Our History

(Photograph of the House and grounds taken in 1963) 

History of the Cadet Training Centre, Frimley Park

   In 1957, the Amery Committee proposed that "a training centre for the Combined Cadet Force (CCF) and Army Cadet Force (ACF) be established, under a Board of Governors".  As a result, the War Office gave authority "for the formation at Frimley Park, Surrey, of the newly-designated Cadet Training Centre with effect from 6 September 1958"; from 1951 to 1957 the house and grounds had been used as the Women's Royal Army Corps (WRAC) Staff College. Located near Camberley, Frimley Park's unique setting provides visual evidence of the support the MOD gives to the youth of today.  

   In September, the first Commandant, Lieutenant Colonel JH Warwick-Pengelly OBE, arrived and. after extensive renovations, Frimley Park's first course assembled on the 5 April 1959; an ACF Officers' King George VI (KGVI) Memorial Leadership Course of 18 students¹. A formal opening ceremony was held on 8 July that year; the Chief of the Imperial General Staff, General Sir Francis Festing, was the Reviewing Officer.

   Since 1966, the grounds have been much reduced in size, most being given up to the local hospital, but CTC remains just large enough to cope with the needs of the wide range of Courses it offers.

   In 1991, His Royal Highness, The Duke of Edinburgh opened the new administrative block, which replaced two Nissan huts and provided offices, classrooms, a .22 range and showers. A gymnasium, shared with the new MOD Hospital Unit (MDHU), was opened in 2001. In October 2008, Prince Philip again visited Frimley Park to mark its foundation (see News).

   CTC has frequently been visited by distinguished people, including, on 12 July 1978, Her Majesty The Queen, accompanied by The Duke of Edinburgh.

   Although the names of many of the courses might seem familiar to those who passed through CTC in the early days, the course content has greatly increased and the number and type of courses has had to adapt to the recruiting surge in the ACF and CCF expansion. From 2007 an extra course has been provided each year for both Commandants and Area Commanders.

¹ This course was first run in 1955 at the School of Infantry, Warminster, paid for from the KGVI Foundation set up for the development of leadership. A capital sum of £10,000, plus £1,000 a year for 5 years, was provided. The course runs at CTC to this day.