Cadets at HMS Sultan remember the fallen by planting a poppy garden
Three units took part
Royal Navy and Royal Marine Volunteer Cadet Corps (VCC) cadets at HMS Sultan have remembered the fallen by planting a poppy garden within the establishment.
Cadets from three units took part on Monday evening. They were the HMS Sultan Royal Naval Volunteer Cadet Corps, the Gosport Division Royal Marines Volunteer Cadet Corps (RMVCC) and the Band of the RMVCC Gosport.
The VCC, one of the UK's oldest uniformed youth organisations, is marking its 125th anniversary this year under the banner VCC125. Its headquarters is based at HMS Sultan.
Sultan VCC started the poppy garden in 2020. The Royal British Legion had asked the nation to create and plant poppies to show support for service personnel, emergency services and veterans across the globe. A limited number of volunteers collected and planted the garden. They wanted the community to see that, even in the face of adversity, the unit was supporting its cadets and community.
In 2021, the cadets wanted to complete the poppy garden again. After a month of poppy making, while still maintaining their core cadet training, they planted it on a cold November night. They have continued to mark Remembrance in this way every November since.
This year, poppies made by pupils from King's Group Academies Gosport Community Hub stand alongside those made by the cadets. It is a fantastic example of the base and local service children in schools working together to honour Remembrance and the sacrifices made by those who serve.
The cadets invited Captain Terry Tyack RN, Deputy Commander RN Youth and Cadets, and the Commanding Officer of HMS Sultan, Captain Mark Hamilton RN to join them for a short service ahead of the planting. They were also joined by the Executive Officer, Commander Niki Clear, and Major (VCC) Louis Colpitts, Deputy Commander VCC. Sultan Chaplain, Rev Mark Dalton led the prayers.
Captain Hamilton said: "It has been a great privilege to join with the cadets for their Remembrance Service. The poppy garden offers a poignant tribute to the fallen with every poppy reminding us of those we have lost, of their stories and sacrifice."
He also encouraged the cadets to talk to family members who have been awarded medals, and to ask how they earned them and what they represent. Every medal has a story, often of courage, commitment and personal sacrifice. Hearing those stories helps make sure the service of previous generations is not forgotten.
On Remembrance Sunday, sailors and Royal Navy and Royal Marine Volunteer Cadet Corps cadets from HMS Sultan will join in acts of remembrance throughout the local community. These include services at Gosport War Memorial, the Fleet Air Arm Memorial and the sunken garden in Lee-on-the-Solent.