ISSUE NO. 26 THE OFFICIAL JOURNAL OF THE 48TH HIGHLANDERS OF CANADA SPRING/SUMMER 2013 FEATURING: HIGHLANDERS GO INTERNATIONAL Patrol action on Exercise Highland Spirit in Scotland see page 6 A Highlander gets a Hat Trick! Major George Pearce receives his third Queen’s Jubillee Medal. see page 5 ‘A Farewell tribute to Bill DeHarte, one of the last of the original 39rs’ see page 36 Christian Charron and Stéphane Danel on their way to victory at Canal du Nord. see page 22 TRAINING IN THE 1950s see page 34 48th Sniper Shoot see page 9 48th Cadets see page 16
Transcript
ISSUE NO. 26 THE OFFICIAL JOURNAL OF THE 48TH HIGHLANDERS OF CANADA SPRING/SUMMER 2013
FEATURING:
HIGHLANDERS GO INTERNATIONAL
Patrol action on Exercise Highland Spirit in Scotland see page 6
A Highlander gets a Hat Trick! Major George Pearce receives his third Queen’s Jubillee Medal. see page 5
‘A Farewell tribute to Bill DeHarte, one of the last of the original 39rs’ see page 36
Christian Charron and Stéphane Danel on their way to victory at Canal du Nord. see page 22
TRAINING IN THE 1950s see page 34
48th Sniper Shoot see page 9
48th Cadets see page 16
THE FALCON, SPRING/SUMMER 2013 2
If you would like to contribute to future issues, please e-mail your stories and pictures to:
Fairwell to an original 39er and In Memoriam . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36
HAVE YOU SEEN THE ELECTRONIC VERSION OF THIS NEWSLETTER?A colour version of this issue is available at the Regimental website www.48highlanders.com
––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––PLEASE NOTE: THE DUE DATE FOR THE NEXT ISSUE OF THE FALCON IS: THURSDAY 31 OCT, 2013
Sgt (Ret) Al Kowalenko Assistant Editor
Capt (Ret) Steve Gilbert Editor
Sgt (Ret) Adam Bernard Layout & Graphic Design
www.adambernard.ca
This issue of The FALCON published by
Photos thanks to nick Birch oCa, Phil Chung, CF image techs, David archer, Wo Jason hanson, simon Godly, MCpl McCubbin...
and others, whose names are unknown to us.
3 THE FALCON, SPRING/SUMMER 2013
(A word of advice for those who do not understand the value of the Citizen Soldier)
Be careful what you say about those who volunteer to serve or those who have served in the Reserve components of the Canadian Armed Forces.
Such dismissive comments as, “Oh, his/her service was only Reserve” or “He/She was in the Forces but only in the Reserve” not only show a lack of knowledge but do a great disservice to the Canadian forces as a whole which rely on augmentation (reinforcement) by the Reserves in order to function in critical times.
The Canadian Army is defined as a Total Force comprising Regular and Reserve soldiers, which in wartime are combined by mobilization - the military term for rapid increase in trained personnel for equally rapid deployment in immediate operational tasks as determined by the Government of Canada. Without the full resources of a mobilized Primary Reserve, the Canadian Army would not exist.• Of 40,000 Canadians who have served
in Afghanistan, 12,000 have been Reservists (30% of the total). Of these 1,080 (9%) were women. Veterans Affairs Canada (VAC) says that of 4,181
veterans on disability from service in Afghanistan, 334 (8%) are women.
• Trained soldiers who become casualties of war are defined by their distinguished service, valour and sacrifice; they are not separated by labels such as “Only a Reservist”.
• One of the first four of 158 Canadian soldiers killed in Afghanistan, Corporal Ainsworth Dyer, received his initial training as a Reservist in the 48th Highlanders of Canada before transferring to Princess Patricia’s Canadian Light Infantry for deployed operational service overseas.
He represents thousands of volunteer Reservists who have served and thousands
more who will continue to serve Canada with one uniform commitment:
“Where we are needed, there we will be.”Such “Citizen Soldiers” who devote part-
time military service, in addition to their regular jobs, know the importance of being ready for anything in defence of Canada.
Their dedication and sense of duty make each one of them “twice the citizen”.
Bumper stickers proclaiming “Support Our Troops” don’t do it; Service supports our troops.
Reserve service is not insignificant, incidental or inferior. It is an essential component of national defence comprising the caring, the disciplined, the ready, the willing and the able; in short - The Responsible Few who have always proved that they can always be relied upon in the long haul.
Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II has famously conferred her tribute to Canada’s citizen soldiers with the following words:
“On every Canadian rests the responsibility of citizenship. There is no higher or better form of citizenship than service in the Canadian Armed Forces. As members of the regiments in which you serve, you discharge that responsibility with distinction.”
EDITORIAL
MILITARY TERMS AND ABBREVIATIONS
A/Editor’s Note: For general readers of The Falcon who have been reviewing articles on the Active Regiment in this issue, there may be occasions where certain military terms and abbreviations may not be readily understood. To assist in making the articles more accessible to the general reader, we are including below a glossary of military terms and abbreviations used in this issue that may be helpful.We would like to thank Major Ron Alkema (OC, Alpha Company) for his assistance in providing the correct information to include in this list.
qualifies a soldier to be promoted to a MCpl. The Pre-PLQ is a unit run, year-long preparatory training session designed to give the soldier all the tools he/she requires on PLQ, and set him/her up for success.)
• Pre-DP1 Course….DP1 is the series of courses designed to take a civilian and train him/her to become a qualified solider. It consists of three courses – Basic Military Qualification Recruit, BMQ Land (which is common to the Army, as opposed to Navy/AirForce, soldiers) and Basic Infantry Qualification (Basic Training). The Pre-DP1 is training conducted by the Regiment for new soldiers designed to augment their courses, provide remedial training for those who require it, and provide some training for those soldiers waiting for the above noted courses.
• AOR……Area of Responsibility• COIN…..Counter Insurgency• Combat Estimate Process…..The process whereby the
Commander determines his/her mission, the key tasks, and how he/she will complete them.
• EndEx…..End of Exercise• Exfil…..Exfiltration (getting back from the objective to
friendly lines)• Find-Fix-Strike…..Locate the enemy, make sure they
can’t get away (normally done with weapons fire both direct and indirect) and kill or destroy the enemy.
• Fire Planning…..Planning indirect fire support (artillery and air support)
• FOB….Forward Operating Base• FTX……Field Training Exercise• GMPG…..General Purpose Machine Gun• H-Hour…..Commencement of operations (technically, the
time that the lead element crosses the Line of Departure)• IBCT….Infantry Brigade Combat Team• IED…..Improvised Explosive Device• Interoperability…..Cooperation and teamwork among
armies of different countries during field exercises.• LMG…..Light Machine Gun• OP……Observation Post• Orbat……Order of Battle (the organization of military
forces, i.e., sections, platoons, companies, battalions)• ORV…..Objective Rendezvous (the last location that a
patrol stages from prior to launching a raid/ambush/recce. It is located approximately 200-300 meters short of the objective.)
• PWs……Prisoners of War• Recce…..Reconnaissance • 32 BG or 32 CBG…..32 Canadian Brigade Group (one
of 10 CF Reserve Brigade Groups organized across Canada. It currently has 2,400 soldiers in 12 units based in Toronto and 11 other locations in Southern Ontario. The 48th Highlanders of Canada are one of six infantry regiments in the Brigade Group which also include the Queen’s Own Rifles of Canada, Royal Regiment of Canada, Lorne Scots, Toronto Scottish, Lincoln and Welland Regiment.)
THE FALCON, SPRING/SUMMER 2013 4
A SpeeCh ReCOgnizing SuppORTeRS OF RegimenTAl
pROjeCTS And ACTiviTieS deliveRed by hOnORARy COlOnel jOhn newmAn
Editor’s note: The following article is extracted from a speech given by the HCol at the May 11, 2013 Annual Officers Association Dinner.
Thank you PMC. I have been instructed by LCol Andrew Paterson, who sends his regrets
that he cannot be with us tonight, to keep this presentation short. I will therefore ask the Honorary Lieutenant Colonel to time me, so that he can email a report to Andrew confirming my compliance to his direction.
I want to begin with a presentation on behalf of the 15th Battalion Project Team. We would like to recognize and thank Jim Cassie, Jean Miso, LCol George Turner, David Mirvish and the staff of Lona Design for their generous financial support of Phase 3 of our Memorial Project, which consists of the two Memorials, which were completed and dedicated last Fall at Hill 70 and Canal du Nord in France. Once again, the Team’s execution of this phase was flawless, but it would not have been possible without the generosity of these Doners.
On the back of your Dinner Program is a write up on Operation Husky, 2013. In connection with it, I would like to mention the OCA’s Operation Blue Puttees. Led by Jim Cassie and Tommy Thompson, with the assistance of Col Rod Hoffmeister of the Seaforths, LCol Skip Simpson of the Hasty Ps and LCol Adrian Praisner of the Royals, who provided a complete RCR manikin, now displayed in the Catania War Museum, together with those of those of the Seaforths, Hasty Ps and 48th.
However, this Canadian Exhibition would never have happened without the incredible hard work and effort of Steve Gregory, founder and chair of Operation Husky, 2013, who secured this Museum display space for Project Blue Puttees. Significantly, Steve also secured locations in
Pachino and Assoro, so that 48th Memorial Plaques could be installed and dedicated, as part of Operation Husky, this summer.
Lastly, but just as importantly, I have one more presentation. On May 4, 1951, the 27th Canadian Infantry Brigade was formed to help fulfill Canada’s military commitment to NATO. It was a formation created from soldiers serving in many of Canada’s outstanding Reserve Force units, including the 48th Highlanders of Canada, from which a number of then serving members volunteered. We have two of those volunteers with us tonight. Please recognize Liam O’Brien and Tom Chipman.
Looking forward to the OCA’s upcoming Summer activities, Jim Cassie, LCol Alan Best and Regimental Padre Don Aitchison will dedicate a plaque at Pachino on July 10 and another, at Assoro, on July 30.
This coming Fall, the 15th Battalion Project Team will complete the final phase of its Memorial dedications with new monuments on the Somme and at Amiens In addition, a World War I Coffee Table Book, featuring the 15th Battalion, is under consideration for completion and publication, as part of our 1914 – 2014 Commemoration of the Great War.
Thank you for listening and for attending this evening’s Annual Mess Dinner.
Promotions andawards since the
last Falcon
diamond Jubilee medal reciPients:
LCol Best
Capt Fisher
CWO Joseph
MWO Carswell
WO Dewar
Cpl Markowski
Cpl Wilcox
David Archer (Mgr Reg Museum)
Promotions:
2Lt Gorham to Lt
MCpl General to Sgt
eaton awards:
Most Proficient Subaltern – Lt Hook
Most Proficient Sr NCO – Sgt Corea
Most Proficient Jr NCO – MCpl Kowalenko
carPenter award For combat service
suPPort:
Sgt Carvalho
IN RECOGNITION
5 THE FALCON, SPRING/SUMMER 2013
the ainsworth dyer award:
Cpl Ater
Physical Fitness award For aerobic
excellence:
Capt Wentzell
co’s coins were awarded to the
Following individuals:
Lt Laurella
Sgt Leandro
Sgt Launder
MCpl Thomas
MCpl Kinkaid
Cpl Gallella
Cpl Mazanani
Pte Ciafaloni
co’s recognition:
Brian Rogersonwas recognized for his great efforts in ensuring that all 48th personnel were
outfitted in Full Dress for the Battle of York and Church Parades. This was the first time in a long time that all personnel on
parade were in Full Dress. A great job well done!
WO Jeapeswas recognized for his ongoing display of outstanding leadership as the Ops NCO and his contribution to the success of Ex
Highland Spirit in Scotland.
A highlAndeR’S Queen’S jubilee
‘hAT TRiCk’ By Capt (Ret) Steve Gilbert, CD
Major George Pearce, a member of the 48th Highlanders of Canada (both active and
volunteer) for more than six decades, has received the unique honour of being awarded all three Queen’s Jubilee Medals – Silver in 1977, Gold in 2003 and Diamond at Rideau Hall, on February 6, 2013.
Beginning his military career, in 1945, as a 15-year-old drummer with the Pipes and Drums of the Toronto Scottish Regiment and the International Competition Band of the 48th Highlanders, George later obtained his commission (he is one of only two of our drummers to ever do this – the other was LCol Cam Fraser) through the Canadian Officers’ Training Corps.
He went on, in the mid 1950s, to become a Lieutenant with the Regiment, later serving as both a Company 2IC (Second-in-Command) and Company Commander.
A teacher in his civilian life, one of George’s most treasured experiences was the opportunity he had, during a 1960-61 year long educational exchange in the United Kingdom, to also serve as the Medium Machine Gun Platoon Commander with a battalion of the British Army’s Parachute Regiment.
However, for many of us who joined in the 1960s (the Editor and Assistant Editor of this Journal included), he was first introduced in what became, within Regimental circles, his most famous role – Course Commander and Chief Instructor of the Unit’s Student Militia Training Program (SMTP).
Tough and demanding, with very high performance standards for both his trainees and particularly his subordinate officers and NCOs, George also consistently displayed his unique brand of humour and ongoing capacity to provide mentoring guidance and advice to individual soldiers, whatever their rank.
His leadership approach made the experience of training or working with him a source of life long memories for those of us who were there and that included a future Regimental Commanding
Officer/General and two future RSMs.George’s Reserve career took a different turn
in the 1970s when he moved, at first occasionally, then eventually, full-time into the field of Public Affairs and ultimately to his appointment, in 1978, as Senior Public affairs Officer for Central Militia Area (now Land Force Central Area). In this new role he undertook many Media Liaison tasks, including several involving Royal Visits or Events.
This was not a new experience for George, who has had the opportunity, on four separate occasions, in three different decades, to be presented to our Colonel in Chief, Queen Elizabeth II and, on behalf of the Regiment offer:
“the loyal and affectionate greetings of all ranks of (your) 48th Highlanders of Canada’’
This ultimate honour has been for him ‘’my greatest privilege’’ and it has been enhanced by several other occasions in the years subsequent to his retirement, when he was asked to work with CBC – TV as both a commentator and advisor during the broadcast of several significant Royal Events, including, in 1997, the Queen’s Presentation of New Colours to the Governor General’s Foot Guards and, later that year, the marathon ten hour coverage of the funeral of Diana, Princess of Wales.
Indeed, George’s role as a media commentator on military related events was extensive over the past quarter century, most notably, his 21 consecutive years (1988 – 2008) as co-host of CBC’s annual Remembrance Day Broadcast.
He has also taken part as a co- host in several other events, such as the return of Canada’s Unknown Soldier from the Vimy area of France to the National War Memorial in Ottawa, the Service marking the sixtieth anniversary of the Dieppe Raid, and the unveiling and dedication of the Korean War Memorial in Ottawa.
Always willing to help fellow Highlanders, in recent years, his well-developed knowledge and skills have provided sound ongoing guidance and advice, to the 15th Battalion Memorial Project Team, regarding, media coverage of the installation and dedication of monuments that mark significant World War 1 Regimental Battle Honours.
A consummate professional, both during active Reserve Force years and after in retirement and, in that regard, a Highlander’s Highlander, Major (Ret) George Pearce is a most worthy recipient of his three Queen’s Jubilee Medals.
Well done GeorGe! dileas Gu Brath!
IN RECOGNITION
1977 2002 2012
THE FALCON, SPRING/SUMMER 2013 6
a message from thecommanding officer
summer 2013
Highlanders, it has been another busy, yet rewarding, spring for the Regiment. Since
Christmas, Unit personnel have taken part in a multitude of activities including Field Training Exercises (FTX), career courses and various ceremonial duties. In addition, our soldiers have continued to deploy across Canada and overseas, representing the 48th Highlanders of Canada with professionalism and distinction.
The New Year began with members of the Battalion taking part in the annual Basic Winter Warfare series of FTXs, while the Regimental leadership and both bands were called upon to represent the 48th at several high profile functions, most notably, the Toronto Garrison Ball and Canadian Army Highland Dinner. The Pipes & Drums appeared on both CP24’s Breakfast Television and the Discovery Channel’s Daily Planet, while all members of the Regiment’s musical community supported the long awaited Toronto Maple Leafs home opener.
Of special note, an affiliation was signed in early February between the U.S. 48 Infantry Brigade Combat Team (IBCT) of the Georgia National Guard, and the 48th Highlanders, formalizing a close working relationship that has existed for years. In addition, the Regiment was pleased to host LCol Peter Little, Commanding Officer of the 7th Battalion, Royal Regiment of Scotland, and to say thank you to him for taking care of the Unit in the UK last November during Ex HIGHLAND SPIRIT.
In April, the 48th received word it would once again work alongside its friends to the south this
September, shifting A Company’s training focus back to the Offensive role. At the same time, members of the Active Battalion and Regimental family, including the OCA and Cadets, supported one of the largest military ceremonies to take place in the streets of Toronto since World War Two: Roughly +1,600 Canadian Forces personnel took part in the 200th Anniversary Battle of York commemoration parade, marching from Queen’s Park to old Fort York.
A focus for the Regiment continues to be operations abroad, both for retention and interoperability training purposes. Sgt Ivan Oliynykov is currently preparing to return home from Afghanistan, while RSM, CWO Ray Joseph has deployed to Ramallah as part of the Canadian Forces training mission in Palestine. Early in June, the Unit hosted a contingent from the 48 IBCT, who came North during the warmer Canadian weather to take part in a live fire range weekend.
There are so many individuals and organizations that support the running of the Regiment. On behalf of the Senior Leadership of the 48th Highlanders of Canada, we thank you for your on-going support, and wish you an enjoyable summer break.
dileas!
a.r. Best
lieutenant-Colonel
CommandinG offiCer
48th hiGhlanders of Canada
exercise“highland sPirit” –
17-26 november 2012, scotland
By: Cpl Jan Miaco
During our time in Scotland, our trip consisted of history lessons, a little bit of sightseeing,
and practicing our drills before going up north to the highlands of Ben Wyvis (near where they filmed James Bond’s Skyfall) for Exercise “Highland Spirit” with our counterparts from the 7thBatallion, Royal Regiment of Scotland and the US 48th Infantry Brigade Combat Team.
We went to learn to work, live, and fight alongside our closest allies and maybe have a pint or two in the process.
After a long trip in, connecting in Amsterdam, we arrived at the Gordon Barracks in Aberdeen and spent the first few days there.
Every morning, we would go for a run down the beach in the dark, and during the day we would get history lessons about the Gordon Highlanders, familiarization training on their radios and service weapons, including the SA80 Rifle, the L86 LMG (which we didn’t use for the
exercise), and their GPMG, which is pretty much the C6 with a different gas regulator.
The Scots showed us some keen demonstrations of their peel back drills - which were no different from ours. We did pairs fire and movement in the woods near the barracks with paintball guns.
After their demonstrations, we all felt a sense of competition, so when it was our turn to demonstrate our drills, we made sure our drills were spot on.
We toured the nearby Glenfiddich distillery, and tasted 12, 15, and 18 year old scotch. At the end of each day we stayed at the Gordon Barracks, and we were allowed to go to town.
Our Scottish friends brought us and the Americans to downtown Aberdeen, and showed us the best bars in town. The morning runs seemed to get a little more challenging after that.
After Aberdeen, we headed north to Inverness, stopping on the way to visit the Gordon Highlanders’ museum and tour the battlefield at Culloden. We spent one night in Inverness, starting our battle procedure, then staged through Dingwall to the training area.
When we arrived in Ben Wyvis on Friday morning, we ruck marched for about 9 km along Loch Glass before taking our objective – an old farmhouse and its outbuildings – by force, in the driving rain. Once there, we set up a perimeter and started OP tasks.
The next day the weather was beautiful. I was still doing OP shifts around the house while other sections conducted recce patrols to locate the insurgent forces.
Saturday night we received orders for a cordon and clear operation from LT Hook. Our objective was a small house by a waterfall about 5 km from our compound.
After rehearsals and a little forced rest, we stepped off around 3 am on Sunday morning. My section’s task was as the reserve section. My role was to detain and search PWs, and collect intelligence.
The march to the objective went well, despite the challenging highland terrain. While moving from the attack position to the line of departure, we came under contact. It turned into a full on gunfight across 200 meters of rocky, uneven terrain. We had overwhelming firepower and cleared the objective quickly,
Cpl Gallella even made sure the river was clear. We picked up our PW and casualties and withdrew to the ORV.
After our exfil, we started marching back and I thought about how our Scottish counterparts are used to training in the tough terrain of the Scottish Highlands with a weather machine twice as bad as Meaford and it baffled me a bit. A piper welcomed us back to the FOB.
After endex, we returned our weapons in Inverness barracks and bussed down to
ACTIVE UNIT
7 THE FALCON, SPRING/SUMMER 2013
ACTIVE UNIT
Edinburgh barracks and stayed the night before our flight the next morning. We went into town for a few beers, of course.
All in all, I learned a lot about the way I conduct myself, and about working alongside our Scottish and American counterparts.
It was one of the best experiences of my military career.
interoPerability training in
scotland – an oFFicer’s view
By: Lt Mike Hook
I had the honor of being selected as the Platoon Commander, for the first deployment of 48th
Highlanders to train with our Scottish brothers in over a decade, on Exercise “Highland Spirit” (17-26 November 2012).
My platoon consisted of two sections and a weapons detachment of 48th Highlanders and a squad from the US 48th Infantry Brigade Combat Team.
After a significant amount of admin to get us out the door, most of which fell on the shoulders of my platoon 2IC, WO Chris Jeapes, we landed in Edinburgh airport, tired, but excited to get on with the training.
Once we got to Aberdeen, the first challenge was integrating the US squad into the platoon. Much of this took place at the section and individual soldier level, hashing out TTPs and drills, while I spent time with WO Jeapes and my section commanders Staff Sergeant and Sgts Park, Frank and Leandro figuring out how to mesh US squad tactics into the platoon.
The platoon leadership also got walked through the Scots “7 Questions” combat estimate process, which brought us up to speed on their orders process. After a few late night pints and some early morning PT, the social integration took care of itself.
The next challenge was tactical planning in the framework of a foreign command, after we movied up to some old castle-like barracks near Inverness. The Scots orders groups were much less detailed than what I was used to, which left me a lot of leeway in determining courses of action.
We were to establish a FOB in the Ben Wyvis training area, maintain FOB security, patrol to locate the enemy, then clear them from our AOR. These were all seemingly simple tasks, but with a lot of unknown variables – November weather in the highlands, enemy strength and capabilities, harsh, broken terrain and unfamiliar kit – never a dull day! All we could do was trust our estimates and battle procedure and stay focused on the commander’s intent
The first view of the hills and snowy
mountains of Ben Wyvis, the windmills jutting up over Loch Glass and the heather stretching off in the distance down the valley, were breathtaking. The weather seemed to change every five minutes – from sunny, to rain, to snow, to hail, to cold winds whistling, as we marched the 9 km inland.
We set up our ORV, deployed weapons detachment as overwatch, and moved quickly to clear the old farm compound that was to become our FOB. The U.S. squad cleared the outbuildings quickly, while Sgt Frank’s section cleared the main building. We established a perimeter, and
moved quickly into the recce patrolling phase. Sgt Park took a night patrol out to confirm routes, check bridges and “get eyes” on a suspected enemy location.
The next day the platoon from the 7 Scots took over FOB security and we were tasked with a daytime presence patrol, where
our interoperability as a platoon would be tested. After meeting some locals, who complained
of terrorists taking their men prisoner and pushing the women out of their village, we came under contact near our limit of exploitation.
SSgt Davis’ squad formed a fire base, while I maneuvered with the two 48th sections over a fence and up into the hills. We took out two insurgents, Captured their weapons, and also found signs of others who had withdrawn. Given the mine and IED threat in the area, I decided
The entire multi-national contingent of 7 SCOTS, 48th Highrs and 48th ICBT soldiers after the completion of the exercise in Inverness, Scotland.
WO Jeapes leading the after-action review of the final attack with a multinational coalition of US, British and Canadian forces.
THE FALCON, SPRING/SUMMER 2013 8
ACTIVE UNITnot to pursue and we patrolled back to the FOB.
That night came the next challenge. After a detailed intelligence brief, I and LT Rob Walker, the 7 Scots platoon commander, received a very brief set of orders and were left to develop the plan for a company level cordon and clear operation.
The OC made some modifications, after our back-brief, and we launched into rehearsals. The 7 Scots would patrol over the high ground to the north and east, to set the cutoff locations and we would clear the enemy training camp.
We launched around 0300 on the 4 km march and moved quickly to occupy the attack position. Just before H-hour, in the cold morning light, we came under contact from the objective.
The platoon reacted with a heavy volume of fire and started assaulting the objective. The terrain was hard – big boulders covered in slippery moss, with deep holes covered by heather and bracken, hidden streams, and thorny bushes – but we closed ground quickly on the enemy and cleared through.
WO Jeapes oversaw rapid battlefield clearance and the extraction of casualties and PWs. One difference between us and the Scots – when they have a casualty assessed, they carry him all the way back.
After a tactical pause to dry out those who saw the consolidation as an opportunity to bathe in highland spring water, we returned to the FOB. We were greeted by the sounds of a lone piper, just as the morning mist peeled out of the valley, giving us one last view of the rugged terrain that’s been the training ground of warriors for 1500 years. I’ve never felt so connected to my Highland roots.
With the reality of modern warfare, interoperability with our allies is becoming as essential a skill as the combat estimate or fire planning. The opportunity to fuse Canadian, American, and Scottish tactics and drills at every level brought challenges at every turn. For armies that evolved from a common heritage, the way we get to the battlefield is surprisingly different.
At the end of the day, however, jocks will be jocks, and when the shooting starts, I’m glad we’re all on the same side. –––––––––– –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––
winTeR wARFARe eXeRCiSe “TRillium ReSpOnSe” 2013
By Cpl Fong
Soldiers from the 48th Highlanders endured bone-chilling temperatures from February
15th to the 23rd, when the Unit’s winter warfare skills were tested to their limits.
Exercise “Trillium Response” 2013, was a combined effort of the Canadian Army and Royal Canadian Air Force to assess Canada’s ability to operate in sub-arctic conditions. It took place in the Cochrane and Moosonee area and, unlike previous winter exercises, particular focus was given to developing soldiering skills against a real opposing force.
The 48th platoon deployed from Toronto with in a mixed orbat including troops from the Lincoln and Welland Regiment, as well as two platoons from the Royal Regiment of Canada. Soldiers were put onto their respective buses, with various amounts of winter kit,for a 12 hour ride to the small city of Timmins.
Once everyone was disembarked into Timmins, the 48th linked up with the rest of the Territorial Battle Group and prepared for
the field. The 48th were re-designated 5 Platoon in the company and given orders to provide security at the Otter Rapids Power Facility under threat from “enemy special forces”.
Most soldiers had not been exposed to such a long duration in a winter environment and extra care was
taken at every level of leadership to assure the safety of those involved. Tents were set up and the stoves/lanterns lit as quickly as possible, in order to give everyone protection from the extreme winds and cold.
Tent routine was quickly established in the camp, which involved the standard OP’s and gate security. As well, the Platoon was given reconnaissance patrol tasks, on foot and on snowmobiles, around the area. Some patrols had soldiers moving through waist deep snow, because the steep and heavily forested terrain didn’t allow for snowshoeing.
A highlight of the exercise was the introductory survival training given to the platoon by Canadian Rangers, who had been attached to Alpha Company. Leadership was very keen on rotating troops into knowledge lectures, so they could be exposed to Ranger expertise on winter survival. Soldiers were taught signaling smoke, improvised shelters, effective ways of snaring small game and different ways of starting fires without matches. As well, some Rangers were attached to Platoon patrols around camp.
Our Platoon was given one significant task, to defend a T-junction from the enemy force. To everyone’s surprise (and increased morale), snowmobiles were provided to make the move as efficient as possible.
The exercise was capped off by an enemy raid into camp, which was met by a rapid counter attack on foot and in vehicles.
Shortly after, the end of the exercise was called and the move back to everyone’s respective home armoury began.
Once at home, many 48th soldiers commented, positively, on the development of their own winter warfare skills, and the lessons learned.
LEFT TO RIGHT: A-Coy CSM WO Kwok, RSM CWO Joseph, CO LCol Best, A-Coy OC Major Alkema
Major Alkema and WO Kwok
9 THE FALCON, SPRING/SUMMER 2013
48TH Sniper Shoot with 3RCR Sniper Platoon at CFB Petawawa
By Cpl Daniel Veiras
During March 25-28th, 2013, I (along with Sgt Corey Bennett, MCpl Ian Kinkaid and
Cpl Matt Zasidko) was fortunate enough to take part in a two-day sniper shoot with the Sniper Platoon of 3RCR at CFB Petawawa.
We arrived at the base during the late afternoon of March 25th, received the keys to each of our rooms (which had cable television) and were welcomed with a good old Mess dinner.
Following that, MCpl Kinkaid drove Cpl Zasidko and I on a tour of CFB Petawawa as neither of us had ever been there except when on exercise. It’s a pretty large and fascinating base, with lots of people around so there’s always something going on. The gym was one of the best I’ve been to, and that’s where Cpl Zasidko and I could be found each day after dinner.
The three of us met up with Sgt Bennett early the next morning after our delicious Mess breakfast. Shortly after that we helped a couple of the snipers set up the range, followed by a range briefing.
We then familiarized ourselves with the three rifles we would be using during our time there. We all got our hands on the 338 Timberwolf, 50-caliber McMillan Tac-50, and the C3 but only fired the Timberwolf on our first day there.
After shooting the sniper rifle for our first time, the first word out of our mouths when asked, “How was it?” was “Surprising”, which described the feeling perfectly as it only took a very soft touch of the trigger to send a round down range. The recoil and crashing sound that came from the weapon were also more than what we were expecting.
Each of us got the chance to be a spotter, which is the most important part of sending an accurate and effective shot down range. With
extensive practise, a spotter can watch where your bullet landed after firing and can change your sight in order to put you on target for your next shot.
The first day at the range was great. We picked up many good firing tips that will definitely be shared with the rest of the 48th Highlanders and should be able to improve everyone’s accuracy when firing the C7 assault rifle.
On day two, we had some fun with the 50-cal rifle and the C3. Each of us received a couple 50-caliber rounds to fire and we were all pumped with adrenaline by the time our rounds ran out.
We thought that the Timberwolf had some kick to it, but that was nothing compared to the recoil of the 50
caliber rifle which literally slides you back a foot when shooting from the prone position. After the 50-cal, we shot
lots of the C3 ammo because the rest of the platoon didn’t have much interest in the smaller rifle, which was fine with us!
Between the 48ths we had a little competition shooting a target 1 km away, and all of us, except for one, who shall not be named, were having little trouble hitting the target. Nonetheless, it was a great second day at the range filled with lots of fun and we each took away a number of good shooting tips.
I think that we were all impressed at how calm, cool, and collected the atmosphere was at the sniper range. No one was yelling over the sound of gun fire, tac-vests and helmets weren’t needed, and the snipers made us feel right at home.
We also found it very interesting that the snipers were all taking so many things into consideration when shooting the sniper rifle. Obvious things like wind speed, breathing techniques and maintaining
constant eye-alignment were important for accurate shooting, but also things like the temperature of the rifle’s chamber and ammunition were constantly checked throughout the shoot.
All in all, it was a great experience, very enjoyable, and we all came home with many shooting tips to pass on to the rest of the unit.
Cpl Veiras on the C3
The 338 Timberwolf
Cpl Zasidko on the 338 Timberwolf
A 50 caliber round
The 50-cal McMillan tac-50
ACTIVE UNIT
THE FALCON, SPRING/SUMMER 2013 10
ACTIVE UNITALPHA COMPANY
REPORT2012-13
By: MAJ Ron Alkema
Alpha Company, the Mission Tasked Element of the Regiment, had an interesting year. As is normal within the Army, there were
some postings and transfers, and when all was said and done, the Company leadership structure was confirmed as follows:
A number of Section Commanders were also moved in and out of the Coy, but mostly out. The CO identified that there is a critical need for Jr NCOs, so B Coy was tasked with conducting a Pre-PLQ course this year.
As a result, A Coy transferred 10 senior, experienced Cpls to B Coy. This left us with an exciting and positive challenge, as most of the Cpls that were left had no experience as Section 2ICs.
CSM Kwok and the Platoon 2ICs readily stepped forward and laid on a number of professional development training sessions for those new to the position. The young leaders quickly adapted, learned new skills, and became effective NCOs – able to perform the duties and responsibilities of Section 2ICs and in some cases, as Section Commanders.
The training year started off with a bang – literally. The first 2 weekend exercises were Individual Battle Task Standards testing – from the Annual Personal Weapons Tests, to weapons handling skills, navigation, Chemical Biological Radioactive Nuclear Defense, Explosive Threat Hazard Awareness Refresher, and a Battle Fitness Test. All the individual skills that a soldier needs to have.
October also saw LT Hook take a platoon of soldiers to Scotland to conduct interoperability training with the British and US armies. (There is a related article The Falcon outlining all their exploits – well, at least the ones that can be publically aired!)
November was quickly upon us – a parade at the Royal Winter Fair, followed by the Remembrance Day weekend. The last weekend was another FTX – this time a tactical training exercise.
32 CBG conducts the FTX with several units “grouped” together. This year, the Queen’s Own Rifles formed the Battalion HQ for Training Group Bravo (TG-B), with Rifle Companies being provided by the Queen’s Own Rifles (A Coy), Royal Regiment of Canada (B Coy) and the 48 Highrs (C Coy).
This FTX involved a two Company attack on an urban village, followed by a hasty urban defensive. There were civilian role-players, a strong enemy force, and a blinding snow storm to contend with. All in all, a typical army weekend. CSM Kwok was away, so Sgt Bennett took the reins as the A/CSM and did a fantastic job of filling in.
December was a short month, with the Regimental Christmas Dinner as the major event. Highlander Singleton-Brown was appointed CO for the day, and stepped up admirably, ordering a free-round in the JR’s Mess, much to the chagrin of the DCO.
January and February found us conducting winter warfare training – at the basic level, and several levels higher. The Coy was simultaneously conducting a Basic Winter Warfare Course with Capt Wentzell as the Course Officer, and Sgt Corea as the 2IC, MCpl McCubbin-Freer and MCpl General as the Section Instructors; acting as the lead Coy within TG-B., and preparing a platoon of soldiers to deploy on Exercise “TRILLIUM RESPONSE” under LT Lockhart. (Again, there is a related article in The Falcon.) Capt Wentzell also participated in Ex TR, and both these officers acquitted themselves very well, and were noted as being “mastered” in their assessments.
Around this time, WO Kwok went on his ALP Course, where he excelled. Finally, after many years of resisting courses, he is just one course short being a fully qualified MWO. Though, to be honest, his outstanding dedication and performance this year have demonstrated that he is the CSM, regardless being “just” a WO.
The tactical exercise in March was involved a TG-B defensive FTX, but with the focus on patrolling. The scenario called for the three Companies to establish a Tactical Administrative Area, and send out recce patrols to locate, define, and maintain contact with the enemy. Each Coy then sent out two Platoon sized fighting patrols to
destroy the enemy. Sounds eerily like FIND-FIX-STRIKE.
April was a busy month – another FTX – but with a rapidly changing of focus. The Regiment has established a firm connection with 48 IBCT. This is a Light Infantry Brigade located in Georgia, and we have reconnected with them after a number of years apart.
We attended a combined FTX in Alabama last January, and have been invited to participate in their work-up training FTXs for their deployment to Afghanistan later this year. The focus of their work-up training is COIN (Counter-Insurgency). This is big change from the defensive operations we have been conducting for the past 2 years.
April’s FTX was a “stand training” FTX with emphasis on section sized patrolling, information gathering in an urban, COIN environment, gun-fighter drills, Counter-IED and FOB security. This was followed by a weekend of parades – the Battle of York Commemoration Parade, and the Regimental Church Parade.
May saw another FTX – this one geared to offensive operations. The American informed us that their workup FTX have changed, and as a result our training changed as well. So after a quick refresher, the TG-B formed a composite Company and conducted a couple days of Section and Platoon Attacks.
We deployed to Meaford after a week and half of beautiful spring weather to a weekend of cold temperatures, rain, and yes, more snow. With all goings on, some of those young Cpls were thrust into Section Commander positions, and performed extremely well.
Going forward, we are already starting to conduct our IBTS for the current fiscal year. This will be followed by a well-deserved summer break.
Early in September, MAJ Alkema will be taking a composite Infantry Company to Fort Stewart, Georgia, to train as part of a US Infantry Battalion, during their deployment validation exercise.
Then back to the grind of another training year – except that it’s never a grind. It’s always “living the dream!!”
BRAVO COMPANY TRAINING YEAR
2012-13By: Lt Ed Gorham
Bravo Company’s main effort is developing troops and adequately preparing them for
their training courses during RST, the summer training period.
In order to achieve this, B Coy provided staff and admin support to the Basic Military Qualification (BMQ) course run out of Moss
Alpha Company on Parade - 27 April
11 THE FALCON, SPRING/SUMMER 2013
ACTIVE UNITPark Armouries and restarted an old tradition of running a pre-leadership (pre-PLQ) course and pre-infantry (pre-DP1) course. These last two preparatory courses were aimed respectively at the senior Corporals and BMQ-qualified Privates, instilling in them the skills to succeed at their next phase in their training.
As a result of the two BMQ courses being run concurrently, out of MPA and Fort York Armouries, a total of five candidates finished: Private Liria from the MPA course, and Privates Edwards, Ho, Su, and Kuznetsov from the FYA course.
The MPA staff from the 48th toiled hard to ensure no detail was overlooked: LT Laurella and WO Hanson provided the tone and direction for the course, while MCpl Kowalenko and MCpl To were section commanders, teaching the basic skills, such as drill, dress and deportment and enforcing the importance of PT and care of the C7 service rifle.
The troops on the pre-PLQ course had many opportunities to put their skills to the test during the course of the training year. The OC, Capt Morische, gave direction, that rather than just being told how to give orders, conduct PT or a recce patrol, the Corporals taking the pre-PLQ would be the ones expected to give the lectures and instruct others.
The troops’ efforts were put to use during “EXERCISE COLD START III”, where they were tasked as recce detachments for the rifle company, performing as they would be expected to on course and feeding back information to the platoon commanders, so that they could achieve their missions.
The pre-DP1 troops revisited many of the foundation lessons that were taught in BMQ, such as weapons handling, fitness, and basic navigation skills. They also were the training audience for the pre-PLQ group, when they were giving their assessed lectures.
The highlight for many of these troops was the battle fitness test. This 13 km ruck march must be completed within 2 hours and 21 minutes. As it is the standard which infantrymen must achieve, the troops frequently practiced this march within the confines of MP, by attempting 65 laps around the upper balcony. It is a humbling trek, with 55 lbs total load, including ruck, rifle, tac vest and helmet.
The troops in B Coy have shown initiative and participated in activities outside the Regiment, acting as ambassadors and representing us well. Corporals Li and Palma completed their PLQ modules and are now parading with the rifle company. MCpl To traveled from Kingston to instruct on a BMQ course out of MPA. All demonstrated dedication to this Regiment and will be great leaders in their own right.
CLOCKWISE FROM ABOVE:1. BMQ-DP1.1 Grad at Fort York 2 June2. Church parade outside of St. Andrews Church3. CO at Grad - 2 June with Grad group4. Cpl Palma - grad PLQ in Pet in April 2013
THE FALCON, SPRING/SUMMER 2013 12
active unit
The bATTle OF yORk COmmemORATiOn pARAde
ApRil 27, 2013
By: DSM (WO) Chris Reesor, CD
The date of April 27th figures prominently in the history of Toronto, or York, as the
city was once known. On this date in 1813, American forces
landed just west of the Canadian National Exhibition grounds with the intent of Capturing the capital of Upper Canada, York, and seizing a ship under construction in York harbour.
With overwhelming enemy forces attacking, the odds were against the British and Canadian forces and York fell into US hands, but not before a great deal of loss on both sides. A total of 137 soldiers were killed-in-action during the battle, including the American General, Zebulon Pike (after whom Pike’s Peak in Colorado is named).
As part of the City of Toronto’s War of 1812 commemorative activities, a very full day of events was planned for April 27th to mark the 200th Anniversary of this fateful day.
The day began with a presentation of Colors to the 3rd Battalion of the Royal Regiment of Canada by HRH Prince Phillip, the Duke of Edinburgh. This was followed by a parade through the streets of Toronto in honor of those who gave their lives during the Battle of York and ending at Fort York National
Historic Site where other special events, speeches and presentations took place.
The 48th Highlanders, while not descendent of any units who took part in the battle of York, were tasked to provide a 50 man guard plus color party and a band contingent of 20 personnel. This was the largest presence of soldiers in the streets of Toronto since the return of troops after WWII.
The parade featured all of the regiments from 32 Canadian Brigade Group (the old Toronto Militia District, for those who remember), including descendent units from the remainder of Ontario and
Newfoundland, as well as the Royal Canadian Naval Reserve. In total more than 2,000 troops were on parade in full dress. It was quite the spectacle that drew thousands of Torontonians all along the entire route.
The parade took just over an hour to complete the 5 km route. It also took us past Victoria Square where the 48th Old Comrades had just finished their annual Remembrance Ceremony on behalf of the Royal Newfoundland Regiment, a task they have readily performed for many years. As well, the OCA also received the full support of the Military Band at their ceremony.
The activities at Fort York included a display of Military equipment for the community at large to experience. We sent two soldiers to work this display as part of the larger contingent of personnel tasked from 32 CBG as well as others to work as ushers, parade marshals, guides etc… for this parade. Almost everyone in the unit had some task that day.
In the evening of the 27th, the Brigade Sergeant Major held the first Brigade Sr NCO’s dinner on the parade square of Fort York Armoury. The dinner was a huge success with everyone interspersed with Sr NCO’s from other units. At the head table were the three environmental CWO’s from the RCN, Army and RCAF. It was a fantastic end to a very busy day!
With the new day came another full day of events with the Church parade to St. Andrew’s Presbyterian Church on King Street.
MWO Carswell and WO Kwok at the BSM’s post Parade Dinner MWO Carswell chats with WO Bustard of the QY Rang DSM, Drum Maj Reesor at the BSM’s post Parade Dinner
13 THE FALCON, SPRING/SUMMER 2013
48th PiPes & Drums48Th pipeS And
dRumS in ReviewBy: Pipe Major (MWO) Iain Lang, CD
The Winter of 2012-13 was once again a busy time for the 48thPipes and Drums. Winter is traditionally when we prepare
the music for the coming years’ performances as well as preparing potential students for the upcoming Summer training at the CAF School of Music in CFB Borden.
The NHL players strike finally came to an end in January and the Pipes and Drums and Military Band were once again given the opportunity to perform on the ice of the Air Canada Centre at the start of the Toronto Maple Leafs home opener. This has been a great tradition for the Pipes & Drums since 1931.
January was a busy month with Robbie Burns’ dinners and a television appearance on the Discovery Channel’s Daily Planet show. Their science expert Alan Nersall has a segment which explores the science of different daily activities.
In honor of Robert Burns, the show decided to feature the science behind the bagpipes and interviewed myself and filmed the Pipe Band performing with Alan. While the spot was a short segment, the exposure was great and very positive.
In addition to the Discovery Channel television appearance, the Band also performed at several dinners that week and had solo pipers out as well. It was a very busy couple of weeks, as always.
Near the end of March, the on strength members of the Pipes and Drums completed the BFT annual fitness test. Well done by all! This completed our annual IBTS re-qualifications which included the members going to CFB Borden to shoot in the Fall and attending lectures on diverse topics on various training nights.
April 6th was Tartan Day and the organizers of the Tartan Day Ball for Toronto asked the Pipes and Drums to perform for the CP24 Breakfast TV that Saturday morning. This was our second television appearance this past Winter and all went well, providing another great opportunity for the Regiment to gain public exposure.
The evening of the 6th, after performing on Breakfast TV, five pipers performed at the Highland Mess dinner. This was a first for this dinner. It had almost all of command teams of the Canadian Highland Regiments in attendance and was another great opportunity to showcase the piping of the 48th to our peer regiments and the pipers performed very well.
On April 27th, the 48th Pipes and Drums were asked, along with the entire Regiment,
to participate in the largest parade of soldiers since the return of our Regiment after WWII. The purpose of the parade was to remember those soldiers who fell during the War of 1812 “Battle of York” 200 years earlier.
The day was long as it required most to arrive at Moss Park Armoury at 0800 to be inspected, issue weapons, tune the pipes and then wait for our appointed transport time to the form up point.
With close to 2,000 soldiers marching in one parade, all from the same start point, the arrival
had to be staged so there were no overlaps. There were many planning meetings and recce’s prior to the parade itself.
On the day, the 48th were paired with the Toronto Scottish Regiment to march together, including the bands marching together. The 5 km route was not too challenging, but the blisters on some feet were a telling sign the next day for Church parade. All in all it was a great experience and not too hot of a day for a parade!
In addition to preparing for our performance season, the Pipes and Drums also host the Toronto branch of the Pipers and Pipe Band Society of Ontario (PPBSO) monthly meetings and contests in the 48th Sgts Mess on the first Saturday of every month from October to April.
This year, one of our pipers, Paul Turner, won several prizes including the B Division March Strathspey and Reel. Well done Paul!
Sgt Locke left for Ottawa in April to teach with the Ceremonial Guard and later this Summer will be employed as the Pipe Sergeant for the Band.
Pte Brian Turner completed his BMQ over the Fall and Winter and then his first music trade course as a drummer at the School of Music in CFB Borden.
Sgt Colin Dewar is on course now for his QL6Bs at the school. DM (WO) Reesor completed his ALQ in St Jean in May which qualifies him for promotion to MWO eventually.
The Pipes and Drums performed at the Canadian International Military Tattoo in Hamilton (June 8 & 9). This tattoo has become an annual event for the Band.
In August, the band is looking forward to a week in Ottawa to perform in the Fortissimo Show on Parliament Hill, August 9-11.
Many of our events are private functions, but if you hear that we are going to be in the area, please try to come out and see what we are doing….and enjoy the music!
Indoor Games MPA
Inspection
Posing for the ‘Daily Planet’ - 2013
Drummer Brian Turner - BMQ Grad 2013
THE FALCON, SPRING/SUMMER 2013 14
MILITARY BAND
48Th miliTARy bAnd peRFORmS wiTh ROyAl AngliAn
RegimenT (uk) AT Old FORT yORkBy Band Sergeant-Major (WO) John W. Murray, CD
Tuesday, June 4th, was a fine, sunny afternoon, so it wasn’t too difficult to
convince members of the 48th Highlanders Military Band to turn their backs on civilian employment and join the Corps of Drums of the Royal Anglian Regiment (UK) (“RAR”) in performing a traditional “Sunset” ceremony at Old Fort York before Lieutenant-Governor, the Honorable David C. Onley.
A volunteer subunit of the 3rd Battalion RAR, the Corps of Drums comprises infantrymen of various trades, all members of the British Regular Army – many of whom have served several tours in Afghanistan and Northern Ireland.
Fort York was but one stop on the RAR’s busy summer tour of Ontario, which culminated with their performance as a
guest band at the Canadian International Military Tattoo in Hamilton (June 8-9).
Predecessor regiments to the RAR participated a number of battles in the War of 1812 (including the Battle of York) and the Corps of Drums was keen to honor them all, as well as finding opportunities to liaise with their many Canadian allied regiments. These CF units include the Lincoln and Welland Regiment, Lake Superior Scottish, Essex and Kent Scottish, and the Sherbrooke Hussars.
By far the highlight of these events, at least from the point of view of this old Highlander, was the Sunset Ceremony at Old Fort York. Here, 200 years later, British regular troops and trained Canadian Militia again stood side-by-side to face, not the American hordes, but an appreciative Lt Governor, his wife, and his entourage, augmented by civilian spectators and Fort York staff and costumed guides.
The event began at 1400 hrs with a full massed band rehearsal. Though each unit had rehearsed on its own prior to the day, there is no substitute for good, old-fashioned woodshedding, in uniform, on the actual field. Within the hour, the 48th Band Sergeant-Major and RAR Drum Major had shouted themselves hoarse and co-conductors Capt (Ret) Mike Lawson,
CD, Director of Music, 48 HIGHRS, and Capt Mick Walters, Director of Music, (UK) Army Aviation Centre, had everyone in tune and in step and it was back to the tents to change into full dress.
At 1600 hrs, things kicked into high gear with the march on of the 48th contingent to “79th Farewell to Gibralter”. The Military Band, augmented by Pipe Major Lang, CD, and an additional 48th piper, filled the field in front of the Fort’s central “half-moon” battery – a full 29 strong.
The official ceremonies commenced with the Vice-Regal Salute played by the Band to welcome the Lieutenant-Governor, followed by “Pentland Hill”s and “Highland Cathedral” – the last a particular favorite of Her Honor.
As the Band marched off to the “Irish Guard’s Pipe Medley 1994” – the Corps of Drums marched seamlessly in playing 19th century fife and drum tunes that would have been familiar to the defenders of the Fort in 1812.
Concluding with their Regimental March “Rule Britannia/Speed the Plough”, the RAR remained on the field to be joined by the 48th for the capstone of the afternoon – the traditional Sunset Ceremony.
Conducted by Captain Walters, this comprised a ceremonial flag-lowering to
The Military Band with the Drums of the Royal Anglian Regiment with Lt-Governor David Onley and his wife.
15 THE FALCON, SPRING/SUMMER 2013
MILITARY BAND
the accompaniment of the tune “Sunset” played by the massed bands. This moving, traditional piece includes within it a bugle rendition of “Last Post”. This was followed by the “Royal and National Anthems”, a cannon salute by the Fort York Guard, and the retirement from the smoke-shrouded field of the massed bands to their respective regimental marches.
After a quick break to change headdress, both units repaired to the “Blue Barracks” for an informal reception and photographs with the Lieutenant-Governor who complimented both bands on their music and deportment. His Honor was not the only one impressed in this regard by the performance of the Military Band. In a follow-up message from the UK, Capt Walters had this to say:
“Many thanks for your wilco attitude and professionalism. The fact that we managed to conduct a full rehearsal within 2 hours on the day was testament to our planning and more specifically the preparation of your guys. It was heartening talking to your guys and girls and discovering
that many had traveled far and taken the day off work to participate.
What is quite clear is that the level of commitment and dedication purveyed by the CF Reserve Bands far surpasses what I see here in the UK. During my time in Canada, I witnessed individuals wearing several different uniforms, traveling vast distances and taking unpaid
leave from their employment in order to participate in our events…..all very humbling!
Thank you once again and I hope we manage to work together again should an opportunity arise.”
All in all, it was a successful day for the
48th Military Band and our new British comrades from the Royal Anglian Regiment.
48th and RAR at Old Fort York parade grounds
THE FALCON, SPRING/SUMMER 2013 16
Keeping Up With 48th Cadets
By Cdt/MWO J. Rigg
During this past spring, the 48th Army Cadets have kept themselves busy as they
participated in numerous events with the Active Battalion, Old Comrades Association, Royal Newfoundland Regiment and 1888 Army Cadets.
The 48th Army Cadets kicked it off on Saturday, April 27th as they took part in a parade with the Old Comrades Association to commemorate the fallen from the Royal Newfoundland Regiment , who fought in the 1813 Battle of York. The Honorary Colonel and Lieutenant Colonel and the Regimental Chaplin along with members of the OCA Drill Team and many others were also in attendance to show their support for this important event.
Shortly after the ceremony was over, our Cadets formed up at the side of the road to pay their respects to the new Regimental Colours of the 3rd Battalion of the Royal Canadian
Regiment. Respects were also paid to other colours, including those of our own Regiment, as the different units, which were part of the 1812 parade, marched past our Corps.
The following day, at 0900 hours, our Cadets and the Old Comrades were ready to hop on the bus and take part in the annual Regimental Church Parade, held at St. Andrews Church. At the end of the service, we marched, with the other members of the Regiment, through the city back to Moss Park Armouries.
As a Corps, we would like to thank the Commanding Officer, LCol Best, for allowing
us to be part of these significant events.
The fol lowing weekend, the cadets from 48th and 1888 met at Grasshopper Park and began their weekend field training exercise.
The exercise started with the cadets attending their star level classes. Instructors were assigned to teach the cadets bushcraft
and navigation classes, such as how to build an improvised shelter and orienting a map by inspection.
Later on in the weekend, cadets took part in geocache training and were given a challenge to find hidden markers around Grasshopper Park.
The last activity that the cadets participated in was the night navigation game. The primary objective of the game was to steal glow sticks without getting caught by the seniors. This was a highly enjoyed activity for the cadets along with geocaching.
Overall, the weekend was fun and the Cadets were able to interact with one another and make new friends. They also were able to improve their bushcraft and navigation skills. At the same time, Senior Cadets were able to practice their instructional techniques and develop their leadership abilities.
On behalf of the 48th Army Cadets, we would like to thank 1888 Cadets for sharing this wonderful experience with us.
48th Cadets support their affiliated regiment and
A Group Shot of the Corps, on parade, at the Royal Newfoundland Regt Memorial Service
Cdt Sgt Wright and Cdt Sgt Best at the Nfld Mem Pde Site
48th Cadets depart from St Andrew’s Church, after the Service
On Parade with the OCA Drill Team at the 1812 parade
17 THE FALCON, SPRING/SUMMER 2013
48th Highlanders Army Cadets Provide Community
Support at the 2012 Cabbagetown Festival
By: Lt J. C. Elliott
On September 8 and 9, 2012, our Cadets were requested to assist with the local
Cabbagetown Museum’s Booth, at the Annual Community Festival. They acquitted themselves very well in setting up and maintaining the Museum’s tent, under some challenging conditions.
In addition, there were many tents and displays that had been damaged by storms the previous night, and our Cadets effectively assisted in the recuperation and cleanup.
The next day, they created and operated a Booth on Parliament Street, which displayed some of their Army Cadet skills, as well as some of the equipment used during their time in the Field while on exercise.
Cadet RSM Guitard, assisted by several others, provided the Public with a good view of
what our Army Cadets do during the Training Year, also offering a taste of the Cadet Summer Camp exper ience. Passersby were invited to try on the Cadet Summer Uniform, complete with Web Belt and a Rucksack.
Many parents were impressed with the range of skills training available and a large number of the community, mostly kids, tried on the gear and got their pictures taken in full field regalia.
RSM Guitard, our senior Cadet, also proved popular as a subject for those wanting photographs.
It was a positive experience for all involved
and the Corps is already making plans to be part of this Year’s Festival.
The Annual Cadet Inspection
By Capt David Rule
On Tuesday June 4th 2013, the 48th Highlanders Royal Canadian Army Cadet
Corps celebrated their 42nd Annual Ceremonial Review.
At this final Parade, the Corp’s Commanding Officer took the opportunity to express his pride about the exceptional performance of the Cadets, in the presence their family and friends:
“This event wraps up a year of solid training and hard work by all of the cadets and staff. This unit has undergone exceptional growth, both in size and experience, over the past few years and I’m exceptionally proud to be your Commanding Officer”.
The 48th Cadet Corps would like to thank The Reviewing Officer for the event, LCol Alan Best, Commanding Officer of the 48th Highlanders of Canada.
The event was also attended by the Regiment’s Honourary Colonel John Newman and Honourary Lieutenant Colonel (Colonel Ret) Geordie Elms, as well as several representatives from the Regimental family including members of the IODE, the Officers Association, and the Old Comrades Association.
The Review was supported, musically, by the Regimental Pipes and Drum Band and ceremonially, by the Flag Party of the Old Comrades Association.
BOTH PHOTOS: During their Annual Inspection, 48th Cadets, in recognition of their hard work and achievement, receive “camp kits” from the 48th Chapter of the IODE.
FROM LEFT TO RIGHT: Cdt/Cpl Bharati, Cdt/RSM Guitard, Cdt/Cpl Andru, Cdt/Sgt Best and Cdt/Hlndr Brackett at the 2012, Cabbagetown Festival
Their LocaL communiTy and Shine aT Their annuaL inSpecTion
THE FALCON, SPRING/SUMMER 2013 18
The Regimental Museum - Reconstruction and ‘Open House’
New Construction and Displays at 48th Museum
to feature the Regiment Today
by: HCol (Ret) Geordie Beal, CD
Construction being done by former
soldiers on their own time
Construction is being done by former soldiers who currently work in the
construction trades. They are volunteering their time. The museum pays for materials and out of pocket expenses. All volunteers will be recognized on a commemoration plaque for the new display room.
The initial contact to find volunteers was made on the initiative of RSM Joseph, who reached out to another former member of the RCR, Michael Humphries, Business Representative of Local 27 of the Carpenters District Council of Ontario. The union, with Mr. Humphries leadership, has developed a program that trains soldiers returning from service overseas to become professional carpenters. Mr. Humphries indicated that his union recognized that entering into a civilian career after time in Afghanistan was a challenge to many young soldiers. The training program and jobs in the construction industry provide a flexible career that many find a better match to their recent experiences than a traditional 9 to 5 desk job. In return trainees are asked to volunteer their free time, between jobs, to give back to the community.
Leading the construction is Felice (Fill) Aprile, also a former member of the RCR and a carpenter in Local 27 with years of experience. In addition to acting as construction foreman, Fill is hands on, leading and doing much of the work while supervising electrical and plumbing. His desire to pass on his skills can be seen as he teaches those working with him the right techniques and insists on doing every task the right way without any shortcuts. The new display area is being created by removing all cabinets, plumbing and lighting plus removing a wall to create visual and physical access from the existing museum. When asked by the CBC, Fill said that he wanted to continue to contribute and to pay back to his country. The CBC noted that soldiers have a deep sense of service, one that Fill Aprile embodies every day. When pressed, Fill just says: “It has been an honour for me to have done this work for the 48th Highlanders who served and are still serving.”
Cabinets are being made by Dan
Lesperance, also a member of Local 27. Trained in cabinet making at Georgian College, Dan went on to found his own custom furniture company, Georgian Custom Woodcraft in Barrie, Ontario. When the recession hit Dan put his business on hold and joined the Carpenters Union rather than work for high volume cabinet companies where “cheap and easy” was the standard. Dan decided to volunteer when he heard of the 48th project at a union meeting. There Michael Humphries asked the membership for a $500 donation to a military museum project. From the floor Dan proposed the amount be doubled (which was passed unanimously) then volunteered to be the cabinetmaker. When asked why he volunteered Dan’s response was heartfelt: “I really want to do it for my ancestors. I have over a dozen family members who have served in the last hundred years in the CF and a few who did not come back. I know I could never talk with them; however I could help be sure that others Never Forget. A plus side to it is I get to be a cabinetmaker again. (I become one every night when I get home from work and every weekend) It is the love of my life and any opportunity to produce good work is an opportunity nonetheless. All in all, I really have to thank you. I always felt I should have done more for our vets and you are giving me an opportunity to do so.”
New cabinets and display space will include full length cabinets on opposite walls for mannequin and artefact displays, for Service in Canada for Service Overseas. Upper level cabinets on the remaining wall space will display related artefacts for training in Canada and other overseas missions such as Sierra Leone and Bosnia). Lower cabinets will provide much needed for artefact and record storage.
Display case designs are similar to those in the existing museum with stained oak exteriors. Copy boards and display case interiors will match those in the current museum. The use of touch screen displays for photo images and videos is being considered for the next stage.
Collection of artefacts and Images being led by recent Padre,
Capt Greg Bailey
The regiment’s former Padre, Captain Greg Bailey is leading the collection of artefacts and images from members of the regiment, active and retired, who have served in the last ten years. Captain Tyler Wentzell has volunteered to join the team as a representative and contact point for the active regiment. Others will be joining the team. The collection project reports to HCol (Ret) Beal as Chair of the museum.
Artefacts are sought for the last ten year period covering service overseas, with a priority focus on Afghanistan, and service in Canada, with a focus on training. The collection phase began this spring and will extend through the year. The collection parameters are the same as the rest of the museum:
The history of the 48th Highlanders of Canada as shown by the uniforms and accoutrements of those who served.
artefacts desired from highlanders, who have served overseas or in Canada
in the last decade are:
1. Uniforms and accoutrements;2. Images - photographic, video,
published or personally created; 3. Memoires, writings or video
communications.
The design of displays in the museum will depend on the artefacts collected. If physical artefacts are not available initially, displays will use images in their stead. However, the displays will cover fully the overseas and Canadian service of members of the 48th Highlanders for the period. Uniform pieces must be privately owned to be donated and not part of DND accounts. All donations will be documented with the museum’s donation forms.
1. Uniforms and AccoutrementsFor each of Afghanistan and Canada the
goal is to dress one or more mannequins with a complete combat uniform with all accoutrements.
For service in other overseas missions, uniform elements and accoutrements that represent the area of service are desired.
For Canada, additional artefacts are sought that show aspects of training and service in Canada that are not fully communicated by the uniform. This may cover military roles and also social, band and other interactions with the communities that the regiment serves.
As well, items used by Highlanders during their service that were personal, i.e. not issued by DND, are sought, if the items add
Dan Lesperance, cabinetmaker (far left) and Michael Humphries (far right) discuss the design of new cabinets for the 48th Museum.
19 THE FALCON, SPRING/SUMMER 2013
The Regimental Museum - Reconstruction and ‘Open House’
to the understanding of their military service experience.
Weapons will not be collected. Images of weapons will be used from donated photographs or from catalogues (e.g. DND publications).
2. ImagesToday, digital photographs and video
from cameras and cell phones are the norm. The project seeks photos and videos from Highlanders and the information of “who, what and where” related to each image. Digital files are preferred, with hard copy in addition. Digital files can be used to enhance displays beyond the capability of hard copy and can be made available on-line. A longer term search will seek images from the press, media and DND sources. However, the immediate priority is for images taken by, or in the possession of, Highlanders.
3. Memories, Videos or Personal Communications
Unlike prior periods, such as the World Wars and Korea, communications home to loved ones and friends are increasingly by computer, Skype etc. The project will ask for, and encourage, the donation of such communications. We recognize that their availability may be just as limited as in prior periods.
Conclusion
The Regiment Today Project is the first major expansion of displays for the 48th Highlanders Museum since 1997 when it was opened at its current location at the Regimental church. St. Andrews. Volunteers are doing the construction on their own time. The museum now needs artefacts and images. If you have items that you think may be of interest to the new displays, on Service Overseas and Training in Canada, either contact the museum at [email protected] or contact the Regiment through Capt Tyler Wentzell or Padre, Capt (Ret) Greg Bailey.
Dave Archer and Tommy Thompson, the current and former managers of the 48th Museum enthusiastically discuss the opportunity for displays in the new space
PHOTOS CLOCKWISE FROM TOP RIGHT:
• Ron Denham at front David Imbeault in back
• Visitors reading the names on the Vimy Cross
• David Imbeault
• Brendan Furlong talking to visitor
• Ian McNish talking to visitors
• Max McDougall and visitor
The Museum Opens its Doors to Toronto
By David Archer, Mgr Regt Museum
On Saturday May 25th the 48th Highlanders Museum
opened its doors to visitors participating in Doors Open Toronto.
Doors Open is a city wide event where over 150 unique buildings, that are not generally open on the weekend or charge admission, offer free access to the public.
The Museum was open from 9:00 AM until 3:00 PM and was staffed by its regular volunteers, including, Stan Milne, Tommy Thompson, Brendan Furlong, Ron Denham, Max McDougall, Ian McNish and David Archer.
A special request for assistance went out to the OCA Drill Team and David Imbeault showed up and helped us out by
directing visitors to the Museum. It turned out that we hosted over 150
enthusiastic guests. One visitor, promised to return with
artifacts, including letters sent home from the Front, related to her grandfather, who served with the 15th Battalion during World War 1, including letters sent home from the front.
This was clearly a great community event for both our Visitors and their Hosts.
THE FALCON, SPRING/SUMMER 2013 20
15TH BATTALION PROJECT UPDATE
SPECIaL REQuESTS FRoM ThE PRoJECT TEaM
helP us totell their story
The 15th Battalion Memorial Project has amassed an extensive collection of photographs and other materials related to
the Battalion, as well as the 92nd and 134th Battalions, and its members . A significant number have been scanned from the Regimental Museum’s archives but a very large number have also come from other sources such as Library and Archives Canada, the Virtual Memorial, numerous on-line internet sites and in particular, a great many individuals whose relatives served in the 15th Battalion and who after becoming aware of the Memorial Project contacted us to share their heirlooms .
As these materials are collected they are analyzed, cross referenced, catalogued and organized into the Project’s photographic or documentary archives for ongoing Project research; uploading to on-line Virtual Memorial files; copying for the archives of The Regimental museum; uploading to the new Memorial Project’s website database at www .15thbattalioncef .ca and sharing with academics, researchers and family members requesting information .
Do you or possibly someone you know have any period photographs, letters, diaries or documents connected to someone who served in the 15th Battalion CEF during World War I? If so, and you are willing to share them with the Project and help us tell their story, please contact us at www .15thbncef@gmail .com .
“Battlefield Memorials – The Final Phase”
Having successfully completed Phases One (St Julien , Gravenstafel Ridge & the Crow’s Nest in 2010), Two
(Observatory Ridge & Festubert in 2011), and Three (Hill 70 & Canal du Nord), the 15th Battalion Memorial Project is moving forward to the final Phase of its Memorial goal with the Somme and Amiens as the objectives. This final Phase has been launched and a number of generous donations have already been received to help finance these last Memorials to the Highlanders of the 15th Battalion.
Thanks again to all those who have so generously supported The Memorial Project from the outset ensuring the completion of Phases 1 to 3 and to those who, to date, have assisted with Phase 4. If you would like to assist the Project, an opportunity still exists to donate and support the final push to the objective, so that all Memorials are certain to be in place for the upcoming Centenary of World War 1 in August 2014.
To make a tax deductible donation to the 15th Battalion Memorial Project please send a cheque to:
48th hiGhlanders of Canada trustC/o: the treasurerlCol G turner Cd (ret)1780 listoWel CresCentPiCkerinG, on l1V 2Y3
MEM
ORIAL PROJECT
15TH BATTALION C.E.F.
21 THE FALCON, SPRING/SUMMER 2013
15TH BATTALION PROJECT UPDATEheROiSm SAveS The CO’S liFe
by Capt (Ret) V. Goldman CD
The Regimental History written by Kim Beattie and published in 1928 is filled with
stories of courage and sacrifice displayed by members of the 15th Bn (48th Highlanders of Canada). Two of these episodes recount how the bravery of individual soldiers perhaps saved the life of Lieutenant Colonel C. E. Bent, Commanding Officer 1916-1918.
On 28 April 1916 while the unit was in the front line just east of Ypres, Belgium; Major Bent who was then second in command of the 15th Bn was passing along the front line during a trench-mortar bombardment. As he came into a bay where 27269 Sergeant Robert Urquhart, an original member of the unit from Toronto was taking shelter, a rifle grenade came whistling over and fell near Major Bent’s location. Sergeant Urquhart immediately leapt forward to shield Major Bent. Sgt Urquhart was subsequently hit in the back with fragments of the exploding grenade. This valiant NCO was so badly wounded he was crippled for life. For this act of heroism which probably saved Major Bent’s life he was awarded the Military Medal for “Bravery in the Field”.
In August 1917 during the Battle of Hill 70 a similar feat of heroism was displayed by 77711 Lance Corporal Oscar Green. Green enlisted with the 30th Bn (2nd British Columbia Regiment) but was sent to the 15th Bn as a reinforcement on 3 May 1915 following the 2nd Battle of Ypres. In his two years of front line service with the 15th Bn Green had been wounded and hospitalized a number of times including an episode on the Somme on 7 September 1916 when he was buried and suffered shell shock.
Following the unit’s successful Capture of Bois Hugo during the Battle of Hill 70 on 15 August 1917 they were subjected to a series of vicious counter attacks that involved a great deal of close quarter fighting. At 12:30 pm one of these attacks found the members of BHQ actively engaged. Lt Col Bent was in a dugout talking by phone to B Gen Tuxford, the Brigade Commander, when R.S.M. Fred Gledhill shouted, “They’re here now! They’re right Here – They’re UPSTAIRS”.
The 15th Bn were the extreme left flank of the Canadian line. A patrol of 12 Germans had crossed No Man’s Land to the left of the Battalion’s front and entered the front of a British unit that had withdrawn to avoid the horrific shell fire. The German’s penetrated unobserved and were within 100 yards of BHQ.
Suddenly L/Cpl Oscar Green of No. 2 Company sounded the alarm and charged the enemy with a broken rifle, minus bolt and bayonet. He downed the leader with his rifle butt, but before help could arrive he had been stabbed a dozen times with German bayonets. BHQ scouts, runners, signallers and batmen were able to drive off this unexpected threat.
Oscar Green died of his wounds the next day and was buried on 17 August in Bethune Town Cemetery.
These are but two of the countless tales of bravery found between the covers of this text, “48th Highlanders of Canada 1891-1928.
dileas
LCol Bent during the Somme
15th Battalion Monument at Hill 70 - New Year’s Day, 2013
WE WILL REMEMBER THEM!
ABOVE: A Group of 15th Battalion Officers 1916. Lt Malone is second from right
LEFT: Lt E.M. Malone KIA Mt Sorrel, Lijssenthoek Military Cemetery
THE FALCON, SPRING/SUMMER 2013 22
The Canaldu Nord Race
by Simon Godly, Mbr 15th Bn Proj Tm
As was mentioned in the previous edition of The Falcon, the Memorial
Project of the 15th Battalion C.E.F. unveiled a plaque dedicated to the 48th Highlanders of Canada alongside the Canal du Nord at Marquion on 24th September 2012.
At the time, the somewhat crazy notion of marking the event with a canoe race on the canal was proposed by yours truly. My intention had been for others to do the paddling because frankly I have an aversion to all things boats and water. Ultimately the weather saved the day because it tipped it down preceding and throughout the opening stages of the inauguration ceremony. I might have been getting very wet but at least I was firmly planted on dry-land.
But you can’t let a good idea get away on you. The Memorial Project had very kindly offered a Highlanders’ Trophy Plaque to the local kayak club in Marquion and with a view towards 2018 we were still hoping to get the competition off the ground.
There were a couple of problems to be resolved. Should the race take place between the villages of Sains-lès-Marquion and Marquion which would truly follow in the Highlanders’ footsteps but by its nature be impossible for spectators to follow ? Or, should we try for something simpler in front of the clubhouse at Marquion ?
The major issue was : traffic on the canal. French canals are not simply used by tourists in small pleasure boats. They are used by working barges that take up a lot of space and could be a source of danger to competitors.
Working with Stéphane Danel of the Club Nautique de l’Agache, it was concluded that as the club holds a triathlon on the 1st May each year (whilst the canal is closed to traffic for Labour Day) the Highlanders’ Trophy Race could be included in the afternoon’s events. It would be out of sync with the
anniversary but at least the weather, in theory, ought to be better.
The race would be conducted over a two kilometre loop in front of the club’s boathouse and our memorial plaque for ninety minutes. Teams would be made up of four people (working in pairs) in a two seat canoe. Each crew would be allowed to swap members at the end of a completed circuit.
The 1st May turned out to be gloriously sunny and we were extremely pleased to have a party of eight service personnel travel down from the Canadian Forces Support Unit Detachment Casteau in Belgium
to participate in our first race. Ultimately for the idea to be a success it is essential that we obtain a Canadian input.
Stéphane produced a bottle of champagne and the event was toasted. Then he and
Camil Guerin sorted out the teams. In order to promote the Franco-Canadian theme, three teams were formed consisting of three Canadians and a French member of the Club Nautique.
The reason for the two young French crewmen in the Blues was because Christopher and Katrina are a husband and wife team with experience of rowing together.
Everyone soon got into the swing of encouraging their team mates in a mixture of French and English. Although the canal is quite calm, the going was a lot harder than some may have thought. As the crews had not been able to practice together beforehand much laughter was to be heard as canoes encountered some early difficulty in keeping a straight line.
BLuE GREEn oRanGE Christopher Miron Camil Guerin France Forget Katrina Miron Christian Charron Sophie Pouliot Davy Malingréau (Fr) Christian Boucher Philippe Guerin Théo Passante (Fr) Stéphane Danel (Fr) Victor Danel (Fr)
The Canadian participants with Stéphane and Victor Danel.
Stéphane Danel of the Club aquatic de l’Agache explains the race to the Canadians, over a bottle of champagne.
15TH BATTALION PROJECT UPDATE
23 THE FALCON, SPRING/SUMMER 2013
Rather suspiciously the ‘adult’ Green crew containing both Camil and Stéphane took an early lead and managed to maintain their lead with moderate ease; even after Camil had taken a short swim in the canal—he insists he dove in. From the bridge it looked like a fall to me but what would I know, I am the son of an airman.
Our other two teams battled it out for second place in a hotly contested mix of hard paddling and calculated crew changes. France and Sophie led the vociferous support, which threatened to capsize the landing stage a couple of times. There was also a certain amount of skulduggery during crew changeovers.
If the intention of the race was to have fun then everybody appeared to be winning.
With twenty minutes remaining on the clock Victor and Philippe managed to claw back the lead on Davy and Théo to put the Orange team back into second place but there was very little in it and the next crew change was going to offer Christopher and Katrina the chance to catch up.
For the next three circuits Victor was going to have to hold the fort for the Orange Team for it was at about this moment that France found herself taking a swim. That, in itself, was not the problem. It was that she was so busy shouting her team-mates on that she left getting changed into something dryer far too late and missed the hand-over. A tired Sophie was forced to continue for a consecutive circuit with the fresher Miron couple ever closing the gap.
She managed to hold on and France took over for what was to be the last complete circuit.
The ninety minutes up, each team had finished fourteen two kilometre circuits. The honours went to the Green Team, 1st Place; Orange Team, 2nd Place and the Blue Team, 3rd Place. Not that any of this really mattered.
W e w e r e for tunate t hat everyone had a medal to take home and the honours w er e e q u a l l y shared on the podium by French
and Canadians. The medals and Highlanders’ Plaque were presented by Julien Olivier, Mayor of Marquion.
F u l l c r e d i t must be given to the Club for having organized the presence of t he C a nad ia n party, re-creating our exposit ion
explaining the history behind the event, providing all the medals out of their own funds and being most generous with their hospitality throughout. The word back from Belgium is that everybody that took part had an excellent afternoon and hope to be able to participate again next year.
Looking ahead to 2018, the local events’ committee have shown an interest in putting the
Canal du Nord firmly onto the agenda.Much of Canada’s military history during
the Great War has been eclipsed by Vimy. This is a shame if not a travesty. The Dury Memorial, Canal du Nord, and Bourlon Wood Memorial are all within easy reach of Arras—following the same road.
It is hoped that this fun race helps raise awareness in both Canadian and French visitors to Marquion as to what took place along the Canal du Nord on the 27th September 1918.
Davy Malingréau and Katrina Miron (in blue) battle with Victor Danel and France Forget
France Forget and Sophie Pouliot cheering on their team as it edges past the Blues
Camil Guerin and Christian Boucher coming in for a change of crew
Théo Passante, Davy Malingréau with Christopher and Katrina Miron
15TH BATTALION PROJECT UPDATE
THE FALCON, SPRING/SUMMER 2013 24
“On no battle line did the lurking dread, the horror, the vague anxietyand above all, the dead weight of fatigue, age men and weary them asdid the blasted, riven desolation and crimson hours upon the Somme.”
“the deeds performed were outstanding and the utter disregard ofdanger shown by them was largely instrumental in determining thesuccess of this battalion throughout these operations.”
15TH BTN PLAQUES TO BE DEDICATED THIS FALL
To be dedicated 28 September 2013
To be dedicated 29 September 2013
25 THE FALCON, SPRING/SUMMER 2013
OPERATION HUSKY/PROJECT BLUE PUTTIES
70th anniversary oFoPeration husKy
On the night of July 8th - 9th, 1943 the Allied invasion of Sicily. codenamed Operation Husky, commenced.
An integral part of the Allied forces was the 1st Canadian Infantry Division.
The 1st Infantry Division contribution to the campaign was out of all proportion to its numbers. The demanding 190 km trek from Pachino to the Simeto took the 1st Division further than any other British division, and they bore the brunt of the Eighth Army’s battle in the two hard weeks of fighting from Leonforte to the doorstep of Adrano earning them high praise from their peers and commanders in the Eighth Army. The 1st Division equally impressed the Germans who reported that “Canadians [are] harder in attack than Americans. In general fair ways of fighting. In fieldcraft superior to our own troops. Very mobile at night, surprise breakins, clever infiltrations at night with small groups between our strong points.” Copp (2008), pp5–42
Operation Husky 2013 is an initiative to honour the memory of those who fought and those who fell in the battle for Sicily during World War II. A small group of Canadian citizens is organizing a 28 day march following the paths taken by during the summer of 1943.
The march will begin on the beaches of Pachino on July 10th, 2013 and will end in the orange groves of Amano on the 7th of August. Two small groups of marchers will follow the paths taken by the Canadian soldiers of the 1st Canadian Division Infantry, marching from Pachino to Adrano.
On July 10th, 2013, a ceremony will be held in Pachino at the location of the landing of the Canadian Forces. This will mark the beginning of the symbolic march. On July 30th, 2013, another ceremony will be held at the Canadian
War Cemetery in Agira and will be followed by a pipe-band concert in the town’s central piazza. This performance will be a reenactment of the CBC broadcast of the Seaforth Highlanders’ concert from July 30th, 1943.
what is “ProJectblue Puttees”?
On JULY 10th 1943, 1st Battalion, 48th Highlanders of Canada Cmder Lt-Col Ian S Johnston landed at Pachino Sicily, marking the
beginning a new wartime chapter of the Regiment’s history. Now as we approach the 70th anniversary of the Regiment’s service in Sicily and Italy OLD COMRADES ASSOCIATION the 48th OCA has embarked on a campaign to ensure that the service, sacrifice and achievements of the 1st Battalion are appropriately commemorated and marked for future generations. A number of historical markers wiII be placed, and a number of activities are being planned and coordinated as part of “Operation Blue Puttees”. Jim Cassie and his “Blue Puttees” group
have been meeting with other 1st Canadian Brigade unit associations (The RCR and Hast & PE Regt) and are working on some projects that we can cooperate with them on (such as the trip associated with OP Husky 2013 above) and on a series of Regimental items and events. More information will be available shortly.
HCol John Newman addressing a group of students at Pachino High School, during the presentation ceremony.
Jim Cassie, HCol John Newman and Tommy Thompson, with School Officials, at the Memorial Plaque presentation ceremony at Pachino High School.
A 48th Manequin, being prepared for display at the Catania Museum
Manequins at the Catania Museum dressed to represent, Rt to Left - the RCR, the Seaforth Highlanders, the 48th Highlanders and the Hasty Ps, all units of 1st Cdn Div in the Liberation of Sicily
THE FALCON, SPRING/SUMMER 2013 26
The ROyAl newFOundlAnd RegimenT memORiAl SeRviCe
An event honouring The Royal Newfoundland Fencibles service at the Battle of York in 1812
By: HLCol Geordie Elms MSM, CD
As most Highlanders know, while our Regiment has been an important part of Toronto’s history for over a century, we do
not trace our history back to the War of 1812 and the Battle of York, commemorated this year by the Toronto Garrison Parade on April 27th.
However, for several years, Highlanders on behalf of (and when possible with) the Royal Newfoundland Regiment have marked the service of the Royal Newfoundland Fencibles in an annual ceremony held at Victoria Square, always as near as possible to the official date of the Battle of York.
Victoria Square is a little know piece of Toronto military history. It is the site of the City’s first cemetery, established in 1794 by Lieutenant Governor John Graves Simcoe, whose daughter Katherine was the first one buried there. By 1863 about 400 people had been buried in the military cemetery.
Today, some of the original gravestones are embedded in a commemorative wall but the most prominent feature of the small park is a monument that is actually Canada’s official War of 1812 Memorial. It was designed by Walter Seymour Allward, who is best known for his design of the Canadian Memorial at Vimy and the South African War Memorial on University Avenue, across from the site that was once our Regiment’s home (University Avenue Armoury) from 1891 to 1963.
In the war of 1812 -14, The Royal Newfoundland Fencibles, forerunners of The Royal Newfoundland Regiment, had members of their Unit stationed in many places, from Nova Scotia to Upper Canada (now Ontario).
On April 27, 1813, when the Americans landed near the town of York, there were 93 members of the Royal Newfoundland Fencibles along with some Royal Artillery, Royal Naval Artificers, The 8th Regiment of Foot, The Glengarry Fencibles militia and the Incorporated Militia from
The Royal NewfouNdlaNd MeMoRial SeRvice - 27 apRil, 2013
RIGHT: ‘Flowers of the Forest’
FAR RIGHT: Members of the Royal Newfoundland Regiment, who attended the Memorial Ceremony
BELOW: The Regt Buglar prepares to play Last Post
27 THE FALCON, SPRING/SUMMER 2013
York at Fort York, to oppose them. The Royal Newfoundland Fencibles suffered significant losses, 12 killed, 7 wounded and 17 taken prisoner.
Some years ago, The Royal Newfoundland Regiment, through Padre Ian Wishart (who served as our Regimental Padre, in the early 1970s, before being transferred by his Church to St John’s, where he became Padre of the Royal Newfoundland Regiment) asked the 48th Highlanders to assist them, in honouring the service and sacrifice of their Fencibles, by placing a wreath on the monument each year on April 27th.
Initially the ceremony was conducted by the Active Regiment, however, in recent years, it has been taken up as an annual commitment by the 48th Old Comrades Association Drill Team.
This year the Regiment and the OCA Drill Team, along with representatives from both the 1st and 2nd Battalions, Royal Newfoundland Regiment, supported by the Military Band and the 48th Cadet Corps, put on a great show at Victoria Park. They were formed up and standing to, as the units of 32 Canadian Brigade Group and the Toronto Garrison marched past them, enroute to Fort York.
dileas Gu Brath - Better than the Best!
The Royal NewfouNdlaNd MeMoRial SeRvice - 27 apRil, 2013
ON THIS PAGE TOP LEFT: HCol (Ret) Geordie Beal with participating members of the Fort York Guard
TOP RIGHT: Laying of wreaths
MIDDLE: Three Regt Padres at the Battle of York Parade and Victoria Square Service. From left, Padres Greg Bailey, Don Aitchison and Ian Wishart
BOTTOM: The OCA Drill Team and the 48th Cadets march into position
THE FALCON, SPRING/SUMMER 2013 28
48Th OCA liFe membeRS ASSOCiATiOn - CAll OuT FOR
new membeRSBy: Sgt (Ret) Al Kowalenko, OCA Life Member
On the first Tuesday of each month from September to June, the 48th Highlanders Old Comrades Association (OCA) has
a regular afternoon meeting at the Moss Park Armoury 48th Highlanders Sgts Mess for its Life Members Association. The Life Members are group of dedicated individuals from of our Old Comrades Association who have reached the age of 50 plus
In recent years, with the passing of many WWII and Korean veterans, the Life Members ranks have been depleted.
OCA Chairman, John Dunne, says the call is now going out for the next generation of Highlanders to step up and participate to keep the OCA and the Life Members Association strong.
Nomination requirements for OCA Life Members are fairly simple: the individual must be a current member of the OCA, reach the age requirement of 50+, and have a willingness to participate in meetings and events.
Each year the 48th OCA members march in the Warriors Day Parade (August
17th this year) and the Remembrance Day (November 10) as well as maintaining an outstanding OCA Drill Team that participates in many other special military-related events in the province. It is important to note that the Drill Team has been the recipient of many honors and awards over the past several years and has done an outstanding work in representing the Regiment.
Membership in the OCA is open to all ranks who formerly served with the 48th Highlanders or affiliated military organizations. Annual membership dues are $25 for the OCA and an additional $10 for Life Members. This membership is an important link in keeping up your contact with all things affecting the Regiment.
The OCA is an important component of the 48th Regimental Family and a standard bearer of the proud traditions of the units colorful and
distinguished history. It is up to the younger generation of Highlanders to keep the tradition alive and participate.
For more information on OCA membership, please contact CWO (Ret) Doug Chappell, 416-446-6373 or email [email protected].
AROUND THE REGIMENT
Herb Pike’s birthday cake celebrating his big 90
Monthly meetings of the OCA Life Members are a lively session
Tom White offering his thoughts during Meeting discussions
Don Norris and Al Kowalenko HCol John Newman and Herb PikeBill DeHarte and Syd Redgrave
29 THE FALCON, SPRING/SUMMER 2013
AROUND THE REGIMENT
22 Feb 2013 – CO presents RSM Ray Joseph with his warrant of appointment as a Chief Warrant Officer
the annual insPection Parade oF st andrew’s college142 highland cadet corPs on 4 may, 2013
Cdt LCol Scott Wood awaits the arrival of the Inspection Party Regional Cadet Officer, LCol MacMillan, accompanied by LCol Best and DSM Reesor, completes the inspection of one of the St Andrew’s Companies
2013 Mackenzie Shoot
THE FALCON, SPRING/SUMMER 2013 30
AROUND THE REGIMENT
TOP: Highlanders and guests at the RCMI, 2013 Reserve Night Dinner
MIDDLE RIGHT: Friendship Scroll Ceremony, 10 Feb, 2013 - A presentation, by HLCol Geordie Elms, to Col John King, outgoing Comd of 48 IBCT, Georgia National Guard.
RIGHT: A gathering of Allied Leaders -LCol Best, Col Simmons (48 IBTS), Cmdr Newton (D Navy Pers), LCol Little (7 Scots), and Col King (48 IBTS)
By: Sgt (Ret) Al Kowalenko, CSA Executive Committee
The 48th Highlanders Continuing Sergeants Association (CSA) has been very active since last Fall. The Executive Committee has held a
number of meetings to prepare newsletters, organize social events, and interact with the current serving members of the 48th Sergeants Mess.
CSA Chairman, MWO (Ret) Larry Fullerton, set two goals for this year:• The expansion of membership which includes a call out to
all our current and former members;• Continuing with past events and, where possible, to add
some new ones.
In this light, key CSA events for the Fall of 2013 will include:
• Support of the Annual Regimental Picnic (TBA); • A “Social Night” of dinner and cards with the Active Mess
(Friday, September 6)• A “Wine & Cheese” event open to all members of the
Regimental Family (Saturday, September 28)• Support of the annual Sergeants’ Mess Dinner (Saturday,
October 19)• Participation in the Regimental Remembrance Day Parade
(Sunday, November 10)
On April 14th, a CSA Annual General Meeting was completed at the 48th Sgts Mess, Moss Park Armoury, and discussions centered on membership expansion, By-Laws, and event planning. The Association is now working on drafting new By-Laws to define the role and scope of the CSA. Financially, the CSA maintains a small working balance for its regular activities and a larger ongoing term fund as part of the 48th Highlanders Trusts.
For 2013-14, the following individuals will serve on the 48th CSA Executive Committee (all are retired 48th SrNCOs ): Chairman: MWO Larry Fullerton; Vice-Chairman: (TBA); Secretary/Newsletter: Sgt Guy Bowie; Treasurer: WO Ron Denham: Members: MWO Mark McVety, Sgt Al Kowalenko, and Sgt Max McDougall.
A special CSA Newsletter will be distributed to all members three times per year and new article submissions are welcome, especially from those who served in the 1950s/60s/70s and 80s. (Contact Sgt Guy Bowie at 416-735-6437 or email [email protected].)
Regular CSA membership dues are $20 per year and individuals are issued an official membership card. Anyone who was a former SrNCO with the 48th is eligible for membership. Current members include those who have served in every decade from the 1940s through to the 2000s.
In 2012, more than 50 retired SrNCOs were members of the 48th CSA from all parts of Canada. The 48th Highlanders maintain one of the largest former SrNCO membership base from among all regiments of 32 Brigade, giving credence to the old expression that “the Sergeants are always, and remain, the backbone of the Regiment”.
For further CSA membership information, or to pay your dues, please contact WO Ron Denham at 416-444-3080 or email [email protected]. You’ll be glad you did!
Two Lives Crossinga novel about the 1st Battalion,
48th highlanders of Canada during World War By Robert MacBain
Editor’s note: Scottish-born Toronto author Robert MacBain’s first novel, which is now available as a paperback at Amazon.ca and ChaptersIndigo.ca can also be ordered at any Chapters, Indigo or Coles bookstore. An eBook edition is available in 70 countries around the world on Kobo.
On the Acknowledgement page at the end of his big novel, MacBain says:
“The author acknowledges, with grateful appreciation, the factual information about the 48th Highlanders of Canada which he derived from reading The Spirit of the Regiment by Jack Batten and Family of Volunteers which was written by George W. (Geordie) Beal who served the Regiment as a Major and as an Honorary Colonel.
“The author is particularly indebted to HCol. Beal for taking the time to check over the information about the 48th Highlanders in Two Lives Crossing and for allowing him the privilege of reading some of the letters his dad wrote to his mom from Italy and Holland. Some of that information and perspective made its way into the letters Tom wrote to Martha.”
Two Lives Crossing tells the story of the sons of a Scottish immigrant and a Blackfoot cook who are separated after their mother dies giving birth to the second son at a ranch near Calgary in May, 1939. The father is killed less than three years later defending the British Crown colony of Hong Kong. His brother serves with the 48th in England, Sicily, Italy and Holland and survives the war.
One of the dead brother’s sons is raised as a Blackfoot at an Indian reserve southwest of Calgary. The other is raised white by the surviving brother in a middle-class neighborhood in Toronto.
Bill Eagletail is taken to sweat lodges, sun dances, rodeos and pow wows. He is the first Indian to graduate from the University of Alberta, has a doctorate in Sociology from Berkeley, and is the Director of the North American Indian Studies program at the University of Toronto.
Gordon MacArthur is raised white in Toronto, regaled with stories about King Robert the Bruce and Bonnie Prince Charlie, and taken to the Highland games and other places where Scottish-Canadians celebrate their shared heritage. He is a professor of political science at the U of T and will
be the Conservative candidate in the 1974 federal election.
When the brothers get into a verbal spat on a live Toronto TV show, neither of them knows that they are adopted or that they are brothers. They soon find out and their lives are changed dramatically.
Robert MacBain was born in Inverness, Scotland, in 1937 and moved to Toronto with his single mum in 1947. You can read more about him and his book on www.robertmacbainbooks.ca
MacBain lives in the Upper Beach area of Toronto with his wife of 30 years – former International Cooperation Minister Maria Minna.
excerpt from Two Lives CrossingMacBain’s novel contains several letters Tom
MacArthur wrote to his wife Martha during the war. Below is a shortened version of one she received on September 2, 1943:
My dearest darling Martha,Please forgive me for the delay in writing to you.
Since landing on the beach at Pachino on the southern tip of Sicily on July ninth, it’s been a month of sheer hell. If I could’ve written sooner, my love, I would have.
About 700 of us from the 48th left Scotland at the end of June along with about 2,000 soldiers from other regiments. We were on a troop ship called HMT Derbyshire and had no idea where they were taking us. German U-boats patrol the seas all the time and three of the freighters in our big convoy were sunk by torpedoes just off the coast of Algeria. I thank God the Germans didn’t sink the Derbyshire. Let’s hope He stays by my side until I get home to your loving arms.
When we got to Sicily the sea was just awful. Rough like you wouldn’t believe. That worked in our favour because the Germans believed, and rightly so if I may say so, that no one in their right mind would attempt a landing in that kind of weather. There was no resistance when we hit the beach. According to our company commander, there were more than 160,000 Allied troops involved in the landing at Sicily and about 3,000 ships and landing craft. We got stuck on a sandbar about 200 yards from shore and the ship with our kit bags got chased away by German planes. I’ve had no tooth brush or change of clothing for more than a month now. Ugh.
We’re fighting our way north across Sicily along roads laid with mines through the scorching heat of the Sicilian summer. Darling, I’ve never in my life been in heat anything like this. They say it’s 114 degrees in the shade. But there’s no shade! Not a damned tree anywhere to be found. It’s so hot, my dearest, you could fry eggs on my helmet. The sun hits you like
a welder’s torch. Its glare on my eyeballs is so painful I’m marching with my head down and my eyes shut. I count six paces and open them again for a moment. Some of my mates have collapsed from heat exhaustion. I could sure use a slab of Lake Simcoe ice right about now.
The dust here is something fierce. It’s everywhere. All over us. It’s awfully fine powdery stuff and comes up in clouds off the roads when we’re marching. I’ve tried putting a hanky over my mouth but it doesn’t help all that much. Me and my mates are choking and coughing all the time. Covered in dust and grime we are. And
there’s nowhere to wash it off. Water is as scarce as hen’s teeth. We’re always short of water to drink and don’t even have enough to make tea let alone wash our filthy clothes. Our padre, bless his soul, is forever picking up melons along the road and giving us a slice now and then to help quench our thirst. From time to time, perhaps in answer to Padre East’s prayers, we come across a donkey trough and splash ourselves to our hearts’ content. But that doesn’t happen often enough. Most of the time, my darling, we’re thirsty and dirty.
We’re plagued with malarial mosquitoes, fleas and scorpions all along the way. On top of that, dearest Martha, there’s the non-stop din of the shelling and the bombing and the bloody sight of comrades lying dead and wounded at my side…,.
The mountainous terrain and winding roads here give Jerry an even bigger advantage. The odds are in his favour but we will beat him. The 48th will do that. We’ve got the Dileas spirit. I didn’t know what the English words for the regiment’s Gaelic motto “Dileas gu brath” were but I’ve been told it means Faithful Forever. That’s our regiment’s heart, lungs and guts. Faithful forever. That’s our motto. That’s what makes the 48th tick. That’s how we act and think. That’s why we fight as well as we do. If Jerry wanted to pick a fight he’d have been better off to pick it with someone other than the 48th Highlanders of Canada.
We’ve had to climb mountain cliffs and rock-faced terraces the Germans thought we’d never scale. We get up them clinging hands-on to the rock and often standing on the other mate’s shoulders. But we do get up them, always at night, and then when dawn breaks we hit the surprised Germans with everything we’ve got….
God but I miss you so. I’d love to hold you in my arms right now. To feel you close to me.
Pray for me darling. It’s a rough spot I’m in over here in the land of Caesar.
Love you to bits.Your loving husband.
Tom
33 THE FALCON, SPRING/SUMMER 2013
The Deep Divide
By: Don Norris, OCA
At age seventy-one I’m about twenty years younger than most World War
Two veterans and about forty years older than the new war veterans. With a father and grandfather who both served, it’s not surprising that I would be interested in the history of their wars and the details of battle. Interviewing veterans for my book “Comrades” was a real pleasure and very informative. Having been a motorcyclist since 1958, I find a close relationship with the younger veterans.
Many veterans have joined or formed motorcycle associations. I believe the motivation is the desire to maintain a feeling of brotherhood similar to the bonding experienced in the military. Here lies the divide.
When I speak to the younger veteran, most confess that they know little of the history of their regiment. When I listen to the older veteran, it is clear that they mistake the new veterans in motorcycle garb as outlaws. The police don’t help the situation when they tell their officers and the media that any biker wearing three patches on the back of his vest or jacket is
an outlaw biker. There are thousands of veterans who
ride in clubs. Just a few of the organizations are: the Canadian Army Veterans (CAV) – Falcons MC (motorcycle club) – Borden Riders MC – North Wall Riders Association (NWRA) (of which I’m an honourary member) and Veterans Paratroopers MC. It’s amazing how many other groups of veterans also ride are out there.
The CAV for instance has over 4,000 members, in three formations, containing over fifty units. It is run militarily and each unit is named after a Canadian battle honour. When you check out the patches that they wear, they offer a history of the man or woman wearing them. Some are ex officers. Some are ex NCOs. Some are still serving.
I met one fellow who was striking for his unit. That’s being a probationary member who has to serve the bidding of full-patch members. He was an ex WO and the members delighted in getting him to run around doing their bidding. While I was waiting to participate in a fundraiser poker run, I struck up a conversation with a CAV member whose nickname patch read “Lucky.” I asked him how he got that name. He told me he walked away from three helicopter crashes. I couldn’t think of a better name.
Some of the CAV join us for the Warriors Day Parade. When they ride in to form up, they do it with precision but, unfortunately,
some of our older veterans think the CAV is the Hells Angels and don’t realize that each of these organizations raises millions of dollars for the welfare of military families. As part of the biker culture, I try to attend as many functions as I can, knowing the proceeds go to worthy causes.
If you get a chance, talk to some of these guys. Thank them for their service and ask them a little about their experiences. From a distance they do look like outlaw bikers, so get close enough to read the patch that identifies their unit.
There is no reason to let sixty years stand between veterans. Let’s talk to each other. We might just enjoy the conversation.
Canadian Army Veteran (CAV) Paul (Trapper) Cane with the Mother of a Soldier killed in Afghanistan.
PERSONAL REFLECTIONS
THE FALCON, SPRING/SUMMER 2013 34
memORieS OF my Time in The
ACTive RegimenTBy Sgt [Ret] Gord Holmes
(Support Company Mortar Platoon 1954-1962)
I joined the Regiment in the mid 50’s at the Old University Armoury, where the
Ontario Supreme Court House now stands. It was an imposing structure with walls several feet thick, turrets in all corners, and big oak doors almost too heavy to open and close. The Gun Park was at the east end and that’s where we practiced our Mortar drills, with a universal carrier, for what seemed like forever, until we finally got them right. We could do a crash action [dismount and set our mortar up in less than a minute] This training I am sure helped us win the Toronto Garrison’s best Mortar Platoon competition, one year, at Camp Niagara. I have long since lost the ash tray we each got as a prize, but I know RSM Doug Chappell still has his as we have reminisced about this accomplishment many times at Mess Dinners.
I remember Pay Parade with the Pay Officer sitting at a table on the Parade Square, stacks of bills and a ledger in front of him and his service revolver out and placed on the table beside him, as our R.P. [Regimental Policeman]. Big Blackie [can’t remember his name] stood behind him with his weapon.
The tailor was in the Northeast tower and was always available for whatever alterations you needed.
We played baseball on the Parade Square and, of course, did lots of foot drill as well as train on the in’s and out’s of the Bren Gun and other fine weapons. I will never forget the instructor telling us there are 5 parts to the Bren Gun and I still remember their names: Barrel, Butt, Body, Bipod, and Piston, or as he put it:”4 beers & a Piss”. What a poetic manner he had.
Watching the Officers trying to get a cow up the stairs and into their Mess, so they could milk it for the CO LCol Hamish McIntosh’s drink (he had ulcers), was quite a sight.
What great Senior NCO’S & Officers we had like Major John Lownes OC Support Coy, Lt.William Whiteacre OIC Mortar Platoon and CSM Andy Jones of Support Coy.
I have so many memories of great Training experiences: Trooping the Colours practice at Talbot Park; being. taken there by the Service Corp in their old International Trucks; going to Long Branch Ranges
and working the Butts Detail marking targets; Sgt Howard answering the Butts phone saying “Butts Sgt Howard here”- where else did the phone line go??? the Toronto Garrison’s annual 24th of May Parade down University Ave from Queen’s Park, with literally 1000’s of onlookers; leaving Camp Niagara at 0800 hrs for Beamsville Ranges via Service Corp Transport - it was at least 80 degrees and they had the tarps on so it was a very hot ride. We asked them to open the front up to let some air in for the ride back, so they took the
tarps completely off and of course it poured rain all the way back and we got soaked; training in the grass at Camp Niagara; and the thrill it was for a 19 year old to race all over the place in a universal carrier - one of the high- lights of my summer camp experience; falling asleep during a lecture in one of the tents and doing many push ups as a result; feeling terrible in the morning after drinking too much in the Mens Mess the night before and the M.O. telling me to cut the grass with one of the many push lawn mowers too sweat out my hangover.
Later on, in the Sgt’s Mess [once I was promoted] I remember seeing some inebriated Sgt go off into town and rent a horse, which he rode back and right into the mess tent. All was well until a Piper started playing and then it was every man for himself as the horse went crazy. Luckily, no one got hurt.
I have other memories of life at Camp when I was a Senior NCO: not having to make my bed up and having wood floors in my tent and a real mattress not a straw stuffed palley ass and sharing the tent with one other Sgt not with 7 other soldiers as you had to do in the junior ranks; having 3 fingers of rum at the RSM’s
tent at 0600hrs; the entire Toronto Garrison parading through the Town of Niagara on the Lake; Sunday Parades at the Old Fort with the Queen’s Own Rifles beside us, while hundreds of spectators looked on; walking around Niagara Falls in uniform and having our pictures taken by many visitors from all over the world.
There are countless other memories: about our time with the 1st Battalion, RCR at Camp Ipperwash and London; about the many trips to Meaford and Camp Borden; and training in Oshawa, with The Ontario Regiment Tankers who gave us a ride in a Sherman Tank.
It was a great time of my life and I will always be grateful for the chance to serve with the Regiment and for all the things I learned while doing it.
Would I do it again??? In a HEART BEAT! dileas Gu Brath!
Me (3rd from left) and other young Highlanders outside the Armoury
Tent Lines at Camp Niagara
Senior NCO course personnel I am the tall skinny one on the left.
These Highlanders will be pleased to hear from you.Give them a call or better still, pay them a visit.
Don’t forget, they are Dileas, as are we.
JULY 2013
HIGHLANDERS CONFINED TO BARRACKS
Dileas Gu Brath
JULY 2013
IN MEMORIAM
FaREWELL To an oRIGInaL 39R
Sgt (Ret) Bill DeHarte 1st Battalion, 48th Highlanders of Canada
(1939-45)By HLCol Geordie Elms MSM, CD
On March 25th Sgt Bill DeHarte was posted to the Upper Camp and the Regimental Family
lost one of its strongest and longest supporters. Bill was 98.
A strong supporter of the OCA Life Members and the Sgts Mess Bill was the son of RSM Lewis DeHarte, himself a veteran of the 2nd Battle of Ypres and a POW. Bill joined the Regiment in 1935 and In September of 1939 marched out of University Avenue Armouries to the Horse Palace making him one of the 1st Battalions “39ers” . Today less than 20 remain of the 800 who marched out of University Avenue as 1st Battalion, 48th Highlanders (Canadian Active Service Force).
Bill served with 1st Battalion throughout Italy and in Holland. He kept a meticulous diary “80 Years Under the Kilt” and many of its excerpts have been published over the years in the Falcon.
At the War’s end, in 1945, Bill, like many of his generation, came home, took off his uniform, went to work and raised a family, was active in his church and as a scoutmaster, in Hamilton. However, Bill never took off his glengarry and remained a strong supporter of the OCA and a founding member of the Continuing Sergeants Association.
Bill was the creator of the Regimental decal based on the tartan patch and badge that was used to mark most Regimental reunions from 1961 right up until the 120th when he donated them as his personal gift along with enough extras to ensure his mark on the Regiment will be there for a long time to come.
Bill remained active in the OCA/CSA and at the age of 94 was still driving from Hamilton to Regimental events and parades. When he stopped driving he took the GO Train or in later years his daughters Barbara and Louise made sure he never missed a Regimental parade, dinner or event.
Bill will always be remembered as the living embodiment of “Once a Highlander - Always a Highlander”...He took off the uniform but never the glengarry and was always sharp enough and ready to assume his duties as right marker of the OCA contingent - well turned out, steadfast and tall.
