2558 Royal Canadian
Army Cadet Corps Placentia
by Warrant Officer Wayne Power, 2558 RCACC

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2558 Royal Canadian Army Cadet Corps was founded on 1 November 1955 under the Command of Mr. William F. Collins and staff member John Whelan. The Corps consisted of about 30 young men, 13 - 17 years old. They met every Saturday afternoon, for about 2 hours, at the Star Of The Sea Hall with drill training held at the town tennis court, weather permitting. (Meetings were later changed to Wednesdays) Equipment and supplies were stored in the priest's house. Cadets wore a British style khaki arm uniform with a woolen tunic and pants, web belt, spats, parade boots and a red beret. In 1956, six cadets were selected to attend summer camp at Aldershot, Nova Scotia. In 1965 a Corps band came into being an later in the mid - seventies females were allowed to join the ranks.

Over the years, the Corps has been sponsored by Scared Heart Parish, The Star Of The Sea Association, and the Placentia - St. Mary's Roman Catholic School Board. At present the Corps is co-sponsored by the Dr. William P. Collingwood Memorial, Branch # 33 of the Royal Canadian Legion and our Parents Committee. 2558 is proud to be affiliated with 1st Battalion Royal Newfoundland Regiment; and in honour we wear the Regiments shoulder and beret insignia. Their support base is Canadian Forces Station, St. John's.

The Corps now parades at St. Anne's Academy, Dunville on Wednesday evenings from 6:15 pm to 9:00 pm, with optional training held on Monday evenings and weekends.

It is estimated that over 2500 Cadets have been enrolled as members of 2558 RCACC over the years. Many of these have gone on to distinguish themselves as Members of the Canadian Armed Forces and one a member of the famous Sky - Hawks. Other Cadets have become successful in careers as doctors, pharmacists, members of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police, and so on, a credit to their cadet career.

During the 1970's, enrollment rose to 120 cadets, but declined somewhat in the 1980's due to difficulty in maintaining officers. With the support of the Legion and the Army Cadet League, the Corps was revived and enrollment began to increase. In recent years enrollment at our Corps has steadied at around 40 cadets and 7 officers. Our future looks bright !!

Each summer Cadets of 2558 attend Summer Training Centers throughout Canada (New Brunswick, British Colombia etc...) while others receive placement overseas (Germany, Scotland, etc...) In recent years most cadets who wished to attend summer camp have had the opportunity to go as course cadets and staff.

The past few years has seen new pages written into the history books. First a number of our cadets have completed Pipes and Drums courses at camp, initiating the development of a Pipes and Drums band for 2558. Secondly is the development of our shooting program. Thanks to the Argentia Management Authority and the use of the former A.L. Bristol Gymnasium, along with some strenuous labour, we now have an up and running indoor air rifle range and shooting program since 1998.

2558 will continue to grow and improve as it makes a most worthwhile contribution to the youth of our area.

Through the years 2558 has taken part in many community activities including: The Matthew Visit, Memorial Day, Star of The Sea St. Patrick's Day, Remembrance Day, Soiree 99, All Newfoundland Minor Hockey Tournaments, Opening of PARC Arena, CNIB Collection Blitz, Children's Wish Foundation Wishmaker Parade, Royal Canadian Legion Events, Opening Ceremonies of the PARC Figure Skating Club, Trinity Conception Fall Fair, Placentia Winter Carnival, HMCS St. John's Fundraising Run, Return of D'lberville Celebrations, Halloween Pumpkin Patrol, and Poppy Day.

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