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History of the 2818 Hastings and Prince Edward Regiment Royal Canadian Army Cadet Corps

Army Cadet Corps were first formed in Canadian High Schools, including the Belleville District High School, in May 1909. First led by male school teachers, the Belleville Corps consisted of two sections. There was a Junior Corps for the boys aged twelve to fourteen and a Senior Corps for boys aged fifteen to eighteen. Free uniforms were available to cadets until 1931 when the allowance for uniforms and the need for Junior Cadets ended. During both wars there was a huge increase in the cadet movement, bringing about the provisions of uniforms by the Department of National Defence and the intensification of military-type training. During the 1950s, cadets was compulsory for all high school students, both male and female.

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Once the immediate need for soldiers passed, cadets training began to focus more on citizenship, personal growth, and self-discipline. These themes are still a central focus of today's Cadet Corps.

 

History of the Hastings and Prince Edward Regiment

The Hastings and Prince Edward Regiment has a long and proud history. It has grown and adapted from its 19th century Militia origin and remains a contributor to Canada's defence requirements. During the Second World War, The Regiment earned more Battle Honours than any other Canadian regiment, and unit members continue to serve and sacrifice on operations domestically and around the world. 

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The modern unit perpetuates local militias starting with the United Empire Loyalists and includes service in The War of 1812, The 1837 Rebellion of Upper Canada, The Fenian Raids, The North-West Rebellion and The Boer War. During World War I, The Unit was mobilized as part of the British Commonwealth Forces. The Unit's organization changed as Canada's military structure developed. In 1920, the 16th Prince Edward Regiment and the 49th Hastings Rifles were amalgamated to form what is now known today as The Hastings and Prince Edward Regiment. The Unit then consisted of three Battalions.

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The Hasty P's were mobilized again at the beginning of World War II. The Regiment trained in Britain and saw combat in France, Italy and North-West Europe. After the Second World War, the Hasty P's raised a contingent, as part of NAT0 27 Brigade, to return to Europe for service in West Germany. Hasty P's have served all over the world including, Korea, Angola, Bosnia, Sierra Leone, the Congo, Haiti and Afghanistan from the 1950s to the present day.

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The Regiment's soldiers have also participated in several domestic operations, including the 1997 Red River Floods in Manitoba, the 1999 Ice Storm and the 2010 G8 Summit in Toronto. Hasty P's have participated in military competitions on the national and international stage. Some of these competitions Include the Canadian Forces Small Arms Concentration  "Zemessardzes Patrula 2012", a patrol competition in Latvia.

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Officers and soldiers of The Unit, starting with the Militias of old Ontario, have been battle tested all over the world for more than two hundred years. We continue our proud Regimental tradition by training and preparing to serve the nation at home and abroad. The Hastings and Prince Edward Regiment, its serving members, veterans and our fallen, have left their mark on Canada and countries around the world. It is said that no Hasty P soldier ever dies. They are simply transferred to the "White Battalion" where they will continue to serve in the company of their comrades.