Navy League Cadet Corps (Canada)

The Navy League of Canada created the Navy League Cadet Corps (or Corps de cadets de la Ligue navale) for young boys in 1948, and the Navy League Wrennettes for girls in 1950. The Wrennette program no longer exists as Navy League Cadet Corps are now open for boys and girls between the ages of 9 to 13.

The Navy League Cadet Programme is separate from the Canadian Cadet Organizations. It is solely sponsored by the Navy League and is not supported by the Department of National Defence as Royal Canadian Sea Cadets is. The Navy League Cadet programme is led by civilian volunteers, Navy League Officers supervised by local branches of the Navy League of Canada.

The training programme of the Navy League Cadets is similar to that of the Royal Canadian Sea Cadets, but modified to serve the needs of the younger age group.

Uniform


The uniform worn by the Navy League cadets has elements of the uniform the former Royal Canadian Navy. The uniform parts for the Navy League Cadets include:


 * Naval cap (white-top)
 * Navy blue long-sleeve shirt
 * Lanyard
 * White plastic web belt
 * Navy blue trousers
 * Black shoes or boots
 * Cap Tally which includes the cadet corp name

Flag
This flag is used by Navy League Cadet Corps as a corps flag Jack flag. It replaced the flag of the Navy League of Canada for this purpose in 2000 which is used as a jack.

Ranks
The ranks of the Navy League cadets are based on those of the Royal Canadian Sea Cadets, although they do not match exactly after the Royal Canadian Sea Cadets changed their ranking structure to be in line with that of the Royal Canadian Navy. The ranks include:


 * New Entry (NE)
 * Ordinary Cadet (OC)
 * Able Cadet (AC)
 * Leading Cadet (LC)
 * Petty Officer Second Class (PO2)
 * Petty Officer First Class (PO1)
 * Chief Petty Officer Second Class (CPO2)
 * Chief Petty Officer First Class (CPO1)

Memorial
At the Royal Military College of Canada, outside Currie Hall, in the Currie Building in Kingston, Ontario stained glass windows relate to the history of the Royal Canadian Sea Cadets, Navy League Cadets and Navy League Wrennetts.
 * Donated as a tribute to all national presidents of the Navy League of Canada for the proven love of country in promoting patriotism... seapower ... youth training, the window bestows 'Honour and Glory to patriotic citizens who have and will serve Canada.' The window features images of the Royal Canadian Sea Cadets, Navy League Cadets and Navy League Wrenettes.
 * In memory of David H. Gibson, C.B.E. National President, Navy League of Canada, 1938-1952 a stained glass window features images of a young sailor and God behind the ships' wheel. The window is dedicated to Canadians who in defence of the country went down to the sea in ships. The window includes a poem by H.R. Gillarm: "Proudly in ships they sailed to sea. Ahead their goal, perhaps eternity. But with God as their pilot they had no fear facing all danger as their course was clear. Their cargo? The record of their life. Some good, some bad, some peace, some strife."

External references

 * Navy League of Canada
 * International Sea Cadet Association
 * NL(225)E Drill Manual for Navy League Cadets and Officers
 * NL(226)E Dress Regulations for Navy League Cadets and Officers
 * More information