News

At this year’s District Sailing regatta, it was a tight contest between two keen sailors. Two young men who had learnt their craft outside of the Sea Cadet environment and are both working towards becoming young leaders and instructors in sailing – a fantastic achievement.

These two sailors kept people’s attention throughout the competition, and the Vernon team were amazed as BOTH are from Birmingham Vernon!

Cadet Daniel and Cadet Lance Corporal Elliot made a huge impact on this years event, and it came down to a final race to determine who goes to Area to represent Mercia District! Congratulations Cadet Daniel.

Both showed impeccable sportsmanship and supported each other throughout the competition.

Having TS Vernon engraved on a sailing trophy is an amazing result, considering we don’t even have an instructor!

New Detachment Commander Appointed at Birmingham Vernon's Royal Marines Detachment

Birmingham Vernon’s Royal Marines Cadet Detachment, with its proud and longstanding history, is pleased to announce a new chapter in its leadership. We are delighted to welcome Sergeant (SCC) T. Burling as our new Detachment Commander (DC).

Sgt (SCC) Burling brings extensive field knowledge and valuable experience working with young people. Since joining Vernon in 2023, he has quickly become a trusted, professional, and well-respected member of the team.

He now takes command of a full-strength detachment of 12 Royal Marines Cadets, with a growing waiting list of eager young people looking to challenge themselves and develop new skills.

Our Commanding Officer shared:

"I’m really pleased that Sgt (SCC) Burling has stepped up to lead the detachment. His appointment ensures the continued growth and development of our Royal Marines Cadets, building on the strong foundations laid by his predecessor, Sgt (SCC) C. Unwin. We have a dedicated group of cadets making great progress in their training and preparing for their next steps, including upcoming promotions"

We extend our best wishes to Sgt (SCC) Burling as he begins this new and exciting role. We look forward to the continued success of the detachment under his leadership.

Divisions at Training Ship Vernon

This year we restarted our Divisional system, with two of our uniformed volunteers heading up each Division.

Probationary Petty Officer (SCC) T Harding is Divisional Officer for DRYAD and Probationary Petty Officer (SCC) S Hollywood is Divisional Officer for DARING.

The aim of Divisions is to inspire friendly competition as all cadets, Junior Senior and Royal Marines work together in thier respective Division. We wish to reward positive acts and behaviours and to drive our cadets to get their Divisions name on the Norman Cup!

Commanding Officers Award 2024 : Cadet Lauren

Each year at our Awards evening, we recognise the hard work and achievements of our Cadets and Cadet Force Adult Volunteers (CFAVs). The Commanding Officers Award is hand-picked by our CO, and goes to which ever Cadet our CO feels has pushed themselves and made positive decisions over the last twelve months. Showing growth, determination and has embraced the Sea Cadet Corps values. For the year 2024 this has been awarded to Cadet Lauren.

On top of taking part in community activities and helping others, Cadet Lauren took on extra training to get a young team of rowers ready for the Mercia District competition, pushed herself and moved far out of her comfort zone.

Our CO said "Cadet Lauren really stood out this year as I and the CFAV's noticed she attended almost every parade and really committed herself to achieving her qualifications in rowing. She pushed herself to be more vocal, giving those rowing orders loud and clear! Unfortunately, the rowing competition could not go ahead due to adverse weather, but her hard work and preparation for it right up to the last minute has been recognised and rewarded, congratulations Cadet Lauren”.

On the 29th October 2024 the Lord Mayor of Birmingham attended Birmingham Vernon to Officially present Lance Corporal (L/Cpl) Elliot with his Badge, to proudly wear on his uniform as the first Lord Mayor of Birmingham Cadet!

A fantastic evening was had by all with tea and cake served to parents, guardians, and our cadets. The evening included an inspection of a Royal Marines Guard by the Lord Mayor. and Lance Corporal Elliot’s citation read out by Deputy District Officer Lieutenant (SCC) David Burley RNR. 

With more tea and cake flowing, L/Cpl presented the Lord Mayor with an engraved boatswain's call commissioned by TS Vernon to mark the occasion. The Lord Mayor also presented PO (SCC) L Smith with the award from Mercia District for the 'Best Junior Division' - a reflection of all her hard work. 

A fantastic evening, one to remember for years to come