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Historic naval battle commemorated in Stratford town centre




IT was one of the most decisive battles in Royal Navy history and last weekend 243 Warwickshire District Sea Cadets marched through Stratford to celebrate Trafalgar Day and Admiral Lord Nelson’s victory at the Battle of Trafalgar in 1805.

Warwickshire has nine cadet units across the district and this year was Stratford’s turn to host all of them during a traditional parade and service in the town centre.

Sunday’s Warwickshire District Sea Cadets Trafalgar Parade. Photos: Julie Swinsco
Sunday’s Warwickshire District Sea Cadets Trafalgar Parade. Photos: Julie Swinsco

Units congregated at Stratford Sea Cadets on the Recreation Ground for final rehearsals before moving to the front of the Royal Shakespeare Theatre for the start of the parade.

Marching up Sheep Street on a clear sunny morning, the cadets - proudly wearing crisp clean uniforms - processed passed Stratford Town Hall to the accompaniment of stirring band music and were observed by the Lord Lieutenant, Tim Cox, Commodore Mel Robinson CBE and The Mayor of Stratford, Cllr Kate Rolfe who all enjoyed a prime vantage point from the town hall balcony as the parade passed below.

The cadets and the volunteer officers arrived at Holy Trinity Church and were inspected by the VIPs present before a Trafalgar Day Service took place inside the church where the Revd. Patrick Taylor and the congregation extended a warm welcome to the cadets and staff.

After the service, the salute was taken in Southern Lane by the mayor, the Lord Lieutenant and Commodore Mel Robinson CBE who is the first woman to be promoted to this senior post in naval history.

Roger Edmunds, commanding officer, of Stratford Sea Cadets was justifiably proud of the cadets and with how the day turned out.

“Everyone takes great care with their uniform, the buttons and the shoes are polished until they shine and the cadets gave an extra ten per cent effort throughout the day. We are a big youth organisation based on the services and traditions of the Royal Navy and this helps youngsters form responsible friendships and team build together. Our next civic assignment will be the Remembrance Parade in a few weeks’ time,” said Roger Edmunds, C.O.

The day concluded with refreshments in the Holy Trinity Parish Centre.

Trafalgar Day is held on the closest Sunday to 21st October the date of the Battle of Trafalgar when 27 British ships from the Royal Navy were victorious against a combined fleet of 33 ships from the French and Spanish navies. Lord Nelson was mortally wounded during the battle.



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