The Drum Major's Baton
The Drum Major's Baton, pictured above, was used from 1952 to 1967 and is engraved with the names of the Drum Majors. But first, a little history of cadets at Shawnigan...
The cadets worked hard to prepare for an Annual Inspection each May. The Inspection included a march-past by platoons and a band, and demonstrations of training carried out during the year. According to the Annual Report, the Corps was ranked Excellent following the 1945 Inspection. Cadets could earn certificates in semaphore signalling, morse code signalling, and rifle shooting. In the 1949 Annual Inspection, the company was presented with the Strathcona Trust Shield for a perfect shooting average of 100 percent. In addition to fundamental training, the School's Corps held classes in map reading, internal combustion engines, signalling and radio operation.
In 1952 the new Headmaster, G.P. Kaye, announced a decision to disband the Army Cadet Company, and in its place, form a unit of the Royal Canadian Sea Cadet Corps, the R.C.S.C.C. "Cougar.” It was felt that wider use of the lake for Navy training, and the availability of R.C.N establishments at Esquimalt justified the change. As someone observed, "The sailor suits at that time made hearts beat a little faster than did the khaki army look."
The Navy gifted the School with a Whaler to use for training on the lake. It arrived by rail and took an entire afternoon to wrestle the beast out of the boxcar. It was not easy to manoeuver on the water, but was a source of great excitement, and required "five competent sailors.” A less experienced crew could (and did!) capsize it.
The Sea Cadet Annual Inspection, like the Army Cadet Annual Inspection, was scrupulously prepared for – every inch of uniforms and equipment was meticulously polished and readied. The day included a "sail past" on the lake, including the Whaler. It continued on the playing field with a ceremonial parade which included a marching band led by the Drum Major. He walked in front of the band and visually reinforced the drummers' beat with movements of the baton.
In the 1953 Annual Inspection of the Sea Cadets, carried out by Brig. H. P. Bell-Irving, D.S.O., O.B.E. ’29, the Company staged a mock battle, made realistic by the use of thunder-flashes and blank ammunition. The Sea Cadet Corps at Shawnigan ran successfully until 1967.
The information presented in this write-up is based on current information available in the School's Archives and consultation with key people who have some relevant connection to this "object." If you have further information about this "object" that you would like to contribute, please contact the School’s Advancement Office at alumni@shawnigan.ca.
We acknowledge with respect the Coast Salish Peoples on whose traditional lands and waterways we live, learn and play. We are grateful for the opportunity to share in this beautiful region, and we aspire to healthy and respectful relationships with those who have lived on and cared for these lands for millennia.
Shawnigan Lake School is an independent co-educational boarding school for ages 13 –18 on Canada’s beautiful West Coast. Our diverse, interdisciplinary and innovative programming helps shape the next generation of global leaders.
