News

Over the weekend, Cadet LC Sibbald of TS Queen Elizabeth embarked on a challenging promotion course at MOD Caledonia. This intensive course, designed to test leadership skills, personal turnout, and peer education, presented Cadet Sibbald with a series of rigorous challenges.

Under the watchful eagle eyes of assessors, Cadet Sibbald navigated through various tasks, including drill assessments and peer education sessions. His dedication and exemplary performance caught the attention of assessors, earning him not one, but two exceptional passes.

A standout moment came during Cadet Sibbald's peer-education lesson on piping, where he received glowing praise from assessors for his engaging and informative delivery. His ability to educate and inspire his peers demonstrated exceptional leadership qualities and a commitment to personal development.

The culmination of the course saw Cadet Sibbald face an interview with Senior Staff Officer, Commander (SCC) G. Tait, and Assistant Staff Officer (Working with Young People), S/Lt Duncan. Displaying confidence and proficiency, Cadet Sibbald impressed the interview panel, ultimately securing his promotion to the esteemed rank of Petty Officer Cadet (POC).

The entire TS Queen Elizabeth community is bursting with pride at Petty Officer Cadet Sibbald's achievement. His unwavering determination, exemplary performance, and outstanding leadership have not only earned him a well-deserved promotion but also served as an inspiration to his fellow cadets.

As Cadet Sibbald embarks on this new chapter in his Sea Cadet journey, we extend our heartfelt congratulations and best wishes for continued success. His accomplishments serve as a testament to the values of dedication, perseverance, and excellence upheld by TS Queen Elizabeth and the Sea Cadet Corps as a whole.

March's end-of-year divisions at T.S Queen Elizabeth brought forth a wave of excitement and recognition as cadets were honoured with promotions and awards for their outstanding contributions and dedication.

First and foremost, we celebrate the promotions, a testament to the hard work and commitment of our cadets in mastering the syllabus and demonstrating exemplary leadership skills:

Promoted to Able Cadet:

AC Gierecyck
AC Houston

Additionally, we are delighted to announce the recipients of the CO's commendations, recognising individuals who have gone above and beyond the call of duty to serve our unit:

CO's Commendations:

PO Reynolds: In recognition of his tireless assistance, exceeding the normal call of duty, particularly in maintaining the unit and delivering exceptional cadet experiences.
PPO Moloney: For his outstanding dedication and exemplary work as Unit Training Officer, ensuring the continuous development and training of our cadets.
CFC Cochrane: For consistently embodying the Corps Values and setting a shining example for his peers through his regular demonstration of integrity, respect, and excellence.
These promotions and awards reflect the commitment, dedication, and leadership demonstrated by our cadets and staff members throughout the year. Their efforts have played a pivotal role in the success and continued growth of T.S Queen Elizabeth.

As we celebrate these achievements, we extend our heartfelt congratulations to all the promoted cadets and commendation recipients. Your hard work and dedication have not gone unnoticed, and we are proud to have you as part of our family.

Last Sunday, a poignant moment unfolded as T.S Queen Elizabeth, paused to pay tribute to the victims of the Clydebank Blitz. This solemn gesture brought to light the harrowing events of March 1941 when Clydebank, a bustling hub of the shipbuilding industry during World War II, fell victim to devastating Luftwaffe bombings.

During those two fateful nights, the tranquil streets of Clydebank were transformed into scenes of chaos and destruction. The relentless bombings claimed the lives of 528 people, with scores more left severely wounded. However, the true extent of the tragedy is believed to be even greater, as the death toll failed to account for civilians who succumbed to their injuries in the aftermath.

Amidst the chaos, a glimmer of heroism emerged in the form of the Polish destroyer, ORP Piorun. Anchored at Clydebank during the attacks, Captain Eugeniusz Pławski orchestrated a coordinated defense of the city. His brave actions, alongside the crew of ORP Piorun, played a pivotal role in the defense of Clydebank, offering a beacon of hope amidst the darkness of war.

To commemorate this act of valour and solidarity, a memorial stands proudly at Solidarity Square, opposite the Town Hall. Here, the cadets of Clydebank Sea Cadets joined in paying tribute, reaffirming the town's enduring connection with ORP Piorun and expressing gratitude to its courageous crew.

The tribute paid by T.S Queen Elizabeth and her cadets serves as a poignant reminder of the resilience and spirit of the Clydebank community in the face of adversity. As we honour the memory of those who perished during the Clydebank Blitz, we also pay homage to the unsung heroes who bravely defended our town, ensuring that their sacrifices are never forgotten.

In a momentous occasion this evening, Clydebank Sea Cadets had the privilege of witnessing the promotion of their esteemed Commanding Officer, Nadine Daly, from Sub-Lieutenant to Lieutenant. This impressive milestone stands as a testament to Nadine's unwavering dedication and steadfast commitment to cadet delivery.

Nadine's promotion comes as no surprise to those who have had the privilege of working alongside her. Her leadership has been exemplary, guiding and inspiring both staff and cadets alike. As a recipient of the prestigious Capt. Roddie Casement RN sword, awarded to the highest performing commanding officer in the UK, Nadine's promotion further solidifies her reputation as an outstanding leader within the Sea Cadet community.

Proudly officiating the ceremony was our Executive Officer (XO), PO(SCC) Rowan Daly, who had the honour of presenting Nadine with her new epaulettes. The event was a moment of celebration for the entire unit, as both staff and cadets came together to extend their heartfelt congratulations to Lieutenant Daly.

Nadine's promotion serves as an inspiration to all, demonstrating the rewards of hard work, dedication, and a genuine passion for serving the cadets. As she continues to lead with integrity and enthusiasm, the Clydebank Sea Cadets community looks forward to the continued growth and success under her leadership.In the midst of celebrations for Commanding Officer Nadine's promotion to Lieutenant, a light-hearted tradition has emerged at Clydebank Sea Cadets. An amusing bounty was placed - not of gold or silver, but of sweets - for any cadets (or staff!) who inadvertently slip up and addressed Lieutenant Daly by her previous rank.

On behalf of staff and cadets alike, we wish to convey our sincerest congratulations to Lieutenant Nadine Daly. Her promotion is a well-deserved recognition of her exceptional leadership and commitment to the cadets, and we are honoured to serve under her command.

Today marked an exciting collaboration between Clydebank Sea Cadets and Clydebank F.C. as cadets and staff were invited to attend the thrilling match against Gartcairn. With Clydebank F.C. currently leading the pack in the West of Scotland Football League, the stakes were high as they aimed to bolster their promotion hopes with a victory.

Amidst the electric atmosphere at the ground, the cadets took on the responsibility of conducting a bucket collection and distributing stickers to eager fans. Meanwhile, staff members were on standby to provide information about the sea cadets, answering queries and spreading awareness about the organisation.

While the final total from the bucket collection is yet to be tallied, spirits remained high throughout the day despite the narrow 1-0 defeat suffered by Clydebank F.C. to Gartcairn, who secured victory with a late goal.

The Clydebank Sea Cadets extend their sincere gratitude to the Clydebank Supporters Trust, as well as Paul and Grace, for orchestrating the event and extending a warm welcome to all attendees. This collaboration marks the beginning of what promises to be a fruitful partnership between the sea cadets and our beloved local football team.

As the chant "Come on the 'bankies!" reverberates through the terraces, we look forward to standing side by side with Clydebank F.C. in future endeavors, united in our shared commitment to our community and its success.