Nostagia for Police Cadet School campus life
Next year marks the 40th Anniversary of the former Royal Hong Kong Police Cadet School. While planning to celebrate this occasion, the Police Cadet School Anniversary Working Committee has spoken to retired Senior Superintendent Dennis Cunningham and J A Elms about their job as Deputy Commandants of the school.
In 1976, Mr Cunningham was only a "two-pip" Inspector when he was handpicked for the post of Deputy Commandant, which was normally filled by a Chief Inspector. He was selected for his ability to speak Cantonese dialect, knowledge of extra-curricular activities in the school and, more importantly, willingness to take up lodging in the school.
Housed in a former army barrack at Fan Gardens, Fanling, the cadet school's classrooms and dormitories were rather rudimentary. As such, the cadets found the school particularly hot in summer and particularly cold in winter. Despite these drawbacks, Mr Cunningham found the teaching staff very devoted to their job, and was very impressed with their spirit of camaraderie.
Recalling a memorable event in the cadet school, Mr Cunningham said each cadet had to take an ultimate test called "Night March" shortly before passing out from the school. The test required them to complete an overnight journey of 25 miles, about 40 kilometres with uniform and boot, a distance close to that of a full marathon. "It was a very tough test of the cadets' will power and endurance but none gave up," he noted.
As more recruits entered the cadet school, Mr Cunningham worked closely with the Commandant, Mr Paddy Birney, on opening a second school campus, which later took shape at a former army barrack at Dodwell's Ridge in Sheung Shui. It was there that Mr Cunningham formed a fencing club for the cadets, after his fencing debut in the Montreal Olympics in 1976.
Mr Cunningham believes that the former cadets owe their present success in the Force or society to their strenuous training in the cadet school. Though sorry about the demise of the school, he urges the former cadets to live up to the school's motto: "Wisdom, Bravery, Sincerity and Fortitude".
Opting for Cadet School
In 1978, Mr Elms opted for the Deputy Commandant post instead of a posting in Marine Region. A football enthusiast, he encouraged cadets to take part in different sports activities so as to develop their talents. Convinced that "knowledge is power", he also motivated them to acquire more knowledge and skills.
Mr Elms still remembers how Typhoon "Hope" wrecked havoc to the cadet school's facilities and the neighbourhood in the summer of 1979. He recalled: "Typhoon Signal No.10 was hoisted and strong winds blew down a lot of trees, severely damaging the dormitories. Luckily nothing serious happened because the cadets had left the school. The nearby residents had suffered serious damages, so in the aftermath of the typhoon, I led the cadets to help the residents clear fallen trees and debris from the roads. I was pleased to see they had the heart to serve the community."
Mr Elms has high regard for Mr Birney: "He was unassuming and very warm and friendly to every staff and cadet. He committed himself to the job of grooming the cadets as new blood for the disciplinary services. The school's tough training enabled the cadets grow up as a person with tenacity, determination and courage."
Mr
Cunningham (fourth right) reminisces about the good old days with
former cadets at Fan Gardens