Portsmouth Guildhall plaque marks the VCC’s historic roots as Portsmouth100 continues and the inaugural National Cadets Week begins.
Monday 5 October 2026 – A piece of Portsmouth’s military and youth history has been permanently marked at the heart of the city, as the Volunteer Cadet Corps (VCC) unveiled a commemorative plaque at Portsmouth Guildhall.
The ceremony brought together cadets, adult volunteers, civic leaders and senior military representatives to celebrate the VCC’s 125 year history and its deep and enduring connection with Portsmouth.
The occasion formed part of the city’s Portsmouth100 celebrations and the VCC’s 125th anniversary year, while also marking the beginning of the inaugural National Cadets Week, a week long national celebration of cadets and adult volunteers across the United Kingdom.
Cadets from Portsmouth Division Royal Marines Volunteer Cadet Corps (RMVCC) and HMS Excellent Royal Navy Volunteer Cadet Corps (RNVCC) were at the centre of the ceremony, representing generations of young people who have benefited from the opportunities provided by the VCC.
The plaque was unveiled in the presence of His Majesty’s Lord Lieutenant of Hampshire, Nigel Atkinson; The Right Worshipful the Lord Mayor of Portsmouth, Councillor Abdul Kadir; the Leader of Portsmouth City Council, Councillor Steve Pitt; and other civic, military and community representatives.
Senior military representatives included Brigadier Gerard Salzano MBE, Commander, Royal Navy Cadet Forces; Lieutenant Commander Adam Hearn RN, Commander, Volunteer Cadet Corps; and Major (VCC) Louis Colpitts, Deputy Commander, Volunteer Cadet Corps.
The ceremony also brought together 14 current and former Lord Mayor’s Cadets from across the Cadet Forces movement, recognising the young people who have represented Portsmouth in this important civic role.
A legacy rooted in Portsmouth
The Volunteer Cadet Corps was established in Portsmouth in 1901, with its history deeply connected to Portsmouth and the Royal Navy and Royal Marines.
For 125 years, the organisation has provided young people with opportunities to develop confidence, leadership, teamwork, discipline and a spirit of service through adventure, education and the traditions, standards and ethos of the Royal Navy and Royal Marines.
Lieutenant Commander Adam Hearn RN, Commander, Volunteer Cadet Corps, said:
“It is particularly fitting that, as we celebrate 125 years of the Volunteer Cadet Corps, we are able to mark our Portsmouth origins with a permanent plaque at the heart of the city.
For generations, Portsmouth has been an important part of the VCC story, and generations of young people from across the city have experienced the opportunities that cadet life provides.
This plaque is a lasting reminder of the contribution made by those cadets and volunteers who have gone before us and of the enduring relationship between the Volunteer Cadet Corps and Portsmouth.
To unveil it during Portsmouth100, in our 125th anniversary year and at the beginning of the inaugural National Cadets Week makes this a particularly special moment for everyone connected with the VCC.”
Following the unveiling, the Lord Mayor of Portsmouth hosted cadets and adult volunteers in the Lord Mayor’s Parlour, providing an opportunity to meet the young people and volunteers at the heart of the celebrations.
The event marks another milestone in the VCC’s anniversary year, while National Cadets Week will see cadets and adult volunteers across the country showcase the opportunities, skills and experiences that cadet life provides.
The new plaque at Portsmouth Guildhall will now provide a permanent reminder of the Volunteer Cadet Corps’ Portsmouth origins and its 125 year contribution to developing young people.
For all images from the day, click here.
The Volunteer Cadet Corps was established in 1901 and is a Ministry of Defence sponsored youth organisation providing opportunities for young people aged 9 to 18.
The VCC uses the traditions, standards and ethos of the Royal Navy and Royal Marines to help develop young people into dependable and reliable members of society.
The organisation is celebrating its 125th anniversary throughout 2026.
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