60 years’ service for cadet Keith

Lieut Cdr (SCC) Keith Wainwright JP RNR (Rtd) has been a dedicated member of the cadets since joining as a boy of 14.

Mr Wainwright, 75, has enjoyed a long and distinguished term, rising from junior seaman to Petty Officer Instructor by 1958.

National Service in the army interrupted cadet life between 1959 and 1961 but he returned on discharge to the cadets as a PO Instructor.

Mr Wainwright, of Syke Lane, had risen to the role of Commanding Officer by 1982. He was invited to join the Unit Management Committee, eventually becoming chairman.

After being diagnosed with acute myeloid leukaemia in 2013 he stood down and was invited to be Unit President, which he is to this day.

Late last year he was presented the Captain’s Medal for more than 50 years’ service to the sea cadets at the National Trafalgar Day parade in London by Captain J Holloway RN.

During a celebration at the sea cadet’s base in Earlsheaton, Mr Wainwright said: “Almost all my adult life has involved the sea cadets and how things have changed.

“At the age of 15 I travelled home from Ravensthorpe to Earlsheaton on the bus in full uniform carrying a Lee Enfield 303 rifle and no one batted an eyelid – think of doing that today.”

Mr Wainwright also thanked his wife, Edweana, for supporting him throughout 50 years of married life.