Leading Cadet Shaun of Greenwich Deptford and Rotherhithe Sea Cadet Unit has been made The First Sea Lord’s Cadet for The London Area in 2021.

The Greenwich Deptford and Rotherhithe Sea Cadet Unit is based in T.S. Dreadnought within the grounds of the historic Old Royal Naval College in Greenwich.

Now in its 100th Anniversary year, the Sea Cadet Unit is flourishing with a company of about 40 young people and a strong command structure and supportive Trustees.

In this centenary year, the Unit is particularly proud that the Captain of the Sea Cadets Corps (a full time Royal Naval Captain) has approved, after due selection process, one of its Cadets, Leading Cadet Shaun, as the London Area’s First Sea Lord Cadet for 2021.

Tony Hales CBE, Chair, the Greenwich Foundation, said:

“This is a great achievement for Leading Cadet Shaun and a credit for the whole team at T.S. Dreadnought, led by Lt (SCC) Scott Hanlon RNR. We are very proud of the continuing Naval involvement through the Sea Cadet Unit at the Old Royal Naval College, originally built for the welfare of seafarers some 300 years ago.

“The young people are a credit to themselves and their community and the Unit plays an important part in their lives providing fun and enjoyment, including sailing and summer camps, as well as great skill training for life at the regular weekly sessions.”

Over the next 12 months Leading Cadet Shaun will be one of only six young cadets to act as ambassadors to raise the profile of Sea Cadets, while gaining privileged insight into the higher levels of the Royal Navy.

Some of the key events that they are invited to attend include: a vesting day on HMS Victory, an introduction to the Navy Board and visit to No.10 Downing Street. They will also be present at a number of ceremonial occasions around the United Kingdom.

Further success has come to the Unit with the very recent promotion and commissioning of Sub Lieutenant (SCC) Matthew Reid RNR. Matthew has been training vigorously and passed the officer selection board with flying colours.

The current quarters are being refurbished during the Covid restrictions but as soon as permitted the Unit will be back in action and welcoming the Sea Cadets back on parade. Looking forward to the year ahead, the Unit plans to publish a book on its 100 years of history and to hold a major celebratory dinner.

Sea Cadets works across the UK with 14,000 young people aged 10 to 18, we help them develop into resilient, confident young people who can launch well in life, whatever their background. Find out more.

Photo shows guard of honour at Royal Visit by Admiral the Princess Royal in 2019.