Volunteer Cadet Corps

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The Volunteer Cadet Corps (VCC) is a Royal Navy sponsored MOD youth organisation formed in 1901 and based in a number of RN establishments around the UK.

The VCC is a Royal Navy sponsored youth organisation based across a number of Naval establishments in Hampshire and Devon. At its height, the VCC had units in almost every Naval establishment along the South Coast:

HMS Collingwood
HMS Daedalus
HMS Dolphin
HMS Dryad
HMS Excellent
HMS Nelson
HMS Pembroke
HMS Sultan
HMS Vernon
RM Chatham
RM Deal
RM Eastney
RM Forton (Gosport)
RM Lympstone
RM Stonehouse

The VCC has shrunk along with the Naval estate although we aim to open new units over the next few years.

05/11/2026

Attending a Remembrance Sunday parade as a VCC Cadet is a proud and solemn occasion. It is an opportunity to show respect, honour those who have served and sacrificed, and represent the Volunteer Cadet Corps with pride.

Swipe through for some practical tips to help you prepare, understand what to expect and feel confident on parade. ⬅️➡️

Wear your uniform with pride. Stand tall. Remember with respect.

Lest We Forget.

Royal Navy Cadet Forces

05/11/2026

🎆 Remember, remember the 5th of November! 🎆

As we mark Bonfire Night, the Volunteer Cadet Corps would like to remind everyone to enjoy the celebrations, but to put safety first.

Whether you’re attending an organised fireworks display or enjoying celebrations at home, please remember:

🎇 Always attend organised firework displays where possible.
🔥 Keep a safe distance from bonfires and fireworks.
🧤 Never handle fireworks or sparklers without appropriate adult supervision.
🐾 Be mindful of pets, neighbours and those who may find fireworks distressing.
🚫 Never return to a firework once it has been lit, or attempt to relight it.

Our cadets and volunteers know the importance of discipline, responsibility and looking out for one another. Let’s carry that into tonight’s celebrations.

Enjoy Bonfire Night, stay safe and look after each other!

03/11/2026

Poppies on Parade 🌺

For the sixth year running, Volunteer Cadet Corps cadets from across the three units based at HMS Sultan have come together to plant their poppy garden, continuing a poignant tradition that began during the pandemic in 2020.

The cadets gathered on Monday evening to create this year’s display, keeping alive a tradition inspired by the Royal British Legion’s call for the nation to show its support for serving personnel, veterans and their families.

Before planting, the cadets came together for a short service led by the HMS Sultan Chaplain, joined by senior naval and cadet force officers, including Captain Terry Tyack RN (Deputy Commander RN Youth & Cadets), Captain Mark Hamilton RN (Commanding Officer HMS Sultan) and Maj (VCC) Louis Colpitts (Deputy Commander VCC).

During the evening, Captain Hamilton encouraged cadets to speak to family members who have been awarded medals, to ask them how they earned them and what their medals represent. Every medal has a story, often one of courage, commitment and personal sacrifice. Taking the time to hear those stories helps ensure that the experiences and service of previous generations are not forgotten.

This Sunday, cadets from HMS Sultan will once again join Remembrance services across the local community, standing alongside veterans, serving personnel and members of the public to honour all those who have served and sacrificed.

Lest we forget. 🌺

31/10/2026

No trick or treat here! 🎃

It may be Halloween, but there was a rather different reason why cadets and adult volunteers from HMS Sultan Royal Naval Volunteer Cadet Corps were dressing up recently.

They were celebrating Trafalgar Day, marking 221 years since Admiral Lord Nelson’s famous victory at the Battle of Trafalgar.

Taking part in the traditional Traf Night celebrations, cadets enjoyed an evening of customs and traditions passed down through generations of the Royal Navy.

A brilliant way to bring naval history to life, celebrate the heritage of the Senior Service and ensure these traditions continue with the next generation.

30/10/2026

🏅 Congratulations to Lt (VCC) Julian Strong!

Our Charity & Finance Officer has been awarded the HM Lord-Lieutenant of Hampshire’s Meritorious Service Award for his dedication in establishing the Volunteer Cadet Corps’ new charity model.

2026 has been a landmark year. The VCC has completed its move to a Charitable Incorporated Organisation (CIO), one of the most significant organisational changes in our recent history:

📜 19 March: the Charity Commission authorised the transfer of assets from the former VCC-HQ charity
🔄 21 March: the transfer into the new CIO took effect
🏦 1 April: units began moving to new bank accounts and a shared accounting system
✅ 16 July: the Charity Commission formally registered the merger

Most cadets will have noticed little change on parade night. Behind the scenes, though, this work has delivered stronger governance, consolidated budgets and better financial oversight, so that charitable funds go where they matter most: training, adventure, leadership and personal development for our cadets.

In Julian’s words, the work “provides an important foundation for the future of the VCC and, ultimately, the cadets we exist to support.”

As we mark our 125th anniversary, this is a fitting recognition of the work that keeps the organisation moving forward. Thank you, Julian, and well deserved. 👏

Read more about the new chapter for the VCC charity: ➡️ https://volunteercadetcorps.org/news/a-new-chapter-for-the-vcc-charity/

30/10/2026

Cadets take centre stage at the Royal Marines Experience ⚓

On Wednesday evening, cadets from Portsmouth Division Royal Marines Volunteer Cadet Corps lined the route from Admiralty House to the new Royal Marines Experience Museum at Portsmouth Historic Dockyard for its official opening. They were honoured to meet HRH The Princess Royal.

The opening fell on 28 October, the Royal Marines’ birthday, 362 years since the Corps was formed in 1664.

Our cadets wear the Royal Marines cap badge and are proud to be part of the wider Royal Marines family. There was history in the moment too. VCC cadets were also at the opening of the former Royal Marines Museum at Eastney, opened by His late Royal Highness Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh, then Captain General Royal Marines. A new generation has now stood at the opening of its new home. 👏

The VCC is now part of the museum itself, too. Photos of Lympstone Division Royal Marines Volunteer Cadet Corps cadets feature in the Once A Marine: Always A Marine exhibition. 📸

“Our cadets wear the Royal Marines cap badge with immense pride, and they are part of the wider Royal Marines family. VCC cadets stood at the opening of the original Royal Marines Museum, and now a new generation has stood at the opening of its new home.” - Major (VCC) Louis Colpitts, Deputy Commander VCC

In our 125th anniversary year, this is what it means to Be Worthy. 💪

📖 Read the full story:
https://volunteercadetcorps.org/news/royal-marines-experience-museum/

29/10/2026

This morning, cadets from Portsmouth Division Royal Marines Volunteer Cadet Corps and the Band of the Royal Marines Volunteer Cadet Corps Gosport joined senior naval officers, civic leaders and dignitaries at Portsmouth Cathedral for the Laying-Up of the Late Queen’s Colour of the Royal Navy.

The Colour served the Royal Navy from 2003 to 2023. It was paraded at some of the biggest moments of Queen Elizabeth II’s reign, including her Diamond and Platinum Jubilees and her 90th birthday. Today it was laid to rest with full ceremonial honours. The First Sea Lord presented it to HRH The Princess Royal, and it was then laid on the cathedral altar.

Our cadets were honoured to meet the Princess Royal and the First Sea Lord. Among them was Cadet Lance Corporal Mariam S, who said: “It was really nice to meet her.” The Princess Royal asked Mariam about her ambitions, and Mariam told her she hopes to join the Royal Navy. ⚓

What a moment to remember! 👏

📖 Read the full story: www.volunteercadetcorps.org/news/late-queens-colour

28/10/2026

Happy 362nd Birthday to the Royal Marines!

Formed on 28 October 1664, the Royal Marines have a proud legacy of courage, commitment, resilience and service that continues to inspire generations.

This anniversary comes as we mark the recent opening of the Royal Marines Experience Museum at Royal Navy Museums, celebrating the extraordinary history, heritage and enduring legacy of the Corps.

For the Volunteer Cadet Corps, this anniversary holds a special significance. Our heritage is closely connected to the Royal Marines, whose traditions and values continue to shape the experiences of our cadets and adult volunteers.

Through the cadet experience, young people are encouraged to Meet The Challenge, developing the confidence, discipline, teamwork and leadership to face challenges head on, support those around them and make a positive difference.

We also encourage every cadet and volunteer to Be Worthy: to uphold the values of our organisation, take pride in their actions and honour the legacy of those who came before them.

As we celebrate 362 years of Royal Marines history, we are proud to recognise this enduring connection, celebrate our shared heritage and continue investing in the next generation.

Happy Birthday, Royal Marines!

Per Mare, Per Terram. 🇬🇧

21/10/2026

Battle of Trafalgar | 21 October 1805

Today, we remember one of the most defining moments in British naval history: the Battle of Trafalgar.

On 21 October 1805, Admiral Lord Nelson led the Royal Navy to victory against the combined French and Spanish fleets, securing British naval supremacy and leaving a legacy of courage, leadership and sacrifice that continues to inspire generations.

Nelson’s famous signal, “England expects that every man will do his duty”, remains a powerful reminder of the importance of teamwork, commitment and service.

For the Volunteer Cadet Corps, Trafalgar Day is an opportunity to reflect on our proud naval heritage and the values we strive to instil in our cadets every day: leadership, discipline, teamwork and the courage to meet the challenge.

As we mark this historic anniversary, we remember those who served, those who made the ultimate sacrifice, and all who continue to serve at sea today.

An immortal victory. An enduring legacy. A future inspired by our past.

Address

Royal Navy Cadet Force, First Floor, Cockerel Building, HMS SULTAN, Military Road
Gosport
PO123BY

Website

http://www.volunteercadetcorps.org/

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