In the minutes of the School Council meeting on 23 February 1939, it was reported that a letter was received from Mr Theo Shepherd (son of the to be President of the Baptist Union) asking that the Council reconsider the question of establishing a Cadet Corps at Carey.

In April 1939, a sub-committee was formed consisting of Mr Steele, Rev Hansen and Mr L J Martin who was in the Reserve of Army Officers (and lost an arm in World War 1).

At the March meeting, Mr Steele gave information regarding Cadet Corps in other Grammar Schools – Brighton, Haileybury and Camberwell. It would also be possible, if desired, to link up with the local battalion – uniforms and equipment would then be free.

The sub-committee was committed to making detailed examinations of how Cadet Corps operated and the costs in supporting them. In June, Mr L J Martin was asked to visit Camberwell Grammar School to see the Corps in operation and get particulars. At the Council meeting on 13th July 1939 after Mr Steele gave his report of investigations into Cadet Corps matters it was moved ‘that the Council approve the principle of forming a Cadet Corps at the school.’ A motion was moved at the next meeting ‘that if a Corps be established at the school the cost of the uniforms be the responsibility of the parents.’ The way these motions were formed indicated that the Council had still not finally decided to form a Cadet Corps.

On 14 September 1939, Mr Steele reported to the Council:

that 50 boys had permission to join and he had made an application to the Defence Department to have a Cadet Corps formed at the school.

It should be noted that Australia formally declared war on Germany on the 3rd September 1939.

In the annual report by the Headmaster published in the Carey Chronicle on 14th December 1939, it reads:

The formation of a Senior Cadet Detachment has been one of the outstanding features of the School year. A most gratifying response following the despatch of a circular letter to the parents of eligible boys, and the Detachment is now well established, with an enrolment, at present, of 65 boys. The Officer in Charge is Lieutenant C.C. Shinkfield, who has had considerable experience in cadet work and other military service. The keenness of the boys augers well for the future success of the Corps.

Source: Ray Reed, 2019.