On 19 October, 21 cadets from Westcliff High School for Boys CCF joined other Royal Navy Cadets (from the Sea Cadets Corps and Volunteer Cadet Corps) to take part in the National Trafalgar Parade. Hosted annually at Trafalgar Square, the parade commemorates the historic victory of the Royal Navy and Admiral Lord Nelson over the French and Spanish fleets at the Battle of Trafalgar.
Performing to the Highest Calibre
The cadets from Westcliff High School for Boys CCF worked tirelessly in the lead up to the event, having undergone three days of intense training under the careful command of Lt Hadley and SLt Sell. The cadets performed to the highest calibre at one of the most important events in the Royal Navy’s Cadet calendar and in front of some of the most senior naval officers, including Admiral Sir Tony Radakin (former Chief of the Defence Staff), Lord West of Spithead (Former First Sea Lord), and a number of Royal Navy Commodores and Captains, along with Commander RNCF Brigadier Ged Salzano, Royal Marines.
Westcliff High School for Boys CCF were inspected by Captain Terry Tyack (DComd RNCF) with Cdr Russ Haines (CO CCFRN/RM) escorting.
Parading Proudly Through London
The parade saw cadets from all over the UK march proudly throughout London; starting at Horse Guards, through Admiralty Arch and on to Trafalgar Square, where they carried on under the watchful eye of Admiral Nelson’s statue which sits proudly on top of Nelson’s Column.
Following on from the formal inspections and several glorious cadet displays, the cadets carried out a march past before proceeding down The Mall to Buckingham Palace. The parade finished at Wellington Barracks, where three of the Westcliff High School for Boys CCF cadets were chosen to act as wreath bearers – this is an extremely prestigious honour and we are so proud of our cadets.
The Westcliff High School for Boys CCF cadets are incredibly grateful to their Section Officers, Lt Hadley and SLt Sell, PO Austin and OC Hasler and CCF Royal Navy Area Instructor, WO1 Cox for helping them to train for this highly distinguished event. The CCF contingency had an incredible time and really enjoyed meeting with fellow Royal Navy cadets. The cadets summarised the experience as not just a parade, but a testament to great leadership, discipline and perseverance.
Congratulations to everyone who took part and to all of those involved in making this such a memorable experience!