History

On the 30th of July 1924 Lieutenant Colonel R.F. Bingham assumed command of the Fort Garry Horse (Non Permanent Active Militia). LCol Bingham had served with the Royal North West Mounted Police as constable and corporal from 1900 to 1905. During that time, he had served in South Africa for 1 year with the 2nd Canadian Mounted Rifles. He first joined The Fort Garry Horse in October 1914 with the rank of Lieutenant.

In May 1915, he transferred to the Headquarters of the Canadian Mounted Rifles Brigade and worked in various staff positions until December 1916, when he rejoined The Fort Garry Horse, taking command of “B” Squadron. He was mentioned in Sir Douglas Haig’s dispatch of March 18th, 1919.

As a Commanding Officer of a non-permanent militia unit, LCol Bingham was outstanding in the energy and devotion he gave to the Regiment. LCol Bingham organized a cadet corps as an auxiliary to the Regiment, and with the assistance of junior officers, built up the interest in the Regiment so that winter training in Winnipeg was better attended and brought better results.

The Cadet Corps, numbered 1226, first paraded with the Regiment on Decoration Day in 1927. LCol Bingham’s cadet corps has continued to provide an excellent source of training and adventure for young people. Many former and current members of the Garrys have started their military careers in the cadets and many have returned to volunteer their time as cadet instructors in later life.

How to Join

Membership in the Royal Canadian Army Cadets is open to boys and girls from ages 12-19. The aims of the Royal Canadian Army Cadets are to develop in youth the attributes of good citizenship and leadership, to promote physical fitness, and to stimulate interest in the role of the Canadian Army. All this is achieved in a challenging, yet disciplined environment.

As an Army Cadet you will follow basic military traditions including the wearing of a uniform and the learning of military drill. Each of those traditions will increase your self-awareness, personal pride and teamwork. You will be joining a team that prides itself on being the oldest youth movement in Canada and one of the finest in the world.

Make new friends while learning new skills in:

• Leadership
• Abseiling
• Sports
• Biathalon
• Target Shooting
• Camping
• Music
• Search and Rescue
• Orienteering
• First Aid
• Parachuting
• Public Speaking
• Canoeing

Come and explore the opportunities yourself. 1226 Fort Garry Horse Cadet Corps trains every Wednesday evening from 6:30 to 9:15 PM. Cadets also spend some weekends on camping and other activities. We are located in Lieutenant-Colonel Harcus Strachan, VC, MC Armoury, at the corner of McGregor St. and Machray Avenue. Phone 204-589-0500.

For more information on how to join visit the Royal Canadian Army Cadets home page.

Questions and Answers

How old do I have to be?
You can join once you have reached your 12th birthday and you can stay in cadets until you turn 19.

Does it cost anything to join?
No! In fact even your uniform is provided free of charge, and room and board in summer camp is free.

Do we get paid?
Not for regular training. However, some cadets who complete certain summer training courses are paid a training bonus, and those senior cadets hired for staff positions during the summer months are paid reasonable wages.

Will I be expected to join the Canadian Forces?
No. Those who do join, however, find they have already learned some valuable skills through their cadet training.