Centenary of the First World War and the School’s Combined Cadet Force (CCF)
CCF Reports: Through The Years The year 2018, as well as marking the 100th year since the signing of the Armistice on 11 November 1918, is also the 100th year since the inception of the School’s Combined Cadet Force (CCF). On this page, we take a look back at Cadet Reports through the years, starting from 1918 itself, offering a glimpse of how this muchloved institution has developed over time and how it is now a well-established and much appreciated part of school life.
June 1918
December 1968
‘At last the school Cadet Corps has been formed, and it is to be hoped it will become an institution in school. The company paraded for the first time at Douglas Street Drill Hall on February 16th, 1918. The Corps is under command of Captain J.B. Swan, Scottish Rifles, Adjutant of the 2/1st Batt. Dundee Volunteers… The difficulty of uniforms has been partly surmounted by Sir George Baxter very kindly furnishing funds to supply uniforms.’
‘Our annual camp was once again held at Aultbea, Wester Ross. It was a great success. As usual, the weather was not kind… the night exercise was abandoned owing to very heavy rain and was held back two days… The platoon cup was very keenly contested and, at the end of camp, was awarded to No. 1 Platoon, Senior Company, under Sergeant Cargill… The new session brings a change in the officers, also, of the contingent. We say a sad farewell to Mr Coletta whose enthusiasm aroused fresh interest among the boys.’
December 1928 ‘Of the extra-mural activities connected with the School we venture to claim that the Cadet Corps stands pre-eminent for keenness, enthusiasm, virility, and esprit-de-corps… At last we have topped the century, and our actual enrolment is 104… The Junior and Recruits’ Section, under the instruction of Lieut. J.R. Hunter, parading on Thursdays, is clearly demonstrating that the traditions of the Corps are in safe hands.’
March 1938 ‘The Company has made two visits to Broughty Castle this term. On the first occasion cadets were shown the organisation and manipulation of a battery of artillery. On the second visit they saw films of inter-arm co-operation, air raid precautions, and methods of concealment from air and from the ground…. Lt. M’Laren will receive at the hands of Mr. Halley Brown, Cadet Convener, the badge for long and meritorious service to the cadet movement.’
December 1948 ‘…It is encouraging to see the enthusiastic spirit with which the senior cadets are tackling the Cert. “A”. This term the Platoon N.C.O.’s are being given more opportunity to give practical instruction to their respective platoons…enrolment for this session has reached a very satisfactory total of 143. We welcome the junior recruits and hope that they will settle down to their new training under the expert guidance of Lt. Vannet… In future all school Cadet Companies and Junior Training Corps are to unite to make the newly-formed Combined Cadet Force.’
June 1958 ‘Mr Jacuk, who came to the school at the beginning of this session, joined the contingent during the Easter term, being commissioned as Lieutenant, and later promoted to the rank of Captain… at Easter, a party of 39 boys, under the charge of Capt. Jacuk, paid a visit of a fortnight to Germany. They stayed there with the 1st Battalion of Coldstream Guards… and all seemed to enjoy the experience a great deal… The school was represented by a platoon of 15 boys in the Territorial Army Jubilee Parade on 14th June.’
1978 ‘At the end of January, Lieutenant Steele on behalf of Captain Holmes, accepted a fine ceremonial sword presented to the Cadet Force by Colonel McMain… We welcomed to the Company a large intake from Form 2 boys who, after completing their Recruits Test entered the Senior Company… cadets had great fun on the Assault Course and were put through their paces in an exercise involving armoured vehicles, supplied by the O.T.C., various pyrotechnics and with the cadets firing blank ammunition.’
1988 ‘It was a hot sunny day when we left for our annual camp, this year to be situated at Strensall in Yorkshire… A tradition, not so strenuous as the run, but nevertheless a part of camp that is taken very seriously, and rightly so, is the Church Parade on the Sunday morning. Everything is put into it. The whole morning is taken up with uniforms being cleaned, boots polished and brasses shined… On the last day… the whole contingent went off to the beach for the day.’
1998 ‘In September both a female and a male team took part in the Highland Cadet Tactical Competition (HTC)… the competition tested the team as individuals in a range of Military Skills and they were also assessed on their ability to work as a team in demanding situations… The male team did particularly well in assault course setting an impressive winning time of 2.31 minutes (a course record)’
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