Influence On The Development of The Cadet Corps in Barbados
In the latter part of the 1800s and early 1900s, Englishmen coming to the island were struck by the close similarities of the Barbadian Grammar Schools to the English Public Schools. However they noticed that there was a lack of equivalent school discipline, i.e. there was no system of prefects, monitors etc. This shortcoming was rectified in late 1903 when the then Headmaster of The Lodge, Mr. O Emptage considered that the psychological moment had arrived and he approached the science master, an officer at the time with the Barbados Volunteer Force, with the suggestion to develop, either a regular Cadet Company or at least a Drill Squad.
Capt. R Radcliffe Hall was only too willing to give the necessary assistance in organising such a programme. In the first term of 1904, the attempt had proved so successful, that it was decided that a Cadet Company, with proper military establishment be formed. A uniform was decided on and later, thanks to the kind efforts of the then Governor, Sir Fedrick Hudgson, V.D, a gift of 25 Drill Purpose Carbines was presented. These were later supplemented with a number of defunct CLB's.
That first Company consisted of 43 Cadets, 1 Company Sergeant Major, 4 Corporals, 4 Lance Corporals, 4 Front Rank cadets.
During that time, a system existed where the better cadets occupied the front rank while others occupied the other ranks. When sufficiently good at drill, a boy was eligible for promotion to the front rank. This allowed a system of development and promotion even before being promoted to non commissioned officer status.
Much of the historical information is courtesy of P.D. Frost's kind copy of F.A. Hoyos, Two Hundred Years: A History of the Lodge School, 1745–1945, published by the Barbados Advocate, as well as B.B. Ward's History of The Lodge School 1745–1900.
Read more about this topic: The Lodge School
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