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The first EK Sea Cadets initially joined a Glasgow Sea Cadet Unit in 1970, TS. Hawke, under the command of Lt. (SCC) Jack Allan RNR., which met in the RMR building at Eglinton Toll. The enthusiasm of the initial Cadets led to a mini – bus full attending on a regular basis and it was decided to try and start a Unit in East Kilbride. A sub-unit of TS Hawke was created which was necessary to allow the Unit Officers and Cadets to be trained to a high standard.
After a lot of hard work the necessary staff and Management Committee were recruited and led to the then Captain of the Sea Cadet Corps, Captain Fanshawe, RN, officially Commissioning the Unit in March 1972
At the Commissioning ceremony many local dignitaries were present, including the Provost Bill Niven, and all assembled were suitably impressed to see over 60 East Kilbride Sea Cadets standing proudly on display.
The Unit has never had their own headquarters but have met in a variety of schools within the town.
St. Hilary’s PS.
Long Calderwood. PS.
TA. Centre.
St. Brides. HS
Scout Hall. Kirktonholme Rd.
Brancumhall Sports Pavilion.
TA. Centre.
The Unit name of TS. Cunningham came from two sources. The more obvious of the two being after Admiral of the Fleet Viscount Andrew B. Cunningham of Hyndhope 1883-1963. First Sea Lord 1943 -1946.
The other from the strong ties in East Kilbride between the local Cunninghame – Graham family. Which two East Kilbride streets are named after, Cunningham Road and Graham Avenue
Admiral Cunningham Commander-in-Chief of the Mediterranean Fleet, August 1940. Photograph courtesy of the Imperial War Museum, London
Since its inception the Cadets from East Kilbride have competed in a wide variety of water based activities. Quickly gaining National recognition in the early years from its prowess in swimming and diving, thanks to the superb facilities at the Dolan Baths, the Cadets have also competed successfully at National level in Canoeing and Sailing. One Cadet gained his colours at the National Rifle shooting competition at Bisley and several Cadets, in recent years, have also gained recognition at the National Windsurfing competition
The Cadets have attended and participated in many high profile events throughout the UK. The Edinburgh Tattoo, in the very early years, and the Trafalgar 200 celebrations in London, are just 2. Cadets and Officers have paraded and performed for several members of the Royal Family. The Unit has several photographs of various ship launches on the Clyde which demonstrate this. The visit by FOSNI to the unit, the parading of the district colours with guard and band in the town centre, a cadet who did a course at HMS Rooke, Gibraltar, and quite a few have sailed the on TS Royalist are just a small example.
As with any organisation, the Unit couldn’t have survived without the charisma, dedication, skill and leadership of many individuals. The Commanding Officers wouldn’t have had the satisfaction of leading without their assistance. The list would be endless if an attempt was made to name them all individually and insulting if a name was missed, but they know who they are and I’m sure that the CO’s, and more importantly the Cadets, won’t have forgotten.
Commanding Officers.