Sheffield Sea Cadets commemorate HMS Sheffield anniversary with virtual parade

Young Sheffield cadets paid tribute to the men who lost their lives on board HMS Sheffield in their homes and gardens, after the city’s annual parade was cancelled.
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More than 40 Sheffield Sea Cadets took part in a virtual ceremony on the 38th anniversary of when HMS Sheffield was destroyed and 20 crew members died during the Falklands War on May 4, 1982.

It’s after the coronavirus pandemic caused their annual parade outside Sheffield Cathedral to be cancelled due to social distancing restrictions.

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In a video, 43 Sheffield Sea Cadets are seen wearing their official uniform and performing a salute in their homes and back gardens in order to commemorate the anniversary of HMS Sheffield which crashed over 38 years ago.

Sheffield Sea Cadets.Sheffield Sea Cadets.
Sheffield Sea Cadets.

Despite the nation’s lockdown, the charity organised a bugler to perform an isolated version of ‘The Last Post’ and a member of staff who lives at their Falkland Training Centre on Rutland Road, to put up the flag for the remembrance ceremony.

Petty officer, Chris Smith who put the montage together explained how he came up with the idea to do a virtual parade.

"We thought this event's coming up, it's always a big one in our calendar, why don't we try and do a virtual parade”, he said.

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"I never thought I'd have to be putting together a virtual parade for them.

"I've been here about 7 years now and always attended the parade in person but as a media manager I've always been taking the pictures so this is a very different angle.”

The cadets aged between 10 to 18 who usually meet up twice a week, have been keeping in touch via social media since the lockdown was announced.

Sheffield Sea Cadets courses have been cancelled due to the coronavirus crisis and their unit on Rutland Road has been officially closed until the foreseeable future.

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The petty officer shared why it is important that the cadets continue to commemorate those who have fallen, while in lockdown.

"It's similar to The Royal British Legion motto 'lest we forget'”, Chris added.

"It's just our way of passing it on to the next generation and hopefully they will grow up and keep the memories alive.”