Two Cadets from the VCC have been chosen as 1st Sea Lord Cadets for next year!

Cadet Colour Sergeant Arthur W – Band of RMVCC GOSPORT

CSgt Arthur W joined the RMVCC Band in November 2021 as a flautist. From his earliest weeks in the unit, he demonstrated exceptional enthusiasm, natural musicality, and a strong work ethic, quickly establishing himself as a capable and dependable cadet. Through dedication, discipline, and consistently high performance, he rose swiftly through the ranks, earning promotion to Colour Sergeant in recognition of his leadership potential and exemplary conduct.

Arthur’s musicianship has been evident throughout his time in the Band. His commitment to developing his skills enabled him to take on responsibilities usually reserved for more senior musicians, frequently conducting the Band in the absence of musical staff. He has led the ensemble with confidence during several high-profile engagements, including performances in London for the Lady Mayor’s Parade, where his calm authority and clear musical 

direction proved central to the Band’s success. During his service with the RMVCC, CSgt Arthur was selected for a work-experience placement with the Royal Marines Band Service. His conduct, capability, and professionalism impressed staff to such an extent that he was invited to participate in one of the largest and most prestigious commitments in the Royal Marines Band Service calendar—an opportunity rarely offered to a cadet, and one that stands as a testament to his exceptional potential.

Leading Cadet Rosie A – HMS COLLINGWOOD RNVCC

Leading Cadet Rosie A has been a member of HMS Collingwood VCC since March 2023, and from the outset has immersed herself fully in the wide range of activities the organisation offers. She has consistently played a pivotal role in team events, and her standout leadership in these activities led to her well-deserved promotion to Leading Cadet.

LCDT Rosie is immensely proud of her achievements within the Cadets, particularly her success in her first year of Field Gun competitions, where she proved herself to be a strong, reliable, and committed member of the crew. Beyond Field Gun, she demonstrates a genuine eagerness to learn about the Royal Navy and confidently shares her knowledge across the unit’s broad age range—clear evidence of her strong communication skills and enthusiasm for inspiring others.

Over the past year, Rosie has developed a keen interest in aviation, attending a wide array of aviation-focused activities that have significantly strengthened her understanding in this field. She participated in the Cadet Naval Aviation Programme aboard HMS BELFAST, and during her visit to the Farnborough Air Sciences Trust Museum she gained insight into the evolution of naval aviation and the technological advancements that have shaped aircraft operations at sea.

As part of the Giga-Visit Programme, she visited RAF Benson, where she observed the close collaboration between aircrew and ground support personnel. Exploring static displays of the Chinook and Puma helicopters further deepened her admiration for rotary-wing operations. More recently, Rosie was selected for the Bronze CNAC course, where she learned about aircraft fuel management, aviation history, and had the unique opportunity to fly in a Merlin helicopter simulator.

Rosie’s strong moral courage—whether responding to set tasks or rising to unexpected challenges—sets her apart from her peers. She maintains high personal standards with ease and consistently helps others to achieve theirs. Her determination, reliability, and willingness to support those around her embody the best qualities of the Cadet Corps.

Rosie has given a great deal to the VCC organisation, and her long-term aspiration is to join the Royal Navy as a helicopter pilot. Being selected as a First Sea Lord’s Cadet not only recognises her outstanding effort and commitment, but also provides her with unparalleled insight into the Service she hopes to join.

LCDT Rosie continually displays the core values of the Royal Navy in her approach to cadet life and shows an unselfish dedication to helping others wherever she can. Confident, reliable, and highly respected throughout the unit, she always gives her best. As a First Sea Lord’s Cadet, she intends to seize every opportunity afforded to her, further strengthening her ambition to serve as a Royal Navy aviator.

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