AIRBORNE SOCIAL CLUB NORTHTOWN PO, BOX 71034 9308 - 137 AVENUE EDMONTON, ALBERTA T5E 6J8 JULY 2019

EDITOR’S MESSAGE Her father started his search for a special spot in the mountains in 1982. Packing a lunch, he With this year making the 75th anniversary of and her mother would drive from Sylvan Lake up D-Day and the Battle of Normandy, numerous through Nordegg toward Saskatchewan River commemorative events have taken place Crossing looking for unnamed mountains. He throughout Canada and Europe. One major found many potential candidates but when he event was “Journey across Canada’ where submitted the information to the Alberta Veterans Affairs Canada partnered with VIA Rail Government, he found that they were already Canada, Parks Canada, the Canadian Forces named. It took from 1982 to 1997/98 to find a and community organizations to hold events in mountain that had four peaks and was communities across Canada. The journey of unnamed. He specifically wanted a mountain remembrance began in March, when a pair of with four peaks to be named for the Battalion’s combat boots representing the Canadians who four campaigns. He also wanted it accessible for traded in their civilian shoes for combat boots to people to come and recognize 1CANPARA’s battle serve in the Second World War was placed on a honours. VIA Rail train in Vancouver, bound for the east coast. The boots visited more than 17 Through Lynn, I then was put in contact with communities and travel over 5,000 kilometers Lana Michelin, staff writer for the Red Deer before reaching its destination of Halifax. Advocate who since 2000 has written several articles on Norman from the lead up to the Edmonton was one of these communities, when monument’s creation and Siffleur Falls on April 24th the boots were escorted from the commemoration activities since then. Lana’s train to Jefferson Armoury where Veterans June 5th, 2019 article is republished below. Affairs hosted a commemorative ceremony. Several distinguished guests and associates, in CENTRAL ALBERTA VETERAN ENSURED HIS addition to members of the Social Club were in ‘LOST’ CANADIAN PARACHUTE BATTALION attendance. Keynote speaker, WWII veteran IS REMEMBERED…Published in the Red Deer John Murphy (94) talked on his personal Advocate by Lana Michelin, Advocate Staff, experiences during his pre-deployment training June 5, 2019 and subsequent service overseas. This article is a follow-up of one she first In addition to the Journey across Canada, this published, September 2000 in recognition of the year saw the Siffleur Falls commemoration inauguration of the monument. Thanks to Lana ceremony also acknowledging the 75th and a and the Advocate for giving permission for the significant contributor to the establishing of the republication of her article. 1CANPARA Monument, namely Captain Norma Toseland, a name many of us probably would Norm Toseland’s daughter will attend D-Day have never known were it not for the attendance ceremony beside commemorative cairn, of his two daughters at the 2018 ceremony. It mountain. Canadians not only battled on Juno was at this event I first met Lynn Toseland Robb Beach on D-Day, they also fell from the sky. and her sister Gerry Greschner. It was they who Brave parachutists from the 1st Canadian made me aware of their personal contact Parachute Battalion will be recognized on between the monument and its creation. Briefly Thursday with a special 1:30 pm service at the Lynn explained her father, Norman Toseland is Siffleur Falls staging area, west of Nordegg. acknowledged for finding a mountain to commemorate “The Lost Canadian Parachute In the scenic distance, behind a three-metre Battalion.” If not for him there would be no high cairn that commemorates the battalion, mountain, no cairn and no beautiful place to stands a four-peaked mountain named for this remember the 1CANPARA soldiers, such as this “lost” Canadian parachutist unit. Much credit cairn provides. for achieving this lofty recognition rests with the late veteran Norm Toseland of Norglenwold. He was instrumental in getting the Canadian that his unit would be remembered, says Robb. government to officially call this mountain Ex Her father might have died decades before; he Coelis - Latin for “Out of the Clouds,” his surprised medics by surviving his serious D-Day battalion’s motto. injuries.

Toseland’s daughter, Lynn Robb of Calgary, will While Toseland did not talk much about the war attend the outdoor service on the 75th while raising Robb and her sister Gerry anniversary of D-Day to remember her father Greschner, of Sundre. Robb believes her father and his comrades. Before his death in 1999, suffered from post-traumatic stress that was Toseland was on a two-decade quest to preserve lessened after he got involved with veterans the memory of his Canadian parachuting unit, groups. recalls Robb. Robb remembers her dad taking the whole Members of the 1st Canadian Parachute family back to Normandy on the 30th Battalion had sustained heavy casualties after anniversary of D-Day. She later allowed her own jumping into enemy territory in the early hours children to skip school to attend a D-Day service of June 6, 1944. Their mission was to help next to the cairn west of Nordegg. explode bridges six hours before the main assault on Normandy and to defend the eastern Robb feels close to her late father at this spot. beachhead from enemy troops, enabling the “This is a memory that will be there forever.” Allied landings. The Red Deer Legion will also hold a D-Day Since the battalion was part of the British service at 11 a.m. Thursday by the Wall of Airborne Division, the unit’s feats, including Honour at Alto-Rest Cemetery. hiking for 80 kilometres with heavy battle gear and jumping without reserve parachutes were 75TH ANNIVERSARY OF D-DAY CEREMONY – often solely attributed to Britain, leaving SIFFLEUR FALLS, ALBERTA Canadian parachutists feeling lost to history. By: Bill Dickson, MC/Coord, 75th Anniversary Day Ceremony, Siffleur Toseland, who had survived being shot in the stomach on D-Day, was not going to let this The weather icons in the Nordegg, David happen. The former Sylvan Lake Legion member Thompson area for period 5-7 June were not and past president of his battalion veterans’ promising. Dark clouds and raindrops were the association, started scouting in 1982 for an order of the day. However, as the 3rd Bn PPCLI unnamed mountain that could commemorate Climb Team (Lt. K. Soney, Sgt McKay, MCpl his battalion. Toseland wanted it to be visible to O’Hearn and Cpl Weinerman), family members motorists, and was also searching for four peaks and our Padre Dave Prouse gathered at the to honour the unit’s four campaigns in 1CANPARA Cairn (Airborne Monument) on the Normandy, Ardennes, Rhine and Elbe, says morning of the 5th June to bless the ashes about Robb. to go up Normandy Peak, it was a nice day. Cool, light clouds and windy, but nice. The team, Once these were located off Highway 11, she accompanied by two family members (Bill Dixon recalls her father spending a few years getting and Pete Howell), headed out for the climb about the mountain named. “The government tends to 1030 hours. Everyone made it to the top of work slowly,” she recalls, but the peaks were Normandy Peak, where they conducted a officially titled in 1994. memorial service for our five departed Airborne Brothers; now joining other past members as Toseland’s veterans group then raised $20,000 Guardians of the Monument. to erect the cairn, emblazoned with the inscription: “To remember is to strive for peace That night, back at the David Thompson Resort amongst all nations.” (DTR) the Meet & Greet took on the typical Airborne Family mood. It was noisy; but the It was installed just off Highway 11, within sight gathering quieted down a bit earlier than in past of the mountain, in September 2000, with then years; we must be getting older! Still, many Alberta Lt.-Gov. Lois Hole officiating. gathered back in their rooms, campsites and partied in traditional airborne fashion late into While Toseland didn’t live to see the dedication, the night. he had known the cairn was going ahead and Arriving to setup for the ceremony on the 6th, we organizations such as, CAFA/ARAC, US were pleased to find the Alberta Parks personnel Rangers, in memory of Capt Chris Smith, had restricted access to the site to all but Aboriginals of Canada. airborne veterans and families. Weather again cooperated, with light clouds and blue skies, Al Cameron of Veterans Voices of Canada, making Ex Coelis Mountain a perfect backdrop spread a vile of sand taken from the beaches of for the parade. It did not take long for the area Normandy, on the base of the Airborne to fill up. Under the direction of CWO (Ret’d) Monument in tribute to his uncles who landed Mike Bludd, he molded the gathering masses of on D-Day. Classic move! serving members, airborne veterans, army cadets, Veteran Paratrooper Motorcycle Club On dismissal, the group picture of all attendees, (VPMC) members, Alberta Parks personnel and a centered on the monument, and the backdrop of UK soldiers from BATUS, into the 18th D-Day Ex Coelis Mountain, captured the moment of Ceremony. The end count, on parade and dedication for another year. It was a beautiful guests sitting, was estimated at between 185- day for a ceremony. Would it be the last? 200 in attendance. A magnificent setting to behold from the MC’s position. The BBQ back at DTR closed out another special event and gathering of the Airborne Family. They The parade began, 1CANPARA Op Varsity came from east and west to remember and veteran Lou Lamy from Calgary took the salute. honour those that went before us. Their stories Our Padre Dave Prouse gave the invocation; were real - the memories at times painful. The Adrianne Anderson, widow to 1CANPARA evening ended early – again. Yes we are all veteran Andy Anderson read the Airborne getting older! From all reports, everyone was Prayer. Tributes from the Minister of Veterans happy with the steak dinner! But again, the Affairs were read by Ms Darci Thomson, Area party at the Bubble Tent ended early…the Service Officer, Calgary Office. LGen (Ret’d) Kent private gatherings here and there throughout Foster gave the all-important, key address. It’s the DTR certainly didn’t! Airborne on ya all! only after such statements by members like this, that we realize how important this event is for For we who stayed at the hotel, the next morning the Brotherhood. was a shocker; sleet, wind and rain greeted us at the breakfast goodbyes. One can say that was In an unexpected and surprise move, we were interesting, like on June 6th 1944, I guess pleased to be joined by Lynn Robb of Calgary – yesterday we too, “had a window of opportunity”. daughter of Captain Norm Toseland, 1CANPARA veteran who was responsible for getting the Ex Jumpers, it was one of the best D-Day Coelis mountain range named. Lynn spoke of Ceremonies at Siffleur we ever had. It will be up her father, a former Sylvan Lake Legion member the Brotherhood if we do this again. The dates and Past President of the 1st Canadian has never changed, so planning aspects should Parachute Battalion Association. be easy; even for us old farts! So, when the call comes next year, all you have to do is answer, Flanked by members of the FSSF Re-enactment and step up to the plate. Group, Brian Mason and Kevin Richards, our Bugler Sgt Martin Walters and Piper MWO ADDRESS GIVEN BY LGEN KENT FOSTER (Ret’d) Colin (Spot) Norris did the honours for 75TH ANNIVERSARY OF D-DAY SIFFLEUR the Last Post, Lament and Reveille. FALLS 6TH JUNE 2019

Escorted by 1CANPARA RCACC 100 Brighton, Let me begin by addressing the significance of Ontario and 2551 PPCLI Army Cadets, the area we are gathered in today. It was Edmonton, wreaths were placed in honour of the Captain Norm Toseland’s idea to have a fallen by the attendees; Ms Darci Thomson mountain in the Canadian Rockies named “Ex placed on behalf of Veterans Affairs Canada. Coelis” in memory of the First Canadian Other wreath placements were by widow Rachael Parachute Battalion. He parachuted into Butler and WO2 G. Revel, BATUS on behalf of Normandy on 6th June 1944 and wounded on 6th Airborne Division; widow Adrianne Anderson the 10th of June. He was evacuated as a casualty and WWII 1st Can Para Veteran Lou Lamy on that day. He died just before the completion of behalf of 1CANPARA and Lt K. Soney and Sgt the monument in 1999. McKay on behalf of 3rd Bn PPCLI. Additional placements were made on behalf of units and It was decided that the monument would be and Normandy and the unit suffered 367 casualties. is a replica of the Cairn at Le Mesnil in Of those casualties, 5 officers and 76 men were Normandy the battalion’s location at the end of killed or died of wounds. On September 6th the the war. Battalion left Normandy and returned to the Bulford training camp in the UK. While there, 1st Canadian Parachute Battalion veteran Lou Lieutenant Colonel Jeff Nicklin became battalion Lamy’s presence makes this special year; the commander. The same Jeff Nicklin of Canadian 75th Anniversary of D-Day and the 19th football fame. Anniversary of the Siffleur Falls commemoration a moment in airborne history for us. He In December 1944, the Battalion was again sent participated in and lived to mainland Europe, on Christmas Day they through the fog of war and lost comrades to the sailed for Belgium, to counter the German cause of defeating Nazi Germany. Lou, we are offensive in the Ardennes what became known glad you and your family are here with us today. as the . After some two months of fighting, they consolidated along the 1st Canadian Parachute Battalion was assigned Mass River in Holland by the end of February to the British 3rd Parachute Brigade, a British and returned to the UK for a short leave. Army formation, which was itself assigned to the British 6th Airborne Division. The On March 7th 1945 the Battalion started training invasion, officially called "Operation for what would be the last major airborne Overlord," combined the forces of 156,115 operation of the war, Operation Varsity, the U.S., British and Canadian troops, 6,939 crossing of the Rhine. ships and landing vessels, and 2,395 aircraft and 867 gliders that delivered airborne The 17th US Airborne and 6th British Airborne troops. American, British and Canadian divisions were tasked to capture Wesel across troops stormed 50 miles of Normandy's the Rhine River as a combined paratrooper fiercely defended beaches in northern and glider operation conducted in daylight. The France. It was the largest amphibious largest airborne operation of the war. landing operation in history. Despite some of the paratroopers being dropped On the evening on June 5th, 1944 the battalion some distance from their landing zone, the was transported to France in fifty aircraft. Each battalion managed to secure its objectives man carried a knife, toggle rope, escape kit with quickly. The battalion lost its commanding French currency, and two 24-hour ration packs officer, Lieutenant Colonel Jeff Nicklin, who was in addition to their normal equipment. The killed during the initial jump on March 24th battalion landed one hour in advance of the rest 1945. Following the death of Nicklin, the last of the brigade in order to secure the Drop unit commander was LCol Fraser Eadie until the zone (DZ). Thereafter they were ordered to Battalion's disbandment. destroy road bridges over the river Dives and its tributaries at Varaville, then neutralize In the following 37 days, the battalion advanced strongpoints at the crossroads. 285 miles (459 km) as part of the British 6th Airborne Division, encountering the Bergen- The Battalion landed between 0100 and 0130 Belsen concentration camp on April 15th 1945 hours on June 6, becoming the first Canadian and taking the city of Wismar on May 2nd 1945 unit on the ground in France. For different to prevent the Soviets from advancing too far reasons, including adverse weather conditions West. It was at Wismar that the battalion met up and poor visibility, the soldiers were scattered, with the Red Army the only at times quite far from the planned drop zone. tactical unit to do so during hostilities. Armistice By mid-day, and in spite of German resistance, was signed May 8th and the battalion returned to the men of the battalion had achieved all their England. objectives; the bridges on the Dives and Divette in Varaville and Robehomme were cut, the left The battalion sailed for Canada on the Isle de flank of the 9th Parachute Battalion at Merville France on May 31st 1945, and arrived was secure, and the crossroads at Le Mesnil was in Halifax on June 21st. They were the first unit taken. of the Canadian Army to be repatriated and on September 30th, the battalion was officially 27 officers and 516 men from the 1st Canadian disbanded. Parachute Battalion took part in the Battle of One member of the 1st Canadian Parachute LAST POST Battalion was awarded the Victoria This edition may have missed Cross, Corporal Frederick George Topham, east notices of airborne comrades of the River Rhine, near Wesel, Germany, on who passed since last March 24th 1945. publication. We try to acknowledge all passings. By the end of the war the battalion had gained a However regretfully, full details remarkable reputation: they never failed to of are not always known or complete a mission, and they never gave up an available for at time of objective once taken. They are the only publication, while sometimes Canadians to participate in the Battle of the the passing has not been made known at all. If Bulge and had advanced deeper than any other you know of a passing and think we may not be Canadian unit into enemy territory. They beat aware of it, feel free to send it to me with details the Russians into Wismar by 3 hours! or link so it can be included in future On a personal note: I would like to pay homage newsletters. to the “Guardians of the Mountain” watching over us including the newest members: Oliver MESSAGE FROM A FALLEN COMRADE Voisin, John Butler, Russell Dixon, David

Howell, Robert Craig and Major-General Herb My helmet, now a halo st Pitts. MGen Pitts supported 1 Can Para Bn wings replace my chute, and Bill Dickson no matter what the issue over to fly amongst the eagles all the years and brought dignity, wisdom and no Soldier would dispute. inspiration to all of us Airborne soldiers. May he No aircraft is needed rest in peace in this place that honours our to take me to the sky, airborne brotherhood. your prayers from below have lifted me so high. I commend 3rd Battalion PPCLI and their climb My spirit is my engine team for their continued support and dedication no need to refuel, to our airborne traditions. no runway required a rainbow’s edge will do. Thank you to the families of airborne No need for maps or compasses, brotherhood who are here with us today and my angels are my guides, especially those whose spouses now join the their strength and love have gifted me Guardians of the Mountain. Special welcome to to soar the sky with pride. Raechel Butler, Adrianne Anderson and Anne The heavens here are endless Smith. my soul’s now free to roam, there is no need to cry my friends; This Airborne Trooper found his home. Great to have the UK contingent with us,

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st Glad to see the members of 1 Can Para Cadet Corps. It is your duty to protect our airborne CWO GRAHAM MACLAREN OLMSTEAD, legacy and history. MMM, CD (RSM CDN AB REGT - 1973-1976) Graham Captain Bill Dickson has to be recognized for his passed away tireless efforts and dedication over some fifteen peacefully on years of keeping alive this traditional homage to March 27, Siffleur Falls. He contributes this same 2019 at the enormous effort and personal commitment to age of 87. the support of the site of the Airborne Graham will monument at Griesbach, Edmonton and all be lovingly airborne reunions. We are truly grateful Bill and remembered th congratulate you on this successful 19 by his wife of Anniversary year. The airborne brotherhood is in 64 years, your debt. Airborne! Ardella, children Debra (Dan) and Rodd, grandchildren Andrew (Kerrie), Colin (Ashley), Bob was the eldest of two children born on Dec Hunter, Charlotte and Abby, great-grandson 25, 1934 to Helen and Charles McMinn in Graham, siblings Alma, Lorne (Jeanette) and Kirkland Lake, Ontario. At age 6 the family Murray (Gwen) as well as close friends Peter and would move to Toronto. At age 12 he would join Myrna. He was a very honorably family man who Air Cadets where he was able to nurture his proudly served 28 years in the Canadian Forces. passion for airplanes. On November 20, 1947 Bob flew his first solo over the city of Toronto at JAMES (JIM) ROBERT STEWART (RCHA) the age of 12. At age 16, Bob joined the Canadian Armed Forces. At 17 he would Jim passed away March 1, 2019 at the age of complete his parachute course and was posted 96. Born in Regina on March 21, 1922 Jim to B Coy, 2 PPCLI - part of the mobile striking spent his childhood in Carrot River force. At 18 he was posted to Korea with the 3 Saskatchewan. Eager to travel the world he PPCLI "B" Coy sailing on the MM Patric from enlisted in the Canadian army at the beginning Seattle, Washington, to serve in the Korean War. of WWII. He saw active duty in Italy and Holland. Upon his return from Korea he met the love of After the war, he returned to Regina where he his life, Lenora Watt, from Haliburton, Ontario met and married the love of his life Ethel Stuart. where they were married on September 3, 1955. He remained a career soldier in the Airborne Regiment prior to retiring in Edmonton. Jim Bob had a great career in the military and was a was a constant tinkerer and great at getting proud Veteran, reaching the rank of MWO. He thing back in working order. He had an ear for had many roles and postings, one being with the music especially country and western. Above Airborne Regiment where as a paratrooper he all, he loved nature and animals. His wife Ethel completed 168 jumps, was a scuba diver and and his elder son Darryl predeceased him. He is spent many hours flying around northern survived by his daughter-in-law Bonnie, his Canada working with the Canadian Rangers daughter Judy and son Dwight, his seven during his final posting to Yellowknife. It was a grandchildren and four great-grandchildren. great adventure for him but after 32 years Bob retired and he and Nora moved to Lethbridge MWO (RET’D) ROBERT CHARLES (BOB) where he took up another career, making MCMINN, MMM, CD (1934-2019) pottery. For the next 25 years he would travel in the winter and when home, play with his clay, Robert Charles creating many beautiful works of art that adorn McMinn, beloved the homes of many of those who loved his work. husband and best friend of Lenora MWO (RET’D) BERT REED CD, (1936-2019) (Nora) McMinn of CANADIAN ARMY (1954-1981) Sherwood Park, Alberta passed Bert served with away on May 27, the following 2019 at the age of units: 84, after a hard 1st Battalion fought battle with Canadian cancer. Bob will Guards, be sadly missed Petawawa by his wife of 63 2nd Battalion years Nora; their Canadian children: Sheila Guards, Smith (Richard Petawawa/Fort Smith) of Saskatoon, Rick McMinn of Sherwood York, Germany Park, and Sharon McMinn (Nazz Pisani) of Royal Canadian Sherwood Park; grandchildren: Andrew King Infantry School, (Coady), Ryan King (Jenn Dolynchuk), Neil King Borden (Karlee), Roscoe Smith, Megan McMinn, Molly Canadian Airborne Regiment 2CDO) McMinn; great-granddaughters, Ava and Reese Edmonton/Petawawa King as well as numerous friends and extended 3rd BN Princess Patricia’s Canadian Light family. Infantry, Comox, Victoria

PETER RONALD DAY, RCHA / 1 AB BTY BRIGADIER-GENERAL (RET’D) KEITH CORBOULD, AT THE AGE OF 79. Peter passed away at the Peterborough Regional Health Centre on Wednesday, July 10, 2019 in While on holiday in Italy, Keith fell ill and was his 76th year. Beloved husband of Lorna (nee not able to make his return flight to Canada. Wellman). Loving father of Anita, Sonya, Cary, After a week in hospital in Rome, where his Erin, Shane, and step-father of Tracey and strength ebbed and flowed, he succumbed to Duane. Cherished grandfather of eight and cardiac arrest on 12 July 2019. Wife Teresa was great-grandfather of one. Dear brother of Philip, there with him along with his youngest son, Michael, Terry, the late John, and the late Ian. Andre. In accordance with Peter's wishes cremation has taken place. In memory of Peter, donations to Keith joined the Canadian Military in 1958 and the Canadian Transplant Association would be served with 1 PPCLI to include a deployment to appreciated by the family. Germany. He also served as a Squadron Commander at le College Militaire Royal, then JACK DEMETER, “THE ENTERTAINER” again in 1 PPCLI commanding a company in (1AB FD SQN 1969-1976) Calgary. A year of Staff College in Australia was After a long fought followed by another tour with 1 Bde HQ. He then battle with the served as Commanding Officer of 2 Commando, cancer, Jack Canadian Airborne Regiment in Edmonton passed away which also included a deployment to Cyprus peacefully with during the 1974 Conflict. family by his side, July 17th, 2019. After another posting to 1 Bde HQ he assumed CHIMO to the command 3 PPCLI (the unit initially stood up by Engineer in Jack his father at the beginning of the Korean and the Airborne, Conflict). From there he went to Army HQ in St “All the Way” spirit Hubert as DCOS Operations where he was he fought the instrumental in developing the Rendez-Vous toughest battle Exercises. anyone would have to fight. This was followed by a tour as Deputy Commandant of the Army Staff College in SGT JAMES LAMBERT FARROW, CD (RET’D) Kingston and a year as a student on the JULY 14, 1938 – JUNE 20, 2019 National Defence Course. In 1984, he took James (Jim) command of the Special Service Force in Farrow joined as Petawawa and subsequently retired in 1986. a RCASC Apprentice at the Keith will be missed by many and is survived by age of 16. He his wife of 56 years, Teresa; his two sons Andre took his jump (and Kaetlyn) and David (and Tracey); five course at Rivers, Grand-Children (Jaclyn, Marcus, Ryan, Gregory in and Harrisen), and four Great-Grandchildren 1969 and joined (Trinity, Kimberly, Violet and Caysen). Two the Canadian adopted grand-children include Ed Gerrard Airborne (married to Jaclyn) and Shawna Lee (married to Regiment where Marcus). he served in Edmonton. Jim Keith was always known to have an opinion was posted to (which was usually right), and he cared for all numerous those in his life, family, friends, subordinates, locations over his 33 years of service. He retired and comrades. in 1988. Jim leaves behind wife, Lillian, children and grandchildren. Jim’s humour and A true leader and someone who many of us used good heart will be remembered by all who knew as an example to emulate. him. Details on Celebration of Life will be announced in the near future. CWO (RET’D) DOUG GUTTIN MMM CD contact for arranging donation of the toonies to Doug passed away the club. peacefully on Monday, July Membership. In accordance with Club By-Laws 8th, 2019 at the age of once, a membership reaches end-December for 78 years, Doug that year paid-up period that membership will passed away at the have until end-June the following year to either Ruddy-Shenkman renew or have their name placed on an inactive Hospice in Kanata. listing, i.e. end-December 2018/June 2019. Loving husband of Membership is open to all paratroopers, former Josée Valiquette. or current. Membership dues is established at Predeceased by his $10 yearly. first wife Phyllis Matthews (1984), his As the club secretary and membership parents Max and representative, I endeavour to keep our Euphemia Guttin, membership contact information up-to-date. and his brother Our normal method of contact is through email, Bill. Cherished father of Kirk (Julie), less mailing of cards. If you have moved or had Scott (Catherine) and step-son Steve (Zélie) and a postal or email address changed since last grandfather of Haley, Nolan, Connor and Lily- contact please let me know so I can make Rose. He will be sadly missed by his brother corrections. In addition, if you know of any Max (Jackie), Aunt Irene, as well as the Guttin, member who may have moved or are not Allison, Matthews, Valiquette families and receiving the newsletter contact me at friends. [email protected]

Family and friends may pay respects at the Kelly HOSPITAL MEMBER Funeral Home-Kanata Chapel 580 Eagleson Road, Kanata, Ontario on Thursday, August 1st, The club hospital member, on behalf of the club 2019 from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. A Memorial service provides notification of members hospitalized or will follow in the Chapel at 11 a.m. For those at home recouping. If you know of anyone who wishing, In Memoriam donations to the Hospice may not be doing well, please let Ben know so he Care Ottawa or Canadian Cancer Society are can arrange to visit and deliver hospital greatly appreciated. Sharing memories and comforts. Ben’s contact info: online condolences at www.kellyfh.ca [email protected]

SECRETARY’S REPORT KIT SHOP

Commemorative Toonie. The Royal Canadian Kit shop and other related airborne items; Mint, to commemorate the 75th Anniversary of prints, books and items are available through created $2 circulation coins in commemoration. Bill Dickson. Bill may be reached via email: The club was very fortunate to receive 75 of [email protected] these coins, which was presented to notables at the Siffleur Falls commemorative ceremony. VETERANS VOICES OF CANADA Primary recipients were guest speakers, Lou Lamy, 1CANPARA Veteran on parade, Below is a letter from Allan Cameron, 1CANPARA Cadet Corps and escort cadets from Founder and CEO of Veterans Voices of other cadet corps. In addition, the UK Military component, Alberta Parks Services personnel Canada. As many western readers know, and others in support of the ceremony. A much Allan is a dedicated supporter and appreciative thanks to Mr. Alex Reeves, Mint advocate for veterans over the years and especially our annual Siffleur Falls ceremony. One of the highlights of the Veterans Voices that I can attest to is the annual Canada-Flags of Remembrance which if you have not yet taken witness you must, as it is a heartwarming and thought provoking ceremony. I need not explain more as Allan’s letter provides Your Honour Plaque will be seen underneath sufficient explanations. one of the 128 Canadian flags flying under the flagpole at our emotional Opening Ceremony where all family, sponsors, community, military, RCMP and First Responder as well as other community groups, are encouraged to attend.

Thank you for considering supporting our Veterans voices of Canada-Flags of Hello everyone, it is that time again. Remembrance tributes, which in effect is supporting us in our important mission of Veterans Voices of Canada is a non-profit Veteran documentation. You can contact me organization whose mission it is to give with questions at [email protected] or by honour, tribute and to historically record the phone 403-887-7114. sacrifices and experiences of our Canadian Link: www.vetvoicecan.org military Veterans. This is accomplished through video documentation and living Sincerely, history events, tributes and displays across Canada. Allan Cameron Founder/CEO Our annual cross-country and multi Veterans Voices of Canada community Veterans Voices of Canada-Flags PO Box 255, Red Deer, Alberta T4N5E8 of Remembrance initiative is in honour of our 128,000 Canadian military and RCMP service men and women killed in action from the Boer War to the present. This is also our first year where you can also give tribute to our first Responders through an Honour Plaque at one of our sites!

Without support from businesses, organizations, communities, volunteers and individuals, this tribute would not be as successful as it has proven to be. Because of this support, we continue to grow from our original site here in Sylvan Lake, to many sites across Canada. We continue to look to build as communities and organizations show interest to be a part of our team.

Our vision is to eventually display 128 tribute sites annually and simultaneously across Canada, from early fall until November 12th. Along with honouring our past and present Veterans, RCMP and First Responders through our Honour Plaques that are visible to all at each of our tribute sites, this will continue to be a stunning, emotional and patriotic display for all Canadians to experience.

If you are a sponsor, you and the honouree or their family will be able to see your Honour Plaque displayed at our Opening Ceremony.

(L-R) Sisters, Lynn Robb and Gerry Greschner stand at the monument with the mountain range in the background that their father Captain Norm Toseland was instrumental in having erected and named in honour of his unit, 1st Canadian Parachute Battalion. Lynn addresses the ceremony and speaks of her father’s efforts in finding the right local that would honour his former unit.

75 - D-Day Commemorative Toonies was donated by The Royal Canadian Mint and presented to individuals

Family members sprinkle ashes of five departed Airborne Brothers who now join past members as Guardians of the Monument

Guardians: John Butler, Bob Craig, Russell Dixon, David Howell, Herb Pitts and Oliver Voisin

Cadet participation….the 1CANPARA Veteran’s Widows future of tomorrow Adrianne Anderson and Rachael Butler

1CANPARA Veteran Lou Lamy takes the salute 1CANPARA RCACC and 2551 PPCLI RCACC

Bugler Sgt Martin Walters and Piper MWO FSSF Re-enactment Group members, (Ret’d) Colin (Spot) Norris Brian Mason and Kevin Richards

Adrianne Anderson, flanked by Bill Dickson, Lynn Robb, daughter of Captain Norm Toseland speaks of her Padre Dave Prouse and Brent (Red) Sundby father’s adventures as he sought out a mountain range to be named after his former unit, 1CANPARA

Ms Darci Thomson, Veterans Affairs gives LGen Kent Foster gives his address and tributes on behalf of the Minister of Veterans provides a little humour in doing so Affairs

Ms Darci Thomson, lays wreath on behalf of the Widow Rachael Butler and WO2 G. Revel (BATUS) lay Minister of Veterans Affairs wreath in memory of those of the 6th Airborne Division

Adrianne Anderson and Lou Lamy Lt Soney and Sgt McKay lay lay 1CANPARA wreath 3rd Bn PPCLI wreath

Col (Ret’d) Cowling and Capt (Ret’d) Gord Carter MWO (Ret’d) Ed Haines and Cadet Escort McCarthy who is a Mohawk lay wreath lay wreath on behalf Aboriginal Veterans Society of Alberta

Wreath laid on behalf of UN Peacekeepers Former Airborne Cadet Hiroki Currie and Ed Dobson lay wreath of behalf of CFAF - ARAC

Robert Copeland lays wreath on behalf of US Ranger Association Al Cameron lays wreath In tribute and remembrance to all, past and present airborne…Veterans Voice of Canada

Tom Martin lays wreath on behalf of John Butler’s family has pay tribute in his memory. John’s son in The Queen’s Own Rifles of Canada Association tribute to John wear his father’s medals.

Al Cameron sprinkles sand from the beaches of Normandy in Adrianne Anderson and Lou Lamy unveil memory of his uncles who during the invasion landed there Roger Chabot’s painting “Out of the Clouds”

Bill Dickson presents souvenir commemorative toonies to BATUS UK soldiers Bill Dickson presents souvenir commemorative toonies who travelled from Suffield to be part of the ceremony to members of the Alberta Parks

Bill Dickson presents souvenir commemorative toonies to Cadets Lou Lamy displays the commemorative toonie he was presented

Dave Howell’s family travelled from Eastern Canada to be in attendance to witness Dave going as one of the guardians of the monument Group Photo Siffleur Falls Commemoration Ceremony D-Day - 75th Anniversary, June 6th, 2019