Royal Military College of Canada

The roots of Royal Military College of Canada can be traced back to the early 19th century, even before it officially marked its presence in 1876. Canada had always envisioned establishing military educational institutions, with proposals cropping up now and then. Interestingly, one such proposal transpired as early as 1815 by the Assembly of Lower Canada. However, disputes over religion and language stood in the way of concretizing the idea.

Then came Captain A.G. Douglas in 1816, a reputable figure having been an adjutant at the British military college at Great Marlow. He proposed a military college that could cater to both Catholic and Protestant boys. The location? A vacant government house at Three Rivers. Apart from military education, the curriculum would extend to Latin, English, French, History, Geography, Drawing, and Mathematics. What's noteworthy is the inclusive proposition that envisaged education beyond just military officers' sons.

Fast forward to 1826; retired British navy and army officers residing in March township, near Ottawa, Ontario, proposed a Great Lakes-based boys’ military boarding school. The vision? To draw educational lines along naval and military themes. However, it wasn't until November 1863, almost 40 years later, that the establishment of Schools of Military Instruction for militia officers was officially announced.

These schools offered a three-month training program with a distinction between "First Class" (battalion command ability) and "Second Class" (company command). Operational schools were set up in Quebec City, Mont-real, Kingston, and Toronto by 1866, while those in Hamilton and London had to wind up due to insufficient enrollment.

Despite this stride, the schools were flagged as inadequate by 1874. They operated only during winter and were critiqued for lacking quality education. In response, the year 1868 witnessed the formation of schools of Cavalry and Artillery in Toronto and an artillery school in Montreal. However, as these were non-boarding schools, students had to accommodate themselves in the surrounding communities.

Simultaneously, there was a pre-Confederation of Canada military school in Halifax, Nova Scotia, featuring adult male students drilled on military records, court-martial, Articles of War, discipline, punishments, promotion of non-commissioned officers, military accounts, pay, and messing. Post Confederation, similar military schools opened up in Halifax and Saint John.

The transition period of 1870–71 witnessed the replacement of the British regulars by the Canadian militia staff on overseas stations. Six schools orchestrated officer training for cavalry, infantry, and artillery from December to May. These schools operated under British Garrisons in Halifax, Saint John, New Brunswick, and Quebec. Canadian militia staff and ex-British army drill sergeants ran the schools in Montreal, Kingston, and Toronto.

It was Lt.-Col. Edward O. Hewett who, in 1876, unveiled Royal Military College of Canada and started with 18 cadets. By 1878, it had become a hub that offered academic and military training courses, fostering both military and civil careers. As evident, it underwent several reorganizations. Notably, in 1948, it transformed into a tri-service institution and, in 1959, distinguished itself by being the first military college in the British Commonwealth to acquire degree-granting status.

Interestingly, the Royal Military College of Canada holds the honor of being the first military college established in a colonial dependency and had a dual function: equipping cadets for civilian careers and military commissions. The establishment of the College took place at Point Frederick, a site that once housed the Royal Naval Dockyard.

Significant individuals in the College's history include the first college Commandant, Lieut. Colonel Hewett, who announced the college motto, "Truth, Duty, Valour" during a prize presentation in 1878. Another name to remember is Professor Robert Carr Harris, RMC's first Professor of Engineering, whose inspiring words are immortalized on a plaque in the entrance to the Currie Building.

In these captivating chapters of Royal Military College of Canada’s history, we see the birth of an institution that was envisioned as an inclusive educational foundation, a transformative wave for military education, and a shining beacon for future leaders. Through disputes, rejections, and reorganizations, the College emerged as a milestone in academic and military domains. The story of Royal Military College of Canada is intriguing, inspiring, and a testament to unyielding determination and vision.