The course's design began in 1982, and continued until its inception in 1985. The validation class began 12 May 1985 and ended 14 June 1985, graduating the first 18 Sapper Leaders. The first class was the foundation for the building of the Sapper Leader Course of today.

When were sappers first used?

Sapper, military engineer. The name is derived from the French word sappe (“spadework,” or “trench”) and became connected with military engineering during the 17th century, when attackers dug covered trenches to approach the walls of a besieged fort.

What were sappers in WW1?

A sapper, in the sense first used by the French military, was one who dug trenches to allow besieging forces to advance towards the enemy defensive works and forts, over ground that is under the defenders' musket or artillery fire. ... Saps were excavated by brigades of trained sappers or instructed troops.