Celebrating 60 Years
CAMPBELTOWN SEA CADETS 1955 - 2015
Acknowledgements We wish to thank former members of Campbeltown Sea Cadets for providing some of the photographs and newspaper articles from Campbeltown Courier. Information also came from the booklet ‘Campbeltown – remembered 1942 – 1982.
About us Campbeltown Sea Cadet Unit was formed in 1955. For the last six decades, hundreds of young people in Kintyre have benefited from the Sea Cadets and although the Unit has seen its fair share of highs and lows, today Campbeltown Sea Cadets continues to play an important role in the community. Despite the Unit being one of the most remote in the Northern Area, with a strong group of staff and volunteers, the Unit still managed to accomplish some amazing achievements and has defied the disadvantages of being in a remote area. The cadets originally met at the Boatshed at the Quarry Green, then at the old TA Hall (now demolished). Following the demolition of the TA Hall the Unit met for a short period in the Heritage Centre and currently parades at the Cadet Hall at Hazelburn.
Our History In September 1955 No 480 Unit of the Sea Cadets Corps was formed and later granted the name Training Ship Campbeltown, to honour not only the town of its birth, but also the heroic ship’s company of the lost destroyer.
The name HMS Campbeltown has a distinguished record of Royal Navy service during World War Two, with honours for the Battle of the Atlantic, 1941-1942, and the legendary raid on St Nazaire in1942, known as Operation Chariot where she was deliberately blown up in an attempt to destroy a dry dock in occupied France. Commanded by Lieutenant Commander Stephen Beattie during the raid for which he received the Victoria Cross for his gallantry and leadership. Since 1989 the new HMS Campbeltown, a Type 22 frigate, regularly visited Campbeltown and strong links were forged between the Royal Navy and local community. She was decommissioned in 2011. .
1955 A challenging beginning.
“Don’t turn down the Sea Cadets” was the headline in the December 1955 edition of the Campbeltown Courier. The newly formed Campbeltown Sea Cadets was seeking to rent the former lifeboat house at Quarry Green to hold parades, but was rejected by the Town Council. Councillor Anderson said Campbeltown was a seaport town and it was most important that the sea cadets should have facilities for training. The Provost agreed this was a matter of some public interest and suggested the matter should go back to the committee for further consideration. “They are a public-spirited body and they are going to do a lot of good in the town. I think this should be reconsidered.” January 12th 1956 edition of the Courier: ‘Town’s Sea Cadets – Answer is still “No”’. The application was again turned down. Finally, the Sea cadets were offered the let of the lifeboat house later that year.
Photo courtesy of Steve Partridge
Campbeltown Sea Cadets – Present day At the end of November the Unit had their annual Prize Giving evening to celebrate the achievements of cadets who have excelled in various areas. However, the icing on the cake is the Unit being awarded the prestigious Burgee for 2015, the highest recognition of achievement to a unit in the Sea Cadet Corp. Commanding Officer Donnie Cameron said, “I am absolutely delighted the Unit has been awarded with the Burgee and so proud of all the Cadets, staff and volunteers. This could not have been achieved without the hard work and dedication of every member of Campbeltown Sea Cadets and all of them are a credit to the town and to their families. Campbeltown Unit has been helping young people gain vital skills for the last 60 years and with local and national support, we hope to be able to do so for many years to come.”
Looking back 1975 was TS Campbeltown’s first Efficiency Pennant. In 1978 the Unit received its fourth consecutive Efficiency Pennant and was presented with its colours by a former commanding officer of the Unit, Lieutenant Commander R.H. Craig, RD, RNR. A new dimension was added to the Unit early in 1979, with the proposed formation of a Girls’ Nautical Training Contingent. It was two years later that this first Contingent received its official recognition.
1965
1975
1975
1976
1979 1979 proved to be a momentous year, seeing the start of a drum and bugle band and the weekly performance of the Ceremonial Sunset on the Old Quay through the summer. Cadet Petty Officer C. McLellan achieved the highest marks in the area for his advancement examinations, and was presented with the Ben Line Award before leaving the Unit to enter the Royal Navy. This was also the year the Unit received its first Burgee. The Burgee, a flag hoisted to the top of a ship’s mast, was awarded only to those units showing highest standard of efficiency. It recognises the quality of training offered to the cadets and the administration of the group including how well the activities run each year.
1980 A historical visit by two officers from the Sea Cadet Unit Campbelltown, Australia. At a Ceremonial Sunset, the newly formed Kintyre Unit’s drum and bugle band made their first public performance. Led by leading drummer, LS Allan Shaw and their leading bugler, LS Derek Pope, they put on an impressive display. Lieutenant Lionel Mower, commanding officer of the Campbelltown Naval Reserve Cadet unit inspected the guard during the ceremony.
1980 – 25th Anniversary Commander Graham Shaw, commander of the Northern Area visited the Unit for their annual assessment and prize giving. With JS Deborah Brodie, the winners were (from left): LS Alan Shaw – best dressed; LS Duncan Waterman – best Cadet; AB David Barrett, who gained the newly awarded County Garage Cup for the most promising Cadet in 1980 and LS Andrew Carter who received the Sailing Trophy for being the Unit’s best helmsman. (Front row) LS Kevin Buglass, who captured the Port Division of the Unit and JS Thomas Graham, whose fastest tying of a bowline knot won first place.
The 1981 In 1981 the Unit received its second Burgee, which was presented in a ceremony by round-the-world yachtsman, Lieutenant-Commander Robin Knox-Johnston, CBE, RNR. But the best was yet to come when their continued variety and excellence of their activities led to the award of the coveted Stephenson Trophy for the Champion Unit of Northern Area. HMS Bickington, the Unit’s affiliated ship visited Campbeltown and the ship’s company and cadets joined together for an impressive march through the town and combined ceremonial divisions.
The 1982
40th anniversary celebrations of the Royal Navy raid on the French port of St Nazire. It was during this raid that the destroyer HMS Campbeltown was blown up, destroying the dock gates. Cadets and officers are pictured sitting under the ship’s bell from the destroyer.
The 1982 A memorable trip to France, where the Unit took part in the 40th anniversary celebrations of the raid on St Nazaire by HMS Campbeltown raid. The ship in the background is not just any old naval ship, it is the Royal Yacht Britannia. The 6 days trip saw cadets travel from Campbeltown to Portsmouth then on to France. Cadets had the opportunity to tour the HMS Vernon, HMS Victory (the oldest naval ship in the world), and HMS Euraylus among other activities.
1985 The Unit’s annual Prize Giving Best Cadet - LS R McGregor Most Promising Cadet - OS N, Willerton Endeavour Trophy - JS G McLauchlan Marksman - PO D Harvey Sailing Trophy - JS C Scally
Mementoes on departure from the Unit were presented to Cadet Petty Officer David Harvey and Leading Seaman James Thomson.
1985 Seven cadets with Sub Lt Graham Woodley were special guests aboard HMS Dulverton. Thanks to the Royal Navy’s invitation to them to spend some time on one of the world’s largest fibre glass vessels. HMS Dulverton sailed out of Campbeltown Loch with the VIPs, James Thomson, Ross McGregor, Iain Rich, Donald McLeod, Graham Harvey, Kenneth Henderson and Michael Russell all aboard.
1986 Trafalgar Night, the night when the Royal Navy, worldwide, celebrates Nelson’s victory of Trafalgar. The Unit celebrated with a dinner at the Ardshiel Hotel. During the evening, John McTaggart was presented with a gift to commemorate his sixteen year involvement with the Unit.
1986 Commander John Rainer of the Royal Navy Mine Countermeasure Squadron presented the Unit with a Pennant for their annual assessment, through Cadet David McGregor.
1986 Double victory: where the shooting and pentathlon teams both achieved first in the national competition.
1986 Annual Inspection being carried out by Commander DM Sandford RN, Northern Area Officer of the Sea Cadets Corps.
1986 Chief Officer Hope Gosse, WRNS, officer in charge of the Girls Nautical Training Contingent in the UK, paid the Unit a visit. Pictured here with the Girls’ Nautical Contingent and Third Officer Kate Jackson.
1987 An Ambassador for her country – Jillian Hanna was chosen from the entire UK Female Sea Cadet contingent to represent the organisation at an International Cadet Camp in India.
1988 Cadets Peter Ferguson and Angus Dryden on board TS Royalist while on a visit to Campbeltown.
1989 Annual Presentation took place at the TA Hall. The Unit welcomed the Squadron Commander C Meatyard, Royal Navy.
1990 Eight members of the Unit met HRH Prince Andrew, the Duke of York (right), when they sailed with HMS Campbeltown from Liverpool to Plymouth. From the right are J Glover, I Smith, C Irvine, Lt G Woodley, R Lee, G Macpherson, PPO K Henderson, J O’Brien and Lt W Sheridan, the observer in the helicopter.
Fast forward to 2008
In 2009 the Unit received their first Efficiency award since 1988 in the form of a Pennant, which was received again in 2010.
Trafalgar Sunday
Cadets had the opportunity to step inside a helicopter from HMS Gannett.
On board TS John Jerwood
2011 For the first time since 1988 TS Campbeltown was awarded a Burgee as a mark of excellence. It was presented to the Unit at its annual prize giving. OC James Arbuckle, photographed here, was awarded the Jubilee Rose Bowl for best cadet.
The Decommissioning of HMS Campbeltown In an emotional farewell, HMS Campbeltown slipped her moorings and sailed past the heart of the town for the final time. The events held during this celebratory goodbye started with a grand parade through the town - echoing what happened when the ship first visited the town in 1989. Commander Keri Harris always knew this would be an emotional day for the townsfolk and crew and said: “It is hard to imagine any other small town in the British Isles providing such a busy and exciting programme of events for a warship. There have been many highlights, but for me the town parade and church service held in the ship’s honour were the most moving; they brought into focus the sense of loss being experienced by the town as HMS Campbeltown prepares to decommission early.” The ship’s motto is ‘Victoria Fortes Sequitur’ which translates as ‘Victory through Strength’.
2011 Training at HMS Raleigh
TS Campbeltown Today, the Unit may be smaller in numbers compared to its hay day. Nonetheless, it continues to inspire young people to achieve and to excel in life. It continues to promote the core values of the Sea Cadets of Respect, Loyalty, Self-disciple, Commitment, Honesty and Integrity. Cadets are given the opportunity to broaden life experiences, to learn key life skills and achieve qualifications in a range of areas, all of which boosts their confidence as they prepare for the rest of their lives. There is now a good number of cadets in the Unit all undergoing the Sea Cadet training programme involving: adventure training, waterborne, leadership, teamwork, community activities and promoting the core values.
Photo courtesy of Sarah MacDonald Photography
2014 Campbeltown Sea Cadets celebrated an exceptional year of achievements at their Annual General Meeting and Prize Giving. The unit is also delighted to have achieved an efficiency award for the 6th consecutive year. This is an annual assessment on the achievements and accomplishments of cadets, as well as the administration and safety of the unit. Also for the first time in the history of the unit, a cadet took part in the annual Trafalgar Day Parade, joining the Massed Band of the Sea Cadets in Trafalgar Square, London. Equally impressive is Able Cadet Iain Cameron, being the first cadet to achieve a RYA safety boat qualification and the only person in the unit to qualify to teach sailing.
Offshore Voyages Cadets Jo Chinn, Connor Chinn, Yvonne Graham, Connor Ewart, Cameron Wilkes and Suen Yee Walker took part in offshore training on the TS John Jerwood and enjoyed a fantastic week’s voyage around the West Coast and Isles of Scotland.
Cadets were trained in navigation, bridge team duties, seamanship, deck work, engineering, cook/steward and experienced all the duties needed to operate a vessel at sea. Cadets were also given shore leave to explore some of the islands and had the opportunity to sail past the famous Corryvreckan whirlpool. Cadet Arbuckle was on the TS City Liveryman and Cadet Cameron was on the TS Vigilant for their offshore training.
Lord Lieutenant’s Cadet Friends and family were invited to a special presentation ceremony of the Lord Lieutenant’s Cadet to Petty Officer Cadet Ewan MacArthur. The certificate and badge were presented by the Lord Lieutenant of Argyll and Bute Patrick Stewart MBE WS. Petty Officer Cadet MacArthur is the first Lord Lieutenant’s Cadet from Campbeltown unit.
Tri-Service Cadet Band Cadet First Class Suen Yee Walker joined young musicians from the Army and Air Training Corps for the Tri-Service Cadet Band Camp at Barry Buddon, Dundee. During the course of the week they performed in the Gardens of Holyrood Palace for the Duke of Edinburgh's Award Gold Presentations, a Beating Retreat in Montrose to welcome HMS Montrose to the town, the Naming Ceremony of the HMS Queen Elizabeth in the presence of Her Majesty and finally performing at the Armed Forces Day Celebrations in Dundee.
Trafalgar Day Parade Sunday 19 October marked the 209th annual national Trafalgar Day parade in Trafalgar Square, London. Cadet First Class Suen Yee Walker joined more than 500 young people from across the UK aged 13 – 17 from Sea Cadets, Army Cadet Force, Air Training Corps and Combined Cadet Force took part in a spectacular display and parade. Crowds were treated to performances including physical training, pipes and drums by Air Cadets and an 80strong Sea Cadet Massed Band.
WWI Parade in Oban On Saturday 20th September, three cadet units Campbeltown, Oban and Lochaber joined together to commemorate the centenary of World War One with a parade in Oban. Also on parade were the Royal Navy, Royal Marines, RBLS, Scots Guards, Argylls, ATC, Army Cadets and Boys Brigade & Girl Guides.
Boating Cadets took to the water for their boating training throughout the summer months and into the autumn. Cadets were at various stages of training, from basic competency to being able to take charge of a boat and inexperienced crew. Several boats were used: the Trinity 500, a pioneer rowing boat, a safety boat and Pico sailing dinghies crewed by senior cadets who were giving a taster session of sailing to cadets who had not sailed previously. Apart from rowing, cadets also learn various other aspects of seamanship and boat handling.
RNP 2014 On 27th October, the Unit had the pleasure of welcoming Captain Peter Adams RN, Area Officer for Northern Area to their 2014 RNP. Along with the inspection of divisions, family and friends were treated to musical entertainment by cadets, and evolutions which showed the Unit’s skills and training over the past year.
During the course of the evening, presentations were also made to members of staff and cadets. PO (SCC) Gannon received the Cadet Forces Medal for 12 years continuous uniformed adult service. Lt (SCC) Willet RNR received the second clasp to her Cadet Forces Medal for a total of 24 years continuous uniformed adult service. Able Cadet James Arbuckle was presented with badge for RYA Level 2 power boat and Able Cadet Iain Cameron was awarded badges for RYA Safety boat, RYA Dinghy Instructor and his Sea Cadet corps Master Coxswain qualification. Finally, a special presentation of a limited edition replica of the new Queen Elizabeth Aircraft Carrier was presented to First Class Cadet Suen Yee Walker for her involvement in both the Tri-Service Cadet Band who played for the VIP’s at the Carriers Naming Ceremony and the Massed Band of the Sea Cadets who performed at the Trafalgar Day Parade, London.
2015 The Pioner Multi, a new addition to Campbeltown Sea Cadets. This unique boat takes safety, durability and versatility to a new level. With a large deck space and wide bow port, it will essentially be used as a safety boat for cadets’ boat training. Funded through the Community Covenant Grant Scheme of the Armed Forces, the boat will also allow the Unit to take ex-service personnel on cruises around the Loch. Donnie Cameron, Commanding Officer of the Unit said, “We are extremely pleased with the successful application of funding to allow the Unit to purchase this boat. Not only will it improve the boat training of cadets but due to the boat’s unique bow entry system, it is capable of wheelchair access and therefore allows multifaceted use.”
Photo courtesy of Campbeltown Courier
Northern Area Junior Summer Camp A total of 4 Junior cadets enjoyed a fantastic week of training at Greenock but also plenty of fun, with all of them gaining their Yellow, Green, Blue and Red modules.
Photo courtesy of Northern Area Junior Summer Camp
Northern Area Archery Competition This is the first time the Unit had cadets entered into the Area’s Archery Competition. Cadets Suen Yee Walker, Shona Bassett and Caius Walker represented the Highland District with the Junior Team coming second.
Camping weekend Cadets had a great weekend of camping at Port Ban, where they had to set up camp, before enjoying games and activities
Photo courtesy of Sea Cadets Northern Area
Commando Speed March
Wanderers
This year’s winner was Able Cadet Iain Cameron with a time of 57mins 17secs - a new record for the event! The trophy, donated by the Commando Association was presented by Colonel Brian Hume of HRFCA.
We were delighted to receive funding from Awards for All to purchase two new Wanderer dinghies to enable sailing training to take place. Able Cadet Arbuckle managed to take the dingy for a ‘test drive’ on a beautiful autumn day.
Sea Cadets National Band Competition 150 Sea Cadets aged 12 – 18 competed at a local level in 400 towns across the UK to make it to Tower of London for the nationals. It was the Unit’s first to have a representative at this event. Ordinary Cadet Suen Yee Walker represented the Northern Area and performed against nine other bands from different Sea Cadet areas at the Tower of London on Saturday 22nd August. Northern Area came 4th overall.
Crossing the Line Party and supporting Anti-bullying week
Campbeltown Sea Cadets We wish to thank friends, family, volunteers, cadets and staff past and present for 60 good years! Thank you also to the many organisations who have supported us along the way.
Š 2015 Produced by Emily Walker | Wepo Designs