The Army Cadet Force boasts a long, distinguished and proud existence, tracing its origins back to 1859 when a fear of an invasion from France, at a time when commitments in India had depleted the numbers of troops in the UK, forced a volunteer force within schools from senior pupils and Masters to repel any possible invasion from the French who in turn formed their own Cadet Companies. This was also the cause for the inception of the Home Guard during World War II.
Shortly after the successful formation of volunteers within schools, Lady Octavia Hill took it a stage further and began what is now the Army Cadet Force. Initially her intention was to introduce boys from slum areas to the virtues of cleanliness, order, team work and self-reliance. This foundation was so successful that it grew from strength to strength until it became the organisation it is today. Its standards and values echo that of Lady Octavia Hill but also have move with the times, girls are now a very welcome addition to the organisation and are very well represented. Instruction is also given on modern diversity and inclusion from all communities. Actively being involved in community activities is also an important activity.
In addition to the initial core values, various skills and activities to the Army Cadet Force now take place. From SQA qualifications, First Aid, Map Reading, Duke of Edinburgh award, shooting to name but a few. Also getting about, being seen by public, taking part in military events is also common place.
All Army Cadet Force detachments boast an affiliation to an existing and local British Army Regiment. Angus and Dundee Bn can boast affiliation to The Royal Scots Dragoon Guards, The Blackwatch, Royal Army Medical Corp, Royal Artillery, Royal Corps of Signals, Royal Corps of Engineers and The Parachute Regiment.
On Saturday, 18ਵ May, 2024, a selection of Cadets were invited to attend the 21 gun Royal Salute at Edinburgh castle. An event which symbolises respect and honour and can be traced back to the 15ਵ century when sail ships visiting foreign ports would fire their guns out to sea to demonstrate that they posed no threat. According to one theory, British ships at that time carried seven guns so seven shots became the standard to signal that the ship was now unarmed. The guns onshore would welcome the incoming ships by firing three rounds for every shot fired from the ships – putting the total number of shots fired at 21 – hence the 21-gun salute, the most common number of gun salutes used today.
By 1730 the Royal Navy were firing 21-gun salutes to mark certain anniversaries and in 1808 this became the mandatory standard salute to the Royal Family and Heads of State. In 1827 the Board of Ordnance ordered that 41 guns was the correct Royal Salute when fired from one of the Royal parks or the Tower of London and these instructions were written into an order in 1831.
This occasion was for the Lord High Commissioner to the General Assembly of the Church of Scotland marked with a ceremonial guard mount prior to the salute. Afterwards, Cadets from Angus and Dundee Bn joined the visiting Cadets from Lothian and Borders ACF in instruction and displays by members of the Regular and Reserve Army in Battle First Aid, Gunnery, Skill at Arms and Map and Compass. This was followed by a lunch and tour of the Castle before the bus home.
A fantastic day out, cadets were exceptionally looked after and enjoyed the experience thoroughly.