath and read the Ode of Remembrance with great distinction. Stevenage Unit joined a local veterans’ group for a three-day Guard of Honour at the town’s war memorial, with cadets taking shifts to maintain a continuous vigil through all weathers, day and night.

Meanwhile, York Unit’s Able Cadet Joshua was praised by his local MP in Parliament, due to his conduct as Lord Mayor’s Cadet at the city’s Remembrance Parade. This even led Veterans Minister Al Carns MP to respond: “Cadets play such an important part [in Remembrance], with Sea Cadets right at the forefront. Seeing Joshua thriving in that environment is absolutely superb.”