02/03/2026
It is with deepest sorrow that we share in the sad news that Lt (SCC) Jacky de Bruyne RNR, former Sea Cadet Training Centre - Vigilant Squadron member and latterly CO of Torpoint SCC & Staff member at Ilfracombe SCC passed away this morning. She was surrounded by loved ones whom are in our thoughts at this difficult time.
Jacky was a stalwart of the Sea Cadets Corps, and formerly the Girls’ Nautical Training Corps, for over 40 years.
She has been a role model and valued member of South West Area, Southern Area & Offshore during this time. Jacky was a commited member of staff across four decades in many different roles including, District staff, Commanding Officer of Cowes, Barnstaple and Torpoint Units, latterly ending up at Ilfracombe Unit as unit staff sharer of knowledge, all things SCC.
Jacky started her journey in the organisation as a Civilian Instructor, and then as a Senior Rate, within the Ilfracombe Girls’ Nautical Training Corps, prior to its merger with the Sea Cadets.
She subsequently commissioned as an officer within the SCC. Jacky being the dedicated and passionate volunteer, volunteered wherever her adventures and life’s journey took her. Including with units in Somerset & Dorset, Devon & Cornwall, along with others in Southern Area.
Lt De Bruyne had also served as the Executive Officer for the Devonport Navy Days events over many years.
Jacky served as the Executive Officer of the Youth Training Centre (Vigilant Squadron) at HMS RALEIGH during the 2000s, where she guided various CO’s of the training centre and all of its instructional staff. Oversaw the training of thousands of cadets and Adult Volunteers from across the country from the whole of the RN Cadet Force Family, She also worked for the MSSC as a member of the offshore relief crew of the TS ROYALIST tall ship, keeping everyone in check as the Coxswain and other roles.
Jacky later became the Commanding Officer of Cowes Unit in the 2010s. Guiding the unit and community through some challenging times, including the closure of the unit building and a complete demolition and rebuilding project over many years.
Jacky was a leading figure in rebuilding Cowes Unit, resulting in the fantastic premises they have today. Being the legend that she was, ran a temporary unit from the boot of her car in a local church hall in the meantime. (Later doing a similar thing for Torpoint Unit during the Covid19 Pandemic, whilst displaced from their unit premises)
Following a move to Torpoint in 2018 she joined a very new Torpoint Sea Cadet unit which had just opened inside the wire at HMS RALEIGH. Jacky joined the unit at a challenging time, with just seven cadets on the books and some staffing challenges. Jacky brought with her a wealth of experience, A whole heap of tenacity, knowledge, determination, passion, enthusiasm and effervescent energy to help TS Ramehead drive forward. Jacky built the foundations and provided guidance, counsel and mentoring to the staff and many cadets…. Resulting and contributing to the successful unit and community it is today!
It would be remiss for us not to comment on the may lives that Jacky has undoubtedly touched throughout her many years in the SCC. Hundreds and thousands, of cadets and adults who have been positively affected by her selfless work.
Jacky has been a friend, mentor, support and cheerleader for many of us personally both as Staff and as a Cadet.
Jacky was the pure definition of every single Core Value and so much more, As I told her on many occasion when she had given me a quick pep talk and that infectious laugh….. “They don’t make ‘em like you anymore!”
Throughout these difficult and sad times we share our thoughts and prayers to Jacky’s many Friends and Family. To All those at TS Ramehead past and present and to those at Ilfracombe SCC Unit.
Fair winds Ma’am and as another dear friend and colleague of ours would have said, thanks for the memories.
Lt (SCC) Jacquelyn de Bruyne RNR, May you rest in peace.
