The Challenge! Winter 2014 (Edition 17)

Winter 2014/2015

The quarterly newsletter from the Royal Marines Volunteer Cadet Corps BE WORTHY

CHALLENGE! THE

Lympstone Division’s cadets made the journey along the coast on the weekend of 14-15 November for a visit to Portsmouth and London. With a few ‘challenges’ relating to accommodation overcome, the cadets enjoyed a weekend away from home visiting the Imperial War Museum and, naturally, the Corps Museum at Eastney. The Imperial War Museum, situated near Waterloo in London, has recently undergone a massive refurbishment and now boasts a wide selection of displays. One of the more pertinent displays includes the First World War, something the cadets were keen to learn about in this centenary year.

Welcome to the Winter 2014/15 edition of The Challenge! This second quarterly edition continues to report on the activities and achievements of our Royal Marines Cadets from all three Divisions of the RMVCC. In this edition we report on Remembrance Sunday parades and how Plymouth’s Corps of Drums surprised someone from their past.

The ancestral home of the RMVCC, the former barracks at Eastney, was the location for one of the two Remembrance Sunday parades attended by the Portsmouth Division. Read on for more news and pictures of how the RMVCC commemorated the fallen in this special year.

FACEBOOK

POMPEY WEEKEND

FRONT COVER

Edition 17

Winter 2014/15

Don’t forget to check out the Facebook pages of each RMVCC Division. Just search for each Division name to see what our cadets are getting up to day by day.

é Lympstone cadets at the RM Museum

Royal Marines Volunteer Cadet Corps

The visit to the RM Museum at the former RM Barracks at Eastney gave the cadets the opportunity to immerse themselves in the three hundred and fifty years of history of our Parent Corp, as well posing by the impressive Yomper statue overlooking the seafront.

é Outside the Imperial War Museum in London é With the Yomper outside the old Eastney Barracks

Plymouth Division’s excellent Corps of Drums recently took time out from their busy schedule to pay a very special tribute to a former Royal Marines, proving again “Once A Marine, Always A Marine”. Ronald Hayward BEM, who was left partially paralysed and unable to speak after a stroke, was celebrated in October for saving the Plymouth Division of the RMVCC from being disbanded in 1963. Mr Hayward now lives at Bickleigh Down Care Home where his good friend, Don Ligertwood, who organised the celebratory event, regularly visits him. Mr Ligertwood also helped save the RMVCC from disbanding in the 60s so it was very pertinent to have both gentlemen in attendance.

“He’s stuck in there day in, day out, and I thought something like this might bring something back for him.” said Mr Ligertwood. “When I was leaving, he moved him left arm and waved, which I’ve never seen him do before. I am sure Ron, who knew nothing about this display in advance felt proud that he has not been forgotten after all these years.” Mr Hayward, who unfortunately lost his wife a few years ago, was awarded the British Empire Medal for services carried out with the management and leadership of the Plymouth Division in the 1960s. After a quick call from Mr Ligertwood to Tim Healy, Plymouth Division’s Bugle Major, a special and surprise appearance by the cadets of the Corps of Drums was arranged. “Tim happily agreed to give a tribute for our services in past years so that the cadets could continue as they do today – a fine example to the Royal Marines” added Mr Ligertwood.

A SPECIAL TRIBUTE TO A SPECIAL MAN


é The local newspaper reports on the surprise appearance

é The Corps of Drums perform their special display é Ron Hayward BEM watches with his daughter


Laurence Binyon’s words from 1914 resonate just as well today as they did a hundred years ago. All three Divisions of the RMVCC were involved in local Remembrance Sunday parades…

Plymouth Division paraded on Sunday 9 November on The Hoe along with regular and reserve members of HM Forces and other local cadet and youth organisations. Commanding Officer, Lt (now Capt) Adrian Webb RM, led his cadets as they marched past following the Remembrance Service. Meanwhile, the cadets from Lympstone mustered a few miles down the road from CTCRM and paraded in Exmouth. The Strand, shown below, was certainly dominated by the blue and green of the RMVCC, as local service, ex-service and youth organisations gathered to remember the fallen of two World Wars and other conflicts. Lympstone Division also marched through the town.

AT THE GOING DOWN OF THE SUN…

Down the coast in Portsmouth, the cadets from the Portsmouth Division were involved in three events. The cadets from B Coy, under the command of CSgt Jim Coomber RMVCC, attended the civic ceremony Guildhall Square whilst the remainder of the Division paraded on the lawn at the RM Museum in Eastney with the RMSM Band. The Regimental Colour of Portsmouth Division, carried by Cdt CSgt (now WO2) Devon Smith, marched onto the parade alongside the Portsmouth Branch Standard of the Royal Marines Association, also carried by a member of the RMVCC, CSgt Paul Harvey RMVCC. Later, a section of cadets attended Fratton Park for a pre-match moment of commemoration.

é Portsmouth RMVCC marches on at the RM Museum

é Plymouth RMVCC marches past led by their CO

Royal Marines Commandos boarded their landing craft at Ostend on the night of 31 October 1944, destined for an assault against the German held island of Walcheren…

A GALLANT ASSAULT

The Support Squadron Eastern Flank (SSEF) Force sailed from England on the 27 October 1944 to Ostend, consisting of 25 craft and then departed from Ostend at 03.25 on 1 November 1944. In the early hours Royal Marine commandos attacked at Westhopple in Holland as part of Operation Infatuate to secure the Port of Antwerp to supply the Allies. The assault had to be made in broad daylight at 09.15, the weather was terrible, and the planes that were going to provide support were grounded. HM Ships Warspite, Erebus and Roberts provided much needed naval gunfire support. The SSEF plan was to split in two equal escort groups, one going south of the gap and one going north. Some craft were ordered to engage the Westkapette Battery and went in firing. As they passed a certain point some of the German guns opened fire to be joined later by the big guns at the Westkapette main fort. Four craft fired their 6” rockets at the beach head in batches.

Now it was crisis time in one of the most bitter and gallant battles of the war, as the first landing craft carrying the commandos headed for the gap in the Dyke the enemy batteries put up a devastating hail of fire. The two groups of SSEF craft were ordered closer in to draw away this fire by engaging the enemy guns at point blank range. Landing Craft LCG(M)102 beached down on the south side of the gap and engaged her target pillbox with her 3” guns and was immediately caught in a rain of shells at close range. Soon she had been hit several times and was on fire. Her crew got the fire under control but she was hit again and again, she was broken and burning on the beach. Nobody survived.

In the northern group LCG(L)1 went in with her guns firing and closed to 600 yards in spite of being hit three times. She was then hit several more times and its skipper, Lieutenant Ballard RNR, was wounded. One of the shells took the compass from his hand before it exploded and another blasted away the compass pedestal and voice-pipe.

Out of the twenty-five craft in the SSEF a total of nine craft was lost and nine other so badly damaged. Of the crews, 172 officers and men killed and 200 wounded. The gallantry of the Naval Service is reflected in the operational awards made: •  1 Officer of the Order of the British Empire •  1 Distinguished Service Order •  18 Distinguished Service Cross •  4 Bars to DSC •  1 Second Bar to DSC •  2 Conspicuous Gallantry Medal •  27 Distinguished Service Medal

é 47 RM Commando embark for Walcheren at Ostend


By the time we publish this edition of The Challenge! Our first VCC Annual Review will have taken place. The next edition will feature the event in detail but in the meantime lets look back at some of our history.

FROM THE ARCHIVES

The first VCC unit was formed at Portsmouth on 14 February 1901, a great day for those who were there no doubt but ever since celebrating our birthday on St Valentine’s Day has played havoc with the staff’s social calendar! The first cadets, and we believe there were about 150 of them, wore a khaki uniform based on that worn by soldiers in the Boer War. They gathered, not at Eastney Baracks, but at the Mission Hall in Prince Albert Street, Eastney under the direction of the first CO, Captain Harkness RMA. They attended Eastney Barracks on their second night, by which time the local newspaper had already reported their formation.

Following the Portsmouth Division, more formations took place at Gosport, Plymouth and Chatham. Then in 1904, the Royal Navy finally caught up (no change there then!) and formed their cadets at HMS Victory Barracks in Portsmouth. Originally titled Royal Naval Boys Brigade (although having nothing to do with the Boys Brigade we know these days) they also soon formed units in Plymouth and Chatham. We don’t yet know exactly when the VCC name came into being but the first time we have found it used was in the Navy List in February 1913. We are always finding out more about our 114 year history, and should you have any items of historical interest please get in touch with CSgt Jim Coomber RMVCC, our Regimental Historian based at the Portsmouth Division. There will be more treasures from our archives in future editions.

é RM Cadets at Eastney Barracks in 1949


ç Did you know we have a VCC prayer, only recently found

A packed events programme has seen the cadets form Portsmouth Division attend three full weekend field exercises and a one day navex; how do they fit it all in?

POMPEY CADETS TAKE TO THE DOWNS

Ex High Peak took place on Sunday 7 December 2014 and involved an early start and a nice drive through the morning mist to the beautiful South Downs. After a quick safety brief and separation into two sections, led by Cdt Sgt Matt Reed and James Debono, the cadets plotted their routes and started off on their modest 12km yomp. Sgt Debono’s section started well, as did Sgt Reed’s – well, so he thought. After fifteen minutes, the accompanying member of staff couldn’t keep quiet any longer….”Are you sure you are going the right way Sergeant?”

é The Arun Valley provides a good vantage point


é “Does the boss really want us to do a river crossing?”

Much rustling of mappage followed along with several turns of the compass, and eventually 2 sect were back on their way, this time on the right track. Unbeknownst to them, 1 sect had made good progress but had overshot a turning and by now were also on the wrong route – but this is why we do navexs, learn from our mistakes so we don’t make them again. The weather was overcast but dry, and then an ominous looking cloud came into view on the horizon – but skin is waterproof so it wasn’t a major concern. And then the heavens opened!

A winter’s sun was warmly welcomed half an hour later, and coupled with a refreshing wind enabled us to get dried out. A safe crossing of the A29 was made without incident and then one of the best parts of the route came into view, the wonderful vista across the Arun Valley – not in flood for once! Once at the bottom of the valley the River Arun was a significant feature to cross but the bridge was much appreciated, the cadets not quite in the mood for a full on river crossing. A quick lunch was grabbed at Amberley railway station (‘Of course there is a shop there” – there wasn’t!) and the second leg beckoned with a good long climb back out of the valley and on to the top of the Downs. “Well worth the view Sir!” was a breathless and not entirely sincere remark after the long climb. By 1600 the darkness was creeping in and thankfully our vehicles had found the obscure car park that was our FRV, and despite being caked in mud, being wet dry wet dry, and with aching legs, the cadets seemed to have enjoyed a day in the country – who needs Dartmoor!

é “Want to do it again chaps?” Zzzzzzzzzzzzz!

The end of 2014 came far too quickly, but Portsmouth Division RMVCC rounded off a busy twelve months in fine voice, a special guest and some well deserved promotions.

HAS ANYONE SEEN CAROL?

On a dark and cold winter’s evening the cadets and staff of the Portsmouth Division started to gather on the Quarterdeck at HMS Excellent, eagerly awaiting the Padre to turn up and open the doors to St Barbara’s Church. I fear this was not some new found desire to spread the Gospel, but moreover the warm and welcoming lights glinting through the windows were offering much needed solace. The cadets ‘pinged’ to be on the main gate probably had the rough end of the stick, but a much needed duty to ensure our guests found their way.

é WO2 Sam Chadwick accepts the RSM’s cane


é The 2IC grabs the spotlight yet again

And indeed soon, the familiar sight of our Colonel Commandant came into view, accompanied by Mrs Cautley. Always welcome at our events, Colonel and Mrs Cautley were greeted by the CO and 2IC and taken to their front pew seats. Already arrived was His Worship The Lord Mayor of Portsmouth, Cllr Steven Wylie on his first visit to our cadets. Our other guests included a ‘capacity crowd’ of families and friends, indeed we only just remembered to reserve some seats for the cadets. Thankfully, we squeezed everyone in, accompanied by seasonal music from our flutes under the direction of our Bandmaster WO2 Graham Lindsay RMVCC.

The service began with a hearty rendition of O Come All Ye Faithful, with some superb singing from amongst our angelic cadets, and some decidedly dodgy sounds from our staff for whom such a epithet is possibly not entirely accurate. Readings then followed from two cadet NCOs and two of our volunteer staff, interspersed by some more carols and some very wise words from the Padre, Reverend Richard Ellingham RN, about the meaning of Christmas gifts. At the end of the service, we were delighted to invite Colonel Cautley to present awards, including promotions to Cdt CSgts Joe Oldfield and Devon Smith and certificates of achievement to Cdts Upson and Truscott. Lastly, and by no means least, Cdt WO2 Sam Chadwick was promoted to Cdt WO1 and appointed to be our next Cadet Regimental Sergeant Major. An enjoyable evening was concluded by our traditional raffle, and our thanks go to those parents who donated such brilliant prizes. I would say how much money we collected but I can’t count that high! And so to 2015, and with another busy year ahead our Christmas leave started – let’s do it all again.

é Cadet Connor Upson proudly receives his certificate

The end of 2014 saw our cadets as busy as ever…

PICTURES FROM THE DIVISIONS

é Morning gloom and breakfast for Pompey cadets


é Lympstone’s recruits pass out for duty é Marching past with pride

é A special guest arrives, and in a different uniform é Christmas party gathering

Pictures and the story behind our recent VCC Annual Review weekend in Portsmouth will be in the next edition of The Challenge! Don’t forget you can contribute words and photos too; just email [email protected]. é Plymouth cadets get to grips with arctic training

Ensure that parental consent is obtained before attending any activity where such consent is required (for example weekend exercises or field gun displays). Make sure your uniform fits properly, is clean and ready to wear. Pay particular attention to your ‘blues’ uniform and check it fits well before any ceremonial parade. Report to the stores if you need items of uniform exchanged. Regularly check our websites and notice boards for the latest events and news. Pay your subs each month and keep your pass with you at all times.

The RMC Ethos mirrors the Commando Ethos that drives all members of our Corps Family:

Plymouth Division

E: [email protected] T: 01752 836367 A: Plymouth Division RMVCC,

RMB Stonehouse, Durnford Street, Plymouth, PL1 3QS

Lympstone Division

E: [email protected] T: 01392 414302 A: Lympstone Division RMVCC,

Commando Training Centre RM, Exmouth Road, Exmouth, EX8 5AR

The views expressed in ‘The Challenge!’ do not necessarily reflect those of the RMVCC or MOD. © Royal Marines Volunteer Cadet Corps All Rights Reserved February 2015

How to make contact with us: Portsmouth Division E: [email protected] T: 023 9253 7495 A: Portsmouth Division RMVCC,

158 Building, HMS Excellent, Whale Island, Portsmouth, PO2 8ER

Meet The Challenge!

ROYAL MARINES CADET ETHOS

STANDING ORDERS

Inform your Troop or Company Commander, Phase Lead or activity lead instructor if you are not able to attend a training night or other activity. This can be done by letter or email from your parent or guardian. Keep the Administration Office updated with your personal, emergency contact and medical information. Use our forms to send in updated details.

Cadet Values:

EXCELLENCE Strive to do better INTEGRITY Tell the truth SELF-DISCIPLINE Resist the easy option HUMILITY Respect the rights, diversity

and value of others

Cadet Spirit: COURAGE Get out front and do what is right DETERMINATION Never give up UNSELFISHNESS Oppo first, team second, self last CHEERFULNESS Make humour the heart of

morale

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The Challenge! Winter 2014 (Edition 17)