Ashbury Cadet Corps
Ashbury College was founded in 1891 and since then has been one of Canada’s premier educational institutions. Providing pre-university students with the best this Country has to offer, Ashbury College has graduated prominent members such as LGen Guy Simonds, commander of the II Canadian Corps during WWII, and the Right Honourable John Turner, Canada’s 17th Prime Minister. Since its inception, Ashbury College has boasted a strong familial relationship with the military. Its Cadet Corps was always as much a part of life at Ashbury College as academics. Unfortunately, its original Cadet Corps was disbanded in1974.
In September of 2011, the Corps was given new life with the help of some ambitious CIC Officers and some noteworthy Friends of the Regiment, namely Mr. Jeffery Mierins and Mr. Shawn Murray. Under the guidance of these individuals, the Corps grew from a fledgling group of civilian youths into a strong and cohesive group of Cadets. Their progression has been remarkable, and The Royal Canadian Dragoons have been there every step of the way. Whether providing berets, cap badges or assisting in drill and orienteering, the Dragoons that make the trip every week to attend their parade night have dedicated themselves to the advancement of these fine young Canadians.
During the Leliefontein celebrations of 2011, the new Ashbury Cadet Corps was invited to parade with the Regiment. It would be their first public appearance and their first real parade. Needless to say, the Cadets were excited to show off all that they had learned in the short months since they stood up. They worked tirelessly on perfecting their uniforms and synchronizing their drill, applying the principles of teamwork and leadership that are so emphasized in the Cadet program. In the end, they marched proudly on parade with their Regular Force counterparts, cementing themselves once and for all as true members of the Regimental Family. After the close of the parade, the Cadets were given a unique opportunity: the chance to climb aboard and learn about a Leopard C2 main battle tank. Under the supervision of Captain Jeremy Golding and Warrant Officer Matt Taylor, the Cadets explored inside the turret and the driver’s compartment, asking questions that only curious youths can. All in all, the entire day was a resounding success. Not only for a brand new Cadet Corps, but for the Regiment, as it is not every day that we welcome new organizations into the Regimental family.
In September of 2011, the Corps was given new life with the help of some ambitious CIC Officers and some noteworthy Friends of the Regiment, namely Mr. Jeffery Mierins and Mr. Shawn Murray. Under the guidance of these individuals, the Corps grew from a fledgling group of civilian youths into a strong and cohesive group of Cadets. Their progression has been remarkable, and The Royal Canadian Dragoons have been there every step of the way. Whether providing berets, cap badges or assisting in drill and orienteering, the Dragoons that make the trip every week to attend their parade night have dedicated themselves to the advancement of these fine young Canadians.
During the Leliefontein celebrations of 2011, the new Ashbury Cadet Corps was invited to parade with the Regiment. It would be their first public appearance and their first real parade. Needless to say, the Cadets were excited to show off all that they had learned in the short months since they stood up. They worked tirelessly on perfecting their uniforms and synchronizing their drill, applying the principles of teamwork and leadership that are so emphasized in the Cadet program. In the end, they marched proudly on parade with their Regular Force counterparts, cementing themselves once and for all as true members of the Regimental Family. After the close of the parade, the Cadets were given a unique opportunity: the chance to climb aboard and learn about a Leopard C2 main battle tank. Under the supervision of Captain Jeremy Golding and Warrant Officer Matt Taylor, the Cadets explored inside the turret and the driver’s compartment, asking questions that only curious youths can. All in all, the entire day was a resounding success. Not only for a brand new Cadet Corps, but for the Regiment, as it is not every day that we welcome new organizations into the Regimental family.
Ashbury Cadet Corps Cap Badge
ca. 1910
ca. 1910
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