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The history of Army Cadets in North Bay, and its legacy of preparing the youth of the day to be leaders of the community in the future, dates back over 100 years. Even since 1913 when the concept of forming a cadet corps in North Bay first took root, the support from the community and the military has been unwavering, and appreciated by so many.
On February 28, 1914, after nearly a year of meetings and applications to the Minister of Militia by the Board of the North Bay High School, the school was granted approval to form Number 204 Army Cadet Corps and begin training youth throughout the community. From its inception in 1914 the 204 Army Cadets have been sponsored by the Algonquin Regiment (then the Algonquin Rifles), an affiliation the cadets are so proud of that they continue to wear the unit's regalia to this day. From uniforms, to mottos, the cadets share in the tradition of the Regiment, with whom many of the Cadets over the years have gone on to serve. During the first years, training was difficult, as Canada committed resources to conflicts overseas in Europe during WW1. Even with the hardships that conflict brought, training continued, and some of the older cadets even joined the conflict, and paid the ultimate sacrifice, nine men in all. Between the two world wars, the level of training improved significantly, largely because of the support of local community leaders. While support for the organization wasn't strong among politicians following the war, local community leaders, such as then Principal Frank D. Wallace, as well as teacher and WW1 veteran Leo Troy, rose to the challenges the program had because like many citizens, they saw the benefits of the movement. Through their dedication, they pushed enrollment in the corps from just over 100 energetic and dedicated youth to over twice as many by the early 1930's. During this time, cadets learned many new courses, and practiced signaling, first aid, rifle squad, musical band, and more. It was also during this time that the old well-used surplus military uniforms from WW1 were replaced by brand new green khaki uniforms. This was certainly an inspiring moment for the cadets, as even today receiving their uniforms means a lot to each cadet. A sight to be seen, especially as nearly every cadet had the opportunity to head off to summer camps to build on their skills, and meet new friends along the way. |
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During the late 1930's and early 1940's public support for the program began to increase, and with that came ever increasing enrollment in the program. By 1944, North Bay Army Cadets were parading with over 500 cadets, including a large band and exceptional displays of hard work, at the North Bay Arena. It was also during these years that nearly ninety former North Bay Army Cadets would again serve their country, and die overseas during this service.
Changes in the military in the 1960's and 1970's, including unification of the branches of the armed forces, brought with it challenges that the cadets and its leaders had to overcome. Even with challenges the corps received the Lord Strathcona Shield, given to the corps with the highest overall inspection score. In 1962 the corps received 97% overall, and again in 1963. In 1964 the corps almost received it for an unprecedented third time in a row, however placed third overall. Resources and staff decreased over the years, yet training continued to develop, more courses were introduced, and most importantly in 1975 girls were allowed to join cadets, although in North Bay they were an unofficial part of the corps since day one.
Today, following even greater changes, the program and the cadets of 204 focus on dress, drill, and deportment as well as practice skills of first aid, survival, expeditions, leadership, public speaking, instructing, marksmanship, navigation, camping, fitness, community service and a long list of other life skills.
Over the years, as we celebrated challenges and triumphant victories, receiving awards recognizing the hard work that each cadet puts into the program, the corps has seen many changes, many with positive impacts. The corps has changed its name several times, as support from the schools changed to support from the rotary club, and then to its Regimental affiliation, yet it has never lost its focus to strive for excellence, and showing others that they are a very competent group of youth who can't wait to lead and show their skills.
Changes in the military in the 1960's and 1970's, including unification of the branches of the armed forces, brought with it challenges that the cadets and its leaders had to overcome. Even with challenges the corps received the Lord Strathcona Shield, given to the corps with the highest overall inspection score. In 1962 the corps received 97% overall, and again in 1963. In 1964 the corps almost received it for an unprecedented third time in a row, however placed third overall. Resources and staff decreased over the years, yet training continued to develop, more courses were introduced, and most importantly in 1975 girls were allowed to join cadets, although in North Bay they were an unofficial part of the corps since day one.
Today, following even greater changes, the program and the cadets of 204 focus on dress, drill, and deportment as well as practice skills of first aid, survival, expeditions, leadership, public speaking, instructing, marksmanship, navigation, camping, fitness, community service and a long list of other life skills.
Over the years, as we celebrated challenges and triumphant victories, receiving awards recognizing the hard work that each cadet puts into the program, the corps has seen many changes, many with positive impacts. The corps has changed its name several times, as support from the schools changed to support from the rotary club, and then to its Regimental affiliation, yet it has never lost its focus to strive for excellence, and showing others that they are a very competent group of youth who can't wait to lead and show their skills.
