04/12/2023
Yesterday was a milestone in my new volunteering role. First time in my Blues marking respect to the fallen RM Cadets never forgotten. A legacy to inspire current and future young people in meanful opportunities and careers.
Please please take a few minutes to read this entry: On 4th December 1951 at about 5:58pm, in Dock Road Chatham a group of about 60 Chatham RM Cadets belonging to the Volunteer Cadet Corps were marching in column along Dock Road. They had been to a boxing tournament in Melville Barracks and were marching back to the Royal Naval Barracks when they were struck from behind by a double decker bus from the Chatham and District Traction Company.
Tragically,17 Cadets were killed outright and 7 succumbed to their injuries in the days following. The final toll was 24 Cadets had died and 18 suffered awful injuries, many life changing, in what was at the time Britain's worst road traffic accident. The ages of the cadets were 9-13 years. The tragedy and loss traumatised the families and the Medway community. The accident later caught the attention of the whole Nation.
On Sunday 3rd December, 2023 at Woodlands Cemetery, Woodlands Road, Gillingham ME7 2DX, Chatham RMC Unit will be holding a service remembering our lost cadets. We form up at 0930 for a 1000 service. All are welcome to join CRMC and the families in remembering those cadets lost.
While there is a Chatham RMC Unit, we will always remember our lost cadets.
