Military Affiliations
One of the core principles of the Livery movement is the support of the Armed Forces, and the Guild of Young Freemen is proud to uphold this tradition. The City of London has a long and distinguished relationship with all branches of service, and is home to some of the oldest military organisations in the world.
The Guild works closely with members of the Armed Forces, regulars, reservists, and cadets, throughout the year at key civic and ceremonial events. Many of our own members are currently serving, ensuring the Guild continues to play an active role in strengthening the bond between the City and the Services.
London Area Sea Cadets
The Guild of Young Freemen maintains a proud affiliation with the London Area Sea Cadets, the regional command of the United Kingdom’s Sea Cadet Corps, which is part of the Royal Navy Cadet Forces, serving Greater London and all of Essex. Headquartered at HMS President, and under the leadership of former Young Freemen, Commander James Nisbet VR RN, London Area oversees a network of dozens of cadet units delivering nautical training, civic engagement, and youth development rooted in Royal Navy traditions.
While the National Sea Cadet Corps numbers around 14,000 cadets in over 400 units, a substantial proportion resides within London Area’s vibrant community, where cadets gain confidence, teamwork, and leadership through hands-on activities and public service.
Our affiliation includes opportunities for collaboration at regional events, such as summer camps, drill competitions, Mess Dinners, and ceremonial parades. Most recently, the London Area Sea Cadet Band earned the “Best Band” title at the 2024 Lord Mayor’s Cadet Music Competition, showcasing both their talent and the region’s rising profile.
Middlesex Wing Air Cadets
The Guild of Young Freemen is proud to be affiliated with Middlesex Wing, Royal Air Force Air Cadets which covers a large part of Greater London.
The RAF Air Cadets is an Air, Space and Cyber focused uniform youth organisation whose purpose is to grow young people’s potential while fostering an interest in the Royal Air Force.
Middlesex Wing supports this mission by offering its circa 2,100 young people opportunities to take part in Flying, Gliding, Adventurous Training, Target Shooting, Competitive Sports and Community Service; most notably throughout the City of London and Greater London. The Wing prides itself on its ability to inspire the next generation with values of leadership, teamwork, good citizenship and resilience.