Our Very Own Petty Officer Cadet Challenger Honoured in Queens Honours list!
We are so very proud of POC John Challenger BEM, 17 who has been given a British Empire Medal in the Queens birthday Honors 2020.
John is believed to be the first current cadet named in a monarch’s Honours List, certainly in recent years.
He ran a weekly virtual cadets quiz during lockdown and represents their voice among adults, raising awareness of the difficulties some face in getting connectivity. John joined Connah’s Quay Sea Cadets in 2013 at the age of 10, achieving the highest rank of Petty Officer Cadet at 16 – the earliest age possible.
John said, “When I got the email, I had to read it 2 or 3 times and it was quite a shock. I’m very proud to be recognised but this is for everyone within Sea Cadets and the impact it has on young people.”
“A lot of what I’ve been doing has been through my unit and my Area and they’ve pushed me to do these things, to become the person that I’ve become.”
Admiral Tony Radakin CB ADC, First Sea Lord and Chief of the Naval Staff, said, “This is an outstanding achievement at such a young age and a real example of the importance of the Sea Cadet Corps. John has demonstrated the qualities of selflessness, dedication and teamwork that epitomise the whole of the Royal Navy family, and he has helped so many young people in North Wales, the North West and across the UK at a difficult time.”
“He has gone far above and beyond his duties as a First Sea Lord cadet and I am delighted that he has been honoured with this award.”
To quote the Royal Navy, POC Challenger was born in Flintshire, but was made in the Sea Cadets!
- S/LT (SCC) J. McDermott RNR - Comanding Officer
