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FORTHCOMING EVENTS
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22nd May - Annual Unit Review
12th June - Annual Royal Naval Parade
9th - 11th May - District Wet weekend at TS Vernon
17th May - 65th Anniversary BBQ @ Walsall Unit HQ. Everyone welcome
23rd - 25th May - Leading Cadet, Petty Officer Cadet, MC1/Cpls Board & AMTAC @ HMS Raleigh, Plymouth
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APRIL 2008
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National Drill Competition
During the weekend of 25-27th April 2008, Cadets from Walsall & Perry Barr Marine Cadet Detachments took part in the annual battle for the National Marine Cadet Drill Championship at HMS Raleigh, Plymouth under the scrutiny of the WO2 Thrift and his team.
A close competition ensued as the cadets representing 1 Troop - Alpha Company (South West Area) took on the might of cadets from X-Ray (Eastern Area), Yankee (Northern Area) and Zulu (Southern Area) Companies under the watchful eye of Sgt V Wagstaff and Sgt B Burlace.
The hard work and dedication from the Cadets over the last few months proved worthy as they walked away with trophies for Best Arena Display and Overall winners, making them 2008 National Marine Cadet Drill Champions.
This is an excellent achievement for all cadets and staff involved from both units. They will now be looking forward to the Annual Trafalgar day parade, London in October where they will be representing Marine Cadets Nationally.
BRAVO ZULU
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MARCH 2008
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Ex Royal Star, Alpha Company Easter Camp
Sgt Wagstaff, 7 Marine Cadets and 1 Sailor travelled to Caerwent Training Area to take part in Alpha Companies Easter Exercise. This is the first Company Exercise that Walsall MCD have taken part in, in over 2 years and from the feedback received all Cadets had a great weekend and enjoyed all aspects of the training.
Qualifications were gained from this weekend including Basic Camp Craft, Advanced Camp Craft and Weapons handling.
We now look forward to Annual Camp, to be held in August 08.
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Electrical Engineering 1st Class
Cpl A Bellingham attended the Electrical Engineering 1st Class course at HMS Gannet, Scotland. After a week’s hard work and exams, he successfully passed the course becoming 1 of 7 Cadets in Britain to have both Marine & Electrical Engineering 1st Class Qualifications.
A huge congratulations to him, he now hopes to go for his Cadet Instrutors later this year.....Good Luck
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South West Area Drill Competition
A huge congratulations goes out to the Cadets from Walsall & Perry Barr Marine Cadet Detachments, who joined forces to take part in this years Area Drill Competition.
After an exciting weekend, a lot of hard work and an excellent drill display helped the lads win 2 out of the 3 main Marine trophies.
Best Guard - Walsall / Perry Barr
Best Guard Commander - Cpl B Wood, Perry Barr
Runner Up Best Dressed - MC2 Kennedy, Perry Barr
This is an excellent achievement which only leaves Nationals for the Cadets to show that they are the best in Britain.
Good Luck, we have complete faith in you all.
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FEBRUARY 2008
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Mercia District Drill Competition
Well done to the Sea Cadets who took part in this years Mercia District Drill Competition.
Walsall did not enter an Armed or Unarmed squad as they have in previous years however, they entered a Colour Party which is something they haven't done in a long time.
The Colour Party consisted of A/C Gripton, O/C Oakley, Cdt Wright, Cdt Hartley & Cdt Wilkinson who stepped upto the mark as the Colour Party I/C.
The Cadets did really well, but unfortunately they did not get through to the Area Competition.
Well done, a really good effort by all. Lets look at entering all 3 next year!!
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South West Area Administration Award
A BIG congratulations to Mrs Chris Harris who has won the South West Area Administration Officers Award for 2007.
This goes to show how much hard work she puts into the Unit as our Admin Officer. Chris takes care of all Unit Administration ranging from Course Applications for the cadets, Royal Naval Review Reports & documentation, correspondence and much much more.
You are an asset to Walsall Sea Cadets and we thank you for all your hard work you have put in over the past years.
Thank you and once again, Well Done.
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1 Troop Drill Competition
Well done to Walsall Marine Detachment who took part in this years 1 Troop Drill Competition. After a Full Dress Inspection and Drill Display we came away with a very respectable 2nd place.
Overall Guard - Runners Up
Runner Up Guard Commander - Cpl A Bellingham
2nd Place was an excellent acheivement for the Detachment as we only had 5 Cadets participate, out of a possible 13.
The Winners, Perry Barr MCD, unfortunately are 5 Cadets short for the Area competition, therefore Walsall will be joining forces with them and work together to Win the Area competition. This will be held in March.
Well done everyone, good effort!!
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JANUARY 2008
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2007 Effeciency Award
Walsall unit has been awarded a Pennant for 2007. This award is gained throughout yearly assessments, finalised by the Royal Naval Unit Review.
BZ to all the Unit Staff, Cadets, Committee, Parents & Supporters and everyone else who has supported us throughout 2007!
Lets make 2008 an even better year and aim for the Burgee.
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DECEMBER 2007
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Promotion to Ordinary Cadet
Well done to Cadet Paul Oakley who has recently passed his Ordinary Cadets test. He will now start working towards his Able Cadets, as well as the Royal Navy.
O/C Oakley is hoping to join the Royal Navy in March 2008.
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NOVEMBER 2007
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OCTOBER 2007
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Mercia District Seamanship Competition
Well done to L/C D Hartley, A/C S Gripton, O/C P Oakley, Cdt D Wright, Cdt Wilkinson, Cdt P Hollyhead & Cdt K Hartley in this years District Seamanship Competition. The team came an impressive 2nd overall, only 9 points behind the winners and one position up from last years result.
Unfortunately, the team dropped points in the chartwork section. They will now work on this and look at winning next years competition.
BZ all and thanks also to PO Brake who helped train the team.
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SEPTEMBER 2007
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National Drill Leader
On Sunday 2nd September Sgt V Wagstaff travelled down to HMS Excellent, Portsmouth to take part in the National MC Drill Leaders Course.
After a long hard week of Dress Inspections, history tests, drill practice, presentation and assessments Sgt Wagstaff passed the course and is now one of a select few who can be called a Drill Leader. On top of this, she has also become the first and only Female Drill Leader within the Sea Cadet Corps.
Well done, an excellent acheivement!!
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AUGUST 2007
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1 Troop Field Assessment 2007
Well done to Walsall Marine Cadets who took part in this years field assessment. The section was lead by Cpl Bellingham and after a successful weekend they walked away with the highest grade possible....Very Good.
This is a excellent result, BZ to all involved.
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JULY 2007
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Pulling Qualifications
Well done to Ordinary Cadet Bellingham and Cadet Hartley who both successfully passed thier Supervised Coxwain & Competent Crew respectively at a Wet weekend organised at TS Stirling.
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JUNE 2007
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Promotion to Ordinary Cadet
Well done to Cadet Bellingham who has recently passed his Ordinary Cadet Test. He will now start working towards his Able Cadets Test.
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MAY 2007
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Competent Crew
Well done to Cadet Oakley and Cadet Bellingham who both successfully passed thier Competent Crew test on this years May Day Camp.
They are now hoping to go towards thier Supervised Coxwains qualification.
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MC1's & Cpl's Board
On Friday 18th May, 4 Marine Cadets from Walsall Unit travelled to HMS Raleigh to be assessed on an Area Promotion board.
L/Cpl Bellingham went down for his Cpl's Board and MC2 Evans, MC2 Lockley & MC2 Kelly all attended the MC1's Board.
After a weekend of hard work including Field Craft, Map Reading, Weapons Training & Drill L/Cpl Bellingham acheived a Partial Pass, leaving only his Map Reading to resit. MC2 Evans & MC2 Kelly both passed their board, unfortunately though MC2 Lockley didn't quite achieve the standard required. However, this has not put him off and he shall be attending the next Board in October.
Well Done lads, you all did really well.
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APRIL 2007
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3rd Class Seamanship>
A Big Well done to MC2 Lockley who has recently passed his 3rd Class Seamanship Course.
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FEBRUARY 2007
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HMS Raleigh Shoot
The weekend of 24th & 25th saw 4 Cadets from Walsall Unit attend a shooting weekend at HMS Raleigh.
Out of the 4 Cadets, 3 came away with their Basic Good Shooting Badge including Cdt H Booth who gained her first ever qualification through the Sea Cadets.
Well done all.
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RYA Safety Boat Course
On Sunday 18th February Sgt Wagstaff and PO Hughes travelled to HMS Raleigh, Plymouth to take part in a Safety Boat Course.
After a lot of hard work and effort they both walked away on the Friday with an RYA Safety Boat Ticket.
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Sea Cadet District Drill Competition
Well done to the Sailors of Walsall Unit who trained and took part in this years District Drill Competition. The Un-Armed Squad lead by L/C Hartley came 4th and the Armed Guard lead by L/C Collier came 3rd.
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MCD Troop Drill Competition
Well done to Walsall Marine Cadet Detachment. After taking part in this years Troop Drill Competition, they came away with 2nd position behind Perry Barr MCD who came 1st.
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NOVEMBER 2006
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1 Troop Field Assessment
Well done to the Marine Cadets from Walsall Unit who took part in this years Field Assessment. The section consisted of: L/Cpl Bellingham (Section Commander), MC2 Buckland (2IC), MC2 Evans, MC2 Boulton, MC2 Kelly & MC2 McQuaide
After alot of hard work and training the lads came away with a GOOD Grading, Only 2 marks off a Very Good. Good Effort lads, lets get the Very Good next year.
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Rememberance Sunday Parade
On Sunday 12th November TS Vanguard took part in Walsall's Annual Remembrance Day Parade. The whole Unit including Parents and Supporters marched from Walsall Sea Cadets HQ into Walsall Town Centre where they joined up with the main procession.
After being led off by one of Walsall's top Brass Bands, the Unit gave their Salute past the Carless Memorial and then past the Mayor and dignitries, finally arriving at the Cenotaph where the Unit took their place and the Marine Guard got into position. The Last Post and Reveille were sounded by Sgt Wagstaff and a Reef was laid on behalf of Walsall Sea Cadets by Cdt L Bellingham.
After the main parade, the Unit then made their way back to the Carless Memorial (Able Seaman John Carless was killed at the naval battle of Heligoland Bight on November 17th 1917 and was posthumously awarded the Victoria Cross). Again the Marine Guard and Bugler took their positions and the rest of the unit stood back with a number of spectators looking on to. A further reef was laid by CPO I Bullock, again on behalf of Walsall Sea Cadets.
In all, the Cadets worked extremely hard and did TS Vanguard Very proud. Well done everyone.
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After a Years Hard Work.....
......L/Cpl Bellingham and MC2 Buckland passed their 1st Class Marine Engineering.
On Sunday 5th November L/Cpl Bellingham and MC2 Buckland travelled upto HMS Gannet in Scotland to attend the Marine Engineering Course. After a week of hard work they both came home with their 1st Class Qualification. This is the First 1st Class Specialisation for both of them.
Well done lads, you've done really well.
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District Seamanship Competition
A BIG well done to Walsall's Seamanship Team who took part in the Mercia District Competition on Sunday 5th November. The team consisted of L/C Collier, L/C Hartley, A/C Gripton, A/C Kirk, A/C Poulton & Cdt Oakley
After a lot of hard work and effort the Cadets came away with 3rd place, only 7 points behind the winners and a tiny 2.5 points behind the second place team.
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OCTOBER 2006
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Normandy Trip
On Friday 20th October 38 people from TS Vanguard started their journey to Caen in Normandy, France. The Coach set off from Walsall HQ at 0715 to start the long journey down to Dover, accross to Calais and then onto our Hotel in Caen.
Saturday saw us visit the Merville Battery Site, located on the East bank of the mouth of the River Orne. Then onto Pegasus bridge to view the museum and the famous Cafe Gondree.
The Saturday afternoon took us to the D-Day museum in Arromanche then onto The British Commenwealth Wargraves in Bayeuax which holds 4868 graves. Here we paid tribute to our war heros by laying a wreath.
Sunday started off with a trip to Longues Sur Mer, again to see some German Batteries however this time they were coastal. We then made our way to Colleville American Cemetery which overlooks Omaha Beach. Again we paid tribute to our war heroes and laid a wreath. Colleville holds 9386 graves.
On the Sunday Afternoon we went to Ste Mere Eglise to visit the Airborne Museum then finally followed by a trip to Pointe du Hoc.
Our last full day on Monday saw us have fun and a more relaxed time as we travelled to Paris. Here we spent the day in Disneyland, I think some of the adults enjoyed it more than the Cadets!!
In all the trip was very enjoyable and everyone enjoyed many different aspects of it. Hopefully we shall be arranging another one for next year, possibly in Germany.
Please keep an eye out in the Picture Gallery for photos of our trip.
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Downsman Hike
On Friday 6th October 2 Staff and 6 Cadets made their way to Burgess Hill, Sussex to begin a weekend of Communications for the Downsman Hike.
The Downsman Hike is an 80 mile walk over the South Downs Way which is organised every year by the Scout and Guide Associations of East and West Sussex starting from Buriton going through to Eastbourne.
The Sea Cadets are asked to supply a Communications team to work along side the 1st Burgess Hill Scout Group. Throughout the weekend they provide an extremely important job by acting as Check Point Stewards for the teams taking part. Their job is to relay the times and details for each team passing through their Check Point back to HQ.
The Cadets did very well, as some of them were out until the early hours of the Sunday Morning.
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SEPTEMBER 2006
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MORE Marine Engineering Qualifications
On the weekend of 29th Sept - 01st Oct MC2 Evans, MC2 Lockley, MC2 Boulton and MC2 McQuiade all travelled down to SCTC Weymouth to take their 3rd Class Marine Engineering.
Well done to all the Marines as they passed, MC2 Evans receiving a Credit Pass. BZ lads.
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Sponsored Gun Haul
In order to raise funds for their unit, TS Vanguard, the members of Walsall Sea Cadets recently held a sponsored gun haul on Cannock Chase. The Cadets, aged between 10 and 18, pulled a replica field gun and limber around a circuitous route between Milford Common and Castle Ring
Saturday morning was a fine clear day and the older Cadets soon warmed to the task of hauling the 500kg outfit up Spring Hill having left the common behind them. Their route then eased as they went around Brocton Coppice before they started to climb again to the Glacier Boulder. Here they were able to enjoy some refreshments as they handed the gun over to the second group of Cadets.
Working in relays the teams of Cadets hauled the gun and limber along the stony tracks of Cannock Chase Country Park taking the hills and descents in their stride. The swollen stream across their path was just another obstacle, which they were able to enjoy fording on the way to the end of Saturday’s section of the route.
The start of the second day was delayed, not through lack of enthusiasm, but due to the weather. A severe thunderstorm and the accompanying heavy rain kept the Cadets at the unit until late morning. As the rain eased the teams were ferried back to the start of the second day’s haul. By the time they were ready to start the sun had come out and the rain had been forgotten.
The lost time was quickly made up as the teams set to with a will to complete the second day. More than once the gun was waiting at the change over point as the vehicle bringing the fresh team had to take the longer route around the public roads. The second day was completed without incident as the gun was brought into the car park at Castle Ring where a late lunch was taken before returning to the unit.
We would like to thank everyone for their support for this event especially the adults who prepared the food and drink or accompanied the Cadets on the route, Staffordshire County Council and Cannock Chase Rangers for allowing this event to take place and most of all to everyone who sponsored us.
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District Swimming Competition
Well done to all Cadets to entered this years District Swimming Competition on Sat 9th Sept. Especially A/C Poulton who came 3rd in her race, Cdt Oakley who came 2nd and L/C Collier who won hers and has now got through to Area Swim in October.
Thanks also go out to TI Bullock who has been helping the training of the cadets.
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Promotion to Leading Cadet
A big well done to A/C D Hartley who recently passed his Leading Cadet Board. This was held in Portsmouth at HMS Excellent. Unfortunately though, David will not be 16 (the age required to be a Leading Cadet) Until Novemeber so he will have to wait 2 months until he receives his anchors.
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District 0.22 Shooting Competition
Well done to the 4 cadets who entered this years District Shooting Competition on Sun 3rd Sept. We were represented by MC2 Lockley, Cdt Bellingham, MC2 Evans and MC2 Buckland.
Walsall managed to get overall 2nd place this year as well as MC2 Evans claiming the Silver medal position. He will now go forward to the Area Competition in October.
Well done lads, you did really well.
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AUGUST 2006
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August Bank Holiday Camp 2006
The August Bank Holiday Weekend saw TS Vanguard hold a boating weekend, mainly concentrating on Sailing & Canoeing. In total there were 16 cadets, 7 Staff, 2 Unit Helpers and 1 member from the PSA.
The sailing covered over the weekend was RYA YSS Stage 1 & Stage 2 Instructed by Mr S Ellison & Assisted by Sgt V Wagstaff.
In total we gained 6 x Stage 1’s and 3 x Stage 2’s. These were awarded to:
Stage 1 – A/C Poulton
Stage 1 - Cdt Gould
Stage 1 - N/E Wright
Stage 1 - N/E Groom
Stage 1 - N/E Evans
Stage 1 - N/E Knox
Stage 2 – MC2 Hopcroft
Stage 2 - Cdt Oakley
Stage 2 - N/E Hartley
The Other Cadets were given the opportunity to try Canoeing, which was instructed by PPO P Holyhead and Assisted by PPO L Woodward. We now have around 6 Cadets who will be put forward to take their Canoeing Examination in the near future.
Well done to all, it was an enjoyable weekend.
And finally, A BIG thanks to Mrs J Bullock and PO S Barker for running the galley…The most important job of the weekend. The Food was fab, Thank you!!
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National Skill at Arms Meeting
Longmoor Training Camp saw many Cadets over the weekend of 26th & 27th August, Including 5 from Walsall for this years National SAAM.
3 Marine Cadets, LCpl Bellingham, MC2 Evans and MC2 Buckland represented the South West Area in the A Coy Marine Team. They then went on to sweep the board by winning all their competitions taking the overall Gold Place.
MC2 Kelly and A/C Hartley also represented the South West Area in Warwickshire SCC and Mercia SCC respectively. Again, they did extremeley well by winning every shoot apart from the Falling plate, which was won by Bradford SCC.
BZ lads, you've done Walsall proud.
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Pre SAAM Full Bore Shoot
On Saturday 12th August 6 Marine Cadets and 1 Sailor attended a Pre SAAM Full Bore Shoot at Sennybridge Army Training Estate. This course was mainly aimed at choosing Cadets to represent the South West Area in this years Skill At Arms Meeting (SAAM). All 6 Cadets were awarded with the following Good Shooting Badges:
MC2 Boulton - Basic GSB
MC2 Hopcroft - Basic GSB
MC2 Kelly - Basic GSB
A/C Hartley - Advanced GSB
MC2 Buckland - Advanced GSB
L/Cpl Bellingham - Advanced GSB
MC2 Evans - Marksman GSB
Well done all, these are good results.
As well as coming back with 6 new qualifications, 5 of the Cadets also got selected to shoot at the forthcoming SAAM competition. 3 were selected for the Marine Team and 2 for a mixed team. The team consists of:
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Marine Team
L/Cpl Bellingham
MC2 Buckland
MC2 Evans
Mixed SCC Team
A/C Hartley
MC2 Kelly
MC2 Hopcroft has also been chosen as a reserve.
Good Luck Guys, do Walsall and South West Area Proud.
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JULY 2006
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South West Area Sailing Regatta
Saturday 29th & Sunday 30th July saw 2 of our Cadets, L/C Collier and A/C McMulkin travel down to SCTC Weymouth with PO Hughes to compete in this years Area Sailing Competition.
The Competition was based offshore which is something our cadets don't have much experience in as we are based inland. So considering the difficult conditions, the 2 cadets did well finishing a respectable 13th out of 21.
Well done to both of you, maybe next year we'll have more sailors and get into the top ten.
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539 Assault Squadron Royal Marines Visit
On Monday 17th July L/Cpl A Bellingham of Walsall MCD made his way to Plymouth, home of 539 Assault Squadron Royal Marines, to partake in a weeks Work Experience. This is his story:
I arrived at the Guard room at 9:30 and was greeted by Leading Marine Engineering Mechanic A. Ross and WO2 T. Ross. I was later greeted by the M.E.O (Marine Engineering Officer) Lt A. Lievers. My first task of the week was to give a general service to the engine of a Mk 1 Rigid Raider. This consisted of changing the oil, fuel, air filters and water strainer. This took up most of my first day.
On Tuesday, my main task was to remove the Intermediate unit. This is the section of the prop shaft that is attached to the aft part of the Raider. After lunch we then continued to fix the propeller and its wiring through the aft part of the Raider to inside the engine compartment.
Wednesday saw me take a trip to RM Instow, where my uncle Chief Petty Officer Bellingham had been repairing a hovercraft. Mac, who I was paired up with, and I were working on a hovercraft which had been over heating and we needed to work out what the problem was. We realized that it was the air filters as these were covered in sand and muck and needed to be replaced.
Before lunch I was offered an opportunity to go in the dip tank (a 1.5m deep tank where amphibious vehicles are tested). Once I was kitted out I sat in the land rover and we drove down the slope into the water. I was surprised at how the rear of the vehicle stayed afloat until the door was opened and the water rushed in.
Thursday morning we put the engine back in the Raider and connected up all the electronics and pipes then gave the engine a test run. We then stripped the parts off an old engine that had caught fire and replaced them. After lunch there wasn’t much to do so we tidied the boat shed and completed my school forms and other paperwork for the burnt out engine.
Friday morning was PT which consisted of a 6 mile run which I successfully completed. I was very proud of this. After we had cleaned up I received compliments and thanks from Alex for helping him during the week. We also had a good chat about my career options. The M.E.O also came to say goodbye and thanked me for a great week. I found it quite miserable to leave, it was such a good week.
I would like to thank Alex Ross for an amazing week and good luck to him on his forthcoming Petty Officers Board and WO2 T. Ross for my lifts into work and everyone else that made this week possible.
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National Full Bore Range Course
On Sunday 16th July Cdt Oakley & A/C Gripton went to HMS Excellent, Portsmouth to take part in a Full Bore Range Course. The course was instructed on the L98 Full Bore Weapon and lasted until Friday 21st July.
Both Cadets had a great week and came back with a Basic Full Bore Shooting Qualification. Well done guys.
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District Pulling Boat Handling & Sail Boat Handling Competition
Another Big well done to all cadets who represented TS Vanguard in this years District Pulling Boat Handling & Sail Boat Handling Competitions.
We managed to get 3rd position in both Competitions.
The Pulling Boat Handling Team have been selected for the Area Regatta which is to be held at Bristol Adventure Unit at the beginning of August. Good Luck all!!
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JUNE 2006
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District Canoe & Pulling Competition
A big well done to all cadets that represented TS Vanguard at this years District Canoe & Pulling Competition.
We came a respectable 3rd overall in both competitions.
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The Open Boys Pulling Team have been selected for the Area Regatta which is to be held at Bristol Adventure Unit at the beginning of August. Good Luck all!!
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District Sailing Competition
Congratulations to A/C Collier & O/C McMulkin in winning the District Sailing Competition in the Bosun Class.
Their Final Places were:
Race One 1st
Race Two 1st
Race Three 2nd
They will now go through to the Area Competition which is to be held at SCTC Weymouth at the end of July. Good Luck girls!!
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Marine Engineering Qualifications
Congratulations to LCpl Bellingham & MC2 Buckland on passing their 2nd Class Marine Engineering at HMS Gannet in Scotland.
They now look forward to taking their 1st Class Mechanical in November and their 1st Class Electriacal in February 2007. Once both of these are passed they will have gained their 1st Class Marine Engineering Qualification.
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MAY 2006
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Promotion to Leading Cadet
A big well done to A/C Collier who recently passed her Leading Cadet Board. This was held in Plymouth at HMS Raleigh and turned out to be a very successful board.
She is now the Senior Sailor at Walsall Unit as it has been over 2 years since we last had a Leading Cadet.
Cadet Petty Officers next.
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