Strength of character

Forty-eight incredible young people had the honour of representing their companies in an epic Gibraltar Cup contest. They came prepared, after months of intense training and winning selection as the elite teams in their areas. 

The teams of eight cadets took part in a series of demanding field exercises and challenges designed to test resilience, teamwork, navigation and communication to the limit. 

A real highlight for all was being dropped off on the Woodbury Common Training Area by two of the Fleet Air Arm’s Merlin helicopters, before being assessed on their fieldcraft and running the famous Royal Marines Endurance Course. 

Last year’s winners from Jersey Detachment gave another fine showing to finish second, with MC Damian also named joint-Best Individual Medic. However, an incredible performance from Walton-on-the-Naze Detachment saw them claim first place – which Lima Company had last achieved 22 years ago. It was a fine reward for outstanding drive and mental strength. 

“The most enjoyable part for me was doing the obstacle course of ‘Bottom Field’ as we call it, as I was able to get over the six-foot wall, which I had never managed before. It was a real moment of discovering my own strength,” said Cadet Lance Corporal Adam, 15, of Walton-on-the-Naze Detachment. Teammate Cadet Lance Corporal Daniel, 17, found “the Merlin ride, the stalk, PT and the shock of winning all extremely memorable”.

Hull Detachment was delighted with a sterling third-place performance, which saw their cadets win individual awards for Best Section Commander (Cadet Corporal Jessica) and joint-Best Individual Medic (Cadet Corporal Katie).  

Team spirit

As part of a massive volunteer support team, cadets could draw on the guidance of Chaplain (SCC) Ian Taylor RNR of Lincoln Sea Cadets: “Some of these teenagers stood tall in moments of victory, surprised even by their own capabilities. Others, with teeth gritted, gave their all and still came up short. My task was to remind them that their worth is not found in a scoreboard, but in the integrity of their effort and the strength of their character. I was proud of all 48 – not for how fast they ran or how sharp their drill was, but for how they showed up for one another.” 

Timeline: 70 years of Royal Marines Cadets

With 2025 marking the 70th anniversary of our first ‘Marine Cadet’ detachments, we highlight some of the milestones in the growth and development of Royal Marines Cadets

1955

The Commandant General Royal Marines, General Sir Campbell Hardy, proposed that some Sea Cadets units should include a Marine Cadet Detachment, with the first earmarked for Bristol Adventure Unit. The first Marine Cadet Section Camp was held at Eastney Barracks that summer, with cadets enjoying PT, drill, sailing, swimming, weapons training, and handling landing craft at the Amphibious School at Poole.

1957

At Kingston Unit’s annual naval tournament, their marine cadets were commended on their drill by Admiral of the Fleet, Lord Fraser, before re-enacting the defence of Gibraltar of 1705 complete with period uniforms! 

1999

Girls were invited to become marine cadets for the first time, with Bristol Adventure Detachment the pioneers once more. Becoming even stronger through diversity, the detachment won an unprecedented ‘triple crown’ of national victories in 2002 – in the Gibraltar Cup, RMC Drill and Skill-at-Arms competitions.

2014

A Royal Marines Cadets banner was presented by the late Duke of Edinburgh at Buckingham Palace and has since been proudly paraded on Trafalgar Square.

2019

A new Royal Marines Cadets march, Dignus (Be Worthy), written by HM Royal Marines Band Service, was first publicly performed at October’s National Trafalgar Day Parade. 

Photos: Paula Beetlestone