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Poole Sea Cadets were honoured to be asked to lead the parade commemorating the 80th Anniversary of D-Day by marching along historic Poole Quay.

Joining the Mayor and Sheriff of Poole for the lighting of a commemorative flame, the cadets specifically paused by the US Coastguard Memorial. Why this should be here is best explained by the inscription:

‘From this Quay, 60 cutters of the United States Coast Guard Rescue Flotilla 1 departed for the Normandy Invasion, 6 June 1944.
These 83-foot boats, built entirely of wood, and the 840 crew members were credited with saving the lives of 1437 men and 1 woman.
In remembrance of the service of Rescue Flotilla 1, and with appreciation of the kindnesses of the people of Poole to the crews, this Plaque is given by the men and women of the United States Coast Guard’.
Poole Sea Cadets have implemented a series of lectures to make sure our cadets are fully aware of the context, historical significance and sacrifices of D-Day.
Our cadets have varying educational experiences from a wide range of backgrounds, aged as they are up to 18 - 80 years ago that would have been the age they would have been called up.
We hope in particular to familiarise them with what happened in Poole, the third largest embarkation port for Operation Overlord, which saw thousands of US troops depart Dorset to Omaha Beach in Normandy.
 

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Poole cadets Conna and Abbie were recently invited to Buckingham Palace to receive their well earned Gold Duke of Edinburgh Awards. Such awards involve a huge amount of application and energy. On the day they were accompanied by officers and volunteers from TS Drax. Many congratulations and BZ to all.

Fantastic to see HMS Cattistock honoured with the Freedom of Poole - a huge accolade for the Royal Navy and our home town. 

Poole Sea Cadets were honoured to be asked to contribute to the main event on Poole Quay and then to march through the Old Town behind the Band of Royal Marines Plymouth.

Lieutenant Jonny Campbell, Commanding Officer of HMS Cattistock, said: "The affiliation between HMS Cattistock and the people of Poole and the village of Cattistock is long established and remains an important link."

He reminded us [as the 80th anniversary of D-Day fast approaches, and in which Poole played a vital part] that, "In 1944 an earlier ship of the same name protected minesweepers in the days and hours before D-Day in Normandy, and now it is us who hunt and clear mines to protect our country."

"We have always been warmly welcomed by Poole and hugely enjoy visiting to see our friends including Poole Sea Cadets, schools and the maritime community.

"I am really pleased that the Ship can visit again and maintain the link between the British people and the Royal Navy. We really enjoy visiting our favourite port".

Last week the Unit Management Committee (UMC) introduced themselves, and explained their roles to the ship's company.

Congratulations to all!! Poole's cadets came first in the "Unarmed Squad" with the "Best Squad Commander" and they shared first in the "Mixed Wessex Guard" competitions. BZ to all.