Figure 1.-- This is our Highgate School cadet corps in 1949. It consisting of mainly Army cadets but also one or two Air Force cadets as well. We had no Navy cadets. I am the sergeant standing at the right end of the front row.

Cadet Corps at British Schools continued after World War II. This is our Highgate School cadet corps in 1949. It consisting of mainly Army cadets but also one or two Air Force cadets as well. We had no Navy cadets. I am the sergeant standing at the right end of the front row (figure 1). Like all corps we were attached to a British Army Unit. Ours was the Middlesex Regiment. We had a full parade on Wednesday afternoons. The more senior members also paraded on Fridays at 5 pm to qualify for the Cert 'A' or Cert 'B'. This was useful as when called up for National Service, the holders were exempt from Basic Training. Once a year we had Battle manoeuvers when we went to an Army training grounds and 'played soldiers', attacking and defending positions. We used to go to Army rifle ranges to fire rifles and Bren guns at 100 and 200 yard targets. Also once a year we had 'Corps Day. This was a grand parade. We would march from school, with the Band of the Middlesex Regiment down to the main playing field. We would be lined up for inspection by a Senior Officer from the MIddlesex Regiment and then do a march past. There was also a voluntary summer camp, but I never attended these. It was great fun and boys learned great discipline.

Created: 7:21 PM 12/14/2009
Last edired: 7:21 PM 12/14/2009