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Recently Poole Sea Cadets once again formed up as part of the Wessex District Sea Cadets Band to play in the beautifully manicured grounds of the historic Montagu Arms Hotel in Beaulieu for the Concours d’Elegance.

The cadets were honoured to be asked to play in the presence of HRH Prince Michael of Kent, the first cousin of the late Queen Elisabeth II. His keen appreciation of military band music stems not only from his royal duties but also from his twenty years in the 11th and then Royal Hussars.

On completion of the band display AC Eleanor gave a demonstration of the solo bugle, being the recent silver medallist at the National Band Competition.

The display then moved to the lower garden for the introduction of the Southampton Unit Physical Training display team led by OC Jessie, the new advanced PT Cadet. OC Jessie trained her fellow Cadets in the art of Club Swinging, a traditional naval exercise.

To end the first part of the evening, and to ensure the guests made it to dinner, PPO McCullagh piped the dinner call.

BZ to all the Cadets from Poole, Southampton and Warsash who did themselves, their units and the Sea Cadet Corps proud.

The 80th commemoration of the capturing intact of what was to be called “Pegasus Bridge” in Normandy on the morning of 6th June 1944, was attended by Cadets and staff of Sea Cadets Offshore.

Poole Sea Cadet AC Wil was honoured to be selected to lay a wreath on the memorial which said, “In memory of Lieutenant Den Brotheridge, Oxfordshire and Buckinghamshire Light Infantry, who was the first British soldier to die in action on D-Day leading his platoon across this bridge”.

Lieutenant Brotheridge would have flown in a glider, initially towed by a Halifax bomber,  having taken off from Tarrant Rushton airfield, which is only 14 miles from Poole.

This was a huge honour, especially as it was in the presence of Lieutenant Brotheridge’s surviving family and friends, and we congratulate AC Wil on a once in a lifetime opportunity carried off with great professionalism. BZ.

A huge thanks and congratulations to AC Charlie for his sterling efforts on the 80th Anniversary of D-Day.

Twice on the day he played his bugle to perfection - no easy task in front of the large crowds for the commemorations in and around Poole Quay.

Eighty years ago Poole was the third largest embarkation point for Normandy.

Veterans and others were visibly moved by his excellent efforts.

BZ to him personally from all at TS Drax and the wider Sea Cadets in general.

(Photo courtesy of Charlie's family)

Poole Sea Cadets were honoured to be asked to lead the parade commemorating the 80th Anniversary of D-Day by marching along historic Poole Quay.

Joining the Mayor and Sheriff of Poole for the lighting of a commemorative flame, the cadets specifically paused by the US Coastguard Memorial. Why this should be here is best explained by the inscription:

‘From this Quay, 60 cutters of the United States Coast Guard Rescue Flotilla 1 departed for the Normandy Invasion, 6 June 1944.
These 83-foot boats, built entirely of wood, and the 840 crew members were credited with saving the lives of 1437 men and 1 woman.
In remembrance of the service of Rescue Flotilla 1, and with appreciation of the kindnesses of the people of Poole to the crews, this Plaque is given by the men and women of the United States Coast Guard’.
Poole Sea Cadets have implemented a series of lectures to make sure our cadets are fully aware of the context, historical significance and sacrifices of D-Day.
Our cadets have varying educational experiences from a wide range of backgrounds, aged as they are up to 18 - 80 years ago that would have been the age they would have been called up.
We hope in particular to familiarise them with what happened in Poole, the third largest embarkation port for Operation Overlord, which saw thousands of US troops depart Dorset to Omaha Beach in Normandy.

Poole cadets Conna and Abbie were recently invited to Buckingham Palace to receive their well earned Gold Duke of Edinburgh Awards. Such awards involve a huge amount of application and energy. On the day they were accompanied by officers and volunteers from TS Drax. Many congratulations and BZ to all.