BHS Cadet Parade Swanbourne 1950

From 1947 to 1970, Army cadets were an integral part of School life for most boys in third to fifth year. They gave a lot of benefits to the boys as well as providing a pool of partially trained personnel that could be called upon if the need arose.

Joining the cadet unit was not compulsory but as a past student said it was “obligatory”.

Cadets were taught discipline, decision-making, initiative, teamwork, leadership and governance. They were involved in drill training including weapons drill, fieldcraft including camouflage, first aid. navigation, radio communication, management, firearms training with rifles, machine guns and mortars, using live and blank ammunition and mock infantry battle tactics.

They were supervised by teachers who usually had some army experience. Some were in the CMF.
Training was conducted on the School grounds, in the old Army Drill Hall (now the site of Officeworks). at local rifle clubs, the Swanbourne Barracks, the Northam Army Camp and at the Collie Jungle Training Centre. At the ranges they were usually supervised by Army officers.

The Government made a substantial financial commitment to the cadet units in uniforms, weapons and personnel. Students were expected to finish the three years. Those who withdrew without a good excuse could expect to be caned. Even withdrawing to have more study time for the Leaving was not an excuse.

Camps were held each year at the Northam Army Camp. These could be for fourteen days. They could be a tough fourteen days but there was also lots of fun.
The cadet unit regularly marched at the Bunbury Anzac parade. The only time that there was a difficulty was when the band in front and the band behind were each playing to a different beat.

Past students recalled some interesting snippets. There was a minimum height required to join the cadets. One boy was a bit short so they put him in a pair of army boots and measured him again and he qualified.

A CENTURY OF OPPORTUNITIES by Graham Houghton