Chief Attiliator

When Skule's first Cannon was created, a Cannoneer was appointed in keeping with age-old tradition. The Canoneer would be responsible for the selection of the Cannon Guards, making sure that the Cannon actually fired, and to do the actual firing. In addition to this, they would have sole knowledge of the location of the Cannon when it was not in use.

As a matter of protocol the Cannon is fired with a smouldering cigarette, typically after a convenient number of verses of Godiva's Hymn. For the firing, black powder has conventionally been used with finely divided asbestos as wadding. This type of wadding replaced toilet paper in 1964 after the injury to the nurse. In 1959, an artificer was appointed by the Engineering Society to inspect the Cannon, issue powder and in general look after the material needs of the Cannon.

The Cannon Guards are the (now) black-helmeted students protecting the Cannon.

The Chief Attiliator wears a belt made from the chain that once protected the Waterloo Tool, from the Waterloo Tool Liberation of 1982, as well as a ring that was once a part of the Queen's Grease Pole, taken from the Queen's Grease Pole Liberation of 2000.

Etymology of "Attiliator"

In medieval times, the title of 'Atillator' was given to the person responsible for the maintenance of defense works and weapons of war. The title was synonymous with Engineer, and the word artillery was probably derived from the same roots. The Atillator was responsible for the number of guns used, their storing, mounting, and most importantly, protection.

Over the years, the spelling of 'Atillator' evolved, to the modern spelling of "attiliator". Most students today do not know the origins of the word, and some have claimed that the word was made up. Neither 'atillator' nor 'attilliator', however, are words used in the modern English language. The unique spelling by Skule™ makes it the only distinctive use of the word today.

Past Chief Attiliators

See List of Chief Attiliators