Cheltenham Unit was formed on 31st May 1939.
Our units original name was TS Cheltenham but in early 1990's we changed our "TS" name to TS Legion in honour of Cheltenham Town's adopted ship, the HMS Legion, a name to which Cheltenham unit bears a proud affiliation. More information about HMS Legion can be found towards the bottom of this page.
In 1943 the unit like all units within the Sea Cadet Corps was allocated a number in alphabetical order, ours being the number 76.
Since the units formation we have had 2 unit Headquarters. Our last headquarters were located in Stoneville Street, which we moved into in 1949 following World War Two when local housing was bombed out as a result of the local Gas Works being targeted by German bombers
On the 31st May 1953, Cheltenham Unit was presented its Colour by a previous Commanding Officer - Lieutenant Commander (SCC) Hardy RNR. The Colour itself is still in use by the unit to this day.
During the 68 years that the unit has been open we have seen many cadets and staff pass through our doors and seen many changes take place with the corps. Many past cadets have gone on to join both the Royal Navy and Royal Marines, and also the other Armed Forces. Some have even returned and taken up duties within the unit- including the role of Commanding Officer.
After 58 years in our Stoneville Street Headquarters, mid 2007 was marked by the sale of our old headquarters causing the unit to move into a temporary residence at St Silas Church in Hestersway. December 2007 saw plans confirmed for a new purpose built unit to be constructed- with construction scheduled to begin in early 2008.
A new and exciting chapter in the units history began in September 2008. Cheltenham Sea Cadets official moved into its brand new and purpose built unit headquarters. With near £100000 in grants raised the unit was able to equip the building and complete additional projects within the building, originally thought to be not possible. All in all the project cost close to £1 million, with every aspect of the building designed for the sole purpose of supporting a Sea Cadet unit.
Patron
Her Majesty the Queen