Canadian Military History

Volume 18 Issue 4 Article 3

2009

The Royal Military College of Canada and the Education of Officers for the eatGr War

Andrew B. Godefroy

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Recommended Citation Andrew B. Godefroy "The Royal Military College of Canada and the Education of Officers for the eatGr War." Canadian Military History 18, 4 (2009)

This Article is brought to you for free and open access by Scholars Commons @ Laurier. It has been accepted for inclusion in Canadian Military History by an authorized editor of Scholars Commons @ Laurier. For more information, please contact [email protected]. : The Royal Military College of Canada and the Education of Officers for the Great War The Royal Military College of Canada and the Education of Officers for the Great War

Andrew B. Godefroy

he technical and tactical attendance at the Royal Military limitations of command and Abstract: This article examines College of Canada (RMC) located in T the wartime role of the Royal control on western front battlefields Military College of Canada (RMC) Kingston, Ontario. often meant that once the shooting in commissioning officers for This article examines the wartime started it was not the generals but overseas service with the Canadian role of RMC in commissioning officers rather the surviving junior officer Expeditionary Force (CEF). In for overseas service with the CEF.5 In who determined the outcome of an particular, it examines the evolution particular, it examines the evolution of the college as the war progressed, engagement. Yet despite the fact how its graduates helped to shape of the college as the war progressed, that Canada’s Army performed both that institution and the army, and how that evolution influenced exceptionally well in combat at and it provides new insight into the the pre-deployment education and the tactical level, our knowledge leadership provided by an important training of Canadian junior officers. group of junior officers within the CEF. of the young officers who led their As well, it examines how those soldiers in battle remains limited, who were formed by this military with existing studies concerning shaped into leaders on the Western institution in turn helped to shape Canadian combat leadership often Front and to measure some aspects both that institution and the army. focusing on the more senior levels of their effectiveness within that Though RMC’s graduates constituted of command.1 In the absence of environment, it is important to first only a tiny percentage of Canada’s more detailed study and analysis understand how these junior leaders wartime officer corps, these alumni at the lower echelon of command, were in fact developed. This means heavily influenced the culture of historians have relied largely on examining their social, educational, the military both during the war the less than flattering assessments and professional backgrounds prior and after. Finally, with scholars concerning junior officers often found to deployment and assessing to traditionally focusing their research in the memoirs of private soldiers.2 what degree, if any, their pre-war on the most senior levels of command Though colourful they are not lives influenced their ability to act as within the CEF, this article provides surprisingly often negatively biased, effective leaders in combat. new insight on its leadership through and provide but one perspective of In August 1914, there were many an important group of junior officers. the lieutenants and captains of the ways a young man might obtain an Canadian Expeditionary Force (CEF). officer’s commission in the newly- The study of Canadian junior created CEF. For those already in A Military College combat leadership on the western uniform it was a simple matter of in Canada front has yet to receive detailed transferring over from the militia. For attention from scholars.3 Aside from others a place might be found through he exponential growth of the the publication of a small number of professional or personal connections TCanadian army after the outbreak memoirs and letters, little is known as towns across the nation began of war in August 1914 created an about the social and professional raising units for overseas service. immediate need for fit and deployable lives of these young men.4 Therefore, A third option was to obtain an officers, especially at the junior level. to discern how junior officers were education and commission through Although there was an abundance

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of men suitable to fill the rank and Figure 1.1 file of the first Canadian contingent, Commanders and Staff Officers of 1st Canadian Division, August 191410 experienced and competent junior Total in Division RMC Graduates leaders were in very short supply. Divisional Commander 1 - In 1914 the Permanent Force in Infantry Brigade Commanders 3 1 Canada’s militia had only 260 Commander Royal Artillery 1 1 commissioned officers and there were roughly the same number Artillery Brigade Commanders 3 - of experienced British expatriates Artillery Battery Commanders 12 2 serving with the part-time militia.6 Engineer Commanders 5 3 Yet, the authorized establishment Infantry Battalion Commanders 12 1 of just the first Canadian overseas Staff Officers (Brigade Major and Senior) 11 4 7 contingent was 1,424 officers. Total 48 12 The only other ready source of officers was RMC, created in 1876 and Both Britain and the United States The West Point Academy still the country’s sole professional had previously established similar guaranteed no military employment school of arms for young gentlemen academies, and when the Canadian after graduation. As a result, the seeking an officer’s commission in government embarked on the task school saw many of its better either the British or Canadian forces. of founding its own institution in graduates pursue civilian occupations Under the mentoring and tutelage 1869 it examined the experiences of rather than become career soldiers of experienced British and Canadian both these predecessors very closely. and contribute to the effectiveness regulars, 37 gentlemen cadets were Though the Dufferin commission, of the US Army.12 The Canadian in the process of graduating from named for Canadian governor- government wanted to avoid a similar the college in the summer of 1914 general who initiated the study, problem and sought access to British and a further 128 were undergoing initially favoured the British military postings and advanced military instruction.8 Still, their professional school system, others urged that the training courses for Canadian officers education did little to endear college be modeled after the West that were superior to anything in them to the Canadian minister of Point Military Academy in the United the United States, making a military militia of defence, the energetic States. Lieutenant-Colonel Thomas career in Canada’s forces much more and erratic Sam Hughes, who was Bland Strange, the British officer attractive. personally overseeing many of the commanding the Gunnery School The final decision to create first officer appointments for the CEF. at Quebec, had visited West Point a professional school of arms in Hughes was a strong proponent of previously on his own initiative and Canada came from the newly-elected the citizen soldier of the part-time argued that the mathematics-based Liberal prime minister, Alexander militia and often regarded with curriculum there, as well as its all- Mackenzie, who entered office contempt those who considered arms training program, made it the in November 1873.13 After some themselves “professional” soldiers, best example to emulate. Colonel consideration and planning, his especially British regulars. Hughes Patrick Leonard MacDougall, the minister of militia and defence, preferred instead to select militia British officer serving as the adjutant- William Ross, entered a bill in officers and newly-commissioned general of the Canadian militia, Parliament the following May.14 It personal friends, especially for concurred with Strange’s assessment read: more senior positions.9 Yet, despite based on his own findings and his proclaimed animosity towards experience. With a limited defence An institution shall be established for “professional” soldiers, 25 percent budget and a small officer candidate the purpose of imparting a complete of the 1st Contingent’s senior officers pool, MacDougall felt that the education in all branches of military were drawn from the pool of RMC government needed to follow the tactics, fortification, engineering graduates and those soon to graduate West Point model and be able to and general scientific knowledge (see Figure 1.1). qualify all arms needed for Canada’s in subjects connected with and Canada was not unique in its fledgling Permanent Force as a single necessary to a thorough knowledge creation of a dedicated military establishment.11 The only part of of the military profession and for college to train young gentleman the US model they did not favour qualifying officers for command and to become career military officers, was the career phase transition after staff appointments. Such institution nor was it the first country to do so. graduation. to be known as the Military College,

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A view of the Royal Military College of Canada from Fort Henry, circa 1914.

and to be located in some [sic] one the very organization and culture of of the garrison towns of Canada.15 RMC and the Great War the college as the war progressed. Colonel Lancelot Richard Essentially, the bill called for the he First World War irrevocably Carleton arrived at Kingston from combination of the West Point model Tchanged every aspect of Canada’s England in 1913 to assume the office and the higher level English military military and RMC was no exception. of commandant of the Royal Military schools into a four-year program. Prior to the war the institution relied College, replacing another British This, Ross felt, would meet Canadian on the War Office in London to officer, Colonel J.H.V. Crowe, who needs for an all-arms school that provide a British Army colonel as had held the post since 1909. Colonel could turn out any type of officer the the commandant along with several Carleton was an experienced infantry new dominion required. other experienced officers for the officer from the Essex Regiment who Lieutenant-General Sir Edward majority of the faculty and staff had served in South Africa, had Selby Smyth, the British officer positions. Canadian officers assumed passed staff college at Camberley, seconded to command the Canadian the remaining positions, though and had been an instructor at militia, commented in his annual they often had less career experience RMC Sandhurst in 1907. He was report in 1878 that for the British than their British colleagues. The familiar with military education Empire, the military college would be First World War forever altered this and administration, and brought “another link in the chain that binds traditional paradigm. Shortly after with him to RMC a considerable us altogether.” Some politicians, hostilities commenced in August amount of personal operational however, later complained that the 1914, most of the British Army cadre experience from the South African military college was nothing more was recalled to active duty and the War. He was a fitting commandant than “a place where a few young Canadian uniformed faculty and for the college but he was recalled to fellows, who have more money staff followed soon afterwards. England for war service in December than brains, play soldier for four The sudden depletion of its most 1914. Without a suitable replacement years at the expense of the Canadian experienced faculty and staff put a immediately available he was forced tax-payer.”16 Still, the college ably serious strain on the ability of the to leave his staff adjutant, Major responded to the serious test of the college to continue educating and Charles Noel Perreau, in charge as South African War, and continued training young gentlemen for war acting commandant until either the to evolve as a professional military service, but this is exactly what the War Office or Ottawa could find a institution through the first decade Canadian government expected from successor. of the 20th century.17 Anticipating the college. The demands of war even Major Perreau also had some the demands a total war would place pushed RMC to increase its annual operational experience. An infantry on the college, however, was another number of recruits and graduates, a officer with the Royal Dublin Fusiliers, matter entirely. requirement that would further alter he had fought in the South African

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War.18 Still, he was considered too of his British officers, all recalled for junior to fulfill the requirements of war service. That left besides, Major the office of commandant and he Perreau himself, only two experienced lacked some of the administrative British officers at RMC, Lieutenant and political experience that the M.V. Plummer, Royal Field Artillery, position demanded. With the (instructor in military topography increasing demands of the war, and administration), and Captain Major Perreau expected his tenure S.A. Thompson, Northamptonshire as acting commandant would be Regiment, (superintendent of brief, figuring that he too would soon Infantry and Gymnasia).21 return to England for war duty with The Canadian military staff his regiment while another perhaps then began to leave. Canada had more venerable senior officer might dispatched the 1st Canadian Division be found to lead the college. to England in October 1914, and In June 1914 there were 22 plans were already underway for the members on the college’s superior deployment of a second, and possibly staff, nine of whom were officers third, Canadian division. This rapid in the British army and seven who expansion of the CEF meant that held commissions in the Canadian all capable and qualified Canadian Permanent Force or part-time officers were needed. Those already militia.19 The remaining six were Colonel Lancelot Richard Carleton assisting the war effort through civilians.20 The professor of civil was the commandant of RMC at duty at RMC felt a greater moral the outbreak of the First World War. survey, Major A. J. Wolfe, Royal His tenure in Kingston was cut short and patriotic compulsion to leave Engineers, returned to England at the when he was recalled to England for their safe posts at the college and end of June on the expiration of his war service in December 1914. join the men deploying for combat regular exchange posting with RMC. service overseas. Though perhaps Four other British officers assigned understandable from a personal to Kingston who were on leave in perspective, one could easily argue England when the war broke out that abandoning the college to fill simply did not return to RMC and positions in the field army did more rejoined their regiments instead. harm than good to the CEF over the Thus Major A. Bryant of the RMC long term. Yet there is no evidence general staff, Major R.C. Hammond to suggest that the Department of (professor of military engineering), Militia and Defence concurred at the Captain P.A. Meldon (professor of time, or took any immediate action tactics and artillery), and Captain to put a stop to the exodus of faculty F.A. Heyman, (instructor in survey and staff from RMC.22 and signaling), were all immediately Within the first few months lost, leaving gaping holes in the of 1915, the two remaining British faculty at the start of the fall 1914 officers and most of the Canadian term. Major Perreau protested up the army officers on the college faculty chain of command through Ottawa left for overseas service. Then the to London, but his complaints fell on instructor in civil engineering was deaf ears. lost when Mr. O.T. Macklem took The near destruction of the a commission in the CEF and went British Expeditionary Force in the overseas with the 2nd Canadian autumn 1914 campaign created Division. John Herbert Dawson, a desperate need for officers to the instructor in mathematics, also replace casualties, and among other took a commission in the CEF and measures the War Office in London left. Dawson had been an instructor Major Charles Noel Perreau assumed quickly recalled all the British Army at RMC since 1901, while serving the post as acting commandant but staff from RMC. Before the end of the remained in the position until 1919. first as an officer with and then later year Major Perreau lost another three commanding the 14th Prince of

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Wales Own Rifles militia regiment in his leadership, RMC educated and Kingston. He held a master’s degree trained almost 500 gentlemen cadets. in mathematics from the University From 1916 onwards the majority of Toronto, and had been pursuing of the faculty and staff at RMC were post-graduate work at Harvard civilians. However, a few military University until poor health caused members did remain, and the college his return home. In 1915 while still managed to acquire a couple of teaching at RMC he organized the returned officers who were no longer 59th Canadian Infantry Battalion for fit for frontline duties. In August 1916 overseas service, and left for England Captain H.C. Wotherspoon arrived with his new unit later that year.23 from the 46th Durham Infantry to The loss of Dawson was particularly become the staff-adjutant, while hard for RMC, as mathematics was Captain Horace H. Lawson came the very foundation of the college to instruct in engineering. Lawson and a replacement of his quality and graduated from RMC in 1910, experience would not be easily found. and was a Canadian government With little or no hope of obtaining surveyor when the war broke out. additional British or Canadian He served overseas as a lieutenant officers to train the gentleman in the Canadian Field Artillery, but cadets in the foreseeable future, was wounded and invalided back provisions were made to reorganize to England in early 1916. After a the entire faculty and staff. Major short stint as an instructor at the Perreau greatly increased the Royal School of Artillery, he arrived civilian complement and devolved at RMC as instructor and company increased responsibilities onto the commander.25 non-commissioned officers who Horace’s fellow classmate, Major supported the daily administration of Arthur Douglas Fisken, returned RMC. Throughout this reorganization to the college in late 1917, and his Major Perreau remained in the office arrival was perceived as a true of the commandant, and his good blessing. Fisken had served in France work to keep the place functioning and Belgium with the 20th (Central earned him the gratitude of both Ontario) Infantry Battalion.26 A the War Office and the Canadian tough and experienced frontline government. In 1916, he was officially combat commander, Fisken had been appointed as commandant and wounded at Fresnoy in May 1917 and promoted to full colonel, though the then twice again at Passchendaele decision to keep him in Canada for while breaking up a German the duration of the war effectively counterattack. This latter display ended any hope he had of a career in of personal gallantry earned Major the postwar British Army. Though Fisken a well-deserved Military later promoted to brigadier-general Cross, but his wounds removed him The demands of the war made it difficult and awarded a modest title, Perreau’s for RMC to retain qualified instructors. from any further frontline duties. only postwar command was that of a Captain P.A. Meldon (top), professor of After arriving at RMC Major Fisken territorial brigade in England.24 tactics and artillery, along with three was assigned to teach tactics and Colonel Perreau almost single- other British instructors returned to trench warfare, a new yet vital subject England before the start of the Fall handedly ensured the continued 1914 term. Besides Perreau, this left for the gentlemen cadets then passing 27 survival and efficiency of RMC only two experienced British officers at through the college. throughout the war. Under his RMC: Captain S.A. Thompson (above) The concept of manning the guidance the college supplied a remained to serve as superintendent faculty with well trained and small yet steady stream of officers of infantry and gymnasia, while experienced British Army officers Lieutenant M.V. Plummer held the post for advanced training in England and of instructor in miltary topography and had proven essential to the success eventual combat service in Flanders administration. of cadet training, and when the and France. In four years under war came the loss of this asset was

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the pass requirement to at least 50 During the war RMC benefitted from the experience percent, as well as consider a number of combat veterans who could no longer serve at of other revisions.30 The principals of the front due to their injuries. Major A.D. Fisken (left) is one example. He served with the 20th several Canadian preparatory schools Battalion at Fresnoy and Passchendaele, being and colleges whose students applied awarded the military cross for gallantry, before for admission to RMC supported being wounded and sent home. At RMC his Carleton’s recommendations, and experience was put to good use teaching these gentlemen met with college tactics and trench warfare. officials soon after the war began to formalize new practices and Cadet Selection and Entry procedures for entry pending the minister’s approval.31 pplicants sitting for the RMC First, there was a desire to move Aentrance exam at the turn of the timing of the RMC entrance the century were expected to sit for exam from May to June to better two sets of examination papers, ten coincide with the end of studies mandatory and five others that were of the public schools from which optional. The mandatory set required RMC’s candidates were drawn. This keenly felt. Yet fortunately the the potential recruit to demonstrate would have the effect of increasing exodus of the British officer nucleus their specific knowledge in fields the pool of potential applicants by did not condemn the institution to such as chemistry, mathematics, making the application process irrelevance, or worse, total failure. engineering, English, and French. more convenient. Second, when Colonel Perreau was able to find The second set of papers could Major Perreau assumed command Canadian officers to replace those increase the chances of acceptance of RMC he obtained permission from who left for overseas and some of and included fields such as Latin, the minister to revise the exam’s these late additions, such as Major geometrical and free hand drawing, syllabus.32 Fisken, proved invaluable to the and even military drill. As difficult as Perreau reduced the total number college’s wartime curriculum. This it may have seemed, to be considered of papers written for the entrance transformation of the faculty and staff eligible for acceptance at the college exam from 15 to ten, and made all from being mostly British to being the applicant had to score only 33 subjects compulsory. Chemistry, mostly Canadian was also a reflection percent, a grade easily accomplished geometrical drawing, free hand of a much greater transformation with a little studying or the timely drawing, and drill were stricken underway across the Canadian assistance of a cramming coach. from the list, while Latin became Army writ large. Gone were the The selection and entry criteria mandatory. It was expected that these days of British-influenced equestrian, for RMC had been under serious alterations would give the examiners lance, and sword drill, replaced attack for some years prior to the a better idea of the academic with Canadian-influenced gunnery, First World War. Senior officers ability of the potential candidates. rifleman, and trench warfare skills. in particular felt that the entrance Unfortunately, though the content By increasing the civilian faculty requirements were too lax, making of the exam was improved to meet and staff at RMC during the war, official complaints to the RMC the requirements of the college, the moreover, Colonel Perreau created External Board of Visitors as early as mark needed to pass remained at 33 a new educational paradigm that 1900, regarding what they perceived percent. ensured all future officer development as embarrassingly low standards. The sudden urgent need for would be a combined civil-military Still, the examination and selection qualified officers in both the British affair.28 The result of this initiative criteria remained largely unchanged, and Canadian armies had a large was generally positive. Instead of making it appear to the army that impact on the entrance requirements. being perceived purely as a military little if any skill was needed to get Between August and December run “war” college, RMC became into what many political and military 1914 there was an exodus of cadets more of a national institution in the patrons wished to be an elite national over 18 years of age, but not yet postwar years that produced not just institution.29 graduated, who chose to depart better soldiers, but better Canadian In early 1914 Colonel Carleton RMC and enlist immediately in the citizens as well. sought approval from the minister of CEF. It made no sense to some to militia and defence in Ottawa to raise wait perhaps another year or two to

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graduate from RMC with a diploma As of December 1915, a total of 5,832 universities in 1918, offering another of studies and commission when officers had enlisted in the CEF, 19 places to young men who had not one could simply walk from RMC most of whom were by then serving written the entrance examination.38 across the Kingston causeway into in France. Of these, 480 had been Though there is no written record of town and enlist as a CEF officer at killed in action or wounded, of which animosity between those cadets who the local recruiting station. Besides, 366 were in the infantry battalions had to sit for the exam and those who the early perception by all was that and artillery brigades.35 Another did not, one can easily imagine the the war in Europe would be decided Canadian infantry unit serving with resentment that some must have felt by Christmas 1914, and one hoping the British Expeditionary Force, the for those who were simply let into for a postwar military career in Princess Patricia’s Canadian Light the college without any academic Canada was likelier to succeed if he Infantry (PPCLI), had lost 38 of its pre-testing.39 had operational experience. Between veteran officers in combat in the August 1914 and May 1915, 83 short span of seven months.36 By the cadets withdrew from the college or end of Canada’s first year of war, its The Curriculum had their graduation accelerated in existing professionally trained and order to take commissions and fight experienced officer corps had been he aim of instruction at RMC overseas.33 all but eliminated in the constant Twas to ensure the cadet would As a result of the withdrawals, fighting on the Western Front. have a knowledge of the duties and the entrance standards were relaxed The imperative to replace these methods of all the arms. This required again in January 1915 to allow a losses put considerable strain on an extensive and varied academic special admission of 28 candidates RMC, which at the end of 1915 and practical curriculum. The end into the college to make up the supplied only 26 more officers to result was a highly competent officer numbers depleted by war conditions. overseas forces, with a further 32 who upon graduation was ready to The supplementary candidates were officers taking their commissions in pursue more specialized courses in selected from those who had failed May 1916.37 These were good results his trade, while bringing to that trade the 1914 entrance examination considering the increasing lack of a general understanding of the other along with a few other civilians resources available, but they must combat arms. from chartered universities deemed have seemed paltry when compared acceptable for entrance. The move to the number needed was not considered wise by Perreau, to replace casualties. who wrote in his annual report to the Thus, the standards minister: for entrance were not raised in light of the Although the twenty-eight so obvious necessity to admitted have done their best, they encourage young men have been greatly handicapped in to apply. In January missing five months of the college 1916 a special entrance term, and I consider it advisable not examination was to again resort to this expedient to held and another 22 complete the number.34 cadets were admitted to the college on 1 Despite Colonel Perreau’s February. Though concerns, the government constantly R M C r e c e i v e d a pressured him to help meet the sufficient number of growing needs of the CEF. By the candidates in 1917, second year of the war the number it went canvassing of officer casualties was staggering. again to chartered

Four cadets on guard duty stand at attention outside what is now called the “Old Guard House.” The building now serves as the Museum office. During the First World War all cadets went through the routine of guard duty and the posting of sentries just as if they were soldiers in an infantry battalion.

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The course of studies at RMC western front. Traditionally, the qualify him for squadron, battery, in 1914 tended to concentrate gentleman cadets were taught to or company command. During his more on scientific and engineering have a firm grasp of the British Field senior year he was taught courses methods than the traditional classical Service Regulations (FSR) Volume on the principles of strategy, military education British officer schools. The Two and another manual, “Infantry history, and geography. timetable for the year consisted of Training,” so that they would be In terms of practical work, the 3,828 hours of instruction (see Figure fully interoperable with the British cadet was taught to fire a revolver 1.2). Of this, 809 hours (21 percent) Army. The aim of all tactics training with the left or right hand, high-level went to military topics, 2,226.5 hours was to ensure that the gentleman rifle marksmanship, and the use (58 percent) to civilian topics, and cadet was capable of carrying out of the Lewis and Vickers machine 792.5 hours (20 percent) to practical the duties and responsibilities of a guns. He also still spent a little time lessons.40 The basis of the curriculum platoon commander in an infantry on sword and bayonet fighting, as Museum 19830349-035 Canadian War was mathematics, which received the battalion. He was also expected these weapons were still perceived most concentration (675 hours). to have a thorough knowledge as having significant value for the purpose of building morale and Figure 1.2 “fighting spirit.” Major Fisken, The Royal Military College of Canada 1914 Academic Year however, disabused both the faculty Number of Hours Devoted to Study Listed by Subject in the Curriculum41 and the cadets of any notions of Subject Total Hours swashbuckling heroism, instead Military 809 getting the future soldiers to focus on Tactics 70.5 being deadly with the rifle, revolver, Military Engineering 242 and shovel handle. Finally, sufficient Military History 41 practical instruction in signaling was Artillery 186 provided to qualify a cadet to act as 42 Reconnaissance 80 a regimental signaling officer. Field Sketching and Map Reading 140.5 The courses in mathematics and engineering were designed so that Military Administration and Law 49 the gentlemen cadets could grasp Civil 2,226.5 problems that might be encountered Mathematics 675 in their other military, scientific, and Civil Engineering 393.5 engineering courses. The courses Surveying 329.5 were also designed so that regardless Physics 184.5 of whether the cadet had entered Chemistry 107 RMC from a preparatory school or English 171.5 an engineering college, he would French 258.5 graduate with full training in both Drafting 8 disciplines. The college faculty established a strong liaison between Geometrical Drawing 99 the various departments that allowed Practical 792.5 for a good continuity in the course Infantry 164.5 work. This approach simplified the Gymnastics 266 great deal of learning that the officer Musketry 62 candidate was expected to master.43 Signaling 42 The engineering department was Stables and Equitation 215 responsible for a variety of courses in Workshops 43 military and civil engineering. When Total 3828 the war broke out, civil engineering was dropped for those cadets who The tactics department of the organization, supply, and were in the second and first classes so underwent revolutionary changes administration of a cavalry regiment, that they could concentrate entirely due to the evolving nature of infantry battalion, and machine gun on military subjects. Courses were fighting that resulted from the brigade. Additionally, the cadet trimmed further when the college industrialized warfare on the received courses on military law to faculty began to shrink and RMC lost

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Above: pre-war RMC graduating class. Right: Wartime NCO instructors at RMC.

most of its engineering professors. However, along with mathematics, engineering remained the base of the officer’s training throughout the war and was kept in the curriculum despite the ongoing difficulties in securing adequate instructors to teach the courses. Similarly, English and French language education was not dropped but it took on a new purpose. Not only was the CEF composed of a as communicating effectively with duties in the harsh conditions of the mix of anglophone and francophone his superior officers. Concise and battlefield. Physical training, riding soldiers, most of its immediate allies effective staff reports also required and horsemanship, and sports were also spoke one of these two languages. the cadet to be an efficient writer in not only required but encouraged. Therefore, the cadet was expected to both languages. The first phase of the training was be proficient in both English and While at RMC, the cadets basic exercises designed to build French in order to convey exact underwent a demanding physical strength and stamina. Then the cadets and concise orders and briefings to routine designed to give them the moved on to a variety of recreational those serving under him, as well strength and skills to carry out their gymnastics. Cadets engaged in

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Left: Cadets with Ross Mark II rifles fire at butts that were set up in front of the northeast wall of Fort Frederick. Centre: Cadets training on the 18-pounder quick-fire field gun. Bottom: Cadets formed up in front of the Stone Frigate for a parade at RMC. The front rank of the formation has just stepped off as the photo was taken.

boxing, wrestling, bayonet fighting and fencing, riding with and without saddle, polo, and gun running. Cadets also formed teams for hockey, basketball, squash, boating, cricket, tennis, cross-country running, and rugby football. RMC teams had competed regularly against teams from the University of Toronto, Queen’s University, and McGill University, but when the war broke out, inter-collegiate sports and out of town games were dropped. Cadets concentrated on those physical activities that would improve their fighting skills and survival on the battlefield, with the more recreational sports, such as cricket and tennis, being removed from the mandatory schedule. T h e college faced other challenges. The great need for trained artillery officers in the CEF led to the decision that all the gentleman cadets entering the college in August 1917 would be trained specifically as gunners. The entire class was formed into a four-gun battery and in practical training concentrated entirely on drills for the 18-pounder field artillery piece. From August 1917 until June 1918 the class studied primarily artillery-related skills at the college. Those who were of age or had completed the required year of studies received their commissions and left for the Canadian School of Gunnery in Witley, England, while

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the remainder of the group carried Canadian Division’s officer corps. In units. While marginally qualified on at RMC and did not get the 1914 12 of 48 officers (25 percent) were or unqualified Canadian colonels opportunity to report to a battery RMC graduates. At the end of the war and majors from the numbered before the armistice was signed.44 53 of 233 officers (22.7 percent) who reinforcement battalions piled up in However, the increasingly popular held senior positions in the Canadian England, only a few of them were view that the war had become very Corps were RMC graduates. (see willing to take a drop in rank to much a “gunner’s war” had had some Figure 1.3). When one considers that get into action in France, RMC was influence of the training of officers at only 525 (2.3 percent) of the 22,592 letting their valuable graduates be RMC. officers who served in the CEF were siphoned off by other Imperial forces. Perhaps the biggest impact RMC graduates (the remaining 389 Perhaps those officers who looked of the war was on the length of a graduates served with other allied ahead to a postwar military career felt cadet’s tenure at the college. Cadets forces), it is impressive that they held it wiser to serve in the British Army graduating from RMC in the summer so many senior appointments. There rather than the CEF.48 of 1914 had completed three years of is, moreover, no evidence to suggest A number of the college graduates study at the college and then reported favouritism in the appointment of the distinguished themselves in combat to their various depots for more college’s graduates.46 and received wide recognition for basic and intermediate combat arms Indeed, despite the needs of their actions. Captain William Avery training before being assigned to Canada’s wartime forces, RMC “Billy” Bishop, who had withdrawn active service. By 1917, the demands graduates continued to seek and from the college in 1914, went on of replacing wartime casualties meant obtain commissions in the British to become one of the war’s greatest that officers could expect little more and Indian armies.47 As we have flying aces as well as a recipient of the than a year’s worth of education and seen nearly 400 gentleman cadets Victoria Cross. Three others, Captain training before being sent overseas. chose this path. It is something of E.D. Carr-Harris, Major F. Travers Only after the armistice was signed a mystery why such a practice was Lewis, and Major G.A. Torey, were did RMC begin to return to a more allowed to continue. Though the need recommended posthumously for, but regular curriculum, with the three to offer British commissions to RMC did not receive, the Victoria Cross. A and later four-year program being graduates could be justified prior total of 34 ex-cadets were knighted reinstated during the 1920s. to 1914 by the absence of postings for their services, 118 received the in the Canadian tiny regular army, Distinguished Service Order, and once the war began it made little 125 received the Military Cross. A The Graduates sense to send much needed junior further 62 cadets received foreign officers to reinforce British or Indian decorations and awards.49 n the 38 year period leading up to the First World War, 930 cadets I Figure 1.3 had successfully passed through the Commanders and Staff Officers of the Canadian Corps, November 1918 college. During the war itself RMC Total number RMC Graduates commissioned a further 396 officers Corps Commander 1 - into both the Imperial and Canadian Divisional Commanders 4 2 forces, the last possible wartime General Officers – Canadian Artillery 7 2 commissions being offered to those who entered the college in August General Officers – Canadian Engineers 6 4 1917. From this total of 1,326 officer Artillery Brigade Commanders 14 5 graduates, 914 served in the Great D.A.C. Commanders 5 1 War – almost 69 percent.45 Allowing Battery Commanders 57 12 for age and health, essentially every Artillery Staff 7 5 RMC graduate that was capable of Infantry Brigade Commanders 12 1 serving in the First World War did so. Infantry Battalion Commanders 48 3 Though RMC held no monopoly Engineer Battalion Commanders 12 6 on Canadian military leadership and Cavalry and Cyclist Commanders 5 3 command at the outbreak of war, the Staff Officers – Brigade Major and Above 55 9 cadets did provide a solid nucleus during the formation of the 1st Total 233 53

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Before the end of the war and division on the western front, of these were killed in action within 28 ex‑cadets reached the rank of became a full general and the first the first year. All of the remaining brigadier-general or higher in the commander of the British Army in graduates were wounded.52 British and Imperial forces. Major- Upper Silesia.50 In just about every General W.T. Bridges, who began his branch of every service a gentleman military career at RMC, commanded cadet could be found. The Consequence of War the Australian Imperial Force in The cost of the war was equally 1914. Cadets G.M. Kirkpatrick and great for the college. There were 147 n the afternoon of 17 May 1922, C.M. Dobell both went on to become former cadets killed in action, more OGeorge P. Graham, the minister lieutenant-generals in the British than ten percent of all graduates who of militia and defence, made a formal army, the latter also serving as a served.51 Major-General W.T. Bridges, dedication in honour of General Sir divisional commander in the Third who commanded the Australians Arthur W. Currie, the man who had Afghan War. Brigadier-General D.S. at Gallipoli, was killed in action. commanded the Canadian Corps in

McInness, who graduated from RMC Brigadier-General D.S. McInnes, was 1917-19. The great hall in the centre of Museum 19910162-009 Canadian War in 1891, was director of aeronautical also killed on active service, in 1918. the Mackenzie Building at the Royal equipment and aircraft production The junior officers suffered even Military College was being officially during the war and a key founder more, especially those from the early renamed Currie Hall. The former of the Royal Air Force. William wartime classes. For example, of the lecture hall was turned into a shrine Heneker, a graduate from the late 37 cadets who graduated in May 1914, dedicated to the exploits of the CEF. 1880s who commanded a brigade 22 were killed in the Great War. Seven The badge of every battalion and

RMC cadets played an important role during the war. The three cadets photographed here during their time at the college all saw war service. At the left is Herbert Maunsell. He was an academic drop from the Class of 1911 to the Class of 1912 and at the end of the academic year 1913-1914 he again failed his final exams necessitating his withdrawal from the College. At the outbreak of the war he was commissioned in the British army in the Royal Warwickshire Regiment and was killed in action at Béthune, France on 1 September 1915. The cadet in the centre is William A. Bishop, an academic drop from the Class of 1911 to the Class of 1912. He withdrew from the College in October 1914 to take a commission in the Mississauga Horse and subsequently transferred to the Royal Flying Corps where he became the highest scoring Allied ace of the First World War. The third cadet is J.P.C. Atwood. He left the College in January 1915 with a Special War Certificate and took a commission with Lord Stratcona’s Horse (Royal Canadians). He remained with the regiment for the course of the war being wounded and awarded the Military Cross in the process.

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The Mackenzie Building (left) and the Stone Frigate at the Royal Military College. After the war the great hall in the centre of the Mackenzie Building was renamed Currie Hall in honour of the commander of the Canadian Corps. The room is a tribute to the efforts of RMC in the Great War, and a permanent reminder to those who came after of the impact the First World War had on the institution and the cadets who passed through its halls.

service in the Canadian Corps was armistice, Lieutenant-General Sir Infantry Brigade and then later in reproduced on the walls and pillars Archibald C. Macdonell, the former 1917 he too over the 1st Canadian that line the great room. Upstairs general officer commanding 1st Division. A distinguished soldier and in the balcony, massive oil painting Canadian Division, was appointed one of Canada’s greatest generals, portraits of the CEF generals adorned commandant, a position he held he was an appropriate choice for the walls. The room was a tribute to until 1925. Macdonell had graduated commandant of the college. The the contribution of RMC in the Great with honours from RMC in 1886, decision to appoint an ex-cadet War, and a permanent reminder to serving first in the mounted infantry also reflected the confidence the those who came after of the impact and then with the North-West government had in the college the First World War had on the Mounted Police. Macdonell was system. Only Canadians would hold institution and the cadets who passed a decorated veteran of the South the office of commandant after the through its halls.53 African War where he had served as First World War. For RMC there were personal an officer in the Canadian Mounted The gentlemen cadets who as well as physical changes. Prior to Rifles. Later, he commanded one of passed through RMC both prior the First World War, British Army Canada’s oldest cavalry regiments, to and during the First World War officers almost always held the office the Lord Strathcona’s Horse (Royal were shaped by their social and of the commandant.54 Canada had Canadians). When the First World professional experiences at the yet to produce seasoned officers of War began Macdonell’s unit served college. Those entering before 1914 its own for such an appointment. with the 1st Canadian Division expected to be prepared for active The Great War changed this. in France and Belgium. In 1916 duty in Canada, and potentially When RMC reopened after the he commanded the 7th Canadian service with the British Army abroad.

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The education and training reflected the dedication and lives of its young from the Royal Military College at Kingston. the skill sets needed to conduct cadets on the Western Front. 11. In the British school system, Sandhurst what today would be classified as trained the cavalry and infantry peacetime military engagement and officers while the artillery and engineer candidates attended a separate academy small wars and counterinsurgency. Notes at Woolwich. After 1914 the curriculum changed 12. Government of Canada. Parliamentary Papers, 1870, XXV, 635-637, Colonel P. as war shaped the institution, and 1. For example see Patrick H. Brennan, MacDougall, Account of the System of “Byng and Currie’s Commanders: A ultimately, the cadets who passed Education at the United States Military Still Untold Story of the Canadian Academy at West Point. Precis in Militia through it. Some effects may have Corps,” Canadian Military History, 11, Report 1873, appendix No.9, pp.221-223. been negative, but as this article no.2 (2002), pp.5-16; also Brennan, “Good For the American experience see Edward Men for a Hard Job: Infantry Battalion demonstrates, graduates arrived for M. Coffman. The Old Army: A Portrait of Commanding Officers in the CEF,” The the American Army in Peacetime, 1784-1898 further training and assignments in Canadian Army Journal, 9 no.1 (Spring (New York: Oxford University Press, England well educated for modern 2006), pp.9-28. 1986). 2. For example see Desmond Morton, When war and perhaps a bit more aware 13. The Honourable Alexander Mackenzie Your Number’s Up (Toronto: Random (1822-1892) was Canada’s Prime Minister of the trials they were to eventually House, 1993). Chapter five provides a from 7 November 1873 to 8 October 1878. face in France and Flanders. The rudimentary social and professional 14. William Ross (1825-1912), Member précis of the CEF officer corps. The record supports the argument that of Parliament for Victoria, Nova analysis of the role and effectiveness of Scotia, Minister of Militia and Defence officers trained at RMC were likely the junior officer, especially in combat, (November 1873-September 1874) and is almost completely characterized by the to serve in action and performed lieutenant-colonel in the Canadian opinions of private soldiers. well as junior leaders. That many of Militia. 3. Existing junior officer leadership and 15. Canada. Acts of Parliament of the them died in such service is but one command studies include Isabella Diane Dominion of Canada, 27 Vict. C.36, Losinger, Officer-Man Relations in the more indication of the acceptance of (Ottawa, 1876). Canadian Expeditionary Force, 1914-1919 personal risk that must accompany 16. Government of Canada, House of Commons (MA, Carleton University, 1990); see also Debates, 6 June 1895, pp.2199-2200, professional soldiering. various historical case studies edited by William Mulock (Liberal, North York, Howard Coombs and Craig Leslie Mantle Finally, the real worth of any Ontario). produced by Canadian Forces Leadership 17. See A.B. Godefroy, “Professional organization can only be truly Institute, Kingston, Ontario. Training Put to the Test: RMC and Army revealed in times of adversity, when 4. See Owen A. Cooke, The Canadian Military Leadership in the South African War, Experience 1867-1995: A Bibliography its aim is clear and its product is 1899-1902,” The Canadian Army Journal, (Ottawa: Directorate of History and 6, no.:2 (Summer 2003), pp5-13. tested. Few institutions are judged Heritage, 1997). This authoritative guide 18. Public Record Office [PRO] WO 25/76 as harshly as those whose aim is to listed only 174 known published memoirs and WO 339/374. Records of service for including private publications, the produce a warrior, for failure means Charles Noel Perreau. majority of which were penned by the 19. RMC, The Stone Frigate: 1914 (Kingston: the unnecessary loss of lives and non-commissioned ranks. privately published, 1914). Superior staff perhaps worse, defeat at the hands 5. There remains some confusion amongst included faculty and administration, historians regarding RMC’s mandate of an adversary. The First World while subordinate staff included all during the First World War. For detailed clerks, cooks, keepers, and quartermaster War was the greatest test that RMC statement see Government of Canada, staff. Sessional Papers 1914-15, No.35, Report had faced since its inception, and 20. The Stone Frigate: 1914, and Report of the of the Militia Council of the Dominion of this analysis has demonstrated that Department of Militia and Defence, 1914. Canada, 1914, pp.18, 65, and 69. 21. The Stone Frigate: 1914, pp.10-30; RMC, the college performed admirably. 6. Ibid, pp.26-27. Commandant’s Report 1914, pp.60-66; 7. Colonel A.F. Duguid, Official History Never designed to provide educated and Commandant’s Report 1915, pp.30- of the Canadian Forces in the Great War, officers on such a large scale, RMC 33. See also Preston, Canada’s RMC, 1914-1919. Volume 1 Appendix (Ottawa: pp.213-214. had proved its ability to train King’s Printer, 1938), pp.48-53. 22. Report of the Department of Militia and 8. R.A. Preston, Canada’s RMC: A History professional soldiers despite the Defence, 1914 and 1915. There is no record of the Royal Military College (Toronto: of dispute over the departure of the conditions and time constraints that University of Toronto Press, 1969), p.213. Canadian faculty and staff. war imposed. Those who passed 9. The radical mindset of Hughes is explored 23. Library and Archives Canada [LAC], in Ronald G. Haycock, Sam Hughes: The through the college demonstrated Record Group [RG] 150, Accession 1992- Public Career of a Controversial Canadian, 93/166, Box 2370-27, CEF service file repeatedly that their training was on 1885-1916 (Waterloo: Wilfrid Laurier for John Herbert Dawson. Lieutenant- par with any officer who obtained his University Press, 1987). Colonel Dawson commanded the 46th 10. RMC Club of Canada, Directory of Ex- commission by other means. Despite (Saskatchewan) Battalion at the front in Cadets of the Royal Military College of 1916 and was awarded the DSO at the the severe cutbacks in the Canadian Canada. (Kingston: The RMC Review, Somme. He became director of studies 1935). Of the 48 original senior officers in forces during the 1920s and 1930s, after the war at RMC in 1922, but died 1st Canadian Division holding commands future of the college was secure, the after only a short period of service in 1926. from brigade major through to the 24. Colonel Perreau was made a Companion country’s investment repaid with division commander, 12 had graduated of the Order of St. Michael and St. George

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(CMG), and commanded the 116th 37. Not all of these graduates reported to 48. Stethem, “Ex-Cadets in the Imperial (Territorial) Infantry Brigade after the CEF units overseas. Some cadets were Forces,” contained in As You Were! A war. still taking commissions in the British and Collection of Histories of the Royal Military 25. LAC RG 150, CEF Service file for Horace Indian Armies. College, pp. 13-17. H. Lawson. 38. Report of the Militia Council, 1918, 49. RMC Archives, Record Boards file 26. D.J. Corrigall, The History of the Twentieth Appendix E: Annual Report of the (unnumbered). Nominal Roll of Canadian Battalion (Central Ontario Commandant of the Royal Military Graduates and Ex-Cadets Awarded Regiment) CEF in the Great War, 1914-1918 College of Canada, p.26. Decorations and Honours, 1914-1920, (Toronto, Stone & Cox 1935), p.3. See also 39. Between August 1914 and September p.32. This data also appears in RMC’s Preston, Canada’s RMC, p.217. 1918, 464 college numbers were assigned official history. 27. LAC RG150, CEF Service file for Arthur to individuals, though this does not mean 50. A.B. Godefroy, ed., Bush Warfare: The Early Douglas Fisken. that all of these actually attended or Writings of General William Charles Gifford 28. This has persisted to the present day. RMC graduated from the college. Heneker. (Kingston, ON: Directorate of has both a commandant and a civilian 40. Hours are rounded to the nearest Land Concepts and Design, 2009). principal, as well as civilian academic percentage. 51. Preston, Canada’s RMC, p.233. deans for each of its departments. 41. Canada. Department of Militia and 52. RMC Archives, Kingston. Numbers are 29. For example see Government of Canada. Defence (1915), Sessional Papers of compiled from ex-cadet service files Sessional Paper No.19. Department of Canada No.35 (Ottawa: King’s Printer, numbered 881 through 944. Of the 46 Militia and Defence for the Dominion of 1916). who entered the 1911 recruit term, nine Canada. Report for the Year 1899, Part 42. Anon. “The Royal Military College of did not graduate in May 1914. One of the II, appendix A (Ottawa: Queen’s Printer, Canada,” Canadian Defence Quarterly, 2 cadets was accidentally killed, another 1900), pp. 33-38. no.3 (April 1925), p.241. withdrew, and the rest graduated in the 30. Report of the Militia Council, 1914. 43. Ibid, p.240. second 1914 class. Appendix D. Each year an external 44. H.M. Col. Hague (No. 1295) . “A Chronicle 53. A detailed physical description of Currie board of visitors inspected the conditions of the Class of Seventeen (1917 to 1918),” Hall and its collection may be found in and training at RMC and submitted an contained in As You Were! A Collection Mitchell A. Kryzanowski. Currie Hall: independent report to the Minister of of Histories of the Royal Military College, Memorial to the Canadian Corps (Kingston: Militia and the Prime Minister. In 1914, Volume One, 1876-1918. (Kingston, RMC Hewson and White Printing, Ltd. 1989). the Board consisted of Colonel V.A.S. Review Press, 1985), pp.271-273. 54. The slight notable exception to this rule Williams, Chairman; Honourary Colonel 45. Another estimate by W.R.P. Bridger, a was the appointment of RMC cadet J.A.M. Aikins, 99th Manitoba Rangers; professor at RMC from 1917-1942, places No.45, then Colonel F.T. Taylor, to the Major R. W. Leonard, Corps of Guides, the total cadets serving at 982. Figures post of commandant in 1905. Clare L. Worrell, Bishop of Nova Scotia; tabulated from RMC official records and Colonel J. S. Dunbar, Assistant of college attendance. See also, Anon. Adjutant General. “The Royal Military College of Canada,” Andrew Godefroy is an alumnus of 31. Ibid. Canadian Defence Quarterly, 2, no.3 (April, the 1997 Canadian Battle of Normandy 32. Report of the Militia Council, 1917, 1925), pp.239-246; and RMC Club of Foundation (now the Canadian Appendix E: Annual Report of the Canada, Directory of Ex-Cadets of the Royal Battlefields Foundation) Study Tour. Commandant of the Royal Military Military College of Canada (1935). He is the head of academic, research, College of Canada, 1916-17, p.30. 46. See Brennan articles cited in this outreach, and publications for the 33. Report of the Militia Council, 1915, article. Previous research published Canadian Army’s Directorate of Land Appendix F: Annual Report of the by both Brennan and this author has Concepts and Designs, as well as the Commandant of the Royal Military demonstrated that the CEF employed a editor of the Canadian Army Journal. He College of Canada, p.31. very utilitarian and pragmatic approach holds a PhD in War Studies from the 34. Ibid. p.32. to selecting its commanders, and almost Royal Military College of Canada, and 35. A.F. Duguid, Official History of the in all cases deferred to experience over has written widely on Canadian military Canadian Forces in the Great War. (Ottawa: patronage. history and strategic studies. His most King’s Printer, 1938), pp. 438-441. 47. RMC Archives, Record Boards file recent works are Bush Warfare: The Early 36. Statistics compiled from Ralph Hodder- (unnumbered). Gentleman Cadets Writings of General William Heneker, and, Williams, Princess Patricia’s Canadian Light Who Have Received Commissions His The Fighting General: The First World War Infantry: 1914-1919: Volume I (London and Majesty’s Regular Army, years 1913-1920, Memoirs of Brigadier George Stuart Tuxford. Toronto: Hodder and Stoughton Limited, 17 pages. 1923).

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