Seeking old salts

cadets March 2014 marked 50 years of Navy Cadets as one of Geraldton’s leading youth organisations. Commanding Officer of Training Ship Morrow, Lieutenant Anthony Desmond, said, “We will kick off our celebrations of the 50th anniversary on Saturday 5th  July with a cocktail party reunion."

"It would be great to see a large turn up of past cadets and instructors. We’d also love to hear from anyone that has any photos or memorabilia of the unit.”

In March 1964 the first parade of what was to become T.S. Morrow was held and 26 prospective cadets and six instructors were present. This was enough interest to start a new Australian Sea Cadet Corp unit. Peter ‘Spike’ Jones was a recruit at that first parade and still serves in navy cadets although he now holds the rank of Commander.

Spike reminisced, “ It wasn’t until Feb 1965 we became officially known as Training Ship (T.S.) Morrow. I joined the navy straight from cadets and when I returned to Geraldton I was asked to help out as an instructor. It’s great being able to put something back into such a valuable opportunity for the teenagers of Geraldton.”

You can register your interest in attending the reunion by email to tsmorrow50@gmail.com or call 08 9964 2663.

In 1973 the Australian Sea Cadet Corps became the Naval Reserve Cadets and then in 2000 the Australian Navy Cadets (ANC). The Australian Navy Cadets is a leading provider of youth development experiences, sponsored by the Royal Australian Navy and aims to build teamwork and leadership skills in young people through exciting and rewarding adventure and maritime activities and quality learning opportunities.

Being a cadet with the ANC allows you to make new friends and be part of a team that values you. The ANC also allows you to experience challenges that develop your potential as a leader. If you are 13 or older you can join navy cadets by visiting the unit on the Foreshore near the yellow submarine on a Wednesday night.