Honouring Nelson's finest hour at sea

ONE of the most significant naval battles in British maritime history was celebrated in Stratford last Sunday.

Sea cadets from all over the UK took part in a Trafalgar Day parade to commemorate Lord Nelson’s victory at the Battle of Trafalgar in 1805.

In Warwickshire all of the cadet units traditionally parade through one town. Each unit takes a turn in hosting the event on a ten-year cycle and Stratford was the designated location this year.

Approximately 250 uniformed sea cadets plus officers from across the county were involved and the salute to the parade was taken by

Sea Cadet Captain Captain Philip Russell RN.

Other dignitaries attending included Stratford Mayor, Cllr Juliet Short and the Lord Lieutenant of Warwickshire Tim Cox.

The two Padres who took the service of remembrance at Stratford Methodist Church were Chaplain, Sea Cadet Corps Sheila Brown Royal Naval Reserves and Stratford upon Avon Sea Cadets Chaplain and Chaplain (SCC) John Davies, Royal Naval Reserves.

The Battle of Trafalgar on 21st October 1805 was fought by the Royal Navy against the combined fleets of the French and Spanish navies.

A total of 27 British ships led by Admiral Lord Nelson aboard HMS Victory defeated 33 French and Spanish ships.

This historic victory confirmed the supremacy of Britain on the high seas but Nelson was mortally wounded during the battle.