As Sea Cadets marks Trafalgar Day (21 October), a Lancashire teenager has taken centre stage in national commemorations honouring Admiral Lord Nelson and celebrating the next generation of young leaders.
Petty Officer Cadet Hadley, 17, from Accrington, was selected to serve as the First Sea Lord’s Cadet, one of the highest honours available to a Sea Cadet, representing thousands of young people from across the UK. Earlier this week, Hadley joined more than 400 cadets in London for Sea Cadets’ annual Trafalgar Day celebrations, which included a ceremonial parade through central London, musical performances and a display in Trafalgar Square beneath Nelson’s Column.
On Sunday, Hadley delivered the prestigious reading of Nelson’s Prayer during the national Trafalgar Day Service.
Today, he joined fellow First Sea Lord’s Cadets at St Paul’s Cathedral, where they laid a wreath at Admiral Lord Nelson’s Tomb as part of the annual Trafalgar Day commemorations.
More than 220 years after Nelson’s victory at the Battle of Trafalgar, the occasion continues to connect young people with values of leadership, service, commitment and teamwork.
Hadley joined Sea Cadets in 2019 and has developed into one of the organisation’s outstanding youth leaders. Over the past six years he has gained qualifications in sailing, powerboating and leadership, while supporting younger cadets and representing Sea Cadets at regional and national events.
Reflecting on his role in this year’s commemorations, Hadley said: “Reading Nelson’s Prayer was an awesome experience and something I’ll remember for the rest of my life. It was a real honour to represent Sea Cadets and young people from across the country during such an important occasion.”
Hadley added that taking part in the wreath-laying ceremony at Nelson’s Tomb was a proud moment and a fitting way to mark Trafalgar Day.
Alongside ceremonial duties, Hadley has embraced the wide range of opportunities available through Sea Cadets, developing sailing, boating and leadership skills while building confidence and helping other young people succeed.
He said: “Sea Cadets has given me skills that I couldn’t have found anywhere else, including leadership, public speaking and teaching skills. Those experiences have given me confidence and helped prepare me for the future. One of the things I enjoy most is being able to support younger cadets and help them develop in the same way that others helped me.”
Guy Holloway, Chief Executive of Marine Society and Sea Cadets, said: “Trafalgar Day is an opportunity to reflect on an important moment in Britain’s maritime history, but it is also a chance to celebrate the remarkable young people who are part of Sea Cadets today. Hadley’s selection as First Sea Lord’s Cadet is recognition of his commitment, leadership and the example he sets for other young people.”
“Every week we see cadets gaining confidence, developing new skills and achieving things they never thought possible. Hadley is a wonderful example of the opportunities available through Sea Cadets and the positive impact they can have on young people’s lives.”
Sea Cadets supports thousands of young people across the UK, providing opportunities to learn new skills, make friends, take on leadership responsibilities and experience adventures they might not otherwise have access to. Through activities including sailing, watersports, paddlesports, engineering, music, first aid and community volunteering, cadets gain practical skills while developing confidence, resilience and teamwork.
