368 - 30th British Columbia Horse Cadet Corps

After 1902, the strength and efficiency of Canada’s militia system improved somewhat with the return of veterans from the war in South Africa.   Then, a few years later, in April 1908, an independent squadron known as the Canadian Mounted Rifles (unofficially dubbed the Okanagan Mounted Rifles) was authorized for Vernon.  Later, in December 1911, the unit was granted authority to change its name from the Canadian Mounted Rifles to the 1st Regiment, B.C. Horse; the roots of the present day British Columbia Dragoons.  In 1912, the B.C. Horse became the 30th Regiment, B.C. Horse.

In 1912, the same year the 30th B.C. Horse came into being, a permanent annual district summer training camp for cavalry and infantry militia units was established in Vernon.  The camp was located on Mission Hill; the same area used today for cadet training.
Talk of forming a local cadet corps was mentioned as early as 1908.  At that time, the commanding officer of the Okanagan Mounted Rifles, Major H.A. Perry, gave lessons in drill to a few public school students.  Then, in 1912, a cadet corps was established and authorized for Vernon.  About 40 boys were enrolled in the corps that was officially known as No. 368, The 30th British Columbia Horse Cadets.  Their uniform was not unlike that of the regiment itself.

The Corps later disbanded 3 August 1920 but would reform as 1705 BC Dragoons Cadet Corps.

Commanding Officers