Bermuda Cadet Corps
2000 Queen's Birthday Parade, Hamilton, Bermuda
Active1901–2012
CountryBermuda (United Kingdom)
RoleVolunteer Youth Organisation British Army
Garrison/HQBermuda Garrison
Commanders
Ceremonial chiefQueen Elizabeth II

The Bermuda Cadet Corps was a youth organisation in the Imperial fortress colony of Bermuda, sponsored originally by the War Office and the British Army. Modelled on the Cadet Corps in England, now organised as the Army Cadet Force and the Combined Cadet Force, it was organised separately under Acts of the Parliament of Bermuda. It was one of three Cadet Corps that historically operated in the British territory, with the others being the Bermuda Sea Cadet Corps (with the Girls Nautical Training Corps) and the Air Training Corps, of which only the Bermuda Sea Cadet Corps remains. After more than a century of existence, the Bermuda Cadet Corps was disbanded in 2013 and replaced by the resurrected Junior Leaders programme of the Royal Bermuda Regiment.

History

Cadet Corps (Saltus Grammar School), ca. 1901
Bermuda Cadet Corps in the Second World War
22 June 1940 Prospect Camp inspection by Lieutenant-General Sir Denis Bernard of 1st Bermuda Volunteer Rifle Corps Contingent to the Lincolnshire Regiment, including pre-war BCC officer Second-Lieutenant (Acting Major) Bernard John Abbott

In 1901, Saltus Grammar School in Pembroke, raised a Cadet Corps (with Sergeant Major Bellmore as the first instructor), which was attached to the Bermuda Volunteer Rifle Corps (BVRC). On the 12 April 1901, the Officer Commanding Troops of the Bermuda Garrison received notification that the Governor and military Commander-in-Chief had appointed Captain R.W. Appleby of the BVRC to be a Captain with the Cadet Corps (dated 11 February).[1] The Cadet Corps (Saltus Grammar School) often trained alongside the BVRC, as on the 24 May 1902, when the cadets assembled at Fort Hamilton before marching to the Army Service Corps Wharf at East Broadway, from whence they were driven to Warwick Camp to watch the riflery training of the BVRC. In 1905, the corps received a grant from the Government of Bermuda in order that other schools might join the scheme. At the same time, the corps was officially affiliated with the BVRC.[2] On the 24 May 1907, the Cadet Corps was delivered, along with the Headquarters and "C" Companies of the BVRC, to St. George's to join the other two companies of the BVRC for their annual camp. The Cadet Corps was perceived by the Government as a valuable method by which to boost recruitment into the BVRC, which was struggling to maintain its mandated strength. It was thought that, following their early exposure to military service, many Cadets would choose to enlist into the BVRC upon finishing their schooling.

In 1907, the Cadet Corps was expanded with War Office approval to eight other schools in Bermuda, including civilian schools such as Whitney Institute, as well as the military garrison schools, and the Royal Naval Dockyard school. The expanded Cadet Corps remained attached to the BVRC, and its Cadets wore the BVRC cap badge. At the time, all of the schools included barred black students, and the Cadet Corps (like the BVRC, which originally recruited from private rifle clubs, none of which admitted coloured members) was consequently made up of whites only. This was despite Lieutenant-General Sir Robert MacGregor Stewart, Royal Artillery, Governor of Bermuda from 1904 to 1907, having reported on 24 July 1906, to the Secretary of State for the Colonies that the Colonial Secretary of Bermuda had advised in the Executive Council against forming a cadet corps for white boys that excluded coloured boys.[3][4]

There was a second part-time military unit in Bermuda, the Bermuda Militia Artillery, which recruited primarily coloured soldiers, although its officers were all white until 1953.

In 1930, the Labour Government disassociated Cadet Corps in Britain from the Government, but this was reversed by the succeeding Government in 1931, which placed them again under War Office control. The Bermuda Cadet Corps was affiliated with the National Cadet Corps in Britain in 1931 at the request of the Command Headquarters of the Bermuda Garrison.[5]

The Bermuda Cadet Corps was very active during the Second World War, when all of the part-time reserve units were embodied for the duration, and all military-aged, male British nationals in Bermuda who were not already serving or exempted (due to occupation, infirmity, or hardship) from serving were conscripted. This meant that most cadets exiting the corps on graduation from secondary school went directly into full-time military service on turning eighteen.[6] War service was not limited to former cadets of the Corps. Bernard John Abbott, a pre-war school Headmaster and Bermuda Cadet Corps officer,[7] was re-commissioned into the Bermuda Volunteer Rifle Corps’ Emergency Reserve of officers with the rank of Second-Lieutenant (Acting Major) in accordance with a War Office cable of 4 May 1939. He was among the members of the contingent from the Bermuda Volunteer Rifle Corps that went to the Lincolnshire Regiment in England in June, 1940, and he ended the war as a staff officer in the Far East. The 25th of December, 1945, London Gazette recorded “War Subs. Maj. H. J. ABBOTT .(108051) relinquishes his commn., 26th Dec. 1945, and is granted the hon. rank of Lt.-Col.”.[8][9]

A separate unit for coloured boys was created at Berkeley Institute in 1943, titled the Berkeley Institute Cadet Corps, with the Officer Commanding being Captain J.M. Rosewarne. This was attached to the Bermuda Militia (the Bermuda Militia Artillery and the 1939-1946 Bermuda Militia Infantry collectively). A Government House notice dated 20 August 1943, and published in the 21 August 1943, issue of The Royal Gazette newspaper described this as the Berkeley Institute unit of the Bermuda Cadet Corps.[10]

Bermuda Local Forces Orders, October 1954

The Cadet Corps was re-organised under the Bermuda Cadet Corps Act 1944.[11] The BVRC was disbanded (along with the BMA) in 1946, with most personnel transferred to the Reserve. A skeleton staff remained to maintain facilities and equipment until both units were built back up with new recruitment in 1951, at which time the BVRC was re-titled the Bermuda Rifles. Although a common Bermuda Local Forces Headquarters was created to oversee both units (not to be confused with the overall Command Headquarters which controlled both the regular and part-time army units in Bermuda), they remained separate and blacks were still restricted to the BMA, even after the last coastal artillery was withdrawn from use in 1953 and the BMA converted to the infantry role. By this time (created during the Second World War), there was a Cadet Corps at Berkley Institute the highest-rated school for blacks in Bermuda. This was not considered part of the Bermuda Cadet Corps, however. During the 1950s, it was decided the Bermuda Cadet Corps should have its own band. Through the influence of officers of Scottish heritage, some of whom had served in Scottish regiments during the Second World War, this was created as a Scottish bagpipe and drum band, wearing Highland dress, although the remainder of the Bermuda Cadet Corps dressed as English and Welsh regiments do.

In 1965, the BMA and the Bermuda Rifles were amalgamated to form the Bermuda Regiment (since 2015, the Royal Bermuda Regiment). The Bermuda Cadet Corps was re-organised at the same time. Officers were commissioned into the Bermuda Cadet Corps, with the senior officer appointed as Commandant. The Bermuda Regiment provided support, including a Colour Sergeant as a Full Time Instructor (FTI).[12] Racial segregation of the public school system also ended during the 1960s, and the Bermuda Cadet Corps, now wearing its own badge, subsequently operated through all of the colony's public and Government-aided secondary schools. The Cadet Pipe Band was left out of this re-organisation, and its members chose to continue it as a private organisation, continuing to wear the Bermuda Rifles cap badge. In the 1990s, by when its membership was entirely made-up of adults, it merged with another pipe band composed primarily of Bermuda Police Service constables and Bermuda Fire Service personnel.[13] The Bermuda Pipe Band continues to take part in military parades along with the band of the Royal Bermuda Regiment.

Disbandment

The Bermuda Regiment operated its own Junior Leaders programme for many years, the members of which wore the Bermuda Regiment cap badge, which was operated with the rest of the regiment from Warwick Camp. The Junior Leaders programme was absorbed into the Bermuda Cadet Corps in the mid-1990s as the Bermuda Regiment found it an unnecessary duplication to support two youth organisations. However, in 2012, due to financial constraints, the Bermuda Cadet Corps was disbanded and replaced by the resurrected Bermuda Regiment Junior Leaders.[14][15][16] A bill was tabled in the House of Assembly of Bermuda in 2015 to formalise the organisation of the Royal Bermuda Regiment's Junior Leaders. The Bermuda Cadet Corps Act 1944 was repealed.[17]

References

  1. ↑ Extracts From Brigade Orders, The Royal Gazette. 16 April 1901
  2. ↑ "The Bermuda Cadet Corps". The Grammarian, No. 1. SUMMER TERM, 1932. Pembroke, Bermuda: Saltus Grammar School. 1932.
  3. ↑ MacGregor Stewart, Robert (24 July 1906). "Reference CO 37/243/51". Reports he did not consider that there was any objection to the formation of a Cadet... (Report). British Government National Archives, Kew. Retrieved 27 September 2021. Reports he did not consider that there was any objection to the formation of a Cadet Corps exclusively in white schools. Draws attention to the colonial secretary's opinion, raised in the Executive Council, that it would not be advisable to form corps for white boys if 'coloured' boys would be excluded.
  4. ↑ Wodehouse, Josceline (6 July 1908). "Reference CO 37/245/24". Reports that no grants have been made by the Bermuda Government to Rifle Associations... (Report). British Government National Archives, Kew. Retrieved 27 September 2021. Reports that no grants have been made by the Bermuda Government to Rifle Associations although a grant has been made to the Cadet Branch of the Bermuda Volunteer Rifle Corps.
  5. ↑ "The Bermuda Cadet Corps". The Grammarian, No. 1. SUMMER TERM, 1932. Pembroke, Bermuda: Saltus Grammar School. 1932.
  6. ↑ The Saltus Year Book 1942. Pembroke, Bermuda: Saltus Grammar School. 1942. pp. 12, 13. Cadets Promotions C.S.M.— Sgt. Welch, P. S. Sergeants — Cpls. Campbell, D. E., Trimingham, J. B., Spurling P. N., Leseur, H. A. Corporals — L/Cpls. Brown, C. R., Brooks, P. N., Lough, J. I., Darling, P. H., Motyer, A. J. L/Corporals — Cadets King, H., Pantry L., Burland D., Critchley D., Burland J., Moniz S. A., Barnard R. L., Dennett P. Efficiency Badges obtained by L/Cpl. Trimingham, J. B., Watlington, H. P., Cadets Harvey, A., Dennett, P., Pantry, L., Trott, F. N., Moniz, S. A., King, H., Browne, C. R., Burland,J., Motyer, A. J., Petty, G., Tucker, R., Hassell, H., Critchley, D., Darling, P. H., Barnard, R. L., Brooks, P. N., Dickenson, W., McLay, J., Burland, D., Segal D., Parker, W. R. Strength— 85. CAMP. Held at Warwick from July 4–11, 1941. The School was represented by two full platoons, No. 3 (Sgt. Welch) and No. 4 (Sgt. Petty). Both platoons showed keenness in the various activities, No. 3 again winning the Inter-Platoon Cricket cup and No. 4 the Guard mounting competition. His Excellency the Governor paid a visit of inspection and saw an excellent display of Field Work, P.T., and Shooting. In the latter, the falling plate competition was an innovation this year, and aroused keen interest. INSPECTION. B. Company was inspected by the G.S.O. II on Nov. 18th, 1941. Ceremonial was largely dispensed with, and the inspection consisted mainly in viewing the cadets performing normal routine work. FIELD DAYS. A tactical exercise in which the School company operated on the Coral Island golf course against the Whitney company, was held on Dec. 18th, 1941 Saltus was in the attack, and an encircling movement by their right flank almost succeeded in surrounding the main Whitney force in their first defensive position, but they managed to escape by beating a very hasty retreat. The final charge against the Peak was well carried out and enjoyed by all. The full Corps Field Day was held on March 17th, 1942. in the Warwick Camp area. The whole Corps was in the attack against opposition supplied by the Cameron Highlanders. Saltus carried out their operations in a businesslike manner and were especially good in their attack on the final objective. AIR TRAINING. This new section was formed in September, 1941. Its object is to give some preliminary training in aviation to cadets. A series of lectures and classes have been arranged, and text-books and apparatus obtained after some delay. Fifteen cadets from Saltus were selected for the course, and have found it very interesting, especially as some of the lecturers have been experienced airmen from England. SHOOTING. Sgt. Leseur and L/Cpl. Critchley were successful in obtaining their shooting badges in April. Plate-shooting at 200 yards was organised at camp this year, an innovation which caused plenty of excitement. In the final round of the inter-sectional competition, H. E. the Governor, Lt. General Sir D. K. Bernard, offered £1 to the first team to hit all plates. In the final shoot of the meeting. Cadets Barnard and Trimingham fired simultaneously — and each knocked down the fifth and final plate. H. E. then demonstrated his own ability by hitting 3 plates out of 5, in a match between Staff and Cadet Officers. We recommend the use of sandbags in future during initial training, especially when a heavier type of rifle is used.
  7. ↑ "WEST END NEWS: H.M.S. NORFOLK TO GIVE CONCERT". The Royal Gazette. City of Hamilton, Pembroke, Bermuda. 1934-11-14. p. 10. The standard of concerts presented by H.M. Ships is usually high and interesting, and the one to be given by members of the H.M.S. Norfolk's concert party, when they appear on Thursday evening in the Masonic Hall, will be worth while, judging by the programme. The object of the concert should appeal to all interested in school life. Mr. Abbott, the Headmaster of the Sandys Grammar School needs funds for the school and has succeeded in obtaining the interest of Captain H. E. C. Balgrove, R.N., and his Concert Party.
  8. ↑ "War Subs. Maj. H. J. ABBOTT .(108051) relinquishes his commn., 26th Dec. 1945, and is granted the hon. rank of Lt.-Col". London Gazette. London, England, UK. 26 December 1945.
  9. ↑ "LT.-COLONEL B. J. ABBOTT IS HOME FROM INDIA". The Royal Gazette. City of Hamilton, Pembroke, Bermuda. 3 November 1945.
  10. ↑ "GOVERNMENT HOUSE". The Royal Gazette. Bermuda. 21 August 1943. p. 2. GOVERNMENT HOUSE Friday, 20th August. In the morning, His Excellency the Acting Governor, accompanied by Major H. M. Bloxham, G.S.O. II, and attended by Paymaster Lieut. D.C. A. Goolden, R.N.V.R., A.D.C., paid a visit to the Berkeley Institute unit of the Bermuda Cadet Corps at Whale Bay Camp. He was received by Capt. Rosewarne and inspected the Cadets on parade before taking the salute at a march past. His Excellency then went through the lines and, adter addressing the Cadets, went on to see them doing training by platoons. In the afternoon, His Excellency the Acting governor and Mrs Murphy, attended the A.D.C., visited the Ridgeway Home. They were met by Major and Mrs. Disney, the latter, who is in charge of the Home, presenting the members of the Committee there present. After being shown over the Home, they were entertained to tea.
  11. ↑ "BERMUDA CADET CORPS ACT 1944. Bermuda Laws" (PDF). Archived from the original (PDF) on 15 March 2017. Retrieved 15 March 2017.
  12. ↑ Clifton, Keith. "Major Henry L. Campbell - Bermuda Cadet Corps". ClubRunner. ClubRunner. Retrieved 7 January 2022.
  13. ↑ "About Us". Bermuda Islands Pipe Band. Bermuda Islands Pipe Band. Retrieved 21 August 2021. Two local pipe bands emerged in the 1950s: the Bermuda Cadets Pipe Band, an army cadet-based group, wearing the Gordon tartan; and the Bermuda Pipe Band, a group of police and prison officers who wore the tartan of Prince Charles Edward Stuart (Bonnie Prince Charlie). In 1993, the two bands merged to form the Bermuda Islands Pipe Band, choosing the Gordon tartan for its uniform.
  14. ↑ "Cadet Corp to be replaced as budget savings are made". The Royal Gazette. 21 March 2012.
  15. ↑ "The Bermuda Cadet Corps". The Bermuda Regiment. Archived from the original on 29 August 2012.
  16. ↑ The Bermuda Regiment: Archived 2012-08-28 at the Wayback Machine Request for volunteer instructors for the Junior Leaders
  17. ↑ "A BILL entitled ROYAL BERMUDA REGIMENT (JUNIOR LEADERS) ACT 2015. Parliament of Bermuda" (PDF). Archived from the original (PDF) on 18 October 2016. Retrieved 22 October 2016.
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