Northampton sea cadets advised not to wear their uniform outside official events due to safety fears

Clare Read, the Commanding Officer of the town’s sea cadet branch, has sent a letter to all parents and guardian’s to issue safety advice ahead of the annual HMS Laforey parade in the Market square on Sunday, April 3.

Officer Read has informed parents that the unit has “not received any intelligence or been involved in any security incidents that would suggest there is a direct threat” but recommends that cadets don’t travel to or from the unit in publicly identifiable clothing.

The letter states: “We are proud to wear the naval uniform and this is an important part of the corps, but it is sensible to only wear uniform where it is appropriate to the activity.

“Whilst there is no absolute restriction, I would recommend that cadets don’t travel to and form the unit in publicly identifiable clothing.

“For instance, those walking or cycling to the unit or travelling by public transport can either change into uniform at the unit or wear a coat to cover their uniform, putting headgear in a pocket etc.”

The parade will start at 9.45am and will include a service of remembrance with a one minute’s silence at 11am.

The cadets stage an annual parade in the town centre to commemorate HMS Laforey, an L-class destroyer of the Royal Navy who was torpedoed and sunk by a U-boat in 1944. She had been adopted by the community of Northampton in November 1941.