A FLINTSHIRE cadet is believed to be the first current cadet named in a monarch’s Honours List, certainly in recent years.

John Challenger, from Flint, was named this evening (October 9) in the Queen’s Birthday Honours List to receive a BEM for voluntary service in support of young people, maintaining morale and cohesion of North West Area Sea Cadets.

The 17-year-old is studying A-Levels in Chemistry, Physics, Maths and Further Maths at St Richard Gwyn Catholic High School and is also Head Boy.

Alongside his studies, John has been a leading light in keeping engaged over 2,300 fellow cadets across the North West.

He ran a weekly virtual cadets quiz during lockdown and represents their voice among adults, raising awareness of the difficulties some face in getting connectivity.

John joined Connah’s Quay Sea Cadets in 2013 at the age of 10, achieving the highest rank of Petty Officer Cadet at 16 – the earliest age possible.

He was nominated by North West Area in 2019 to become a First Sea Lord Cadet, which requires he act as support to the First Sea Lord while becoming an ambassador for Sea Cadets across the country. He was also a Lord Lieutenant’s Cadet for Clwyd.

Speaking about the award, John said: “When I got the email, I had to read it two or three times and it was quite a shock. I am very proud to be recognised but this is for everyone within Sea Cadets and the impact it has on young people.”

“A lot of what I’ve been doing has been through my unit and my Area and they’ve pushed me to do these things, to become the person that I’ve become.”

John’s mother, Cheryl added: “He’s got on board with everything and the Area Officer has really pushed him along. He’s normally on the phone every night to someone within Sea Cadets.

“The range of skills he has developed from being within Sea Cadets are unbelievable. We are so proud of him.

“The whole Sea Cadets ethos has set up the life ahead of him and being part of Sea Cadets has been the best thing that has happened to him.”

Admiral Tony Radakin CB ADC, First Sea Lord and Chief of the Naval Staff, commented: “This is an outstanding achievement at such a young age and a real example of the importance of the Sea Cadet Corps.

“John has demonstrated the qualities of selflessness, dedication and teamwork that epitomise the whole of the Royal Navy family, and he has helped so many young people in North Wales, the North West and across the UK at a difficult time.

“He has gone far above and beyond his duties as a First Sea Lord cadet and I am delighted that he has been honoured with this award.”