Sea Cadets Dartford and Crayford

The Training Ship Anson, In 1943 the Mayor of Dartford and a few local residents held a meeting in the Council offices at which it was decided to form a Dartford Sea Cadet Unit. In 1946 Crayford amalgamated with Dartford and provided a number of cadets. The Unit first met in a school in Dartford but when the strength increased to some 100 cadets, it was moved to the old Tanyard premises alongside

Dartford Creek. The wartime Unit trained many boy for direct entry into the Royal navy, the merchant Navy and the Armed Forces, as well as being closely involved in other wartime duties in the area. In 1945 after abortive attempts to obtain a 'floating' headquarters the council offered a site adjacent to the old gravel pits in Princes Road where the present headquarters ship was built. This excellent site enabled full boatwork training to be carried out on board and a large parade ground was available adjacent to the 'ship'. In spite of generous donations of cash and materiel the venture cost over £4,000, which was raised by voluntary subscription, covenants and funds raised at Boxing Tournaments and Open Days. The 'ship' was completed in 1947 and consisted of the main messdeck and wardroom. It was in 1966 that a Royal Marine Detachment was started. and in 1970 the toilet block was added.