Pro Patria 2008 - The Royal Canadian Regiment
Transcription
Pro Patria 2008 - The Royal Canadian Regiment
125 Anniversary Edition A Year of Celebration Pro Patria 2008 1 PRO PATRIA 2008 PRO PATRIA 2008 Issue 90 Front cover photo: Silvia Pecota THE EDITOR’S DESK The proofing of this edition is underway and it is now time to put pen to paper. Much has been submitted, for which I thank you and trust that nothing has been overlooked or gone astray. Editor Capt T.J. Robinson For information about receiving PRO PATRIA, joining The RCR Association, or to request a change of address, please direct correspondence to: Regimental Adjutant, RHQ The RCR Victoria Barracks PO Box 9999, Stn Main Petawawa, ON, K8H 2X3 Phone: (613) 687-5511, ext 5086 Facsimile: (519) 660-5344 e-mail: [email protected] Layout & Design: Lisa Twomey It is my extreme pleasure to have been involved in the production of Pro Patria 2008. From a historical point there are two notable milestones that deserve mention. This edition marks both our 125 Anniversary Celebration and the 90th Edition of our Regimental publication. As a first time editor of Pro Patria I was somewhat overwhelmed in the beginning on how to publish a journal worthy of these milestones. The 125 Anniversary Celebrations would prove an easy accomplishment to add to the record as the Regimental celebrations throughout 2008 were fantastic events. There were no limits to the number of Royals willing to provide comments or photographs. The celebration of the 90th year of the journal would prove a bit more bothersome until I realized that our accomplishments in 2008 would speak for themselves. Rather than follow my original thought to publish a journal of Regimental historical quips, quotes or stories from past editions of the journal I determined that the way ahead would be to capture 2008 as we celebrated our Regiment. It is the pomp and ceremony of parade and the incredible fortitude of our soldiers at war that was most important to detail in writing and in photos, for it is our moment in Regimental history that deserves comment. We can always look up the past. The move of RHQ from London to Petawawa has provided some challenges as previous practices in preparing Pro Patria in London would no longer be practical. The search for a new printer, mail contracts, full colour layouts, modernization and some educational growing pains on behalf of a first time editor have regretfully caused delays in the release of this edition. Inside however you will find that Pro Patria has a fresh look and feel while the professional and familiar forms of content are respected, hopefully worthy of our 125th Anniversary and our 90th publication. Pro Patria Captain T.J.E. Robinson, Regimental Adjutant CONTENTS Colonel of the Regiment ...................................................... 5 Regimental Chief Warrant Officer ........................................... 7 Chairman of the Regimental Executive Committee ....................... 8 The Regimental Council ......................................................10 Regimental Mentors ...........................................................11 1 RCR............................................................................12 2 RCR............................................................................21 3 RCR ............................................................................33 4 RCR ............................................................................49 ERE ..............................................................................61 The RCR 125th Anniversary - 2008 ..........................................77 The RCR Association ..........................................................83 The RCR Museum ..............................................................92 Cadets ........................................................................ 102 Individual Submissions ...................................................... 111 Departed Comrades and Obituaries ...................................... 128 RHQ ........................................................................... 138 Reference Section ........................................................... 139 Forms ......................................................................... 141 The Last Word................................................................ 145 4 PRO PATRIA 2008 COLONEL OF THE REGIMENT T he Regiment’s 125th Anniversary year has been a resounding success with all components of the regimental family helping to mark this historic year with a blend of ceremony, celebration and remembrance. It was indeed an honour and pleasure for my wife and I to be able to attend the main events. Our parade on Parliament Hill on the 7th of June with our sister Regiment, the Royal Canadian Dragoons, was held under sunny skies with heat and humidity being a challenge for the soldiers on parade and specta- MGen W.M. Holmes, MBE, CD tors alike. The soldiers of both Regiments performed magnificently for a large crowd of serving, former serving, families and friends of the Regiment, and members of the public who happened by. Our reception that evening at the Canadian War Museum was equally well attended by a good cross section of the regimental family. The highlight of the evening was the personal accounts of the importance of Regiment given by four generations of Veterans and the widow of one of our Sergeants who was killed in Afghanistan. There were few dry eyes in the house after they told their heart warming and very personal stories of what the Regiment means to them. Sincere thanks goes to the Regimental leads for the parade and reception, Major Austin Douglas, the Regimental Major, and Captain Mike O’Leary, the Regimental Adjutant, and to all four battalions for their professional and enthusiastic support for the day’s activities. The regimental reunion was equally successful with approximately 700 members of the regimental family attending the event in Kingston, Ontario over the August 1st long weekend. The format for the weekend allowed for maximum time to reconnect with old friends and comrades and as noted by our Senior Serving Royal Canadian, Major General Peter Devlin, there was an “electric” atmosphere about the reunion with regimental spirit and pride being very much on display. The finale for the weekend was a church parade allowing all Veterans an opportunity to demonstrate that they still have a spring in their step. Jack O’Brien and his reunion committee from the Kingston Branch of the Regimental Association with support from National Headquarters are to be commended for a job well done. The final regimental ceremonial event to mark our 125th Anniversary was a presentation of new Queen’s and Regimental Colours to our 4th Battalion in London Ontario on the 4th of October. The battalion was blessed with a beautiful Fall day for their outdoor parade which was officiated by the Lieutenant Governor of Ontario, Mr. David Onley. The soldiers of our Reserve battalion did themselves proud with an excellent performance on parade and with an equally impressive formal dinner being held the same evening. Lieutenant Colonel Matt MacDonald, RSM Ellyat and their team did a superb job despite the limited time they had available for preparation and practice. 5 PRO PATRIA 2008 COLONEL OF THE REGIMENT The operational commitments of the Regiment continued unabated during the year leading to the deployment of a contingent to Afghanistan in September comprising contributions from all four battalions of the Regiment. The highlight of my year was to journey to the Kandahar region of Afghanistan for the Regimental Birthday. I was honoured and humbled to be able to join our brave Royal Canadians and their operational colleagues to offer the Ortona toast in five operational locations on the 20th and 21st of December. Despite the challenges posed by the insurgent threat, and the tragic and sad loss of nine of their comrades, seven of those Royal Canadians, with many more injured, our soldiers are performing with tenacity and determination. Morale is high, they are committed to the mission and they are contributing to making Afghanistan a better place. Progress is being made and all Canadians have reason to be proud of our soldier’s efforts and to appreciate the sacrifices being made by them and their families. Regimental business affairs, which contribute to the long term health and public profile of the Regiment, continue to occupy the regimental leadership. The Regiment continues to raise funds for the expansion of our Regimental Museum with a view to refreshing existing displays and to include displays of our recent operations in the Balkans and Afghanistan. The first volume of the rewrite of our regimental history was released in time for the regimental reunion with the second instalment to cover the period from the end of the Korean War to Afghanistan expected to be completed in the next year or two. The Regiment thanks Colonel Bernd Horn for his selfless efforts in researching, writing and producing the two new volumes of our regimental history. Our regimental Association is actively involved in supporting our soldiers in Afghanistan through the provision of back packs of regimental kit to our wounded, and where appropriate and able, support our wounded and the families of our wounded and our fallen, tasks that will become more challenging as time goes on. Other regimental milestones of note are the appointment of Major General Peter Devlin as Senior Serving Royal Canadian, the successful completion of the move of Regimental Headquarters to Petawawa and the conduct of another successful Regimental Officers’ Indoctrination Course with approximately 40 candidates attending, a very encouraging number. We are a busy Regiment! From all perspectives the Royal Canadian Regiment has had an exceptional year. The core of the Regiment’s strength remains the quality of our people. Whether serving or former serving, we are blessed with a stable of outstanding Canadians who, through their selfless service, dedication and determination, and with the support of their families and friends, are making a contribution to Canada and to others who are less fortunate. I believe we can quite rightly look back at 2008 with a sense of pride and accomplishment, and look forward to 2009 in high spirits and with a renewed sense of purpose and commitment. Pro Patria 6 PRO PATRIA 2008 REGIMENTAL CHIEF WARRANT OFFICER A nother amazing year has passed in the life of our Regiment. 125 years is an incredible milestone for us as a Regiment to have achieved! We continue with great pride to honour the customs and traditions of our past; all the while ensuring that we remain current and relevant as we face the dynamics and challenges of today and the future. CWO M.R. Hornbrook, MMM, CD As I visit our soldiers, whether on deployment in Afghanistan or conducting training in Canada, I am continually reminded how focussed we as a Regiment are on warfighting and the conduct of the full spectrum of operations, most specifically within a counter-insurgency environment. Task Force 3-08 Afghanistan which was formed primarily upon the 3 RCR Battle Group, was a prime example where all four battalions including ERE Royals were represented and performed magnificently. All ranks continue to bring incredible accolades to themselves and our Regiment, as evidenced by the numerous forms of recognition and decorations received. This comes at great cost. We have lost comrades and many others have been injured. We will continue to support those members and extended members of our Regimental Family and we shall never forget the ultimate sacrifice paid by our fallen. The celebration of our Regiment’s 125th Birthday was conducted in true RCR fashion. The Parade on Parliament Hill with the Royal Canadian Dragoons was truly spectacular. Although the operational and personnel tempo left very little time for rehearsals, the standard of ceremonial drill displayed was outstanding! In my opinion; this standard has been continually maintained whether at Change of Command Parades or as demonstrated by 4 RCR on the 4th of October 2008 at Harris Park in London, Ontario when they were presented their new Colours by The Honourable David C. Onley, Lieutenant Governor of Ontario. It seems sometimes that in this day and age the tendency in the CF is to “take the easy way out” when it comes to ceremonial events such as conducting Change of Command Parades in CADPAT vice DEU. I believe it is extremely important for us as a Regiment to continue to maintain our standard with all facets of ceremonial parades. The National Reunion in Au- 7 PRO PATRIA 2008 gust 2008 sponsored by the Kingston Branch of the RCR Association was a resounding success. The photographs on the Regimental Web Site of serving and past-serving Royals gathered in Kingston are a true testament to the strength of our Regiment. The Regimental Merit Boards reconfirmed the wealth of potential we have within the NCM corps. The Regimental Succession Plan in conjunction with the Army Succession Plan has been key to identifying personnel for CQMS and higher positions within the Regiment, Army and Pan CF. The manning within the Regiment continues to be a challenge. We continue to meld the succession plan with the requirement to “spread the wealth” of operational tours all the while ensuring the ERE positions like training Institutions have the required NCOs to conduct Individual Training Courses. Although we continually do our best to match the service’s requirements with our individuals’ and family’s desires, it ultimately means people have to be posted geographically. We all must remember as we advance in our careers it is vital that we retain the flexibility to move geographically. I look forward to the upcoming year with the activities and challenges that lay ahead. Continue to look after each other as Royal Canadians always do! CHAIRMAN, THE REGIMENTAL SENATE Dear Royal Canadians, I returned to Canada summer 2008 as the Regiment celebrated our 125th Anniversary with the Parade on Parliament Hill on 7 June and the Reunion Weekend in Kingston, Ontario 1-3 August. I was moved and energized by the camaraderie and enthusiasm of Royal Canadians – both serving and former serving. Since then, I have had the opportunity to visit the Regiment at home and deployed, and have witnessed our enormous power and our remarkable spirit. Some of what I have seen includes: • The skilled and disciplined soldiers of 4 RCR celebrated their new Colours with an exceptional parade. • A caring and understanding 3 RCR Rear Party. • The professional, imaginative and confident training conducted by 1 RCR. • 2 RCR leading Army initiatives including Battle Group 2021 • Fit and bold Royal Canadians in the Canadian Special Operations Regiment. • Proud and confident soldiers from across the Regiment engaged in combat and representing our Regiment and Canada with great pride. • Spouses, children and families that hold the Regiment close to their heart. • Energetic and skilled young officers at the Regimental Officers’ Indoctrination Course. • The wisdom and experience of our devoted Regimental Executive Committee and Senate. • A committed and active Association with branches across Canada. • A museum that safeguards and presents our history and heritage. Your efforts have greatly enhanced our past 125 years of service to Canada and you have now become part of our Regimental history. The permanent Roll of Honour displayed in the museum chapel guards the names of those who have made the ultimate sacrifice for Canada and the Regiment. As we continue to add the names of our fallen, I ask you to remember what has defined the Regiment to which we 8 PRO PATRIA 2008 MGen PJ. Devlin,OMM, MSC,CD so proudly belong. Our power is a force born from the combined energy, enthusiasm, spirit and professionalism of thousands of Royal Canadians who have served before us. That force has always been drawn from within the ranks of our serving and former serving members. In our Regimental Prayer we ask “to prove worthy to accept the high ideals and traditions of the past; to honour and revere the memory of those who have gone before us; to face our responsibilities in the future, in both peace and war”. As we continue to live the high ideals of the Regiment and face our responsibilities, our Association guards our traditions and reveres the memory of our fallen. We must support the Association as they protect our values and heritage, honour our fallen and as importantly, foster new traditions that you have created. Our strength is an earned membership to a Regimental history forged by you and those before you. Royal Canadians transitioning from the Canadian Forces have earned the right to become a member of our Association, and by becoming a member, the very least that you will receive is the camaraderie and friendship that you contributed to as you served – I believe that you will gain much more. I am fiercely proud of Our Regiment, its rich history and powerful tradition, its expert soldiers and unrivalled leadership, and its caring families. Communicate with pride the wonderful power and great strength that comes from our Regimental Family. The Royal Canadian Regiment BATTLE HONOURS (The battle honours in bold are entitled to be borne on the Regimental Colour of each Battalion.) Saskatchewan Passchendaele San Leonardo North–West Canada, 1885 Amiens The Gully Paardeburg Drocourt–Queant Ortona South Africa, 1899-1900 Hindenburg Line Cassino II Ypres 1915, ‘17 Canal Du Nord Gustav Line Gravenstafel Cambrai, 1918 Liri Valley St. Julien Pursuit to Mons Hitler Line Festubert, 1915 France & Flanders Gothic Line Mount Sorrel 1915–18 Lamone Crossing Somme, 1916 Landing in Sicily Misano Ridge Pozieres Valguarnera Rimini Line Flers–Courcelette Agira San–Martino–San Lorenzo Ancre Heights Adrano Pisciatello Arras 1917, ‘18 Regalbuto Fosso Vecchio Vimy 1917 Sicily 1943 Italy, 1943-1945 Arleux Landing at Reggio Apeldoorn Scarpe 1917, ‘18 Motta Montecorvino North-West Europe, 1945 Hill 70 Campobasso Korea, 1951-1953 Torella Colonel-in-Chief: Field Marshall HRH The Prince Philip Duke of Edinburgh, KG, PC, KT, OM, GBE, QSD, CD Colonel of the Regiment: Major General W.M. Holmes, MBE, CD Allied with: 9 PRO PATRIA 2008 The Rifles The Royal Regiment of Fusiliers The Jamaica Regiment PRO PATRIA 2008 9 THE ROYAL CANADIAN REGIMENT COUNCIL THE REGIMENTAL SENATE Chairman MGen P.J. Devlin, OMM, MMM, CD Secretary Regimental Secretary LCol C.M. Hand, CD Members Colonel of the Regiment MGen W.M. Holmes MBE, CD Former Colonels of the Regiment LGen J.E. Vance CMM, CD (Ret’d) MGen T.F. de Faye, CMM, CD Honorary Lieutenant-Colonel 4 RCR LCol D,B. Weldon Serving Reg F RCR General Officers MGen D.C. Tabbernor OMM, CD BGen G.J.P. O.Brien, MSC, CD BGen M. P. Jorgensen OMM, MSM, CD BGen D.W. Thompson, OMM, CD BGen J.H. Vance, OMM, CD Regimental Colonel Col M.J. Pearson, MSC, CD Chairman of the Association Capt R.T. Walsh CD (Ret’d) Chairman of the Advisory Board (as appointed by Col of the Regt) RCWO CWO M. Hornbrook MMM, CD Immediate Past Chairman of the SenateBGen M.S. Skidmore OMM, CD Immediate Past RCWO CWO E. Christensen MMM, CD Any other members appointed by the Colonel of the Regiment. THE REGIMENTAL EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE Chairman President Regimental Secretary Members Regimental Colonel COs of Battalions Chairman The RCR Trust Fund Chairman The RCR Association RCWO RSMs of Battalions Treasurer Regimental Major Secretary Regimental Adjutant Any other person appointed by the Colonel of the Regiment. BGen M. P. Jorgensen OMM, MSM, CD LCol C.M. Hand, CD Col M.J. Pearson, MSC, CD 1 RCR LCol C.J.J. Mialkowski, CD 2 RCR LCol G.S. Parker, CD 3 RCR LCol R.R. Barrett, CD 4 RCR LCol M.R. McDonald, CD Col W.J. Pettipas, CD (Ret’d) Capt R.T. Walsh CD (Ret’d) CWO M. Hornbrook MMM, CD 1 RCR CWO S.G. Hartnell, CD 2 RCR CWO K.V. Burgess, CD 3 RCR CWO E.J. Hall, CD 4 RCR CWO D.A.C. Ellyat, CD Maj A.M. Douglas, CD Capt T.J.E. Robinson, MMM, CD NON - GOVERNING BODIES WITHIN THE REGIMENT The RCR Trust The RCR Museum Board Chairman – Col W.J. Pettipas, CD (Ret’d) BGen P.L. Spencer, OMM, CD (Ret’d) Vice Chairman – MWO R.S. Fries, CD (Ret’d) Hon LCol D.B. Weldon Treasurer – Capt P.C. Bartley CD (Ret’d) Comd Home Station - LCol M.R. McDonald, CD Secretary – Capt C.J. Collison CD (Ret’d) R Sec - LCol C.M. Hand, CD BGen P.L. Spencer, OMM, CD (Ret’d) RM - Maj A. M. Douglas, CD Capt R.T. Walsh CD (Ret’d) RCWO - CWO M. Hornbrook, MMM, CD R Sec - LCol C.M. Hand, CD Chairman Trust - Col W.J. Pettipas, CD (Ret’d) RM - Maj A. M. Douglas, CD Chairman Assn - Capt R.T. Walsh CD (Ret’d) CO 1 RCR (ex officio) LCol C.J.J. Mialkowski, CD LCol A. J. Lawson,CD CO 2 RCR (ex officio) LCol G.S. Parker, CD LCol M.E.K. Campbell, CD LCol M. Hand, CD (ret’d) CO 3 RCR (ex officio) LCol R.R. Barrett, CD Capt C.J. Collison CD (Ret’d) CO 4 RCR (ex officio) LCol M.R. McDonald, CD Ms J Rodger Mr C Ivey Dr. J Hyatt Maj G. Joice Secretary; Dir/Curator - Mr. C. Breede 10 PRO PATRIA 2008 REGIMENTAL MENTORS R egimental Mentors (typically Lieutenant-Colonels/Majors) and Assistant Mentors (typically Warrant Officer to CWO) will be appointed by the Regimental Colonel and directed to maintain a system of personal communications with each member of the Regiment on the list provided to the mentor annually by RHQ. Mentorship will be based on the most logical mix of geographical and organizational criteria such that all members of the Regiment and especially those on Extra-Regimental Employment (ERE) have a mentor who is accessible and who understands the particular working environment of the member. Where the workload demands it, additional Assistant Mentors may be appointed to handle specific geographical areas, units or circumstances. Unit Mentors will be the Commanding Officer and the Regimental Sergeant Major. The Royal Canadian Regiment has mentors located across the Country and Internationally. Visit our website www.TheRoyalCanadianRegiment.ca to determine who the mentor is in your area. MENTOR REGIONS and UNITS 1st Battalion The Royal Canadian Regiment 2nd Battalion The Royal Canadian Regiment 3rd Battalion The Royal Canadian Regiment 4nd Battalion The Royal Canadian Regiment Petawawa and Area Quebec New Brunswick (less 2nd Battalion) Nova Scotia, PEI and Newfoundland NCR and Environs (incl 33 CBG units) CANSOFCOM-CSOR & DHTC Belleville to Cornwall (incl 33 CBG, less CFLAWC) Canadian Forces Land Advance Warfare Center (CFLAWC) Toronto and SW Ontario The Lakehead to the Praries, British Columbia and The North United States of America United Kingdom & Europe Other Internationally posted personnel 11 PRO PATRIA 2008 1st Battalion The Royal Canadian Regiment Change of Command Col Shipley & LCol Mialkowski (RSM Miller-RSM Hartnell) 29 May 2008 LCol Conrad Mialkowski, CD 1 RCR This past year, the 1st Battalion, The Royal Canadian Regiment (1 RCR), bid “farewell” to many of our soldiers as they deployed with the Operational, Mentor and Liaison Team (OMLT) and as members of the 3rd Battalion (3 RCR) on TF 3-08. The Battalion also “welcomed” all the new riflemen and officers that arrived to start rebuilding the unit in preparation for the “Road to High Readiness” for TF 1-10. Although our deployment to Afghanistan is more than a year away, most soldiers’ thoughts are focused on the upcoming deployment. Therefore, 2008 was a year of support and rebuilding resulting in a drastic change in the chain of command of most Coys from rifleman all the way up to the Commanding Officer. To prepare for our mission we started with the basics and worked our way up. Winter (Jan, Feb, Mar) Many soldiers of 1 RCR returned from Christmas Leave and started the New Year by immediately launching into IBTS training which included C7 and C9 PWT Level 3 shoots, grenade and shotgun ranges. While the coffee urns seemed unable to function in the frigid temperatures, the soldiers had no difficulty effectively engaging their targets at various ranges. With the IBTS requirement checked off for another year, soldiers and officers alike looked to February for a change of pace and a change in temperature. CWO S. G. Hartnell, CD 12 PRO PATRIA 2008 Later in February, members of 1 RCR departed on commercial airlines for Fort Bliss, Texas to conduct Ex SOUTHERN BEAR. Ex SOUTHERN BEAR was a chance for the 3 RCR Battle Group to conduct live-fire ranges up to the Combat Team level. Foxtrot Coy was responsible for the movement of all the equipment and administrative vehicles which began with an international rail move from CFB Petawawa to Fort Bliss, Texas. They were greeted by what appeared to be balmy +20°C temperatures, a stark contrast to the near-Arctic like conditions at CFB Petawawa. The climate was chosen for a reason and soldiers began to recreate a small slice of Afghanistan in preparation for TF 3-08 Battle Group’s arrival. 1 RCR, along with several other 2 Canadian Mechanized Brigade Group (2 CMBG) units, was tasked with designing, constructing and conducting the extremely elaborate and complex ranges in the middle of the New Mexico desert. Members of the Battalion found themselves spread across the entire training area employed as target operators, actors and support staff to name just a few. Specifically, those Senior NCOs qualified as Range Safety Officers from all Coys worked very closely with the Officers of Bravo as safety staff and contributed to the design of the ranges. While members of Charles Coy also assisted as LAV Drivers and LAV Crew Commanders. Ex SOUTHERN BEAR proved to be a great success and enabled TF 3-08 an opportunity to experience live-fire training prior to a final validation at the Canadian Manoeuvre Training Centre in Wainwright. With the tear down of the mock Afghan villages complete, members of 1 RCR redeployed from the New Mexico desert back to Fort Bliss some five-weeks after having arrived. Things could have been worse- shortly after returning from Ex SOUTHERN BEAR the hardworking men and women of 1 RCR began their March Break. Many soldiers opted to stay in the Ottawa Valley and spend time with friends and family, while a few travelled abroad. For everyone in the Battalion though, it was a welcome reprieve from the training tempo. WO Chenard (CSM Echo Coy) cheering on his team Spring (Apr, May, June) The start of spring was marked by a ceremony held at the Victoria Barracks, Base Petawawa. On Wednesday, 28 May 2008, Corporal Jess Randall Larochelle of 1 RCR was honoured for his heroic actions in Afghanistan and presented with the Star of Military Valour. The ceremony was conducted by Colonel Joseph Shipley, CD, as one of his last duties as the Commanding Officer of 1 RCR. “The presentation of this decoration is a right normally held by the Queen of Canada or the Governor General,” said Colonel Shipley. “It’s a great honour for 1 RCR to be able to have that right today.” The spring also saw 1 RCR preparing for the change of command ceremonies that would see a new command team take up the leadership of the Battalion. On 29 May 08 LCol C.J.J. Mialkowski, CD, and CWO S.G. Hartnell, CD, took over as the command team for the Battalion and brought with them the determined vision of leading 1 RCR into Afghanistan for TF 1-10. Their arrival followed a successful year-long command period of the outgoing Commanding Officer, Col J.S. Shipley, CD, and the Regimental Sergeant Major, CWO M.H. Miller, CD. “Since taking over command of 1 RCR, Colonel Shipley has been extremely busy on a number of fronts,” said Colonel Milner, Commander of 2 CMBG. “His initial focus was the reintegration of his Battalion as they had returned from Roto 2 in Afghanistan. Care of his soldiers and their 14 PRO PATRIA 2008 families was a main effort as a number of 1 RCR soldiers were wounded or killed during their Tour. His Battalion has been responsible for providing training support for the Task Force during deployment training and they have done a tremendous job with their experience from theatre.” Prior to the Change of Command ceremony, Colonel Shipley was promoted to his current rank and appointed Commander of the OMLT. He focused his efforts on putting together an excellent OMLT team for TF 3-08 and is the first OMLT Commander to create a training plan that will be institutionalized by the Army for future OMLT rotations. Not long after the Change of Command Parade, members of the Battalion began preparing to celebrate the Regiment’s 125th Anniversary. With yet more drill practices, soon followed by With many 1 RCR officers and senior NCOs the sizing and drawing of the regal scarlet tu- preparing for deployment with the OMLT, the nics and gallant Wolseley helmets, the soldiers rifle Coys found themselves short on leaderof 1 RCR were ready for the 7 Jun 08 parade on ship providing an excellent opportunity for Capital Hill. The parade would be conducted individuals in the junior ranks to step-up and with the Royal Canadian Dragoons who origi- show their potential. Charles Coy, in particular, was reduced to two nally began as the Cavalry School Corps in 1883, ... drawing of the regal scarlet tunics Captains with two oversized platoons the same year the Infan- and gallant Wolseley helmets, the with Sgts in comtry School Corps was soldiers of 1 RCR were ready mand. So it was a formed. It was a beautiful spring day with a clear blue sky and a gentle relief when Charles Coy received the first three breeze that would provide mild relief from the of 11 new junior officers to arrive in 2008. As blistering 31o C temperature. The soldiers of new riflemen graduated DP1, they were immethe Battalion stood proudly with their Brothers- diately posted to the Battalions and, through in-Arms of 3 RCR to the praise and admiration the summer and fall, more and more eager rifleof the public who turned out to show their ap- men filled the rank and file of the rifle Coys. preciation and to see the Roll Past of vehicles, So many new soldiers arrived eager to cut their teeth in a rifle platoon that the platoons swelled both past and present. in size to nearly 60 all ranks per platoon pre- Ex Southern Bear OMLT senting unique challenges to the chain of command. system, that signalled a casualty, had almost become a constant tone. After the successful exercise, the soldiers of Bravo and Charles Coy started the summer block leave. It wasn’t long until these new junior officers and riflemen were tasked as 1 RCR launched into the next pre-deployment exercise. Ex SHAD(Jul, Aug, Sep) OW BEAR was a final confirmation exercise of the OMLT KANDAK Comds during which The arrival of the summer months saw Pachino personnel from Bravo and Charles Coy acted Day celebrated with water soccer, spaghetti and as the KANDAK and OPFOR. To simulate wine. Meanwhile Bravo Coy conducted the the KANDAK, Cpls from the rifle Coys volun- Brigade RG31 Remote Weapon System course. teered to role-play as ANA Comds to lead fel- With the courses running until August, soldiers low 1 RCR soldiers into the Petawawa training would qualify on the RG31, ELAV and Table area under the tutelage of OMLT officers. They Top with the C6 and the .50 Cal HMG, trainwould then encounter escalating conflicts with ing over 300 soldiers for TF 03-08. The eight the small opposing force who would harass and day course consisted of four days of theory folambush the KANDAK. Using the Weapons Ef- lowed by three days on the range and one day fects Simulation system, soldiers quickly learned of administration. The staff and the course had how effective a small, the opportunity to work with mobile enemy could DLR and provide input into ... soldiers quickly learned be and OMLT officers new equipment being tested how effective a small, realized how difficult it mobile enemy could be on the RG31. Several of the could be to advise instaff had used the RG31 in experienced and underoperations and were able to brief DLR on what trained commanders. The exercise finished off needed improvements. Throughout the course with an assault on the new Urban Operations the staff worked diligently ensuring the soldiers Village, affectionately called the “seacan” village, were well prepared and confident for their tour. where the OPFOR had established an IED fac- From 29 July 2008 to 10 August 2008, 1 tory and blended in with the “locals” who had RCR supported the Tactics School in the conbeen maintaining a routine of life for the week, duct of the Infantry Dismounted Company including a garden and a market. The KAN- Commander (IDCC) Course. The course was DAK players left the seacan village with a hard conducted over three weeks with the aim of earned appreciation for the difficulties in at- confirming the students’ ability to command tacking an urban area. The beeping of the WES Summer Recce Course 0801 a dismounted rifle Coy. The IDCC course is historically attended by Reserve Force Captains preparing to assume the duty and responsibility of Officers Commanding a Rifle Coy. However, with the OMLT operating in Afghanistan, there was a number of Regular Force Officers, from all Regiments, who attended this course in order to refresh themselves on dismounted company level operations prior to deployment. As Foxtrot Coy was required to house, feed and support up to 350 personnel, the planning process within the company began in the early spring. Construction of the camp took three days with Transport Pl doing the majority of the heavy lifting with support from Bravo and Charles Coy soldiers. After conducting two weeks preparatory training, Charles Coy was ready to be commanded by the students as they executed hasty attacks and ambushes against the OPFOR Platoon provided by Bravo Coy. The exercise provided an excellent opportunity for Charles Coy to hone its dismounted Coy procedures and allowed the corporals and privates the opportunity to act as Sect Comds due to the NCO shortage. The course finished in classic Royal fashion with a beer call and steak dinner to celebrate the conclusion of the course where the students and staff expressed their appreciation for the hard work by all 1 RCR personnel. hone their field craft in an enjoyable and relaxed setting. The adventure training also provided many opportunities to work on leadership and teamwork while fostering cohesion. In September, 1 RCR assumed the Immediate Response Unit for Land Forces Central Area Almost immediately after finishing the IDCC, with Charles Coy forming the Vanguard. For members of Charles Coy participated in Ex the next four months, Charles Coy was on 24 hours notice to move RUGGED BEAR, a Briand, to help test its gade Adventure Trainthe Platoon had the ing exercise from 17 to opportunity to partake in readiness, they participated in several recalls. 25 August 2008. The cliff jumping, swimming The first few just inexercise began by travelling by bus to Sudbury and fishing which provid- volved Charles Coy and then by float plane to a ed a welcome supplement included a Professional Development trip to the remote location on the to the rations. Canadian War Museum Spanish River. Over the for some lectures; the next five days the soldiers would travel 100 kilometres down river. Over next involved the entire Battalion and was folthe course of the exercise, the Platoon had the lowed by the first march with the newly issued opportunity to partake in cliff jumping, swim- rucksack. Along the march many adjustments ming and fishing which provided a welcome to the straps were made as soldiers tried to find supplement to the rations. The exercise pro- the best way to carry their load comfortably. vided a challenge both physically and mentally The last recall involved the entire Brigade and for the soldiers and allowed the participants to was followed by a 20 km march and shoot and 17 PRO PATRIA 2008 PRO PATRIA 2008 17 a military skills competition. September saw 1 RCR receive more of its leadership and move into supporting the Brigade PCF cycle. The majority of the MCpls and above were tasked and the Battalion started multiple serials of LAV III Driver, Turret Operator, and PLQ Mods 1-5. Late summer also saw members of the Battalion participating in various activities including the first Army Run in Ottawa and the 2 CMBG Ironman. Three members of Bravo Coy went to Toronto to participate in the CN Tower Stair Climb, which raised $660 for the United Way. To assist with all the courses and activities, 1 RCR saw the last of the 11 new junior officers arrive as well as more Sgts and WOs. Fall (Oct, Nov, Dec) Throughout the first part of the fall, 1 RCR continued to concentrate on conducting the PCF cycle, which now also included LAV III Crew Comd, the Infantry Platoon Support Weapons, and Basic Recce Courses. As well, we supported the Brigade Captains of Industry task which saw the LAV III Driver course running a stand that allowed major players in Ontario’s business circles to drive the LAV III. The crew commanders were complimented on their professionalism. Bravo also provided support to the World Juniors Team Canada hockey training 18 PRO PATRIA 2008 camp shaping the team building activities that led to gold. CFB Petawawa hosted the team and Bravo provided a platoon of LAVs to act as OPFOR during a night attack conducted by Team Canada. The soldiers were rewarded with a meet and greet with the Team and its coaching staff. Paying respects to Royals of the past, 1 RCR celebrated the victory on Hill 355, otherwise known as Kowang-San, with a Tug-of-War challenge between the Coys. The competition saw Bravo Coy successfully fending off the other Coys giving it the deserved reward of first in the chow line and quick access to the two beers per person line… plus bragging rights! As the Immediate Response Unit for CONPLAN RAPTOR, 1 RCR was tasked to participate in Ex TRILLIUM RESPONSE from 17 to 21 Nov 08, a multi-jurisdictional disaster response exercise developed by Emergency Management Ontario (EMO) and the Canadian Forces designed to test emergency response capabilities for a domestic crisis. The scenario involved severe weather in the Thunder Bay region culminating in an ice storm that caused massive blackouts and overwhelmed the city’s integral emergency response capabilities prompting them to call upon provincial and federal resources. Once the call went out, provincial, federal, military and non governmental assets mobilized and quickly made their way to Thunder Bay to participate in the exercise. All told the exercise had more than 1500 participants and more than 40 different organizations including all levels of government, local emergency services, the Army, the Navy, the Air Force, the Coast Guard, Emergency Management Ontario, Emergency Medical Assistance Team and the Heavy Urban Search and Rescue Team, to name a few. For Charles Coy the exercise involved a number of support tasks to aid the emergency organizations. One task that the troops performed was wellness patrols to ensure the local population was safe and prepared in the event of a real emergency. Benefits from the exercise included an opportunity to practice inter-agency cooperation and coordination, as well as demonstrating to government and emergency response organizations what capabilities the military could offer during a crisis. “It was great working with the EMO and other government agencies as it allows us to learn and test our relationships with each other,” said LCol Conrad Mialkowski, CO of 1 RCR and Task Force Commander for Ex TRILLIUM RESPONSE 08. A simple highlight of the exercise that most enjoyed was the deployment and redeployment on the Air Force’s new C-177 Globemaster III. On 5 December 2008, we received the dreaded news that three of our own had been killed serving with the OMLT in Afghanistan. WO Robert Wilson, Cpl Mark McLaren and Pte Dimetrios Diplaros of Duke’s Coy were killed when their vehicle detonated an IED. The loss was heartfelt throughout the Battalion, and a memorial was held on 10 Dec 08 to honour their sacrifice and to celebrate their lives. Regimental activities were scaled back as we tended to our fallen and their loved ones. Throughout the year many members of the 1 RCR excelled in the art of soldiering and fitness, the following are just a few: • CWO M.H. Miller, CD, and MWO A.J. Simmons, CD, were appointed as Members of the Order of Military Merit; • M aj J.D. Price, Capt C.T. Strain, MWO D.E. Fisher and Sgt K.W. Laybolt received Command Commendations; • Capt Gawel and Cpl Ritch graduated from the US Army Ranger School in Ft Benning, Georgia; • MCpl Hawkyard, Cpl Martin and Cpl Manser attended the Advanced Mountain Operations course and were commended for their Members of C Coy lead by Lt Brogan, pose for a group photo on adventure training during Ex RUGGED BEAR. PRO PATRIA 2008 19 excellent performance and representation of 1 RCR; • Sgt Nisbet attended the Advance Sniper Course; • MCpl McGlynn, Sgt Lamontagne and Lt Mendyka attended the Advance Reconnaissance Patrolman course in CTC Gagetown. MCpl McGlynn was awarded top candidate on the course; • The following soldiers of 1 RCR participated as a part of the 2 CMBG Small Arms Team in the Canadian Forces Small Arms Competition and won the Soldier’s Cup: Cpl Alexander, Cpl Lupton, Cpl Miller, Pte Dupre, Pte Handforth, Pte Ferguson, Pte Spadavecchia, MCpl Mitic (Coach) and Lt Kidnie (Team Captain); • Cpl Marc Prud’homme, B Coy, won the gold medal in the 100-metre mannequin tow in the pool event during the 2008 World Beach Lifesaving Competition in Berlin Germany from 18 July until 2 August 2008 and is currently preparing for the Lifesaving and Swimming competition to be held in Canada in 2009; • On 9 Feb 08, Pte. Michael O’Rourke received the Peace Through Dialogue Medal in Munich, Germany. The medal was received by Pte O’Rourke on behalf of all NATO soldiers and is awarded each year to honour outstanding contributions to peace and security. The past year has seen 1 RCR deployed south to the deserts of New Mexico and north to the biting cold of Thunder Bay, supporting a Battle Group on the road to war and hosting industry executives with a LAV IIII familiariza- tion – 2008 was a busy year! However, all members of 1 RCR know that 2009 will be an even more fast paced year as the Battalion and Battle Group begin the “road to high readiness” for TF 1-10. The unofficial pre-deployment training has been ongoing, but the Battle Group will officially stand-up in September 2009 with the deployment in April 2010. To ensure we are ready for this arduous mission, the soldiers of 1 RCR will attack their training with the determination and vigour that only a Royal can show, learning and practicing all the skills they we will need to succeed in Afghanistan. And succeed we will! PRO PATRIA! 20 PRO PATRIA 2008 2nd Battalion The Royal Canadian Regiment LCol G.S Parker, CD 2 RCR “A Team” Base Champs 2 RCR CWO K.V. Kirby Burgess, CD 21 PRO PATRIA 2008 2008 will be remembered as one of the most challenging, rewarding and busiest years in the history of the 2nd Battalion given the myriad of battle group activities that were conducted. Two major battle group exercises (Ex ROYAL WINTER & Ex ROYAL THUNDER), support to Task Force 3-08’s Kandahar Provincial Reconstruction Team Force Protection Company (based on G Coy) training, EX COOPERATIVE SPIRIT in Hohenfels, Germany, a robust Primary Combat Function (PCF) cycle, and support to Combat Training Centre (CTC), Land Force Atlantic Area Training Centre (LFAATC), and Canadian Manoeuvre Training Centre (CMTC), were all given a high level of attention and detail. In addition to these tasks and by no means secondary, the 2nd Battalion supported Op CONNECTION, opening of the New Brunswick Legislature, Nova Scotia International Tattoo (NSIT), Nijmegan and the Canadian Forces Small Arms Competition (CFSAC). Ever since the first deployment of 2 RCR soldiers to Afghanistan, the 2nd Battalion’s primary focus has been on the preparation of operationally deployed soldiers to Op ATHENA. Of particular note, 2 RCR BG has focused on the reintegration phase of deployment in this past year to streamline, reinforce and follow-up on support that has been provided to soldiers returning from deployment. Many inconsistencies in support to returning soldiers have been reported and followed up through the chain of command as base and area support agencies deal with the spike in mental health and physical injuries. In addition, 2 RCR BG continues to be the foundation of the CLS directed Battle Group (BG) Civilians in the Battlespace in Town of Kanday. Ex 2021 Study (formerly known COOPERATIVE SPIRIT, Hohenfels, Germany Oct 2008 as the Optimized Battle Group Experiment). The BG is assisting the Directorate of conduct final preparations and pre-deployment Land Concepts and Design (DLCD) and the leave, Golf Company was ready to deploy in Army as a whole in moving towards the Army August and September. of Tomorrow. This included posting a fullyequipped Armoured Recce Troop and FOO/ Although much was learned during pre-deployFAC party to augment an already enhanced 2 ment training, employment with the KPRT was an eye-opening experience for all members of RCR BG HQ. the company. As infantry, we are accustomed to serving as the main effort, enabled by various other elements on the battlefield in order to close with and destroy the enemy. As members of the Force Protection Company however, we enable the KPRT. This role-reversal took some The beginning of 2008 saw the preparations adjustment, but it has been achieved and all solfor the TF 3-08 Force Protection Coy for the diers in the company have embraced this new Kandahar Provincial Reconstruction Team role, accepting the challenges that this entails. (KPRT) with Major Joe Hartson and MWO One such challenge was the integration of the Kevin Venus at the helm. Many valuable lessons defence and security platoon. This organizawere learned while deployed to Ex SOUTHtion – made up of reservists from a variety of ERN BEAR (Fort Bliss Texas) with the rest of Primary Reserve Regiments across Canada – is 2 CMBG in February and early March and responsible for maintaining camp defence and at the Canadian Manoeuvre Training Centre some patrolling in Kandahar City. Although (CMTC) from late April to mid-May, including we trained together on several occasions prior to the importance of realism in training, utilizadeployment, true integration did not occur untion of latest Lessons Learned and the importil the company deployed. The platoon is now tance of company cohesion within the subunit a bona fide member of Golf Company and their organization. After returning to Gagetown to TASK FORCE 3-08 TRAINING KPRT Force Protection Coy Roto 6, Oct 2008 22 PRO PATRIA 2008 I Coy landing a CASEVAC helicopter during Ex ROYAL THUNDER Apr 2008 soldiers are most assuredly part of the team. The operational tempo in the KPRT is high. With limited resources, the company patrols extensively within Kandahar City, as far west as Maywand, as far north as Shah Wali Kot, and as far south and east as Spin Boldak. The patrols serve to provide security for CIMIC, the Specialist Engineer Team (SET) as well as civilian government partners such as CIVPOL, DFAIT, CIDA, USAID and USDOS. Elements of the company maintain a persistent presence in Zhari and Panjwayi districts, enabling the interagency team in those locations. The company lives and breaths the interagency framework that is integral to success in Afghanistan. Each patrol is a small unit combat mission and treated as such. Patrol commanders range from the OC to a section second-in-command and every rank in between depending on the mission and the resources available. Patrols are often in an escort role, but the company is also working closely with the Afghan National Security Forces (principally the Afghan National Army and the Afghan National Police), providing training and operational mentorship to the ANA QRF for Kandahar City. Patrols are – as often as possible – conducted with either the ANA or ANP, and formal training sessions for both the ANA and ANP have begun, spearheaded by members of the Force Protection Company. In addition to the Force Protection Coy, an additional task to provide the Regional Command South Force Protection platoon (RC (S) FP Pl) to MGen Lessard began under the command of Lt Ben Lacey and WO Brian Bell. While reacting to a short notice deployment put some strain on an already busy battle group training calendar the task was given to India Coy to develop a training package similar to what had been conducted for Golf Coy and to ensure the RC (S) FP Pl possessed all of the skills, training and detailed understanding of the Afghanistan theatre to be able to conduct tasks throughout the Area of Operations (AO). They deployed in mid August and arrived back in Canada mid November after having covered some 2600 kms of the AO in support of RC (S) tasks. PRIMARY COMBAT FUNCTION AND LEADERSHIP TRAINING The 2nd Battalion’s primary effort was the success of the TF 3-08 PRT Force Protection Coy training schedule but of significant importance was the Primary Combat Functions (PCF) winter serials that were conducted to continu- Ex ROYAL THUNDER Apr 2008 23 PRO PATRIA 2008 PRO PATRIA 2008 23 India Coy after taking ELBAK Sea Container Village during Ex ROYAL WINTER Feb 2008 ally feed fresh LAV Drivers, gunners and crew commanders into the rifle companies. Kilo Coy commanded by Maj Damon Dyer and MWO Phil Dornan conducted a recce patrolman serial and Lima Coy commanded by Maj Jeff Forgrave and MWO Wayne O’Toole conducted a driver wheel course. Ensuring that the next batch of young junior NCO’s is readily available for promotion necessitated the conduct of a serial of Primary Leadership Qualification (PLQ) Mod 6 from February to early April. EX ROYAL FROST The Battle Group quickly transitioned from the Winter PCF courses into Ex ROYAL FROST commencing with a basic winter warfare course at the company level and the conduct of platoon level winter warfare training. The 2nd Battalion deployed complete for Ex ROYAL FROST into company and battle group austere patrol bases concentrating initially on the conduct of platoon level raids and fighting patrols before conducting company level deliberate attacks on Lawfield OP and Day Hill. The exercise concluded with a BG approach march and sequenced attack on the sea container village at Knowlton Hill. This was the first battle group level winter warfare exercise that 2 RCR has been able to conduct since 2001 and was an excellent opportunity to practice some winter 24 PRO PATRIA 2008 survival and dismounted platoon and company fighting skills that may help in setting the battle group up for success as it prepares for the Op PODIUM 2010 Winter Olympics task. EX ROYAL THUNDER To ensure the companies kept their LAV III skills current and up to speed a Platoon and Company live fire range was constructed in the Lawfield Impact area simulating a hostile Afghanistan village under control of insurgent forces. Hotel and India Companies conducted platoon live fire attacks on the village focusing on the integration of LAV III in close support of the dismounted troops. Phase 2 of the construction plan added additional compounds and further complexities including the addition of CAS, Engineer and Artillery and ensured the company commanders got a full work out. India Coy led by Maj Kim LaPointe and MWO Hugh Pyke and Hotel Coy led by Maj Eric Pellicano and MWO Jim Young were put through the paces during Ex ROYAL THUNDER on battle group run Level 4 Live Fire attacks and then quickly transitioned into a series of Afghanistan scenarios ranging from Cordon and Search (C&S) operations to Vehicle Checkpoints (VCP’s) to Deliberate Attacks culminat- Cpl Schipper and Pte Knight on a G Coy KPRT Force Protection Coy Joint Foot Patrol with ANA in Kandahar City October 2008 G Coy KPRT Force Protection Coy Joint Foot Patrol with ANA in Kandahar City October 2008 ing with a final Battle Group attack commanded by LCol Geoff Parker and RSM Mark Baisley on ELBAK, a sea container village in the vicinity of Knowlton Hill. The Battle Group (BG) Engineers (42 Sqn, 4 ESR) under Major Ryan Smith and MWO Madore integrated their recent bridging camp experience and constructed a C Span bridge over the Nerepis River to coordinate the night movement of the battle group across the bridge in support of the final deliberate attack. It was excellent example of incorporating BG 2021 enablers into the exercise. BG CIMIC and PsyOps teams were attached to the rifle companies throughout to ensure their inclusion in all company operations and ensuring the Whole of Government (WoG) approach was included in all kinetic and non-kinetic operations. SUMMER TRAINING On 27 June 2008 RSM Mark Baisley handed over the 2nd Battalion’s pacestick in a Change of RSM appointment parade to CWO Kirby Burgess who had returned from a two year posting to the United States Army Sergeants Major Academy (USASMA) in Fort Bliss, Texas. Upon returning from the field the Commanding Officer, key Officer’s Commanding (OCs) and Senior NCMs deployed to Wainwright to support Ex MAPLE GUARDIAN 0801 where 3 RCR BG was going through its final validation in the first three weeks of May. The summer of 2008 brought something new to 2 RCR. H Coy was tasked to run IODP 1.2 (Phase 4), exported from the Infantry School. There were two Platoons in this year’s serial, one being bilingual and the other English. The Infantry School staff tasked to 2 RCR integrated well and OC H Coy, Maj Eric Pellicano, oversaw the whole operation. Although the content of the course remained the same there was definitely a different flavour to this year’s course. The 2 RCR facilities, BG 2021 resources and the provision of a fulltime echelon, all exceeding the minimum requirements of the course, made for a great experience for the new officers, especially in their impression of battalion life. On the FTX, the addition of several riflemen allowed H Coy to generate a third platoon, led by students, providing even greater opportunities for command experience. The course received such great reviews that 2 RCR will be hosting the DP 1.2 course again this spring and are looking forward to the start of the course. NINMEGAN The International Four Days Marches Nijmegen is a prestigious event in which the CF has participated in every year since 1952 to commemorate the liberation of the Netherlands. It consists PRO PATRIA 2008 25 of four days of marching through the countryside and crowded villages of the Nijmegen area. Each military participant marches about 40 km per day while carrying a rucksack loaded with 10 kg of sand. 2 RCR was given the task of training the LFAA team KPRT G Coy conducting a Shura with village elders, Sept 2008 and to represent the Army in OP NIJMEGAN in Holland in July 2008. The team consisted CFSAC which was to be comprised of represenof eight soldiers from 2 RCR including Capt tation from LFAA and 2 RCR. Rifle team trainChris MacAdam, the team captain, one from 4 ing began in June, 2008 led by Captain GarESR and one from 3 MP Garrison. Work up rett Hallman and coached by Sgt Rob Smith training began in the first week of May and the who had attended past CFSAC competitions team started off marching 10 kms, building its and was a member of a past Canadian Forces way up to 40 kms a day one week before deCombat Shooting Team sent to Bisley, England. ployment. Throughout the training the team The 2008 LFAA CFSAC Team was composed focused on preparing its feet for the gruelling of members from 2nd Battalion, The Royal task of marching 40kms four days in a row. As Canadian Regiment and LFAA units. 2 RCR most of the team members were in Afghanistan was selected as the lead unit to form, train and with TF 1-07, they were used to patrolling in support the LFAA CFSAC Team. Rifle training difficult terrain under harsh conditions and focused on shooting the 12 standard CFSAC therefore only had to deal with sore feet and the rifle matches to develop proficiency in multiple odd blister. On 11 July the team deployed to firing positions out to 500 meters. This year the Holland and prepared for the march. Before it LFAA CFSAC Team won Top Regular Force started marching, the Canadian contingent had Rifle Competitor (Sgt R. Smith, RCR, 1 RNBR the privilege of travelling to France to visit the ERE), Top Tyro (Bdr Burton, 4 AD Regt), the Vimy Ridge War Memorial. The team spent the Snap Aggregate (Sgt G. McKillop, RCR, LFAA day touring Vimy Ridge as well as walking the TC ERE) and Top Four Man Rifle Team (Sgt historic battlefield. The Vimy monument was a G. McKillop, Sgt R. Smith, Cpl J. Grondin and truly awesome and powerful display of the suPte J. Clarkson). The LFAA Rifle Team won the preme sacrifice thousands of Canadian soldiers coveted Letson Cup as the Top Regular Force made during the First World War. The team had 12 Member Rifle Team, all team members were a great sense of pride as it marched the last 5km awarded a gold rifle badge to wear on the left back into the city of Nijmegen on day four. The pocket of their DEUs. The Four Man Rifle streets were packed with thousands of spectators Team composed of Sgt G. McKillop (RCR), Sgt cheering the marchers. As the team marched R. Smith (RCR), Cpl J. Grondin (4AD) and Pte pass the crowds the fatigue and pain from achJ. Clarkson ( 2 RCR) won the Daigle Trophy as ing feet disappeared and an overwhelming feelthe Top Four Man Regular Force Rifle Team and ing of accomplishment and Canadian pride was the Falling Plates Match was won by the Four felt by all. With the march over the Canadian Man Rifle Team composed of Cpl J. D’Andrea Contingent celebrated that night and took in (4 AD Regt), Pte G. Robinson (2 RCR), Pte the festive atmosphere in downtown Nijmegen. D. Frizzle (2 RCR) and Spr R. Richardson (4 ESR). The 2008 Canadian Forces Small Arms Competition and the training period before it turned out to be an excellent experience for the India Company was also mission tasked with members of the team. Their marksmanship abil- CFSAC 26 PRO PATRIA 2008 Recce Sqn from the 2 RCR BG2021 settles into its new home ity was significantly strengthened by the hours of practice on the range throughout the summer and they represented their units and LFAA very well. BG 2021 RECCE SQUADRON The BG2021 Recce Squadron commanded by Maj Steve Wilson and acting SSM, WO Bennett conducted two serials of recce patrolman course in support of the LFAATC and with candidates from all over the Maritime provinces both Regular and Reserve. Recce Squadron also oversaw the Basic Sniper pre-course in July and selected the brightest and best to man the Basic Sniper Course which commenced late July with 15 candidates of which 14 successfully graduated in September. 2RCR Recce Squadron completed Ex Royal Springbok, a Squadron-level exercise designed to practice the capabilities of the Recce Squadron operating as a complete combined-arms sub-unit. From the start of manning the Optimized Battle Group experiment (now known as Battle Group 2021) construction effort in August 2007, the ISTAR (Intelligence Surveillance Target Acquisition and Reconnaissance) element of the 2 RCR BG was intended to consist of two Armoured Recce Troops, a light Recce Platoon, a Sniper Detachment, and a support echelon. As such, Recce 27 PRO PATRIA 2008 Squadron, as it has come to be known, was conceived from the start to be an Armour-led sub-unit within the 2 RCR. Each month it has been steadily filling out its components to have a near-complete, functional Recce Squadron by the end of 2008. With the Recce Platoon and Sniper Detachment largely in place, all that was left as of November 2008 was the establishment of a second troop of Coyote Armoured Reconnaissance vehicles, and the Support Echelon for the Squadron, the latter of which would be controlled by the Squadron Sgt-Major, MWO Chris Ward. With the major parts of the machine coming into place during early 2008, Major Wilson received BG headquarters direction to plan and execute a Squadron-level exercise to flex the muscles of the sub-unit and to also practice command and control. The Exercise, dubbed “Royal Springbok” in reference to RCD and RCR cooperation, was an important first test to show the battalion leadership that the Squadron was functional and ready for further development. Upon deployment to the field, the Recce SHQ was set up in Forward Operating Base (FOB) El Bak in the south of the Gagetown Training Area. With the deployment of the Squadron being directed by SHQ at FOB El Bak, the respective troops and platoons swung into action and carried out a number of BG oriented recce tasks styled in accordance with the current COIN (counter insurgency) operations. Suspicious vehicle and dismount activity, areas of interest, and route recces were all carried out with success. The HQ command post, under the capable leadership of Capt Paul Hook and Capt Tim Scantlebury, monitored the inflow of information and reports to Major Wilson, who then further directed his ISTAR assets to develop the situation and provide BG HQ with actionable intelligence. The 12 Coyotes deployed to the field brought with them all their arrayed surveillance equipment and with these assets did an admirable job of keeping call-sign (CS) 6, (the CP), and CS 69 informed of all the action as it was taking place. The Sniper Detachment, CS 66, at nearly full strength with the attachment of 14 new graduates from the Fall 2 RCR Basic Sniper Course, deployed into the field under WO Kevin Estabrooks for the exercise. Conducting hidden reconnaissance at varying distances on several exercise named areas of interest (NAIs), the snipers provided valuable information on the enemy actors and their activities with their uninterrupted eyes on the target. Action for the Recce Platoon centered on the village of Spinkala, where several point recces were mounted and operations manned to monitor traffic in and out of the village and activities of the local inhabitants. With a solid patrol base built 300 m from the objective and the Mercedes G-Wagons of the Platoon hidden, shifts headed out on various tasks while others headed back in a regular rotation. The final event of the exercise, the Cordon and Search Operation of the village of Spinkala to arrest enemy force actors portraying high-value targets was successfully completed, with Hotel Company of 2RCR fielding a Platoon, led by Lt John Miller, which successfully mounted the search aspect of the Cordon and Search operation. In conclusion, the Exercise was a success for all those concerned, most notably the leadership of BG and SHQ, who both felt the exercise had accomplished what it set out to do. Lieutenant Colonel Parker, the CO of 2 RCR, and RSM Burgess were on hand for the successful final Cordon and Search Operation and congratulated Major Wilson on the performance of the newly-established Recce Squadron. PIPES AND DRUMS Having kicked off their touring year in late April and early May with a two week engagement at the Norfolk International Tattoo in Virginia the 2 RCR Pipes and Drums also played on Parliament Hill on 6 June for the 125th anniversary of The Royal Canadian Regiment and Royal Canadian Dragoons in Ottawa. The Battalion Pipes and Drums had worked themselves into a very competent organization ready to transition into their annual task with their commitment to the Nova Scotia International Tattoo in Halifax, Nova Scotia 19 Jun – 11 Jul. The Nova Scotia International Tattoo is an outstanding 2 RCR Pipes and Drums at Paardeberg Ball Feb 2008 28 PRO PATRIA 2008 2 RCR led, LFAA CFSAC captures the LETSON trophy and Queens Medal event that garners much praise for the pipes and drums every year and although the Pipes and Drums has been undergoing a new facelift since the 2 RCR Task Force 1-07 deployment to Afghanistan they have been slowly but surely rebuilding under the tutelage of Drum Major, Sgt Ted Stoneham. The Pipes and Drums will send soldiers off to the CFSAL School of Music in Borden early in the New Year to rebuild its core competencies. EX COOPERATIVE SPIRIT Early in the new fiscal year the BG had conducted recces for the American, British, Canada and Australia/New Zealand (ABCA) EX COOPERATIVE SPIRIT in Hohenfels, Germany. Throughout the summer 2nd Battalion had readied itself for a very busy deployment right on the heels of a busy summer, battalion summer leave plan and new battalion reorganization. 320 soldiers from 2 RCR BG including selected BG 2021 Study observers deployed on 8 September and immediately went to work with low level section and platoon training to cement together the new command teams. During the conduct of EX COOPERATIVE SPIRIT the companies were put through the paces in the zero template live fire shoot house, convoy ambush lanes as well as IED lanes. When the FTX 29 PRO PATRIA 2008 commenced under Command of Col Funk from the 3rd US Stryker Brigade from Fort Lewis, Washington the companies were already starting to gel and all agreed that this was an excellent way to start off the new training year with brand new command teams. The FTX was extremely challenging and no holds barred in the villages of NARI and KANDAY. Hotel Company under command of Maj Kyle Keffer and MWO Greg MacIssac were responsible for the “hold” town of KANDAY and India Company under Maj Steve Noel and MWO Bill Fudge were responsible for the “shape” town of NARI. The Hohenfels villages were staffed by very well trained Civilians in the Battlespace (CIB’s) and Observer Controller Teams (OCTs) by a robust and very knowledgeable staff from the Joint Multinational Readiness Centre (JMRC). The exercise centred around the MIP (Multilateral Interoperability Programme) which was a gateway infrastructure designed to interface with the four different national systems. Canada arrived with TAC-NET SR 2.01 and a team of computer analysts, whose function it was to keep the system up and running and ensuring the MIP gateway received and transmitted the data so that the 3 rd US Stryker Bde HQ could track our movement and overlays. The TACNET SR 2.01 suite of software was designed to replace the aging ATS Blue Force Tracker with BattleView, and has modernized other such sys- tems as providing a standard chat and e-mail function within the Battle Group HQ and below. This system is designed to interface with the new Capability Release 2 (CR 2) which will push SAM5 into the CP variant of the LAV. SAM5 will eventually feed all positions from the companies to the BG HQ, but it is not yet functional. All information had to be added manually to BattleView, and then sent out over the MIP Gateway. The US Bde did have the ability to feed their system automatically, and we were able to watch their equipped Stryker vehicles travel across our AO. The 2.01 version of software was pushed specifically to 2 RCR ahead of the main release as it was the only current software that would communicate with the MIP Gateway. From the CIS perspective, the MIP gateway was the main purpose of the exercise. The MIP translates incoming data (be it Blue PA / E-mail / Chat / SharePoint) from foreign systems into the language that the Canadian system expects. The biggest challenge with this is the Blue PA, as no Coalition country uses the same system. The other functions are much easier to standardize, as Microsoft Exchange (E-mail) and SharePoint (web based file sharing) software have become the industry standard. One thing that was learned was that Canada is far ahead of most of our coalition partners as far as digitizing the HQ. 2 RCR was able to not only share Blue PA (which all other countries were successfully able to do) but share e-mail by directly connection our Exchange Server to the Bde Exchange Server. The system performed relatively well for the first time it had ever been deployed out of the lab in Ottawa and was the most stable of all systems deployed with the shortest down time. EX COOPERATIVE SPIRIT was an excellent opportunity to learn and benefit from the exchange of ideas with many US OCTs who had recently returned from duty in Iraq. Many of the lessons learned for the new soldiers came with poignant examples from the Iraq and Afghanistan theatres of operations. The Colonel of the Regiment (COTR), MGen W.M. Holmes, 30 PRO PATRIA 2008 MBE, CD visited the troops 24-27 October staying out overnight with the companies, sharing a few stories with the troops and increasing the morale of the companies with his presence. Administration Company (Lima) was extremely busy supporting all the battalion activities under Maj Jeff Forgrave and MWO Wayne O’Toole which included the movement of soldiers and equipment to and from Germany, a significant feat considering he only had a small 20 man cadre on the ground in Germany with which to get the task accomplished. The battle group deployed home on 8 Oct and immediately deployed junior officers and Sr NCMs to Ex MAPLE GUARDIAN 0802 for the R22eR serial. KANDAHAR TOUR BOOK DEDICATION Lee Windsor, the deputy director of the Milton Gregg Centre of the University of New Brunswick dedicated his book, “Kandahar Tour – The Turning Point in Canada’s Afghan Mission” in building D57 on 5 November to a distinguished group of university academics, TF 1-07 leadership and the soldiers of 2 RCR BG. LCol Chris Hand introduced the book and soon after Lee Windsor took to the podium to dedicate the book to the soldiers of the 2 RCR Battle Group. A true friend of the battalion his words were insightful and very complimentary of the soldiers and the difficult tasks they had faced on TF 1-07. LCol Rob Walker wrapped up the festivities with a few remarks regarding his time as the commanding officer of the 2 RCR BG before all moved into the 2 RCR Kit shop to purchase copies and have them signed by the three authors. CHRISTMAS ACTIVITIES With the training year at an end, LCol Jeff Parker ensured that the 13 new junior officers of the battle group attended the Regimental Officer Indoctrination Course (ROIC) in London the first week of December. Regimental Activities started early with the Childrens’ Christmas Party on 6 December followed that evening by the annual Subbie’s Carolling. The ever popular Mufti Parade was put back on the schedule thanks to the RSM, CWO Kirby Burgess and his ever present Regimental Catechism. The Cpls/Ptes soundly defeated the MCpls, while the Sr NCO’s/WO’s attempted to make up for the previous two years losses to the Officers and came up woefully short once again. The WO/Sgts hosted the Officers at the SABOM Mess in traditional style and the following day, the Senior NCOs and Officers served the soldiers their Christmas Dinner. The CO was able to recognize Pte Turner as the Soldier of the Year. On Thursday 11 Dec, MGen Devlin, Senior serving Royal was able to visit the battle group for the 125th Regimental Birthday Dinner where the Officers beavered out Major Roger Shepard, Major Ron Bertin, Captain George Williams, Captain Troy Pellerine and Lieutenant Brent Whelan. LCol Parker had the pleasure to announce that Capt Hallman was the recipient of the Mons Box as the top Platoon Commander in the Battalion. The Warrant Officers and Sergeants Mess held their annual dinner with former 2 RCR RSM, CWO Reg Irvine as the guest speaker on Fri 12 Dec before heading off on Christmas leave. It was announced at the WO’s and Sgt’s Mess Dinner that Sgt John Towers from the Golf Company Force Protection Coy deployed on Task Force 3-08 was the recipient of the 2008 Lieutenant-General J.E. Vance Award for Leadership in the Rank of Sergeant. The award is given annually to formally recognize the significant role played by leaders at the section commander level. Sadly the battalion had no sooner gone on leave than it received the terrible news that Cpl Thomas 2 RCR Memorial Service for Fallen Comrades from G Coy KPRT Force Protection Company Dec 2008 PRO PATRIA 2008 31 James Hamilton, Pte John Michael Curwin and Pte Justin Peter Jones, members of Golf Company, Provincial Reconstruction Team (PRT) Force Protection Coy, 2 RCR, were tragically killed in an IED Strike WEST of KANDAHAR during a routine patrol on the morning of 13 December 2008. All three members were laid to rest in their respective hometowns in the Maritimes. A unit Memorial Service was held in the D57 Ortona Building main hallway on 9 January 2009. The Memorial was a moving tribute to the fallen soldiers with over 700 families and soldiers attending and allowed family and unit soldiers to try to put closure to the incident. 2 RCR BG has met the challenges of the past year and look forward, with anticipation to the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead in 2009. Individual Achievements in the 2nd Battalion Major R.J. King – Meritorious Service Medal Capt G.L. Hallman - Top Platoon Commander. Awarded the Mons Box Sgt Towers J.F. – Gen Vance Leadership Award in the Rank of Sergeant Pte Turner J.M. - Miller Trophy – 2 RCR Soldier of the Year Maj J.N.E. Pellicano – CEFCOM Commendation, JTF Afghanistan Capt R.D. Sheppard – CDS Commendation JTF Afghanistan Capt D.A. Nixon – CEFCOM Commendation, JTF Afghanistan Capt J.C. Gash – CEFCOM Commendation, JTF Afghanistan Capt W.M. Archibald – CEFCOM Commendation, JTF Afghanistan MWO MacIsaac G.A. – CDS Commendation, TF Addis Ababa MWO Young J.F. – CEFCOM Commendation, JTF Afghanistan WO Yuskiw R. – CDS Commendation, JTF Afghanistan Sgt Francis B.W. – CEFCOM Commendation, JTF Afghanistan MCpl Bouchard F. – CDS Commendation, JTF Afghanistan MCpl Christie B.A. – CEFCOM Commendation, JTF Afghanistan 32 PRO PATRIA 2008 3rd Battalion The Royal Canadian Regiment Fallen Comrades LCol R.R. Barrett, CD 3 RCR CWO E.J. Hall, MMM, CD 33 PRO PATRIA 2008 3 RCR lost three soldiers in 2008. Just before deployment into theatre MCpl Goodrich passed away of illness. A paratrooper of long service he has been sorely missed by all members of the unit. During deployment on Op ATHENA the 3 RCR Battle Group (BG) suffered two soldiers Killed in Action. Pte Freeman of N Company was killed on 26 December by an IED strike. Sgt Kruse was killed on 27 December, also the victim of an IED. While heavy losses to bear, the comrades of our fallen have resolved to continue to take the fight to the enemy in their absence. The thoughts and prayers of the entire BG are with the families and friends of our fallen comrades. Pte Michael Freeman The beginning of the New Year saw the 3rd Battalion returning from leave to form the 3 RCR BG in preparation for deploySgt Gregory Kruse ment to Afghanistan. Significant training had already been completed in 2007 to get the subunits ready for the task; 2008 however would see a large shift in focus to Combat Team and BG level operations. The BG participated in two large exercises, Exercise Southern Bear in Fort Bliss, Texas and Exercise Maple Guardian in Wainwright, as part of the Army Mandated work-up training for deployment as the TF 3-08 BG. By the end of 2008 the BG was halfway through its tour in Afghanistan, having passed through the crucible of work-up training, deployment and combat operations. With a few months left in the tour at the time of writing this article the BG is confident in its ownership of the Area of Operations and currently conducting aggressive combat operations against a determined foe. On 7 January, 2008 3rd Battalion with its attachments from 2 RCHA, 2 CER, the RCD, Lord Strathcona’s Horse, and others including Intelligence, Surveillance, Target Acquisition and Reconnaissance (ISTAR) and the Tactical Air Control Party (TACP) officially formed the TF 3-08, 3 RCR BG. Demonstrating an early focus on fitness, 3 RCR BG completed its first PT run. The remainder of the month focused on Theatre Mission Specific Training (TMST) in Petawawa with soldiers and civilians who had just returned from Afghanistan teaching the BG skills such as cultural awareness, mine and IED drills and the most up-to-date medical training. en route for Texas, the BG soldiers mobilized and were flown from a snowy Ottawa airport to a sunny and hot El Paso, Texas airport to take part in Ex SOUTHERN BEAR (Ex SB) from February 4th to the 28th at Fort Bliss, a United States Army base. The 2 CMBG exercise involved roughly 3300 soldiers and served as an opportunity to conduct full-spectrum operations necessary for the deployment of soldiers to Afghanistan. During this month long exercise, soldiers conducted Combat Team attacks, convoy training, IED training and specific training pertaining to their tasks in Afghanistan. Ex SB provided an outstanding live fire training environment, the BG conducted several combat team based live fire attacks by day and night, synchronizing the effects of all direct fire weapons systems, artillery, aviation and fast air. The exercise concluded with a BG shake-out exercise directed by Colonel (now BGen) Denis Thompson. This training was critical to the success the BG enjoyed in Afghanistan. Ex Southern Bear Ex Maple Guardian Battle Group Stand-Up Following the daunting task of loading all of the BG’s LAV IIIs, Leopard tanks, RG31s, logistical vehicles and seacans of stores on railway cars The most significant event of April was the deployment to Canadian Maneuver Train- Soldiers enter the kill house in Ex SB2, where their close quarter gun fighter skills are put to the test. Soldiers come under fire while searching the area around their LAV and take simulated casualties during Ex SB2. 34 PRO PATRIA 2008 The end of May saw the BG receive a week worth of post-ex leave and post-ex drills and maintenance. Ex SB2 allowed the BG to practice with full helo medevac drills. The coarse sand proved very punishing on the Gryphon’s carbon fibre rotor blades. ing Centre (CMTC) Wainwright to participate in Ex MAPLE GUARDIAN 0801, the final collective training event on the road to deployment. “CMTC can provide a level of realism that is not achievable anywhere else in Canada,” said LCol Roger Barrett, CO 3 RCR BG. “Incorporating actors, role players and an extremely advanced Weapons Effects Simulation (WES) system will allow us to test our ability to operate in a very complex, dynamic and sometimes chaotic environment.” Although some stand training was involved, the main focus of Ex MG was to expose the BG to as much of a theatre-like atmosphere as possible. The training area was broken down to resemble Kandahar Province, including Kandahar City and the BG’s soon to be area of operations including Panjwayi, Zharey, Arghandab, and Shah Wali Khot districts, complete with mockups of major towns. The Ex used actors and the Weapons Effects Simulation (WES) system to create a realistic and immersed environment. The exercise lasted until the middle of May, at which time Task Force 3-08 was deemed ready to take on the difficult tasks in Afghanistan. Part of the mock KAF in Wainwright. Deployment Upon return from summer leave, the BG conducted refresher training focusing on battle fitness and then began the process of rotating into Kandahar. Maj Mike Percy along with DSM John Barnes took official command of 3 RCR Rear Party on 28 Aug 08, and then there was a massive 2 CMBG led departure ceremony for the BG in Petawawa. As well as a family day for the children to play on rides and ponies, the soldiers were treated to send-off messages from several well-known celebrities. The end of the month saw the first of the 3 RCR BG chalks fly into theatre, made up of mostly planners, Administration Company personnel, as well as the first two rifle platoons. Arrival in Afghanistan September was dominated by the deployment schedule, which included chalks with hundreds of soldiers departing every two days from Petawawa to Afghanistan. For deploying soldiers lucky enough to route through Tweed, Ontario, the busses were met by a mini parade put on by local students, which was an appreciated touch. Handovers with the 2 PPLCI BG facilitated critical theatre familiarization, prepar- ing our soldiers for the combat that would lie ahead. The official transfer of command authority parade occurred on 21 Sep 08. With a signature from Task Force Kandahar Deputy Commander Col Jamie Cade’s pen, LCol Roger Barrett took command from LCol Corbould. The 2 PPCLI BG had been in Afghanistan for the past 7 months. From the new CO: “The 3 RCR BG will continue working closely with Afghan National Security Forces striving to improve the local security situation and helping to set the conditions for future development. Canada is working in partnership with our Afghan and other international partners to establish a secure environment so reconstruction and development can take place in Kandahar province”. The layout of the BG primarily had D Sqn of the RCD in Shah Wali Koht and Arghandab districts, November Company in Zharey district, Mike Company in western Panjwayi, and A Sqn from the Lord Strathcona’s Horse (Royal Canadians) in eastern Panjwayi. The BHQ and Romeo Company were stationed primarily in KAF. 2 CMBG Ironman On the home front, even with the majority of the unit deployed, 3 RCR completed a ‘threepete’ performance by once again winning the 2 CMBG Ironman in the major unit category (06-08 inclusive). The team was put together and trained by Sgt Roger Duquette, a senior NCO of tremendous experience with the competition. The top 3 RCR finishers were Pte Corey Smith (4th overall, 5:59:59), Pte Trevor Duty Officer Capt Travis Hanes studies the map before briefing an outgoing convoy commander on the significant incidents of the day and the threat areas. 36 PRO PATRIA 2008 CH47 Chinooks were used throughout Ex MG for moving cargo and soldiers. Takach (8th, 6:09), Pte Chris Turk (11th, 6:16), Pte Jordan Huston (23rd, 6:39), and Pte Ivan Herbert (34th, 7:05). The Army Marathon While the BG was officially taking command in KAF, a 105mm howitzer shook the streets of Ottawa Ontario, signaling the start of the Army 1/2 Marathon where the Rear Party also participated. Top finishers from 3 RCR were Capt Kevin Smallshaw (1:49), MCpl Luke Halstead (1:54), and Pte James Vanderveen (2:28). The sold out venue set a record for the largest number of entrants for an inaugural running event in Canada and hundreds of spectators lined the route. More than 20 injured soldiers from across the country also took part and were given special recognition by CDS Gen Walt Natynczyk, who ran the 5km. Ottawa Mayor, Larry O’Brien, who also ran, officially proclaimed the day “Army Run Day in Ottawa.” First Actions in Theatre The BG hit the ground running as the first platoons on the ground from N Coy were involved in combat operations immediately in ZHAREY district throughout September. The first major test of deliberate planning and operations in theatre involved Mike Coy and A Sqn taking part in Op MUTAFIQ TANDAR 5, conducted in order to relieve and resupply tactical infrastructure at Combat Outpost (COP) Haji and COP Zangabad. In a showing of Canadian democracy, it was also a chance to bring the ballot box to the soldiers not serving in KAF so all voters could take part in the federal election. Operation ARAY A/ Comd TFK Col Cade (centre) signs over command authority from the outgoing BG Comd LCol Corbould (signing) to incoming CO LCol Barrett, as the RSMs stand guard. Operation ARAY, a major operation that saw 3 RCR BG and 42 Commando, Royal Marines DISRUPT insurgents for seven days, took place in the first week of October. Still the ‘new kids on the block’, the BG ventured into an area where Afghan National Security Forces and ISAF do not maintain a permanent presence and where the task of security largely falls onto the shoulders of the local villagers. As the CO explained, “The purpose of Op ARAY is to disrupt and dislocate insurgent operations in Eastern Panjwayi and prevent insurgent influence into Kandahar City. We will aggressively manoeuvre to define using Recce Sqn as a forward screen, following with Armour and LAV Infantry” 2008 3 RCR Ironman Team Top Row: Sgt. Duquette, Pte. Jorgensen, Pte. Dover, Pte Estridge, Pte. Morganti, Pte. Culver, Pte. Greenaway, Pte. White, Pte. Nolet, Pte. Craig, Pte. Huston, Pte. Boivin, Pte. Smith, Pte. Takasch. Bottom Row: Pte. Crawford, Pte. Herbert, Pte. Castel, Pte. Morgan, Pte. Litchfield, Pte. Cieplik, Pte. Baldry, Pte. Turk, Sgt. Kyle. The first Army Run in Ottawa kicks off with a 105mm bang. 37 PRO PATRIA 2008 The BG Recce Squadron screened the advance forward leading the BG into its first battle position for the night. The BG leaguered in its battle position at the end of the first day, assembled under the protection of tanks and LAVs they had faced little resistance from an elusive enemy. The prospect of facing such a large armoured force in direct combat was enough to deter even the most battle hardened Taliban fighters. Through rigorous dismounted patrols and contact with the local population to understand the pattern of life, information about a possible weapons cache came to light. The BG and ANA exploited this information and conducted several detailed searches resulting in substantial finds. These finds yielded IED equipment, explosives, weaponry, ammunition and an estimated half million dollar cache of medical supplies. The munitions were blown in place and the medical supplies were carried out. “Seizing this equipment will have a direct impact on the insurgents’ ability to mount future operations,” said Lt.-Col Barrett. “We wanted to disrupt the enemy and learn about the area; six days later we have a much better understanding of the ground and we certainly disrupted and dislocated the Taliban.” The 3 RCR BG convoy in LAVIIIs link up with the 42 Cdo convoy in their Jackals and Land Rovers departing KAF for Op ARAY. “A benefit of conducting Battle Group level operations is that the sheer magnitude of the forces creates the operational space to allow detailed exploitation of ‘Compounds of Interest” added RSM Ernie Hall As the sun set on October 11, both the Canadian and British BG let out a collective sign of relief and the most complicated phase, a deliberate withdrawal, had been successfully executed. The 3 RCR BG created an armoured tunnel, fighting thru IED’s and ambush attacks, allowing 42 Commando Royal Marines to pass out of insurgent territory and into the relative safety of a forward operating base. One notable engagement against the enemy included a direct fire engagement of an IED emplacer by a Leopard C2; the IED emplacer lost. Op ARAY demonstrated that the use of massed forces against the insurgents prevents them from effectively mounting a defence. It also proved that the BG is capable of maneuvering through any terrain, anywhere at any time. After the operation concluded, LCol Charlie Strickland, CO 42 Commando, Royal Marines, presented CO 3 RCR BG with a Commando Dagger, in appreciation for the BG’s efforts at successfully extracting the Commando, out of the AO while under enemy contact. LCol Barrett responded, “An indelible bond, forged in combat, was created during Op ARAY. I look The sun sets over the western OP in FMG on D-1 of Op ARAY as the BG prepares for their first major operation. forward to working together again as comrades in arms.” Framework Patrolling Throughout the tour the BG conducted innumerable patrols at the platoon and subunit level. On 3 October, while conducting framework patrols M Coy (-) was patrolling dismounted along parallel axis when a large enemy force initiated a three sided ambush. Initially, 4 Pl and the Coy Tac HQ regrouped and fought from a consolidated position responding to enemy direct and indirect fires with M-72, M-203, small arms, medium machine-gun, and Coy sniper fire with great effect. The enemy, sustained multiple casualties early and, at risk of being defeated, reinforced their positions. M Coy also reinforced bringing 2 Pl into the fight to strengthen the Coy’s hastily established strong point. As the enemy maneuvered in an attempt to dislodge M Coy, the BG TOC conducted two precision guided air dropped strikes that effectively disrupted the enemy’s manoeuvre, killing an insurgent mortar team. The Royal Canadians of M Coy held their ground through their first Coy level engagement decisively defeating determined enemy resistance to their patrol. As with all operations, patrols are joint with the ANSF, seen here with N Coy waiting for the ANA to “shake out” so they can remain one bound behind on their way toward Nakhonay The large find of explosives, weapons, and medical supplies are blown in place. OC N Coy Maj Rob McBride makes final preparations with the ANA before a dismounted patrol into Nakhonay Operation ARTASH Still in October, the BG conducted its second BG level operation Op ARTASH (Juggernaut in Pashto.) It was a joint-Canadian and Afghan operation aimed at disrupting an insurgent cell in the Howz-e-Madad area of Zharey district responsible for planting IEDs and staging ambushes against ISAF and Afghan forces. It was successfully completed on 27 Oct, and resulted in several compounds seized that were suspected to be used by insurgents as a staging ground for their activities. Under the cover of darkness, LAV IIIs from Mike Company began blazing a trail into the location while ANA and soldiers from Novem- 39 PRO PATRIA 2008 ber Company and the Operational Mentoring Liaison Team (OMLT) discreetly approached from a different direction dismounted. N Coy’s dismounted night maneuver caught the enemy by surprise and there was no reaction until the BG initiated contact. At first light the compounds were seized, and the K-9 dog team and engineers were called to clear the compounds for any potential threats. The enemy had obviously withdrawn in haste leaving behind supplies he could not save. Discovered in the area were many items commonly used to make IED’s, small arms ammunition, medical supplies as well as a small quantity of uniforms and cash. The BG was ably supported by “Banshee” callsigns, Kiowa gunship helicopters from the US Army. These heavily armed but very nimble and maneuverable helicopters terrified the enemy, forcing him to take cover whenever they appeared. N Coy finally withdrew after conducting a difficult night approach and a full day of combat operations under the protection of M Coy who provided a firebase onto the main objective and cleared a combat road through grapefields and treacherous wadis to effect the safe extraction of their comrades-in-arms. Major Rob McBride, Officer Commanding November Company explained, “the success of this operation is two-fold. Not only have “I think the insurgents were surprised to see such a powerful response from our we disrupted a specific group of insurgents responsible for making IEDs, we have also proven presence on the ground.” once again that the we are able to work effectively side-by-side the ANA to assert our presence in this area and deny the insurgents the freedom to carry out their activities. I think the insurgents were surprised to see such a powerful response from our presence on the ground. “ Halloween festivities were rumoured to have taken place in the FOBs on the 31st of October. Operation MUTAFIQ TANDAR 6 The purpose of Op MUTAFIQ TANDAR 6 was to deny Combat Outpost Zangabad and Combat Outpost Haiji to the enemy while at the same time completing re-supply operations for OMLT elements further west in the PANJWAYI district. The operation was conducted 6-20 Nov, 2008. ing an ANA strong point in order to re-align our forces. The operation had a large engineering requirement to remove tactical infrastructure and return the localities to their original state prior to our forces arrival. Our combat engineers completed this in record time. The combat team in ensuring the security of the combat outpost locations, captured mortars and ammunition from the insurgents and safely escorted the ANA company to and from their strong point.” There were a number of combat engagements during the operation two of which are described below by Maj Cayle Oberwarth, and CSM Kevin Donovan of M Coy: “On 15 Nov, while COP Zangabad was being torn down, the tear down force came under concentrated and accurate indirect fire. The Coy group launched a quick attack while the guns out of Patrol Base Sperwan Ghar (PBSG) suppressed the enemy position with indirect As Maj Ian McDonnell, the OC of A Squad- fire. Within thirty minutes of the first rounds ron and the Combat Team Commander for the landing on the COP, M Coy had closed with operation described the operation, “During Op the enemy, our own guns lifted fire, and we MUTAFIQ TANDAR 6, A Squadron Combat assaulted the position. Throughout the exploiTeam led an armoured column of 85 vehicles tation of the enemy compounds, the Coy poranging from the Leopard Main Battle Tanks sition came under direct fire numerous times. to ANA Ford Rangers that breached over 30 The weapons used by the enemy ranged from km through the Arghandab river bed. The a ground launched rocket to AKs and RPGs. combat team repelled numerous attacks by in- Two enemy mortar tubes were captured with surgents with RPGs and Recoilless Rifles while accompanying ammunition as well as IED removing two Combat Outposts and replenish- making materials. As the Coy was preparing to move off the position, a tank became stuck and then threw a track. The recovThe CO gives Frag Orders in the leaguer to cover ery effort that ensued saw the Coy hold the complexities of the road move back to the and fight from their position for nearly 7 FOBs in conjunction with the British vehicles hours repelling multiple enemy counterattacks with a combination of direct and indirect fires. At the end of the day, the enemy left the field battered and broken by their encounter with the Royal Canadians.” “On 17 Nov, M Coy launched a quick attack in response to enemy indirect fires, this time into COP Mushan. The 40 PRO PATRIA 2008 Members of N Coy Combat Team hold a shura with village elders during Operation ARAY. Above: After the K9s proved their worth finding hidden caches during Op ARAY, the SOP was continued on Op ARTASH. Left: The BG’s success streak finding caches in compounds of interest continued. enemy indirect fire attack resulted in 1 ANA soldier killed and 6 wounded. M Coy launched this time with a full tank troop and was able to close the distance to the target area in forty minutes. The aggressive suppression of the enemy position with indirect fires coupled with the aggressive maneuver of the Coy group saw the enemy flee and once again their mortar tube was captured. COP Mushan, who had to that point been subjected to regular indirect fire attacks has not been engaged with indirect fire since.” the 11th hour of the 11th month to pay tribute to fallen comrades, and the BG held a parade to formally recognize Remembrance Day. As helicopters and fighter jets flew overhead and the sounds of explosions and machinegun fire echoed in the distance, it was not forgotten that almost 100 Canadian soldiers had lost their lives in theatre to that point. The end of the operation saw the successful closure of the two COPs. The last Regimental Banner to fly over COP Zangabad has been donated to the Regimental Museum along with a letter explaining its significance to the soldiers of the Regiment who fought, were wounded and persevered in that position. After a return to platoon and company-sized framework patrolling operations for most of the month, Op JANUBI TAPU 2 (Op JT 2), was conducted in central Zharey, the birthplace of the Taliban movement, and an area that had not seen any ISAF forces for a very long time. It was a bold operation, synchronized with a special forces operation, to stick in to an area that the insurgents considered a safe haven. The CO’s plan was to go in with overwhelming combat power; the BG consisting of four Remembrance Day Even in a combat zone, time was still taken on 41 PRO PATRIA 2008 Operation JANUBI TAPU 2 A soldier from N Coy Combat Team stands guard as members from the Afghan National Army take a rest during Operation ARTASH Combat Team size groupings. BG Recce force consisting of Recce Pl, Sniper Pl and an Inf pl, was tasked to isolate and guard West, while L Coy 42 Cdo (RM) isolated and guarded Southeast. Both elements conducted aviation assault insertions. Concurrently 9 Tac, M Coy and N Coy Cbt teams breached up the middle, tanks leading to seize and clear assigned objectives. The objective of the operation was to destroy insurgent command and control nodes, deny safe havens and destroy IED materials and production facilities. The operation into this insurgent “heart of darkness” was conducted 25-28 November. After the final rehearsal of concept drills were complete, the CO emphasized the dynamic of this operation and AO: “let’s be clear, we will not be welcome in this particular area, they control it, this is where their C2 and IED facilitators are, we are going in heavy to kill the bad guys…” L Coy’s airmobile assault had a immediate impact; they were able to capture a significant number of suspected insurgents almost immediately upon hitting the ground in their first objective. The insurgents had no chance to mount a defense or to flee. The rapid movement of the other two combat teams, M and N, also had the desired effect. In An OH-58, ‘Banshee’ operates in support of soldiers during Operation ARTESH. Soldiers from N Coy Combat Team maneuver through thick walls of mud and grape fields during Operation ARTESH M Coy’s case one group of local nationals was still having tea as the Badger tore down part of a wall to gain access to a compound. Maj McBride, OC N described the operation: “Op JT-2 does a lot to characterize N Coy operations in Zharey District throughout this tour. This particular operation saw N Coy Cbt Tm operating with ANA, ANP, US and CF either under direct command or in close partnership. The Cbt team moved mounted and fought dismounted through some of the most contested areas of the district.” The projection of a large mass of force into an area the enemy believed was safe had the shock effect the CO desired and those enemy who could flee left as fast as they could get out and avoid our forces. The insurgents that chose to return in an attempt to flank the BG on the second night of the operation were engaged and destroyed by the BG armed UAV assets. Op JT 2 put the enemy on his back foot in an area that heretofore had been used as a staging ground. Op PANCAR December was a tragic month for TFK with nine soldiers killed. Six RCR soldiers (three Superman, AKA Captain Kris Reeves, surveys and protects his domain at FOB Wilson. The VCDS felt most protected during his brief visit. A soldier at FOB Wilson shows off his costume during Halloween festivities. from 1 RCR and three from 2 RCR in two separate incidents covered elsewhere in this Pro Patria) were killed on the main Afghanistan Highway 1 in the vicinity of Senjaray in eastern Zharey district. The above incidents sparked BG Op PANCAR, which was conducted to increase security on frequently traveled routes. The BG launched M and N Coy Combat Teams into Eastern Zharey and Panjwayi to hunt down insurgent IED factories. Op PANCAR was conducted 18-20 Dec and was synchronized with a Special Forces operation. The CO’s approach differed on this operation as instead of massing combat power in one concentrated area, he had two combat teams strike simultaneously in different districts. The intent was through disruption, to better define regional linkages between Zharey and Panjwayi in an effort to better protect the two main travelled routes in each district. Both combat teams successfully disrupted throughout their objectives, with the BG snipers providing overwatch in the North. The few insurgents that stood to fight were quickly dealt with by M Coy and tanks from A Sqn. Certainly the BG put the marker down that ISAF was present and would continue to be present throughout the areas in question. “The soldiers of the Battle Group along with their ANA partners remained completely focused throughout the operation,” said RSM 43 PRO PATRIA 2008 Hall, ”Their tenaciousness and will to be successful was a true demonstration of their combat prowess.” Captain Laudenorio, the 3rd Battalion, The Royal Canadian Regiment Battle Group Padre, addresses a small group of soldiers in an intimate Remembrance Day ceremony at the Battle Group Compound at Kandahar Airfield, Afghanistan, on November 11th, 2008. “Today, let us remember those Canadians who fought and continue to fight so that we can live in freedom. This blood red poppy is a reminder that the freedoms that define our country took root in the graves of those who loved it more dearly than they loved their own lives. Freedom has a price and the world harkens to listen to wisdom from fallen comrades who knew their duty and had the courage to carry it out.” Soldiers prepare for a dismounted patrol during Operation JANUBI TAPU 2. 2 Chinook Helicopters in support of Operation JANUBI TAPU 2. The 125th Anniversary of The Royal Canadian Regiment & The Royal Canadian Dragoons Op PANCAR wrapped up just in time for the unit to take part in the 125th birthday of The Royal Canadian Regiment and the The Royal Canadian Dragoons on 21 Dec 08. The Colonel of The Regiment, MGen (ret) Holmes was present in theatre to raise a toast throughout Kandahar, and visited all of the FOBs to ensure everyone in the regimental family received their warm Ortona Toast on a cold day. The toast at KAF that night was his last for the day, and all Royal Canadians on base came to the 3 RCR Tactical Operations Centre to enjoy the toast and a BBQ hosted by the BG. 44 PRO PATRIA 2008 Top left: A Leopard 2 tank with mine rollers proved to be a valuable tool during Operation JANUBI TAPU 2. Right: WO Mike Gopsill (left) and Brigadier General Thompson (Right) during Operation PANCAR. Soldiers from the N Coy Combat Team patrol through a village during Operation PANCAR PRO PATRIA 2008 45 Top left: CWO Ernie Hall, BG RSM, hands out a mixture of rum, water and sugar to soldiers at the Battle Group Compound for the Ortona Toast. Top right: Major-General (Ret’d) Walter M. Holmes, Colonel of the Regiment for The Royal Canadian Regiment, address soldiers in the Battle Group Compound in celebration of the 125th Anniversary of The Royal Canadian Regiment. Above: (Left to Right) Major-General (Ret’d) Walter M. Holmes, Colonel of the Regiment for The Royal Canadian Regiment, Major Rob McBride, OC N Coy, Capt Piers Pappin, BrigadierGeneral Denis Thompson, Commander of Task Force Kanadahar, and Lieutenant-Colonel Roger Barrett, BG CO, celebrate the 125th Anniversary of The Royal Canadian Regiment at Forward Operating Base Wilson. Right: The Royal Canadian Regiment, (left) announces Lieutenant Andrew Hentz (Right) as the recipient of the Vance Award for Leadership at PBSG. Soldiers from N Coy Combat Team gather outside a compound during Operation JANUBI TAPU 2. 46 PRO PATRIA 2008 Photo Credit: Silvia Pecota Silhouetted by the Afghan sky and far away from home and their loved ones, two soldiers celebrate Christmas by decorating small tree with a traditional star at PBSG Christmas Celebrations 25 Dec 08 was relatively quiet, with everyone taking part in the traditional Men’s Christmas Dinner. The Taliban did not rocket the base as they had done over 30 times since the BG had arrived, and all the soldiers received a large Op SANTA CLAUS care package from Canada with trinkets and snack food, which ensured everyone had a present to open. Unfortunately, on Boxing Day, Pte Michael Freeman from 3 RCR was killed when his vehicle hit an IED in Zharey District. While dozens of soldiers from the BG had been wounded, including some severely, Pte Freeman was the first fatality of the 3 RCR BG. The next day, another IED explosion near Bazaar-e-Panjwayi took the life of WO Gaeton Roberge from the R22eR and killed Sgt Gregory Kruse, a member of 3 RCR BG’s Engr Sqn serving with the BG QRF. A very difficult few days for all members of the BG would follow. However with deepened resolve and determination the soldiers would persevere. Conclusion From Sept to Dec 2008 the 3 RCR BG conducted 5 BG operations, 26 coy operations, over 550 platoon/troop level patrol operations and responded to over 100 Quick Reaction Force calls. As always the artillery was in high demand, firing over 160 missions, approximately 2000 rounds in support of troops in contact. In addition the BG HQ conducted 39 strikes utilizing armed UAV, 47 PRO PATRIA 2008 fighter aircraft and attack helicopters resulting in a significant number of confirmed insurgents killed. Through the use of offensive patrolling and deliberate BG level operations the BG wrested the initiative from the enemy and prevented him from interfering with our actions. The BG balanced the application of mass with a tempo the insurgents could not match. The insurgents reverted to an IED campaign and intimidation tactics during our tour. The BG responded with innovative tactics, deliberate operations and innumerable daily framework patrols. We operated against the enemy 24 hours a day, exploiting our superior night fighting skills and equipment. Our message is clear; fighting season is not dictated by the insurgents. We dictate the tempo, we dictate the fighting, and we will not let up in the winter months. The year ahead will see the 3 RCR BG continuing to take the fight to the insurgents on our terms, in order to maintain the initiative and keep them off balance. We will continue to work primarily with our Afghan partners who are getting closer to taking the baton by planning and conducting their own operations, and we will also work with our British partners from 42 Commando of the Royal Marines and American partners from 2-2 Infantry in Maywand district, and all the enablers that come with ISAF. 48 PRO PATRIA 2008 4th Battalion The Royal Canadian Regiment 4RCR 2008 PRO PATRIA LCol M.R. McDonald, CD 4 RCR CWO D.A.C. Ellyatt, CD 49 PRO PATRIA 2008 Over the last 12 months 4RCR has continued to operate at full speed with respect to training, tasking, international and domestic operations. During 2008 the Battalion deployed key personnel to serve with TF3-08, accomplished training and IBTS targets, commanded BG31-08, fulfilled domestic tasks and exceeded recruiting and retention quotas. 4 RCR remains one of the strongest units in 31 CBG, consistently providing the majority of instructors to the Battle School for training and detaching soldiers for tasks across LFCA. 2008 was a very successful year in which 4RCR is proud of its achievements. The year 2008 began with the Battalion conducting Winter Warfare refresher training. Exercise ROYAL FROST took place in January with plenty of snow and cold weather in LFCA TC Meaford. Dozens of new soldiers were introduced to patrolling, tent routine and platoon attacks for the first time. LCol Brock Millman ensured all of his BHQ staff were present and participated in the cold winter exercise. Throughout January and February, Sierra Company conducted a Basic Winter Warfare course that culminated with a confirmation exercise and graduated 40 candidates. Individual training continued at the Battle School with BMQ, SQ, DP2A and PLQ courses while the unit began the BMQ/SQ Coop. Lt Lesarge, along with WO Graham and a number of other full and part time staff ran the coop course out of London and Meaford. A total of 18 Candidates graduated, continuing on to DP1 courses throughout the summer. The Paardeberg Ball grew in scope this year as the Battalion opened up the dinner to the general public. HLCol Douglas Weldon offered much support and linked the public to the event while Capt Martin Anderson was able to secure a $5,000 donation from RBC Financial. The Ball was held this year on 23 February at the Hilton in London. The dinner was a successful evening with approximately 200 guests in attendance both military and civilian. All the funds raised this year went towards the Fusilier Fund, a charitable fund benefiting the soldiers of 4RCR and their families. The Attack – Members of Sierra Coy manoeuvre from the line of departure toward the enemy position on Ex Royal Frost. dignitaries attending included BGen O’Brien, local MPs and MPPs from London and Stratford along with several City Councillors. In addition, there were many prominent citizens and employers from the local area and of course a large attendance from the Regimental family all hosted by the CO and the HLCol of 4RCR. WO Klausnitzer, CSM of S Coy was honoured to be presented with the Paardeberg award. The Paardeberg trophy is awarded annually to the individual who has made the greatest contribution to the unit. Many thanks goes towards the committee especially the McPhee family, Cpl Tim McPhee, Cpl Aisha McPhee and her sister for their extra hours to make the event a success. In March, Cpl Marc Philippon, organizer and team captain lead the 4RCR hockey team to Brockville where 33 CBG held their annual tournament. Making it to the finals, the team was upset after a goal against broke the tie and ended their chance at being named the 2008 champions. Throughout the spring season 4RCR was tasked to command BG 31-08, the tactical portion of 50 PRO PATRIA 2008 collective training for 31 CBG. The first in a series of exercises was Ex MAPLE CALM on 28-30 March, which was a CPX conducted in London involving section commanders and above. The first Brigade FTX, Ex MAPLE STORM I occurred in LFCA TC Meaford on 18 – 20 April. Along with the BG HQ, 4RCR was also tasked to provide a platoon to collective training. The field platoon was lead by Lt Alex Lomasney and was continually challenged throughout the Ex with a variety of COIN operations. Sgt Marcus Brants added a valuable Combat Logistics Patrol range using Simunition within Ortona Village that exercised the CSS and Armoured Recce elements. Ex MAPLE STORM II was a follow on Exercise that occurred 9-11 May. During this exercise BG HQ and EXCON released a large OPFOR contingent lead by Maj Don Strang and Capt Dave Mimnagh. Along with the enemy force were approximately 40 civilian employers that were visiting with the CFLC and participated in a cordon and search operation acting as local civilians. 4RCR Padre, Capt Michael Peterson added some challeng- ing situations for the platoon and section commanders while attempting to conduct a Shura (council) with the village elders. The collective training cycle was successful and 31 CBG achieved its training objectives. In the spring, 4RCR had 2 members deploy on Op ATHENA with the National Command Element. Capt Ben Reavely, Provincial Operations Centre and Sgt Chris Launder, Task Force CQ. Each year, 4RCR continues to provide support to our affiliated cadet corps. Over the course of the first two weekends in June Sgt Tim Irving, 4RCR’s Musketry Officer ran the SAT Trainer and conducted a C7 shoot at Cedar Springs Rifle Range for the 6 cadet units. Towards the middle of June the SQ Coop course graduated with 12 students who immediately enrolled in DP1 infantry courses for the summer. Maj Paul Gauthier inspected the parade and congratulated the high school students and staff on a job well done. Just before the unit stood down for summer training 4RCR bid farewell to LCol Brock Millman and welcomed LCol Matt McDonald as the official change of command took place in historic A Block of Wolseley Barracks. The parade marched past in the presence of many friends, family and members of the Regiment including the Colonel of The Regiment, MGen Walter Holmes who also participated in the transfer of Commander Home Station to LCol McDonald. The Reviewing Officer for the parade was Comd of 31 CBG, Col Chris Judd. Music for the event was provided by the Pipes and Drums of the Royal Highland Fusiliers of Canada. In the middle of June, the unit was pleased to welcome back WO Brian Burke, our Regular Force Ops WO from Op SCULPTURE, Sierra Leone. The unit was quiet for the majority of the summer with the focus on individual training, providing students and instructors to CFB Petawawa for leadership courses and to LFCA TC Meaford for DP1 courses. With most of the full time unit cadre tasked out, the only activity Snow Defence – Cpl Torrie Koehler, Cpl Trevor Jones and Sgt Mike Edwards take time to pose as they construct a snow defence. 51 PRO PATRIA 2008 PRO PATRIA 2008 51 Op SCULPTURE – Combat Marksmanship Coaching Course with WO Brian Burke at the Arm Forces Training Center in Bemguma, Sierra Leone. in the unit lines was the dedicated orderly room staff and the new S Coy leadership preparing for the upcoming training year. Incoming S Coy OC was Capt Martin Anderson with Capt Dave Mimnagh as 2IC and WO Klausnitzer as CSM. Many individual accomplishments occurred throughout the summer as well. In June, Sgt Steve Sheffar was selected to represent LFCA and the CF at the Interallied Confederation of Reserve Officers (CIOR) military pentathlon in Istanbul, Turkey. This year 50 international teams competed in five different events combining ranges, navigation, water obstacle course and combat first aid. Sgt Sheffar’s team placed 4th in the 15 team division. Later in September, Sgt Scott Burke and Sgt Cory Nieuwland put their long summer of training to the test in Petawawa with the Ironman competition. Returning for a second time, Sgt Burke was able to shave off some time from his first score coming in at 8 hours and 7 minutes, placing 95th in his division. Sgt Nieuwland, who was competing for the first time placed 62nd and finished with a time of 7 hours and 38 minutes. The new training year was very ambitious right from the start of the first training night in September after a successful unit AAG run by the Adjutant, Capt Brian Telfer and the Chief Clerk, Sgt Cheryl Bomberry. Over the course of a few weeks running into October members of 4RCR deployed to support TF3-08 within the National Command Element HQ, the Force Protection Platoon under the National Support Element and with 3RCR in the Battle Group. 52 PRO PATRIA 2008 CIOR Ladder – Sgt Steve Sheffar (Left) Inches past an international competitor at the CIOR competition in Istanbul, Turkey Most of the 4RCR personnel deployed under the leadership of Capt Paul Wiper and WO Jeff Burke tasked with the Force Protection Platoon, including: Sgt Bannon, MCpl Arbour, MCpl Scharf, MCpl Wooley, MCpl Buchner, MCpl Guzman, Cpl Beach, Cpl Clements, Cpl Cutler, Cpl Dixon, Cpl Hughes, Cpl McDaniel, Cpl Trachmann and Cpl Litvinchuck. Additionally Cpl Bell deployed with the 3RCR BG, N Coy. On 14 September Maj Strang, who is also OIC Stratford Armouries lead the local unit members on a rucksack march with the Terry Fox Run, raising money and providing BFT workup training. Knowing that the focus of September would quickly be on the Presentation of new Colours and drill practice, Sgt Scott Burke organized a Rappelling Exercise. The new soldiers were introduced to the basics by Rappel Masters Sgt Tim Terrington, MCpl Mike Edwards and MCpl Allison Knapp. Brigade collective training traditionally starts with a professional development weekend for the leadership. On 20-21 September, Ex MAPLE THUNDER was held in London at the Ivey Spencer Leadership Centre where the framework for upcoming training was laid out. Platoon commanders and up were presented with syndicate work based on the Contemporary Operating Environment. The remainder of September was spent with countless hours of drill directed by the RSM, CWO Dave Ellyatt and the DSM, MWO Rob Talach in preparation for the upcoming parade. The Adjt, Capt Brian Telfer ensured the officer’s drill was in Top Left: Signing – (from left) LCol Matt McDonald, MGen Walter Holmes, Col Chris Judd and LCol Brock Millman gather around the table for the signing of the scrolls at 4RCR’s change of command. Pre-deployment – TF3-08 Force Protection Platoon on pre-deployment training in Texas Above: S gt Scott Burke & Sgt Cory Nieuwland pose before competing in the 2 CMBG Ironman good shape. Capt Joe Robinson, who was on AOC training for the past month ensured he made it out for the parade. On 4 October 2008, 4 RCR was presented with new Queen’s and Regimental Colours during a Presentation of Colours ceremony at Harris Park in London. This was a significant event for both the Battalion and the public. The several events surrounding the ceremony, Ex ROYAL CELEBRATION included the official ceremony Harris Park, a celebration dinner that evening and the Laying Up of Old Colours at St. Paul’s Cathedral. The Reviewing Officer on parade was the Honourable David C. Onley, The Lieutenant Governor of Ontario. Also in attendance was Major-General Walter Holmes, Colonel of The Regiment and Major-General Peter Devlin, the Senior Serving Royal Canadian. Ex ROYAL CELEBRATION was supported by the Canadian Forces Central Band from Ottawa, with admin and logistical support from other local units. On 9 November the Battalion marched through the streets of London and gathered at St. Paul’s Cathedral along with family and Regimental friends where the Colours were guarded one last time before being turned over to the church where they were to be Laid Up and rest until disintegration. With the focus shifting to IBTS, the unit conducted Ex AUTUMN MUSKET on 24-26 October in LFCA TC Meaford. Over 100 personnel fired the PWT3 and threw grenades. The unit also qualified all the gunners on the support weapons. The following week Sierra Company had an- 53 PRO PATRIA 2008 other great turn out for the fall BFT, qualifying over 90 soldiers. Ex ROYAL RELAY was a make up shoot for the remainder of the Battalion on 14-16 Nov. The weather was quite challenging in Cedar Springs but 2Lt Dan Carter ended up as the top shot on the 9mm. For the 20082009 training year 4RCR was tasked with the Domestic Response Company (DRC) for 31 CBG. The Coy HQ, lead by Maj Strang and 4RCR Platoon, lead by Lt Erickson deployed to Thunder Bay on Ex TRILLIUM RESPONSE, 21-23 November. Under command of 1RCR, 31 DRC assisted in a variety of activities to support the local populace from VCPs to patrols and door-to-door visits handing out emergency preparedness information. The final Battalion gathering of 2008 occurred M203 Range – MCpl Ryan Ward instructs Pte Robin Leonard on the M203 Range during Coy IBTS training. Photo credit: Capt O’Leary with Exercise ROYAL HOOT on 6 December. The Battalion sports day and Soldier’s Christmas Dinner took place in Stratford Armouries this year despite a raging snow storm that closed down some of the county roads later in the evening. The majority of soldiers spent the morning volunteering their time with the “Toys for Tots” campaign packing and delivering toys to families under the direction of 2Lt Pat Blanshard. The ball hockey competition in the afternoon was fierce with all ranks out for revenge from last year’s tournament. The opening game saw the Ptes battle and come out on top of the Cpls and MCpls. After a long back and forth match between the Officers and Senior NCOs, the Officers were victorious and advanced to the finals against the well rested Ptes. In the final match the Ptes, under the leadership of Pte Michalski capitalized on strong talent and dominated the Officer team lead by Lt Lomasney to a large gap, which held making the Ptes the 2008 Ball Hockey Champions. The day ended with the Soldier’s Christmas Dinner taking place in the drill hall of Stratford Armouries. A number of promotions were announced along with several awards. The Soldier of the Year Award was presented to MCpl Szupina with the Top Shot award going to Cpl Phair. Additionally, the Award for junior officer leadership was presented to 2Lt Blanshard and the CO also recognized the efforts of the Chief Clerk, Sgt Bomberry and the Transport Officer, WO Lucas with Commanding Officer’s commendations. The Battalion was please to have in attendance LCol Graham (Ret’d), past CO of 4RCR and recently retired Left: Peace Tower flag – CWO Ellyatt presents CWO Rennie (Ret’d) with his Peace Tower flag after over 44 years of service. Below: P aardeberg Award – WO Klausnitzer receives the Paardeberg Award for his outstanding contribution and commitment to the unit. CWO Rennie who received a number of departing certificates and spoke to the soldiers about his 44 years in the Canadian Forces. MCpl Danielle Schmidt was recognized for her outstanding work organizing the Stratford Mess Bar staff. Key Unit Appointments as of Dec. 2008 CO – LCol Matt McDonald DCO – Maj Gary Willaert Adjt – Capt Brian Telfer RSM – CWO Dave Ellyatt DSM – MWO Rob Talach OC BHQ – Capt Pete Reintjes Ops O – Capt Matt Prince Ops WO – WO Brian Burke RQMS – Sgt Steve Sheffar TO – WO Curtis Lucas C Clk – Sgt Cheryl Bomberry OC T Coy – Maj Don Strang 2IC T Coy – Capt Mike O’Leary OC S Coy – Capt Martin Anderson 2IC S Coy – Capt Dave Mimnagh CSM S Coy – MWO Henry Klausnitzer Trg Sgt London – Sgt Brants Trg Sgt Stratford – Sgt Turcotte 55 PRO PATRIA 2008 Key Unit Promotions in 2008 (new rank indicated) LCol McDonald Lt Rozic Lt Lesarge Lt Lomasney 2Lt Carter MWO Griffiths MWO Klausnitzer Sgt Edwards MCpl Knapp MCpl McIntyre MCpl McWatt MCpl Harris IBTS – Lt Lomasney running a 9mm pistol shoot in LFCA TC Meaford on Ex AUMTUMN MUSKET, a fall IBTS weekend. Photo credit: Capt O’Leary Personnel Leaving the Unit in 2008 Past CO, LCol Millman took up a position with the Headquarters at 31CBG after turning command over to the present CO. 4RCR has felt the void in losing our unit Padre, Captain Michael Peterson who joined the Regular Force and was posted to CFB Greenwood. Padre Peterson was a huge boost in morale to the soldiers, ensuring he was on every exercise and undertaking multiple BFTs. On the spiritual side the Padre played an important role with 4RCR dealing with several family deaths, officiating at a wedding and counselling members on a number of issues. 4RCR also said good bye to Major Paul Gauthier who transferred to the Regular Force and is now posted to Ottawa with CANCOM. The unit’s previous RQMS, Sgt Craig Finkenzeller, now 2Lt Finkenzeller also transferred to the Regular Force and is beginning his Intelligence developmental courses. Deployed Personnel 19 Personnel were deployed on Op ATHENA, Afghanistan with TF3-08: Capt Reavely and Sgt Launder (NCE HQ), Cpl Bell (3RCR BG, N Coy). The remainder of 4RCR personnel under the leadership of Capt Wiper and WO J. Burke were tasked with the Force Protection Platoon, including: Sgt Bannon, MCpl Arbour, MCpl Scharf, MCpl Wooley, MCpl Buchner, MCpl Guzman, Cpl Beach, Cpl Clement, Cpl Cutler, Cpl Dixon, Cpl Hughes, Cpl McDaniel, Cpl Trachmann and Cpl Litvinchuck. The Commanding Officer and all ranks of 4 RCR send best wishes to all members of The Regimental family. 56 PRO PATRIA 2008 Presentation of New 4 RCR Colours Written by Captain B. Telfer COTR – MGen Walter Holmes, Colonel of the Regiment receives a Regimental salute on parade at Harris Park. Photo credit: Brian Smith. 57 PRO PATRIA 2008 The Commanding Officer and soldiers of the 4th Battalion can look back on all of their accomplishments in the 2008 Training Year with much enjoyment and pride. Of all the accomplishments, however, none will match the significance of that which was achieved during the Presentation of the Queen’s and Regimental Colours on the 4th of October 2008. On that day, the Battalion was reminded of its connection to a long and distinguished history, of its place within the Regimental family, and of its privilege and duty to carry on the work of the Regiment. Below: Inspection – The Reviewing Officer, The Honourable David C. Onley, Lieutenant Governor of Ontario inspects the Battalion along with LCol McDonald and MGen Holmes. PRO PATRIA 2008 57 New Colours – Maj Willaert and Maj Strang receive the new Queen’s and Regimental Colours from Colour Sgts, Sgt Murdy and Sgt Texiera. The Presentation of Colours took place in Harris Park, a location selected both for its beauty and its historical military connections. Attendance was high, with large numbers of family and friends present, Regimental Association members, and the general public who stopped to watch the proceedings. The Presentation was presided over by The Honourable David C. Onley, Lieutenant Governor of Ontario, The Colonel of the Regiment, Major General Walter M. Holmes, MBE, CD, and the Senior Serving Royal Canadian, Major-General P.J. Devlin, OMM, MSC, CD. In addition to these honoured guests, other notable attendees included the Commanding Officer of 1RCR, LCol C. Mialkowski, CD, and the Regimental Sergeant Major, CWO S.G Hartnell, CD. These gentlemen were joined by a bus load of 1 RCR soldiers who came to show their support, and to participate in the festivities of the event. At 1500hrs, The Central Band marched onto the field under the direction of Drum Major. They were followed closely behind by soldiers from the 4th Battalion, whose numbers totalled just over 130 all ranks. For the next two hours, these two elements performed masterfully, paying appropriate tribute to the outgoing Colours, and welcoming the new Colours with all of the pomp and ceremony that they deserved. Onlookers were pleased, and the soldiers were justifiably proud. The day’s events were wrapped up in the evening with a splendid dinner and dance held at the Lamplighter Inn and Conference Center. Laying Colours – 4RCR Soldiers, Regimental friends and the community attend the final laying of the Queen’s and Regimental Colours at St Paul’s Cathedral. Photo credit: Brian Smith. 58 PRO PATRIA 2008 Key Parade Appointments for the 4 RCR Presentation of Colours Commanding Officer: Lieutenant Colonel M.R. McDonald, CD Deputy Commanding Officer: Major G.P. Willaert, CD Adjutant: Captain B.L. Telfer Regimental Sergeant Major: Chief Warrant Officer D.A.C Ellyatt, CD Escort for The Colour Escort Commander: Major D.P. Strang, CD Captain of the Escort: Captain D.J. Mimnagh Senior Colour Ensign: Captain M.A. Prince Colour Ensign: Lieutenant J.G. Rozic Right Guide: Master Warrant Officer R.P.M. Talach, CD Left Guide: Sergeant S. Burke No 2 Guard Guard Commander: Captain M. Anderson, CD Subaltern: 2nd Lieutenant D.J. Cameron Subaltern: Officer Cadet D.F. Carter Right Guide: Warrant Officer H. Klausnitzer, CD Left Guide: Warrant Officer D. Barron, CD No 3 Guard Guard Commander: Captain J.W. Robinson, CD New Colour Ensign: Lieutenant A.A. Lomasney Right Guide: Left Guide: Sergeant T. Turcotte, CD Colour Escorts Warrant Officer C. Graham, CD Warrant Officer J. Kolar, CD Sergeant T.G. Irving, CD Sergeant C.J.M. Murdy Sergeant H. VanGalen, CD Sergeant J.S. Teixeira The Central Band of the Canadian Forces Commanding Officer and Director of Music: Major B. Greenwood, MMM, CD 59 PRO PATRIA 2008 Laying of the Colours – Capt Matt Prince, Sgt Harold Van Galen, WO Jim Kolar, Lt Jerry Rozic and Stg Tim Irving act as colour party at St. Paul’s Cathedral. Photo credit: Brian Smith. Laying Up of Old 4 RCR Colours On 9 November 2008, soldiers of the 4th Battalion participated in a service of Remembrance and a ceremonial “Laying Up” of the retired Queen’s and Regimental Colours. These events took place at St. Paul Cathedral in London. St. Paul’s Cathedral was an ideal choice for the final disposition of the retired Colours as it is a sanctum steeped in tradition and history, with previous connections to former London Regiments who had deposited their own retired Colours therein. Both the service of Remembrance and the ceremony for the Laying Up of Colours were presided over by the Very Reverend Terrance A. Dance. The Commanding Officer of the Battalion, LCol M.R. McDonald, CD, and the Hon LCol D.B. Weldon gave readings during the service. LCol McDonald was later joined by the Deputy Commanding Officer, Major G.P. Willaert, CD, to assist with laying the Colours on the alter during the ceremony. The Colour Party consisted of the Senior Colour Officer, Capt M.A. Prince and the Junior Colour Officer, Lt J.G. Rozic, both of whom carried the retired Colours in the Presentation of the new Colours on 4 October 2008. It also consisted of the Colour WO, WO J.J. Kolar, the Senior Colour Sgt, Sgt T.G. Irving, and the Junior Colour Sgt, Sgt H. VanGalen. 60 PRO PATRIA 2008 ERE ROYALS at CEFCOM Providing the fullest degree of support to our deployed operations around the globe, from the serving Royals of Canadian Expeditionary Force Command, Pro Patria! From left to right: Capt Derek Wessan (J3 Regional Operations 2-6), MGen Peter Devlin (Deputy Comd CEFCOM), LCol Jim Davis (J3 Regional Operations 2-Branch Head) and Capt Ben Irvine (J3 Coord). ERE – RCRs at CF JHQ By: Capt Dave Johnston ERE The CF JHQ constitutes the deployable element of Canadian Expeditionary Force Command (CEFCOM) HQ. Based in CFB Kingston, the CF JHQ’s mission is to provide the Commander of CEFCOM with a joint, high-readiness, rapidly deployable operational-level integrated commandand-control capability for assigned tasks in order to achieve CEFCOM stated military objectives. The RCR is well represented within the CF JHQ with LCol Bruce Ewing taking command of the unit from LCol Carl Turenne (12 RBC) in December 2008 with the senior serving Royal, MGen Peter Devlin, Deputy Commander CEFCOM, presiding over the change of command. Capt Dave Johnston is in the operations branch as the J3 Plans. Former RCR, Major Brian Phillips is the unit J2, and has former RCR, Sgt Justin Sparks, serving within his branch. Chief Clerk WO Kim Pyke served with the 3rd Battalion in Germany as a clerk, and WO James Locke has served with the 2nd Battalion as a Radio Operator in the past. 61 PRO PATRIA 2008 Captain Dave Johnson upon the Bridge at the River Kwai. The CF JHQ consists of a 56 Regular Force deployable core staff, with 9 Reserve Force members augmenting, located both in Kingston and in the High Readiness Warehouse in CFB Trenton. The unit can deliver the appropriate level of command and control to any new international CF operation and is responsible for the following tasks: • Non-Combatant Evacuation Operations (NEOs). The CF JHQ maintains a Joint Task Force HQ responsible for the command and control of NEOs conducted to evacuate Canadian Entitled Persons from affected nations at the request of and in support of Foreign Affairs Canada. This is a no-fail task, and the CF JHQ provides reconnaissance elements on 12 hours NTM. CF JHQ members form the nucleus of the Forward Command Element and the Forward Mounting Base, and provide the proper command-and-control resources to successfully accomplish safe evacuation operations; • Disaster Assistance Response. The CF JHQ maintains the core staff required to initiate the deployment of the Canadian Forces Disaster Assistance Response Team - better known as Canada’s DART - on 12 hours NTM; • Theatre Activation. The CF JHQ leads and conducts theatre activation operations leading to the handover of a functioning advanced HQ and initial standard camp to the Task Force. The Theatre Activation Team (TAT) supports the deployment and employment of CF personnel into a new area of operations. It usually deploys for less than 60 days due to waiver issues, and prepares for the arrival of a Canadian Task Force. TAT personnel remain on 48 hours NTM; and • Operational Reconnaissance. The CF JHQ maintains a Reconnaissance Team on 12 hours notice to move (NTM) to assist in the conduct of strategic and operational level reconnaissance. A truly joint organization designed to work at the operational level with expertise in Navy, Army and Air Force operations, the CF JHQ greatly enhances the CF interoperability and provides the CF with a significant high readiness operational command-and-control capability. 62 PRO PATRIA 2008 The CF JHQ signing of the Change of Command scrolls. L-R LCol Carl Turenne (12 RBC). MGen Peter Devlin, LCol Bruce Ewing. The past year has seen the unit deploy on Op BURMA, the Canadian Government response to Cyclone Nargis in May. The DART Recce Team was deployed to Bangkok, Thailand along with a Canadian Government contingent, working in the Canadian Embassy in order to determine the Canadian response. There was also a deployment to Port au Prince, Haiti in September in response to Hurricanes Gustav, Hanna and Ike. JTF - Haiti was employed on Op HORATIO, along with the HMCS St Johns, to deliver Humanitarian Assistance supplies to those affected. A number of Consular Planning Assistance Teams (Philippines, Sri Lanka and Indonesia, and Bolivia, Peru and Ecuador) and Advisory Teams (Middle East) were also deployed. It has been a busy year, with no letup anticipated in the upcoming year. From Kingston, Simil Militamus (We Fight As One) and Pro Patria. Canadian Forces Land Advance Warfare Center By: Major Mike Pennell Greetings and Salutations from Canadian Forces Land Advance Warfare Centre, CSM Quinton managed to corral most of the serving Royals in the unit together to get their mugs shot for this issue. In December I obtained permission from the CO to gather all Royals after the Junior Ranks Annual Festive Luncheon (as it is called at this Air Force base in Trenton) to conduct the Ortona Toast in ceramic mugs. After the toast we retired to the Parachute Instructors Lounge to join the rest of the unit for the traditional “At Home”, where some leftover juice made it into the Prop Blast helmet and members of the other regiments were allowed to have a taste,” watch out for the back wash was heard several times”. Capt Sheppard proved to be a fine stud during the jousting event and the recovering Sgt Hebert could not even laugh without tearing out his stitches from his recent operation. 2008 has been a satisfying year with our normal production of graduates from our courses. For those Royals on Regimental duty that want an interesting ERE, I would highly recommend a tour with CFLAWC. If interested, call one of the Instructors from the photo to get the real goods, but I promise you that you will find a tour in this unit both challenging and rewarding. There are fewer and fewer old salts out there from the Airborne days with the result that some members are posted to the unit without Basic Para, and we are actively seeking personnel with qualifications that will contribute to our other courses. The unit will train you, but you must possess the characteristics 63 PRO PATRIA 2008 L to R Front Row: MWO Quinton, WO Leclair, Capt Sheppard, Maj Pennell, Capt Nobrega, WO Graham, WO Thibault L to R Rear Row: Sgt Adams, Sgt Woodworth, Sgt Martens ( promoted to WO), Sgt Whan, Sgt Dickin, Sgt KillingBeck, Sgt Lavallee. Missing: Sgt Bechard ( promoted to WO), Cpl McEwan of a good instructor. A good example of this was Sgt Dickin who completed his JM crse and is loaded on the PI crse. The priority of the unit has changed significantly, with Winter Warfare Advanced (Hello Resolute!), Advanced Mountain Operations (under the watchful eye of WO Thibault), Aerial Delivery, Hel Ops and LZ/DZ courses all coming ahead of our jump courses. That being stated the unit still conducts more jump courses than any other type of course and still engages in cutting edge research and design to adapt our parachute courses to present operations. The unit will have a change of command in 2009 with LCol Rancourt being replaced by LCol Brown. No doubt the training calendar will remain full, the pace of life swift, but being in the training system will restrict you from deployments. The Highway of Heroes starts at CFB Trenton, CFLAWC parades for every homecoming, unfortunately we stood on the tarmac far too many times in 2008 but we do it for the members and for the families of the deceased. CSOR hones its edge It has been over two years since the CFB Petawawa-based Canadian Special Operations Regiment (CSOR) stood up, and during this time the unit has been a hive of activity: processing and training applicants, building infrastructure and developing capabilities. The Royal Canadian Regiment is well represented at CSOR and, together with CF members from all elements and components, has helped to tackle a monumental to-do list. CSOR is now in a position where it can concentrate on refining and focusing its capabilities. 64 PRO PATRIA 2008 On 25 June 2008, command of CSOR was handed to Lt.-Col. Greg Smith. Lt.-Col. Smith has commanded at all three RCR battalions (including a term as Officer Commanding Para Coy, 3 RCR) and gained special operations perspective serving with Joint Task Force Two (JTF 2). Though his unit is still growing, the new CO aims to assess and prioritize capabilities in CSOR’s diverse operational arsenal. “Now is the time to have a look at what we do well, what we need to work on, and to determine if there are capabilities we want to move away from or put on the backburner for a while,” said Lt.-Col. Smith during a candid exchange with his new soldiers. As the young unit’s culture is informed and shaped by its capabilities, refining and focusing capabilities is an important part of developing unit identity. CSOR was created to broaden Canadian Special Operations Forces Command’s (CANSOFCOM) operational capability and effectiveness and bring particular special operations effects to special operations task forces. Doing this requires the regiment to strike a balance between high-end conventional force capabilities and the types of tasks JTF 2 has traditionally handled. Much of the past two years at CSOR has been devoted to establishing this niche within the Canadian Forces “capability spectrum.” Due to its relatively small size, training at CSOR focuses on tasks the unit can realistically be expected to perform on operations; “operational imperative” is a key underlying principle. CSOR’s capabilities fall into two streams; the 65 PRO PATRIA 2008 first focuses on “green” infantry skills enabled by weapons training, “hands and feet” agility, and complex terrain skills; the second includes support to CANSOFCOM. The first stream represents the “public face” of the unit’s operations; being highly proficient at these activities enables activities in the second stream. By the end of its third year, CSOR should be trim, focused and even more agile and effective in order to support other CANSOFCOM and CF units on operations at home and abroad. From left to right: LS Finamore (medical), MCpl Miller (2 CMBG HQ and Sigs),Cpl Girouard (1RCR), MCpl Bonacchi (1RCR),Cpl Pearce (ALQ), BGen Thompson (The RCR) , CWO White (the PPCLI), Cpl Logan (1RCR), MCpl Hawks (3RCR), Sgt Aston(West NSR) Jawad (LCA), Cpl Trimble(1RCR), WO Murphy (1RCR), Capt Pappin (The RCR), Cpl Lemiuex (CH of C), Sgt Friars (3RCR), Cpl Pynn (3RCR) 99 Tac deploys to Afghanistan By Cpl Philip Trimble (99TAC Turret Operator) BGen Denis Thompson, Commander Task Force Kandahar, had his Tactical Team mustered in January 2008. The team, known as 99 Tac, was commanded by WO Patrick Murphy and consisted primarily of members from the 1st and 3rd Battalions of The Royal Canadian Regiment. Augmenting the team was a signaler from 2 CMBG HQ and Sigs Sqn and two reservists from The Cameron Highlanders of Canada and The Algonquin Regiment. The role of 99 Tac was to provide transport and security to BGen Thompson on a proposed ten month deployment to Kandahar, Afghanistan. In February, 99 Tac deployed with TFK Headquarters on EX SOUTHERN BEAR in Fort Bliss, Texas. Here the team was able to confirm basic skills and carry out advanced training under desert conditions similar to what they would encounter in Afghanistan. As it was also the only opportunity to work on mounted drills as a team prior to deployment, it was a very important exercise. Once 99 Tac was back in Canada, the majority of the team were placed on the Tactical Combat Casualty Care (TCCC) course. The course is designed to teach advanced first aid specifically for combat casualties. The skills taught would be used by 99 Tac numerous times in the coming months. Special thanks should be given to the soldiers of 2 Field Ambulance for running a quality course; lives were saved as a result of the training, although team members still think that crawling over 100 meters of gravel with a tourniquet on their leg is excessive. The team also concentrated on improving their marksmanship. Sgt Darryl Friars, an Urban Operations Instructor, ran the team through numerous ranges. The training included weapon transitions, shooting on the move, tactical considerations, and quick aim shooting. The training quickly became more advanced, to include working in teams, cover while reloading, weapons stoppages, and changing to secondary weapons. By the end of training, every 99 Tac soldier was ready to 66 PRO PATRIA 2008 deploy, and the team was sent for a week of disembarkation leave. The morning of 5 May began with kit turn-in and final paperwork for the flight out. Having completed the final Departure Assistance Group (DAG) process, the team made their way to building Y-101 to board the bus headed to Ottawa airport. As any soldier who has deployed to Afghanistan knows, this was a time of mixed emotions for the team. It was the last chance to see their family and friends for a long time. It was a hard day for the team, knowing that some of the team was forced to leave behind pregnant wives, newborn babies, and their loving families. Final hugs were given, goodbyes were said, with that 99 Tac was on their way to Afghanistan. Once the team landed in theatre, there was no time to waste. The first day was filled with briefings and had 99 Tac finding their way around KAF. Day Two was the beginning of the handover with the out-going Tac team. The new 99 Tac took over two LAV III’s and a RG-31 Nayala. The team also conducted a line tour of the Canadian area of operations. The line tour was quickly dubbed the ‘wine tour’ by members of the team as it involved quick stops at many locations over a short period of time. BGen Thompson assumed command of Task Force Kandahar on the 14 May 08 at a TOCA ceremony conducted at Kandahar Airfield and this made his Tac team officially operational. Once operational, BGen Thompson had the team take him on a ‘wine tour’ throughout the entire Canadian Area of Operations. He wanted to see the entire area of operations, from the Pakistan Border on the East to Helmand Province on the west. One of the advantages to being 99 Tac was the ‘big picture’ situational awareness that came from travelling the entire AO. While deployed on OTW, BGen Thompson was also escorted by a Close Protection (CP) team. Under ideal circumstances, the team consisted of a team leader, a bodyguard, and a shooter. Many times the CP team would be double-hatted, acting as LAV Crew Commanders or Gunners. The CP team quickly fit right in and became part of 99 Tac. The CP team was often employed on cordons, and other dismounted operations as 99 Tac did not have many soldiers available for dismount. The team also often enlisted the support of other members of TFK HQ to help while team members were on leave. MCpl Captain Piers Pappin at Dhala Dam July 2008, Afghanistan 67 PRO PATRIA 2008 PRO PATRIA 2008 67 Gary Smith from 2 CMBG HQ and Sigs, Sgt Jordan Sullivan from The Grey and Simcoe Foresters and MCpl Emily Ireland from the Lincoln and Welland Regiment were the regular replacements. A few months after taking command, BGen Thompson and the team were faced with a real time dynamic situation. After a daring prison break from Sarposa Prison, Insurgent fighters moved into Arghandab District, north of Kandahar City. The team then spent much time over the following days conducting road moves between various security players in the area while BGen Thompson and the Afghan National Security Forces developed their proposed course of action. On the morning of 17 June, 99 Tac established a Command Post at the Arghandab District Centre. From this position the team could conduct overwatch of the entire river valley, including enemy positions. The Afghan National Army led an attack that day. While moving across the river, the ANA came under effective enemy fire, sustained casualties and were forced to withdrawal under contact from insurgent defensive positions. Cpl Philip Trimble and Sgt Jordan Sullivan treated wounded ISAF civilian personnel advancing with the ANA, and had them evacuated to Kandahar Airfield. Following the failed ANA attack, Coalition Force aviation and air assets began a heavy bombardment of the insurgent defended area. The following morning, 99 Tac established a fire base across from the enemy positions on the far side of the Arghandab River. The ANA launched their second attack, and after fierce fighting, the ANA soldiers managed to seize their objective. The days that followed saw the ANSF, supported by their Canadian mentors, and Battle Group assets retake this key region. September saw a Relief-in-Place of the Battle Group. With the arrival of the 3 RCR Battle Group, members from all four battalions of The Royal Canadian Regiment were serving under the command of BGen Thompson (also a Royal Canadian). The Task Force welcomed the addition of 2-2 Infantry Battalion (U.S.). Known 68 PRO PATRIA 2008 as both the Second of the Second and as the Ramrods, this valuable American unit was employed in the Canadian AO in Maywand District. A quick look at the American battalion’s battle streamers saw Lundy’s Lane, and Canada as battle honors. Interesting to see this unit was fighting against us in 1812, and is now under the command of a Canadian General. For the first part of the tour, 99 Tac moved primarily in a three vehicle packet, consisting of two LAV III’s and an RG-31. With a shortage of RG-31s, the decision was made to switch RG-31, lovingly nicknamed “Sheniqua“ by MCpl Deni Bonnachi for a Bison command variant vehicle. The Bison allowed BGen Thompson to maintain command of the entire Task Force, even when operating in forward areas. This Command Post was used many times during the next few months, including during operations on 16 October, when 99 Tac was based out of Strong Point Lakokhel in Zhari District. 99 Tac was used in various roles during operations. With Battle Group assets often being tied up in combat roles, 99 Tac conducted tasks throughout the AOR that were normally reserved for Battle Group or OMLT call signs. The team has conducted cordons, assisted in the exploitation of improvised explosive device detonation sites as well they completed quick reaction force duties. They were also used to establish overt observation posts as part of a diversion and distraction operation for Afghan National Security Forces. BGen Thompson was very adamant throughout the tour at not putting his soldiers in positions of risk he would not assume himself and is fond of dismounting to see the action for himself. Members of the team, including BGen Thompson, have conducted dismounted ambushes and patrols. 99 Tac has found themselves clearing compounds following an IED strike, and patrolling Zhari District with ANA troops. During one such patrol the ANA triggered an IED while on foot. The explosion resulted in six ANA troops being wounded and needing to be evacuated by air. In the aftermath of the explosion the Commander’s Signaller, MCpl Tobias Miller (2 CMBG The Colonel of The Regiment and LCol Barrett watch as BGen Thompson signs the mug used in the Ortona Toast. HQ & Signals Sqn), provided TCCC on the wounded and arranged the evacuation during this mass casualty incident. MCpl Miller was awarded a Commander’s Commendation for his actions. 99 Tac spent most of their time traveling within the AOR to various installations and tactical infrastructure. Setting records on mileage; traveling over 17,000 km, and having the opportunity to travel freely thought the AOR the team earned their nickname “GreyHounds”. The nickname became even more fitting throughout the tour as the team often offered a lift to soldiers who would otherwise wait for transport between forward operating bases and Kandahar airfield. Free movement also made the team able to assist the local Afghan community in more than just providing security. In some instances they were able to distribute aid. The family of Private Mark Graham (a 1st Battalion soldier killed on TF 3-06) provided sporting and school supplies that 99 Tac happily distributed to local families. The Tac team has also lent a hand to local farmers, recovering 69 PRO PATRIA 2008 trucks stuck in the sand. The Weekly Provincial Security Meeting, held at the Governor’s Palace, allowed 99 Tac to spend a lot of time at Camp Mario Mercier, the Operational Coordination center provincial (OCC-P). The OCC-P is an extremely small compound inside the Governor’s Palace, consisting of a parking lot and four buildings. As a camp it was not much to look at, but it was the home of the best food in the AO. Once a week, the Tac team would take over the OCC-P, as more then doubling the population of the camp when 99 Tac was there. The soldiers at the OCC-P always made the team feel welcome. On top of the Weekly Provincial Security meeting, the team would often escort BGen Thompson to local shuras throughout the AOR. These shuras were usually held in District Centres or within Canadian Camps. Sometimes meetings were held in local houses of remote villages and these would cause security headaches for the team. Some meetings would have the team conducting route sweeps, searching for roadsides bombs, and checking culverts for IEDS. The team would then find themselves establishing cordons around compounds to ensure the area was safe for the Task Force Commander to attend the meetings. Several weeks into the tour the team began to recognize the usual vehicles and unique individuals that resided in Kandahar City. Some local inhabitants began to stand out to the team and become regular sightings. 99 Tac’s local good luck charm was known as “Crazy Charlie”. After an initial misunderstanding regarding his occupation as a bread vendor, 99 Tac discovered that this elderly gentleman was, in fact, between jobs. Over time, diplomatic relations between 99 Tac and Crazy Charlie improved to a point that a “humanitarian campaign” was started. 99 Tac began giving the man water and food. He responded well to 99 Tac with gestures of gratitude in the form of enthusiastic Soviet salutes. Over time, the team became excited to see “crazy Charlie” as they passed through the city. Another place in the city well know to the Team was the “PMQ Patch”. This area of the city was where the families of Afghan National Army Soldiers lived. It was nicknamed the PMQ patch after the private married quarters in Petawawa, where many soldiers’ families live back in Canada. The PMQ patch was used as a secure location in the city for towing vehicles to, or to grab a drink of water. Moving through the area the team would always be received well by the locals, with thumbs up from the kids, and salutes from the soldiers. There were also insolent “army brats” in the PMQ patch as the team occasionally came under attack with rocks while the kids laughed. The team had the privilege of having BGen Thompson’s Language and Cultural Advisor (LCA) at their disposal throughout the tour. This asset allowed the team to buy bread from local vendors, trade for grapes from local kids, or the team’s personal favorite, buying melons from local famers. The teams LCA was great at finding “Afganalopes” (a local melon similar to cantaloupe) and the perfect pomegranates. The LCA was also employed in situations where the team had to interact directly with the locals, like vehicle accidents, or when faced with IED finds to allow the team to communicate with local authorities. BGen Thompson used the LCA to communicate with local government officials, security players, village elders, and religious figures at shuras and meetings. 99 TAC was supported by other Royal Canadians within the HQ. Capt Ben Reavy as a duty officer often assisted the team while traveling the AOR with route sweep updates, SITREPS and other information required by the team. LCol Shawn Luckhurst was the Chief of Ops in JTF-A HQ. Maj Jim MacInnis was the J1, and would support the team on the administrative end with everything from occupational paperwork, memos, and getting beer for BBQs. The teams LCA was great at finding “Afganalopes” (a local melon similar to cantaloupe) and the perfect pomegranates. 70 PRO PATRIA 2008 99 Tac had a busy tour. In the course of almost ten months, they visited every piece of Tactical Infrastructure, putting tens of thousands of kilometers on their LAVs. The ten months went very quickly for the team, but they’re ready to return to their families. On 9 February 2009, the team conducted their medal ceremony. Cpl Robert Girouard, BGen Thompson’s LAV Driver presented the Commander with his medal. The team is scheduled to depart Afghanistan at the end of February for decompression in Cyprus. This will be followed by some well deserved leave and time to spend with their families. LAND FORCES CENTRAL AREA HEADQUARTERS By Capt T.A. Norton As the 2009 posting season looms ever closer, it is a nervous time in LFCA HQ with the current team of Royal Canadians assembled here dwindling. Leading us out the door is the current G3 LCol Bruce Ewing, posted to command the CFJHQ in Kingston. Next in the stack is Maj Phil Breton, current G3 Resources, who is being posted to LFCATC Meaford as the Chief Instructor. Aaron Williams, current G3 International Ops, is heading back to 3 RCR as Oscar Coy 2 I/C and then on to TF 1-10 in the BG HQ. Following on Capt Williams’ coat tails is Capt Trevor Norton, currently the G3 Plans, who will be returning to 1 RCR, likely in a HQ position as well. Have no fear fellow Royals, LFCA HQ is not lost! Capt Rob Ryan holds the fort as G3 Indiv Trg and Capt Tim Kenney will return in May 2009 from a nine month tour in CSTC-A as ADC to BGen Howard. In addition to these stalwarts the Regiment has promised LFCA a quality crop of captains and majors to fill in the holes. In a pinch, questions on Regimental Standing Orders can be applied to legends, Capt Ed Vale or Mark Whitehead both of whom are serving with 32 CBG in the GTA. LFCA HQ requires a regular influx of formidable Royal’s to man the G3 branch. The primary task here is domestic operations. Other key tasks are force generation for both domestic and international operations, training, and range and training area development. As with most of the Army our focus is force generation for JTF-Afg and support to our soldiers coming home, though planning for the G8 conference, Olympics, tasks and contingency DOMOPs also rank highly on our radar. In addition LFCA is currently involved in the transfer of command authority of 2 RCR from LFAA to LFCA. The Royals remaining in LFCA HQ will have to carry on the legacy of the now well established Crossfit Club. The club has grown to a group of 10 who drink the cool-aid at lunch every work day. By the time this article is published the club will have three level 1 instructors and three Ontario Weightlifting Association Level 1 coaches. The club also has enough Crossfit required equipment to do whatever the main page throws at us. Whether attending a meeting at Dennison, or enjoying leave in Toronto, join us for a lunch time work out! LAND FORCES CENTRAL AREA TRAINING CENTER By: WO Ross Rose Photos by: MCpl Roy Wilson 2008, was a busy year for everyone. At LFCA TC it was no exception. 2008 started off with one of the worst winters in recent memory. It wasn’t the cold; it was the relentless strong winds and record snow fall. At this point, Development Program 1 (DP1) Infantry timetables were only a suggestion, as Mother Nature had her own agenda. Flexibility was the key and that allowed 71 PRO PATRIA 2008 Sgt Buick Rappel Master for DP1 0040 some courses to receive more demanding winter warfare training. Recently, LFCA TC changed the names of their companies. Combat Skills Coy, now only trains DP1 Infantry, Soldier Skills Coy trains Soldier Qualification (SQ) and Regional Summer Training (RST) and Garrison Training Coy, is a generic holding company for CF personnel waiting release or to be course loaded onto a DP1 Infantry serial. Combat Skills Coy Graduated twelve DP1 Infantry and ten SQ courses (before the change) this year. The average instructor at the training center teaches on a minimum of four courses per year and must get Individual Battle Task Standards (IBTS) Qualified during that time. Busy indeed. Most of the suggestions that were brought to the TC’s attention have brought real changes to the DP1 Infantry course. The biggest change has been more emphasis on shooting and field time. Apx 33-35 days of a 70 day course are spent in the field. Now DP1 soldiers have more time for the C7 to include a M203 PWT and C7 PWT 4. There is more ammo for the C9 and C6, a patrolling phase, and they all must complete the Close Quarter Combat (CQC) portion of the course to graduate. This produces a combat capable soldier worthy of our Regiment. Once they become a member of a battalion they will receive the additional training needed from their chain of command, making them capable for current operations overseas. The Training Center participated in a number of activities this year, and together collected well over $10,000 for various charities. Canada Day, Cops for Cancer, Head Shave for Cancer, Terry Fox Run, Ford Wayne Gretsky Classic, Veteran’s Day Parade, Pachino Day and the unveiling of Valour Road, to name a few. We also had visits from MGen Howard, MGen Collin, and MGen Hainse. To celebrate Pachino Day, the serving Royals at the Training Center challenged the remaining members of the Center to a soccer game. I won’t mention the score but let’s just say the Royals won convincingly. The afternoon brought more celebrations and a traditional meal of spaghetti and red wine. The TC finds itself ready for another busy year. From all the Royals here at the TC we wish you a safe and happy new year. 73 PRO PATRIA 2008 Top: Pte Kerwan negotiating a water obstacle from DP1 0039 Middle: Pachino Day sports Bottom: Headshave for Cancer Sgt Vance rigging up a civilian for Executrek LFCA TC DET Petwawa Leadership Coy By: Sgt Brent Crellin Well another fun filled and very busy year has passed for Leadership Company. This year we have seen 8 Primary Leadership Qualification (PLQ) Land course and 4 PLQ INF courses thus graduating around 480 new MCpls for LFCA. The year 2009 will just as busy as we will run as many courses. Many of these new graduating leaders have deployed with the 3rd Battalion, The Royal Canadian Regiment Battle Group to Afghanistan as Section Commanders and Section 2 IC’s. We have recently experienced some changes in our leadership; this summer we said good bye to Maj Dan Whittaker who was posted to Manitoba, and welcomed back to Petawawa, Maj Robert Martin as the new Officer Commanding Leadership Company. We also had the privilege of rebadging a new member in to The RCR family with MCpl Jared Novotny becoming a Royal (once again). Throughout this busy year some of our Royals have been able to take part in extracurricular activities, including golf tournaments here in Petawawa, and at the Training Center in Meaford. CSM Kenny Miles, WO Gary Harrington, Cpl Roger (Louis) Lebrun and Cpl Reiner (Rocky) Riddiford along with two other members from Leadership Coy took first place for golf in the 2 CMBG sporting events. This team also headed off to Meaford along with WO Tim Connick and participated in the Regional tryouts for the LFCA TC team with CSM Miles and Cpl Lebrun making the team. As well, Cpl Lebrun headed off to Europe again this year to take part in the NATO Chess playoffs where he had an excellent showing. Three of our Royals had some unique opportunities to travel to the USA and conduct conferences with our counterparts in the States. Sgt Jimmy Donovan went to Washington, DC with other members from the Training Centre where they participated in the AUSA conference dealing with Urban Warfare training and equipment. Sgt Jim Vance and Sgt Darren Godsell travelled to Fort Benning, GA to see how the American Army conducts their leadership courses for an exchange of ideas. The conference was a great success with both sides coming away with solid relations to pave the way for future training. We hosted the annual EXECUTREK, which showcases to civilian employers some of the training Reservists participate in at LFCA TC. It was a huge success. 74 PRO PATRIA 2008 Joint Afghanistan National Army and Canadian Patrol ranks. This resulted in a significant number of augmentees joining the OMLT. Task Force Kandahar – Rotation 3-08 Operational Mentor Liaison Team (OMLT) Mentoring Towards a Secure Future The term OMLT (Operational Mentor and Liaison Team), like the term PRT (Provincial Reconstruction Team) has quickly become an accepted term used in day to day conversation between soldiers. In late August 2008 the Task Force Kandahar Rotation 3-08 OMLT began deploying to theatre for a seven month tour of duty. The Rotation 3-08 OMLT is the fifth Canadian OMLT to be deployed to Afghanistan The role of the OMLT has expanded the mentoring scope to include the first brigade in the 205th corps in the Afghan National Army (ANA) and five Afghan Uniformed Police (AUP) Detachments in Zhari and Panjwayi districts. Mentoring is conducted at all rank levels including the key leadership in the ANA (1/205 Brigade Commander) and AUP (District Chief of Police in Zhari and Panjwayi) to the young ANA soldiers and AUP police officers who are keeping the districts safe. When rotation 3-08 OMLT initially began training in October 2007 the entire OMLT consisted of 76 personnel, generated for the most part, by the 1st Battalion the Royal Canadian Regiment. Changes in the OMLT resulting from responsibilities in theatre expanded rapidly and the OMLT ballooned to 226 all 75 PRO PATRIA 2008 The Royal Canadian Regiment is well represented in the Rotation 3-08 OMLT. The command team consists of the Colonel Joseph Shipley and Chief Warrant Officer Mark Miller, who mentor the 1/205 Brigade Commander and 1st Sergeant respectively. One hundredfour of the OMLT members are from the 1st Battalion, three from the 2nd Battalion, four from the 3rd Battalion and eight from the fourth Battalion. The jobs that the soldiers do, as expected, are predominantly outside of the wire working in small teams mentoring ANA companies or AUP police sub-stations on operations. In no previous operations in recent times have our soldiers been asked to operate in such isolated and professionally demanding circumstances. As you would expect, the performance of all Regimental soldiers has been outstanding and they have contributed directly to security in Afghanistan. The day to day challenges of the OMLT are significant and very rarely does one day compare to another. The ANA and AUP made great improvements during our time in theatre. The Brigade is conducting operations that involve not only Brigade enablers such as reconnaissance, indirect fire support and engineers, but they have also controlled Canadian soldiers during these operations. The AUP now plan and execute independent framework patrolling and deliberate operations. They have also made great strides in gaining the confidence of the people of Afghanistan. Mentoring the ANA and the AUP often means living in close quarters and enduring hardships together. Many friendships have been made, many jokes exchanged and an odd tear shed for a fallen comrade no matter what uniform he is wearing. There are certainly frustrating times as well, when what is important in our eyes Mission Planning does not appear important to our Afghan brothers. We are over here to mentor the Afghans and to enable them to provide security to their citizens however the teaching works both ways. Rarely a day goes by without an OMLT mentor learning something from his Afghan counterpart. Being a member of the OMLT is truly a unique military experience that few will ever forget. Most of the soldiers appreciate the opportunity and believe that their time spent with the OMLT will be one of their career highlights. ERE – The United Kingdom Greeting to all Royal Canadians from the United Kingdom Pictured on the right; three RCR Majors and their spouses currently serving on exchange duties with the British Army take advantage of a rare opportunity to gather together during the CDLS(L) Joint Study Session in London. With the London Eye and Big Ben in the background are: (Left to Right) Ms Franca Blackman, Major Graham Blackman (HQ Infantry, Warminster), Major Greg Miller (HQ School of Infantry, Catterick Garrison), Ms Nicole Miller, Major Mark Twohey (Ministry of Defence, Whitehall London) and Ms Lynne Twohey. 76 PRO PATRIA 2008 Royal Canadian Regiment/ Royal Canadian Dragoons 125th Anniversary Parade By Captain Tim Robinson Parliament Hill, Ottawa, ON – The Regimental celebrations of our 125 years of service to Canada in both peace and war commenced in full on Saturday, June 7th on Parliament Hill. It was a magnificent day that would see weather fully cooperate, clearly addThe RCR Guard lines the lawn of Parliament Hill ing to the pomp and ceremony of this notable occasion. The event was well attended by the Media and the general public. A more suitable venue could not be found as the magnificence of the Parliament buildings, the cornerstone of our great nation, provided a scenic back drop fitting of its most senior regular force Infantry and Armoured Regiments. The parade consisted of two ceremonial guards from each of the regiments of one hundred soldiers each, parading in full ceremonial scarlet uniforms. Also parading, dressed in full regalia, was a Gun Troop from 2nd Regiment, the Royal Canadian Horse Artillery. As the blasts from their 105mm cannons reverberated over the city during the Gun Salutes one could only reflect upon the many who have marched to the sounds of the guns over the decades and of those who continue to answer the call. While we enjoyed the unique opportunity to celebrate the past 125 years of our Regimental heritage, Regimental members of TF 3-08 and those deployed with TF Afghanistan and other missions around the world were adding to our history and our Regimental lore. They were establishing the foundations from which generations of future Royals would establish the beliefs, traditions and ceremonies such as the one we were enjoying. Music was provided by the Canadian Forces Ceremonial Guard Band and the 2nd Battalion Royal Canadian Regiment Pipes and Drums. The parade was well attended by a number of notable guests which included the Chief of Defence, General Hillier as the Reviewing Officer. Featured before and during the parade were a series of static displays, showcasing the vehicles and equipment used by both Regiments throughout their history. The parade was concluded with a march-past of the Regiments and a roll-past of the vehicles as they moved east along Wellington Street and continued past the National War Memorial. A post-parade reception was held at the Cartier Square Drill Hall. The enthusiasm of the crowd and the recollections of those in attendance provided well deserved compliments for the soldiers who were on parade. Celebrations continued that evening as members of the Regiment and guests attended a Regimental Meet and Greet at the National War Museum. Again, RHQ could not have chosen a more suitable location for such an honourable event. Nestled amongst the vehicles and memorabilia of 77 PRO PATRIA 2008 The RCR 100 Man Guard marches through the streets of Ottawa bygone wars and surrounded by regimental memorabilia and décor it was impossible not to feel pride in the Regiment and the profession of arms. The evening was highlighted by a number of presentations. Lead and introduced by the Colonel of The Regiment the invited speakers expressed their experiences as Regimental members and as family members of the Regiment. Each skillfully highlighted what the Regiment meant to them. Particularly engaging were the moving words of Mrs Charmaine Tedford, the wife of our Fallen Comrade, Sgt Darcy Tedford and those of Sergeant Steve Powell, recently wounded and returned from Afghanistan. The days’ events, though remarkable, were nothing in comparison to the numerous renewed friendships and the greetings of the Regimental members serving and past serving who encountered friends with whom they had lost contact. These memorable mini-reunions would however pale in comparison to the 125th Royal Canadian Regiment Anniversary Reunion to be held in Kingston a few short months later. Pro Patria 78 PRO PATRIA 2008 125 Anniversary Edition A Year of Celebration 79 PRO PATRIA 2008 80 PRO PATRIA 2008 Royal Canadian Regiment 125 Anniversary Reunion By Captain Tim Robinson Kingston, ON – The Regimental celebrations continued as the Kingston Branch of The RCR Association had assumed the task to organize and run the National 125th Birthday Reunion in Kingston, Ontario from 1st - 3rd August 2008. This 1st class, high profile event provided the opportunity for comrades and old friends to gather and celebrate their service to the Regiment and Canada. An event of this size required great commitment and sound planning and the Kingston Branch met and exceeded all expectations. From the moment one arrived at the door and was met with open arms and a hearty handshake until the sad yet memorable departures it was a whirlwind of activity. The closely coordinated logistics of meals, transport, accommodations, draws, and music was a feat that can only bring credit to all members of the branch who assisted the ever stalwart Jack O’Brien. Early in the planning there was considerable interest by many regimental family members wishing to attend and registration began early in the year. The event would see over 700 participants in attendance throughout the weekend. The splendour of the event was greatly enhanced through the participation of the 1st Battalion who graciously provided their Kitshop, a LAV static display and most importantly their Colour Party. The presence of the Regimental Colour on the Memorial Parade on Sunday, 3 August was appreciated by all Regimental members who proudly marched behind them to the parade location. The parade, led by BrigadierGeneral (Retd) Spencer, was an emotional moment for many of our Association members who had not marched behind the Regimental Colours in many seasons. For the serving members in attendance, to accompany them was an honour and privilege that will not be soon forgotten. Pro Patria 81 PRO PATRIA 2008 A Surprise Greeting Don Cherry and Ron McLean meet Cpl Brown, Sgt Hebert and Pte Lawrence upon their arrival at the Toronto Airport. Cpl Isacc Brown, Sgt Hebert and Pte Lawrence received a surprise upon their arrival at the Toronto airport when returning on leave from Afghanistan. As explained by Cpl Isacc’s grandfather Bob Campbell, the family was awaiting Cpl Isacc’s arrival when television celebrities Don Cherry and Ron McLean arrived from Chicago. Upon learning that Isacc was on his way home from Afghanistan they decided to wait with the family. 82 PRO PATRIA 2008 COLONEL THE RCR OF ASSOCIATION THE REGIMENT CHAIRMAN THE RCR ASSOCIATION The combined RCR/RCD 125th Anniversary Parade on Parliament Hill on June 7th was a truly memorable event. Adventurous members of the RCR and RCD regimental associations were quite fortunate to be able to watch the parade on Parliament Hill and then board current and antique military vehicles for the roll-past. MWO John Barnes of 3 RCR did a masterful job of getting the veterans safely aboard a convoy of vehicles ranging from LAV IIIs to WW II era Bren gun carChairman The RCR Association riers. It was a great moment for the veterans when the parade Capt R.T. Walsh, CD (Ret’d) rolled past the dais in salute to Gen Rick Hillier who was on his last official appearance as CDS. A moment later the word of command was, “To the right, Salute!”, as the parade rumbled by the National War Memorial and the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier followed a moment later by “To the left, Salute!”, as the convoy went past the Aboriginal Veterans Memorial and then on to the dispersal point. That evening at the Regimental Reception at the Canadian War Museum Capt Sherry Atkinson (ret’d) represented the Association very well when he spoke of his experiences during the 1943 Pachino landing and the campaign in Sicily. The Regimental Reunion at Kingston held during 1-3 August was carried out in the true Royal manner. Things ran so well and it was such an enjoyable event that the old saying “Some rely on good luck, the RCR relies on good management”, came to mind again and again during the weekend. The Regimental Colour Party from 1 RCR was a proud sight on the Sunday morning parade as the formation marched past, led by Brigadier-General Phil Spencer (ret’d). Pride and enjoyment was obvious on the faces of the RCR veterans as they participated in the short memorial service held at Branch 560, The Royal Canadian Legion. Lieutenant-Colonel Lyman Coleman (ret’d), Honorary Chaplain of the RCR Association, led an emotionally moving service of remembrance. Some of the Royal Canadians present had not seen Padre Coleman for more than 40 years since the days when he was the Chaplain (P) of 1 RCR in Germany. More than 600 serving and former members of the RCR left Kingston with happy memories of old friendships renewed and new ones made. Well done, the Kingston Branch. Association HQ (National Board of Directors) is located in the Home Station at London. There are many good reasons why the National Board should be located close to RHQ which is now at CFB Petawawa. Our recruitment campaign to encourage Royals residing in the Ottawa Valley and Eastern Ontario to stand for election to the Board resulted in Major Al Fowler (ret’d) of Ottawa and Major Bob Burns (ret’d) of Brockville becoming Directors in 2008. A focused recruiting campaign will continue. The Association is looking for a few good men, so the call is for all Royal Canadians to nominate a friend or, best of all, let your own name stand for election. “Ask not what the Regiment can do for me; ask what can I do for the Regiment.” (U.S. President John F. Kennedy, 1961, paraphrased by Lieutenant-General Jack Vance (ret’ d), Colonel of the Regiment in 1997, when providing the Association with a new slogan.) 83 PRO PATRIA 2008 Left: J ack Shepherd and Bob Hersey 24 Nov 2008 Below: Royals of The 1000 Islands Branch Gather. 1000 Islands Area Branch The 1000 Islands Branch was in action on 24 November 2008 at the unveiling of a historical plaque placed by the City’s Heritage Board to which Bob Hersey is a member. This plaque commemorates the existence of The Officer’s Training Centre and later the home station of the RCR after WW II. Kingston Branch The 125th Anniversary year was most certainly an important one in the history of the Regiment; it was also a banner year for the Kingston Branch. The Branch maintained the local tradition of celebrating Paardeberg with the popular mixed dinner at Mino’s Restaurant. The serving members – specifically Lieutenant Colonel Bill Cummings – made the arrangements and decorated the venue with a collection of battalion silver from Petawawa, which added considerably to the class of the event. MWO Ross Appleton provided the verbal infusion of Regimental history, entertaining the audience with his vivid storytelling. Some newer faces joined some of the longer serving members of the Branch and an enjoyable time was had by all. The Branch President led a sizeable contingent including serving members and wives to Belleville to join Quinte Branch and our regimental brethren from the Hasty Ps and 48th Highlanders for Pachino celebrations. The service took place on a beautiful sunny day, followed by the traditional spaghetti and red wine meal. Of course the long trek home along the 401 merited a pause en route at the Napanee Legion, where the locals were pleased to host our thirsty travelers. The defining event of the year for many in the regimental family was the Reunion. We were indeed fortunate to have had the inspired vision and dogged determination of the Colonel of the Regiment who provided the impetus to host the event in Kingston. All of the effort and hard work 84 PRO PATRIA 2008 of the organizing committee came to fruition with three days of events that turned out to be a resounding success – an average of about 700 spirited participants each day. Serving members and former serving members spanning well over a half century of regimental experience came from across Canada and the world to share their memories together. It was particularly noteworthy how many of the individuals who decided to attend the festivities had had only a relatively short association with the Regiment – reinforcing the adage “Once a Royal, always a Royal.” The Meet and Greet on Friday night set the tone for the entire reunion – well planned, attention to detail, and a few official welcoming remarks to remind us of the importance of the gathering, followed by a relaxed evening of reminiscing with friends. A relatively large group of previous night party goers with stamina attended the AGM the next morning. The dinner and dance on Saturday night managed to exceed expectations with the quality of the food, regimental wine and the variety of entertainment. The church parade on Sunday morning provided a more formal opportunity for reflection and remembrance. Branch 560 of the Royal Canadian Legion on Montreal St was the perfect venue for all weekend events and the multitude of volunteers under the leadership of Al Jones compensated in part for the absence of support from a nearby, non-operationally tasked battalion! However, serving members were still very much in evidence and the presence of the equipment displays, kit shop and Colour Party from 1st Battalion added important and enjoyable dimensions to the festivities. The Regiment is also indebted to the reunion organizers who, although they have been recognized earlier not least by the many congratulatory letters and email, deserve mention in Pro Patria. Jack O’Brien, Walter Holmes, Dave Nolan, Dave Honey, Bill Graydon, Noel Coward, Ken Cooper, Kelvin and Debbie MacDonald, Lyman Coleman, Terry Seaver, Reg Robillard and Larry Hurtibuse all deserve our gratitude for their contribution. Memories of earlier reunions can be a tough act to follow. 85 PRO PATRIA 2008 They pulled it off masterfully by setting a new standard for a new set of Regimental circumstances. As the Kingston Whig Standard reported, quoting the Colonel of the Regiment, “We really need to keep a sense of regiment alive and a sense of family alive for the future generations . . . This is very special.” The end of the summer was also marked by the presentation of Silver Beavers to two longserving officers retiring in the local area. Colonel Tom Tarrant and his wife Florence joined a small group of family and regimental colleagues, for a dinner ably organized by newly promoted and always energetic BrigadierGeneral Mike Jorgensen. Lieutenant-Colonel Rusty Bassarab also retired from the Regular Force, although he will keep his uniform on and remain in his appointment as the Director of Land Synthetic Environment; he and his wife Ellen were treated to a luncheon arranged by his unit, with the presence of several branch members adding some regimental flavour. The Branch had not commemorated Kowang San for a decade or so, but the practice was resurrected this year by the intrepid Jack O’Brien, who obviously hadn’t been tired out by his work on the Reunion. Dave Nolan hosted the event, with two guests from 1st Battalion - Major James Price and WO Dave Bush and their wives. There were about 60 diners present, including 8 Korea veterans. Ross Appleton was enlisted once again to provide the historical background and Ted Zuber related some of his poignant reminiscences of the battle. As the year drew to a close, the regimental birthday was celebrated on the 6th of December at a joint function hosted this year by the RCD. Col Doug Maclean brought us all up to date on unit activities. Mike Houghton offered the Ortona toast and reminded all present of the origins of this moving tradition. Padre Lyman Coleman made the snowy trip down from Westport to recite the prayer and express the thoughts of many on our serving soldiers in Afghanistan. It was a fitting end to a vibrant year in the Kingston area. PRO PATRIA 2008 85 The London Home Station and District Branch By Abraham Van Veen, CD The Home Station again had a very active year. We held a total of sixteen events and were fortunate to have many of them attended by more than 100 participants. The branch proudly hosted: February 27: Paardeberg Lunch May 4: Battle of Atlantic May 8: Memorial service at the cenotaph for those that lost their lives: MWO Riddell RG, WO McDonnell MP. CPL Chiswell BN, CPL Clement DW, CPL Field DH, CPL Knight RJG, CPL Misener PT. We held our normal standup, hookup and family gathering at the Sergeants Mess. June 8: Decoration Day at Forest Lawn, Mount Pleasant and Woodlawn Cemeteries. A barbecue followed this event. July 1: Canada Day August 3: Peacekeepers Tribute Day September 6: Warriors’ Day Parade. There was more than 1500 on parade. September 13: Legion Week September 27: Heroes’ Day October 23: Kowang San Lunch October 25: Service of Remembrance at Manor and Highland Park November 11: Remembrance Day with more than 2000 in attendance December 7: KVA Turkey Draw and Supper December 21: Regimental Birthday with 130 in attendance We also said goodbye to Charley Fox in London and Corporal Andrew Paul Grenon in Windsor. On 7 June, a few lucky members attended the 125th Regimental Anniversary Parade and 86 PRO PATRIA 2008 Left to right: Abraham Van Veen, Phil Spencer, Rita Van Veen and Maureen Spencer attending the 125 Reunion in Kingston, ON Meet and Greet in Ottawa. What a spectacular event. Another spectacular event, the RCR Reunion was held in Kingston August 1-3. We were fortunate to meet some old friends, some of which we had not seen in 50 years or more. If there is another reunion planned in the future, attend, you don’t know what you missed. I won a Hockey Jersey signed by Don Cherry in a door prize draw. My wife was cold and decided to wear it right away. Our Ortona Toast was given by Lieutenant Colonel Tom Burdett, M.C, CD and BrigadierGeneral Phil Spencer, OMM, CD. We also held a Heroes Day in Victoria Park. It involved many meetings and much work. The first meeting was held in March and seventeen other meetings followed with the event running in September. Many of our branch members helped out. It was a great day with more than 5000 people visiting the park on September 27. Remembrance Day Services were held on November 4 at Cherryhill Mall. We also provided two services for the students at Clarke Road Secondary School on November 10. November 11 would see us participating at Victoria Park and Northland Mall services. As you can see, we had a very busy year. Remember to volunteer and assist your branch, city or anywhere. Your help is always appreciated. The Ottawa & District Branch Al Fowler, President of the Ottawa & District Branch of the RCR Association made a presentation to The Ottawa Army Officers Mess on Sept. 26, 2008. Al presented regimental prints. The centre print is the well known Dawn Of Majuba. The two flanking prints are soldiers of the Yukon Field Force. The Officers Mess chose to prominently display these prints over the fireplace in the main bar area of the mess. Significantly the Boer War and the Officers Mess are both of the same era early 20th century The Niagara Branch By Sgt Mike Blais C.D (Ret) President, Niagara Branch, The RCR Association Greetings fellow Royal Canadians! The Niagara Branch has been very busy this past fall participating with local Remembrance Day services, conducting our first memorial service for Corporal Albert Storm C.D and preparing for our 125th Regimental Birthday celebrations that were, alas, cancelled at the last minute due to blizzard conditions. Members of the Niagara Branch were particularly active this year during Remembrance Day. We represent the Niagara Peninsula and as such attempt to place our wreath at a different city or town’s cenotaph each year. Ernie Wetzel volunteered to place the Associations wreath and with great pride 87 PRO PATRIA 2008 paraded before the cenotaph in Merritton, Ontario. Concurrently, James Kaczmarek carried the Branch’s Regimental banner during the St. Catherines Memorial while Lou Frennete arranged for another Regimental wreath to be presented during the ceremony in Niagara Falls. Al Morris visited several veteran gravesites in the region throughout the day. Jim Bretherick served as the Sergeant-at-Arms for the Royal Canadian Legion colour party during the Niagara Falls parade and later addressed several elementary schools. Prior to the traditional moment of silence, I attended the school of Cpl Storm’s niece to speak of Albert’s valiant contribution to Canada and the Regiment. Afterwards, a trip was made to Cpl Storm’s gravesite to place a Regimental pennant and poppy. Royal Canadians can be assured that prayers were said for both Albert and Bob and they were not forgotten on this day of National remembrance. On the 27th of November, the Niagara Branch conducted our first memorial service for Corporal Albert Storm, CD, on the second anniversary of his death in Afghanistan. Royal Canadians will recall with sadness that RSM Robert Girouard also died in the same cowardly Tali- 88 PRO PATRIA 2008 ban attack. Albert’s father, his brother Franklin (Mic), his wife Wendy and their children joined us at the cemetery chapel for the service and then accompanied our parade as we marched to ‘Stormy’s’ gravesite, presented the Association wreath, saluted his sacrifice and before retreating, placed our poppies on his grave. Also present, by special invitation, were a contingent representing the Niagara Chapter of the Canadian Association of Veterans in United Nations Peacekeeping (CAVUNP). Royal Canadians will be pleased to note that subsequent to our memorial and with the Storm family’s gracious consent, the CAVUNP recognized Albert’s sacrifice to this nation by formally changing the name of their branch to the Corporal Albert Storm C.D Branch, CAVUNP. I would advise all Royal Canadians living in the Niagara region (and beyond) that Cpl Storms memorial service will be an annual event for the Niagara Branch of The RCR Association and that your participation in the future would be greatly appreciated. Allow me on behalf of all Royal Canadians to thank James Kaczmarek for serving as the Niagara Branch president for so many years. Well done, Jimmy! Well done! God bless our brothers in arms who tread in harm’s way. Pro Patria! The Halifax Branch recently hosted the Colonel of The Regiment Royals return to South Korea By Jim Gunn Nominees selected to represent the Royal Canadian Regiment at the 55th anniversary of the Korean War Armistice were Left to right Jim Gunn, Len Delaney and Russ Cormier. This was their first return visit to Korea and like all returned veterans they were overwhelmed by the changes in the country, the infrastructure, the transportation system, the thousands of high rise buildings that are not only in Seoul but along every major highway you travel along. These are amazing changes when you consider the state of the country fifty five (55) years ago when we were there. L-R; Jim Gunn, Len Delaney & Russ Cormier The Newfoundland Branch By Bruce King, MWO President, Newfoundland Branch Members of The Newfoundland Branch Gathers. Greetings to all Royals from the Newfoundland Branch. It has been some time since our last submission and an update is certainly due. Our branch enjoys a very active membership of approx 25 members. Here in Newfoundland we have a tradition. Once we come here, we decide to stay. Out of the past ten RCR members posted to Newfoundland, nine have settled and stayed here. Most Royals that have retired in Newfoundland joined the Royal Newfoundland Regiment or the Canadian Rangers. At present, we have eight Royals serving with 1st Battalion, The Royal Newfoundland Regiment. On 29 Jan 09 CWO Ken Lutz will hand over the RSM’s pacestick to newly promoted CWO Terry Hurley. Before CWO Lutz became RSM, the position was held by another Royal, CWO John Tarrant. WO Chuck Martin has held the key position of Operations Warrant for the past 3 years. Sgt Sloan, Sgt Clark and Sgt Dicks are all section Commanders within the 1st Battalion. The new addition to our group has been Cpl Edwards who is working with the unit Regimental Quartermaster. Yours truly has also served as the OPS WO, CSM A Coy and I am presently working with CFS St John’s managing the ranges and training areas. Presently at CFS St John’s the station chief is being held by 90 PRO PATRIA 2008 CPO2 Peter Kircher, who served 6 1/2 yrs with both 2 RCR and 3 RCR. The Royals on the west coast of Newfoundland had a very busy year. This year we had WO Sherman Bungay retire after 25 yrs and Sgt Jeff Caines retire after 24 yrs. We have Sgt Morgan Simmons and Sgt Ray Lockyer working with the 2nd Battalion, The Royal Newfoundland Regiment. The 2nd Battalion also has a new unit Training Warrant, WO Sheldon Roberts and last but not least the 2nd Battalion has MWO Anthony Felix as their RSM. We also have a very strong contingent of Korean Veterans in the branch. Charlie Rees, our most active Korean Veteran, has been the parade Sergeant Major for the Remembrance Day Parade for over the past 10 yrs. His continued support and involvement is instrumental in keeping the Korean Veterans presence alive and strong. Our Annual Regimental Birthday social was held on 18 Dec 2008 at the Officers and Senior NCO’s mess in Pleasantville. It was a great start to the Christmas season and an appropriate way to end the activities of the branch for the year 2008. On behalf of the RCR Association, Newfoundland Branch, I would like to wish you all health and prosperity. Pro Patria THE RCR ASSOCIATION BURSARY AWARDS FOR 2008 Laura Maessen (left) of Dartmouth, NS is awarded an RCR Association Bursary of $1,500 by Capt Terry Scott (ret’d), President of the Toronto Branch. The RCR Association Bursary Program came into effect in 1973. The bursaries started out at $100.00 per student in 1973 and were increased to $500.00 in 1982. The awards were subsequently increased to $700.00 each in the late 1980’s and to $1,000.00 per student in 1991. For 2008 the bursaries were again increased to $1,500.00. There are usually three recipients annually except that there were four in 1993 because of tied marks. Association members will be proud to know that since its inception the Bursary Program has awarded approximately $75,000.00 to 109 recipients. Thanks to Capt Terry Scott, CD (ret’d) President of the Toronto Branch for the information above. The Bursary Committee consists of Capt Cliff Collison, CD (ret’d), Capt Steve Ricketts, MMM, CD (ret’d) and Sgt Russ Smith, CD (ret’d). The bursaries are awarded in recognition of excellence in academic achievement and outstanding service to the community. All entries in the competition were of a high standard. The recipients of the RCR Association Bursaries for 2008 were: Kiera Madelaine St. Jean (centre) of Chilliwack, BC is awarded an RCR Association Bursary of $1,500 by Maj Sam Meckbach, CD (ret’d) (right), President of the Vancouver Island Branch and Maj Steve Brodsky, CD (ret’d), (left). Laura Maessen of Dartmouth, Nova Scotia. Miss Maesen is attending the University of Toronto, and is the granddaughter of Maj Turner C. (Turk) Manzer, a Regimental veteran of the war in Korea; Kiera Madelaine St. Jean of Chilliwack, British Columbia. Miss St. Jean is attending the University of Victoria and is the granddaughter of Maj Albert G. Ferguson, a Regimental veteran of WW II; and Elizabeth Van Rys (centre) of Dunnville, Ont., is awarded an RCR Association Bursary of $1,500.00 by Capt RT Walsh, CD (ret’d), (right) and Sgt Russ Smith, CD (ret’d), left. Elizabeth Van Rys of Dunnville, Ontario. Miss Van Rys is attending the University of Guelph and is the granddaughter of Sgt Russ Smith, a Regimental veteran of NATO service in Germany and peacekeeping. Russ Smith, a member of the Bursary Committee, did not participate in the selection of Miss Van Rys. Congratulations to the recipients. The RCR Association intends to award another three bursaries of $1,500.00 each to deserving students who are commencing their first year of post-secondary education in 2009. For more information about the Bursary Program please visit www.thercr.ca and navigate through “The RCR Association” link. An application form for the bursaries is printed elsewhere in this publication. 91 PRO PATRIA 2008 The RCR Museum By Claus Breede, Director/Curator The Growing Collection The collection continues to grow. We finished the year with a total of just over 600 objects entered into the collection data base of which 314 were part of the weapons verification project, just under 100 objects in new accessions and an additional 200 objects entered into the collection from 2 RCR. Some of the noteworthy additions to the collection have been: 2007.025 – A World War II medal grouping and a German Air Force helmet in excellent condition. 2008.001 – Two helmets from the Iraq National Guard recovered by the donor from the area of Operation Desert Shield. Wolseley Barracks, Home of The RCR Museum 2008.002 – A 1944 Italian Chianti bottle (regrettably empty) with a collection of very fine World War I trench maps as well as a couple of field notebooks. 2008.003 – A World War II medal grouping. 2008.004 – A World War II medal grouping in their original boxes – never mounted. 2008.009 – And the last accession of the year being a rather beaten up Maxim Machine Gun. The Maxim Machine Gun After being stored in a basement for many years here in London, the owner decided it was time to find a permanent home for this piece of World War One memorabilia and he contacted the Museum and asked if we were interested in the donation of this weapon. The MG was badly rusted and both the gun and its “Sledge” mount looked like something ready for the scrap heap. However, all the “bits and pieces” were there and most of the damage appeared to be on the surface only. Adding to the authenticity of the object, however, are a number of bullet holes though various parts of the mount. Once Ted Crocker, our Museum’s Chief Weapons Technician (volunteer) made his assessment, we were convinced that we had something that could be restored and placed on exhibit. With Ted’s dedication to the project and his skills in this area he was able to restore this important artifact 92 PRO PATRIA 2008 to exhibit quality and within two months of its acquisition, it is in the Infantry Gallery for all to see. On a sad note, when the donor contacted me he indicated that he was not well and his wish to find a home for this MG was motivated by the fact that he did not want it destroyed if anything was to happen to him. As soon as the object was on display I tried to contact him so he could come and have a look at it here at the Museum. Regrettably I was informed by one of his daughters that he had passed away the week before. We are of course very grateful for this generous and most welcome addition to the collection The first photo shows the MG before Ted Crocker had a chance to work on it. The second photo is the same area of the weapon after restoration and the third is the internal workings of the MG restored to working order. This Maxim MG is on exhibit in the Infantry Gallery at the Museum. Policy Review As with any organization, the Museum operates with a set of policies that give general direction to the staff as well as the Board of Directors on the governance, operation and role of the Museum. These policies were reviewed by the Museum Board of Directors in 2008 and continue to be the map that directs the progress of the Museum on behalf of the Regimental Senate. With the move from London to Petawawa of RHQ now almost complete a new set of challenges have been presented to the Museum’s Board of Directors and these are being worked through at the present time. We still have a bit of time for the fine tuning of one of the key issues and that is the loss of uniformed staff in support of the Museum. The Museum will continue to have the Regimental Sergeant, Sgt Chris Richard, in support until the beginning of 2010. Collections Management German Maxim Machine Gun Model 08 1884 - 1942 Based on a design dating from 1884 and adopted by the German Army in 1908 this weapon was the primary German machine gun of World War I and remained in battlefield use until 1942. The jacket around the barrel contains 1 gallon of water and cooled the barrel which had a problem with overheat during sustained firing. 93 PRO PATRIA 2008 The cataloguing of artifacts continues and with the assistance of volunteers, co-op and interning students, we are keeping up with most of the incoming donations. There is no question that from time to time, the cataloging process takes too long. However, with the limitations of staff availability and some of the other day-to-day pressures of operating a museum with a small staff, we are the first to admit that we drop the ball once in a while. There is rarely a day that goes by without someone dropping in to the museum with an object or two, or a parcel arrives in the mail or what is even more intriguing, we are left with “orphaned” gifts on the front steps of the Museum. Where possible, and it is not always the case, we will record the donor’s name and contact information and then box the collection with the information we have until we have an opportunity to process the objects that are given to the Regiment. It is not uncommon for someone to come though the front door, drop off a box of miscellaneous military bits and pieces with the comment “… I am in a hurry… Can’t stay… If you don’t want it - throw it away… I’m off.” This usually begs the question, “who was that?” and all too frequently we don’t have the foggiest. The initial assessment is what will determine the suitability of the donation to the Museum and if it fits our mandate or not. As the Curator, I have four choices as to where to place the incoming collection: Museum Artifacts – If it is directly associated with the history of The RCR and considered highly relevant to our mandate, the objects will be classified as Artifacts and will receive the “full treatment” or to use the professional jargon, accessioned into the collection with proper catalogue numbers, photos, condition reports, etc. This process is lengthy and time consuming but for important objects, it is absolutely essential to “capture” all the information and organize it in a manner whereby it can be retrieved easily. Objects catalogued in this category are considered to be “non-renewable resources” and will be protected accordingly. Educational Objects – If it is something we have lots of or its relevance is only peripheral to The RCR, but we can make use of it in a variety of non-traditional museum ways, we will take the object in and treat it as a support object for programming. That means that it can be part of a “show and tell” where students or members of the public can handle it, put it on, or otherwise “connect” with the object. For example, a lot of folks are now cleaning up or down sizing their homes and come in with tubs full of old uniforms, bits and pieces they used when 94 PRO PATRIA 2008 they were “on patrol”, etc. These objects will be taken in to the collection, noted and made available for use. Parts Inventory – From time to time someone will come in with a part belonging to some object, or we will find a “thing” in the bottom of a box that, on its own, has absolutely no relevance to the Museum, but we can use it as a part to fix something else. That object will be put into our parts inventory box for future (or immediate) use. We normally receive a huge quantity of textural materials and photographs. As with the objects, some of this has a higher degree of relevance to the Regiment than others and we use a similar classification system for those donations as we do with the object collection. Archival Collection – This is vital part of the museum’s mandate and consists of everything from war dairies, personal papers, letters, journals and personal diaries. The collection has recently undergone a major reorganization by Mr. Michel Wyczynski a renowned military archivist from Ottawa. The archives were transferred to Ottawa, where Michel worked them and developed electronic finding aids for easy access to the collection. Once the Museum’s capital expansion is complete here in London, the collection will be brought back “home”. Rare Books – The Rare Book collection consists of books that have long since gone out of print and are considered being important to researchers and museologists alike. Such books are entered into our electronic data base. The Rare Book collection is housed in a controlled access stack at the Museum. Photographs – The Museum has a large collection of photos and only some of these are catalogued and available for research. One of the “problem” collections in this category consists of some 10,000 images, many of which are in negative format only. This is a single collection and most of the photos are of military persons (pass port type photos) and a variety of events many without any information as to date, subject, names, etc. At some time in the future, when resources are available, we will process this collection. A preliminary glance at the collection would indicate that it most likely dates from the 1950s and 60s and was most likely the result of the work by the Base Photographer at CFB London. At the moment it is in a holding pattern. Scrap Books – Over the years the Museum has been the recipient of a number of Scrap Books, both those made by the Regiment as well as a number made up by various regimental members on their own. In total we have over 125 books with a total of some 14,000 pages spanning from the 1880’s to the present time. These items are catalogued as primarily archival pieces and protected in the same way we protect museum artifacts. Three years ago the museum was forced to take the scrap books out of the Library in order to prevent further damage. They are available to the serious researcher by appointment only. It is the hope that, when resources become available, we will be able to digitize all the pages and have them available via computer in the museum’s Weldon Library and have them available on the museum’s web site. Secondary Source Library – From time to time donors will give us their military library and over the past five or six years we have added substantially to our collection of books. These volumes are dealt with as normal books and are entered into our list of available books. In the case of copies, duplicates and books of peripheral interest only, we will trade or sell them in order to obtain books that are more specific to our needs. Scale Model of The RCR in Haiti The Museum is always looking for new and interesting items to add to the galleries. Scale models of equipment and events are always popular with our visitors. We are particularly pleased to have a recent donation made to the Museum crated by Capt. H. Christian Breede (2 RCR). This model depicts an encounter between elements of India Coy 2RCR and members of Kilo 95 PRO PATRIA 2008 Coy 1 Bn 8th US Marine Regiment in Port au Prince, Haiti in April of 2004 during Operation HALO/SECURE TOMORROW. Afghanistan Collection Following the very positive response by Brigadier-General Denis Thompson, the Task Force Commander in Afghanistan, the Museum has now received its first “installment” of materials from Roto 3-08. The first shipment consisted of two complete sets of Canadian Forces-Full Fighting Order (uniforms) worn by our soldiers. This is complete from boots to helmet including the ballistic and tac vests. Realistic museum mannequins have been ordered to accommodate these new items. In addition we have been advised that there is more to come. The “wish list” including Afghan costumes, examples of IEDs and weapons confiscated from the Taliban. All of this collection will be designed into a temporary, traveling exhibition funded by DND/DHH(5) that will open here at the Museum in November 2009 and will then make it way to the Battalions and eventually will be offered for circulation to community museums across Canada. PROGRAMMING 125th Anniversary Celebrations in Ottawa As part of the Regimental 125th anniversary celebrations in Ottawa, the Museum mounted a small exhibit at the Canadian War Museum (Labreton Gallery) to focus on the Regiment during the reception. We also had our two “cut out” soldiers present, one from the South Africa War and the second a member of the regiment in Afghanistan. The only sad part of the evening was that someone stole the modern soldier cut out. We asked the CWM to check their video surveillances tapes to see if it would reveal a culprit. Regrettably this review of the tapes came up with nothing. We have since replaced the “cut out”. In the meantime if anyone out there has our “cutout” we would be very pleased to have him back home – no questions asked. PRO PATRIA 2008 95 MacKenzie Dinner – London (26 Nov 08) The Regimental Memorial The RCR Association Reunion, Kingston Our special guest Major-General Lewis MacKenzie was in fine form and this event proved to be a very positive experience for the museum with 117 tickets sold. Although not intended to be a fundraising event, the museum did better than break even. ($672.25) and from all comments received from those in attendance, everyone thought it was well planned and executed. The hotel staff was very cooperative and added greatly to the success of the event. MUSEUM STAFFING On the week-end of August 1-3 the Director/ Curator attended the 125th Regimental Reunion which was held at Kingston. As with the event in Ottawa, the Museum mounted the same exhibit there (with the absence of the Modern Soldier). This event was a huge success with well over 600 persons in attendance on the Saturday evening. Office Volunteer-Steve Bailey Doors Open – London (20-21 Sep 08) The museum is one of the core sites for this annual event in London and this past year’s Doors Open was one of the best we have had to date. Almost 500 visitors took advantage of the Free Admission to the Museum on the weekend and many of these individuals were first time visitors with the majority of them from the local area. Fanshawe College Student Intern Since late October of last year the museum has had a student, John Parker, from the Corporate Communication and Public Relations program at Fanshawe College. John has worked on a number of projects, including media relations and promotion for both the dinner with Major General (Ret’d) Lewis Mackenzie and the public lecture with Dr. Windsor. Heroes’ Day – London (27 Sep 08) Co-op Students The Museum took part in this event which was held at Victoria Park in London. The event consisted of a full day of activities taking up most of the park with organizations ranging from the military to EMS from London. Although the attendance was a bit disappointing, the Museum was well represented with a small exhibit and with our Great War Society Re-enactors in attendance. The Museum continues to enjoy a close working relationship with the high schools in London and have completed one more year with great success in employing co-op students within the various areas of the Museum. Co-op students have assisted with the reorganization of our rare book collection and have helped Steve Bailey in the area of cataloguing the collection. We are grateful to Ian Stumpf of Oakridge SS, Rachel Richer of ESMB and Adelaid Pridding-Squier of Central SS for their dedication to the Museum during the fall and winter of 2008. 96 PRO PATRIA 2008 Steve is volunteering with the museum in the area of collections management and has taken on the job of transferring our accession files to our PastPerfect data base. Steve also assists the museum in providing some oversight on the work done by the co-op students in the area of collections management and cataloguing. Front Desk Volunteers and Staff Our front desk team continues to work well together and we would have a difficult time in deed to manage the all important part of the museum operations, the front desk, without their continued and never ending support Ted Crocker- Tuesdays AM Gordon Joice- Tuesdays PM Cliff Collison- Wednesday AM Don McMullen-Wednesday PM Our Commissionaire, Mr. Bill Johnston, staffs the front desk on Thursdays and Fridays from 1000 to 1600 and on Saturdays and Sundays from 1200 to 1600. RCR MUSEUM $2.3 MILLION CAPITAL CAMPAIGN The RCR Museum is in need of expansion, a need recognized by the Museum Board of Directors and approved by The RCR Regimental Senate. With the move of RCR Regimental Headquarters to Petawawa in 2008, the Commander, Area Support Unit (ASU) London, has made space available and approved the expansion of the Museum to occupy the entire West Wing of Wolseley Hall. In order to fund the Museum expansion and upgrades The Royal Canadian Regiment launched a $2.3M capital campaign under the able direction of LCol Douglas Weldon, Honorary LCol of 4RCR, and renowned Canadian Actor Mr. Gordon Pinsent, who agreed to serve as the Honorary Chair. The focus of fund sources for the “Building for the Future” campaign has been on foundation, corporation, business, and government sources, but has also reached out to individuals and potential donors across the nation for support. The campaign formally launched on Thursday, March 8, 2007 and we are entering the final year of the three-year campaign. We have received major funding from The Province of Ontario, The City of London, General Dynamics Land Systems – Canada, the Charles H. Ivey Foundation, the Good Foundation, the Takala Foundation, the McGeachy Foundation, the Lawson Foundation, TD-Canada Trust and numerous individual donors. To date, the “Building for the Future” Campaign has raised $916,748.69 and we are currently in negotiations for an additional $1.5 million. We would welcome your support. MUSEUM EXPANSION PROJECT In 2000 the Museum began moving towards a more professional level of operation with the decision to employ a professional museum Director/ Curator. Since that time the Museum has gained membership in the Community Museum Operating Grant program operated by the Ontario Ministry of Culture and has completed a successful campaign to raise just under $3M for The RCR Museum Endowment Fund, to generate the revenue that will guarantee the long term operating success of the Museum. Now there is a pressing need for additional gallery space, the development of public program fa- 97 PRO PATRIA 2008 The Chairman of The Museum Board and the Capital Campaign present miniature Regimental Colours to The Prime Minister of Canada, The Right Honourable Stephen Harper. cilities, to improve on issues surrounding accessibility and to upgrade environmental controls and exhibition lighting. Changes in the Regimental Headquarters and the cooperation of the Area Support Unit (ASU) London will permit the Museum to occupy the entire West Wing of Wolseley Hall. The work proposed will follow closely on the renovations made in the 1980s. The work done then produced one of the finest regimental museums in the country and it is the intent of The Regiment to carry on this tradition of excellence in the next phase of the Museum’s development. We are fully aware of the importance Wolseley Hall has to the citizens of Canada as a piece of our remarkable military history. The Museum Board of Directors and the staff of the Museum view Wolseley Hall as the most important artefact in the collection. However, one of the Museum’s principle obstacles to public program development and audience growth is the lack of a temporary exhibition/multi purpose space. Therefore, one of the improvements will be the creation of a new Temporary Exhibit Gallery, a 1,200 98 PRO PATRIA 2008 square foot temporary exhibition gallery/multi purpose room. This new space will permit the Museum to host temporary exhibits and to offer the space to the general public for meetings and events. Also, there are Garrison Jail Cells that are part of the original construction of Wolseley Hall and the changes in gallery configuration will provide an opportunity, for the first time in the Museum’s history to present this space to the public. Changes to the Main Entrance to the Museum would see the primary entrance of the Museum relocated to the current Archway. The new entrance would present a public face to the community by having the Museum facing Elizabeth Street. As a result of this relocation, a new Introductory Gallery would be constructed along with a new Museum Gift Shop. The Gift Shop will provide visitor-generated revenue to help the Museum to achieve more financial independence. On the Museum’s second floor new galleries will be developed to expand the story of The RCR. First, a new Gallery will perpetuate militia units in South Western Ontario that were added to the ranks of The RCR with the amalgamation of the Reserve Battalion in 1955. With the expanded timeline, the Museum will continue to pursue opportunities to increase its relevance for educational programming. Finally, a most important addition will be a Current Operations Gallery. New gallery space will be dedicated to the contributions members of The Regiment are making in areas such as Haiti and Afghanistan. This gallery is seen as a vital element in bringing the story to the citizens of Canada of how our men and women are serving the cause of peace around the world. The Museum’s “Building for the Future” Capital Campaign will prepare the Museum for the future, make it a more relevant part of its community, and ensure its place as an important educational resource. With your help and support we will succeed in building a strong future for The RCR Museum and the building will continue to have a very special place in the life of The Regimental Family. CAMPAIGN DONATION FORM I wish to make a donation of $ payable to: The RCR Museum Capital Campaign OR I wish to make a pledge of $ per month for Campaign for a total donation of $ Please bill my VISA months to the Capital Signature: Mastercard Account# Expiry Date: Please deduct a monthly amount from my bank account by Electronic Funds Transfer and my sample cheque marked VOID is enclosed Name Tel. No: Address: City: Prov. Postal Code: Please make cheques/money orders payable to: The RCR Museum Endowment Fund Campaign. Charitable Registration #89141 9442 RR0001 99 PRO PATRIA 2008 You can “LEAVE A LEGACY” Leave a Legacy is a unique collaborative program that brings together donors, charitable organizations, and allied professional partners. The simple message of Leave a Legacy is “leave something for charity in your will or estate plan”. Currently, 86% of individuals in Southwestern Ontario support charity on an annual basis, and yet only 9.5% have made arrangements to make a gift to charity in their will or estate plan. When asked “why”, respondents replied that “no one had asked them”, “no one suggested they make a gift for the future”, and “they didn’t think of it”. Leave a Legacy is a public awareness initiative intended to inspire Canadians into action through the sharing of stories about donors with foresight, by highlighting the positive impact that donors can make on the charities they care about, and by explaining the substantial tax incentives in place to encourage philanthropy among all Canadians. Individuals of all ages and socio-economic backgrounds have made decisions to give back to those charities that have positively impacted their lives or members of their family. Numerous financial vehicles are in place and many options are available, from bequests in wills, to gifts of life insurance policies, bonds, stocks or charitable gift annuities, and gifts of property. Clearly some of you have taken the Leave A Legacy message to heart! During the course of The RCR Museum Campaign we received our first planned gift from a donor who has made The RCR Museum Endowment Campaign the owner and beneficiary of a sizeable insurance policy. Also, The RCR Museum has been the grateful recipient of bequests from the Estates of Col R.M. Dillon (Ret’d), Kathleen M. Dodd, John L. Donovan, MWO N. Stephen Horan (Ret’d) and Capt F. Innes Hammond (Ret’d). The generous planned gifts received by the 100 PRO PATRIA 2008 Campaign were a great benefit to The RCR Museum. At this time, it is our hope that you will remember The RCR Museum and consider making a planned gift to preserve the Museum for the future. Leave a Legacy Southwestern Ontario is just one of over 140 initiatives taking place across North America. The Royal Canadian Regiment Museum is proud to be a member organization of the Leave a Legacy program in London. Leave a Legacy brochures are available from The RCR Museum Campaign Office. RCR FUND DEVELOPMENT AND YOU The RCR Museum Endowment Fund Campaign officially concluded on July 1, 2005. However, the financial needs of the Museum have not gone away and we will continue to need your support! In order to address that need for external support, in June 2005, The RCR Senate and REC approved the creation of a permanent fund development position. The ongoing fund development activity will provide much needed financial support for The RCR Museum and associated projects, as well as special Regimental needs and projects. In order to reach our goal and provide sufficient funds to generate the much-needed operating budget for the Museum, we will continue to solicit support for the Endowment Fund. Indeed many donors have already asked us to keep our books open to permit extension of their pledges and to accommodate new donors wishing to make pledges to our great Museum. Also, the Museum has some pressing capital project needs. Therefore, a second phase capital campaign will be planned to solicit funds to support redesign and expansion of The RCR Museum to preserve and enhance its reputation as one of the best museums in Canada. We will continue to seek external sources of financial support for The RCR Museum and The RCR Regiment. rade. Increasingly today, the immediate family suggests that “in lieu of flowers” a gift be made to a charity of choice. Members of The Royal Canadian Regiment family are increasingly using The RCR Museum Endowment Fund as a source of recognition “in lieu of flowers” in memory of the departed person. LCol A. John Lawson, Endowment Fund Campaign Chair and BGen Philip L. Spencer urge anyone who is able to do so to consider making an annual donation to The RCR Museum, our Museum, to ensure that it continues to operate “in the future for present and future generations of Canadians”. This form of remembrance is especially fitting, as the donation is not spent but added to The RCR Museum Endowment Fund. The interest from the Museum Endowment Fund provides funds for the operation of the Museum. Therefore, this is indeed a fitting way to commemorate the life of a family member, friend, or comrade who has given years of service to The Royal Canadian Regiment. IN LIEU OF FLOWERS We sincerely hope that you will continue to use this very meaningful and lasting expression of your sympathy for those whom you have lost. It has been the custom, in the past, to send flowers to the funeral home or church as a sign of respect for a deceased relative, friend or com- YES, I WANT TO SUPPORT THE RCR MUSEUM! I wish to make a donation of $ payable to: The RCR Musuem Fund Campaign OR I wish to make a pledge of $ per month for Campaign for a total donation of $ Please bill my VISA months to the Museum Signature: Mastercard Account# Expiry Date: Please deduct a monthly amount from my bank account by Electronic Funds Transfer and my sample cheque marked VOID is enclosed Name Tel. No: Address: City: Prov. Postal Code: Please make cheques payable to: The RCR Museum Fund Campaign 101 PRO PATRIA 2008 2647 RCACC Musings Submitted by: Brenda Moore I often reflect on the idea that the Canadian Cadet Movement is one of the best kept secrets in Canadian youth circles. The movement has so very much to offer, however it does require the attendance of young people aged 12-18. The cadets that do attend even for a short time; in my opinion, will be better Canadian citizens simply because of the exposure to the cadet movement and what the movement has to offer. 2647 RCACC cadets who are affiliated with the 2 RCR at CFB Gagetown have worked very hard this year to hone their shooting skills. They are fortunate to have a dedicated, dependable marksmanship coaching staff. The cadets will be competing in the regional and Provincial shoulder to shoulder match and will compete in the Dominion of Canada Rifle Association and the Army Cadet League of Canada air rifle and .22 postal matches. In the summer of 2008 the unit had three cadets who participated in marksmanship training in Connaught. This year all three once again hope to be selected for Connaught for Leadership and Marksmanship 102 PRO PATRIA 2008 training. 2647 achieved first place as a team in the recent zones shooting competition and also got first, second and third top individual scores. Practice pays off. This year six senior cadets are working toward their National Star Certification Examinations. All six were successful in Phase one and will proceed to Phase 2 in March. Unfortunately for the cadet unit but fortunately for the Reserves these cadets quite often move on to service with the Reserves. While the cadet movement does not exist to specifically encourage youth to join the Canadian Forces it is a fact that many of them become interested in the military and have very successful careers in both the Regular and Reserve units because of their involvement with the cadet movement. I am certain that their success is due in part because of their prior knowledge and experience that they obtained as cadets. This year the cadets were in a fundraiser that raised funds for a communication system to be used during various types of exercises. Map and compass training coupled with communications training skills were practiced during a recent exercise titled “Red Valentine” during 13-14 February. The cadets will also be involved in survival training and further field training before the end of the training year. Many of the skills that cadets learn are basic life skills that will remain with them forever. 2647 has the same retention challenges that most units have. There is a perception in some circles that being a cadet is somehow “geeky” (nothing could be further from the truth). For senior cadets the need to make their own spending money interferes with their ability to attend cadets. Boyfriend/girlfriend relationships can be a big issue. Many military families are not always all that excited by having their children involved in “army” things. Cadets take up a lot of time that could be spent on other more readily acceptable sports and activities. Cadets are not for sissies. It takes a lot of dedication to be a successful cadet. I think that most of the youth in Canada are up for the challenge. The movement has the ability to be both flexible and accommodating when there is a need. I know for certain that none of the cadets that are members of 2647 RCACC would ever be referred to as a sissy. I am proud to be the Commanding Officer of youth who demonstrate a continuous dedication to the cadet movement and in the course of that dedication become self sufficient and noteworthy citizens of Canada. 2647 Officers, Staff and Cadets are extremely appreciative of the accommodations provided by the Commanding Officer of the 2 RCR at CFB Gagetown. 2833 Oxford Royal Canadian Army Cadet Corps Woodstock, Ontario Submitted by Captain W.W. Green, CD 2008 was another good year for the Cadet Corps. One of the challenges in preparing a summary for Pro Patria is that our training year runs from September to June and each training year is often quite similar to the one before it. We have mandatory training to complete and participate in three or four local weekend exercises. We participate in a number of activities with our Sponsor, Branch 55 Royal Canadian Legion in Woodstock. These are centered around the Poppy campaign and Remembrance Day Ceremony, although there are some other functions. Each year we have new cadets enter the program and as they progress through the levels over the years, they receive more responsibility for leading and eventually instructing the other cadets. This is why the activities of the Corps can seem repetitive from year to year. While the activity may be similar, it certainly remains enjoyable because of the new faces, personalities and to see the cadets progress, becoming leaders. There are three activities that we participated in that may be of interest to you. First is our Marksmanship program. This is conducted with air rifles. Using air rifles has allowed the cadet move- 103 PRO PATRIA 2008 The Corps held its’ Annual Inspection May 30, 2009. The Reviewing Officer was LCol M.R. McDonald, CO 4RCR. Others in the Reviewing Party are Mayor of the City of Woodstock, Michael Harding (left); Corps CSM MWO Philip Gronowski, followed by Capt Murray Lafontaine Corps CO (right) and Sgt E.W. Pearce Cadet Detachment London.. Cadets in view, from left to right, Pte Colton McClure, Pte Brandon Millen, Cpl Alexsandra Visser, Pte Colt Owles, Cpl Matthew Monahan and Cpl Cody Watson. ment to continue offering marksmanship as a key component of the program. Most indoor .22 ranges were closed and depending on location there might not be an outdoor range that is regularly available. The air rifle range can be set up anywhere. We fire in the Legion auditorium. This means that all cadets can fire regularly throughout the year, obtaining an annual qualification and earning a badge to wear on their uniform. In addition to this we have a competitive rifle team. All Cadet Corps, Sea, Army and Air are supposed to participate in this competition series. There is a Zone Level, 9 to 15 geographically local Corps. From this level of Competition, Corps are selected to participate in the Provincial competition and perhaps onto the National level. Over the years the Corps has had some success in this, winning at the Zone and moving onto the Provincial level. While the highest our team has ever placed was third at the Provincial level we have had some individual cadets selected to attend the National level. In 2008 our rifle team consisted of 3 first year and 2 second year cadets. Naturally we were very proud of this team as they placed first in the Zone competition. We were not selected for the Provincial competition. The second activity was part of the Inter Provincial Exchange program. Cadet Corps from different parts of the country visit another Corps. This is not an annual event but perhaps every three years there might be this opportunity. In the past we have hosted and visited Corps from 104 PRO PATRIA 2008 Quebec. In March of 2008 we were fortunate to spend 6 days visiting a Sea Cadet Corps from Catalina, Newfoundland. This was a wonderful experience for the cadets and for many of them, a once in a lifetime one. Whether it was their first flight, their first trip away from home or the excellent opportunity to meet with the wonderful people of Newfoundland, it will certainly be something they will remember the rest of their lives. Lastly I wanted to mention about firing the C7. The senior cadets, Silver Star (completing their third year) and up are permitted an introductory shoot with the C7. 4RCR has organized this for all of their affiliated Corps each June. 4RCR provides the training and staff teaching the cadets what they need to know. They each fire on the SAT in London and then we go to Cedar Springs for the live firing portion. The cadets naturally really enjoy this and for some reason find it a lot “cooler” firing the C7 more than the air rifle. Obviously this is a great treat for the cadets and we certainly appreciate 4RCR for offering them this opportunity and a special thank you to Sgt Tim Irving from 4RCR for organizing this for us. I would like to close by saying the Cadets are very proud to be affiliated with The RCR and wish all the members of the Regiment and your families the best for 2009. 2967 Brussels RCACC Captain Louise Wegg Commanding Officer 2967 Brussels Army Cadet Corps parades at the Royal Canadian Legion in Brussels, Ontario, which is situated in a small hamlet populated by 1,200 residents, surrounded by farms and located one hour north of Stratford, Ontario. Like other Cadet Corps, we strive at maintaining our Nominal Role by doing special activities, outside the syllabus, in the local area. Some of the activities we do yearly are Walk-A-ThonJRoad Clean up for the town, Car Washes/BBQ, collecting can goods for local Food Banks, assisting the Legion with their events and any other organization that requires our assistance. This year, however, we wanted to reach the Troops in Afghanistan, letting them know that we are thinking about them and that we care for their efforts and perhaps form a pen pal relationship. At the beginning of December, 2008, our Corps Cadets and staff wrote Christmas cards to the troops, adding pictures in some letters, and sent some chocolates along with the letters. Our hopes were to have a response to at least know that our letters reached them. The response was great. One of our Cadets was fortunate to receive a reply which was a big deal for our small community, but mostly, our Cadets felt very special. Enclosed is the original photo that was entered in the local newspaper with the story. If any other information is required, please do not hesitate to contact the undersigned. Thank you for this opportunity. If mailing a response, please mail to me at R.R. #3, Teeswater, ON NOG 2S0. RANKIN INLET – A Letter from The North RCACC 3019 Hello from Rankin Inlet. We are all doing just fine but we really are in a deep freeze or I should say, have been. It was -51 this weekend and tough going for folks who have to walk or ski doo to get around. I’ m happy to report that I own a truck. Our Cadet Corps is doing pretty well and we are making progress changing from the way we did business in the past. We now have a program where we introduce an “Elder in Corps”. We invite a variety of Elders from the community to come out and act as an advisor and to assist with the nightly inspection of the Cadets. This gives them an opportunity to say hi to the Cadets and ask 105 PRO PATRIA 2008 Cadet Tiana Gordon performer at the Aboriginal peoples Television Network Music Awards in Winnipeg, Manitoba who they are or to ask which family they belong to. Sometimes it is kind of cute because during the visit the Elder may say something like “Well, I’m your mom’s Great Aunt so that makes me your Grandma or Grandpa …… or something like that”. All in all it has been a pretty warming experience for both the Cadets and the Elder. We provide a traditional jacket with a beret so that they are readily identifiable as being part of our Corps. It gives the Elder a chance to interact. We will be undergoing some of our bushcraft segment of the program and will be looking to the Elders for their knowledge on the Inuktitut names of certain fishing or hunting grounds. It is great to hear the Elders speak in their own mother tongue to the Cadets and for the Cadets who don’t understand have the other Cadet’s interpret. It makes them interact with each other. A win-win situation. In November we sent three Cadets to Winnipeg to perform at the Aboriginal Music Awards and two of the females Cpl Tracey Kanayok and Cadet Tiana Gordon performed our traditional throat singing. Our Male Cadet Cpl Adam Ussak drum danced. They performed live on the stage and were very well received. Cpl Kanayok was especially honoured as she was recognized by many people involved with the Music Awards and when the Aboriginal veterans recognized her... she was tickled pink!! It was a very exciting and humbling experience for all. This was second time being invited to perform in Winnipeg. our December would see us participate at the Regional Biathlon competition in Whitehorse, Yukon. MCpl Carmen Napayok (male) was selected to go to the National Biathlon competition in Quebec City. In January we were notified that a junior cadet that was to attend the National could no longer attend and Cpl Adam Ussak is now going to attend the National Biathlon competition with MCpl Napayok. You can well imagine that we have not had any cooperation with weather and snow here for the Cadets to train. These two Cadets have been busy dry training at the school for the last two months. Competition will be held in Quebec City from March 1-7, 2009. In January seven of our Cadets attended our Eastern Arctic Cadet Skills Competition where they must shoot (air rifle) and compete for the best grouping. They must also pull a tent with a sled, erect and take down a five man bell tent, light a Coleman stove and boil 106 PRO PATRIA 2008 Above: Regimental Logo on Team Marksmanship Jackets Right: The 3019 Rankin Inlet Shooting Team proudly display their eye catching marksmanship jackets. a cup of water. They must also compete in volleyball and drill. Our Cadets did the best at Marksmanship however we came in fourth. We had a great time and wonderful friendships were formed. The camaraderie apparently was great to see and great sportsmanship by all at the competition. Our last and upcoming competition will be Marksmanship which is usually held in April long weekend in Whitehorse, Yukon. We will be wearing our eye catching Marksmanship jackets with the VRI logo. Thanks again for the gifts of the VRI caps and sweaters. They were a real hit with the Cadets and staff. We are looking to create a medallion for our Corps so that we may give them as gifts to give to visiting dignitaries and would like to use the RCR logo or the cypher on the medallion. Once we have come to a consensus with the design I will forward it to the Regiment for approval. We have a great Warrant Officer, Joe Davidson who is our ACA and the kids just love spending time with him whenever he comes to town. He is the one who sparked the Cadets interest and involvement. They constantly want to know more about RCR -VRI and what it means, etc. I had a cadet approach me before Christmas who asked if there were any RCR who were serving in Afghanistan. She asked if we should know who they were and if we should show the pictures of those who died while on duty. I was surprised but also very touched by her interest. The military side of things are very foreign to our Cadets but when the older ones start to ask questions it sparks more interest in the younger ones. Our Cadet Corps was formed Feb 16/87 but has gone through a lot of growth. We keep getting better at realizing that this is a National youth organization Proud Shooters. and help build the youth as leaders of tomorrow. I think I’m starting to ramble on so I will sign off for now however I will keep in touch. Best Regards, Dorothy Tootoo 107 PRO PATRIA 2008 The RCR Education Fund for Children of Fallen Soldiers Following a request by the family of Cpl Brent Poland, The Royal Canadian Regiment has established a fund to provide support for the post-secondary education of the children of soldiers of the Regiment who have died in the service of Canada. Donations to this Education Fund may be forwarded to Regimental Headquarters of The RCR. Cheques should be made out to “The RCR Fund - Education Fund” in order to ensure they are donated to the appropriate sub-account. Cheques may be sent to: Regimental Headquarters The Royal Canadian Regiment Victoria Barracks PO Box 9999, Stn Main Petawawa, Ontario K8H 2X3 Donations may be made online by credit card or PayPal through the Regimental Store at www.theroyalcanadianregiment.ca/kitshop TERMS OF REFERENCE – CHILDREN OF FALLEN SOLDIERS BURSARY PROGRAM General In response to a request by the family of Cpl Brent Poland following his death in Afghanistan in April 2007, The Royal Canadian Regiment has established the ‘Children of Fallen Soldiers Bursary Program’ to provide support for the post-secondary education of the children of soldiers of the Regiment who have died in the service of Canada. Purpose and Objective The objective of this program is to assist financially those eligible students studying at a degree or diploma granting post secondary institution, full or part time. Value The maximum value one can receive from this bursary is $1000 per academic year. If the number of applicants exceeds the monies available to provide the $1000 bursary for each request, the bursary amount will be split accordingly on a priority basis to provide for more applicants, but will not go below $500 per applicant. The bursary can be used at the discretion of the recipient, and is intended for, but not limited to, tuition, books, equipment, transportation, etc. The bursary is paid by cheque from RHQ, direct to the applicant. The bursary is taxable. 108 PRO PATRIA 2008 Eligibility The following guidelines will be used to determine eligibility and priority of award for education support: a. Applicants must be the child or stepchild of a soldier who has died on ‘on duty’ (operations or training) while a member of, or serving in a unit of, The Royal Canadian Regiment. In keeping with the national criteria for service deaths, members must have been included in the Books of Remembrance; b. Support will be given to those children attending post-secondary institutions for their first degree or diploma; and, c. Priority will be given to those children attending their first year of studies; those attending later years will only be considered if all first year applicants have received education support. d. An applicant cannot receive a bursary more than 4 times. Those eligible for this bursary are not excluded from also applying for the Association bursaries. Application Process Applicants must fill out the enclosed form and submit it to RHQ. Submission can be direct to RHQ via the applicant, or thru any regimental means that will forward it to RHQ on the applicant’s behalf (i.e., units, serving and retired regimental personnel, regimental mentors, etc). All applications are to include proof of academic enrolment for fall session of the calendar year. Form See attached Timelines The deadline for applying is 31 July of each calendar year. Approval Process Disbursement of funds for the ‘Children of Fallen Soldiers Bursary Program’ is procedural and dependant on funds available to disburse. Approval is not based on academic merit, standing, or personal financial circumstance. Applicants must only prove eligibility through the application process in order to be considered, no other supporting documentation is required. Late applications will not receive bursaries, or be considered for bursaries in the current year unless funds remain from the current year’s disbursable earnings. Disbursement Committee The Regimental Council will award the Bursaries through RHQ. Due to timelines involved, the Regimental Council will most likely award these bursaries secretarially. RHQ will compile applicant information for the Regimental Council and will forward it for Council NLT15 Aug of each calendar year. The Regimental Major, Regimental Adjutant, and Regimental Warrant will sit as bursary council members in order to compile information and do selection based on the eligibility guidelines. 109 PRO PATRIA 2008 Fund Management Donations received for the bursary program will be maintained in a sub-account of The RCR Trust. Disbursements of earned interest will be made available for education support to the children of fallen soldiers. It is intended that individual assistance cheques will be a maximum of $1000, but no less than $500, with assistance provided to as many eligible applicants as possible in each year without affecting the Fund principal investment. A share of earnings will be reinvested each year to maintain the value of the principal amount against inflation. This portion will be determined by the same guidelines used to manage The RCR Trust Fund. Earnings, which have not been disbursed, will also be reinvested with the principal amount. Coordination of disbursements will be exercised by a Fund Management Committee consisting of: a. The Chairman of The RCR Trust, b. The Regimental Major, and c. The Regimental Adjutant. Throughout its annual review, if the fund committee determines that there is an excess of funds for current and future requirements, or in the event of there being no eligible applicants in a given year, the Fund Management Committee can request to REC to transfer a portion of funds to other regimental bursary programs. Additional Clarification The following are some additional points to clarify the bursary program: a. The most important part of the application is the supporting material that proves eligibility. b. Financial need is not a consideration, and eligibility is based solely up meeting the listed eligibility requirements. c. This bursary support post-secondary education only and is not intended for high school or graduate studies. Mr and Mrs Poland receive a cheque from 38 District, Retired Teachers of Ontario. 110 PRO PATRIA 2008 A Visit to Gradara Cemetery 2008 Major J.R. Forgrave The 18th of September, 1944 saw the conclusion The Officers, Paarde of the battle for Rimini. burg Day 1941, Reigat e, England. Lt F.T. Forgrave is in The Regiment had been the back row, second from the right. in heavy combat for a month since the assault on the Gothic Line began on 25 August. The battle for Rimini had been a hard-fought afI hail from a family with a strong military fair. C Coy, commanded by Captain Frederick tradition. My grandfather, Daniel Johnson Thomas Forgrave, had pushed forward repeatForgrave, was an Ulsterman who immigrated edly over the smooth terrain surrounding the to Canada, fought in the First World War, airfield, finding what cover they could from and was the Veterinary Sergeant of the Royal the shelling, digging incessantly. By the battle’s Canadian Dragoons 1919-1940. Stationed in end, the Gothic line had been breached, but St John’s, Quebec, between the wars, he had casualties had been heavy, and the Regt had three sons, all of whom fought in the Second lost 7 officers and 72 other ranks killed, and World War. The eldest, F.T. Forgrave, joined 15 officers and 206 other ranks wounded since D Coy, the RCR, in St. John’s, around 1930. August. The middle boy, P.A. Forgrave, joined the RCD shortly thereafter, won the DCM during the The 19th of September began peacefully, the war and rose to be the RCD RSM from 1957enemy having withdrawn and the morning pa1962. The youngest, R.A. Forgrave, was my fatrols finding no one in their way. Back at Tac ther. Some ten years the junior of the other two HQ, reports the War Diary: boys he grew up watching the “Army boys” slog “Lt-Col Ritchie, Lt Potts, MC, and Capt Forthrough the mud on exercises, and vowed he grave were outside shaving when Capt Courwouldn’t do that. My father joined the RCAF tin [OC B Coy] arrived. Suddenly there was a and won the DFC as a navigator in Halifax sharp explosion, later attributed to a loose grebombers with 424 Sqn, at Skipton-on-Swale, nade being moved and exploding … Capt ForYorkshire. grave received a severe head wound. Lt Potts I enrolled in the College Militaire Royal de Stwas wounded in the chest and Capt Courtin Jean in 1981. My father came for my recruit received two small fragments in his face. Once phase graduation and for him it was the return again Lt J.T.B. Quayle was wounded [his to his roots, having been raised in PMQ #5. As fourth wound!], … All but Capt Courtin were an officer cadet I was destined for the Infanevacuated at once. Five other ranks suffered … try but a medical remuster put paid to that. In wounds from this explosion and were evacu1987 I found myself as a newly trained Logisated. Losing these key officers at this time was tics officer posted to Germany. During the 2_ a bitter blow to the bn.” 111 PRO PATRIA 2008 years I was there I made it to Rimini and Ortona but not to the Gradara Cemetery. Dad never made it there either, refusing to visit the continent. When I asked him why not, he simply replied “I can’t go there, I bombed those people.” In 2007 I was selected as the first Logistics Officer to command Lima Coy under the auspices of the Battle Group 2021. For me, it has been like a family homecoming. F.T. Forgrave, Eric to his family, Rick to his friends, was a career soldier. A natural athlete, he played hockey and basketball in winter, starring on both the Regimental and St John’s teams; he ran track in the summer, winning all the middle and long-distance races (his younger brother Pat winning the sprints). He was an outstanding swimmer and qualified lifeguard. Shortly before the war he was appointed PSM (Platoon Sergeant Major). In 1941 he completed officer training, and in 1942 Eric was the first officer of the Regiment to complete the Commando Course. In March 1944 he joined the Regiment in Italy, and fought in numerous battles up the length of the boot, including the Liri Valley, Cassino, the Gothic Line, and finally the battle for Rimini. In May, 2008 I participated in a battlefield study tour of Italy, hosted by Dr. Lee Windsor, a great friend of the Regiment and professor of military history at the Gregg Centre at the University of New Brunswick. Course participants had to make two presentations, the first being on a battle or an action involving Canadian troops. The second was a soldier presentation, providing a face and family context to one of the untold thousands of soldiers killed and buried in Italy. For me, it was obvious that I would discuss the battle of Rimini, and my soldier would be my uncle. And so it was, that on 25 May 2008, I arrived at the Gradara War Cemetery, to visit my uncle. The cemetery is built on the west face of a very steep hill, with terraces carved into the hillside, with one row of headstones per terrace. The cemetery faces Gradara Castle, which was an R&R centre during the war, affording a spectacular view over the valley. The poppies were in bloom throughout the country, a poignant and fitting reminder to us all. Once a peaceful place, a new Autostrada cuts through the valley, the noise of the trucks and cars reverberating between the hills. But as I visited my uncle, buried in plot 2, row G, grave 59, flanked by Sgt Meadows, MM, who was killed in the Lamone Crossing, and Pte Stack, killed during the battle for Rimini, the noise of the Autostrada faded away. I envisaged Eric’s red hair, his freckles, his pale Irish skin sunburned by the hot Italian sun, and imagined the Irish-Canadian lilt in his voice, the fiery temper of the entire family. I saw a superbly fit soldier who commanded his troops through many major battles, but who was killed by a tragic incident after the battle was concluded. I saw a tragic death to a brave man. On that sunny day I said hello, and thanks, on behalf of my family. I recommend you visit Gradara, and when you do, I’d ask that you say hello as well. Pro Patria Gardena Cemetary 2008 112 PRO PATRIA 2008 The RCR and Prince Arthur, Duke of Connaught Lt K.A. Johnson T he Royal Canadian Regiment’s connection with British royalty is at the root of our identity. A deep source of tradition, the royal blood that runs though our Regiment’s heart gives our soldiers with yet one more reason to puff out our chests and hold our heads high. No one has had a deeper impact in solidifying the “Royal” in the Royal Canadian Regiment than Prince Arthur, Duke of Connaught and Strathearn, who from from 1929 until his death in 1942 served as our Colonel-in-chief. The aim of this article is to give the reader a historical overview on the life of Prince Arthur, trace his influence on the RCR and his contributions in developing Canada’s fledging identity. Prince Arthur, the third son and seventh child of the reigning British monarch, Queen Victoria, was born at Buckingham Palace on 1 May 1850. His father was Prince Albert of Saxe-Coburg and Gotha. At birth he became His Royal Highness The Prince Arthur until 1874 when he was created Duke of Connaught and Strathearn and Earl of Sussex. At an early age Prince Arthur became fascinated with the army. As a child he could be found practicing his swordsmanship with wooden toy swords or marching up and down the great halls of the Palace mimicking the soldiers he looked up to. At sixteen, he formally started his military career by entering the Royal Military Academy, Woolwich receiving a commission as a Lieutenant in the Corps of Royal Engineers two years later. He later transferred to the Royal Regiment of Artillery and then to the Royal Rifle Brigade. Prince Arthur was married on 13 March 1879 to Princess Louise Margaret of Prussia, grandniece of the German Emperor Wilhelm I at St. George’s Chapel, Windsor. They had three children: Princess Margaret, Prince Arthur, and Princess Patricia. Princess Patricia’s Canadian Light Infantry is named in her honour. Fittingly both 113 PRO PATRIA 2008 The Duke of Connaught, 1915 Canadian Infantry Regiments can trace their lineage back to the same source. Prince Arthur was appointed the Governor General and Commander-in-Chief of Canada in 1911 (serving until 1916). Arthur was the first member of the British Royal Family to serve in the post though his sister Princess Louise had been the wife of a previous Governor General, Lord Lorne. Soon after his appointment, Arthur travelled to Canada with his wife, the Duchess, and his youngest daughter, Princess Patricia. Before they arrived on the scene many newspapers of the time included coarse satire ridiculing the position, a result of the growing pains the nation endured during its steady transformation from British colony to independent nation. In addition, the stylings of Canadian politicians found that posturing themselves against the establishment got them votes with the new working class. On the arrival of Prince Arthur to take his post as Governor General, worries about Rideau Hall quickly evaporated. The royal couple were more relaxed than their predecessors and well liked. They also took to traveling extensively throughout Canada and became popular with all Canadians. Prince Arthur put his military experience to work and turned the Governor General’s role from one of cultural patron and ceremony to one of gritty military inspector. Starting in 1914, Governor General Prince Arthur regularly donned his uniform and put his efforts into inspecting army camps, and seeing troops off to War. During this time Prince Arthur would go to Camp Petawawa, as it was called then, to personally oversee the training of new officers. He was also there to inspect the troops in Halifax when the Regiment sailed, first for Garrison Duty in Bermuda and then to the battlefields of Europe. Furthermore, he was active in auxiliary war services and charities and conducted hospital visits. The Duchess of Connaught worked for the Red Cross and other organizations to support the war cause. For Christmas in 1915, Princess Patricia sent a card and a box of maple sugar to every Canadian soldier serving overseas and used her own sewing machine to make thousands of socks for Canadian troops. His actions invariably led to conflict with the Prime Minister at the time, Robert Borden who stated in his memoirs that the Duke “laboured under the handicap of his position as a member of the Royal Family and never realized his limitations as Governor General 1.” Arthur regularly put the needs of Canadian troops over the needs of Canadian politicians. He rightly emphasized the need for military training and readiness for Canadian soldiers departing for war, sometimes to the embarrassment of the Prime Minister who was seen as at times stubborn in his willingness to provide the troops with the proper equipment need to defeat the Germans. The Duchess, who had been ill during their years at Rideau Hall, died in March 1917. Within a few months of her death Prince Ar- 114 PRO PATRIA 2008 Princess Patricia thur rejoined the Royal Canadian Regiment on the battlefield at Ypres where, despite ongoing shelling, addressed our soldiers in a chilly morning rain giving them a first hand example of how to carry on for your nation despite personal hardship. The Duke of Connaught’s military service continued well into World War II where he was seen as a grandfather figure by aspiring recruits Princess Patricia within the RCR. In 1926 the Old Comrades Association (which in 1970 amalgamated with the RCR Officers Association to form the Royal Canadian Regimental Association) was formed to foster camaraderie amongst the retired members of the Regiment. Prince Arthur became our first Honorary President. The Duke died in 1942, at the age of 91. At the time of his death he was the last living son of Queen Victoria. He also had outlived two of his three children. His successor as Colonelin-chief of the RCR was His Royal Highness Prince Philip- the only two people who have ever held the position. 1B orden, Robert Laird, Sir. Robert Borden: his memoirs. Toronto: Macmillan, 1938. vol 1: 601-2. Badges of The RCR; Rare and Unusual Regimental Badges By: Capt Michael O’Leary, 4RCR With the same variety found in every human endeavour, collectors of badges and other militaria bring a wide array of interests, intents and motivations to their hobby. Some build collections “a mile wide and an inch deep” while others dedicate themselves to finding every possible item in a very narrow scope. Regimental collectors, those who collect to a single regiment across the span of its history, would fall into that latter category. And among that group I would count myself. Many military badge collectors focus on a single period in history as a theme for their acquisitions. Whether it be the badges of the Canadian Expeditionary Force in the Great War, or the Canadian Active Service Force of the Second World War, or a period of the Canadian Militia, they seek examples of the badges for each of the units that existed during their chosen time frame. Others might collect in a more narrow scope, perhaps building representative badge groups for a specific brigade or division. But each of these groups often stop looking for the badges of a unit once they have examples for their collection. Although exceptions will always be found, they do not overly concern themselves with variations of each badge. But the regimental collector is a different sort of creature. The regimental collector attempts to track down an example of each and every badge worn by his or her chosen regiment. Following changes in design, materials, construction sometimes differences so minor in scope that they are easily missed by the casual observer. Each addition to such a collection adds one more link in a chain of history from the regiment’s creation to the current day. 115 PRO PATRIA 2008 A very rare bullion officers cap badge for the Infantry School Corps (1883-1892). (Private collection.) Photo by Capt M. O’Leary In continuing my theme of writing about the badges of The Royal Canadian Regiment, this article will explore and examine some of the rare and unusual badges of The RCR that have come to my attention, and to my collection. The Infantry School Corps Bullion Wire Badges Every collector has to deal with “holy grails.” Those badges so rare that a collector can wait years or decades for one to appear. So rare that one can feel like a vulture waiting for the more senior custodians of his desires to pass on so their rare badges become available to the next generation. Sometimes such grails are only known through photos, or sketches in obscure references, or in whispered exchanges over tables at trade shows. But the collector seeks them all the same, envisioning the “gaps” in his collection as holes that need to be filled with the missing badges. Occasionally, something even more special than finding a known and avidly sought after grail occurs. And that is when a badge comes along that is so rare, so unknown to collectors, that it has not even been considered available. Such a badge for The RCR has recently resur- faced. In late 2008, an online auction featured such a badge, so rare that its veracity could not be doubted for who would copy a literally unknown artifact. That badge, after successful bidding, came into my collection. ly welcomed, they fill a gap I didn’t know I had. Maybe the grails I still seek will arrive soon to join them. The RCR existed for a few brief years as the “Infantry School Corps” from 1883 until 1992, when the regimental name was changed to the “Canadian Regiment of Infantry.” Badges were named to the “Infantry School Corps” with the Canadian designation shown by a beaver as the central figure. Metal badges are known for cap, helmet and collars, but they are not common among collectors or museums. Modern metal cap badges are produced with a “slider” which is used to attach the badge to a beret or other headdress. Those regimental badges produced for wear on the Wolseley helmet have a single screw post fastener, which is an unusual modern contrivance, historic “pugaree badges” had a broach pin fastener so that the pugaree and helmet would not need to be holed to mount them.. The most common fastener on earlier badges on earlier badges were metal “lugs” which pierced cap or uniform material and were then used to hold the badge in place by use of a brass cotter pin inserted through the loops of the lugs. The officers of the Regiment during the I.S.C. period also had a bullion wire badge, with a brass and silver centre piece. To give an idea of how rare these might be today, in the nine years of the Infantry School Corps, the regimental history lists only 36 officers who joined the Regiment. The few badges that might have been made for them, coupled with the recognized fragility of the wire badges, assures that the survival of any of these badges is a remarkable event. The Tanged Badges And yet one has survived. More amazing still, it is accompanied by a matching set of collar badges, also of bullion wire and brass. These badges certainly qualify for the description “Rare”, and are possibly the only surviving examples. It has been confirmed that these badges were for years in a museum collection in California. That collection was broken up after the owner died and his heirs sought to liquidate his estate. From there the badges traveled as part of a larger auction lot to Australia, to a dealer who had acquired them with the intent of reselling the items in smaller lots. Thanks to the wonders of the internet which have opened up worldwide markets to collectors, these unique badges have now traveled back to Canada, and back to London, Ontario, where perhaps they once began their regimental life. The bullion Infantry School Corps badges have joined my growing collection of regimental badges. An unexpected acquisition, but warm- 116 PRO PATRIA 2008 Silver and gilt three-piece officers Guelphic crown cap badge. (Private collection.) Photo by Capt M. O’Leary But some early regimental badges used another type of fastener. Commonly referred to as “tangs”, these were pointed metal tabs which were designed to pierce the cap material and then simply be bent over on the inside to hold the badge in place. Badges with tangs are relatively uncommon, and it is likely that the action of bending the tangs back and forth could lead to eventual breakage and the badge’s disposal, thus ensuring a low survival rate. Among RCR badges, some tanged examples of the 1894 Guelphic crown pattern badges can be found. The rarity of these badges and the single badge pattern they appear on make it likely that this type of fastener was only used on certain badges before, or perhaps as late as during, the First World War. Bronze and Brown Badges For a brief period in the early 1900s, officers of the Canadian Army were authorized the wear of brown badges on the caps worn with Officers’ Service Dress. Although described in the 1907 Militia Dress Regulations as “bronze” badges, brown badge variations can be found Sand cast, one-piece Guelhic crown cap badge. (Private collection.) Photo by Capt M. O’Leary that were obviously not cast from that metal. Cast bronze badges can be found that are very high quality in detail and finish. But these were obviously not readily available to every officer who needed to appear properly dressed. An alternative type of badge, also giving the desired “brown” effect also exists. These expedient badges were a common version of the two-piece regimental badge which was coloured brown to give the required look for Service Dress. Gilt badges In many regiments there have historically been distinctions made between officers’ badges and those worn by NCOs and soldiers. The two most common methods to distinguish officers’ badges have been the use of gilt and the use of silver overlays of parts of the badge design. RCR badges have seen the use of both of these methods, both separately and used together. The earliest use of gilt badges can be found in those made for the Infantry School Corps (1882-1892). These include the 1883 helmet plate which was identical to the soldier’s helmet plate except for a gilded finish over the brass, and the gilt version of the glengarry cap badge. While the regimental museum displays two more ornate helmet plate versions which are identified for wear by officers, no documents confirming approval of these patterns has yet been brought forward for their use during the Infantry School Corps period. During the period of the Infantry School Corps, it was quite clear that the officers wore gilt badges and the NCOs and soldier wore brass. But in later versions of regimental badges, officers badges might be gilded or not, and usually but not always included a silver overlay of the “VRI” cypher. We’ve already noted above the brown Officers’ Service Dress badges, these were notable for officers’ badges in that they were neither gilded, nor did they have silver overlays. Another version of the 1894 pattern badge exists that was gilded, but notably did not include the silver “VRI” for officers. Made of a single stamped piece of brass, these badges are notable for their 117 PRO PATRIA 2008 Left: Tanged cast bronze Officer Service Dress cap badge, early 1900s. (Private collection.) Photo by Capt M. O’Leary Middle: Guelphic crown cap badge with enameled “VRI” in red, white and blue.(eBay auction photo) Right: Silver and gilt three-piece officers St. Edward’s crown cap badge. (Private collection.) Photo by Capt M. O’Leary one piece construction. Of this pattern, the gilt finished versions are probably the most rare. Three-piece version of the Guelphic and St Edward’s crown badges can be found, both patterns having a gilt front-piece surmounted by the “VRI” cypher in silver. While officers’ badges with the the silver VRI are more common in both patterns, the gilt versions are quite rare in both cases. The Enameled VRI Badges Every once in a while, a version of the regimental cap badge appears that has stymied collectors. With no regimental records having been found to explain their existence, we can only conjecture why there are a handful of badges in existence with the “VRI” cypher enameled in red, white and blue. A possible explanation is that these badges were prepared for Victoria’s Diamond Jubilee in 1897, Her Majesty’s funeral in 1901 or Edward VII’s Coronation in 1902. The regimental history does not mention regimental contingents attending the first two of these events, but there was regimental representation in the Canadian contingent at Edward VII’s coronation. One other alternative explanation is that they may have been prepared for a Royal visit to Canada during the same era. One thing is certain; this experiment in coloured enamel on the regimental cap badge was short-lived. Each of these badges is of the 1894 Guelphic crown pattern, but not every enameled badge is of the same badge production run. It is apparent that this enameling, while professionally 118 PRO PATRIA 2008 done, was not a set of badges ordered together, but must have been a separate contract to have available badges enameled for a specific purpose or event. These badges also have a variety of fasteners, with both lugs and puggaree brooch pins being noted. A Cast Badge This particular badge is likely the result of a member of the regiment needing a replacement at a time when access to the normal supply of regimental badges is not available. Perhaps having local access to a variety of craftsmen, it was necessary to have a replacement made and the readily available technology to do so was sand casting. This cast badge is a single piece construction, with heavy lugs fixed to is flat back. The surface shows a distinct roughness and small voids under magnification that give evidence to its mode of manufacture. The maker used a file to smooth the back and to do his best to replicate the many small points of the start pattern around the badges’ edge. This latter step was not done as well as might be hoped for but the overall look of the badge is acceptable. Close examination does show that the original used for the casting process as a model for this badge was definitely an officers’ pattern badge with silver overlay VRI. The height of the letters matches those officers badges and are too high to for it to have been a soldiers’ badge used as the model. It is possible that this sand-cast badge is either a locally produced Officers’ Service Dress badge, or possibly a low contrast badge produced for wear in the field during the First World War. Unfortunately, without a dependable provenance, we can only speculate. Undersized and Unauthorized This article about regimental badges is an excellent opportunity to document one other badge of much more recent manufacture than those described above. Considering that some of the opinions offered above are due to the absence of recorded details about individual badges, this note will provide such details for this example. In 2006, the Kit Shop of the 1st Battalion decided to deal directly with a badge manufacturer rather than continue obtaining its supply of badges direct from the Regimental Store. As the Regimental Adjutant, I had occasion to visit the 1RCR Kit Shop shortly after they had received samples. One of the sample badges was placed in my hand and I immediately identified a problem with the badge – it was undersized. In response to doubtful utterances at the proclamation of the badge’s shortcoming, a ruler was sought and produced. As predicted, the badge measured only 1 7/8 inches from point to point, instead of the required two inches. The basic pattern and size of our regimental cap badge were laid down in Militia General Order No. 35, dated May 1894. The description given for the “Forage Cap Badge” at the time was as follows: Forage Cap Badge: A silver eight-pointed star, with a raised gilt circle same as for centre of the helmet plate, but in proportion, the Royal and Imperial cypher (V.R.I.) in frosted gilt, surmounted by the Imperial Crown, dimensions of the star, 2 inches. The referenced centre portion described as for the helmet plate is as follows: Helmet Plate: In gilt metal, a star. On the star a laurel wreath. Within the wreath, the Royal and Imperial cypher (V.R.I.) in relief on pebbled ground and raised border surmounted by the Imperial Crown. hundreds of regimental badges spanning the years from 1894 to the present day, that 2-inch measurement has been consistent to a degree that many outsiders would attribute directly to a Royal Canadian attention to detail (though perhaps not with such a polite phrasing). The role of the Regimental Headquarters in authorizing the production of regimental accoutrements was reinforced, and the manufacturer was required to produce new samples before they could be approved by RHQ for wear. It is hoped that the only undersized badges produced were those few samples. In case others exist, they can now be clearly identified as both undersized and as an unauthorized version of the regimental badge. Conclusion The many variations of the regimental cap badge make collecting them an adventure in itself. We each become very familiar with the badges we have been issued, and every day we see them worn by the serving members of the regiment around us. Common regimental lore tells us The RCR has worn the “VRI” throughout its history, and we can easily become comfortable thinking that our badges have changed very little in over a century. But changes have occurred, leaving The RCR with a rich array of badges. Investigations into the evolution of our regimental badges opens paths into the history of our Regiment and leads to many other facets of a rich historical tapestry woven by generations of Royal Canadians before us. Two-piece, brown coloured Officers’ Service Dress cap badge, early 1900s. (Private collection) Photo by Capt M. O’Leary At no time has the size of the cap badge, two inches, ever been changed. Having handled 119 PRO PATRIA 2008 PRO PATRIA 2008 119 THE ROYAL CANADIAN REGIMENT – Celebrating 125 Years of Service to Canada Not Passing A Fault, is how The Senior Regiment in the Canadian Infantry Order Of Battle discharges its duty and continues to do honour to its past, present, and future. Royal Canadians continue to do the right thing, because it remains the right thing to do! PACHINO DAY IN KANDAHAR – 10 JULY 2008 Major W.B. Pond As is the tradition of Royal Canadians everywhere, a critical mass of Regimental Brothers presently deployed to KANDAHAR AIRFIELD (KAF) gathered during the afternoon of 10 July, 2008 to commemorate the 65th Anniversary of the “Landing at Sicily” (aka Pachino Day). The afternoon started with a short presentation on the momentous events of 10 July 1943, followed by a toast to fallen comrades offered by MWO Vic Hickey and a toast to the Regiment by Lieutenant Colonel Shawn Luckhurst. The Senior Royal Canadian in South West Asia – Brigadier Denis Thompson (and the Royal Canadians who form the lions share of his TAC), were, unfortunately “outside the wire” on a tactical venture and could not make it back in time for the ceremony. However, in the finest traditions of the Regiment, 99er did authorize the consumption of two cans of real Canadian Beer (in another fine RCR tradition the choice was between Labatt’s Blue and Molson Canadian). The beer, as it so often does, served to compliment the traditional (and always excellent) meal of spaghetti and red wine. This was capped off by a slice of cake, donated and superbly decorated by the KO and his gang. All in all a very pleasant and memorable day – many of the Royal Canadians serving with Task Force Kandahar will still be deployed in the Afghan Theatre of Operations on the next Winter Solstice when Royal Canadians around the globe will commemorate the 125th Birthday of Canada’s Senior Regiment of Infantry. 121 PRO PATRIA 2008 Royal Canadians on Patrol – The OMLT MWO W. Rideout It was early morning 17 September, 20 08 in FOB Wilson when I met the Operational Liaison Mentor Team (OMLT) at 0530 hrs for an early breakfast in the field kitchen. Shortly thereafter we were donning the Personal Protection Equipment (PPE) and Field Fighting Order (FFO) followed by a weapons and communications Left to Right: Cpl Pete Mitchell, Cpl Rick Alam, Cpl Kevin Foster, WO Mike Saunders, Capt Rich Tarrant, MWO Wallace Rideout. check. Following a thorough inspection we were off to meet our Afghanistan National Army (ANA) platoon for what have become daily operations. At 0630 hours we were in the ANA compound and Capt Tarrant began to brief on the plan for the upcoming patrol. He kept his plan very simple since it would be necessary to translated it for our ANA platoon. It is essential to ensure that the plan is completely understood by all participants and the commander must be cautious that the intent of his orders is not lost or confusing during the translation. This can sometimes be difficult to manage as many of the ANA are from different regions of the country and speak different dialects or cultural forms of the Afghanistan language. An example would be Pashto or Dari. The simple use of a map and a drawing on a table achieved the aim. The mission of the patrol that day was very basic. We would conduct a presence patrol while observing the surrounding area for any activity that would reveal locals reporting on our movements. Unusual roof top presence or locals on cell phones can be indicators of enemy reporting activities. The patrol departed the compound to complete its mission with thirty ANA soldiers and six Canadian soldiers. As the mid-morning sun began to strengthen the temperature climbed over 35 degrees Celsius. Three kilometres into the patrol the ANA commander stopped to speak to the locals at a small market. He quickly gathered and spoke to all the adult males. He encouraged them to assist the Afghanistan Army in providing security for the people. He asked them to report all suspicious activity in the area, report the location of any Taliban and to provide any information about known IED locations. It is important that the ANA been seen by the public and that the public understands their intentions. The speech was part of the programmed information designed to help win the ‘hearts and minds’ of the local population. The locals typically responded with a request for a new Mosque and wells for their villages. Shortly we returned to our patrol route heading for the ANA Compound and FOB Wilson. After three hours in the relentless Afghan sun we arrived back in the ANA Compound where Capt Tarrant and WO Saunders conduct the after action review and ended the patrol for another day. The OLMT teams are tasked to conduct these types of patrols as frequently as six days a week. The Patrols are difficult with the excessive heat, terrain and the amount of equipment, ammunition and water carried by the soldiers, often in excess of 30kg. These fine Royals Canadians continue to perform at the highest level. 122 PRO PATRIA 2008 The Lieutenant-General J.E. Vance Award for Leadership in the Rank of Second Lieutenant and Lieutenant Lt A. Hentz receives the Vance Award for Leadership in the rank of Lt-|Capt from the CO 3 RCR, LCol K. Cameron. Sgt J. Towers receives the Vance Award for Leadership in the rank of Sgt from LGen J. Vance (Ret’d), former Colonel of The Regiment Lieutenant-General J.E. Vance CMM, CD (ret’d) announced his intention to inaugurate awards for leadership within The Royal Canadian Regiment during his tenure as Colonel of The Regiment. Leadership has always played a vital role in the life of the Regiment in peace and in war, and while a range of prestigious honours at the national and Canadian Forces levels have been awarded to members of The RCR, recognition of demonstrated leadership within the family of the Regiment was overdue. The first of these, a bronze statuette entitled “Covering Fire” was created to recognize leadership in the Rank of Sergeant. This was introduced in 2002. The second Vance Award for leadership recognizes leadership in the Rank of Second-Lieutenant/ Lieutenant/Captain. The recipient of this award is presented with Lieutenant-General Vance’s personal sword, carried during his years of service to the Regiment and Canadian Forces. The recipient is entitled to carry the sword during parades for the year. The 2008 recipients for the awards are Sgt J. Towers (2 RCR) and Lt A. Hentz (3 RCR) 123 PRO PATRIA 2008 Regimental Officers Indoctrination Course 2008 By Captain Tim Robinson The 2008 Regimental Officers Indoctrination Course (ROIC) was held at Wolseley Barracks, London from 1-4 Dec. The course was particularly well attended this year with the candidates numbering 41. The Colonel of The Regiment hosted this years Meet and Greet. The occasion would see the Regiment take the opportunity to ‘Beaver Out’ two officers. Captain Phil Millar and Captain Mike O’Leary were recognized for their contributions to the Regiment. A special gift was presented to Captain O’Leary for his commendable work as the outgoing Regimental Adjutant. MGen W.M. Holmes MBE, CD, Colonel of The Regiment receives his 3rd Clasp to the Canadian Forces Decoration from MGen P.J. Devlin MSC, OMM, CD, Senior Serving Royal. The ROIC consisted of a number of periods of instruction designed to familiarize the attendees with the history and inner workings of the Regiment. This year would see a few new items introduced into the syllabus. The historical lessons would be taught by the candidates and a floor hockey tournament would be introduced. The teams would be randomly drawn and formed from The Curry Dinner. 124 PRO PATRIA 2008 Captain Michael O’Leary receives his Adjutant Pennant from the Colonel of The Regiment. all candidates helping to form one of three teams. The Honorary Captain for the tournament Lieutenant-General J. Vance (retd), former Colonel of The Regiment performed the customary ball drop. In his own words he then spent the remainder of the time dodging hardened floor hockey balls and rather aggressive junior officers. The ROIC would conclude with a Curry Dinner and a number of presentations. A significant event during ROIC was the presentation to The Colonel of The Regiment, Major General Holmes with his 3rd Clasp to the Canadian Forces Decoration. LGen Vance performs the ball drop at the opening face-off of The Regimental Colours Cup for Lt Will Burridge and Lt John Miller. 125 PRO PATRIA 2008 THE ORTONA TOAST - 125 BIRTHDAY CELEBRATION OF THE ROYAL CANADIAN REGIMENT During operations of 3 RCR Battle Group Khandahar, Afghanistan – December 2008 Extract: Letter LCol R.R. Barrett, Commanding Officer 3 RCR BG to BGen D.W. Thompson, Comd TF-Afghanistan References: A. The Royal Canadian Regiment, Regimental Standing Orders, 2003 The 125th Birthday of The Royal Canadian Dragoons (RCD) and The Royal Canadian Regiment (RCR) will be celebrated on 21 December 2008. Sixty-five years ago Lieutenant Colonel Dan Spry, Major Strome Galloway, Captain Sandy Mitchell, Captain Marty Upper, Lieutenant Walter Roy, Captain (Padre) Rusty Wilkes, M.C., and Regimental Sergeants Major Archie McDonnell celebrated the Regimental Birthday not only within sight of the enemy, but engaging him the while. The commemoration produced a Regimental tradition known as the Ortona Toast. On 20 November 1993 in Ottawa, The Regimental Executive Committee approved a motion to toast The Regiment on Regimental Birthday observances with the same mixture as was used at the Ortona Crossroads on 21 December 1943. The Toast symbolizes the Regimental spirit of all our predecessors in the face of the enemy, it will remind us of their sacrifice and further arouses the pride we take in The Regiment. It is unique and sets us apart from others, it draws attention to the mettle of our predecessors, and it derives from one of the bloodiest battles in the Regiment’s history. The Ortona mixture is mixed in the proportion of 1 oz of dark rum, 1 oz of water and 1 teaspoon of brown sugar. It is consumed from a “plain white china mug” due to the fact that this was the only glass or cup available at the time in Ortona. 126 PRO PATRIA 2008 This year 3 RCR BG will mark the Regimental Birthday in the Afghanistan Theatre of Operations with a visit of The Colonel of the Regiment. We intend to carry on with the tradition of marking this occasion with the Ortona Toast. The Regimental birthday was previously marked in this manner by The I RCR BG as part of Task Force 3-06 which celebrated the Ortona Toast on 21 December 2006 throughout the theatre of operations. This is a unique 125th Birthday as all four Battalions of the Royal Canadian Regiment have members serving in Afghanistan and will mark the first time since World War II that the entire Regiment is represented in a theatre of Operations within sight of an enemy which takes the toast back to its very roots. This very historic event is deserving of formal recognition in accordance with the traditions of the regiment. In addition the BG is proud to incorporate a full sub-unit representing the Royal Canadian Dragoons in the Reconnaissance Squadron and a Troop of the Dragoons in the Sabre Squadron. As the Regiments share a birthday the BG will of course recognize their special day at the same time. R.R. Barrett Lieutenant-Colonel Commanding Officer PRO PATRIA 2008 127 128 PRO PATRIA 2008 Departed Comrades BRYAN, LCol J.W.P. May 24, 2008 CAREY, Vincent March 23, 2008 Kitchener CRAIG, CWO Robert W. May 9, 2008 London CURWIN, Pte John M.R. December 13, 2008 DAVIDSON, William June 19, 2008 Niagara DAYNARD, Kenneth G. September 3, 2008 Deep River DEPLAROS, Pte Demitrios December 5, 2008 East York DILLON, Col Richard M. April 23, 2008 Toronto EAGER, WO Pat October 13, 2008 Petawawa FORREST, Capt Cyril W.S. October 5, 2008 Calgary FOX, Maj Neil P.E. August 14, 2008 Ottawa FREEMAN, Pte Michael December 26, 2008 GARDINER, MCpl James June 22, 2008 Barrie GOODRICH, MCpl Roy D. September 1, 2008 Petawawa HAMILTON, Cpl Thomas J. December 13, 2008 HICKSON, Pte Patrick T. August 9, 2008 Courtenay HORAN, WOII Stephen October 29, 2008 Carlton Place HOWCROFT, Edward August 29, 2008 JONES, Pte Justin P. December 13, 2008 KRUSE, Sgt Gregory J. December 27, 2008 MALONE, Kevin J. April 22, 2009 McCLAREN, Pte Mark R. December 5, 2008 McINNIS, MCpl P.T.A. (Junior) April 10, 2009 London McMANUS, Maj John November 18, 2008 Victoria MILLER, MCpl Alexander G. March 12, 2008 Fredericton MULLEY, Cpl Donald J. May 14, 2008 Ottawa PIERCE, Pte Douglas August 4, 2008 Gagetown PRETTY, Sgt James A. May 5, 2008 Newfoundland RICHARD. J. (Rick) September 19, 2008 London ROBERGE, Gaetan J.F.M. December 27, 2008 ROBINSON, Maj Bertram C. November 6, 2008 Woodstock SOUTHWELL, WO William P. November 4, 2008 London STOTT, Maj Walter F. May 20, 2008 London SWEENY, Rod May 6, 2008 Yarmouth WILSON, WO Robert December 5, 2008 129 PRO PATRIA 2008 Belleville Pte John Michael Roy Curwin Private Demetrios Diplaros 2nd Battalion, The Royal Canadian Regiment 1st Battalion, The Royal Canadian Regiment 13 December 2008, Arghandab district, Afghanistan 5 December 2008, Arghandab district, Afghanistan Pte John Curwin was born March 1, 1982 in Halifax, Nova Scotia, to parents Michael and Danita Curwin. Prior to joining the Canadian Forces, he lived with his parents and brother Josh in nearby Mount Uniacke, where he met his childhood sweetheart and future wife, Laura. Pte Demetrios Diplaros was born 21 November 1984, in East York, Ontario. He enrolled in the Canadian Forces on 14 December 2005 and joined the 1st Battalion, The Royal Canadian Regiment on 4 August 2006 upon completion of basic infantry training. An avid hockey player and loyal Montreal Canadians fan, he also enjoyed fishing, Friday night poker games with his friends and the early Saturday morning golf games that followed. He was forever the “good guy”; always there to do what was right, what was needed and always willing to give whatever he could for his family and friends. A dedicated soldier, husband and father, John committed himself to his wife Laura, daughters Makayla and Jenna and son Michael, endowing much love and devotion. He enjoyed taking his son fishing, and spending time with his daughters first and foremost. John was loved by everyone who knew him, from his friends, immediate family, extended family, and his colleagues at the 2nd Battalion. 130 PRO PATRIA 2008 Pte Diplaros was on his first operational tour as part of Operation ATHENA in Kandahar, Afghanistan. An exceptional driver and gunner, he was immensely proud of his military service. Demetrios always had a smile on his face no matter what the circumstances. He is remembered for his fantastic sense of humour and as a brave young man who was dedicated to his family and the service of his country. He will be sorely missed by family and friends. Pte Michael Bruce Freeman 3rd Battalion, The Royal Canadian Regiment 26 December 2008, Zharey District, Afghanistan succeed in everything he did. He took up the sport of scuba diving, and like all things in life, it became something he wanted to excel at. To his friends he was outgoing, generous, always able to find the humour in any situation. It was during this time that Michael found love with Brandy and together they both found something they were missing in the other. Michael did not shy away from his deployment to Afghanistan. It was his next challenge and as he found out more about it, the tour became something he believed in. The danger was there and acknowledged but it did not control him. Once deployed, he enjoyed interacting with the children of Afghanistan, their well being and happiness became a major goal. Language was never a barrier for Michael to bring a smile to their faces. Master Corporal Roy David Goodrich Pte Michael Freeman was born 3 December 1980 in Peterborough, Ontario. Growing up, Michael was introduced to the outdoors at an early age and quickly grew to love the experiences of being around nature. Some of his early pursuits were camping, fishing, canoeing, and mountain biking. Michael took to each activity with a passion that remained with him throughout his life. Michael’s enthusiasm for the outdoors matured as he grew older. His interest also included computers and video gaming. He was competitive but he didn’t need to win, he was always about improving himself but not at the expense of others. As a young teen, Michael joined the Air Cadets and contemplated becoming a pilot, yet his love of school was never as high as his love flying. That didn’t deter him. He found new pursuits such as golf, and after a few other jobs, he realized that he wanted to dedicate himself to a military career. In 2005 he joined the Army and after he completed Basic Training Michael was posted to 3 RCR in June 2006. The rigours of basic training were tempered by his love of the outdoors. Characteristically, Michael pushed himself to 131 PRO PATRIA 2008 3rd Battalion, The Royal Canadian Regiment Master Corporal Roy David Goodrich was born in Oshawa, Ontario on 29 March 1972. He was the loving husband of Stephanie Goodrich and father of Brayden Goodrich; the son of Roy and Audrey Goodrich; and brother to Wanda Bexson, Debbie Flay, Brenda Shultze, and Sharon Goodrich. Dave enrolled in the Reserves on 18 February 1999 with the Hastings and Prince Edward Regiment, Alpha Company. During his time in the Reserves Dave completed several courses, including his Basic Parachuting Course, Platoon Support Weapons Course and his Junior NCO Course. He also served as a driver for the Commander of the Land Force Doctrine Training System (LFDTS). In February 2005 Dave deployed as a Master Corporal with Task Force Kabul Roto 3, Op Athena, and in August of 2006 joined the 3rd Battalion of the Royal Canadian Regiment, where he was employed in September as a Paratrooper. In April of this year Dave completed the Drop Zone Controller course as well his Turret Operator and Crew Commander course where he was to be employed as a Section Second in Command for Task Force 3-08. Master Corporal David Goodrich will be forever remembered by his wife Stephanie and son Brayden, and will be greatly missed by his family and friends. per Musquodoboit, N.S. to proud and loving parents Cindy (Higgins) and Edward. His brother John continues to reside in the Truro area. He was known as “Hammy” to his friends and loved to hunt and fish, camp and golf, although his first love was his daughter, Annabelle. Thomas was a professional soldier, dedicated father, devoted brother and loving son who always made sure his daughter came first. He was a proud member of the Army and of 2RCR. Pte Justin Peter Jones 2nd Battalion, The Royal Canadian Regiment 13 December 2008, Arghandab district, Afghanistan Corporal Thomas James Hamilton 2nd Battalion, The Royal Canadian Regiment 13 December 2008, Arghandab district, Afghanistan Private Justin Peter Jones was born on November 24, 1987 at Grand Falls, Newfoundland to Anthony & Rowena Jones. Lured by the challenge that a life in the military offered, he wanted to serve in the Canadian Forces for as long as his family can remember. Justin enrolled in the Canadian Forces in October 2006. Upon completion of his Basic Infantry Training, Justin was posted to 2RCR in Gagetown, NB. He ventured to Afghanistan on September 16, 2008 with Golf Company, 2 RCR, where he deployed with the KPRT. Corporal Thomas Hamilton was born April 30th, 1982 in Truro, N.S. and grew up in Up- 132 PRO PATRIA 2008 “Jonesy”, as he was affectionately known, loved his family, his friends and his country. While on leave from tour, he returned to Newfound- land where he celebrated an early Christmas with his family and marked his grandparents’ 50th anniversary. His devoted affection toward his spouse, Kayla Madsen, was unwavering. She was his number one priority, committing himself to her completely. He was a believer, a dreamer, and an achiever. He always gave 100% to everything he undertook and because of Justin’s ‘get-up-and-go’ mentality; a lot of people were touched by him. The soldiers with whom he served in the 2nd Battalion were indeed touched by his cheerful nature and infectious smile. looking forward to a transfer back to New Brunswick. He is survived by his wife, Jill, and their three daughters, his mother Penelope Kruse, brothers Christian Kruse and Timothy Kruse (Simone). Corporal Mark Robert McLaren 1st Battalion, The Royal Canadian Regiment 5 December 2008, Arghandab district, Afghanistan Sergeant Gregory John Kruse 2 Combat Engineer Regiment 27 December 2008, Panjwayi District, Afghanistan Sgt. Gregory Kruse was born 2 December 1968 in Campbellton, NB. He spent most of his 19year career at CFB Gagetown. A member of 24 Field Squadron, 2 Combat Engineer Regiment, based in Petawawa, Ontario he was deployed as a member of 3rd Battalion, The Royal Canadian Regiment Battle Group. His awards and decorations include Canadian Forces Decoration (CD); Canadian Peacekeeping Service Medal and the Special Service Medal. He was on his fourth overseas tour of duty and was 133 PRO PATRIA 2008 Cpl Mark McLaren was born 7 September 1985 in Toronto, Ontario. He joined the Canadian Forces in the summer of 2002 as a reservist and member of The Hastings & Prince Edward Regiment. In October 2007 Mark joined 1st Battalion, The Royal Canadian Regiment prior to its work-up training before deployment. He was extremely well-liked and respected by his peers. Mark was on his second tour to Afghanistan. Cpl McLaren fiercely believed that what he was doing was just, and knowing the chances, he still wanted to be there. He was a brave and loyal young man and will be sorely missed by all. Private Douglas James Pierce The Royal Canadian Regiment WO Gaetan Joseph Francis Maxime Roberge 2nd Battalion, The Irish Regiment of Canada 27 December 2008, Panjwayi District, Afghanistan Private Douglas Pierce was born on 23 February 1980. On Monday, 4 August 2008 he was tragically killed in a motorcycle accident near his hometown of Truro, NS. He was on annual leave at the time from his duties as a member of Demo Pl, Infantry School. He leaves behind his father, Wilfred, his mother, Marjorie, and his brother, Kenny. He will be greatly missed by his comrades and family. Warrant Officer Gaetan Roberge was born 14 January 1963 in Hull, QC and raised in Hanmer, ON. He was a member of 2nd Battalion, The Irish Regiment of Canada based in Sudbury, Ontario (seconded from the Royal 22e Regiment based in Valcartier, Quebec). He was deployed with the Canadian contingent of NATO forces in Afghanistan as a member of the Police Operational Mentoring and Liaison Team (PMLT). WO Roberge joined the military at age 18 and previously served overseas in Bosnia. His awards include the Canadian Forces Decoration with clasp. “Gates” as he was called was described as a very professional, experienced and dedicated soldier with a nice personality beneath a gruff exterior. He is survived by his wife Joanne, two children and two step-children, his parents Guy and Claudette, sister Chantal and other family and friends. 134 PRO PATRIA 2008 Warrant Officer Robert John Wilson Lt.-Col. J.A. Clancy, MBE, MC, CD 1st Battalion, The Royal Canadian Regiment Lt-Col. R.A. Clancy died on 17 March 2008 at Salt Spring Island, British Columbia. 5 December 2008, Arghandab district, Afghanistan WO Robert (also known as RJ) Wilson was born 16 April 1971 in Newmarket, Ontario. He enrolled in the Canadian Forces at the age of 18 on 11 October 1989, and after finishing basic infantry training was posted to London, Ontario, with the 1st Battalion, The Royal Canadian Regiment, where he would remain for his entire career. In his 19 years with the Regiment, RJ completed four previous operational tours including deployments to Croatia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Kosovo and a tour to Kabul in Afghanistan. Most recently, RJ was deployed with Operation ATHENA in Kandahar, Afghanistan. RJ loved his profession, but more importantly he dearly loved his family. He was extremely well-liked and respected by his soldiers, peers and superiors. He will be sorely missed by all. 135 PRO PATRIA 2008 He was born in Walkerton, Ontario. During the Second World War he served with 1st Canadian Parachute Battalion in 6th British Airborne Division, being dropped in Normandy on D-Day. In 1945, during the Battle of the Rhine, he was captured but escaped. For meritorious service he was awarded the Military Cross. After return to Canada he held a number of appointments in Prairie Command; in 1948 he attended Staff College. After the outbreak of the Korean War, he was posted to the 1st Battalion, The RCR, with whom he served in the field, being awarded the MBE. From 1953 onward he was a member of the staff of the Directorate of Infantry at Headquarters in Ottawa. In August 1958, after the Joint Services Staff College in Britain, he became Second-in-Command of 2nd Battalion, taking command in August 1960. On completion of this tour of duty he was appointed in May 1964 to the Directorate of Militia and Cadets, moving to the Directorate of Cadets in 1965. (The Royal Canadian Regiment; 1933-1966, by G.R. Stevens) COLONEL RICHARD MAURICE DILLON C.M., M.C., E.D., LL.D., F.C.A.E., P.Eng (CO London and Oxford Fusiliers (3rd Bn, The RCR) 1954 to 1956; Hon LCol 4RCR 1986 to 1993; Colonel of the Regiment 1993 to 1997) Colonel Richard Dillon was born August 4, 1920. He passed away on April 23, 2008 at Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, Toronto, after a long illness, borne with courage and his customary patience and grace. Colonel Dillon joined the Royal Canadian Regiment in 1939, serving overseas in Italy until wounded at Ortona on Christmas Eve, 1943. For bravery in the field he was awarded the Military Cross. A graduate of the University of Western Ontario (BA Honours Mathematics, gold medallist) and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (M. Sc. Engineering), Richard Colonel R.M. Dillon C.M., M.C., E.D., LL.D., F.C.A.E., P.Eng began his career as a civil engineer. In 1960 he was appointed the first Dean of Engineering at the University of Western Ontario and then moved, in 1971, to the Ontario government, serving as deputy minister of a number of different ministries. He found many ways to involve himself in the life of his community and his country. In London he served as Chair of the United Way, as a church warden, political organizer and confidante to John Robarts during his tenure as Premier of Ontario. He contributed as well to more distant communities through work with CIDA in Thailand, as President of Professional Engineers of Ontario, President of the Canadian Corps of Commissionaires and as a founding director of The Schmeelk Canada Foundation. Throughout his life he worked passionately to promote the strengthening of ties between English and French Canada. He maintained a lifelong association with the Royal Canadian Regiment, serving as ColoColonel Dillon is invested as a Member of the Order nel of the Regiment from 1993 until 1997. of Canada (CM), Dec 29 1986 Appointed a Member of the Order of Canada in 1986, he was a proud Canadian whose record of service through his long and full life has been an inspiring example and source of pride to his family, colleagues and many friends. 136 PRO PATRIA 2008 Military Cross Citation Captain Richard Maurice Dillon Canada Gazette 25 Dec 1943 “In the advance of the 1st Canadian Infantry Brigade on Assoro, 23 July 1943, two companies of The Royal Canadian Regiment were ordered to skirt the town during darkness and attack it from the rear. When dawn broke, and the advance continued, a change of plan became necessary, but owing to enemy interference and distance, wireless communication with forward companies was impossible. Captain Dillon, with a section of carriers, was detailed to proceed to the forward companies and execute new orders. This officer led the carriers skilfully across difficult rocky and mountainous country during daylight under constant observed enemy artillery, mortar and machine gun fire, and through enemy patrols, contacted the forward companies and carried out his mission. This officer displayed leadership and outstanding devotion to duty in carrying out his difficult mission.” Major B.C. Robinson MMM, CD Major Bertram (B.C.) Robinson passed away on Wednesday November 6, 2008. He was a member of the Canadian Armed Forces for 39 years. B.C. Robinson proudly served in England, France, Belgium, Holland and Germany during World War II. He was involved in the DDay drop into Normandy as well as the Rhine drop ‘Operation Varsity’ and ‘Operation Gaylord’. He would also proudly serve in Korea. Further operations would see him serve in Quebec during the FLQ crisis and in Cyprus. The majority of his years of service were with the 1st Battalion The Royal Canadian Regiment, the 1st Canadian Parachute Battalion and the Airborne Regiment. He was the RSM of 1 RCR from August 1971 to August 1975. Major Robinson was appointed as a Member of Military Merit on December 9, 1974. He was also awarded the 1939-45 medal, UN Service Medal - Korea, UN Force in Cyprus Medal, Canadian Volunteer Service Medal and Clasp, Canadian Centennial Medal, Queen Elizabeth II Jubilee Medal, and the ‘Ambassador for Peace’ award from the people of the Republic of Korea. B.C. will be sadly missed by his family and many friends of the CF and the Regiment. 137 PRO PATRIA 2008 RHQ – AN UPDATE WE HAVE MOVED. It is true. After decades of talk and speculation Regimental Headquarters has relocated from London to Petawawa. The move began in August 2007 with the Regimental Major being the first member posted to Petawawa. Summer and Fall 2008 would see the new Regimental Adjutant and the new Regimental Warrant Officer take up post. The initial plan was to see half of the RHQ staff in Petawawa while the remaining Regular Force soldiers would remain in London to assist the Museum, Capital Campaign and the RCR Association. In December 2008 that changed and the entire RHQ was then ordered to be moved to Petawawa including the Regimental Store which had previously ceased Online Sales functions and had been operating on reduced store hours. After several months of hard work and coordination the task is complete with a newly trimmed down RHQ residing in Y-101 sharing residence with a very gracious 1st Battalion. It has been a most interesting transition with every member of the staff being brand new as the old RHQ Staff was transitioned out to new postings or previously scheduled for release from CF service. The Regimental Museum and the National HQ of The RCR Association remain in London under the guidance of Mr Claus Breede, Director/Curator and Mr Cliff Collison, Chairman The RCR Association. The move of RHQ from London to Petawawa has provided some challenges as you can well imagine. The Regiment has long been firmly established in Wolseley Barracks and significant changes have been required in order to operate effectively. Every small detail needs to be addressed from new contracts for daily practices to the establishment of a new Regimental Online Store and warehouse. The new soldiers are being trained in store operations, website updates, photography and internet communication while continuing to manage their regular daily duties. Be advised that RHQ Contact Information has changed: Mail: Regimental Headquarters The Royal Canadian Regiment Victoria Barracks PO Box 9999, Stn Main Petawawa, ON K8H 2X3 Other contact information can be found at www.theroyalcanadianregiment.ca . From there you will find internet links to The RCR Main Site, The Discussion Forum, The Association, The Museum, The Blog and the Regimental Kitshop. If you haven’t signed up for The RCR Forum you should visit, there are many fellow Royals waiting to greet you. Pro Patria Regimental Adjutant 138 PRO PATRIA 2008 Establishing a Legacy: The History of the Royal Canadian Regiment 1883-1953 By Colonel Bernd Horn Colonel Bernd Horn (The RCR) has completed the first volume of the much anticipated two volume set on the History of the Royal Canadian Regiment. Part I starts with the creation of the Regiment in 1883, as an infantry school corps tasked to train the Militia. It then goes on to chronicle the major events in the Regiment’s history up 1953, including the Northwest Rebellion, South Africa, both World Wars and the Korean Conflict. Part II is expected to be released in March, 2010. In preparing this 384 page volume, Colonel Horn has cleverly blended primary source material from official reports, with the personal files, diaries, letters, and interviews with some of the participants to create a fast moving populist history that quickly grabs and holds the reader’s attention. In the process, he has written a concise history of the Royal Canadian Regiment through the daring actions of its men and women. In many ways, this volume pays tribute to the bravery and tenacity of the soldiers who ultimately created the legacy of courage and professionalism that is the foundation of today’s Regiment. Ordering Your Copy Written in a fast flowing and easy to read narrative, Establishing a Legacy: The History of the Royal Canadian Regiment 1883-1953, is a must have for anyone interested in understanding the first 70 years of the Regiment and the beginnings of its proud tradition of service to the nation. The book is available through the Regimental Kit Shop Online at: www.theroyalcanadianregiment/kitshop at the following competitive pricing: About the Author Colonel Bernd Horn is an officer and the official Historian of the Royal Canadian Regiment. He was the former Commanding Officer of the 1st Battalion and is currently serving as the deputy commander of Canada’s Special Operations Forces Command. He has authored, co-authored, edited, and co-edited more than 20 books, including Paras Versus the Reich: Canada’s Paratroopers at War, 1942--45, Bastard Sons: An Examination of Canada’s Airborne Experience 1942-1995. His forthcoming book Show No Fear: Daring Actions in Canadian Military History is due out in June 2008. 139 PRO PATRIA 2008 The Royal Canadian Regiment Voluntary Contributions Program The purpose of the Voluntary Contributions Program (VCP) is to provide funding for Regimental initiatives benefiting individual members of the Regiment as well as major regimental projects and operations. A portion of the contributions received will be invested to aid in the financing of long-term projects, thus ensuring that the Regiment retains the capability to preserve historical traditions and to define and promote the distinctiveness of the Regiment. From its inception, the VCP has been pro-rated by rank with more senior ranks asked to contribute a larger individual monthly contribution than junior ranks. FAQs What VCP rate should I be paying? Remaining in good standing with respect to the VCP is one criteria for the receipt of Regimental departure gifts. Regimental departure gifts include the Regimental coin for less than 20 years served in the Regiment and the Soldier of the Queen statuette for more than 20 years service. • Pte • Cpl\MCpl • Sgt\WO\MWO • CWO • OCDT\2Lt\Lt\Capt • Maj\LCol\Col • Gen $3.00 $4.00 $7.00 $11.00 $8.00 $12.00 $17.00 What does VCP support? • Free issue of accoutrements (e.g., initial issue of badge, buttons, etc., PT shell, Sgt’s sash) • Regimental Departure Gifts • Tributes sent on behalf of Regiment (e.g., flowers) • Support to Association Bursary • Support to Pipes & Drums • Support to Regimental operations • Bookkeeping/Accountant/Banking For more information visit www.theroyalcanadianregiment.ca Enhanced Departure Gift Soldier of The Queen 140 PRO PATRIA 2008 REGIMENTAL STORE ORDER FORM Place orders by: Fax orders: (588)-5932 Web site: www.theroyalcanadianregiment.ca/kitshop Email orders to: [email protected] Mail orders to: Regimental Store RHQ, The RCR, Victoria Barracks P.O. Box 9999, Stn Main Petawawa, ON K8H 2X3 Name: (Please Print) Mailing Address: Postal Code: Rank: (if military) Home Tel. #: Office Tel. #: Name of Item Colour Size Qty WE DO NOT ACCEPT CHEQUES WITH YOUR ORDER PLEASE SEND PAYMENT ON RECEIVING THE INVOICE. ONCE WE RECEIVE THE PAYMENT WE WILL SEND OUT THE ORDER Method of Payment (check one) Credit Card Invoice Price per Item PST 8% GST 6% Shipping & Handling TOTAL Credit Card# Account# Expiry Date: Name on Card: Authorized Signature: 141 PRO PATRIA 2008 Total Price $10.00 THE ROYAL CANADIAN REGIMENT ASSOCIATION BURSARY PROGRAM APPLICATION FORM This application is available online at TheRCR.ca 1. Name of Applicant: Address: Phone: ( Postal Code: ) Date of Birth: Email: 2. Secondary School(s) attended & dates: 3. What grade did you or will you complete this June? 4. School from which final marks were obtained previously or will be obtained for the current scholastic year: 5. High School credits you intend to complete in the current scholastic year: School Activities: 6. Community Activities: (Community service is an important selection criterion and should be recored in detail. Letters of reference or appreciation may be included.) 7. Name the institute of higher learning, which you plan to attend in the next scholastic year: 8. IS YOUR PARENT, GRANDPARENT, OR GURADIAN: a. A serving member of The Royal Canadian Regiment? b. A former member or Deceased member of The Royal Canadian Regiment? OR c. Are you a member or spouse of a member of The Royal Canadian Regiment? OR d. Are you a member in good standing of a Cadet Corps affiliated with or sponsored by The Royal Canadian Regiment? 142 PRO PATRIA 2008 If the answer to items 8a, 8b or 8c is “yes” please provide the following information: Name & Service Number of Parent, Grandparent, Guardian or Spouse who is serving or has served in The RCR: Dates of Service: The RCR Unit or ERE: 9. THE FOLLOWING CERTIFICATE IS TO BE COMPLETED WHEN APPLICATION IS SUBMITTED PURSUANT TO PARAGRAPH 8D ABOVE: “It is certified that is a member in good standing (Name of Applicant) of (RCR Unit, ERE, Cadet Corps – Number & Name) (Cadet Corps Commanding Officer – Signature) (Date) 10. To access the family financial need, the following additional information is required and will be treated in confidence: a. Total of both parents’ or serving members gross income for the previous calendar year: b. Number of supported children, including applicant who are attending: pre–school high school public school university 11. P lease attach to this application a reference from your secondary school principal. If a cadet or serving soldier or spouse, a letter from your unit CO must also be enclosed. 12. A ll sections of this form must be completed and all pertinent documents, including the acceptance to the institute of higher learning, submitted to the bursary committee with the application (with exception of the final marks, if not available at the time of application) 13. SIGNED: Applicant: Parent, Guardian, CO: Place: PLEASE SUBMIT YOUR APPLICATION BY 30 JULY. PLEASE FORWARD A COPY OF YOUR FINAL MARKS BY 31 AUGUST OF THE YEAR OF APPLICATION. CHECKLIST: Have you enclosed: Application Form Final Marks (if available) Letter from CO (if applicable) Date: To: Bursary Committee, The RCR Association Regimental Headquarters, The RCR Wolseley Barracks, 701 Oxford St. East London, ON N5Y 4T7 Tel: (519) 660-5136 Fax: (519) 660-5344 Principal’s Letter of Recommendation Acceptance document from University/College Community Service letters/references NOTE: It is important to send your application with all the information complete. Failure to do so can jeopardize your chances!! Use the checklist above to ensure all is in order. 143 PRO PATRIA 2008 CHANGE OF ADDRESS FORM Please complete and return to RHQ if your address has changed OLD ADDRESS Print Name, Rank, Decorations (or attach old label) Name of Spouse House no., Street Name, Apt. no./P.O. Box/R.R. no. City Province Postal Code NEW ADDRESS House no., Street Name, Apt. no./P.O. Box/R.R. no. City Signature 144 PRO PATRIA 2008 Province Postal Code Phone A MOMENT IN HISTORY Left to Right: Pte D.J. Finnigan, 1 RCR N Coy, 3 RCR BG, MCpl D.P. MacDonald 2 RCR H Coy, KPRT, Pte S.J. Wilson, 2 RCR H Coy KPRT, Pte B.G.Langley 3 RCR N Coy, 3 RCR BG, Pte B.M. Hendel N Coy 3 RCR BG, Cpl M.T. Bell 4 RCR N Coy BG. 2008 would see another significant milestone reached as we celebrate 125 years. This photograph is representative of the many Royal Canadians on Operations in Afghanistan fighting side by side. They are from all four battalions. The Last Word So ends Pro Patria 2008. Your feedback is always welcome. If you have suggestions please send them. Work for Pro Patria 2009 is underway so send them soon. It is anticipated that Pro Patria 2009 will be released in May 2009. Submissions are always welcome. Please ensure that authors and photographers are identified. Regimental Adjutant 145 PRO PATRIA 2008 148 PRO PATRIA 2008