Cdt PO Creighton
Petty Officer Cadet Ross Creighton, North West Sea Cadets, has been awarded the prestigious appointment of Lord-Lieutenant’s Cadet, the highest honour in the Cadets. He was appointed during a ceremony at Sedbergh School where Cadet Regimental Sergeant Major Charles Adams, St Bees School CCF, and Cadet Staff Sergeant Andrew Johns, Cumbria ACF, were awarded the Lord-Lieutenant’s Certificate of Merit, recognised as a laudatory honour throughout the forces.
The certificate was presented to Petty Officer Cadet Creighton, aged 17, by Mrs Claire Hensman, Her Majesty’s Lord-Lieutenant of Cumbria, at a ceremony at Sedbergh School. The accolade means Ross now holds the position of Lord-Lieutenant’s Cadet for Cumbria.
Ross joined the Sea Cadets as a Junior Cadet in 2009. Since then he has progressed through the ranks to reach the very top cadet rank, that of Petty Officer Cadet. He was also one of a small number of chosen cadets to accompany Her Majesty the Queen on the river Thames as a flag carrier during the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee Celebrations. His special interest is engineering, and through the Sea Cadets he has achieved a BTEC. This helped him get his first job as an Apprentice Engineer with BAE Systems.
Ross said: ‘To be nominated for this appointment was a surprise, an honour and most unexpected. To become the Lord-Lieutenant’s Cadet for Cumbria is an amazing privilege. I have followed in my Dad’s footsteps, and I didn’t want to miss out on any of the fun he seemed to have while sailing!’
Cdt RSM Adams
Cadet RSM Adams joined St Bees CCF in 2010. Since then he has completed his basic and his advanced Army Proficiency Star Awards, gained several First Aid qualifications and his Bronze Duke of Edinburgh’s Award. He has helped with the organisation of and participated in remembrance parades in Whitehaven, Frizington and Cleator Moor and supported the Royal British Legion Poppy Appeal. Cadet RSM Adams was also selected to read the citation of Private Abraham Acton VC in Whitehaven when a commemorative plaque was laid in memory of Private Action and his actions during the First World War.
Charles said: ‘I feel honoured to receive this award on behalf of St Bees CCF, who have taught me so many things during my time at the school. Last winter I had the honour of reading the citation at the unveiling of VC winner Abraham Acton’s memorial plaque in Whitehaven, which was very moving and I was proud to represent the CCF.’
As outgoing Lord-Lieutenant’s Cadet, Cadet Staff Sergeant Andrew Johns received the Lord-Lieutenant’s Certificate of Merit in recognition of his year of service in this honourable appointment. Cadet Staff Sergeant Johns’ tenure as Lord-Lieutenant’s Cadet marks the culmination of outstanding service with Cumbria ACF, which he joined in 2010.
Cdt SSgt Johns
Colonel Mark Underhill, Chief Executive of the North West of England and the Isle of Man Reserve Forces’ and Cadets’ Association which runs the awards, said: ‘Petty Officer Cadet Creighton, Cadet Regimental Sergeant Major Adams and Cadet Staff Sergeant Johns are each a credit to the Cadet organisations, their families and the county of Cumbria. They are the epitome of what a Cadet should be, and fully worthy of these awards.
‘The Cadet movement offers unparalleled opportunities for young people in our region to learn, grow and excel. We must ensure that these opportunities continue to be accessible to young people from all backgrounds, and this is only possible with the support of the dedicated Adult Volunteers who deliver the quality experiences, adventure and community projects our cadets enjoy. We would love to hear from people willing to offer their time and enthusiasm to join the ranks of the region’s Adult Instructors – no military experience is needed and full training is provided.’
Ross was among only six cadets from across the whole of the North West of England and the Isle of Man to be awarded this prestigious appointment. All cadets are between 10 and 18 years of age, and can be part of the Sea Cadets, Army Cadets, Air Cadets or Combined Cadet Force.
