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The Unit was again awarded a ‘burgee’ for last year. This award is given for outstanding performance and is presented by the Sea Cadet Organisation after thorough inspection of the Unit. This is the highest level of award that a Unit can achieve and takes account of all aspects of the Unit performance including the training provision and cadets’behaviour. It also includes the management of health and safety, child protection measures, care of the environment and governance.

David Byrne, Chair Unit Management Committee

david.byrne@flag-c.com

Gateshead Sea Cadets were present during the wreath laying service at the John Trotter Memorial, St Mary’s Church, Gateshead on Trafalgar Day 21st October 2017.

Present were Deputy Mayor of Gateshead Councillor Jill Green, The Naval Regional Commander North of England and Isle of Man, Commodore Waterhouse, RN, Captain Stephen Healy Master Trinity House, Commander Ian Berry MBE RD HMS Calliope, Chris Rich Sec of Tyne Branch RNA and his Standard Bearer, Rev. Geoffrey Driver Chaplain of CALLIOPE and Trinity House, Lt. Brian Grey RNR (SCC), Cdr Chris Scribbins Chairman Marine Society & Sea Cadets Tyne Tees Branch, Gateshead Sea Cadet Corps

John William Trotter served as ship's master on board the 74-gun Leviathan in the battle of Trafalgar on October 21, 1805. He was christened and was buried at St Mary's Church in Gateshead, overlooking the Tyne.

Glimpses of his long and adventurous life have been pieced together by Anthea Lang, local history librarian at Gateshead Library. Her researches on John Trotter have taken her to the British Library, National Archives Centre and National Maritime Museum.

"He was a fascinating man who had to wait until he was 78 to claim his Trafalgar medal," said Anthea. She found out that John was christened at St Mary's Church on October 2, 1770. His parents, George and Dorothy, ran the Goat Inn on Bottle Bank in Gateshead.

In 1785, John was apprenticed to Captain William Usher, a Newcastle master mariner. In 1797 he joined the Navy as Master of the Sylph and then served on the Hermes, Venus and Magnificent, and was admired as a Freeman of Newcastle.

On December 23, 1803, John joined HMS Leviathan as ship's master under the vessel's captain Henry William Bayntun. Leviathan had a crew of 640 men -including 17 Geordies – 58 boys and a number of marines. During the battle John was able to manoeuvre Leviathan to attack the Spanish ship San Augustin. Leviathan fired a double shotted broadside into her at a range of less than 50 yards and by placing the ship across the bow of the San Augustin, the gun crews were able to sweep the decks of the Spanish ship, which surrendered.

Anthea said: "John Trotter is definitely one of Gateshead's forgotten heroes but at this time he undoubtedly deserves to be remembered."

Despite a challenging year for Gateshead sea cadets including a flood and temporary relocation, during which extensive repairs to unit were necessary, they remained undaunted.
Many awards have been achieved during 2014 not least the prestigious "Burgee Award" given to the top 15% of units in the country for excellence and achievements. This was presented during the official reopening of TS Flamingo and presentation evening at our unit in Gateshead, the award was received by Commanding officer Lesley Somerville. 
Cadets contribution to the evening included a presentation of all the activities they are involved in such as boating, sailing and many other varied activities including a District trip to Malta during 2014.
Gateshead Unit were presented with a trophy for achieving the most points in Tyne South district. In addition, Lieutenant Grey's was presented with his 3rd long service bar in recognition of thirty years dedicated service to the Sea Cadets.
The evening was attended by the Mayor and Mayoress of Gateshead and other dignitaries in recognition of all the outstanding achievements of Gateshead Sea Cadets over the last year.