'TS REVENGE'
The History of Bideford and District Sea Cadets
Bideford Sea Cadets were formed in 1942 and were affiliated to the Navy League on 24th November of that year. The Navy League was an organisation formed in 1894 to promote the importance of the Royal Navy and to educate the public and young people. They sponsored and supported the early naval based units of young boys which have now become the Sea Cadets.
The staff were mainly ex servicemen who were no longer fit for active service. The original headquarters was based in a room above what is now the Oxfam Shop in the High Street. The unit then moved to larger premises above a garage - now Caesars nightclub - at the bottom of Cooper Street. After the war they acquired a redundant torpedo boat, thought to have been a 'Fairmile D class', and the unit moved to be afloat 'TS Revenge'. Before the boat was scrapped a new unit was acquired in St Georges Field, the site of the current unit. Shortly after this move, the unit took delivery of a motor fishing vessel which took the name 'TS Revenge' and was based in Bideford until 1972 when it was taken to be used for the wider training of Sea Cadets.
In 1988 the unit was converted, to include classrooms, a galley, an armoury stores, a boat maintenance area and separate male and female toilets and showers. With the help of a National Lottery grant, central heating was installed and hot water was supplied to the galley, toilets and showers. In 2002 the four small classrooms were modified into two larger ones.
Bideford & District Sea Cadets is well respected within the local community. The unit is always present at the Mayors Parade and Remembrance Sunday as well as being represented at any other ceremonies throughout the year. We are also affiliated to Hartland Royal British Legion. We are always generously supported during our fundraising events and the cadets are often asked to assist at local events.