For many sea cadets, taking part in a parade on a warship that played a significant role in historical conflicts might seem like a distant fantasy. However, for the City of London Sea Cadets, this becomes a reality twice a week.

As the largest maritime youth charity in the UK, they gather on HMS Belfast every Tuesday and Friday for a range of activities, training sessions, and team-building exercises.

They will also be present for a particularly meaningful commemoration—the 80th anniversary of VE Day.

Thirteen-year-old Cadet Emily reflected, “The allied forces endured immense stress for six years. Just think about it: parents worrying about their children at war, not knowing if they were alive or if they would return home. It was a monumental moment.”

In 1943, HMS Belfast participated in operations escorting Arctic convoys to the Soviet Union and played a crucial part in the Battle of North Cape, contributing to the defeat of the German battleship Scharnhorst.

The ship was also involved in Operation Overlord in June 1944, providing support during the Normandy landings and evacuation, famously known as D-Day.

“There’s so much history tied to this ship, and it’s really exciting for us to be here,” Emily added, expressing her interest in possibly joining the armed forces after she completes her university education.

Permanently anchored on the River Thames, HMS Belfast operates as a museum ship managed by the Imperial War Museum.

The cadets are organized into different groups, with Emily being a member of the Royal Marine Corps.

“I tried Scouts, but it didn’t resonate with me. Some friends from school were in the Army Cadets, and while I enjoyed it, I wanted to explore other options. I discovered the Royal Marine Cadets, and I found it to be a much better fit.”

For 15-year-old Luis, a cadet for four years, being part of this group provides a distinct advantage.

“It’s something we can brag about to other units. If anyone starts a debate with us, we just remind them, ‘We’re on a boat, and you’re not,’” he chuckles.

Eleven-year-old Alex, who is new to the team, is quickly making friends and acquiring new skills, such as racing model boats that his group is constructing.

“You get to participate in activities like boating, community fundraising, and learning commands,” he remarked.

Sub Lieutenant Ben Macdonald serves as the Commanding Officer for the City of London Sea Cadets.

“Being aboard HMS Belfast is wonderful; it simplifies the teaching of nautical topics,” he said. “It’s also significant because this warship served honorably during World War II with the Royal Navy.”

Clare Luther brought photos of her grandfather Dennis Roach, who served in the Navy during the war and participated in the Allied invasion of Sicily in 1943. She shared these photos with the cadets in preparation for VE Day.

He seldom spoke about his wartime experiences, and Clare only discovered the photo album after his passing.

“It’s important for them to grasp the significance of VE Day and what it represents. When you relate it personally, they tend to understand it much more deeply. Imagine how they would feel if that were their grandparent or father involved. It’s a very relevant and meaningful historical lesson.”