Alfred W. (Alfred Wilks) Drayson
The Gentleman Cadet
His Career and Adventures at the Royal Military Academy Woolwich
"The Gentleman Cadet" by Lt. Col. A.W. Drayson is a novel written in the late 19th century. This coming-of-age story follows the life of Robert "Bob" Shepard, a young boy who aspires to join the military academy at Woolwich, detailing his early life, challenges, and the pursuit of his ambitions. The narrative captures the rigors of military education and the social dynamics among cadets, as well as the personal growth that Bob experiences along the way. The opening of the novel introduces us to Bob's upbringing in the New Forest, Hampshire, where he recounts his childhood filled with the influence of his well-meaning but ineffectual father, and the sternness of Aunt Emma. His formative years are portrayed as tumultuous due to a lack of proper education and emotional support, setting the stage for his later struggles. As Bob encounters Howard, an officer and a source of inspiration, his passion for becoming an engineer and a gentleman cadet awakens, leading him to pursue intense academic preparation. Yet, he quickly realizes the enormity of the challenge ahead, highlighting the conflict between his aspirations and reality as he embarks on his journey at a cram school in Woolwich.