Larne Army Cadets praised for dedication to remembrance projects

Over 50 poppy crosses were placed on graves by Larne Army Cadets as the detachment marked the remembrance period.
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Despite current restrictions which prevented them parading with the Larne Royal British Legion (RBL), the cadets paid tribute to the fallen of two world wars and other conflicts.

As well as creating a poppy cascade at the unit’s premises in Larne (read here), the 1st (NI) ACF Battalion was also involved in a project which involved researching and tending the graves of war heroes in the area and in turn donating to the RBL.

More than 10 grave yards were visited from as far as Ballyclare to Kilroot, including the memorial to ‘Paddy’ the pigeon who received the Dicken Medal (equivalent to a Victory Cross) for his flight from Normandy in four hours and 50 minutes carrying vital coded information ahead of the D Day landings in WW2. Paddy was born and raised by his owner Andrew Hughes, Carnlough and handed over to the RAF along with several other of his pigeons.

Cadet Sergeant Major Emma Ellison from Larne Detachment with HM Lord Lieutenant for County Antrim Mr David McCorkell at the Cenotaph, Market Square. Antrim.Cadet Sergeant Major Emma Ellison from Larne Detachment with HM Lord Lieutenant for County Antrim Mr David McCorkell at the Cenotaph, Market Square. Antrim.
Cadet Sergeant Major Emma Ellison from Larne Detachment with HM Lord Lieutenant for County Antrim Mr David McCorkell at the Cenotaph, Market Square. Antrim.

Detachment Commander Sergeant Major Instructor John Johnston, who this year represented the cadets by laying a wreath at Larne war memorial, said: “I’m very proud of our cadets and I would personally like to thank each and everyone them for there help and dedication on all these projects.”

Meanwhile, on Remembrance Sunday, Cadet Sergeant Major Emma Ellison, from Larne Detachment, attended alongside HM Lord Lieutenant for Co Antrim Mr David McCorkell as he layed a wreath on behalf of the Queen at the Cenotaph, Market Square, Antrim. Although Emma was appointed as Lord Lieuteant’s Cadet at the beginning of the year, restrictions have meant this was her first public duty in the role.

Cadet Ellison said: “It was a real honour and privilege to be attending alongside the Lord Lieutenant of Co Antrim and representing cadets at today’s event.”

If you are aged 12 -18 and would like to join Larne cadets, go to www.armycadets.com

Cadet Peter Robinson placed poppy crosses in Glenarm and Larne Main Cemetery.Cadet Peter Robinson placed poppy crosses in Glenarm and Larne Main Cemetery.
Cadet Peter Robinson placed poppy crosses in Glenarm and Larne Main Cemetery.

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