Hello, my name is Archie, and I am a member of the Northampton Sea Cadet Corps. With Cadets, I have had the opportunity to attend one of the biggest events in the Sea Cadet Calendar, the celebration and memorial of the Battle of Trafalgar in London on the 20 October.

This parade was held in Trafalgar square, underneath Nelson’s Column, to commemorate and celebrate the Victory at Trafalgar, against the combined French and Spanish Armies in 1805, led by Napolean. The event this year has been one of the biggest in recent years, due to other Cadet Forces and Volunteers able to attend.

This year, along with the Sea Cadets and Royal Marine Cadets, we were honoured to have the Army Cadets, the RAF Cadets, as well as volunteers from the Combined Cadet Forces with us on this momentous occassion. All of us were from different areas of the country, that all came together as one for the parade only a few nights beforehand.

I was deeply honoured to be chosen by my Commanding Officer to attend the event, along with 13 other cadets at my Unit, as well as 3 Adult Volunteers, to help train and guide us over the course of the weekend. I was proud to be part of the Trafalgar Parade, and it will be a memory I never forget. Not many people are given the chance to march to Trafalgar Square, around Nelson’s Column, and march up The Mount to Buckingham Palace, so to be given the chance to do this is very much appreciated.

The Sea Cadet National Events Facebook page has more information, as well as many pictures and videos taken of the event.

 I would like to extend my thanks and gratitude to both the organisers of the event and training, as well as all the Adult Volunteers that staffed the parade, and acted as security for our protection. Thank you all for the chance you have given me.

 Thank you for reading.