The 2012 Primrose Hackle

PRIMROSE HACKLE THE ANNUAL NEWSLETTER OF THE LORNE SCOTS (PEEL DUFFERIN & HALTON REGIMENT) 20 12

IN THIS ISSUE: CHANGE OF COMMANDING OFFICER CHANGE OF REGIMENTAL SERGEANT MAJOR OP ATTENTION IN AFGHANISTAN EX HELLES LANDING EX SOUTHERN DRIVE 2012 EX STALWART GUARDIAN 2012 ANNUAL NEWSLETTER OF THE LORNE SCOTS (PEEL DUFFERIN & HALTON REGIMENT) Table of Contents

Ever since the first disbanded Highland soldier sss and displaced crofters settled on Canada’s shores… in the 1760’s and 1770’s, Scottish Canadians have borne their full share of the burden of Canada’s defence. Soldiers and Regiments bearing Scottish names and wearing the bonnet, kilt and feather form a mighty array in our history; they have fought in the snows of Canada, in the mud of Flanders, in the mountains of Italy”

George Stanley “The Scottish Military Tradition”

Printed on 10 Dec 2012 ANNUAL NEWSLETTER OF THE LORNE SCOTS (PEEL DUFFERIN & HALTON REGIMENT) Regimental Battle Honours YPRES 1915-17, Festubert 1915, MOUNT SORREL, SOMME 1916, ARRAS 1917-18, HILL 70, AMIENS, HINDENBURG LINE, PURSUIT TO MONS, SICILY 1943, ITALY 1943-45, NORTHWEST EUROPE 1944-45

(The Battle Honours in capital letters are emblazoned on the Regimental Colours) Freedoms Awarded 1969 & 1979 1981 1984 1987 2004 2009 City of Region of Town of Town of Communities of Town of Brampton Dufferin Oakville Halton Hills Dufferin County Milton

The Colonel-in-Chief Field Marshal, His Royal Highness Prince Edward, Duke of Kent KG, GCMG, GCVO, CD, ADC(P) Honorary Colonel Honorary Colonel G.D. Reamey Honorary Lieutenant Colonel Honorary Lieutenant Colonel Wm. Adcock, OMM, CD

Commanding Officer Lieutenant-Colonel Duane Hickson, CD

Perpetuating The 37 th , 74 th , 76 th , 126 th , 164 th and the 234 th Battalions, Canadian Expeditionary Force 1914-18 Regimental Birthday 14 September 1866

Regimental Headquarters

Deputy Commanding Officer Major T. Ruggle, CD Adjutant Captain S. Sherriff, CD Regimental Sergeant-Major Master Warrant Officer A. McKelvey, CD Officer Commanding A Company Captain B.A. Bean, CD Officer Commanding B Company Captain J. Hardill Officer Commanding C Company Captain S. Dalziel, MMM, CD Officer Commanding Administration Company Captain D.P. Darling Mitchell, CD

ANNUAL NEWSLETTER OF THE LORNE SCOTS (PEEL DUFFERIN & HALTON REGIMENT)

Drum Major Drum Major I.D. McGibbon, CD

Pipe Major Pipe Major M. Chambers

Allied Regiment The Royal Regiment of Fusiliers London, UK

Affiliated Royal Canadian Army Cadet Corps 557 Royal Canadian Army Cadet Corps, Brampton, Ontario 676 Royal Canadian Army Cadet Corps, Georgetown, Ontario 1188 Royal Canadian Army Cadet Corps, Oakville, Ontario 1849 Royal Canadian Army Cadet Corps, Orangeville, Ontario 2990 Royal Canadian Army Cadet Corps, Milton, Ontario

Regimental Disposition

Regimental Headquarters A Company C Company 2 Chapel Street 90 Thomas Street The Colonel John Roaf Barber, Brampton, Ontario Oakville, Ontario ED, CD Armoury L6W 2H1 L6J 3A6 91 Todd Road (905) 451-5724 (905) 844-0604 Georgetown, Ontario Fax (905) 454-1533 (905) 844-7399 L7G 4R8 (905) 702-2251 Administration Company B Company Fax (905) 877-8827 2 Chapel Street 12 Chapel Street Brampton, Ontario Brampton, Ontario The Lorne Scots L6W 2H1 L6W 2H1 Pipes & Drums Band (905) 451-5425 (905) 451-2741 The Colonel John Roaf Barber, Fax (905) 454-1533 Fax (905) 454-1533 ED, CD Armoury 91 Todd Road The Lorne Scots The Lorne Scots Georgetown, Ontario Regimental Association Regimental Museum L7G 4R8 c/o 2 Chapel Street 48 John Street (905) 702-2272 Brampton, Ontario Brampton, Ontario Fax (905) 877-8827 L6W 2H1 L6W 2H1 (905) 451-5724 Fax (905) 454-1533

PAGE 3 ANNUAL NEWSLETTER OF THE LORNE SCOTS (PEEL DUFFERIN & HALTON REGIMENT) Colours of the Lorne Scots

The Colours of the Lorne Scots (PD&H) Regiment On the 14th September 1991, the 125th anniversary of the formation of the Unit, the Colonel- in-Chief, Field Marshal, His Royal Highness, The Duke of Kent, KG, GCMG, GCVO, CD, ADC(P) presented a new Stand of Colours to the Regiment.

The Queens Colour

The Regimental Colour

PAGE 4 ANNUAL NEWSLETTER OF THE LORNE SCOTS (PEEL DUFFERIN & HALTON REGIMENT)

In Memoriam

Corporal Ian Ross Ritchie 5 October 1983 - 6 April 2012

Ian Ritchie Joined the Canadian Army in April 2004, joining 3rd Battal- ion Royal Canadian Regiment and Deploying to Afghanistan on Task Force 3- 08 in 2008-2009. Although only with the Regiment for a short period of time, Corporal Ian Ritchie became very active in the unit. Taking a B Class job at Denison Ar- mouries and becoming very active in the Mess and social gatherings of unit members, Ian quickly became “one of the guys”. Sadly, Ian Ritchie died as a result of a Motorcycle accident April 6th, 2012. We Will Remember Him ANNUAL NEWSLETTER OF THE LORNE SCOTS (PEEL DUFFERIN & HALTON REGIMENT) The State of the Regiment

I am excited to be writing my first comments in this edition of the Primrose Hackle. I think we have all recovered from our cold day at the Change of Command parade on the 10 th No- vember 12. The Regiment once again showed why it is the envy of the brigade by putting together a fine parade in such a short period. I thank you all for your fine showing and was very proud to assume the position as your Commanding Officer.

The past year since our last edition of the Hackle has been the busiest in years for the regiment. I missed most of it while deployed on Op ATTENTION from January to October 12. I would like to commend LCol Phelps and his command team for their hard work and commitment to lead all major brigade exercises during the 2011-12 training cycle. The Regi- ment was the directing HQ for Ex SOUTHERN DRIVE to Ft Picket in March. The Regiment then commanded Ex STEAD- FAST WARRIOR which included CAX’s and two IRON TALON exercises as work-up training for the exercise at CFB Petawawa with the 56 th Stryker Brigade of the Pennsylvania Na- tional Guard. All went off without a hitch due to the hard work and preparation done by the Ops staff lead by Capt Ryan and WO Diotte. Thank you all for your hard work and commitment. Articles in this edition of the Hackle will delve into more detail about these exercises and the hard work put forward to make each of them a success. A huge success was the sending of 50 plus deserving soldiers to the UK in April on Ex HELLES LANDING to work and train with 2nd Bn Duke of Lancaster’s Regiment. This was an excellent opportunity to maintain the close ties between our two Regiments and I look forward to continuing this tradition over the coming years. The social calendar was also very busy with the usual onslaught of company mess dinners, mess functions, Robbie Burns Dinner, New Years Day Levee and celebrations of service. All are exciting events and encourage you all to participate whenever they arise because they are important events outside of training that allow us to grow as a cohesive family and to celebrate the hard work that each and every one of you to make the Lorne Scots the most successful unit within 32 Canadian Brigade Group.

The coming year will push the Regiment to continue on the successes from last year. I welcome The Lincoln and Welland Regiment into 32 CBG and particularly within Training Group A as they are the lead unit for this training cycle. The exercises for the coming year will see the Regiment send members on Ex TRILLIUM RESPONSE in February 13 at Cochrane Ontario as well as work up training for Ex SOUTHERN DRIVE slated from 6 to 15 June 13. These are all training exercises we need to provide maximum participation to so I encourage all of you to mark your calendars and plan to attend. We also continue with the War of 1812 activities particularly with Regiment providing a 50 man guard to march with the Brigade through the streets of Toronto to commemorate the Battle of York on 27 April 13 with our Regimental Pipes and Drums and Colours proudly on display for all to see so I encourage maximum participation.

PAGE 6 ANNUAL NEWSLETTER OF THE LORNE SCOTS (PEEL DUFFERIN & HALTON REGIMENT)

I would like to congratulate LCol Bill Adcock on his appointment as our Honouary Lieutenant Colonel on 10 November 2012. I have worked with Bill for many years and he has always put the well being of the Regiment first. He is truly a professional and highly decorated officer and we are proud to have him back in a role within the command team. I look forward to working with him and our Honorary Colonel, Col Gary Reamey for the coming years. I thank HCol Reamey for his continued generosity and support of the Regiment. Remember, these two gentlemen are here to represent the Regiment both internally and in the public realm on all mat- ters affecting the well being of our soldiers and the regimental family within the communities we serve and I know they will continue to work hard on our behalf as they have in the past and I thank them for their commitment.

I congratulate CWO Murphy for his service to the regiment and congratulate MWO McKelvey on his appointment as RSM and look forward to working with him on our Command team. Both are dedicated soldiers and have and will continue to represent this Regiment with professionalism and pride. I congratulate Capt Brad Bean on his retirement from The Lorne Scots and the Canadian Forces. The send off in October was a clear indication of the respect and admiration we all have for him as both an NCO culminating as our RSM and then as the Officer Commanding A Company. It was tough for him to retire because he did not want to go even after 45 years of service but I know he will not be a stranger but will forever be welcome within the Regimental lines.

In closing I would like to say it is good to come home and assume the responsibilities as your Commanding Officer. I bid farewell to LCol Phelps and thank him for a job well done and for his years of service to this fine Regiment. As he moves on to LFCA and higher goals I wish him well and know he will take his experiences and leadership abilities and continue to serve. I express my gratitude to Cpl Banks for assembling this edition of the Primrose Hackle. It is a tough task to accomplish and I encourage anyone interested in contributing to do so for the next edition. This publication is for you to tell your stories and experiences to the rest of us. So please don’t be shy, forwarded them to the editor and tell us your stories.

To the Lorne Scots and our regimental family I wish you all a Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays and a safe and prosperous New Year.

Air Son Ar Duthchais

LCol D Hickson

PAGE 7 ANNUAL NEWSLETTER OF THE LORNE SCOTS (PEEL DUFFERIN & HALTON REGIMENT)

DCO’s Report on the Regiment The training cycle for the Lorne Scots over the last year has been one of very heavy demand to meet an aggressive training plan put forward by Area and Brigade, with a few additional activities created by the Regi- ment, since many of us felt we had a few too many weekends and vacation days to spend with our loved ones. For many, myself included, the 11/12 training cycle began at the end of Exercise Maple Defender in Wainright Alberta, where the Brigade sent a Battalion Group to conduct Company Level training activities and a final BG attack on Vertical Village at the Combat Manoeuvre Training Centre. That is a story unto itself with a host of lessons learned for our transition back to more conventional war fighting scenarios, and I will include a piece on that at a later time. The Lorne Scots made up the majority of the leadership in my company during that exercise and all the lead up training activities over the previous year, so I was fortunate as a reserve Company Com- mander to have a great deal of consistency in my command team. Most of that group continued into the current training year as a cohesive group.

On our return from Wainright, in September, the Regiment took the lead for the Brigade for all the training and exercises for the coming year. Along with that we assumed the lead for planning purposes for the culminating exercise that was to be conducted jointly with a US Army Reserve Stryker Battalion, who incidentally would be moving north into Canada during some of the War of 1812 commemoration events, midsummer of 2012. The planning group consisted of a 3 person operations cell, not a large element considering all the tasks that were to follow. I am impressed with the products that they were able to produce, and grateful that they were able to pull it all together, as it was an outstanding year of training. We have since sent the Operations Officer away to Afghanistan for a little R&R.

In my case, I was allowed to commit to attending all the training activities for the up coming year, as penance for going on a task to Kenya to conduct a Tactical Opera- tions Staff Course for African Union officers during the fall. That simply meant I was able to acclimatize back to Canadian weather during defensive operations training later in the fall. I am not sure if any of you have had the chance to go directly from a location near the equator, directly in to a fire trench located on a water saturated hillside on an inland lake where you can almost guarantee snow fall in June, but I highly recommend it as a way to quickly acclimatize yourself. As our first defensive exercise at the Com- pany level for almost seven years, it was interesting. Operations in Afghanistan meant that many of our junior leaders had only been exposed to these operations during courses, and many of us older folks were a little rusty. But no better way to learn than to dive head first into your water laden fire trench.

A CPX in the lead up to Christmas ended the training for the year. But out of the gate in January, we did double duty, another CPX, while also conducting a qualification course in Winter Warfare for the newer soldiers. February saw us back in the field again for winter warfare, and some of us lucky chosen ones, heading 12 hours drive north to conduct a province wide disaster management exercise called Trillium Response. This saw two companies of soldiers deployed into metres of snow, where some days were just above freezing and others in the minus 43 Cel- sius region. During this exercise we did a lot of basic survival skills training, but also conducted grid searches for downed aircraft by foot, snowshoe and skidoo, and casualty extraction in conjunction with civilian medical personnel. The tail end of the exercise saw us moving those two companies of soldiers, on snowmobiles, over 300 kilometres in the afore mention -43C weather. ANNUAL NEWSLETTER OF THE LORNE SCOTS (PEEL DUFFERIN & HALTON REGIMENT)

In Afghanistan, I found that I am at heart a desert dweller. I love hot weather, so in March, I was happy to be heading back to the relatively warm weather (30C) of Virginia. We deployed an Infantry Company, logistics element and a BG HQ to Fort Pickett, where we again dusted off our defensive skills, by digging in the company to stage 3 and laying out hundreds of metres of wire obstacles. We also spent a good deal of the time picking ticks off of our fire team partners, before they got the chance to dig in themselves, in us. The focus here was on core and basic soldier skills in the defensive, and of dealing with the expectations of soldiers who have been largely mechanized for the last ten years and very much accustomed to the pace of those types of operations. Getting a soldier to learn that sitting in a hole as a light infantry soldier isn't all bad, is at times a challenge, particularly when the focus is on lower level skills. The lessons learned were invaluable for those on the next stages of the build up, as the last exercise several months away, was shaping up to include a relief in place of a mechanized infantry battalion by a light infantry battalion. On a personal note, I did re-acquire some trench construction skills, in particular the lesson that if you hit your hand with a sledge hammer, it is not a good idea to take a second swing right away.

April again saw us conducting exercises in the cold and the rain, but this time it was at least closer to a pub. Almost 50 Lorne Scots attended Exercise Helles Landing just outside of Bury and participation in the annual Gallipoli Day parade. The focus of the exercise was section level skills conducted in the Platoon context. The culmination of the exercise was the conduct of a section skills competition the day following the commemoration of Gallipoli, and the associated dinners and hospitality. The skill of our Fusilier counterparts as trainers became evident, as we were able to win the competition, despite only having had a few opportunities to fire the SA80. This is certainly an event I would support again, as it was a valuable learning experience for all involved. I can relate back to earlier activities of this nature that I attended, and draw a direct benefit from them to the work I did in Afghanistan while attached to a couple of British Army units. Just prior to leaving the UK, the CO, the Honourary Colonel and I went down to London so they could meet with the Colonel in Chief and the Fusil- ier's Regimental Secretary. This chapter ended well, with us being locked into the tower after the Ceremony of the Keys, and an invitation to the Yeoman Warder's mess.

Another exercise in April focused on individual soldier skills for defensive training, which was conducted as stands and not as an FTX. That was based on our observations from our time in Virgina, and despite some initial hesitancy to change the scope of the training, I believe it truly did set the conditions for our success during the follow on training. This led to the May exercise, when we were once again into the field as a Battalion Group occupying 3 company battle positions; occupation, routine, and withdrawal. Both June and July saw us conducting individual weapons qualifications on the C7, trying to get the Regiment set for an early completion of our annual Individual Battle Task Standards qualification.

The final exercise for us as the training group Battalion, commenced with the Pennsylvania Nation Guard Stryker Battalion conducting a road move to and live fire training in Petewawa, while our 3 companies and BG HQ prepared in Toronto and Ottawa for the 400 kilometre Battalion road move to Petewawa. On arrival, it was almost immediately out to the field to shake all the moving parts out on to the ground, with a welcoming couple of days of rain to ease us into the exercise. Despite the usual problems of marrying up personnel from across the province with their units, linking those soldiers to the weapons and equipment coming back from summer training, and getting the organization working as a team in just 9 days; it started almost at a full run. Day two saw us link up with an American Stryker platoon to conduct platoon level ambush patrols under the direction of the Com- pany. By day three we were preparing for a relief in place of the American Stryker Battalion and straight in to ANNUAL NEWSLETTER OF THE LORNE SCOTS (PEEL DUFFERIN & HALTON REGIMENT)

routine in the defensive. I was thankful that the CSM had spent so much time working with the C6 teams, as by the time we had first contact, the direct and indirect fire matrices had all the avenues of advance covered. The employment of the WES system also provided positive feedback to the teams, as they were able to adjust onto a target and confirm first round accuracy, engaging a platoon at almost a kilometre out and knowing that their fire was effective. Coordination and direction of fire in the defensive becomes so much easier when you can rely on some "old school" skills, such as producing a machine gun matrix.

When the battle position came under attack by the enemy force, the response was controlled and went to plan. Although we couldn't see them, since no night vision aids were available, we knew exactly where they were; which was bouncing back and forth stuck in our obstacle plan. Al- though since that was a work in progress, they were eventually able to flank around to the rear of the position. We did have a good piece of ground, well sited fire trenches, and a well rehearsed fire control plan; so when they did manage to breach into our defensive position, we were able to stop them at the first three trenches. Resulting from their approach into our rear area, we did have to put some soldiers on the move to reinforce the position, and despite the usual failure of radio communications at critical moments, the Company HQ was actually situationally aware through out the attack. On the failure of comms, runners appeared. Sol- diers moved along the established and rehearsed routes. Re- ports and returns were pushed up by the Platoons. They knew the scheme of manoeuvre and even when the situation changed, they were able to modify their responses to keep us on track. I think it was at this point, that many of the soldiers realized that some of the seemingly pointless work of the last week, actually did have a point to it.

Our return and subsequent hand over of the training group Battalion task, allowed us to breath a modest sigh of relief as the tempo slowed a little for us. This fall did see an increase in the number of War of 1812 commemorative activities, and we are fortunate that we still have local and Regimental family ties to some of the soldiers from that era. George Chisholm, who's namesake fought with one of the Flank Companies at the Battle of Queenston Heights, brought the sword that family lore says was carried by his great great grand-father at that battle. He also has the musket carried by him during the 1837 Rebellion, which still has a musket ball embedded in the stock, a shot that was taken when his grand father was advancing on the rebels. This fall we also received a banner to be carried for the next three years, as one of the units which perpetuate those early Canadian soldiers.

I have never had as busy a year in the Army as the this one past, and I know many of our soldiers are in the same situation, as many were with me on all of these activities. For training value, it was unparalleled, but demanding for citizen soldiers to maintain the tempo of year after year.

Major T Ruggle DCO

Report to the Royal Regiment of Fusiliers Newsletter ANNUAL NEWSLETTER OF THE LORNE SCOTS (PEEL DUFFERIN & HALTON REGIMENT) Regimental Sergeant Major’s Message

Well, another year has come and gone since the last issue of this fine publication, and what a year it was. Possibly the busiest in recent memory, it saw the Regiment take the lead for Battle Group training culminating in the combined arms exercise in Petawawa this past August. Added to this was the myriad taskings, exercises, and deployments in which members of the Regiment took part. Throughout, I have received only positive feedback on the performance of the soldiers involved. This is a testament to the dedication and devotion that a Lorne Scot brings to the profession of arms. You should all be proud of yourselves for a job well done!

Looking ahead, I see no lessening of the demands asked of us as soldiers. Although our commitment to operations in Afghanistan is on the wane, the next battlefield is never that far off. Take this opportunity to prepare yourselves for that prospect. It may come sooner than you think.

This year marks the 200 th anniversary of the opening of hostilities that became known as the War of 1812. In recognition of the battles our antecedents (the York Militia) fought at De- troit, Queenston Heights, Stoney Creek, Chippewa, Fort Erie and Lundy’s Lane, the Regiment has been bestowed with the “War of 1812 Commemorative Banner”. It is an honour to be one of the few units in the Canadian Army to receive the banner. Rather than have it remain on display at RHQ, it is my intent to have each sub-unit act as custodian of the banner on a rotation basis. This way all of you will have an opportunity to see it as it makes its way from one Armoury to the next. Take pride in our ancestor’s achievement and carry on their willingness to serve.

The idea of “pride” has been an underlying theme throughout this message. I think it the basis, the underpinning of what it means to be a member of this Regiment. Be proud of who you are and what you do. Use that pride as a catalyst to improve your skills, your training and your acumen as a soldier. There are few who can say that they are a Lorne Scot. We are a breed apart.

AIR SON AR DUTHCHAIS

MWO McKelvey Regimental Sergeant Major

PAGE 11 ANNUAL NEWSLETTER OF THE LORNE SCOTS (PEEL DUFFERIN & HALTON REGIMENT) A Company Message

The 2012 training year has been a memorable one for A Company. We have had four promotions; Capt Proulx, MCpl Candido, Cpl MacDonald and Cpl Maloney. Sgt Williams also received the Queen’s 60 th Jubilee medal at the Change of Commander’s parade and WO Colter received his 2 nd clasp for his CD.

The OC, Capt Bean, had his final days here as he is now retired from the Army. He received a wonderful dinner reception at the Georgetown Armoury in celebration of his years served. Many members present and past attended.

The Coy 2I/C, Capt Proulx, is now the acting O/C. We have also received a new officer. 2Lt Haider is on course now, and we have high hopes for him. Pte Wei has gone to Regular Force, but we have gained many new privates to replace him including Pte Simmons from the Lake Superior Scottish Regiment.

Cpl Maloney went to Bury, England with other members of the Lorne Scots, for the Gallipoli parade.

The Mess Executive did a great job, again, running the A Coy Mess Dinner. HCol Reame was our honoured guest and speaker. He made a great impression on us, and is always welcomed.

We are looking forward to what the 2013 training year will bring A Company.

John R. Colter WO CSM, A Coy, Lorne Scots

PAGE 12 ANNUAL NEWSLETTER OF THE LORNE SCOTS (PEEL DUFFERIN & HALTON REGIMENT) B Company Message

B Company began the 2012 training year on a high note after winning the Duke of Kent Award consecutively over the last two years. Throughout the year the Officers and Soldiers of B Com- pany continued to step up and meet their commitments and obligations to the Regiment, the city of Brampton and the citizens of Canada.

Early in the year, Maj Hale departed for his second tour in Afghanistan for OP ATTENTION. This task marked the end of Canada’s combat mission in Afghanistan. OP ATTENTION focused on training the Afghan National Army (ANA) and the Afghan National Police (ANP) in an effort to prepare the National Security Forces to assume responsibility for their own security. MajoHale regularly kept us informed on his progress with his colourful sitreps. We are happy to report that Maj Hale has returned from this mission safely and will resume his position as OC B Coy in 2013.

B Company was also very fortunate to have Capt Hurst return from his duties as 32 Brigade Ser- geant Major and join us as Coy 2IC. His experience and perspective provided valuable guid- ance in developing challenging training and mentoring soldiers at all levels. Lt Roadhouse also joined us early in the year. He immediately established his leadership and command presence as a highly capable platoon commander.

On Easter weekend, all members of the Regiment were saddened to learn of the death of Cpl Ian Ritchie, in an unfortunate motorcycle accident. Cpl Ritchie was an enthusiastic and valuable member of B Company. He will be remembered as a soldier that led by example. His commitment to fitness and his upbeat attitude was a positive influence on us all. At his memorial service, Cpl Ritchie’s family expressed their deep gratitude to all the members of the Regiment and the Regimental Association for their support and generosity in this difficult time.

There have been a number of promotions, honors and awards within the Company over this past year. I would like to recognize and congratulate Capt Hurst, Sgt Lowe, Sgt Taylor, Cpl Singh, Cpl Gwinnette, Cpl McNeil and Cpl Vathy-Mazzota for their promotions; Sgt Katona-Smith for receiving her CD; Maj Hale, Capt Hurst, WO Colbeck, Sgt Robertson, Sgt O’Brien, Sgt Stew- art, Sgt Turner and Sgt Taylor for receiving the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee Medal; Sgt Monteith and Sgt Taylor for receiving the GCS – SWA Rotation Bar.

B Company also made significant contributions to collective training throughout the year. The Company had 21 members participate in SOUTHERN DRIVE, 18 members participate in HELLES LANDING and 16 members participate on STEADFAST WARRIOR.

I would like to thank all of the Officers and Soldiers of B Company for their efforts under my Command this year. I wish you and your families all the best over the holiday season and in 2013.

Captain J Hardill OC B Coy

PAGE 13 ANNUAL NEWSLETTER OF THE LORNE SCOTS (PEEL DUFFERIN & HALTON REGIMENT) C Company Message

2012 Was a busy and exciting training year for Charlie Company. From exercises to social gatherings her members were treated to many a memorable moments. The beginning of the training year saw a focus to defensive operations. After numerous years of conducting operations in the asymmetric environment, this new shift offered many exciting challenges for all members, and has been embraced as a welcome change of pace.

The year also brought many opportunities for globe-trotting to the Company with members trav- elling to both the United States and the United Kingdom. The Company was afforded the rare opportunity to conducted live fire ambushes during their deployment to Virginia. Both soldiers and officers learned invaluable lessons that will benefit the Regiment for years to come. The following month members flew to England meeting the Royal Regiment of Fusiliers to commemorate the Battle of Gallipoli and this visit was viewed as a great success by all.

The Company has welcomed several new members into its ranks since the last training year. Sgt Boreczek who has come to us from Bravo Company offering his many years of operational experience and this will be a great loss to B Company. We would also like to welcome both Pte Franks and Pte Coobs into the Regimental family.

Few companies have produced as many Regimental Sergeant Majors as Charlie Company and this year is no exception. We would like to offer our congratulations to former Company Ser- geant Major McKelvey on his promotion to the post of Regimental Sergeant Major, and our many compliments to outgoing RSM Murphy (another Georgetown man) as he leaves us to the Brigade Battle School. The year also saw the promotions of former Corporals; Matthew-Seth Loys De Fleuriot De La Colinie and Shayne Brioux to Master Corporal. Ensuring the tradition of quality NCOs’ will continue.

There is much excitement surrounding the construction of an Urban Operations Simulation Range in the Company. Lieutenant Cook when asked in an interview as to the Range’s progress responded with much enthusiasm that “it is Captain Dalziel’s baby”. Others have commented that “it will be awesome”, “sweet”, and often included words that have no business in polite print.

The past year has brought many rewarding challenges to C Company, allowing for the development of experienced and well-rounded soldiers. With our new additions and promotions there is little doubt that the Company and the Regiment will continue to thrive well into the future.

MCpl Summerfield C Coy

PAGE 14 ANNUAL NEWSLETTER OF THE LORNE SCOTS (PEEL DUFFERIN & HALTON REGIMENT) Pipes & Drums Band Message

2012 was again a busy year for the pipe band on behalf of the Regiment and the CF. Currently the pipe band parades 21 persons and we are always recruiting pipers or drummers.

The Ca nadian International Military Tattoo was again a top priority. This annual event at Copps Coliseum in Hamilton draws an audience of about 3000 people with two shows on Saturday evening and Sunday matinee. For 2013 the dates are 08 & 09 June.

On July 1st we were on parade at Dundurn Castle in Hamilton at sunset in a free setting for people to come out and celebrate Canada. The crowd was appreciative as always.

July was also the annual Kingston Military Tattoo at Fort Henry and we combined with the AS&H and 8 Wing Trenton to create the pipes & drums act.

A tasking went to 1 piper to again be part of P&D of the Ceremonial Guard in Ot- tawa. We hope to put 4 pipers there in 2013.

7 P&D personnel were sent to Ottawa to be part of the CF Massed Pipe Band at Fortissimo, a show similar to the Edinburgh Tattoo. We hope to send half the band in 2013.

The pipe band played a Concert in Gage Park with the Brampton Concert Band and ended Remembrance Day in concert at Rose Theatre in Brampton with The Wind- jammers to salute Veterans.

New Year starts with the Regimental Levee and then we hope to see the troops out for the annual Robbie Burns Dinner-Dance on Saturday 26 January 2013.

DMaj I. McGibbon CD PMAJ M. Chambers

Air Son Ar Duthchais ANNUAL NEWSLETTER OF THE LORNE SCOTS (PEEL DUFFERIN & HALTON REGIMENT) “Your RSM for the Past Four Years”

Yes, my time as Regimental Sergeant Major has come to an end, and as I said when I took over the appointment it has been an absolute honour and a privilege to serve as your RSM over the last four years. I am fiercely proud of what you have done individually and collectively, and this sentiment is shared by many who are associated with the Regiment. The future for The Lorne Scots is bright, and these past years have been marked with jobs well done. This success achieved because of the work and support of an excellent team of NCMs.

As many of you can appreciate, the time seems to have flown by. During my tenure, we have seen the unit in a state of constant change because of the realities of the 21st century. Today the members of the unit are critical to the sustainability of Canadian Forces operations. The participation of Lorne Scots on international operations reached a level where more than 20 percent of the troops were deployed overseas in Afghanistan, Africa and other areas around the world. The unit was also called upon to aid civil authorities on several occasions. I wish to thank all of the soldiers for the way that they have distinguished themselves in all operations. In terms of leadership, we have devel- oped combat tested warriors that will lead the Regiment through the current and future challenges.

Last year, The Regiment was honoured to be in charge of 32 Battle Group during a period when the Brigade conducted two key exercises. The unit seized on this tremendous training opportunity and deployed an entire headquarters along with the majority of the unit, to the field in order to reinvigorate our combined arms war fighting profi- ciency. Most recently, the Lorne Scots led the Battle Group (comprising a BG HQ, reconnaissance squadron, three infantry companies, artillery battery and engineer squadron) for exercise STEADFAST WARRIOR in Petawawa.

Exercise STEADFAST WARRIOR involved 32 Canadian Brigade Group (32 CBG) and 2nd Battalion, 112th Infantry Regiment of the Pennsylvania National Guard. Approximately 1,200 Canadian and 500 American soldiers are involved, using nearly 300 vehicles, including 40 Stryker armoured infantry carriers. The aim of the exercise was to refine military skills and to improve operational cooperation with US military.

This is the first time in many years that we have had the opportunity to train at the battle group level. I was extremely impressed, by the way, that the Regiment, as the lead, demonstrated its cohesiveness. We have achieved a level of operational competence in both training for operations that will support us across the Regiment well into the future. To go on and produce exceptional results in all our endeavours through the last year is a credit to yourselves and the unit.

What has not changed during my time as the RSM is the spirit and pride in being part of such a historic and accom- plished unit. The service continues – that is the real story. This regiment is the embodiment of our community. At present, about 250 soldiers serve as reservists in the Regi- ment, and they are anything but weekend warriors. Finally, it is equally crucial that I thank the broader Regimental Family – which comprises serving Extra Regimentally Em- ployed (ERE) Lorne Scots, members of the Association and Friends of the Regiment. I have come to realize that your support is a key to the success of the Regiment.

Thanks to everyone for keeping me on my toes – day and night – and reminding me that Lorne Scots stand second to none.

Air Son Ar Duthchais

CWO Murphy ANNUAL NEWSLETTER OF THE LORNE SCOTS (PEEL DUFFERIN & HALTON REGIMENT) OP Attention

It is hard to believe that Capt Rob Ryan approached me about the possibility to heading over to Afghanistan as part of the Op ATTENTION Roto 1 or Canadian Contribution Training Mission – Af- ghanistan (CCTM-A) back in early October 2011. After a little discussion with my better half and some serious considerations, after all this would be my 8 th overseas deployment, I decided that I would put my name forward for a While So Employed (WSE) LCol Position. There were a wide variety of LCol positions available and in the end I was nominated for the position of ANA Executive Fielding Development at Camp Eggers, Kabul Afghanistan.

Pre-deployment training commenced in Gagetown on 7 November 2011, but I did not arrive until 14 November due to work conflicts. I have to be honest and we lucked out in the pre-deployment training... the snow did not hit us until just before the first phase of training ended on 9 December. The training covered all the normal administrative clearances and it was frustrating to complete the depar- ture paperwork multiple times. But we also covered weapons training from the C7, C9, C6, to 9mm pistol and grenades. A great deal of time was spent on Standard and Combat First Aid, Improvised Ex- plosive Devices (IEDs) and language training. One cannot forget doing the BFT in a snowstorm. There was a short break over Christmas and then everyone reported back to Gagetown on 16 January 2012 to complete the final portion of pre-deployment training. I was also joined by Major Duane Hickson who had volunteered for deployment just before Christmas. Duane actually reported to Gagetown on 9 January and in one week covered what had taken us a month. The January training concentrated on cultural awareness, language and security force capacity building. Some pers also completed the TCCC. However we finally escaped from Gagetown on 4 February with a good idea of what chalks we would be on for the Relief in Place with Roto 0.

I will not bore you with details about embarkation leave, except to say that it was busy with family and doing your best to ensure that everything was covered when you would be away for the next 8 months. 22 February was the big day and my wife drove me down to Trenton to the catch the flight from Trenton to Kabul. Duane was already in Trenton, since he has family in the area. Let’s just say it was a long flight with five stops. Arrival in Kabul went well and we were quickly issued weapons, ammunition, ballistic plates, First Aid equipment and of course went thru another admin clearance. We finally arrived in Camp Eggers on the evening of 25 February. Settled into transient quarters and of course the next day involved another round of admin clearances, except this time it was the US system vice Canadian.

Camp Eggers is located in the center of Kabul in an area affectionately called the GREEN ZONE. I refer to the GREEN ZONE as a target rich environment. Since it is in the centre of the city, it contains most of the Embassies, the Presidential Palace, the Afghan Ministry of Defence, ISAF HQ and Eggers. During my last tour, the Taliban would lob in a couple of rockets every now and then, since you know that you will hit something. This tour there were no rockets fired at the Green Zone, but there were a couple of attacks aimed at the area. In my mind the worst was on 9 September when a teenaged Suicide bomber killed a number of Afghan children. The children are the innocent ones and they sold scarves and bracelets to us as walked from Eggers to ISAF or the Ministry of Defence. More on this at the end of the article.

Life at Eggers was quite comfortable compared to tours completed by previous Lorne Scots and other soldiers in Kandahar. The working environment was much more of an office seting vice field. Our role was to provide advice and assistance to senior Afghan Army and Police officials. I was the ANNUAL NEWSLETTER OF THE LORNE SCOTS (PEEL DUFFERIN & HALTON REGIMENT)

Chief of Staff for the Ministerial Advisory Group within Deputy Commander Army (DCOM A). We had a total of 160 advisors within the Ministry of Defence (MoD) and the Afghan National Army Gen- eral Staff (ANA GS). The majority of people do not realize that these are two separate and distinct areas of operations. MoD is responsible for civilian oversight, policy development, finances and strat- egy; while ANA GS were responsible for day-to-day operations and leading of the ANA. Advisors worked in a 2 or 3 person team, especially since two US advisors had been killed at the Ministry of In- terior on 25 February 2012. So needless to say Force Protection was a very hot topic when we arrived at Eggers.

There is no easy way to make a COS’s duties sound sexy and exciting. My responsibilities ranged from ensuring that all necessary reports were submitted in a timely fashion, that administrative support was provided, refresher and advisor training were conducted as required to keeping track of everyone’s whereabouts when they were off camp. Keep track of everyone was the most important as was proven when the Haqqani network seized three construction sites within Kabul and starting lob- bing RPGs into the local area. One of the sites was just outside the GREEN ZONE on 15 April. The funny thing was that I was a hosting a group of Americans from the US Department of Defence Inspec- tor General’s Office and the looks on their faces when the Brigadier’s Close Protection Detail came into the office and suggested that we move away from the windows and into the basement was price- less. They had never expected that they would be under fire within the first 24 hours on the ground. I spent the next couple of hours confirming where all the advisors were located. In the end, nine advisors were at MoD and they spent the night there. It reinforced that you always carry bug-out gear, have a charged cell phone and keep others advised of your plans. The Af- ghan Security Forces took responsibility for securing the three construction sites and within 18 hours had killed all the insurgents and things went back to normal. I personally think that the response was well done and effective. The photo to the right of Major Duane Hickson was taken just after we were told that you could leave the bunkers, PPE was still required since the odd RPG rounds were still being fired over the camp. Duane told me that the Brit RSM did not have a sense of humour when he saw them having a smoke.

Duane’s duties were dramatically different from mine. He was responsible for ANA course scheduling and training of feeder courses for the Kandaks. I know that at time he was frustrated with duplication of efforts, lack of soldiers reporting for courses and the tendency for the Afghans to do what they wanted vice what the International Community wanted. Regardless of the frustrations it was a necessary job that contributed to the training and fielding of numerous Kandaks. Duane knows a lot more about Engineer training now than he did before he deployed.

The tour like many had its up and downs. The challenges of dealing with large group of Inter- national officers with multiple tours and a wide variety of training was worthwhile. We may not have had the same approach to all the problems, but everyone worked together to improve things within Af- ANNUAL NEWSLETTER OF THE LORNE SCOTS (PEEL DUFFERIN & HALTON REGIMENT)

ghanistan. We also had some fun times ranging from Commonwealth Day to celebrate the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee, Canada Day and the Terry Fox run where we raised $8,700. The teamwork and friendships made will last a lifetime.

A beautiful little girl, Parwana (which means butterfly in Dari), would hold my hand on the way into work and declare that she was my “body guard”. Impressive for someone who barely stood 36 inches, probably not many more pounds, ratty hair, and wore the most charming dusty smile you’ve ever seen. As a big brother of 4 younger sisters, you can’t help but attach yourself to this type of embrace and familiarity between otherwise distant strangers.

More importantly, you attach yourself to the innocence that has been missing for generations in a war torn country. You attach yourself to the idea of hope and a future in these young children, many who speak at least three or four languages, and are des- perately trying to improve their quality of life by selling trinkets to the visitors. These children, my body guards and surrogate brothers & sisters, would make sure I was safe as I walked to work and greeted me happily as I returned in the evening to my temporary home in Kabul.

Parwana was a little pistol of energy and delight. She and her sisters Samir and Khorshid were as loud, rambunctious, and tough as any other kid on the street; and could thrash as good as any boy on a skateboard! It was such a great sight and sound to absorb each night after walking off of base.

Passing out the skateboards my brother sent and watching the amazement experienced by these kids was the highlight of an otherwise disparaging deployment. It was a glimmer of hope and true joy in a city that has experienced far too many atrocities…

Atrocities like those that happened on September 9, 2012. It was Massoud Day, a national holiday in Afghanistan marking the day of martyrdom for the famous Ahmad Shah Massoud, who was a mighty mujahidin during the Afghan resistance to the Rus- sians and ardently opposed the Taliban. On that morning, several of the aforementioned children stood outside of the base, waiting to greet other individuals, like me, who resided off base. It is a heavily secured area, with constant presence of Afghan National Security Forces… yet that did not matter.

It was the alarms raised by a few tiny voices, their shouts at the guards that something terrible was underway, which initiated another horrific example of the enemy we are fighting in Afghanistan and in Pakistan. A young suicide bomber, 13 years of age integrated himself amongst the other children, waiting for ISAF personnel to leave the base. When the little ones who normally greet their friends with smiles realized the boy was wearing an explosive laden vest, they screamed for help... Parwana, always the consum- mate eight year old bodyguard, warned of danger with her very last breath...

The children could have remained quiet. They could have walked away from a danger and allowed those of us who frequent their paths to meet a demise of unspeakable pain. Instead, the little bodyguards alerted the foreigners of danger; they sacrificed everything to save strangers that had become their friends, their surrogate big brothers and sisters. And as such, six of their little bodies lay sprawled across an Afghan street, four more rushed to a hospital with life threatening injuries; a radicalized teenager, brain- washed in a perverse religion among them, reaping his martyrdom while his masters continue on to a new recruit.

These little strangers, tiny butterflies of innocence, placed the lives of strangers above their own. They sacrificed their lives because, in their own way, they were scared of what this wanton individual would do to those for whom they cared.

When politicians cower, when leaders behind thick walls plot retreat, when bureaucrats sip tea over extravagant dinners behind embassy security, others, like Parwana, Khorshid, and Samir take up arms against those who would destroy this country. May we all have the courage of an eight year old, someday… For the sake of a better Afghanistan”

Colonel Edmund Barrett NATO Training Mission—Afghanistan ANNUAL NEWSLETTER OF THE LORNE SCOTS (PEEL DUFFERIN & HALTON REGIMENT)

I enjoyed my tour in Afghanistan with all its challenges and long work hours. It was a rewarding experience and I am glad that I went. It was also my last deployment, after eight tours it is time to let other go overseas.

Major Paul Hale

Air Son ar Duthchais ANNUAL NEWSLETTER OF THE LORNE SCOTS (PEEL DUFFERIN & HALTON REGIMENT) EX Southern Drive 2012

In March of 2012 The Lorne Scots deployed as part of 32 CBG Battle Group outside of our normal Area of Operations to Fort Pickett, Virginia. This was a joint exercise with our partnered Brigade the 56 th Stryker Brigade Combat Team of the 28 th US Infantry Division form the Pennsylvanian National Guard, nicked named the Inde- pendence Brigade. This partnership has given us a few opportunities to work with the US Army, it has also given us a chance to get to know some of them as well, many of them are much like us with civilian jobs, family, some of them are going to school as well, many of them have got- ten the opportunity to deploy to Iraq and Afghanistan. The entire 56 Brigade deployed to Iraq in 2009.

This was the second joint exercise of the year. I’m sure the Americans (and most of the Canadians) preferred the weather on this exercise to the previous exercise (EX Trillium Response) which was in Northern Ontario in February. The exercise was focussed on the defensive, which was 32 Brigade’s overall training endeavour for the training year of 2011- 12. The Lorne Scots Platoon was commanded by Lt Russell Cook , C Companies 2 i/c. C Company contributed 11 soldiers and officers to the Rank and File of the Battle Group, as well as a further 5 to Headquarters and General Duties. The Lorne Scots as a whole contributed over 60 soldiers and officers to the exercise at all levels, including the late Cpl Ritchie to Battle Group QM.

The Defensive position was dug at Company level. A field phone matrix was established to add to communications at the local level to work hand in hand with the already established radio nets. The ground could be descried as hard pinkish clay. All trenches were dug to depth with C6 and 84mm trenches dug to stage three with reinforced sides and with overhead protection. This was a full tactical exercise and as such troops were always watching the front for the enemy. There was also a live fire ambush that was conducted during the exercise. In the end The Lorne Scots contributed to the complete downfall of the enemy.

PAGE 21 ANNUAL NEWSLETTER OF THE LORNE SCOTS (PEEL DUFFERIN & HALTON REGIMENT) Private Colin Patjas form 7 Pl, C Company had this to say about the exercise :

“It was very interesting to train outside of Canada, I liked it a lot better then going to someplace like Meaford or Borden. It’s too bad we didn’t get to work directly with the Americans, I would have loved to have gone for a ride in one of their Strykers [Armoured Infantry Fighting Vehicle with a .50 Cal Heavy Machine Gun mounted on top]. While sitting in a trench for days on end is not my favourite thing in the world to do, I did think that it was a good exercise, and I hope we get to go to the U.S. more often in the future.”

The exercise was not only in the defensive it did include a live fire range as well. With a new environment came new enemies, the pest found in Virginia was very small, the Tick. Although don’t underestimate them because of their size they can be a big pain if they dig into your skin

The exercise lasted ten days which included an 18 hour bus ride each way. The return trip fell on St. Patrick’s Day after a Battlefield tour from the American Civil War. We visited Petersburg National Battlefield just outside the base in Virginia. This was the location of the siege of Pe- tersburg were the Union Army commanded by Lt. Gen. Ulysses S. Grant attacked Petersburg held by the Rebel Army. The Northern assault failed so Grants Army dug in a World War I style trench system which spanned nearly 50 km's in length. Petersburg was very important to the South's supply lines. Many actions were taken by the North to cut the Confederates of form Richmond their capital. The North were able to after nine months force the Rebels to withdraw witch would lead to their eventual downfall. The battle was much like a World War I battle in that in used intensive trench warfare.

Cpl Veale C Coy

Opposite Page Top Right : MCpl Taylor watching his arcs in Virginia. Bottom Left : Night Live Fire

This Page Top Left : Weapons Detachment prepares to fight under the leadership of Sgt Boreczek. Bottom Right : Stand to. In the Sun of Virginia.

All photos by Cpl Korpan, 32 CBG HQ

PAGE 22 ANNUAL NEWSLETTER OF THE LORNE SCOTS (PEEL DUFFERIN & HALTON REGIMENT) EX Steadfast Warrior 2012

This summer was a busy one for me as a new reservist infanteer with the Lorne Scots. Having just completed trade qualification courses (BMQ Land and DP1) back to back in Meaford, I volunteered for exercise Steadfast Warrior and was on my way to Petawawa immediately after graduation. Looking back it’s a decision I’m glad I made.

Exercise Steadfast Warrior provided by far the most realistic training I have yet experienced with the Canadian Forces. It allowed me to apply and build on much of what was learned during training in Meaford as well as provided opportunities I would otherwise not have had. My platoon was fortunate enough to train with soldiers from a U.S. Army stryker brigade and the British Army. Being able to live and train with the Americans was a valuable experience and everyone was able to trade stories and compare equipment. Getting to ride in the styrkers was also definitely a highlight.

My platoon was able to complete an ambush with the Americans and being able to learn from each other’s techniques provided a fresh perspective on how our militaries conduct certain drills. We set off to our objective riding in the Strykers, stopping along the way to conduct rehearsals. Upon reaching the area where we dismounted to approach the ambush site, it was the Americans who took the lead role and led the navigation through the thick vegetation. They admitted they were not used to the type of terrain we were traversing, and evidence of this came when we ended up getting lost and turning what should have been a 45 minute ambush into an almost 4 hour ordeal. In the end we completed a successful ambush and learned a lot working together.

Aside from training with the Americans it was also a good experience to meet and train with other Lorne Scots who aren’t from my company. I also encountered reservists from numerous other regiments, as well as some familiar faces I trained with over the summer in Meaford.

One thing I’m sure all the new privates who came with me straight from Meaford to participate in Steadfast Warrior can agree on was the benefits of using WES (Weapons Effects Simulator) gear. This equipment, which essentially attaches sensors to your usual vest, helmet and rifle, allows state of the art simulation of bullet trajectory and the injuries sustained if you are hit. Wearing this gear added a sense of realism that was lacking in training done without it. You were sure to take proper cover and aim your shots knowing that it was all being recorded and fail- ing to do so could cost you your simulated life. While it was annoying at times to have to wear it, the advan- tage of training with such sophisticated gear was worth it.

The exercise was also certainly physically demanding. There were long days spent digging trenches (The photo to the right is of my trench at sunset) and setting up communication phones as well as sleepless nights being called to stand to and take shifts on sentry duty. But these hardships only served to make the training more realistic and rewarding upon completion. The positive gains outweighed the negative difficulties

PAGE 23 ANNUAL NEWSLETTER OF THE LORNE SCOTS (PEEL DUFFERIN & HALTON REGIMENT) as a whole. The scenery itself is something most people would pay to experience. Our platoon even saw a wild black bear walking about 200 meters from our position at one point.

Exercise Steadfast Warrior was primarily a defensive one, and my platoon occupied this role. Once we parted ways from the Americans, my platoon eventually made it to a small valley where we would set up our defensive positions. After my leadership determined where my trench would be situated, my fire team partner and I got to work. Firstly we had to set up our archs of fire and fill out our range card to ensure we were properly covering the terrain and other trenches were not within our archs. Once that was done we had to dig out our trench using picks and shovels, which took us well into the night and following few days to complete. All the while we had to cut down shrubbery to conceal and camouflage our trench.

At night time when we weren’t digging most of our time was spent on sentry duty where shifts were alternated covering the C6 machine gun trench. It was my first time using night vision goggles which was interesting, even if I was slightly sleep deprived. Often throughout the night there would be suspected enemy patrols and we would be suddenly awoken to stand to and observe our archs. There were also close calls of suspected snipers when nearby soldiers had a “near miss” shots register on their WES gear. Such was the general routine until the last night of the exercise.

On the night of the final attack everything culminated into an intense couple of hours that involved many of the main reasons I joined the army. Artillery simulations lit up the sky and the crackle of blank ammunition fire was heard non-stop. Eventually a regiment to our right flank began to be overrun and being part the QRF (quick reaction force) for our platoon we ran over to assist. There was a lot chaos and smoke everywhere. While we were scrambling to find our positions amidst the confusion my WES gear started beeping indicating I was hit. I took fatal shrapnel wounds to the chest and that was the end of it for me.

Exercise Steadfast Warrior was certainly something I’m glad I got to participate in and would recommend to all reservists, particularly new privates like myself. While at times it is hard and you’d wish you weren’t there, in the end the training and experiences you have make it very much worthwhile. Had I known what it was like would I do it again? Absolutely.

Pte Baczynski A Coy

Opposite Page Top Left: Pennsylvania National Guard (PNG) and 32 CBG Soldiers training in CFB Petawawa. Photo by MCpl Pop, Army Integrated Comms, LFCA Bottom Left: Pte Baczynski’s trench in CFB Petawawa. Photo by Pte Baczynski.

This Page Top Right : US HMMMV’s crossing the US-Canada Border. Photo by Sgt Gar- denier, 2-112 Infantry, Pennsylvania National Guard Bottom Right : Soldiers from 2nd Battalion 112th Infantry “Stand To” in CFB Petawawa. Photo by Sgt Gardenier, 2-112 Infantry, Pennsylvania National Guard

PAGE 24 ANNUAL NEWSLETTER OF THE LORNE SCOTS (PEEL DUFFERIN & HALTON REGIMENT) EX Helles Landing

In April a Platoon plus of Lorne Scots travelled over the ocean to participate in the Gallipoli day celebrations in Britain. The festivities included some cross training with the Royal Regiment of Fusiliers, social events, Gallipoli day Parade, and finally and Section level competition between the Lorne Scots and the Royal Regiment of Fusiliers.

The training conducted was fairly basic. This included but was not limited to, some weapons familiarization with the British SA-80 which culminated in a familiarization shoot, and a history lesson on the Gallipoli raid.

The social aspect was a good opportunity to become acquainted with individuals from another country which had similar priorities and values. Needless to say good times were had by all. The social events included a Mess dinner in which the Lorne Scots were included as guests of honor.

The Gallipoli day parade included a church service and a march through the city. The march concluded with the Lorne Scots and Royal Regiment of Fusiliers marching back to the armories to the tune of Black Bear.

The final event to be held was a section competition which the British had taken a lot of time and effort planning. The first event was a 1.5 KM log carry which simulated CASEVAC-ing a wounded soldier off the battlefield which was a test of endurance, mental toughness, and coordination. Once the team completed that they moved right into the obstacle course. The course we were told was used in British reality television at one point or another. The Brits were not lying, it was a challenging course but I can say that the Lorne Scots teams made short work of it. On a side note during the obstacle course over 50% of my team vomited. The next stand was identifying foreign weapons which I can confidently say my team preformed fairly poorly. The next stand was an observation stand in which 10 objects were hidden on a hill using cam and concealment and teams had to identify the items hidden. There was a 5 minute time limit which the Lorne Scots performed well again with the lowest scoring team identifying 9 items. The final stand was a shoot from 100 meters. It was a timed event in which each soldier had 10 rounds and 2 discs on a figure 11 to hit. The event was scored based on time, target hits, and rounds turned in. All Lorne Scots teams hit all targets (including the Officers). It was an incredibly close competition and this event is what separated the teams. Sgt Turner led the way for the winning team by firing 2 rounds and hitting 2 targets, I’m just glad he is on our side.

The Competition marked the end of the Gallipoli Exercise. It was a memorable exercise that was concluded with the Lorne Scots carrying the Royal Regiment of Fusiliers tro- phy through the Heathrow Airport (much to the chagrin of security) to the rightful resting place which it currently sits in the B Coy Jun- ior Ranks Mess.

Lt R. Cook

PAGE 25 ANNUAL NEWSLETTER OF THE LORNE SCOTS (PEEL DUFFERIN & HALTON REGIMENT) Queens Diamond Jubilee Medal

February 6th 2012 marked Queen Elizabeth II's 60th Anniversary of her accession the Throne after the death of her father King George VI. Queen Elizabeth II is Queen Reg- nant of 16 Sovereign States, including Canada. In the history of the Commonwealth, Queen Victoria is the only other Monarch to have celebrated a Diamond Jubilee, as she did in 1897. To mark the occasion, 60,000 deserving Canadians were awarded the Queens Dia- mond Jubilee Medal, 11,000 were awarded to members of the Canadian Forces through the Chief of Defence Staff. Each Member of Parliament was given 30 medals to award as they saw fit. In all 23 Lorne Scots were awarded the medal, either through DND, their Member of Parliament, their Member of Legislative Authority, or their workplace.

These Lorne’s now proudly wear their new medal on their chest :

Honourary Colonel G Reamey Honourary Lieutenant-Colonel W Adcock, CD Lieutenant-Colonel A Phelps, CD Lieutenant-Colonel D Hickson, CD Major P Hale, CD Major T Ruggle, CD Captain B Bean, CD Captain S Hurst, CD Captain I Steingaszner, CD Master Warrant Officer A McKelvey, CD Warrant Officer M Colbeck, CD Warrant Officer A Doonan, CD Sergeant B Dalziel , CD Sergeant S Hooper, CD Sergeant M O’Brien, CD Sergeant M Robertson, CD Sergeant S Stewart, CD Sergeant W Taylor Sergeant D Turner Master Corporal K Wiafe Corporal D Cassey , CD Corporal I McGibbon, CD

Jim Letourneau Memorial Golf Tourney Goes Off In Support Of Cancer Research and the Pipes and Drums

Brookfield Country Club Golf Club, in Cambridge, played host to the Jim Letourneau Memorial golf tournament on August 11, 2012. The event, which benefits the Cancer Research and the Lorne Scots Pipes and Drums fund, was attended by over 100 Golfers. Jim was a Marshall at the course and of course a proud veteran who spent many years in the Lorne Scots. The Regiment was represented by CWO Murphy and Jack Harrison. Congrats to Jack for winning the shortest drive contest. It was a great day in memory of Jim with over 2000 dollars being raised.

CWO Murphy

PAGE 26 ANNUAL NEWSLETTER OF THE LORNE SCOTS (PEEL DUFFERIN & HALTON REGIMENT) Fortissimo Massed Bands

For the first time ever, the Regiment sent a contingent to participate in Fortissimo. Fortissimo is a military and musical spectacular created for the lawns of Parliament Hill featuring massed military bands, pipes and drums, guest performers and the soldiers of the Ceremonial Guard (CG). Some members of the Regiment have been to CG. But, the first thing required by CG is that all obvious Regimental marks are removed and replaced with the familiar scarlets and bearskins of the CG. This was the first time that the Primrose hackle was on parade on the lawns of Parliament Hill!

The concept of Fortissimo is based on two tra- ditional evening routines once carried out by soldiers every day. The first, a sunset ceremony, occurred when soldiers fired evening guns, withdrew into fortified camps and cities, locked the gates, and as the sun set and dark- ness approached, lowered the flag for the night. This was Retreat. Originally, the calls that or- dered this routine were beaten on drums, and the routine is still commonly called "Beating Retreat."

The second routine followed at or near dusk when the night watch was set. Rounds were made to check the sentries (with drum or bugle calls to indicate when the "First Post" and the "Last Post" were reached). During this period, the drums beat a warning for all to return to barracks. Often the band played popular tunes, an evening hymn and finally the National anthem. This became known as Tattoo. The word “Tattoo” is said to have de- rived from the Dutch “die den tap toe,” which is translated as “turn off the taps.” It probably origi- nated from campaigns in the Low Countries in Europe in the late seventeenth and eighteenth centu- ries and is associated with the practice of a drummer being detailed to beat an order to the tavern and innkeepers to stop serving ale, and for the soldiers to stop drinking and parade for a final muster before returning to quarters.

This year’s Fortissimo included over 400 soldiers. They ranged from far and wide and included Pipe & Drums from across the country from the west, represented by members of the Seaforths and Canadian Scottish to the east represented by the Black Watch (RHR) and Nova Scotia Highlanders and all parts in between. Internationally, there were bands from the Jamaican and German De- fence Forces along with two American units and drill teams which completed the ensem- ble. Not surprisingly, the presence of the Americans with the Canadians, playing music from the 19th century era, made the theme of Fortissimo, the 200th anniversary of the War of 1812.

PAGE 27 ANNUAL NEWSLETTER OF THE LORNE SCOTS (PEEL DUFFERIN & HALTON REGIMENT)

The workup training began on the Monday of the August long weekend. Everyone was expected to arrive with the music memorized and ready to go. But, as it can be imagined, welding a ‘composite’ pipes and drums into a seamless unit in only four days is no mean feat! Music was gone through again and again, timed for fit in the show segments, matching to drill routines, changed and then changed again. There were lots of last minute hitches, not the least of which was the late arrival of the entire Jamaican band. So, the Sergeant-Majors who had responsibilities for bringing order to this chaos certainly had their hands full. They had a critical audience to face as well. For the three ceremonies starting on Thursday evening, the guest of honour was the Commander LFCA, the Chief of Land Staff and, finally on Saturday, the Chief of Defence Staff, at the time, General Natynczyk

Fortissimo’s commemoration of the War of 1812 was represented by the presence of the Fife and Drum Corps of the 3 rd United States Infantry Regiment. The ‘Old Guard’, as it is known, rarely ap- pears outside the United States given their vigil duties over the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. They were followed by the Colonial Williamsburg Fifes and Drums whose period uniforms mirror an 18 th century American Continental Army unit.

Members from the German Armed Forces Ceremonial Drill Team staged a dazzling display of silent drill in addition to an inaugural appearance by the Jamaican Defence Forces Band who were here to celebrate their country’s 50 th year of independence.

Each evening’s finale featured the combined massed bands performing Tchaikovsky’s “1812 Over- ture” featuring the guns of the 30th Field Artillery and the bells of the Peace Tower’s Carrillon. This time, however, the guns were placed behind the Parliament buildings facing out over the Rideau. In a previous year, the guns were placed in front of the Parliament buildings, obviously, facing away from the audience so that the battery commander could clearly see the conductor for his cue in the music program. Unfortunately, even when loaded with blank ceremonial ammunition, guns that size have an effect on things. In this case, it damaged some of the windows of the House of Commons which, no doubt, left the House of Commons Building Committee none too pleased – hence the banishment of the guns to the back of the building.

Fortissimo is open to all spectators at no charge. It is a showcase event in Ottawa and has drawn thousands of spectators since it began in 1997. Dates for Fortissimo 2013 are 08- 10 August 8-10 starting at 1900 HRS (7:00 pm civi speak) on the lawns of Parliament Hill.

Captain Ian Steingaszner Pipes & Drums Band Officer

PAGE 28 ANNUAL NEWSLETTER OF THE LORNE SCOTS (PEEL DUFFERIN & HALTON REGIMENT) Officers & Senior NCO’s of the Regiment

Officers of the Regiment Rear Row : Captain Tarachandra CD, Lt Haider, Captain A King, Capt J Hardill, Capt M Proulx, Lt N Roadhouse, Capt O Cook, Capt D Darling-Mitchell CD, Capt S Bedard, Capt K Junor CD, Capt S Hurst CD, Captain Hammill, Captain Gagnon CD Front Row : Capt S Sherriff CD, Major Armstrong, Capt B Bean CD, Maj P Hale CD, HLCol Wm Adcock OMM CD, LCol D Hickson CD, LCol A Phelps CD, HCol G Reamey, Maj T Ruggle CD, Maj L Betts CD, Capt AS Dalziel MMM CD, Capt I Steingazner

Sergeants & Warrant Officers of the Regiment Rear Row : Sgt W Taylor, Sgt M O’Brien CD, Sgt S Stewart CD, Sgt G Monteith CD, Sgt M Robertson CD, Sgt S Morris CD, Sgt G Lowe, Sgt A Parris CD Middle Row : Sgt B Dalziel CD, Sgt M Volpato CD, Sgt D Turner, Sgt P Reider, Sgt J Kiss CD, Sgt A Crawford CD, Sgt Wm Bean CD, Sgt A Katona-Smith CD, Sgt M Borczek, Sgt S Hooper CD, Sgt GR Williams CD, Sgt S Kelly CD Front Row : DMaj I McGibbon CD, WO R Roper CD, WO M Diotte CD, WO A Nault CD, WO J Colter CD, WO M Colbeck CD, HLCol Wm Adcock OMM CD, LCol D Hickson CD, MWO A McKelvey CD, LCol A Phelps CD, HCol G Reamey, WO D Gillies CD, WO A Doonan CD, WO E Kelly CD, PMaj M Chambers

Photos by Cpl C Banks

Photos Edited by Rebecca Pereira PAGE 29 www.BexPereiraPhotography.com ANNUAL NEWSLETTER OF THE LORNE SCOTS (PEEL DUFFERIN & HALTON REGIMENT) Faces & Places

Top Left: Colour Guard at Change of RSM in Georgetown Top Right: Signing the Change of RSM Certificates Middle Left: CWO Murphy CD, departing as RSM Middle Right: Capt Proulx at the Change of Command Parade in Brampton Bottom Left: Marching past the Outgoing CO, LCol Phelps CD Bottom Right: Lorne Scots exercising the Freedom of the City of Brampton Photos by Cpl C Banks

PAGE 30 ANNUAL NEWSLETTER OF THE LORNE SCOTS (PEEL DUFFERIN & HALTON REGIMENT)

Top Left: B Coy marches in front of Brampton City Hall on Remem- brance Day Middle Left: Cpl Connaughton stands on Cenotaph Guard Top Right: WWI bi-planes fly past the Brampton Cenotaph during the Moment of Silence Middle Right : LCol Hickson and MWO McKelvey lay the Wreath on behalf of the Lorne Scots (PD&H) Regiment Photos by Cpl Banks Bottom Left: The Brampton Cenotaph with wreaths of Remembrance. Photo by Sgt Guilmette PAGE 31 ANNUAL NEWSLETTER OF THE LORNE SCOTS (PEEL DUFFERIN & HALTON REGIMENT)

Top Left: MCpl Summerfield with the Veterans of the Georgetow Rotary Club Top Right: Cpl Leupolt, Sgt Turner, Cpl Montague, and MCpl Muir Middle Left: Captain Bean and his Family at his Retirement Dinner Middle Right: Lt Cook with Lt(N) Sean Livingston and the other Remembrance Week Speakers at Corprus Christi Secondary School Bottom Left: A gathered crowd of hundreds come to pay their respect and support to our Honoured Fallen in Brampton.

PAGE 32 ANNUAL NEWSLETTER OF THE LORNE SCOTS (PEEL DUFFERIN & HALTON REGIMENT)

Through the Lens of Sgt Guilmette Top Left : Cpl Tommy Cronk, MCpl Chris Pearce and Patriot Matt Bobin- ski Top Right : WO Erin Kelly Middle Left : Sgt Olivier Garceau & Family Middle Right : Cpl Tommy Cronk, Cpl Brian Cranley, Cpl Chris Banks & Correctional Officer Rebecca Pereira Bottom Left : James Assuncao watching the Remembrance Day Parade Bottom Right : MCpl Winslow Taylor & Diana Saunders Photos By Sgt Guilmette ANNUAL NEWSLETTER OF THE LORNE SCOTS (PEEL DUFFERIN & HALTON REGIMENT)

Top Left : Lorne Scots enduring the landscape of England on EX Helles Landing Top Right : Lonre Scots marching through Bury, England Upper Middle Left : Royal Regiment of Fusiliers Middle Right : The Competitors Lower Middle Left : The Challenge Bottom Right : LCol Phelps presents the Fusiliers a Lorne Scots Collage Bottom Left : The Combined Bands of the Royal Regiment of Fusiliers and the Lorne Scots (Peel Dufferin & Halton Regiment)

ANNUAL NEWSLETTER OF THE LORNE SCOTS (PEEL DUFFERIN & HALTON REGIMENT)

Top Left : Maj Hale conducting a briefing in Kabul Top Right : Maj Hale serving up some BBQ goodness on Canada Day Middle Left : EX Trillium Response briefing Bottom Left : The Pipes & Drums Band in Ottawa Bottom Right : Capt Sherriff presents Pte Gulino his Balmoral

PAGE 35 ANNUAL NEWSLETTER OF THE LORNE SCOTS (PEEL DUFFERIN & HALTON REGIMENT)

Top Left : Cpl Pulis and MCpl Romita at the Royal Canadian Legion Top Right : MCpl J Yataco loving his job Middle Left : Cpl (Ret’d) Bobinski serving time in the Penalty Box Middle Left : Wild Boars push for a goal attempt Bottom Left : LCol Phelps in Virginina Bottom Right : EX Southern Drive concluded with a Battlefield Tour PAGE 36 ANNUAL NEWSLETTER OF THE LORNE SCOTS (PEEL DUFFERIN & HALTON REGIMENT)

Top Left : Cpl Paul Hassanally disapproves of this photo Top Right : Day Staff supporting the Annual Medi-Chair Veter- ans Appreciation Luncheon Middle Left : Cpl Wayne Strudwick is a good looking man Middle Right : The Kelly’s (and Sgt Turner) Bottom Right : Maj Ruggle with MP Parm Gill taking a look at a sword in the Officers Mess

Didn’t see a photo or an article that should have been in this issue? Send any stories or photos of the Regiment to the Editor at [email protected]

PAGE 37 ANNUAL NEWSLETTER OF THE LORNE SCOTS (PEEL DUFFERIN & HALTON REGIMENT)

The Lorne Scots Association

Every Member of the Regiment, past and present, is part of the Regimental Family, the Association is what supports our family.

Visit the Association Website : www.LORNESCOTS.ca

Check out the Association Newsletter : www.LORNESCOTS.ca under the Communications tab

NOTES

Read past editions of the Hackle ONLINE !! PAGE 38 www.LorneScots.ca/Hackle.php