H.M.S.Ambuscade

Crewe Unit was Affiliated to H.M.S.Ambuscade (hence T.S.Ambuscade - T.S. is Training Ship)
We kept close ties with the ship and had many visits and even trips on her. August 1984 we helped at Navy Days at Devonport, and in June 1984 several of us sailed on her, from Portsmouth to Lowestoft...
On that trip we were followed out of Portsmouth by HMS Jupiter, but she was soon left behind when the Ambuscade went to full speed (Type 21's were among the fastest ships in the world at the time and was fast enough to Waterski)
The following day, she answered a Mayday from a Tall Ship stuck on the Goodwin sands where the Crew assisted an RAF Wessex Helicopter, and to top the trip as we were entering Lowestoft Harbour we were treated to a Red Arrow flyby.
The big news on the TV that night, however was that HMS Jupiter had crashed into London Bridge.


On occasions some of the Ship's crew were invited to the Unit, and quite often were involved in fund raising for us.
The H.M.S. Ambuscade Association, has a wealth of info about the ship and her History

Easter Camp...

Between 1981 and 1994 - we had an annual Easter Camp at Wimbolsley Wood (See Previous Post).
Although Easter is at different times each year, I only remember once when the camp was a Washout - Like this year - Great fun, but it was a pain for the younger kids, that had not been away before.
Below are a selection of Group Photo's (some Pre-Camp) - can anybody remember the Years?

1993

1993

Wimboldlsey

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Paul Reece

On the 20th March 2009, we had a Remembrance Service for Paul Reece - who was killed 30 years ago while on active duty in NI.
Paul's Family were there, some ex cadets that knew him, and a number of ex-cadets that only knew the Name (But still fealt a connection)

Following the displays - a Guard Display by the Cadets and an unrehearsed Ex-cadet Band display - there was the traditional reunion in the Mess