The Glen - The Calgary Highlanders

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The Glen
The Newsletter of the Calgary Highlanders Regimental Association
A Message from
the Association
President
Denis A. Mascardelli
Welcome to the Winter
2014 edition of the
Glen. Our practice of
covering the 10th Battalion’s exploits during
the Great War continues with Darrell Knight’s
recounting of the Battle for Mount Sorrel during June of 1916. This battle, which inflicted
an approximately 25% casualty rate on the
Battalion, took place in the Ypres Salient just
over a year after the Unit’s (and 1st Canadian
Division’s) terrible ordeal in the same area,
during the Second Battle of Ypres. The other
‘anchor’ article (for those receiving the electronic version of the Glen) is a review of the
recent and controversial decision to cancel the
Army’s Close Combat Vehicle (CCV) program.
There are still some spots available on the
2015 Battlefield Tour, scheduled for 17 April to
3 May 2015, which will see participants visit
many of the Unit’s battlefields of the First and
Second World Wars. For more information see
the advertisement in this issue and/or contact
Maj Peter Boyle ([email protected]).
The WOs and Sgts Mess hosted a very successful Burns Dinner on 31 January but two
important events remain on this training year’s
social calendar: The Grand Highland Military
Ball and the St. Julien commemoration.
The Highland Ball will take place on Saturday
1 March at Calgary’s Westin Hotel. RSVPs are
due by 21 February, so there is still time to
reserve a place. For more information, see the
advertisement on page 9.
Volume 3 Issue 2
The annual St. Julien commemoration will be
held on Friday 25 April (Officers Mess Dinner)
and Saturday 26 April (parade, Association Annual General Meeting, Reunion Dinner). Detailed timings and instructions will be forthcoming but I urge you to mark your calendars and
plan to attend as many of the events as you
can.
On the financial side, it is time once again to
pay your annual Association dues of $15.00 if
you haven’t already done so (most of the serving soldiers paid theirs during the September
AG). Donations are very welcome and a tax receipt will be issued for those of $10.00 or more
(annual dues are not tax deductible). For more
information please see the back page which
includes contact and other information.
Finally, I wish to acknowledge a generous donation from HCol (Ret’d) Fred Mannix to help
defer the printing costs for the paper version of
the Glen which goes out to members without
email and to the Military Museums. Printing the
Glen several times a year in colour on high
quality paper is expensive, and the donation is
much appreciated.
Table of Contents
Message from the RSM
2
The Battle of Mount Sorrell 2-14 June 1916
3
Robbie Burns 2014
7
The Regiment in Photos
10
QMSI Kit Corner: Spats
14
Close Combat Vehicle Cancelled
16
Calgary Garrison Hockey League 2013-2014
21
February 2014
AAMessage
MessageFrom
fromthe
theRSM
CO
CWO Bob Besse
It is with great trepidation
that I sit down to write my
final submission to the
Glen as the RSM of the
Calgary Highlanders. On
April 2, 2014, I will turn
over my stewardship of
this fine Regiment, which I
have had the privilege to serve, to Sergeant
Major Chris Tucker. Shortly after that I will
commence the process of releasing from the
CF after over 39 years of service.
later immigrated to Canada, joined the Regiment and taught us more about self-discipline
than any person I've known; Bruce Waterhouse, who joined the Unit as a Cadet, joined
the Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders in Scotland on a dare, served in Belfast fighting the
IRA, then returned and served the Regiment
reinstalling Highland traditions and pride in the
Unit until his death. There are many more, too
many to mention, but everyone a leader, friend
and mentor who helped shape my life and career.
In the last while I have mused about the great
times and friends that I have made while serving the Regiment and the influences and lessons that have shaped not only my military
career but my entire life. This introspection
has lead me to the topic of my final submission, that of mentors and mentorship.
The characteristic common to all of the icons of
the Regiment whom I have mentioned is that
although they were all imposing, hard-driving
leaders, they knew when to put that aside and
deal with people on a very personable basis,
one on one. They knew how to listen and when
to provide guidance; were supportive and provided constructive criticism. As leaders, we
should all strive to develop these characteristics in ourselves and become icons and mentors to those around us both professionally and
within our extended families. It is through the
development of ourselves as mentors that we
can provide the guidance necessary to develop
the future generations of Calgary Highlanders
and enable the Regiment to prosper for another 104 years. In closing, it has been a privilege
to know and serve with you and I wish you all
the best in your future endeavors whatever
they may be and wherever they may take you.
Throughout my career, I have had the privilege to know many memorable icons of the
Regiment: Wally Bennett, the machine gunner
who stood his ground during the gas attacks
at St Julien; Tom Kenney, Mortar Platoon Sergeant who lost his Platoon Commander on the
first day after coming ashore at Normandy
and led the Platoon until losing his leg to an
88 ATG in the 3rd week of his war; Dave Boyer
who served with the Devils Brigade and later
as RSM of the Highlanders, a fitness fanatic
who swam a mile and a half daily into his
80’s; Heinz Winkel, who fate put on the other
side of the two way range during the war but
Airghardt
The Glen is the newsletter of the Calgary Highlanders Regimental Association. Opinions expressed are those of the Glen staff or contributors
and should not be construed as those of the Government of Canada or the Department of National Defence, including The Calgary Highlanders.
The Glen is available free of charge in its electronic version and recipients are encouraged to forward copies to friends of the Regiment. To
be added to the subscription list, send your name and email address to [email protected].
Photos from all eras of the unit’s history are welcome and may be sent to our email address (above) or in the case of prints, to The Calgary
Highlanders Regimental Association, Mewata Armoury, 801-11th St SW, Calgary AB, T2P 2C4. Prints will be scanned and returned upon request. Photos should be accompanied by a note explaining who or what the image captures and when and where it was taken.
Letters and articles are encouraged and, if published, may be edited for content and length.
Volume 3 Issue 2
February 2014
2
The “Fighting Tenth” and
the Battle of Mount Sorrel 2-14 June 1916
By Darrell Knight
In April 1916 the 10th Bn returned to the Ypres Salient, the scene of its terrible ordeal the previous year. It
took up positions on Hill 60 and steel helmets were issued for the first time. On 31 May the Unit went into
brigade reserve and looked forward to a period of rest, but it was not to last.
After weeks of “routine” front line duty, the
10th Battalion once again faced nearimpossible odds in the infamous Ypres Salient
in Belgium.
sault at 1300 hrs; the surviving defenders
were overwhelmed and, by that afternoon,
Mount Sorrel, Hill 61, Hill 62, as well as the
eastern portion of Observation Ridge were
under German control.
On a ridge-line situated 3 kilometres southThe Canaeast of what
dian Corps
remained of
Comthe city of
mander,
Ypres, the
Sir Julian
highest feaByng, ortures (Mount
dered an
Sorrel, Hill
immediate
61, Hill 62 or
counterat“Tor Top,”
tack lest
and Obserthe enemy
vation
exploit his
Ridge) rose
victory
some 30 meand entres above
danger
the surthe entire
rounding
salient.
landscape,
Library and Archives Canada
affording a dis- A post-battle image of the June 1916 Mount Sorrel battlefield. The debris is all that
From billets
tinct advantage remains of a dugout and shelter destroyed by artillery fire. Prior to the war, most of the located at
terrain here was heavily wooded.
to any unit
Swan Chaholding them. This commanding ground was
teau, the “Fighting Tenth” received a late orheld by the 3rd Canadian Division, which had
der (1440 hours) to occupy the GHQ line, as
only recently arrived on the western front, and
reinforcements rushed by heading toward the
the enemy wanted it.
fighting. By midnight, new orders had been
At 0600 hours on Friday, 2 June, 1916, massed
German guns began shelling the 3rd Division's
positions in an intensive seven-hour bombardment punctuated by the detonation of four
large mines sapped beneath the Canadian
lines. Communications were cut and the Canadian trenches were almost completely obliterated when the enemy infantry began its asVolume 3 Issue 2
passed along to the 10th: the Unit would relieve the 7th (BC) Battalion on the Armagh
Wood frontage, thus allowing the British Columbians to engage the enemy. In all, six Canadian battalions would attack in an effort to
win back the ground lost in the previous 18
hours.
February 2014
3
First Division's General Currie opposed the
hasty counterattack because he didn't believe
that there was adequate time to properly prepare for it in the face of the disruption in all
communications, including that between the
infantry and artillery. He later commented, "I
had no hopes whatever of the counterattack
regaining the positions and said so at the
time". Unfortunately events proved him correct.
were also many casualties, including Captain
Fisher and Majors Stewart and Kimball. To top
off these setbacks, British heavy artillery firing
early that afternoon inadvertently loosed dozens of high explosive rounds directly into the
10th's trenches causing numerous casualties.
The enemy then bombarded the Canadian
front at 2000 hours, again at midnight and a
third time at 0130 on the morning of 4 June.
Canadian machine gunners answered the
bombardments with great tenacity and no enemy infantry attacks materialized.
Colonel Rattray, always the optimist, remarked that although the Canadian attack had
failed, the enemy hadn't been able to exploit
his initial gains with a further advance.
Library and Archives Canada
German trenches and dead after Gen Currie’s successful 1214 June counterattack to regain the positions lost on 2 June.
One German survivor described the Canadian artillery
barrage as ‘catastrophic’.
The 10th moved into its positions that night
under the command of Colonel Rattray; two
companies (A and B) were detached to support the 7th's attack.
In the chaotic situation that existed it took
longer to organize the attack than originally
planned. This allowed the enemy - now holding the high ground - critical time throughout
2 June and the early hours of 3 June to consolidate their positions. This combined with a
lack of extended support from British and Canadian artillery, poor co-ordination among the
attacking units and inadequate reconnaissance, led to a complete failure of the morning’s attack. Pockets of 7th Battalion men dug
in on tenuous ground in the Armagh Wood
locale. Amongst the “Fighting Tenth” there
Volume 3 Issue 2
Later that night, the “Fighting Tenth” was relieved by the 1st Battalion (Western Ontario),
save two platoons from “A” company, commanded by Lt. Trimmer which remained behind for a time to help evacuate the wounded.
For his efficiency in this and supporting the
Ontario Battalion through the morning and up
to 1600 hours that afternoon, Trimmer was
awarded a bar to his Military Cross.
When the roll was called, it was noted by the
unit diarist that the 10th Battalion had lost five
officers and 144 O.R.s killed, wounded and
missing in the failed counterattack.
For the weary survivors the respite was brief
and by the following morning, the “Fighting
Tenth” was ordered up to Hill 60 to relieve the
5th (Western Cavalry) Battalion.
In the wee hours of Tuesday, 6 June, the 10th
Battalion dug in on a ragged line of wrecked
trenches, spending a relatively quiet Tuesday
and Wednesday shoring up parados and parapets in anticipation of another attack, while
the arrival of 113 reinforcements bolstered its
numbers.
While the Battalion consolidated in the key
locale it held, preparations were underway
throughout the entire sector for a planned
First Division attack to regain Mount Sorrel
and surrounding lost ground.
February 2014
4
The “Fighting Tenth” continued with aggressive patrols and trench routine through Thursday, 8 June; a short, sharp battle with a German patrol in “no-man’s land” drew a renewed
barrage from the German artillery that afternoon and into the day following.
When the 10th came out of the line on Saturday, 10 June – after two days of heavy rain the unit had suffered another thirty casualties,
owing to general attrition and enemy bombardment. However, the following day, an additional 270 reinforcements arrived at the Battalion’s rest-billets.
The 10th Battalion had been ordered into reserve with elements of the First Brigade; the
remainder of Gen Currie's 1st Division successfully attacked Mount Sorrel at 0130 hours
on Tuesday, 13 June, in a quagmire of mud
and driving rain and with overwhelming artillery support.
For the “Fighting Tenth,” rest-orders were
soon cancelled: hours after the initial attack
had begun, the Calgary unit was rushed into
the line to relieve the 16th Battalion
on the Armagh Wood-Hill 61 frontage.
En route to the front line, the men
were subjected to an unremitting enemy barrage, resulting in numerous
casualties. Arriving at their designated
positions, the “Fighting Tenth” found
the trench system to be in utter ruin,
while German gunners continued to
rake the position through the morning, the hail of shell-fire continuing
unabated through the entire day.
day’s numerous actions, while the Battalion’s
position was grimly held.
That night, the “Fighting Tenth” went into
Corps Reserve, for a well-deserved two
week’s rest from the front line. In all, the
fighting to regain the ground lost on 2 June
had cost the Battalion 274 casualties. Total
Canadian casualties from 2 June until the battle's official end on 14 June exceeded 8,000.
The enemy had been unable to exploit the
gains he made on 2 June and the lost ground
retaken; this was a victory, but many survivors must have noted that there had been
almost no change in the ground held by either
side at the battle’s end.
It was during this rest period that General Sir
Julian Byng inspected the “Fighting Tenth” for
the first time. The General’s impressions of
the Calgary unit would endure: “Rattray, I
want you to tell your officers, N.C.O.’s and
men how very, very pleased I am with the
Battalion.”
The horror of the enemy bombardment at Armagh Wood was later believed by many in the Battalion to be
the most intense of the entire war.
In spite of the havoc wreaked, officers
and men of the “Fighting Tenth” gave
yeoman service, while marshalling
wounded, interdicting enemy snipers
and fighting on. No fewer than twenty
-one decorations were awarded for the
Volume 3 Issue 2
firstworldwar.com
Restored trenches on the Mount Sorrel battlefield. After almost a century,
the woods have reclaimed the land.
February 2014
5
Battlefield Pilgrimage
2015
The battlefield tour will take place from 17 April to 3 May 2015 and is timed to mark the 100th anniversary of
the Second Battle of Ypres in which the 10th Battalion so distinguished itself, particularly during its night
attack on Kitcheners Wood (St. Julien) on 22 April 1915.
The tour will begin in London before moving on to Ypres, Antwerp and Caen to allow participants to visit the
sites of many of the Regiment’s major European battles during both World Wars in France, Belgium and
Holland.
Estimated cost is $4000/person which will cover air fare, tours, hotel accommodation, all breakfasts and
some dinners.
For more information contact Major Peter Boyle at:
Major Peter Boyle
or [email protected]
c/o The Calgary Highlanders
403-470-7091
Mewata Armoury
801-11 St SW
Calgary, AB T2P 2C4
Volume 3 Issue 2
February 2014
6
Robbie Burns 2014
By MWO Christopher Tucker
The 2014 Robbie Burns Supper was a
resounding success thanks to all the great
people who attended and celebrated the most
prestigious poet from Scotland's past. Our
ticket count put us at a grand total of 181
guests. All evening long I heard compliments,
from all the men at the supper, about the
beautiful ladies who were so wonderfully
dressed. It truly is the ladies who make the
evening's festivities memorable and a pleasure
to attend. In addition to an enjoyable
evening, a raffle of items donated by the
Regimental Association's Kit Shop raised $500
for the veterans' food bank. I would like to
thank the planning committee of MWO Glenn
Fedoruk and Sgt Dave Melcher who put all this
together. A great job by all.
WO Paul Holland served as the Master of
Ceremony and ensured that the evening's
events ran smoothly, while the address to the
haggis was performed by Sgt Brian Gaisford in
an absolutely fantastic manner worthy of a
repeat performance next year. WO1 (ret’d)
Tam Connelly once again made the trip from
Edmonton to deliver the immortal memory and,
in the spirit of changing things up, made a
great show by selecting some unsuspecting
and very surprised members of the crowd and
having them read or sing portions of different
Burns poems. Because of this we were able to
Calgary Highlanders
WO1 (Ret’d) Connelly, the guest speaker, selected some unsuspecting and very surprised attendees to participate
more fully in the tribute to the immortal bard by having them come forward and declaim portions of Burns’ poems,
and in one case, a song.
Volume 3 Issue 2
February 2014
7
for the band in terms of music to which
PM Giles said, “wait for it, we are just
getting started.” We will be looking
forward to it next year.
This was CWO Bob Besse’s last Robbie
Burns Supper as RSM. He reflected on
this during the RSM’s comments at the
end of the supper. The WOs and Sgts
of the Calgary Highlanders took a
moment in front of the people in
attendance to thank him for his long
service to the regiment as a soldier,
mentor, and leader.
Next year’s Burns Supper will be held
on 30 Jan 2015. Mark your calendars,
D. Mascardelli tickets will go on sale in October.
WO1 (Ret’d) Tam Connelly (left), the guest speaker with WO Paul
Reserve your tables, invite your friends,
Holland, the evening’s MC.
and the WOs and Sgts of the Calgary
see a great performance by Sgt Daphne ter
Highlanders promise you an evening to
Kuile declaiming poetry while on her knees
remember.
and a very peculiar rendition of a Burns song
by Sgt Jamie Moreau performed in
the style of Garth Brooks. He claims
it was in the style of the great Frank
Sinatra but I will let those who were
there be the judge.
On the subject of changing things
up, the Pipes and Drums under DM
Bill McCauley and PM Mike Giles
blew everyone away with the
incorporation of the drum kit, guitar,
and keyboard in their sets. Nothing
but compliments and cheers for the
band in their rendition of “The Gael”
and other pieces. Their ability to
incorporate different instruments
and transition between traditional
and modern music is to be
commended. I asked what was next
Volume 3 Issue 2
D Mascardelli
Capt. Mike ter Kuile and Pipe Major Mike Giles. The Pipes and Drums gave several
outstanding performances throughout the evening.
February 2014
8
The Commanding Officer of the Calgary Highlanders proudly presents the
65th Grand Highland Military Ball,
An evening of good food, music, dance, and
military pageantry.
On Saturday the 1st of March, 2014
At the Westin Calgary located at 4th Avenue and 3rd Street SW, Calgary Alberta
The ballroom will echo to the sounds of our Pipes and Drums and our usual dance band.
Whirling Highland dancers the chance for all to do some Scottish country Dancing combine with
the banners and tartans hanging from the ceiling to create a Highland ambiance. The Grand
March is the sign for the dancing (Scottish and otherwise) to begin after a lovely dinner.
DRESS:
Cocktails: 1830
Dinner: 1930
Tariff:
$110.00 per person including GST
Make the cheques payable to CHRFF
Gentlemen: Mess Kit, Black Tie or Formal Highland Wear
Ladies: Mess Kit, Evening Gown or Cocktail Dres
Decorations and Orders should be worn
Guest of Honour:
HCol (Retd) Fred Mannix OC
RSVP by 21 February, 2014 by mail to CHRFF, 1506 1100 8th Ave SW, Calgary AB T2P 3T9
For those who wish it, there will be Scottish Country Dancing instruction available on Tuesdays
11th, 18th and 25th February 2014 from 7PM to 9PM at the Mewata Armoury Officer’s Mess.
Please notify [email protected] at least one week prior to any session you may wish
to attend.
Special room rates of $139.00 are available at the Westin.
More details as well as a downloadable invitation and reply card are available at http://
www.calgaryhighlanders.com/events/highlandball.htm
Address questions to 403-261-6831 or [email protected]
Volume 3 Issue 2
February 2014
9
The Regiment in Photos
The Regiment in Photos
Readers are encouraged to send in photos from all eras of the Unit’s history in order that the archive
may be expanded. Digital images can be sent to [email protected]. Prints should be mailed
to The Calgary Highlanders Regimental Association, Mewata Armoury, 801-11th St SW, Calgary, AB,
T2P 2C4. Prints will be scanned and returned upon request. When sending photos, don’t forget to
include information on who/what, when and where.
Training in the UK
The Calgary Highlanders
landed in England on 4
September 1940 and
remained there for almost 4
years until landing in
Normandy on 6 July 1944.
This undated photo shows
the Unit’s soldiers on
exercise during this lengthy
period of training.
Calgary Highlanders
25 May 1986
From the ‘We were soldiers
once...and young’ file: Sgt
Bob Besse and Capt Denis
Mascardelli on the summit of
Mount Laurie, Alberta.
D. Mascardelli
Volume 3 Issue 2
February 2014
10
Ex Heavy Metal
The weekend of 25-27 October
2013 saw the Unit at
Wainwright firing a variety of
weapons.
On the right Pte Matheson is
seen preparing to engage a tank
target with a Carl Gustav AT
weapon.
Below: MCpl Bullock uses
binoculars to guide C9 gunners
onto targets.
Capt Pittet
Capt Pittet
Volume 3 Issue 2
February 2014
11
Remembrance Day
2013
On 11 November the
Unit paraded at
Calgary’s Central
Memorial Park where
wreaths were laid at the
Cenotaph by the Unit
and the Association.
The Association’s
wreath was laid by
William Fazikos, a
Second World War
veteran. Escorting Mr.
Fazikos were Darrell
Knight (left) and Ken
Clements.
Calgary Sun
Remembrance Day 2013
A group of soldiers,
organized by MCpl Shawn
McDermott and Cpl Sean
Taylor, visited veterans at
the Col Belcher Care
Centre following the
Cenotaph service.
Back row (L to R): Cpl
Taylor, Cpl Fong, Pte Ulph.
MCpl McDermott is left
front and Pte Joridsen right
front.
Calgary Highlanders
Volume 3 Issue 2
February 2014
12
31 January 2014
The Unit’s WOs and Sgts
organized a highly
successful Robbie Burns
Supper at the Carriage
House Inn, with 181 guests
in attendance.
Drum Major William
McAuley discusses Sgt
Daphe ter Kuile’s
memorable performance of
Burns’ poetry with her.
Denis Mascardelli
Calgary Highlanders
30 October 2013
The 69th anniversary of the Battle of Walcheren Causeway was commemorated with a parade at Mewata
Armoury, with the Dutch Honourary Consul Mrs. Irene Bakker serving as the reviewing official. MCpl D. ter
Kuile received her promotion to Sergeant on parade from the CO, LCol Clapperton, while MWO G. Fedoruk
and MWO C. Tucker were presented with a clasp to their Canadian Forces Decorations and Major Palmer, Sgt
Moore and Cpl Avelino received their CDs.
Volume 3 Issue 2
February 2014
13
QMSI Kit Corner: Spats
General
Spats were originally worn by soldiers on campaign to keep dirt and debris out of their boots like
today’s Gore-Tex Gators. Their use today is chiefly ceremonial and they are only worn with diced
hose tops. Spats are issued in left and right pairs; the regimental pattern properly has 9 buttons
down the outside, with a rounded toe. A pair of spats cost the regiment around $50.00 and is sized
to the individual according to shoe size.
Spats are worn ironed, whitened, and fitted to the individual.
Washing
Before you iron your spats, throw them into the washing machine with other whites or light
coloured items. As a word of caution:
Do not wash them with any items which will bleed colour onto your spats;
Do not use Bleach - this will yellow your spat and weaken the material and buttons; and
Do not place them in the dryer - this will shrink the material.
Preparation
Step 1: Iron your spats while they are still wet from the washing machine. Don’t dry them with
the iron but flatten them for step two. Always use a pressing cloth when ironing your spats.
Spats are ironed flat and creased on the front seam as seen photo 2 and in the back making the
hourglass shape as seen in photo 3.
Step 2: Hang your spats to dry.
Step 3: After your spats have dried, use sneaker whitener to whiten your spats and iron them
Photo 1
The nine buttons on the spat are
worn on the outside of the leg. A
regimental pattern Sgian Dubh is
worn by sergeants and above on the
right leg as shown . It should be in
line with the spat’s buttons and
placed just behind the trailing edge of
the red tabs/flashes.
Volume 3 Issue 2
February 2014
14
again using your pressing cloth. This will harden the spat and solidify the creases in them. Again,
spats are ironed flat and creased on the front seam as seen in photo 2 and in the back making the
hourglass shape as seen in photo 3.
Wearing
The Velcro style spat, although convenient, is difficult to fit to the calf of an individual, looks poor
on parade, and because of this, the all-button spat is preferred. The front edge of the spat should
just reach the toe cap on the shoe and the strap underneath the spat should be black.
As seen in photo 1, the buttons are worn on the outside of the legs; the regimental pattern Sgian
Dubh (sergeants and above) is in line with the buttons just off the edge of the tabs.
As seen in photo 2, the crease on the diced hose (iron the diced hose on the seam and crease
the front) lines up with the crease on the spat showing three diamonds on the diced hose; the tabs
are placed to the outside of the crease on the diced hose.
As seen in photo 3, the hour glass pattern is ironed into the spat.
Follow these instructions and your spats will be the envy of your peers while keeping your MCpl off
your back during inspection.
The topic for the QMSI Kit Corner in the next issue of the Glen will be sporrans.
Photo 2
Photo 3
The front edge of the spat should just reach the toe cap on
the shoe. Three diamonds (red, white, red) should show on
the diced hose; the forward edge of the red tabs/flashes
should be just outside of the centre line of the diamond, as
shown.
Volume 3 Issue 2
The ‘hour glass’ pattern is ironed into the spat.
February 2014
15
Close Combat Vehicle Cancelled
By Denis Mascardelli
The recent cancellation of the CCV program
has sparked controversy. In this article we
briefly review the program, the vehicles evaluated, and the reason(s) for its cancellation.
During 2009 the Government of Canada announced its intention to acquire 108 'close
combat vehicles' (CCV) at a cost of $2 billion1
with an option to purchase 30 more. The timeline established that the vehicle would be selected and a contract awarded during the summer of 2011 with vehicle deliveries beginning
during July 2012 and
full operational capability achieved by July
2015. The aggressive
timeline was believed
to be realistic because the CCV would
be chosen from
amongst existing 'off
the shelf' infantry
fighting vehicles
(IFVs).
tions of interest and qualifications (SOIQs) sent
out to industry, then cancelled, modified and
reissued; and there was not one, but two Request for Proposals (RFPs) which twice led to
extensive and expensive testing of the same
three vehicles. Small wonder then that the program was far behind schedule when it was
cancelled.
The CCV program was the product of the
Army's experience in Afghanistan where the
LAV III was found to be deficient in both armour protection
and mobility
over difficult
terrain, and not
able to keep
pace with the
Leopard tanks
(or the ancient
M113s for that
matter). Additional appliqué
armour was attached to the
On 20 December
LAVs, giving
2013, with the 'high
them better
priority' CCV program
protection, but
General Dynamics
already running more
The Piranha 5, General Dynamics’ entry into the CCV evaluation. The Piranha 5 these and other
than two years beis a fifth generation development of the LAV (or Piranha) family, mounting a
Rheinmetall LANCE turret with a 30mm auto cannon and capable of carrying 8 upgrades inhind the original
dismounts in addition to its crew of three (commander, gunner and driver).
creased gross
schedule, the Chief of
vehicle weight
the Defence Staff General Tom Lawson recom(GVW) by at least 7,000 lbs/3200 kg, further
mended to the government that it be candegrading off-road mobility. In 2009 the Army
celled.
announced two programs to deal with these
This article won’t attempt to document the
problems: most of the existing LAV III fleet
complex process that guided the CCV program,
would be rebuilt, resulting in an extensively upbut it is important for readers to understand
graded vehicle (LAV UP)2; and the acquisition
that there was not one, but several solicitaof 108-138 CCVs which would be even better
1
2
The purchase cost was to be about $700 million. The remaining $1.3 billion was for 25 years of maintenance costs.
See the Fall 2013 article in the Glen for a discussion of the LAV UP.
Volume 3 Issue 2
February 2014
16
protected than the LAV UP, while being capable of matching the mobility of the Leopard 2
tank.
When the Army went out to industry in its
search for CCV candidates it specified a 30-45
ton vehicle with high levels of protection and
mobility and a hull and turret of proven existing design. However, no calibre or weapon
type was dictated for the main armament and
tracks were not specified. Since a high degree
of mobility over difficult terrain was a criterion
for the CCV, opening the competition to
wheeled vehicles surprised some observers.
To understand why, a brief discussion of mobility is required.
Mobility can be defined as the ability to move
freely and rapidly over the terrain of interest
to accomplish combat objectives. It is therefore measured by the percent of terrain over
which the vehicle is mobile and its average
speed or travel time over that terrain.
weight over a larger area than do their
wheeled counterparts, they are generally
more mobile over difficult terrain. U.S. Army
studies have concluded that when gross vehicle weight exceeds 20 tons and off-road usage is 60% or greater, a tracked configuration
is required to guarantee the best mobility for
unrestricted, all-weather tactical operations1.
In the end, industry submitted three IFVs for
evaluation: General Dynamics Land Systems
(GDLS - the manufacturers of the LAV and
contractor for the LAV UP program) offered
the Piranha 5, BAE the CV-9035 Mark III, and
Nexter their VBCI (Vehiculé Blindé de Combat
d'Infanterie). Both the Piranha 5 and VBCI are
8X8 wheeled vehicles, as is the LAV III, and
some therefore questioned their ability to significantly address the LAV's mobility shortcomings. Not surprisingly, GDLS and Nexter
pronounced their vehicles to be as mobile as
any comparable tracked vehicle.1
The Piranha 5 is the fifth generation of the
A key factor in determining a vehicle's mobility
Piranha (or LAV) family. Like the LAV UP it is
is its ground pressure, which is determined by
an 8X8 wheeled vehicle with a crew of three,
dividing its weight by its footprint (the area of
two of whom
track or
are positioned
tire which
in the turret.
impacts
However,
the
whereas the
ground).
LAV UP's main
Generally,
armament is a
as ground
25mm auto
pressure
cannon, the
increases,
Piranha mounts
the pera more powercentage of
ful 30mm can'No Go'
non in its
terrain inRheinmetall
creases.
LANCE turret.
Since
The Piranha
tracked
also carries 8
vehicles
dismounts vs.
distribute
poderiomilitar-jusus.blogspot.com.es
The French contender in the CCV evaluation, Nexter’s VBCI. This photo shows a vehicle of the the LAV's 6-7,
their
and its apFrench Army with a single-person turret and 25mm auto cannon. Nexter reportedly also
offered Canada a version with a two-person turret and 30mm cannon.
proximately 30
1
On the other hand wheeled vehicles generally sit higher off the ground allowing more space for blast-deflecting Vshaped hull bottoms.
Volume 3 Issue 2
February 2014
17
ton GVW1 is about 2.5 tons greater. A 580 hp
diesel engine is installed (the LAV UP's is 450
hp) resulting in a higher power to weight ratio
despite the added weight, and GDLS claims
that it offers both increased ballistic protection
and mobility over the LAV UP.
The Piranha 5 is a relatively recent design and
to date is not in service with any nation.
a 35mm auto cannon capable of firing airburst
rounds, and it is powered by a 755 hp diesel
engine.
The CV90 first entered service with the Swedish Army in 1994 and variants have since
been sold to several European nations, seeing
service in Afghanistan with Norwegian, Danish
and Swedish forces. During 2012 the CV-9035
was evaluated by the US
Army and
received
very favourable reviews
from soldiers
testing it.
Nexter's VBCI is also an 8X8 wheeled vehicle
with a crew
of three and
capable of
carrying 8
dismounts.
GVW is reportedly
about 32
The Canaditons and it is
an Army carpowered by a
ried out ex550 hp diesel
tensive testengine. Acing - includcording to
ing destrucsome reports
tive explotwo versions
sive testing were offered
at the Deto the CanaNaval Open Source Intelligence fence Redian Army:
BAE’s CV-9035 Mk III, the only tracked IFV in contention for the CCV contract. With a GVW of 35 search and
one with a tons and a 35mm gun, it was both the heaviest and most heavily armed of the three vehicles
Developsingleevaluated. The CV-9035 in this photo belongs to the Dutch Army.
ment Centre
occupant
at Valcartier, Quebec and the Aberdeen Test
turret carrying a 25mm auto cannon (VBCI
Centre in Maryland. Testing concluded in
25), similar to those operated by the French
March 2013 but the results have not been rearmy, and another with a two-person turret
leased, so we may never know how the proand 30mm cannon (VBCI 30).
spective CCVs compare with the LAV UP in
630 VBCIs have been ordered by the French
terms of protection from various threats and
Army with approximately 400 delivered to
mobility across different terrain types. An andate. It has seen combat in both Afghanistan
nouncement of the winning bid was expected
and Mali.
on 21 December but instead the program was
cancelled a day earlier.
The final vehicle offered and evaluated was
BAE's CV-9035 Mark III. Like the Piranha and
VBCI it carries a crew of 3 with up to 8 dismounts, but unlike those vehicles it is tracked.
The CV-9035 has a GVW of approximately 35
tons, making it 15,000 lbs/6800 kg heavier
than the LAV UP. Its two person turret carries
1
In their joint statement of 20 December the
CDS General Lawson and the Army Commander LGen Hainse stated that the CCV was
no longer needed because:

the capabilities of the LAV UP are far su-
Some sources claim that the vehicle offered to the Army had a GVW closer to 32 tons.
Volume 3 Issue 2
February 2014
18


perior to what was originally envisioned;
the Army's Intelligence, Surveillance and
Reconnaissance (ISR) capabilities have improved;
there have been significant advances in
methods to counter IED's; and
the Army has improved its tactics, techniques and procedures.
the CCV testing be released and that the companies involved be compensated for their
costs, which must be substantial (DND's CCV
program costs are believed to exceed $70 million.)
However, many in the defence community
don't believe the Army's story and claim that
the reason for the cancellation is simple:
All of these, they explained, have combined to
money, or rather the lack of it. They claim
significantly mitigate the tactical risk to our
that behind the scenes the Army expressed
soldiers in combat operations.
doubts that it could afford the CCV fleet under
current budget restraints, and had been lobComing just a few days before Christmas, the
bying the Government to allow the program
cancellation didn't receive extensive media
to be cancelled for several months prior to the
coverage. When it was mentioned, the thrust
official announcement. Former CDS Rick Hilliof the story was that the CCV was no longer
er publicly urged the
needed because the LAV
Government to cancel
UP is so much better than There is little doubt that the
the CCV program in
expected. No one seemed
handling of the CCV
order to free up funds
to ask how the Army
for operations and
would be affected by hav- program has been a
training, telling the
ing its planned IFV fleet
shambles which does the
CBC:
reduced by 108-138 vehi
Army no credit.
cles or whether additional
LAVs would be ordered to make up the shortfall.
GDLS and BAE, both of which have other contracts with the Armed Forces, also said little.
Nexter, which doesn't, reacted to the decision
much more vocally and critically. A press release stated:
The Army suggested today that its LAV III Upgrade vehicles provide the CCV capability. As
a company with decades of experience in producing armoured vehicles, we at Nexter are
astonished by this assertion. The LAV UP
simply does not provide the same level of protection or mobility. This situation also begs the
question as to why the Army proceeded with a
second CCV Request for Proposals (RFP) six
months after it awarded GDLS the LAV UP
contract in 2011. It knew the capabilities of
both vehicles at that time yet decide to proceed with another RFP and engaged industry
in another costly competition.
Nexter has also demanded that the results of
Volume 3 Issue 2
"If all the other things
are untouched because you don't want to reduce the number of people, because you're
committed to equipment, then you're going to
savage the ops and training piece of it, which
means that solders won't train, sailors won't
sail and men and women won't be in their aircraft very much."
There is little doubt that the handling of the
CCV program has been a shambles which
does the Army no credit. Moreover the explanation that the sudden and unexpected discovery of the LAV UP's capabilities does away
with the need to supplement it with a better
protected, more mobile and up-gunned AFV
seems weak, particularly when the Army
won't release the CCV testing results. However, despite all this, if cancelling the program
frees up badly needed funds for operations
and training, then the decision was the right
one, because an indifferently trained Army in
splendid vehicles isn't an army at all; it's just
a bunch of guys in tanks and AFVs.
February 2014
19
Active Protection Systems (APS)
A recently introduced technology which will become increasingly important, and which may have
influenced the decision to cancel the CCV program, is the development of hard kill active
protection systems, such as Israel’s (Rafael) Trophy and Russia’s Arena. These systems
supplement a vehicle’s armour by intercepting and destroying chemical-energy warheads such as
anti-tank missiles, RPG and recoilless rifle projectiles just before they strike. The warhead’s
energy is thus dissipated and unable to penetrate the armour.
Rafael has developed three versions of Trophy: the original, designed for the Merkava tank, and
which can be mounted on other MBTs; one for medium weight AFVs such as the LAV III; and
one for smaller light-weight vehicles such as armoured Humvees. Trophy was first deployed in
August 2009 on the
Merkava MBT.
The Trophy system mounts
several flat-panel radar
antennae on the vehicle to
give 360° coverage to
detect threats; a computer
calculates the threat’s
trajectory and determines
whether or not it will hit
the vehicle. If it
determines that it won’t,
then no action is taken. If
it will, then a pedestal
mounted projector fires
Multiple Explosively
Formed Projectiles (MEFPs)
at the warhead, destroying
it before it strikes.
General Dynamics Land
Systems (GDLS) has
selected Trophy as the best
of the currently-available
systems and mounted it on both LAV III and Stryker (a turretless LAV III variant used by the
U.S. Army) demonstrators. Testing has been carried out in both Canada and the United States.
defenseindustrdaily.com
A Stryker equipped with the Trophy APS. Radar antennae and two pedestal mounted
MEFP projectors are clearly visible.
The Canadian testing—conducted during 2013—included 3 months of live firing including RPG,
recoilless rifles and AT missiles under various scenarios, including short range, moving vehicle,
and multiple threats.
The Canadian Army has been interested in APS since 2006 and has publicly stated its interest in
purchasing limited quantities of such a system. However it is reported that budget restraints will
prevent the acquisition of an APS before 2023.
Click on this link to activate a Rafael video on Trophy.
Volume 3 Issue 2
February 2014
20
Calgary Garrison Hockey League
2013-2014 Schedule
Volume 3 Issue 2
February 2014
21
The Calgary Highlanders Regimental Association
Dues, Gifts and Membership
BOX A: DUES/GIFTS
If you are an existing member of the Association, either Ordinary or Associate, all you have to do to renew your
membership for 2014 is to send us your annual dues of $15.00 (Box A)
If you are not an existing member and wish to become one, please complete the application form (Box B) and attach
the 2014 annual dues of $15.00.
All serving solders are automatically Ordinary Members upon receipt of the annual dues and need not apply for
membership.
If you are unsure of your status, complete Box B.
2014 dues are $15.00 and, of course donations
are much appreciated.
A tax receipt will be issued for donations of more
than $10.00; annual dues are not tax-deductible.
Cheques should be made out to ‘The Calgary
Highlanders Regimental Association’ and mailed
to:
The Calgary Highlanders Regt Assn
Mewata Armoury
801-11th Street SW
Calgary AB T2P 2C4
Enclosed are my annual dues of $15.00
Enclosed is my donation of $________
NAME: ________________________________________
ADDRESS: ______________________________________
______________________________________
EMAIL: ________________________________________
Please complete if this information in not on your cheque or
has changed.
BOX B: MEMBERSHIP APPLICATION
I am a former Calgary Highlander (applying as an Ordinary Member)
I am NOT a former Calgary Highlander (applying as an Associate Member)
PLEASE PRINT:
Mr/Mrs/Ms/Rank (indicate ‘Ret’d’ when applicable if providing rank ) ________________________________
Given Name(s) _____________________________________________________________________________
Surname ___________________________________________________________________________________
Decorations/Post Nominals ___________________________________________________________________
Military Service (if applicable)
Unit ___________________________________ Dates Served _________________________________
Unit ___________________________________ Dates Served _________________________________
Street Address: ______________________________________________________________________________
City ______________________________________Province _____________ Postal Code _________________
EMAIL: _____________________________________________________________________________________
OR
I do not have an email address
Former Calgary Highlanders become Ordinary Members upon receipt of the annual dues ($15.00). The Board of
Directors may grant conditional memberships to any applicant for Associate Membership, but such memberships must be confirmed at the Association's Annual General Meeting.
Mail to:
The Calgary Highlanders Regt Assn
Mewata Armoury
801-11th Street SW
Calgary AB T2P 2C4
Volume 3 Issue 2
February 2014
22