The Glen - The Calgary Highlanders

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The Glen
The Newsletter of the Calgary Highlanders Regimental Association
A Message from
the Association
President
Denis A. Mascardelli
Summer seems to be
making its first hesitant
appearances, marking
the end of the garrison
portion of the Unit's
2013-2014 Training Year, and signalling that
this will be the last issue of the Glen until the
Fall.
August 4 will mark the 100th anniversary of
Canada's entry into the Great War. Surprising
to relate, particularly with the advantage of
hindsight, but this news was met with widespread enthusiasm at the time. Many people though certainly not all - believed that it would
end in a glorious victory in the not-too-distant
future. A few realized that the European nations had willingly agreed to a mutual suicide
pact, but none could have foreseen that Canada, a nation of fewer than 8 million souls,
would raise an Army Corps of shock troops.
Nor could they have known that 430,000 Canadians would serve overseas, and that
61,000 would be killed and 138,000 wounded
in the four-year conflict.
the second will focus on the 10th's participation.
While on the topic of the Great War, Earl Morris
has pointed out that The Atlantic magazine is
producing a 10-part series of photographs from
the war. They may be found at http://
www.theatlantic.com/static/infocus/wwi/
In a similar vein, Norman Leach has let us
know that the Royal Alberta United Services
Institute (RAUSI) will hold a 'Maple Leaf Commemorative Dinner' to mark Canada's entry into the war. It will be held on 5 August at Calgary's Heritage Park; Col(Ret'd) The Honourable Donald Ethell, Lieutenant-Governor of Alberta, will be the guest of honour. For more
information contact Janyn Bertram at 403-2656628 or click here.
The other major story in this issue of the Glen
brings us forward 100 years to the recent past.
In it a number of A Company soldiers recount
this year's winter training exercises which culminated on a frozen Slave Lake in March.
Finally, let me take this opportunity to wish
each of you the best during our fleeting summer.
This issue of the Glen continues our series
covering the 10 Battalion's exploits during that
war, in this case The Battle of the Somme.
This battle went on for four and a half months
during the Summer and Fall of 1916 and produced a million casualties. It is too vast an
event to be covered in a single story, so it will
be broken into two parts. The first, in this issue, will provide a high-level summary while
Volume 3 Issue 3
Summer 2014
Table of Contents
Message from the Command Team
2
The Somme 1916
3
Fallen Comrades
8
The Regiment in Photos
10
A Coy Winter Ex
14
Calg Highr Training Schedule 2014-2015
21
Oakleafs vs BATUS Hockey
23
A Message
the Team
A Message
From theFrom
Command
A Message from the CO
Team
LCol KyleCommand
Clapperton and MWO
Chris Tucker
Looking back on a
very busy training
year, the Regiment
should be proud of
its many accomplishments. A Coy conducted numerous
training exercises
that continue to challenge basic infantry soldier skills in platoon level
training. This winter's focus was on Basic Winter
Warfare training, which culminated with Ex Highland Tundra in Yellowknife. In addition, numerous
instructors served at Battle School, ensuring the
successful training of new soldiers for the Regiment, and we also sent a large number of Highlanders on courses to develop unique capabilities
(WO Moreau can now run us through the Gas
Hut!) and advance their career progression. Needless to say, the Calgary Highlanders are found setting the highest standards of soldiering throughout
41 CBG and the CAF.
On 9 May, Canada commemorated the CAF’s contribution to Afghanistan with the National Day of
Honour. Sgt ter Kuile and Cpl Clark proudly represented the Regiment at the ceremonies in Ottawa,
while all Calgary Highlanders paused to reflect on
the sacrifices made. Continuing our legacy of leadership, the Regiment sent 126 soldiers to Afghanistan, more than any other Reserve unit in the CAF.
That level of contribution has earned the Regiment
its first battle honour since WWII and every Calgary Highlander should be proud of this significant
achievement. All of us can look forward to the addition of “AFGHANISTAN” to our Regimental Colours.
Several Soldier Wellness initiatives have recently
been implemented, including job transition and
placement services through Prospect, an organization that will assist Calgary Highlanders find employment in Calgary with employers who value Reserve service. Even more recently the Unit leadership conducted the "Hill 70" professional development training, focusing on mental health and development of strategies to support soldier resiliency.
You will notice advertisements in this Glen for both
Prospect and Outward Bound Veterans, and I encourage all Highlanders to take advantage of these
programs.
Looking ahead, the 2014/15 training year will see
the Regiment commemorate two significant milestones in our history. First, the 70th Anniversary of
the Battle of Walcheren Causeway will be celebrated with a Drumhead ceremony on Saturday, 1 November 2014. Second, the commemoration of the
100th Anniversary of the Battle of St. Julien will
include both the traditional events and a battlefield
tour. Training will continue to develop the core infantry capabilities of SHOOT, MOVE and COMMUNICATE and focus on qualifying more junior leaders
as Urban Operations Instructors, Complex Terrain
Instructors and CBRN Instructors.
The Regimental Family forms the foundation for
our success and the excellent turnout at the Gathering of the Clan BBQ on Sunday, 25 May, demonstrated that the Family is strong. It was outstanding to see over 150 members of the Regimental
Family at TMM, enjoying the music and history of
the Regiment, along with some “highland” sports,
and activities for families with children.
Enjoy your summer, all the best to those heading
on course or tasking and remember, we are Calgary’s Infantry Regiment- If not us, then who?
Airaghardt!
The Glen is the newsletter of the Calgary Highlanders Regimental Association. Opinions expressed are those of the Glen staff or contributors
and should not be construed as those of the Government of Canada or the Department of National Defence, including The Calgary Highlanders.
The Glen is available free of charge in its electronic version and recipients are encouraged to forward copies to friends of the Regiment. To be
added to the subscription list, send your name and email address to [email protected].
Photos from all eras of the unit’s history are welcome and may be sent to our email address (above) or in the case of prints, to The Calgary
Highlanders Regimental Association, Mewata Armoury, 801-11th St SW, Calgary AB, T2P 2C4. Prints will be scanned and returned upon request. Photos should be accompanied by a note explaining who or what the image captures and when and where it was taken.
Letters and articles are encouraged and, if published, may be edited for content and length.
Volume 3 Issue 3
Summer 2014
2
The Somme, 1916
By Denis Mascardelli
This summer and fall will mark the 98th anniversary of the Battle of the Somme, a three and a half month struggle
carried out over a few square miles that resulted in over a million casualties and scarred a generation. In this issue of
the Glen we present an overview of the battle while the next will focus on the 10th Battalion's role in it. Those wanting
a very high level overview can activate this link.
The French and British high commands had
discussed a joint offensive against the Germans in northern France just northwest of the
Somme River during late 1915. By early February 1916 the joint attack was agreed to and
planning began in earnest, the British promising 25 divisions while the French were to com-
mit twice that number. The offensive was to
begin in early August and Sir Douglas Haig,
the Commander-in-Chief of the British Expeditionary Force, hoped for a decisive breakthrough that would restore mobility to the
battlefield. He viewed the August start date
as of great importance since it would give
Wikipedia
Map of the Somme battlefield showing the front lines on 1 July at the start of the operation, 14 Jul, 15 Sep and the final lines on 19
Nov when fighting ended because heavy rains had reduced the landscape, shattered by several million artillery rounds, into an
impassable quagmire. The Canadian Corps fought in the northernmost area of the battlefield from September onward, in the
general area between Thiepval and Courcellette. The 1st Newfoundland Regt, part of the British 29th Division, was almost
completely destroyed on 1 July during its attack on Beaumont-Hamel, located at the extreme northern end of the battlefield.
Volume 3 Issue 3
Summer 2014
3
their rapidly expanding Army sufficient time to
prepare itself for what planners saw as the
major battle of 1916 on the Western Front.
It is said that no plan survives contact with
the enemy and the Somme offensive was not
an exception, for on 21 February the German
Army launched a huge offensive against the
French in the Verdun area, with the objective,
according to German Army Chief of Staff Erich
von Flakenhayn, to "bleed France white". The
Battle of Verdun would rage until 20 December 1916 and result in perhaps 900,000 casualties to both sides, but contrary to German
expectations the French Army would hold,
Somme became a British-dominated operation.
The French also demanded that the Somme
timetable be moved up to relieve pressure on
their armies at Verdun. When Haig expressed
reservations the French commander, Gen. Joffre, replied that the German offensive at Verdun was so intense that if the original plans
were held to, then by that point "The French
Army would cease to exist".
To compensate for the fact that many of their
infantry weren't fully trained, the British
planned an unprecedented artillery shoot intended to crush the German defences with 1.7
million shells delivered along a
25 km front during a week-long
bombardment.
Unfortunately,
the enemy had
anticipated a
major Allied offensive in the
area and prepared extremely
well fortified defences in depth.
Moreover, there
was a shortage
of high explosive
(HE) shells and
the shrapnel
Canadian War Museum shells fired in
This paining by Capt. Kenneth Forbes portrays a Canadian 6-inch howitzer supporting British troops in the their place had
attack on Thiepval on 16 July 1916. The artist captures the exhaustion of the gunners who have been firing
little effect on
for hours. Although the Canadian Corps as a whole didn’t move into the Somme until September, some
the enemy's wire
artillery units supported the offensive from its beginning. Although Thiepval was a 1 July objective, it
wasn’t captured until September.
or well dug-in
positions. The artillery was also plagued with
frustrating the enemy's attempt to knock
a high proportion of 'duds'. Factories had exFrance out of the war.
panded artillery ammunition production to
The German attack at Verdun had an immediwhat would have seemed unimaginable levels
ate effect on preparations for the Somme ofbefore the war, but hadn't yet been able to
fensive since the French were forced to withmass-produce reliable fuses.
draw forces earmarked for it and instead deAt 0730 hrs on 1 July the artillery ceased fire
ploy them at Verdun, leaving only thirteen of
and the British and French infantry advanced.
their divisions for the offensive. Thus the
Volume 3 Issue 3
Summer 2014
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Although the week-long bombardment had
killed or injured thousands of Germans and
driven others mad, the majority had survived.
The French made some hard-fought gains but
for the British 1 July, 1916 is remembered as
a national catastrophe, for as their infantry
moved forward they were cut down by German artillery and intense machine-gun fire. By
day's end, the British Army had gained little
but had taken almost 60,000 casualties in
what is widely regarded as one of the great
disasters in military history.
Among the losses were the majority of the 1st
Newfoundland Regiment, fighting as part of
the British Army's 29th Division since Newfoundland wouldn't enter Confederation until
1949. Of the 801 men who pushed forward
towards Beaumont-Hamel that morning, only
68 would answer the roll the next day.
But despite the calamity the British did not call
off their attacks because as author Timothy
Cook notes, the first day of the Somme was
the 132nd day of the Battle of Verdun and the
French Army remained in desperate need of
support to relieve German pressure; consequently the Battle of the Somme went on for
another 141 days.
By the end of August the British had succeeded in capturing 8 square kms at the cost of
another 100,000 casualties. In early September the Canadian Corps - minus the recentlyarrived 4th Division - was moved from Ypres
in Belgium to the Somme battlefield and integrated into the British Reserve Army (later
renamed the British Fifth Army) in order to
take part in a renewed push planned to begin
on 15 September. Although the goal of the
Somme offensive had initially been to achieve
a decisive breakthrough of the German lines,
by the arrival of the Canadians it had become
clear that this couldn't be achieved. Instead
the Somme had turned into a battle of attrition with the goal to keep pounding away at
the enemy until his will to fight was broken.
Senior Allied Officers appear to have taken it
for granted that the staggering casualties being inflicted on both sides could only destroy
Library & Archives Canada
This photo captures Canadian infantrymen returning from the front lines at the Somme. Because it is dated November 1916, the
men must belong to the 4th Division since the other three divisions of the Canadian Corps were withdrawn during mid-October.
The Corps suffered 24,029 casualties at the Somme in two and a half months of fighting.
Volume 3 Issue 3
Summer 2014
5
the enemy's morale and not that of their own
soldiers.
The 1st, 2nd and 3rd divisions of the Canadian
Corps distinguished themselves at the Somme
in some of the bloodiest fighting of the war, in
battles that are now largely forgotten and remain only names on regimental colours:
Courcelette, Thiepval, Ancre. By mid-October
these divisions had suffered almost 20,000
casualties - 417 of these from the 10th - and
were withdrawn from the battle. At about the
same time the 4th Division moved in and remained at the Somme until operations ended
on 19 November, when Gen. Haig called off all
further attacks because heavy rain had rendered the battlefield impassable. Among the
division's infantry battalions was the 50th,
with its core recruited in Calgary and perpetuated today by the King's Own Calgary Regiment.
The 4th Division's time at the Somme was as
grim as any and by battle's end it had suffered 4,311 casualties, bringing the Corp's
total casualties at the Somme to 24,029,
ninety per cent of whom were in the infantry
battalions.
Somme accomplished nothing. It did relieve
pressure on the French armies at Verdun and
therefore served to help frustrate the German
strategy of delivering a decisive knock-out
blow to France. And although it has been
pointed out that the German Army inflicted
more casualties on the Allies at Verdun and
Somme than it suffered, the German High
Command was well aware that a war of attrition was just a slow road to defeat given the
Allies' greater resources and the increasing
effectiveness of the Royal Navy's blockade.
Their search for some means to gain advantage in the West after the Somme and
Verdun is believed to have led to the decision
to implement unrestricted submarine warfare
in early 1917. While this inflicted painful losses, it failed to cut off the trans-Atlantic flow of
essential material and instead brought the
United States and its enormous resources into
the war.
At the end of the four-month offensive the
hoped-for breakthrough hadn't been
achieved. Nor had the objective to break the
enemy's will to fight been met despite Gen.
Haig's claim that German soldiers, "are now
practically beaten men, ready to surrender if
they could find opportunity". Instead a few
square kms of ground had been taken at the
cost of 432,000 casualties to British and Dominion forces, while the French, whose contribution to the battle is often neglected, had
suffered 204,000. German casualties are estimated at about 500,000.
www.masticasphaltcouncil.co.uk
The British memorial at Thiepval, unveiled in 1932, just seven years
Debate still continues as to who 'won' the Bat- before Europe would again be at war. The Thiepval Memorial is the
Memorial to the 72,195 soldiers of the United Kingdom and South
tle of the Somme, but to think of victory in
Africa who died in the Somme sector before 20 March 1918 and have
any traditional sense in the face of the almost no known grave. Over 90% of those commemorated died between
July and November 1916. The memorial also serves an as an Anglounbelievable carnage and misery that ocFrench Battle Memorial to the 1916 offensive, and a small cemetery
curred there seems misplaced. However, it
containing equal numbers of Commonwealth and French graves lies
would be a mistake to conclude that the
at its base. The Memorial to the Canadian missing is at Vimy.
Volume 3 Issue 3
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Volume 3 Issue 3
Summer 2014
7
Fallen Comrades
Since the last issue of the Glen the Regimental family has lost six members.
Earl Hunter
Earl passed away in Winnipeg on 2 January 2014, just one week shy of his 90th
birthday. A long-time member of the Regimental Association, Earl enlisted in the Army
during 1943 and served with the Calgary Highlanders in England, France, Holland and
Belgium. He was later transferred to the Queen's Own Cameron Highlanders of Canada
and served with the occupation forces in Germany before returning home in 1946. Earl is
survived by his wife, five children, seven grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren.
Norman Salive
Norman died on 4 February 2014 at the age of 89. He joined the Army in 1942, served
with the Highlanders, and was wounded on 23 October 1944 as the Unit fought to cut
the railway and highway link between Bergen op Zoom and Walcheren. A service for
Norman was held at Sylvan Lake on 1 March with representatives from the Unit present.
Norman is survived by his wife of 61 years, five children, seven grandchildren, eight
great-grandchildren and one great-great-grandchild.
John Perkins
John was another Calgary Highlander veteran of the Second World War and died on 13
February in his 95th year. John was wounded on 25 October (just two days after
Norman Salive) during the Battle of the Scheldt Estuary. A service, with representatives
from the Unit, was held in Wainwright on 22 February. John is survived by his wife,
seven children, 17 grandchildren and 18 great-grandchildren.
Wesley Youmans
Wesley served in the Highlanders during the Second World War and was a member of
the Regimental Association until his death on 27 February. Wesley contacted the Unit a
week prior to his passing at the Col. Belcher facility, saying that he wished to give his
medals to the Regimental Museum. A delegation from the Unit led by the CO, LCol. Kyle
Clapperton, visited Wesley at his bedside and accepted his medals on 19 February.
Volume 3 Issue 3
Summer 2014
8
Fallen Comrades
Dennis Syren
Dennis passed away on 7 March at the age of 81. Dennis served with the Regiment postwar and was a member of the Regimental Association and long-time volunteer at the
Military Museums. A funeral service was held in Calgary on 21 March with members of
the Unit and Association in attendance. Dennis was pre-deceased by May, his wife of
many years, on 16 October 2013. He is survived by two daughters, three grandchildren
and four great-grandchildren.
John Alden
John's death on 17 April came as a shock to many of his friends since he was only 60
years old and had retired from the Army less than a year before, in June 2013. John
joined the Army in 1970 as a Private and served in many units including as RSM of the
Seaforth Highlanders. He was commissioned as a Captain and served with the Calgary
Highlanders until his retirement. A large memorial service was held for John at Mewata
Armoury on 28 April. He is survived by his wife and daughter.
Volume 3 Issue 3
Summer 2014
9
The Regiment in Photos
The Regiment in Photos
Readers are encouraged to send in photos from all eras of the Unit’s history in order that the archive
may be expanded. Digital images can be sent to [email protected]. Prints should be mailed
to The Calgary Highlanders Regimental Association, Mewata Armoury, 801-11th St SW, Calgary, AB,
T2P 2C4. Prints will be scanned and returned upon request. When sending photos, don’t forget to
include information on who/what, when and where.
2 April 2014
The Regiment celebrated its 104th
birthday with a parade and reception
at Mewata Armoury. The parade also
saw the retirement of CWO Robert
Besse, CD as RSM and the
appointment of MWO Christopher
Tucker, CD to the position.
This photo shows LCol Kyle
Clapperton and RSM Besse during the
change of RSM Ceremony.
Calgary Highlanders
2 April 2014
RSMs new and old, MWO
Chris Tucker (left) and Bob
Besse. RSM Besse retired
from the Army several weeks
later after more than 39
years of service.
D. Mascardelli
Volume 3 Issue 3
Summer 2014
10
On Saturday 1 March the Calgary Highlanders hosted the 65th Grand Highland Military Ball in Calgary’s Westin Hotel
with more than 300 guests in attendance. This year’s Guest of Honour was HCol (Ret’d) Fred Mannix, OC.
The Guest of Honour
HCol (Ret’d) Fred Mannix with the
Commanding Officer, LCol Kyle Clapperton
Nancy Desilets
The Kandahar Reel
A group of the Regiment’s officers showed
off their mad Scottish Country dancing skills
by performing the ‘Kandahar Reel’. This
dance was written by two officers of the
Black Watch to mark the 3rd Battalion’s
operational tour in Afghanistan.
Nancy Desilets
Nancy Desilets
The Grand March
A great deal of thanks must go to former CO, LCol (Ret’d) Goebel, who was responsible for organizing the
Ball and making it such a success.
Volume 3 Issue 3
Summer 2014
11
Saturday 26 April was cool and wet as the Calgary Highlanders commemorated the 99th anniversary of the 10th
Battalion’s attack at Kitcheners Wood. The Unit first marched to the Cathedral Church of the Redeemer for a service
before moving to Calgary’s Old City Hall where they were inspected by Mayor Naheed Nenshi. Wreaths were laid by
the Unit and the Association before the march back to the Armoury. Upon returning to Mewata, the Association held
its AGM which was followed by the bestowing of the Regimental Awards for the 2013-2014 training year and the
Reunion Dinner. A list of award recipients may be found on the Unit website (calgaryhighlanders.com).
At the Cathedral Church of the Redeemer
Calgary Highlanders
The CO and RSM lay a wreath at Calgary’s Old City Hall
Calgary Highlanders
Calgary Highlanders
Marching back to Mewata
Volume 3 Issue 3
Summer 2014
12
3 May 2014
The Calgary Highlanders Oakleafs and BATUS
Lions played their annual match to establish
hockey supremacy, resulting in a 7-2 victory
for the Oakleafs.
In this photo WO1 Craig Lochie of the Lions
presents the plaque to MCpl Ryan VanZandt,
Captain of the Oakleafs.
Calgary Highlanders
25 May 2014
Over 150 members of the
Regimental Family
attended the Gathering of
the Clan BBQ at Calgary’s
Military Museums. In
addition to the food there
were tours of the museum,
highland dancing lessons
(harder than it looks, and it
doesn’t look easy) music
from the Pipes & Drums,
and children’s activities.
Denis Mascardelli
Volume 3 Issue 3
Summer 2014
13
Ex Highland Freeze
10-12 Jan 2014
By Cpl Matthew Simpson
During January to March the Unit focused its training in conducting offensive operations under winter conditions,
culminating in a tactical exercise on Great Slave Lake, near Yellowknife in the Northwest Territories. What follows are
four articles chronicling this training, written by members of A Coy.
Calgary Highlanders
MCpl Noble’s section constructed an improvised snow shelter. In this photo the interior is being hollowed out after the shelter
has been compacted with snowshoes.
During 10-12 Jan 2014 soldiers from the Calgary Highlanders moved north to CFB Wainwright for Exercise Highland Freeze, the field
portion of their Basic Winter Warfare course.
The intent of this exercise was to practise and
test the skills and techniques learned in the
theory portion of the course, thereby preparing
the candidates for future extreme, coldweather training and operations.
Once in Wainwright, candidates immediately
began setting up section groups tents, and finally went to ground at 0230 hrs.
Saturday morning kicked off with a "Pull-Pole",
Volume 3 Issue 3
as sections packed away tent groups into toboggans and navigated to separate locations
on snowshoes. As it turned out, the weather
at CFB Wainwright co-operated by producing
excellent conditions: deep snow for snowshoeing, clear skies, and ideal temperatures.
After more "Pull-Pole" exercises and kit
maintenance, sections began creating improvised shelters. MCpl Wagg's section moved to
a more wooded area where they created a
lean-to shelter and a fire complete with a
very effective fire wall to reflect heat back
into the shelter. Snow caves were also con-
Summer 2014
14
structed. MCpl Noble’s section constructed an
impressive snow cave, and three members of
the section slept in the improvised shelter Saturday night
During Saturday evening sections collapsed
their biv sites and practised night navigation
throughout the training area. Candidates began by using dead reckoning from grids desig-
competition, going to ground soon afterward.
Sunday morning began with the tear down of
tent groups and the command post. Sgt
Gaisford then led the course into the woods
for a demonstration on snaring, showing different styles of snares and techniques. After
the demonstration, the course mounted up
and left the training for the long road move
Calgary Highlanders
Not to be outdone by MCpl Noble’s section, the OC Maj Palmer and Ops O Maj Beauchamp also slept in an improvised
snow shelter constructed by the officers. Pictured (from L to R) Maj Palmer, Capt Pittet, Capt Nettleton and Maj
Beauchamp.
nated by section commanders, and then
moved on to finding known locations by tracks
previously created in the day time, such as biv
sites or locations of improvised shelters. All
candidates participated and were successful.
Sections then gathered together at one biv
site, where they competed in a "Pull-Pole"
Volume 3 Issue 3
back to Calgary.
All candidates successfully completed the
Basic Winter Warfare course, gaining valuable
skills that will be used for future training and
operations.
Summer 2014
15
Ex Highland Flurry
24-26 Jan 2014
By 2 Lt S. Mulrain
thick crust concealing deep snow pockets in
many places. This crust was, unfortunately,
not thick enough to support a fully kitted out
soldier, which meant that members of the
platoon had to contend with breakable snow
crust. These conditions added considerably
to the physical challenge of the day’s training.
The platoon conducted a series of hasty attacks throughout the morning and early afternoon, and on two occasions spotted the
enemy before the enemy had seen them.
This enabled the platoon to launch both of
these attacks with the element of surprise, a
nice tactical advantage. As the day wore on
the members of the platoon worked more
and more effectively together, and by the
end of the final attack were working smoothly
as a team.
Calgary Highlanders
Cpl D E Janzen of A company, The Calgary Highlanders, moves
up from the firebase during the consolidation phase of a hasty
platoon attack during Ex Highland Flurry.
On Friday January 24, 2014, A Company, The
Calgary Highlanders, deployed to the Western
Area Training Centre in Wainwright, Alberta to
conduct platoon level offensive operations
training. Arriving early in the morning of January 25, the Company bedded down for some
quick rest in preparation for what promised to
be a grueling day of platoon hasty attacks.
At 0600 that morning the Company was organized into a platoon to begin training. The first
attack stepped off at 0900, and it was quickly
apparent that the snow conditions would be a
challenge throughout the remainder of the exercise. Wind and sun had hardened the top
layer of snow drifts in the area, resulting in a
Volume 3 Issue 3
In the late afternoon, the platoon was resupplied and picked up rucksacks and tent
groups in preparation to occupy a patrol base
for the night. This was accomplished fairly
rapidly, which was fortunate because night
fell quickly and with it came the next phase
of training. Secure in the patrol base, orders
were issued for two reconnaissance patrols to
be sent out to reconnoitre possible enemy
locations. These patrols departed around
2000, and the remainder of the platoon settled in for a long, cold night of sentry duty.
Temperatures dropped precipitously around
0300 on January 26, and stayed that way for
the rest of the day. The platoon was all
awake and ready to leave its patrol base by
0700, and walked out of the woods to rendezvous with transport and head back to “A”
Company Headquarters. With the training
complete, all that remained was to pack up
and make the long trip home.
Summer 2014
16
Ex Highland Assault
7-9 Mar 2014
By Sgt J C Moreau
Calgary Highlanders
Headquarters made extensive use of Light Over Snow Vehicles (LOSVs, Army-speak for snowmobiles), a recently acquired
capability that provides improved winter mobility. From L to R, LCol Clapperton, Sgt. Desilets and MWO Fedoruk.
On the weekend of March 7 to 9, 2014, A
Company The Calgary Highlanders deployed
to CFB Wainwright for Exercise Highland Assault. The collective training objective for the
weekend was for members of 1 Platoon, or
call sign 21, to continue to develop individual
soldier skills in the platoon context and to develop junior leadership. The abilities of all
ranks were further put to the test when the
ground conditions dictated that the attacks be
made while wearing snowshoes. For many
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soldiers, it was their first experience conducting offensive operations while wearing snowshoes, and it proved to be both challenging
and entertaining. Two members of 15 Field
Ambulance accompanied our platoon throughout the exercise, providing valuable experience
both for them and the Platoon.
As we advanced east through area Buffalo
East to engage the “West Isle Defence Force”,
Wainwright itself showed its kinder, softer side
by gracing us with sunshine and warm temper-
Summer 2014
17
atures. Although the warm weather was
great, it inadvertently created another problem: soft wet snow that stuck to the snowshoes. Despite the heavy loads carried by 1
Platoon, both on their backs and on their feet,
morale remained high as we occupied a patrol
base and sent out night reconnaissance patrols. The Exercise culminated with a platoon
attack on two piles of dirt, which were liberated in due course and marked the end of a
challenging weekend. Company Headquarters
also had an eventful exercise. As 1 Platoon
trudged through the increasingly thick snow,
the A Coy CSM and CQ honed their LOSV
skills by providing resupply and casualty
evacuation for the Platoon. 41 Brigade’s signal squadron provided a Command Post to A
Company. Kudos to the signaller who called
up a 9-Liner casualty evacuation report for
doing his job with vigor and enthusiasm.
Overall, Exercise Highland Assault was a challenging and rewarding exercise for 1 Platoon,
and set the stage for further winter training.
100th Anniversary of the Battle of St Julien
Battlefield Tour—2015
The battlefield tour will
take place from 17 April
to 3 May 2015 and is
timed to mark the 100th
anniversary of the
Second Battle of Ypres in
which the 10th Battalion
so distinguished itself,
particularly during its
night attack on
Kitcheners Wood (St.
Julien) on 22 April 1915.
The tour will begin in
London before moving on
to Ypres, Antwerp and
Caen to allow
participants to visit the
sites of many of the
Regiment’s major
European battles during
both World Wars in
France, Belgium and
Holland.
For more information contact Major Peter Boyle at:
Major Peter Boyle
or [email protected]
c/o The Calgary Highlanders
403-470-7091
Mewata Armoury
Volume 3 Issue 3
Summer 2014
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Ex Highland Tundra
21-23 Mar 2014
By Cpl Matthew Simpson
On Friday 21 March 2014, soldiers from the
Calgary Highlanders flew north to Yellowknife,
Northwest Territories to conduct Exercise
HIGHLAND TUNDRA. The intent of this exercise was to familiarize soldiers with winter warfare in an arctic environment and was the culmination of the training cycle's focus on winter
offensive operations. The Basic Winter Warfare course was a requirement to attend this
exercise.
On Friday morning, troops met at the Calgary
International Airport and awaited their commercial flight to Yellowknife through Edmonton. Flying time was approximately two and a
half hours from Calgary. Once we'd arrived in
Yellowknife, the main body made its way
downtown to the armoury of the Loyal Edmonton Regiment (LER) C-Company. Kit was arranged as soldiers made final preparations for
the frigid conditions on Great Slave Lake.
After a 45 minute drive from Yellowknife to the
training area by ice road, the troops “ruckedup” and entered the trace moving westwards
to the bivouac site. The biv site was located on
the south side of a small island toward the
middle of slave lake; fortunately this use of the
terrain was largely effective in blocking the
cold north wind.
Night navigation training kicked off at 2100
hrs. The navigation of the section was led in
turns by different junior soldiers under the supervision of Sgt Gaisford and MCpl Mihalcheon.
Owing to the lack of reference points on an
open frozen lake navigation was difficult, causing some soldiers to resort to navigation by the
stars; this presented additional learning opportunities. Overall the sections were successful
and returned to the biv site on time.
Reveille next morning was at 0600 hrs and
"pull-pole" was ordered as sections prepared
Volume 3 Issue 3
for another nav assignment. Lead by Sgt
Gaisford and MCpl Rosenmeyer, sections
moved east of the biv site approximately 1.5
kms to another small island on the lake
where tents were stood in sections. From
there section commanders discussed and instructed on arctic survival techniques.
After lunch, demonstrations were given by
soldiers from the LER's C Coy on how to construct an igloo and drill holes in the ice for ice
fishing; the ice on Slave Lake turned out to
be approximately six feet thick making the
drilling a challenging endeavour. For the rest
of the afternoon, TOET's on the Remington
870 were conducted under the supervision of
MCpl Mihalcheon and Sgt Nussbaumer, along
with an opportunity to try ski drawing behind
a LOSV (snowmobile).
As evening approached 1 and 2 sections
moved to the north side of the island to construct an igloo and snow defense. The igloo
was constructed by MCpl Rosenmeyer's section and the snow defense by Sgt Gaisford's
section.
On Sunday morning Slave Lake greeted the
troops with -35 degree Celsius temperatures
-not counting the wind-chill factor. A shotgun
range was set up facing westward from the
biv site where each soldier shot and successfully completed PWT 1 on the Remington
870. Afterward a "Pull-Pole" was given and
the soldiers packed up the tent groups and
made their way back to the ice road where
trucks were waiting to take us back to Yellowknife.
This exercise was a great opportunity for
soldiers to familiarize themselves with operating in an arctic environment. Many new skills
were acquired and overall it was a very enjoyable weekend thanks to sound planning
and assistance from C Coy of the LERs.
Summer 2014
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Volume 3 Issue 3
Summer 2014
20
Calgary Highlanders
Training Year 2014-2015
Volume 3 Issue 3
Summer 2014
21
Volume 3 Issue 3
Summer 2014
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Calgary Highlanders Oakleafs
Vs BATUS Lions
3 May2014
By Cpl Brad Skerry
The puck dropped at 2000 hrs on Saturday
May 3 2014 for a hockey game between the
Calgary Highlanders Oakleafs and the BATUS
(British Army Training Unit Suffield) Lions
Hockey teams. It was a good game with
chances going both ways throughout and
everyone having a good time, supported by a
healthy crowd to witness all of the action as it
unfolded.
After three periods of play the score ended up
being 7 – 2 in favor of the Calgary
Highlanders. There was a presentation on the
ice after the game and time for a couple of
group pictures with all of the players. After
retiring to their respective dressing rooms and
cleaning up, the troops headed to the Mewata
Armories Jr. Ranks Mess to celebrate the
Volume 3 Issue 3
tradition of the game. Over the course of the
next couple of hours the troops had a few
drinks, mingled and shared stories. This
included an interesting tradition that the
BATUS troops taught the Calgary Highlanders
to the tune of song Roxanne. It involved some
spirited beer drinking and a whole lot of
lunging. It did seem however that everyone
really enjoyed the time at the Mewata Jr.
Ranks Mess. As the night wore on some troops
headed out to downtown Calgary to see the
sights while others headed home. All in all, the
event was a great success and it seemed that
everyone involved had an excellent time. We're
looking forward to the game again next year
and possibly some sort of soccer match so the
BATUS boys have a chance to turn the tables
on the Calgary Highlanders.
Summer 2014
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Museum Update
Connecting the Regimental Family with its Heritage
Major Peter J Boyle CD
On the 9th of May, The Government of Canada awarded Theatre Battle Honours to a number of
Regiments in the Canadian Army. The Calgary Highlanders were amongst this group and are now able
to add their 43rd Battle Honour in the history of the Regiment. The Regiment has now earned Battle
Honours in three wars. The Battle Honours are often seen when the Colours are paraded as a number
of the key battles are Emblazoned on the Colours. However, not all of the Battle Honours are
emblazoned on the Colours. Below is a list of the Battle Honours that have been earned by the
Regiment (bolded are emblazoned on the Colours). If you visit the Museum, you will see one of the
earlier sets of Colours which only show the First World War Battle Honours.
World War 1
Ypres, 1915-17
Saint-Julien
Mount Sorrel
Thiepval
Arras, 1917, ‘18
Arleux
Passchendaele
Scarpe, 1918
Hindenburg Line
Pursuit to Mons
Gravenstafel
Festubert, 1915
Somme, 1916
Ancre Heights
Vimy, 1917
Hill 70
Amiens
Drocourt-Queant
Canal du Nord
France and Flanders, 1915-18
World War 2
Bourguebus Ridge
Verieres Ridge, Tily-la-Campagne
Falaise Road
Foret de la Lond
Wyneghem
The Scheldt
South Beveland
The Rhineland
The Hochwald
The Rhine
Oldenburg
Faubourg de Vaucelles
Falaise
Clair Tizon
Dunkirk, 1944
Antwerp-Turnout Canal
Woensdrecht
Walcheren Causeway
The Reichswald
Xanten
Groningen
North-West Europe, 1944-45
South-West Asia
Afghanistan
We encourage all members of the Regimental Family to share their stories with the Museum and Archives. Please contact
us at [email protected] or 403.974.2855 to add to your Regiment’s rich history.
Volume 3 Issue 3
Summer 2014
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The Calgary Highlanders Regimental Association
Dues, Gifts and Membership
BOX A: DUES/GIFTS
If you are an existing member of the Association, either Ordinary or Associate, all you have to do to renew your
membership for 2014 is to send us your annual dues of $15.00 (Box A)
If you are not an existing member and wish to become one, please complete the application form (Box B) and attach
the 2014 annual dues of $15.00.
All serving solders are automatically Ordinary Members upon receipt of the annual dues and need not apply for
membership.
If you are unsure of your status, complete Box B.
2014 dues are $15.00 and, of course donations
are much appreciated.
A tax receipt will be issued for donations of more
than $10.00; annual dues are not tax-deductible.
Cheques should be made out to ‘The Calgary
Highlanders Regimental Association’ and mailed
to:
The Calgary Highlanders Regt Assn
Mewata Armoury
801-11th Street SW
Calgary AB T2P 2C4
Enclosed are my annual dues of $15.00 (2014)
Enclosed is my donation of $________
NAME: ________________________________________
ADDRESS: ______________________________________
______________________________________
EMAIL: ________________________________________
Please complete if this information is not on your cheque or
has changed.
BOX B: MEMBERSHIP APPLICATION
I am a former Calgary Highlander (applying as an Ordinary Member)
I am NOT a former Calgary Highlander (applying as an Associate Member)
PLEASE PRINT:
Mr/Mrs/Ms/Rank (indicate ‘Ret’d’ when applicable if providing rank ) ________________________________
Given Name(s) _____________________________________________________________________________
Surname ___________________________________________________________________________________
Decorations/Post Nominals ___________________________________________________________________
Military Service (if applicable)
Unit ___________________________________ Dates Served _________________________________
Unit ___________________________________ Dates Served _________________________________
Street Address: ______________________________________________________________________________
City ______________________________________Province _____________ Postal Code _________________
EMAIL: _____________________________________________________________________________________
OR
I do not have an email address
Former Calgary Highlanders become Ordinary Members upon receipt of the annual dues ($15.00). The Board of
Directors may grant conditional memberships to any applicant for Associate Membership, but such memberships must be confirmed at the Association's Annual General Meeting.
Mail to:
The Calgary Highlanders Regt Assn
Mewata Armoury
801-11th Street SW
Calgary AB T2P 2C4
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