Back to Cadet Corps Database 2301-2400 page

#2309 Cadet Corps

1956

Memories of 2309 Macleod Cadet Corps

The corps was fortunate to have plenty of space in aircraft hangars used in WW2. We had a very keen basketball team, the Macleod Cadet Junior Giants. Calgary and Edmonton corps played each other and declared the winner to be Alberta cadet provincial champions. We protested at being left out and they sent an all-star team to demolish us. The reverse happened and the Giants became provincial cadet champions.

Macleod cadets were keen marksmen on the rifle range. Some took joy in challenging the chief instructor, and were delighted when one of them occasionally succeeded in besting him.

Signals was a favourite subject of instruction. We had a radio room including about twenty #19 sets arranged on tables like a present-day computer lab. We erected a steel mast on the roof of the hangar for an antenna. We also used #58 sets which played a key role in our various training exercises. The 93rd Battery of the 18th Field Regiment gave us excellent logistical support including an efficient field kitchen. S/Sgt Huntley of the Battery was a wonderful cook and served up delicious meals.

On one joint scheme with the Peigan cadet corps, we were amazed at the fieldcraft abilities of the First Nations cadets. They could seemingly melt into the ground on what appeared to be an open field.

We certainly had a fine group of cadets. One later became Dean of the Faculty of Education at the University of Alberta. Another became an officer in the regular army. The Macleod cadets did very well at the summer camps at Vernon. - Capt John Marles (ret'd) Dec 2005

 

 Cadet Mervin Huntley operating 58 set, 1956 (John Marles)

 

 Cadet Carl Sorenson, 2309 Macleod Cadet Corps, operating 19 set, 1956 June (John Marles)

 

June 1956 Chow line at joint exercise (John Marles)

 

 Section attack - Joint exercise of 2309 Macleod cadets with Peigan First Nation corps, June 1956 (John Marles)

 

John McGilp, Chief Instructor, Peigan First Nation Cadet Corps,1956 (John Marles)