Who we are
A BRIEF HISTORY of Training Ship GAMECOCK
The last known record of the use of the name GAMECOCK , by the Navy, was back in 1946 when the Royal Navy took over Bramcote Station in Nuneaton and it became 'Royal Naval Airstation Bramcote', 'HMS GAMECOCK'. The Navy moved from Bramcote in 1959 but the name of GAMECOCK still exists there as 'Gamecock Barracks'
1956 T S GAMECOCK came into being and was situated in the old school on Haslucks Green Road. Shortly afterwards it moved to a Nissen hut, on a new site, at the rear of the then Territorial Army Barracks in Haslucks Green Road.
1960 The Nissen hut was replaced by two ex-London pre-fab buildings.
1972 An extension was added to the pre-fabs which gave the 'Boat Shed', 'Main Deck', 'Galley', 'Toilet facilities (known as Heads)' and an 'Armoury'. This was out-grown very quickly and it was decided to draw up plans for an enlarged Unit.
1974 During this year the Unit won the Stephenson Trophy, which is presented to the BEST Unit in the area, and the Canada Trophy, awarded to the BEST Unit in the British Isles.
1975 For the second time the Unit won the Stephenson Trophy again this year.
1978 Finally, after five years of hard work by Parents, Committee and Staff the new building was officially opened by Admiral Sir Richard Clayton KCB, Controller of the Royal Navy.
1980 Girls were first allowed to join the Unit and were known as the Girls Nautical Training Contingent.
1985 The girls won the Mountbatten Trophy for the BEST GNTC unit in the British Isles.
On the 23rd of June of this year the Unit was presented with their 'COLOUR' by the Admiral of the Fleet Sir Henry Leach GCB. The Colour being donated by Captain Bruce Pearce and Mrs Pearce as a 'thank you' for saving his life following a 'stroke' whilst attending a formal evening at the Unit.
Before a Colour can be accepted the Unit must satisfy the Royal Navy Area Officer as to its general efficiency, permission of the Sea Cadet Council must also be obtained.
1990 The GNTC senior 5-a-side football team won the National competition
1992 Following the inclusion of females in all ranks of the Royal Navy the girls became fully amalgamated within the Sea Cadet Corps and became known as Sea Cadets. The GNTC name being withdrawn from use.
2001 The TAVR centre in Shirley closed down following cut-backs by the MOD.
The three Cadet units on that site were re-housed in purpose built accommodation on the other side of Haslucks Green Road.
2005 The senior Drill & Ceremonial squad won the National Armed Guard competition from amongst the best 10 units within the UK.
2006 The Unit, for the second year running won the District and Area Armed Guard competition but gained Bronze at Nationals in addition to the National Colour Squad and National Open Bowson.
2007 They bettered their Armed Guard competition position of 2006 by gaining best squad at District and Area and Silver at the National event.
2008 The Unit Armed Guard squad excelled themselves this year by bring home Gold trophies for "Best Armed Guard", "Best Arena Display" and "Best Guard Commander - Matthew Shepherd".
Each year every Unit within its designated area is assessed by the District Officer and a member of the Royal Navy [usually a Captain or a Commander] as to its standing, within certain criteria, in its discipline, training, administration and Public relations.
After assessment certain units are presented with either a ‘PENNANT’, which shows that they meet requirements but have room for improvement, or a ‘BURGEE’, which shows that they are amongst the best unit within their area. Only Three units within an area can receive this latter award. T S Gamecock has received a BURGEE in all but eight years since 1968 up to and including 2007. In the eight missing years it was presented with a PENNANT.
As mentioned earlier, in 1985, the Unit was presented with its Colour. Emblazoned signs and colours have indicated many things including military leadership. Although no longer carried in battle a Colour continues to be a focus of honour, duty and service.
The Colour of the Sea Cadet Corps is the Union Flag in gros-grain, fringed in gold and defaced in the centre with the crest of the corps. A fouled anchor surrounded by a garter inscribed Sea Cadet Corps over a scroll with the motto Ready, Aye, Ready is surmounted by a Naval Crown. Strict rules apply, when the unit colour has been consecrated and presented, as to its use and to whom must be advised before it can be paraded.
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