Hi Graduates, Staff and Friends,
The last few months have been a bit of a blur as we progressed the development of the book proposal. There have been emails to the left and right as well as many conversations. So, we thought it was time for a collective update.
After sending out a request to classes for nominations of graduates for interview, we were given a really great selection ranging across the years. We have representatives from each decade that the Officer Cadet School operated. The first class of graduates is still quite active and set the standard for others to follow. We finish with keen members of the final class to enter the school but graduated from the Royal Military College. We’ve even managed to catch the person who turned the lights off.
Another challenge we faced was getting staff who had been posted there. Fortunately, there were a few reluctant volunteers with a few Officer Instructors, Assistant Instructors and civilians who were too slow to step back. Finally, we have others who supported Portsea by hosting overseas cadets.
In all, we have a well-rounded group of 45 listed for interviews. Unfortunately, not all will appear in the book but I am sure we will use some as teasers on the website.
This week, we held a catch-up meeting with Dave Morgan, our author, to finalise what happens next. Dave has just finished writing a second edition of Never Forgotten and is keen as mustard to progress work on this new challenge. We have agreed that he will have a short break and commence interviews early in the new year.
The approach will involve a telephone interview which will be recorded followed by documenting the outcome. Dave will start with the first class and move forward from there. There will then be opportunities to review the story until agreement is reached for a final version. While space is limited, we would appreciate any then and now photos you may have. We will also try to include photos of Portsea through the times. I should mention at this time that he has completed the interview with Brian Florence – Graduate and Commandant.
Dave has had an initial discussion with his publisher who is keen to produce the final document. Our target is to have the book ready for release in June 2027 when we celebrate the 75th anniversary of the first class to graduate. This will most probably align with the RMC graduation. Watch this space!!!
We will keep you informed as the project continues.
Thank you to everyone who has helped so far.
The 75th Book Team