Approx 300 cadets and staff attended this prestigeous event at London's Guild Hall. The assembled masses were treated to a fantastic meal of ... you guessed correct - curry. Representing Bromley in the Blue corner were Lt Jones & MC1 Anderson.

No we did not run (although congrats to London Area staff who did). We manned the 9 mile water station which is our annual muster point for this event. What started a little cold & wet, turned out nice in the end.

Easter Camp this year took place at Crowborough. Up to 80 cadets from LIMA Company attended the camp which included a Troop level field work in Pippingford Park. A few got wet !!!

Cadets from Bromley's Marine Cadet Detachment are competing against Sea Cadets at the District Seamanship competition this Sunday.

Both Marine and Sea Cadets from Bromley plus some family members, went on a day trip to the battle fields of Belgium. This culminated in taking part in the Last Post ceremony at the Menin Gate. MC1 Peagam laid a wreath on behalf of the Unit & Sea Cadet Corps in general.

As London Area's nominated Marine Cadet Detachment, Bromley cadets attended the GIBRALTAR Cup competition at CTCRM (Commando Trainging Centre Royal Marines). The sun shone and the rain stayed away although it was bitter cold. For the Bromley team, it was the first time of visiting CTCRM. Lots of anticipation as we driove up the hill and then when the cadets saw the Tarzan course through the woods, it fell very quiet.

A tremendous effort was put in by all the cadets (6 companies/Areas throughtout the UK). Congrats to BRISTOL who came first. Bromley came a credible 4th place and left CTCRM full of entusiasm for next years competition. (Photos to foillow)

All cadets from LIMA Company attended a busy weekend at Crowborough where everyone was converted from the old L98A1 weapons to the new L98A2 weapons.

On a cold and snowy evening, we held our annual presentation and awards evening for parents. The Best Marine cadet for 2009 ( The Daniels Susans award) went to MC2 Peagam and the Detachment Commanders Award went to MC2 Hollis.

A reception was held at St James' palace at which HRH Prince Andrew addressed members of the Sea Cadet Corps from all over the UK. Prince Andrew is the patron and Admiral of the Sea Cadet Coprs. The reception, organised by the MSSC, was attended by selected adult instructors, cadets and UMC members,

Bromley won the SRMO's Trophy for 2008 and should have collected the award in February 2009. Due to a number of problems, including damage to the Trophy, we never received our award! No until the 3rd December when the Area Officer, Cmdr Paul Haines, announced that a new Trophy had been commissioned and that Bromley was to KEEP the old Trophy and have their name incribed as the first winners of the new Trophy

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Having got through the first round, Bromley hosted the finals of the District Quiz. The competition was between Bromley, Chis&Sid and Sutton. Although fairley close at times, Bromley screemed ahead in the final stages and trounced the other units.

As part of 3 Troop, Bromley cadets joined other cadets to carryout Troop training at Pyestock Hill. Although numbers were reduced due to half term commitments, a total of 8 cadets took part (5 from Bromley). The weather was fantastic and the Gnats very friendly !

This year’s venue for Easter Camp was Browndown Army Training Centre, Gosport. Host to the popular TV series “Bad Lads Army”. After a few hours on a minibus, we arrived at the guardroom in the late evening and were issued with Billet Numbers and bedding for the week. In true Marines style, we were told to "get our heads down".

Thursday morning phys started bright and early. Afetwards, we were split into 4 Sections. These sections were then either sent on a Navigation Exercise on Browndowns onsite training area, a shingle beach or to the range for live firing on the L98 GP Rifle. The day finished with a Field Kit muster where all field kit was inspected.

Friday morning phys included a yomp to a different training area in full CEMO. We had to navigate around the training area to different stances where we received instruction on Anti Ambush drills and stalking techniques.

We then yomped to the Harbor location where we set up Bashers for our night in the field. Section commanders received briefings for a Night Close Target Recce in which we had to observe an Anti Aircraft battery on the shore of Browndown. On com,pletion of the Close Target Recce, we yomped back to the Harbor area - but were ambushed !. Anti ambush training kicked in and we rallyed up before moving off to the harbor for rations and getting our heads down. Sentries were posted all night long "just in case" and just before sunrise, we stood to.

After returning to base camp, we prepared for a deliberate attack on the Anti Aircraft battery on the shore of Browndown. On contact with the enemy, each section reacted in the appropriate manner and assaulted the position. OBUA ( Operations in Built Up areas) was used to clear 2 symmetrical staircases before clearing a top bunker and tower. We returned back to camp where we completed a series of range work shooting the L98 GP rifle.

On Sunday, we visited the Royal Marines Museum in Portsmouth. The museum had displays on everything the marines have ever done, from 1664 to the present day, with interactive displays and some rather hoofing videos and pictures dotted about. After some sports, we performed a " Sod's Opera" in which we (carefully) took the micky out of the staff in true military style.

On our last day, LIMA Company paraded in full Blues. The whole company put huge effort into polishing, bulling, ironing, and de-fluffing their kit. Major Carrol then inspected the company before a march-past with a general salute.

On behalf of all Cadets, I would like to thank all the staff who gave up a week of their Easter holidays to make the camp as good as it was. I speak for the whole company when I say thank you to Major Carrol, his training team and all the staff members who attended for making it a "Hoofing camp".

L/Cpl A. Price (Bromley Marine Cadets)

7 Marine cadets from Bromley & 5 sea cadets from Tooting, provided a carpet guard onboard HQS Wellington. This is a ship that saw service during WWII and is now a floating venue on the Thames. Mr David Agitt celebrated his 25th year since receiving a replacement heart. The event was attended by VIP including a number of Admirals.

On the Friday & Saturday evenings, cadets from Bromley carried VIP escort duties for the Mountbattern Festival of Music held at the Royal Albert Hall.

Our Royal Naval Parade evening - An excellent turnout for both Sea & Marine Cadets. The Area Staff were entertained by various "evolutions" which showed off the military & seamanship skills of the cadets.

(Photos to follow)

In January 2009, members of Bromley Detachment attended the LIMA Company Annual Personal Weapons Test (APWT) weekend held at Waltham Forest Sea Cadet Unit. Bromley achieved a 100% pass mark - Well Done !

Marine Cadets and Sea Cadets visited HMS Illustrious on the 11th November when she docked at Greenwich.

Marine Cadets & Sea Cadets paraded at Orpington memorial together with contingements from the ACF & ATC.

This is THE weekend in the Marine Cadet Detachment's year. All of the 11 London Area Marine Detachments come together for a weekend's assessment. The assessment, carried out by the Staff Officer Royal Marines (SRMO), tests each detachment while working under field conditions

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The year, we achieved a score of 57 which placed us 3rd overall (out of 11). A cold & wet weekend - enjoyed by all.