St. John Cadets first formed in 1922, one of its missions to turn ‘boyish energies into useful channels.’ Despite the reference to ‘boyish’ energy, Girl Cadets also began meeting that same year.

From the beginning, behaviour was expected to follow the ‘Cadet Code of Chivalry’, which required Cadets, among other things, to help the suffering and to be kind and thoughtful. During World War II, St. John Ambulance Cadets faced many situations in which they fulfilled the Code’s principles of commitment to and compassion for human life.

Some of the most heroic moments in the history of the Cadets occurred during the Blitz. The courage of Betty Popkiss (nee Quinn) during the raid on Coventry earned her the George Medal and international recognition.

But Cadets have also survived and thrived in many other decades. In 2002 the Cadets celebrated eighty years. Many fun facts illustrate a long history:

• The Grand Prior’s Badge is the senior Cadet award. It is difficult to achieve, as Cadets must qualify for at least twelve proficiency awards. In 1933 the first Cadets in Britain to win the Grand Prior’s Badge were two boys from Slough. A year later Gladys Dodds, again from Slough, became the first nursing Cadet from Britain to qualify for the Badge.

• During the immediate post-war period, young people flocked to the Cadets and relished the opportunity—after six years of war—to participate in Cadet camps (often at the national St. John camping site near Bexhill) and take part in outdoor activities

• In 1954 8000 Cadets converged on Hyde Park in London to attend a Cadet Rally called by HRH Princess Margaret. As Commandant in Chief of Cadets, she maintained her interest in the Cadets so much so that she invited 20 to her wedding in Westminster Abbey.

• In 1972, two Cadets of Belfast Forth River Division were the first trained civilians to arrive at the scene of an explosion at the Abercorn restaurant, where they then rendered first aid to victims alongside Army units

• St. John Cadets travel all over the world as part of the international scope of St. John Ambulance. In 1977 Cadets from Oxfordshire visited Malta to a goodwill visit; that same year other Cadets travelled down under for a camp hosted by the New Zealand Cadets.

• Today in 2005 St. John Cadets play an active and integral part in raising public awareness about first aid. In July 2005, the three Cadets of the Year paid a special visit to the Caring on the Home Front exhibition in London’s St. James’s Park. The Cadets of the Year take part in many public engagements during the year. It does require energy, but it’s much more than just work.