Newport Cadets part 1

 

AWH Joins the Army Cadet Force 1925
 

Newport had a very fine Army Cadet Force unit which although badged Royal Artillery, was based on the Monmouthshire RE [Royal Engineers] whose drill hall was at Stowe Hill in the centre of the town. 



Stow Hill Drill Hall, Newport

I was officially too young to join, but I was determined to get into this unit which was the envy of most of the lads. 

I hung around the drill hall every drill night for weeks until one evening when the OC, a Capt Templeton, asked me who I was. I explained that my father was the RSM Permanent Staff Instructor at the RA TA Centre at Pill, and pleaded with him to let me join up. To my delight, I was accepted – only, I suspect, because it was felt that my father being a Regular soldier might be of some help to the Cadets!

I had to wait some weeks for my uniform and became more and more excited as the great day approached. Finally at last, one drill night, I was sent into the QM store to be kitted out. I was nearly bursting with pride and ran practically the whole way home in order to get into uniform to see what I looked like. It consisted of peaked cap with RA badge; serge tunic, with high neck stiff collar in blue with red facing and bomb collar-dogs; breeches, puttees and leather bandolier. I remember putting the puttees on at least a dozen times until I got the knack of winding them on with every fold perfectly parallel to the next, then strutted up and down my room, standing to attention and at ease, and saluting in front of the mirror. I was nine years old and as proud as a peacock.


Proud as a Peacock in his new uniform, this is possibly the earliest photo of my Father in uniform as a cadet, aged 9


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