Kilt & pith helmet - Royal Military College of Canada

[Bigkahuna]

Jock,

Did you think I was claiming it was a Rifle Officer's Sword, because that's certainly not the case. I only used the Cameronians as an example of a variation in uniform and dress. One would expect a "Scottish" regiment to carry a basket-hilt, but since the Cameronians were a rifle regiment, they chose to identify with the customs and traditions of the Rifles as well.

As Ron explained above, the situation is not personal preference, but the dress regulations of the school.

T.

It's still infantry using an infantry Pattern sword. I wouldn't expect to see the Household cavalry carrying 1895 pattern infantry swords. It's just a strange combination in the picture. That's all.

[Tartan Shortbread Jock]

Hello ronstew, how are you.
Very smart picture and uniform.

[macwilkin]

It's still infantry using an infantry Pattern sword. I wouldn't expect to see the Household cavalry carrying 1895 pattern infantry swords. It's just a strange combination in the picture. That's all.

I wouldn't be brave enough to tell an officer in a Rifle Regiment that they were "just infantry" -- remember that British Rifle Regiments did not follow the customs and traditions of the infantry of the line, and that Rifle and Light Infantry regiments were generally considered to be above regular infantry units.

T.

[Jock Scot]

I wouldn't be brave enough to tell an officer in a Rifle Regiment that they were "just infantry" -- remember that British Rifle Regiments did not follow the customs and traditions of the infantry of the line, and that Rifle and Light Infantry regiments were generally considered to be above regular infantry units.

T.

The cavalry always look down on anyone who walks to war! And you can take that literally, or, metaphorically.lol:

[macwilkin]

The cavalry always look down on anyone who walks to war! And you can take that literally, or, metaphorically.lol:

Of course, artillery lends dignity to what would otherwise be a vulgar brawl.*

*So says a good friend and former "cannon-cocker" of mine.

Todd

[The Beach Celtic Festival]

Good day everyone,

My name is OCdt Nick Goulet and I was the parade commander for the Commandant's "Change of Command" in the above photo. For the curious types, here's a breakdown of my dress:

- the kilt: I am a piper with the RMC Pipes and Drums, and as such the highland dress is our uniform for all ceremonial occasions

- the pith helmet: newly added to our Cadet Dress Instructions, parade appointments, including the members of the Pipes and Drums, wear the pith helmet. I've found many historical pictures in books and on the internet which support the wear of this headgear in highland dress.

- the sabre: Each squadron was given a distinctive sword by one of the graduating classes as a gift, to be carried by the Squadron Leader. As I am the Squadron Leader of 8 (Mackenzie) Squadron, I carry the 8 Sqn Sabre.

Thank you for your concern and have a great day!

OCdt Goulet, 24198, CSL 8 Sqn

[ronstew]

How 'bout that! The real deal!

OCdt Goulet, I attended the grad parade in 2006, just before you got there. I did 3.5 years at Royal Roads before being shown the door. You will forgive me for not knowing about RMC swords. All I knew was that the one you carry is different from the one I carried in 4th year. RMC did grant me my degree (without the .rmc) in 2006. Proudest day of my life.

Serve well. Be safe.

15181

[ronstew]

Here is what I know about Officer Cadet Goulet.

He is a cadet squadron leader. Those four bars on his collar indicate that he is several cuts above average in his class. Every officer cadet must demonstrate excellent leadership, discipline, intelligence, resourcefulness and physical prowess. Mr. Goulet exceeds those very high standards. In my class, we had six CSLs. Half of them are now brigadeer generals or commodores. One commands Canada's Pacific fleet.

The rank Officer Cadet indicates that Mr. Goulet is in either the land or air element of the Canadian Forces. Next May, he is going to be a second lieutenant. Some time after that - perhaps not a long time - he may be on the ground in Afghanistan. Some on this board know too well what that means.

It was my intention to post a picture of a soldier in a kilt, and to brag on my friend Bill. Then I had to start nitpicking over the details of the Mr. Goulet's uniform. Gentlemen, it does not matter a rat's butt what sword or headdress this fellow wears. He is not playing dress-up. He is the real deal. His is a deadly serious profession - an essential part of our society.

I regret trivialising that.

[Bigkahuna]

Here is what I know about Officer Cadet Goulet.

He is a cadet squadron leader. Those four bars on his collar indicate that he is several cuts above average in his class. Every officer cadet must demonstrate excellent leadership, discipline, intelligence, resourcefulness and physical prowess. Mr. Goulet exceeds those very high standards. In my class, we had six CSLs. Half of them are now brigadeer generals or commodores. One commands Canada's Pacific fleet.

The rank Officer Cadet indicates that Mr. Goulet is in either the land or air element of the Canadian Forces. Next May, he is going to be a second lieutenant. Some time after that - perhaps not a long time - he may be on the ground in Afghanistan. Some on this board know too well what that means.

It was my intention to post a picture of a soldier in a kilt, and to brag on my friend Bill. Then I had to start nitpicking over the details of the Mr. Goulet's uniform. Gentlemen, it does not matter a rat's butt what sword or headdress this fellow wears. He is not playing dress-up. He is the real deal. His is a deadly serious profession - an essential part of our society.

I regret trivialising that.

I would just like to say that my comments were, in no way, meant to critcize, demean or mock Cadet Officer Goulet in any way whatsoever. I merely found it curious that an infantry officer particularly one in Highland dress would be carrying a cavalry sword.PERIOD! Now we know the history/tradition behind the sword, (something that I suspected). I am quite sure that Officer Cadet Goulet will prove to be a credit to his branch of service, whatever it my be, and to his country.ith:

[Bigkahuna]

I wouldn't be brave enough to tell an officer in a Rifle Regiment that they were "just infantry" -- remember that British Rifle Regiments did not follow the customs and traditions of the infantry of the line, and that Rifle and Light Infantry regiments were generally considered to be above regular infantry units.

T.

True enough, but except for Sharpe I don't know of any officer of the Rifles who carries a cavalry sword.