2558 Royal Canadian Army Cadet Corps

By MWO Leslie Collins
& CWO Thea Reams

Royal Canadian Army Cadet Corps 2558 was founded on November 1st, 1955. The first commanding officer was Mr. William F. Collins, later Lieutenant Collins. The only other staff member was Mr. John Whelan. The first Corps consisted of 30 or so young men between the ages of 13 and 17 who met at the local parish hall, the Star of the Sea, located in Placentia. Drill training was held in the tennis court, weather permitting. The uniform was modelled after the British style khaki army uniform with a woolen tunic and pants, web belt, spats, parade boots and red beret. Meetings were originally held on Saturdays and later moved to Wednesday evenings. Equipment was stored at the priest's house. Six cadets were selected to attend camp at Aldershot, Nova Scotia during the summer of 1956.

Over the years the corps has been sponsored by the Sacred Heart Parish, The Star of the Sea Association and the former Placentia-St. Mary's R.C. School Board. At present it is co-sponsored by the Dr. William P. Collingwood, Memorial Branch #33 of the Royal Canadian Legion, Placentia and the cadet Parents' Committee. The corps is proud to be affiliated with the 1st Battalion, Royal Newfoundland Regiment, in honour of which the cadets wear the regiment's shoulder and beret insignia. The support base is CFS St. John's. The corps parades in St. Anne's School, Dunville on Wednesday evenings from 6:30 pm to 9:00 pm, and holds optional training sessions on Monday evenings and weekends.

Mr. Collins was the CO for two years but remained as an officer for 25 years.
Other former Commanding Officers include:

Captain Robert Greene	1957-71
Major Austin W. Collins	1971-80
Captain Arthur J. O'Keefe	1980-84
Officer Cadet Noella Collins	1984-85
Officer Cadet Matt Foley	1985-86
Officer Cadet Leonard Barry	1986-87
Mr. Chris Corriveau	1987-88
Officer Cadet Dan Linehan, Jr.	1988-89
A/Captain Michelle Glover	1989-91
Captain Charlie Lomond, CD2	1991-95
Lieutenant Lorne Collins	1995- Present

Former/Present Cadet Parade Commanders include:

Cadet Captain Raelynn Barry	1990-1991
Cadet Chief Warrant Officer Janine Lomond	1991-92
C/CWO Robert Pierce	1992-1993
C/CWO Sandy Barry	1993-1994
C/CWO Melissa Greene	1994-1995
C/CWO Thea Reams	1995-1997

The numbers of cadets enrolled in 2558 RCACC over the years has been estimated at more than 2500. During the 70's enrollment peaked at more than 120 cadets. Due to difficulty in maintaining officers there was a decline in the corps numbers in the late 80's. However, that has changed today thanks to the efforts of our sponsor the Legion, with help from the provincial chapter of the Army Cadet League. Enrollment for the training year 96-97 stands at 53 young men and women, four officers and one civilian instructor.

During the summer of 96 all cadets who applied to attend one of the Army Cadet Summer training Centers, formerly called Camps, had an opportunity to complete either a Basic, Army Cadet Leader or Instructor course in New Brunswick or British Columbia. Three Officers and two senior cadets attended in staff positions. Cadet Chief Warrant Officer Reams attended an Advanced Leadership and Challenge Training Course in Banff, Alberta, which included white water kayaking and glacier climbing.

Young men and women from 2558 RCACC Placentia have gone to distinguish themselves in both military and civilian careers, a credit to their years as cadets. Looking to the future, it is hoped that the Corps will continue to grow and improve as an important contribution to the youth of the area. "ACER ACERPORI," "as the maple, so the sapling."