Swindon cadets did a fantastic job in the drill and piping competition held on 8.2.14
results as follows
A fantastic effort and we are now on our way to the Area competition with the piping team and individual piper - good luck to you all !
With effect from Jan 15 we will be adopting a system for senior cadet joining procedure whereby we will run intakes on a 3 monthly basis. This will ensure the new entrants get the best training possible and will allow an easier and managed progression toward full enrolment
On Tuesday 16.12.14 VIP's, Guests, Cadets and Staff attended the annual cadet awards night.
The evening was well attended and awards were presented to several cadets for numerous categories from Best Junior cadet to Cadet of the Year.
The evening was also important as we are saying "Goodbye" to our administration officer - who has been with the unit for almost 20 years.The presentation of a crystal glass engraved presentation piece was made by the chairman followed by presentations of cards and gifts from the cadets , unit committee and staff.
The evening also saw the current Commanding officer completing her time in post and as this was her last official parade presentations were also made by the chairman of flowers and cards from all the ships company and unit committee members.
by Elizabeth Mackley 5:00am Saturday 27th September 2014 in News from Swindon Advertiser (Edited SCC unit webmaster)
THE family of war veteran Cyril Bartlett fear time is running out for him to receive the Ushakov medal after the Russian Embassy mislaid his application forms.
The 94-year-old, who founded the Swindon Sea Cadets, was presented with an Arctic Star medal in April 2014 at Swindon sea cadet unit in recognition of his role in the Second World War on the Arctic Convoys.
The Medal of Ushakov, a Russian award in recognition of the efforts made by British sailors to deliver supplies to Soviet forces in Murmansk and Arkhangelsk. has suffered a delay in processing due to an administrative issue
Cyril, who was hoping to receive his medal at a special remembrance ceremony at the Wyvern Theatre on November 3, might never get to celebrate the honour after his application forms failed to reach the appropriate people at the Russian Embassy in London.
Cyril’s son David, who lives in Old Walcot and is his father’s full-time carer, said: “Father is looking forward to going along to the ceremony But unfortunately, we have learnt that the Russian Embassy have not received or lost his application forms, so he will not be receiving it until at least the New Year.
“But he’s an old man and he’s very sick". "He was overwhelmed and delighted to find out he would receive it. It’s a great honour".
“Veterans have of course received medals from the USA and other countries but I don’t think he ever expected to get a medal from Russia, a country that was the greatest foe in the Cold War.
“I do know they are working hard to try and get the medal to him for the ceremony in November but it is disappointing. I think it’s just bureaucracy getting in the way.”
Cyril spent some time aboard the HMS Vervain during the Second World War, which travelled deep into the Arctic Circle when he was barely out of his teens.
David said: “Although father joined the navy, to this day he has never been able to swim.
“When they used to play water polo when they were out at sea he used to have to wear a lifejacket. But if they had fallen into the sea then they would only have survived for five minutes before they froze to death.
“When they were near the Russian coast they had to chip off the ice from the super structure every hour, otherwise the ship would have ‘turned turtle’.”
Cyril was presented with the Arctic Star medal at a special ceremony at the 4th TS Resolution Swindon unit of the Sea Cadets building in Upham Road by Rear Admiral Nick Wilkinson.
Even before Cyril joined the war in 1940 he had already established the first Swindon unit of the sea cadets in the town centre.
The Russian Embassy had not responded to a request for a comment when the Adver went to press.
On Friday April 4th TS Resolution played host to the presentation of the Arctic Star Medal to Lt/Cdr (S.C.C.) C.D. Bartlett R.N.R.
Cyril volunteered and joined the Royal Navy in October 1940. He joined H.M.S. Vervain, a flower class corvette in1942. This was the ship that earned him the Arctic Star. He has served on H.M.S. Victory - The flagship of the First Sea Lord since October 2012 and is the world's oldest naval ship still in commission.
He also flew in an Albacore torpedo spotter reconnaissance squadron in 832 Squadron as aircrew.
He left the navy in June 1946.
Prior to His Naval service Cyril was instrumental in the founding of the Sea Cadets in Swindon and later established and was commanding officer of the first sea cadet training centre (SCTC) at RNAY Wroughton back in the early 1970's (now sadly closed).
We are extremely proud to host the presentation to the founding father of Swindon Sea Cadets
For further information and to see the feature on the Arctic Star Presentation and to find out more about Cyril's Naval career and his Sea Cadet Career please click in the following link from the Swindon Advertiser
Has someone made you feel uncomfortable online? Report it directly to CEOP
Enter your details to subscribe to our newsletter
