Sharbot Lake High School & The Cadet Corps

Dianne Lake | Apr 19, 2023

A 75 Reunion memory

In 1948, when the school opened its door for the very first time, World War Two had just ended three years previously. Many men and women of the area had gone to war and sadly some hadn’t come home. The Canadian Armed Forces funded cadets in schools to train young men and women in various skills that would help them serve their country, if called upon.

Head to toe uniforms were provided for all students, new shoes had to be taken home and polished until they shone. Uniforms were pressed for the big inspection day, the first would be May 24, 1949.

Students were taught how to march, fire rifles, first aid, signals, and there was even a drum and bugle band.

The north east property of the school became the parade square, where drills and marching were taught. Also on the property of the school was a rifle range. Proper handling of rifles and ammunition was taught.

On May 24, 1949 dignitaries from the armed forces came to inspect the troops and their skills.

In the picture you will find (left) Cadet Major Thomas Hughes, commanding officer and Lieut. Thomas Sargeant, platoon commander. Other commanders were Frances Alexander and Lorraine Wood. Cadet Captains were Roy Grant, Cecil Garrett, Sgt. Major Boyce Gray and platoon sergeants were Gary Hawley, Beatrice Kellar, and Doreen Warren.

The Perth Citizen Band came and played on the front lawn of the school. A large crowd of parents and interested town people gathered to watch the inspection, and after the inspections the students all marched through the village. Cadets continued on at Sharbot Lake High School until 1968.

Bring your memories September 16, 2023 from 1 pm - 5pm for a meet & greet of former students and staff on the “parade square” which is now Granite Ridge Education Centre.

Submitted by Dianne Lake