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.

[GMan]

Awesome!

[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

[Bigkahuna]

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

Dear Sir, Thank you very much for jumping in and answering my question. It is indeed a pleasure to have you join our forum and I hope we will hear more from you. Best of luck and stay safe. John Walker

[Bigkahuna]

I don't think even the Scots Greys carry cavalry swords when kilted, but then, many mounted troops did use baskethilted swords.

[Jock Scot]

Todd please, I don't doubt what you and Ron are saying for one second and I fully understand that soldiers have to use what is issued and, or, is deemed suitable, by those above. All I am saying that the sword in the picture looks like a 1908/12(more likely 1912) pattern cavalry sword.That is all. I have the highest regard for all the Canadian services, past and present.

[macwilkin]

Todd please, I don't doubt what you and Ron are saying for one second and I fully understand that soldiers have to use what is issued and, or, is deemed suitable, by those above. All I am saying that the sword in the picture looks like a 1908/12(more likely 1912) pattern cavalry sword.That is all. I have the highest regard for all the Canadian services, past and present.

Very good then, Jock.

T.

[BEEDEE]

The 1912 pattern sword is still used as the ceremonial sword of Canadian Calvary units. But I don't know how it got into the hands of a RCMC cadet.

Brian

[MacMillan of Rathdown]

The 1912 pattern sword is still used as the ceremonial sword of Canadian Calvary units. But I don't know how it got into the hands of a RCMC cadet.

Brian

Probably because he is a cadet...