NCC History

The history of the National Cadet Corps dates back to as early as May 1901 when Mr. C M Philips, the acting Principal of Raffles Institution formed a cadet corps which comprised of existing and ex-Rafflesians. The Straits Times of 16th May 1901 reported that "between eighty and ninety youths, about one-third of whom were ex-Rafflesians attended attended drill practices on the Raffles School ground where they were put through some simple movements."

By 1905, Raffles Institution Cadet Corps had an armoury and a cadet band. In 1906, the St. Joseph's Institution Cadet Corps was formed. The Cadet Corps in Singapore during those early years was aimed more at training the youths for the local Volunteer Corps than at making a youth organisation. The interest level and enthusiasm, however, began to wane during World War I and by the end of 1916, it was practically non-existent.

In 1917, steps were taken by the Education authorities to revive the Cadets Corps on a new basis. It was decided that six schools ( Raffles Institution, St Joseph's Institution, Anglo-Chinese School, St Andrew's School, Outram Road School and Victoria Bridge School ) should each from a cadet unit. This time, the Cadet Corps in schools would be an entirely seperate entity from the Volunteer Corps. The aim of the movement was to improve the physique and discipline of the boys, as well as to inspire them with the ideals of espirit-de-corps and patriotism.

In 1918, all six selected schools formed their Cadet Units under the command of their own Cadet Officers. NCOs from from the various British military regiments based in Singapore and the Wardens from Prison helped in the training. The cadet's syllabus included learning squad drills, parts of a rifle, signaling and military games.

One of the cadets to join the Raffle's Institution Cadet Corps was none other than our Republic's first President, President Inche Yusof bin Ishak. Corporal Yusof bin Ishak who joined the corps earlier, and became a corporal in 1927, was made a CSM in 1929 and had the distinction of becoming one of the first cadets to be commissioned as a Cadet 2nd Lieutenant in 1930.

The usefulness of military training provided by the Corps became apparent during the outbreak of World War II. A large number of cadets from St Joseph's Institution, St Patrick's School and Raffles Institution joined the Singapore Volunteer Corps and fought against the Japanese Troops in the defence of Singapore. The Cadet Corps movement was revived in the post-war years.

The Air Cadet Training Corps was officially recognised on 14th July 1949, when the Singapore Legislative Assembly passed the "MATC Ordinance 1949 Bill" whereby all administration and training of the corps were governed by this Ordinance under the control of the Defence Ministry. This jurisdiction was transferred to the Education Ministry in 1963.