Cadets celebrate Battle of the Atlantic

The Battle of the Atlantic was the longest running campaign of the Second World War and 2013 has seen the 70th anniversary of the battle in which Liverpool was so heavily involved and affected.
It was therefore only fitting for Huyton Sea Cadets to have a heavy involvement and presence in the commemoration events which took place in Liverpool over the bank holiday weekend, in order that they could honour those who “Gave their tomorrows for our today”.
For Huyton Sea Cadets their commemorations commenced on Friday 24 May when they were invited to Liverpool Maritime Museum to help receive guests and fundraise on behalf of Seafarers UK.
Many prestigious guests were present and the cadets had the opportunity to meet the 1st Sea Lord (the professional head of the entire Royal Navy) Admiral Sir George Zambellas, as well as spending time with international naval officers who showed interest in how the cadet force experience compared to their own naval cadet force.
On Saturday 25 May the commemoration activities were centred around the Pier Head where Huyton Sea Cadets were observed by the public upholding naval traditions of communication through their Semaphore display, whilst this was going on Huyton Junior section not to be outdone by the seniors turned out to visit the commemorations and learn for themselves the importance of the Battle of the Atlantic
During their day out they were invited by the Royal British Legion to engage in some publicity photographs in anticipation of this years poppy appeal, as a thank you the junior cadets were then invited to the grand opening of the veterans centre in the port of Liverpool building.
The centre was formally opened by the 1st Sea Lord who spoke inspirationally to the cadets, the cadets also enjoyed meeting veterans and listening to their own stories of their time in services.
Of the day the Junior Cadets reported that they had seen so many interesting things and heard lots of really interesting stories.
Sunday 26 May 2013 cadets continued with their semaphore display duties, while some cadets went to Liverpool Cathedral and performed ceremonial duties in the presence of HRH Princess Anne, and took part in a ceremonial march past.
Cadets from Huyton were delighted that Her Royal Highness spent some time talking with them.
Monday 27 May 2013 marked the end of the long weekend, while cadets remained heavily present around the Pier Head areas of Liverpool some of the Huyton Marine Cadet detachment were preparing themselves at Salthouse Dock for their own battle in the raft race.
The weather had turned bad for Mondays team, but they turned up armed with our raft which they had built, and water bombs for the opposition.
The event saw them as the only youth team in the competition and although the did capsize before the race was underway the team showed great resilience in completing the course and reported that although it was cold they had loved every minute.
For Huyton Sea Cadets this weekend was a perfect opportunity to showcase a lot of the varied activities the sea cadets has to offer from team work, helping others, naval tradition, ceremonial and having fun on the water, there was something for everyone and a lesson for all who took part to learn from those who went down to the sea in ships during the conflict of the Battle of the Atlantic.
Huyton Sea Cadets are currently recruiting if you would enjoy being a part of our team come and learn more about us contact Huytonuto@hotmail.co.uk for details.