Volunteer Cadet Corps Celebrates its 120 Year Anniversary

The Volunteer Cadet Corps (VCC) celebrated 120 years since its formation on 14th Feb 1901. The pandemic prevented the organisation from holding any events during our anniversary year in 2021, but with the restrictions now lifting we planned to mark this milestone this year instead. 

The VCC paraded at HMS Excellent on Sun 3 Apr with over 250 cadets and adult volunteers from units across the UK (Portsmouth, Gosport, Fareham, Plymouth, Lympstone, Arbroath and its newest unit Chivenor based in North Devon).

Amongst the array of VIPs and inspecting officers were Mr Nigel Atkinson (HM Lord Lieutenant of Hampshire), Rear Admiral Philip Hally CB MBE (Assistant Chief of the Defence Staff (Personnel Capability) and Honorary Captain VCC), and Brigadier Tony Turner ADC (Deputy Commandant General Royal Marines).

The VCC were joined by the Band of HM Royal Marines (Royal Marines School of Music) who provided the musical support throughout the event including performing Dignus for the march past – this is the Royal Marines Cadet march and takes its name from the Royal Marines Volunteer Cadet Corps motto ‘Be Worthy’.

During the parade, the VCC presented WO2 (VCC) Jim Coomber from Portsmouth Division RMVCC his 4^th Cadet Force Medal Clasp for 36 years’ service and WO2 (VCC) Paul Holden from Lympstone Division RMVCC his 3^rd Cadet Force Medal Clasp for 30 years’ service. The VCC was also glad to welcome Mr Terry Wing and Mrs Shirley Wing to the parade. Terry was Commander VCC until 2020 and was instrumental in making sure the VCC not only survived but thrived, gaining for the VCC full MOD sponsored status.  Shirley volunteered for many years as one of the VCC’s senior headquarters staff, and was at the forefront of setting up its administrative and financial processes and systems.  Covid meant they were unable to be given a proper send off in 2020, so the VCC was delighted to put that right during the parade.

Commenting after the parade, Lt Col (VCC) Chris Spratt (Commander VCC) said “Whilst a year later than planned due to Covid, today’s parade was a magnificent way to celebrate our 120th anniversary. I’m very proud of all of our cadets who paraded today, demonstrating the very best of our youth.”

The VCC is not a pre-service organisation and there is no obligation or expectation for  cadets to join HM Armed Forces.  But what the VCC does offer its young people is a cadet family where they can develop life skills to provide them with a springboard for success as they progress through their formative years.  The VCC aims to develop young people into dependable and reliable members of society, prepare them for life, and offer them a cadet experience that augments and enhances what they learn at school.  

A recent report by the University of Northampton found that joining the cadets offers a range of benefits to individuals and the wider community. Following research across the cadet forces, the report outlined the huge positive impact that we have on social inclusion, mobility and the mental wellbeing of young people. 

Read more on our parade ➡️

https://www.portsmouth.co.uk/news/defence/hundreds-of-children-celebrate-the-volunteer-cadet-corps-120th-birthday-during-a-parade-at-the-royal-navys-hq-3650883