COLONEL COLIN KIRBY RIP

Our Colonel was bid a final FAREWELL today, a true GENTLEMAN, we’ll not see his like again.

THE ROYAL ARMY EDUCATIONAL CORPS
The Royal Army Educational Corps (RAEC) had its origins in 1846 as the Corps of Army Schoolmasters, tasked with providing basic schooling to Army recruits. By the early 20th century its remit had extended to include the military education and language training of officers and soldiers at all stages of their careers, and running Army schools and libraries.
During the Second World War the Corps expanded the scale of its operations overseas. It provided training for officers in current affairs so that they could keep their men informed about the conduct of the war, and also published news-sheets so the troops would know what was happening back home. In 1946 the Army Educational Corps was honoured with the title ‘Royal’ by George VI in recognition of its important contribution to the war effort.
Post-war the RAEC continued its work educating soldiers and helping ex-servicemen settle back into civilian life. As many Army recruits were poorly qualified, more efforts were put into educating apprentices and young soldiers. Resettlement also became more important after 1962 when National Service ended – soldiers and officers, now all volunteers, expected professional support at the end of their service.
In 1992 the RAEC became the Educational and Training Service Branch of the newly formed Adjutant General’s Corps.