MANITOULIN—While the #348 Manitoulin Sea Cadets Corps was officially recognized by the Department of National Defence 20 years ago as a new Sea Cadets Corps on the Island, the roots of the organization group actually began 24 years ago. And it was the result of much hard work by two dedicated Manitoulin Island naval veterans of the Royal Canadian Navy, Ed Kift and Ralph Marshall, and since then the local Sea Cadets have proven themselves a worthy addition to Manitoulin Island’s institutions.
“The Corps began as a division of #134 Admiral Mountbatten Sea Cadet Corps at Sudbury in the year 2000. The founding members, Ed Kift and Jeff Marshall, both from Little Current, and Royal Canadian Navy Veterans, would drive a small group of cadets to Sudbury for parade nights weekly for their training,” said Denis Blake, Manitoulin Navy League Cadet Chair. “This showed dedication from everyone involved due to the two-hour drive to Sudbury and two-hour drive return on school nights.”
“In addition, these early cadets received assistance from members of the Manitoulin and North Shore Navy Veterans Association,” said Mr. Blake. He pointed out Carmen Laidley joined as Commanding Officer in 2002.
“Twenty-two years ago, we started trying to make a go of the Sea Cadets on Manitoulin,” Ms. Laidley told The Expositor from her home in Sault Ste. Marie last week. “We were under the umbrella of the Sudbury Cadet Corps. It was the only way to proceed properly, with structure, officers and training in place, and to find out the interest from the community.”
“Ed Kift and Jeff Marshall, particularly Ed, were instrumental in getting the Sea Cadets to the Island,” said Ms. Laidley. “I had been on the Island for a few years and had served with the military (as a sergeant) before that. I had nothing to do with the Cadets before then.”
“I didn’t think I had the skills, training or experience to participate in the Cadets,” said Ms. Laidley. “But Ed was such a wonderful guy, and so persuasive, he convinced me I could do it. If he had a plan, he would make it happen. He was very dogged and said that bringing the cadets to the Island would happen.”
“So, when I showed up the first time in Sudbury, I was told then I was going to be the Commanding Officer for the Island Cadets,” recalled Ms. Laidley. “The Manitoulin Sea Cadets has been a going concern ever since. And a big part of that is the support that the community has given the program. It has been incredible.”
“In big cities like Sudbury and Sault Ste. Marie there are so many things and activities for kids to take part in,” continued Ms. Laidley. “But in small areas, these things are not as readily available. But when you have a community with a tremendous interest, a lot of people come forward to donate money, time, food, driving, and help keep everything moving forward. And the group from Sudbury was very helpful.”
“We would drive to Sudbury every week at first,” said Ms. Laidley. “That slowed down when five people could do instruction/training a couple of times a month,” continued Ms. Laidley.
“By 2003, the cadets were parading almost exclusively at Little Current and by 2004, they became a stand-alone Corps after receiving their Charter and designated name of #348 Manitoulin Royal Canadian Sea Cadet Corps,” said Mr. Blake.
Ms. Laidley explained, “Being in the Cadets is not all about marching around in parade. There are lots of activities they take part in, like sailing and marksmanship: Manitoulin is extremely strong (in marksmanship) and they handily beat the Army Corps groups in competition. They also take part in biathlon, skiing and shooting and take part in summer camps.”
“The Cadets these days go to places like Kingston, the east and west coasts for activities and, in the process, they make new friends and develop a lot of skills. The Cadets provide a great opportunity for kids,” said Ms. Laidley, noting she and her husband Bruce moved to Sault Ste. Marie about two years ago.
Ms. Laidley was a Sergeant in the Air Force, joining when she was pretty young (still in high school at the time) in the Grey and Simcoe Foresters (Military Unit). “I had no idea what I was getting into at the time, but I ended up I loved it.”
“The kids in Sea Cadets are great and it is incredible to see them blossom in the cadets,” said Ms. Laidley. “And everyone I’ve met in Cadets over the years can remember special events or activities they took part in. It provides a great opportunity for kids, and it doesn’t cost anything. I’m looking forward to coming back for the anniversary.”
Mr. Blake noted that the past Commanding Officers for the Corps since 2004 will be joining in the anniversary celebration. They include the Reviewing Officer, Lt(N) Retired Carmen Laidley, from 2002-2008, Lieutenant Commander Retired Deb Goode, 2008-2009, Lt(N) retired Denis Blake 2009-2012, Lt(N) Retired Maggie King, 2012-2017, and Lt((N) Sylvain Boucher, 2017 to present day.”
“I’ve been with the Cadets for eight years now,” said Lt(N) Boucher. “I was looking for something to do and was an officer in Sudbury. My mentor in Sudbury was Roger Szydziak who was kind of a consultant from Sudbury. He helped Carmen (Laidley) when the Cadet Corps was first starting. The Cadets was brought to the Island by the late Ed Kift and late Jeff Marshall.
Rick McCutcheon, a member of the Manitoulin Navy League, said, “currently under the capable leadership of Lieutenant (N) Sylvain Boucher, the 348 Manitoulin Sea Cadet Corps has a membership of 30 Cadets, with the support of both commissioned and civilian volunteers from the community.”
Mr. McCutcheon also expressed thanks on behalf of the Manitoulin Navy League (the Sea Cadets’ local sponsor branch) to Island business and organizations who have financially supported the Sea Cadets program for the last 20 years.
“On Saturday, June 1 the Corps will be celebrating this 20th anniversary milestone at a special event at the Manitoulin Secondary School gymnasium in M’Chigeeng,” said Mr. McCutcheon.
“The celebration will begin at 2 pm that day and all are invited to come and support the young people. Prepare to be impressed by their skills and accomplishments,” said Mr. McCutcheon, who encouraged those attending to arrive and be seated at 1:45 pm that day.
