30 Sea Cadets from Training Ship (TS) Dreadnought, the Greenwich, Deptford and Rotherhithe Units from London, together with 15 volunteer staff members, travelled to Gibraltar in August for a landmark summer camp – the first visit of its kind by a UK Sea Cadet unit in decades. The expedition combined advanced training, ceremonial events, and a celebration of a shared enduring naval heritage. 

A statement continued: “This historic visit commemorates the deep and longstanding ties between Greenwich, the heart of naval tradition, and Gibraltar, a cornerstone of British maritime history. A poignant highlight was a wreath-laying ceremony at Gibraltar’s Trafalgar Cemetery, honouring the fallen of the Battle of Trafalgar including Vice-Admiral Lord Nelson, whose body was brought home to Greenwich via Gibraltar after the battle in 1805. Many of the injured from the battle saw out their lives as Pensioners of the Old Royal Navy College, Greenwich Hospital and are buried there. 

“The ceremony was attended by several distinguished guests, including the Hon Gemma Arias-Vazquez, Minister for Health, Care and Business, and Commander Mark Fitzsimmons from Headquarters British Forces Gibraltar, marking the significance of the cadets' role as ambassadors of naval youth and heritage. The ceremony was led by Father Daniel Hernandez. 

“Commanding Officer Lt. Scott Hanlon told the Governor, His Excellency Sir Ben Bathurst KCVO, CBE, who attended a Reception in honour of the visit: "TS Dreadnought is proud to represent both Greenwich and the wider Sea Cadet Corps on this historic visit. This is more than a summer camp – it’s a living connection to the past, and a bold step into the future for our cadets. It reinforces their identity as part of a centuries-old maritime tradition." 

“The trip also coincides with the upcoming first anniversary of the unit’s reformed Royal Marine Cadet Detachment, a milestone in over 110 years of TS Dreadnought's history. While in Gibraltar, Royal Marine Cadets trained at Buffadero Training Camp, undertaking fieldcraft and adventurous activities unique to the territory’s rugged terrain. Sea Cadets were accommodated in Devil’s Tower Camp, living and training alongside serving personnel, and spent time with the operational front-line Royal Navy Squadron. 

“The cadets’ experience was further enriched by the leadership of unit staff that includes a former cadet of TS Dreadnought who is now a serving Royal Navy Lieutenant and a former Royal Navy Chief Petty Officer who previously lived and served in Gibraltar – this helped to bring personal insight into the region’s strategic and cultural importance. 

“The visit strengthens the cadets' connection to the Royal Navy and Royal Marines and raises the profile of the Sea Cadet Corps and Royal Marine Cadets. For many, it was their first experience of military life abroad – but for all, it was a formative and unforgettable chapter in their journey with Sea Cadets. 

“The dream one day is to establish a Sea Cadet Unit in Gibraltar …"