Other Traditions

As with most military colleges and training institutions, a number of traditions have emerged. Most of RMC's traditions have been developed by the cadets that have passed through the College over the years. Some of these legends and traditions are:

CASEY - Staff Cadet Casey was allegedly locked in a broom closet over the Christmas period and his bones were not found until the cadets returned from the Christmas break the following January. In reality, a human skeleton had been used by the College Medical Officers since 1916 to lecture cadets on human anatomy. In 1946 the skeleton was given to medical students at Sydney University and a paper-mache one used at the 1947 Graduation Ball. In later years another skeleton was purchased and in time pieces disappeared over a number of years. The current one displayed in a glass case in the CSC mess was purchased in 1994.

COLLEGE WAR MEMORIALS - In front and at the base of the Flag Station, facing the parade ground, are Memorial Tablets dedicated to those graduates from RMC Duntroon, OCS Portsea and OTU Scheyville, who have died on active service, war service or United Nations peacekeeping duties. A wreath is laid beside these tablets by the Corps on Anzac Day and as a mark of respect all cadets and uniformed staff are required to salute the Tablets when passing.

In 2004 the memorial to OCS Portsea graduates killed in action, was relocated from Commandant's residence to it's present location in Stakey Park opposite the MI Block.

DAYS TO GO BOARD - At the end of the Dining Room in the Corps of Staff Cadets Mess there is a 'Days to Go' Board. The board was presented to the Mess by the graduating class of 1937. A III Class cadet, usually the youngest member of the CSC, changes it nightly at 6.30pm.

SLOUCH HAT - Major General Bridges, the founding father and first Commandant of RMC, was thought to be wearing a slouch hat with the brim down and buckle of the chinstrap on his right hand cheek when he was shot and fatally wounded in May 1915. Photographs in the RMC Archives indicate Bridges wearing a slouch hat with brim down when he was on manoeuvres in Egypt before he landed at Gallipoli, however, all photographs taken at Gallipoli have him wearing a peaked hat. It is believed the tradition commenced in 1932 as a mark of respect to this gallant soldier.

LAST DAY ON THE SQUARE - The square is another name for the RMC Parade ground. The graduating class (First Class) celebrate the last day on the square several days prior to their graduation. The parade is organised by the cadets and is a frivolous carnival where cadets "let off steam" and enjoy themselves.