Dear Editor,
The Queen’s College Cadet Corps owed its formation to the endeavours and support of British Guiana Governor Sir Frederick Mitchell Hodgson, KCMG (1851-1925). When Sir Frederick came to the colony as its Governor in 1904 Queen’s College was already in its sixty-third year of existence. The Governor was surprised to learn from Trevelyan Pope, Principal of Queen’s College, that the school did not have a Cadet Corps.
The Corps was launched in May 1907 with Sergeant-Major Manly of the BG Militia as drill commander. His task was to instruct the unit on standard British infantry drills and skill at arms. The recruits attended parades twice each week dressed in mufti. Because of the inclement weather, not much training was done for the first two months. Thereafter and within a month the boys were drilled into shape and were ready for their first inspection by Governor no less.
On Thursday, August 15, 1907 forty-five members of the QC Cadet Corp paraded in uniform before Sir Frederick Mitchell Hodgson, KCMG. The boys were smartly turned out, dressed in khaki uniform and felt hats. The Combined Court had released a sum of two hundred and forty dollars for the uniforms and caps, while the Commandant of the BG Militia loaned belts and pouches. The Corps stood in close order as the Governor was invited to inspect them. Sir Frederick took an interest in every member and to every detail. He personally adjusted a strap here or a hat there and had a word of encouragement for everyone.
The Corps was then drawn up in review order as the Governor addressed them. The Governor said it was the wish of the Principal of Queen’s College, Mr. Trevelyan Pope, and himself that the school should have a Cadet Corps. He was very impressed by the disciplined drills which he had just witnessed as well as the smart appearance of the cadets. It was a good augury. He advised the boys that there will be times when they will find the drills irksome but that in the upward journey through life there are irksome things which must be attended to with perseverance if one is to be successful in the end. He told the boys to wear their uniforms with pride and to conduct themselves in such a manner as not to bring discredit to themselves, their Corps, and their school. He said the discipline and physical fitness required by the Corps will be useful to them all through their lives. “If a man had to choose between two individuals,” said the Governor, “he will choose the one who is smart.”
The Governor promised to secure a rifle range where the cadets can practice marksmanship, and that later their skills can be put to the test in competitions which he would like to see organized. He said he would also like to see the Cadet Corps qualify to take part in the King’s traditional birthday parade through the city of Georgetown in November of each year, along with His Majesty’s other forces in the colony. This would at least show what the rising generation was capable of.
The Governor told the cadets they must always look upon him as a friend of the Corps and that he will endeavour to help whenever called upon. He advised the cadets to communicate issues with their officers, the Principal of QC, and even with the Governor himself.
His Excellency also hoped that some of the cadets might one day join one of the branches of the local forces. The Governor concluded his address by thanking Sargeant-Major Manly and the other NCO’s for the splendid work they had done in transforming raw recruits into disciplined cadets. The Governor concluded his address with these words which will echo down the ages: “When your QC days are over, and you have left the Corps, your training will stand you in good stead in all fields of human endeavor.”
Photographs of the Corps with His Excellency the Governor, QC Principal Mr. Pope, and NCO’s were taken by Mr. Whiteman of Whiteman Studio, Georgetown, and by one of the QC boys. These photographs are lost to history.
Seven years later, as the major European powers drifted into the conflagration of the First World War, more than a hundred old boys of Queen’s College would see active service in this global conflict. They would serve with distinction, some with conspicuous and meritorious valour. Fifteen of them would make the ultimate sacrifice for King and country in the war to end all wars.
To honour the memory of those fifteen Old Boys who never came home, several QC alumni contributed towards a War Memorial, which was a bronze tablet inscribed with the names of those killed in action. On January 15, 1923 the ceremony to unveil the tablet took place. Present were the students of the school, families of the fallen soldiers, the Militia Band, and a guard of honour. The Colonial Secretary of British Guiana, Hon. Reginald Popham Lobb, CMG., BA., FRGS arrived promptly at five o’clock escorted by QC Principal Mr. Edwin Richard Denys Moulder and his Staff. After solemn speeches, the Union Jack, which covered the tablet, was removed as the drums rolled and the buglers sounded the Last Post.
The names on the tablet are: F. H. Abraham, H. A. Butt, C. V. Bynoe, W. A. Carruthers (MC), W. H. Coombs, G. L. F. Forshaw, T. W. Hunte, F. R Jones, F. C. Kelly, W. S. L. Payne (MC), W.W. Rainer, W. T. R. Rickford, E.G. Swain, H.P. Weber, and C.B. Wrong (MC).
“Generations will succeed generations, nations will supplant nations, but so long as Queen’s College exists this tablet will exist, and therefore also the memory of those who laid down their lives.” After the Second World War a second tablet recorded the names of those who perished in that conflict.
Many QC boys served with distinction in the Special Service Unit of British Guiana and then the Guyana Defence Force when it was embodied. Some of the names I can think of are: Ramesh Narine, Asad Ishoof, President David Granger, Joe Singh, and Chaitram Singh (the first Guyanese to be trained at the United States Military Academy, West Point). We are profoundly grateful to President Dr. Mohamed Irfaan Ali for assenting to the revival of the QC Cadet Corps in December 2025, just as much as we are grateful for his transformative leadership of our nation.