r THE THE LOYAL I Canada's Armed Forces. Ericksen Nissan The Fort^niner NUMBER 102DECEMBER 1999
First Published in 1915 THE FORTY-NINER
The Journal of The Loyal Edmonton Regiment "Fears No Foe" Produced for the Regimental Family by The 49th Battalion, The Loyal Edmonton Regiment Association c/o The Loyal Edmonton Regiment Museum #108 Prince of Wales Armouries Heritage Centre 10440 - 108 Avenue, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada T5H 3Z9 e-mail: [email protected] phone/fax: (780) 421 -9943 International Standard Serial Number ISS 0701-2918 Editor; Major David Haas, CD This year's cover shows troops fivm The Loyal Edmonton Regiment at the Cenotaph in front of Edmonton City Hall on November II, 1999. This year marked the. Regiment's return to a Remembrance Day service in Edmonton, after several years attending the service m nearby St. Albert. The artwork for the new design of the Regimental badge has been revised by Sharon Haas to sve a more accurate rendition.
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CONTENT!
The Regiment TQdayB.C. Branch President ^^ Donkey Derby ^^
The Unit YearB.C. Branch AGM Regimental Bet Page 6Page 15 Page 56 Honourary Colonel MathesonOrtona Visit Fortyniner Gallery #1 Page 9Page 77 Page 56 NUmegan MarchMore River Cemetery Paae 20Page 74 The Band Beat
CadetSMuseum Update page ^ ^ 34Literary @, , .Museum Information Sheet Book Reviews Cadets on ExercisePane 0.0. Ortona Page 30pacle 44 page 58 Edson Cadets page 32Regimental History ^"^hns p^gg Yukon Cadets ^ ^& TradltlOnS The Regimental Poet ^ ^^
DAniwAntal I inlrcT^ Warrior Bard Kegimenidl Ulll^Sergeant Walter Nishikawa Page 63 PPCLIpage 18 Page 35JHaiTerProwse ^ PerSOmiel Queen s Lancashire Regiment. page30PagePanf@ '?RFortyniner 22 Tracers Uallery ^1 nthpr llnltSTwo Sisters Meet & Marry Eddies PBS@ 57 UineLUmiSA War Bride's Story Wanderer AW/ r> DPage 23 Page 61 A West Coast Rangerg^ ^^ ^ ^ Memoriam 9Page 26 Major General George ThP ASSOCiatiOnSnuff Kitchmg Bne H^UUKIHUHpggg ^g page 64 _, @ , r, .,Cnwino the lissel Mflior Keith Wakefield Edmonton Branch Preside ^Cio.sin, the l]s.el ^ ^ p^^ ^
Edmonton Branch AGMNaviglio Canal Last Post Page 12Psg@ 50 Page 72 *
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THE UNIT YEAR THE LOYAL EDMONTON REGIMENT TODAY 1999 was another fast t-\Q/^pfi vp^r TOT" ti^P r\ P01 TTlPnt '@^"@^^''C^"^"'"''-
in the units annual lerresner ttBromimiinr- .@@@@PHOTO by Yvon Marier PHOTO by YvonMarier training formerly known as OnQn thethe firingfiring line,line, butbut whowho isis attendingattending thethe redred flag?flag? Warrior training and now called Minimum Level of March ended with a support weapons Capability (MLOC). It was also necessary to shoot. This included live firing of the C 6 qualify the soldiers taking part in the upcom- and C 9 machine guns and the 60 mm mor- ing field firing exercises scheduled for April, tars. Thirty soldiers went by bus to Chilliwack, In April, "A" Company conducted a series B.C. where they conducted adventure train- of live fire ranges. The troops progressed ing, small boat work, and explosives training through stands from individual fire and along w'-ith Engineers from Edmonton. Those movement utilizing obstacles, to a jungle who were qualified got a chance for some lane, to a sniper stalk, to pairs fire and move- divin". ment, to group fire and movement and fin- ______,_.,..__.___~~ ished with section live fire attacks. The 1^H~second exercise was similar and was capped BHH I ^::'' H^ iK^^^BHlllll off with a live fire, platoon sized woods @ | ' W \isSSIKlS^ clearing shoot. While this was going on, a
Brave blood donors The Fortyniner
THE UNIT YEAR From Page 6 test our operational readiness. Credit for organizing the "adventure" goes to Sergeant Mike Rarog - a member of the Regiment who is currently employed with the Squadron In May, "A" Company participated in Exercise Total Ram, the annual reserve concentration for Western Canada. We PHOTO bv Yvon Marier fielded the largest contingent out of an area Mot the three tenors, just unit officers at the which spans Victoria, BC to Thunder Bay, PPCLI 85th Anniversary Trooping Ont. The exercise ran from May 20 to 24 and mental Colours of all three Patricia battalions gave the soldiers a chance to participate in a were joined on parade by that of The Loyal live fire defensive shoot as well as airmobile Edmonton Regiment in an impressive Troop- assaults. ing of the Colours. Despite the absence of With most of the soldiers away in Wain- most of our soldiers due to summer training, wright for training during the summer, unit the Regiment managed to provide half of the activity slowed down. Lestock Day was held fourth guard. at Camp Harris again this year providing a July also saw some of our soldiers participate relaxed venue in which all ranks of the in the prestigious and gruelling Nijmegen regiment could eat hamburgers and play March in Holland. sports. The new training year started off in early In July, the PPCLI invited the regiment to September with a Commanding Officer's participate in their 85th anniversary celebra- Parade. Command of "A" Company was tions. For the first time in history the Regi- handed over from Major Mike Prendergast to ^^^_^^^_ Captain Jack Binns, who ^iSSSSSi^. wastel^ no tlme launching @SlS3SBS^ tne '-^"^P^y lnto prepara- B^M^^^X tions for the first Militia HlwHBlkffl Training and Support Centre HiRHP^ exercise. The emphasis of ^Ssy^^''-"' this year's assessed exercises y@ - '^'VJ was on patrolling and offen- Mft \^@1^' -; slve operations. The aim was to complete all three of these H '^^Sy test exercises before Novem- Q ^er- ^nls was thieved and |^|1 " the regiment passed all the ^^^^^^_ assessments. The pace was
Up north, Canadian Rangers know how to dothewair The Fortyniner
Regiment also enjoyed excellent ing members, who are to serve THE UNIT YEARcoverage on A-Channel's Big with 3 PPCLI and the National Breakfast show. Veterans Maurice Command Element are not due From Page 7White and Bill Shaw were on to leave until February 2000. hand at the studio along with Traditionally, December is not hard but the troops seemed to eat serving soldiers, while Big Break- a slow period for the regiment. it up. The assessors commented fast's Steve Antel visited the The month started off with the on the high spirit and profession- Regimental Museum in the annual Officers' Mess Dinner, alism of our soldiers. which was followed by the tradi- October saw nine members of Prince of Wales Armouries to talk about the many artefacts at tional Junior Ranks Christmas the regiment start training for the Museum. Dinner where the Commanding operational duty in Bosma- November also saw the forma- Officer exchanges uniform jack- On Remembrance Day the unit ets with the youngest private. participated in a sen/ice at Ed- tion of a composite company to be on standby to deal with any The Honoraries w^ere in atten- monton City Hall- In recent problems associated with New dance at both functions. years previous the regiment was Years and the anticipated Millen- December also saw the unit parading in St. Albert, however, nium Bug. The bulk of the com- conduct a ski school and a patrol this year it was decided to return pany was to come from the Loyal leaders course. The unit also to downtown Edmonton. A good Edmonton Regiment augmented welcomed Captain Chris sized crowd attended. Many were by a platoon from the South Chodan home from Kosovo after individual citizens who decided Alberta Light Horse. The con- a six month tour of duty. to attend the ceremony, addition- sensus of opinion correctly fore- The year ended with a cere- ally there were various commu- cast that this would be a big non mony commemorating the Battle nity groups who traditionally ofOrtona, held at Edmonton attend this solemn event. The event. Majors Paul Bury and Mike City Hall on December 27. Prendergast departed for an Despite the holidays, the event operational tour with the Divi- was well attended and included sion Headquarters in Bosnia representation from both the during November. The remain- German and Italian communities.
Mr, Vice marches in Major Griesbach's sword So commense ibrance Ceremony at Edmonton City Hall on De- the Annual Officers' Binsier ! German bell ringers entertain 9 The Fortyniner
THE HONOURARY COLONEL
Colonel Robert Stuart "Bob" Matheson is : an old Edmontonian whose roots go back into our Regimental history. Bom December 11, 1919, he lived only three houses away from Regimental founder Major General William Griesbach, whom he recalls as a ^ pretty gruff old character, but whose wife was 3. very nice lady. ||| THE EARLY DAYS ||
A life long friend, who lived nearby in f Colonel Matheson's childhood days, was |_ Stan Waters, who rose to the rank of Major ^, Honourary Colonel Bob Matheson in his law office General as a soldier in the Regular Force, and became Alberta's first and to date only elected Senator. As a youth Colonel Matheson was quite athletic, swimming competitively through most of the thirties, and also playing rugby and Canadian Football. He was particularly active in lacrosse, along with Stan Waters. Their very tough coach was Miles Palmer, a First World War veteran of the 49th Battalion, and later Colonel Matheson's predeces- sor as Honourary Lieutenant Colonel of The Loyal Edmonton Regiment.
SECOND WORLD WAR
In the Second World War Colonel Matheson 114111 -127 Street I 10550-116 Street I joined the 2nd Battalion of The Edmonton Regi- Free Installation J Mon-Fri 7-7 Sat 7-5 | ment in the Spring of 1940 as a reservist. He rose to Mon-Fri 7-8 Sat 7-6 Lifetime Balance the rank of Corporal in 1940, was selected for IIBIfmf 4717-99 Street I 17108-107 Avenue I ; rotations 437-4555 | officer training in June 1941, but instead his eye ; flat repa E-DAYS Mon-Fri 7-9 Sat 7-6 Mon-Fri 7-7 Sat 7-5 j @ TOPAYO.A.C.
Continued on Page 10 The Fortyniner
said he would be a good victimization of a member of THEHONOURARYengineer. His class was full of his family. COLONEL veterans, a close friend was He is married to Geraldine, Major William Stainton, a and has four children and former member of the unit twelve grandchildren. From Page 9 who had won the Military Colonel Matheson has also Cross, later to become a been active in the Scouting prominent Crown Prosecutor movement, and is holder of sight led to his discharge on in Edmonton. the prestigious Silver Acorn medical grounds the next Since graduating, Colonel award. month. Matheson has worked con- Things change rapidly in tinuously as a lawyer in RETURN TO wartime. A month or two Edmonton. later the call came out that He became an early special- INVOLVEMENT people were needed by the ist in oil and gas law, and still Royal Canadian Air Force for practices in that field. He was Although he has always training in radar work. appointed Queen s Counsel been a member of the Royal Canadian Legion, Colonel Colonel Matheson volun- in 1966. teered. Despite his eyesight, Like many lawyers, ColonelMatheson did not again he was accepted. The med- Matheson has felt the pull of become directly involved in ical officer was someone he politics, and he served a term the military until 1991, when he accepted the appointment had known through swim- as an Alderman on the of Honourary Lieutenant mingi Edmonton City Council from He trained in Saskatchewan, Colonel of the unit at the 1974 to 1977. urging of then Honourary Ontario, and England, then Now, as a self described Colonel, Bob Chapman. On saw service in India, Ceylon, political maverick, his pun- Colonel Chapman's retire- arid Burma. He was an air- gent letters are still occasion- ment in April 1998, Colonel borne radar technician, ally to he read in local news- Matheson took over the putting in many hours aloft, papers. appointment. He will be mostly in Beaufighters arid serving until 2001. Mosquitoes. ORDER OF CANADA Very proud of Canada's wartime record, Colonel BACK TO SCHOOL In 1989 Colonel Matheson Matheson is unhappy about was appointed a Member of the recent downgrading of After returning to Canada the Order of Canada, in Canada's military, particu- and taking his discharge, recognition of his work larly the Reserves, and Colonel Matheson went setting up the first Crime thought at this stage in his through the University of Stoppers programme in life he should still pitch in to Alberta to attain a law degree Canada. help. His efforts on behalf of in 1951, ignoring the air This was a heart felt mis- the Regiment are much force aptitude testing which sion, arising from a tragic appreciated.
10 The Fortyniner
^ESIDENT^S MESSAGE: EDMONTON BRANCH
THE 49TH BATTALION, THE LOYAL EDMONTON REGIMENT ASSOCIATION
A first this year was your veterans from the Italian and be up and home to the Regi- Executive selecting the German Armed Forces also ment by November of this Rainbow^ Society of Alberta attended. year. For those who may not as our Association charity. At This year the annual picnic be aware, the building will be a 10 kilometre Volksmarch will be on June 10 at Camp at the Municipal Airport in held on the Easter weekend Harris. The fund raiser for the the space occupied by the we raised just over $1,100 for Rainbow Society will be held soon to be demolished the Rainbow Society. A at Rundel Park on October 7. Hanger 12. This Association hearty well done goes to Met The Annual General Meet- played a key role in ensuring McPhee who raised some ing and Reunion Dinner will the Regiment got the facility $300 of that by himself. be held at Kingsway Legion they were promised and in Following the march there on October 14. The Ortona the desired location. was a barbeque at the Prince Remembrance Ceremony will As I look back on my 18 of Wales Armouries. be held on December 30 at years as a member of the Our Reunion Dinner Edmonton City Hall. Details Executive, I see much continues to be well attended of these and other events will progress. The Association is by veterans and serving be coming by newsletter. planning to offer a number of members. This year the meal The Association has made educational bursaries to was a notch above all past great strides in encouraging members of the Regiment, buffets put on by our hosts, individuals to become mem- the Regimental Family, and the Kingsway Branch of the bers but we still have not other individuals. The Asso- Royal Canadian Legion. tapped into the large number ciation's financial support In co-operation with the of men and women who through running casinos has Canadian Italian and Ger- served with the Regiment in helped build a Museum that man communities of Edmon- the 50s, 60s and 70s. The is a credit to those who served ton and the Regiment, the Association is a home for all in the Regiment. Third Annual Ortona Re- who have served and we must All looks positive and you membrance Ceremony was reach out and encourage as members of the Associa- held at City Hall. His Wor- those individuals to join our tion are owed a debt of grati- ship Mayor Bill Smith ranks. Their signing on will tude for the support you have marked the event by raising only make our voice stronger. shown this Executive. the Regimental Camp Flag at News from the Regimental City Hall. World War II front is the new Armoury will Chris Atkin
11 The Fortyniner
EDMONTON BRANCH ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING THE 49TH BATTALION, THE LOYAL EDMONTON REGIMENT ASSOCIATION
Held October 16, 1999, at the Kingsway Branch of raising $300.00 of it. the Royal Canadian Legion in Edmonton 10. Commanding Officers Report The Regiment 1. The Attendance Sheet was circulated. is in good shape. We continue to put the highest 2. The President called the meeting to order at number of soldiers in the field compared to all of 1505 hours. the units from Thunder Bay to Vancouver Island. 3. The Minutes of the last Annual General Vimy Ridge Academy has the Regiment sponsoring Meeting were read. Acceptance of the Minutes the Library and the drill room. There are a lot of was moved by Mel McPhee, seconded by Ralph good things we can do for the youth and promote Craven. Carried. the Regiment. The new armoury is going into the 4. There was no business arising from the min- south-east comer of the Municipal Airport, west of NAIT. The Commanding Officer applauded the utes. 5. There was no correspondence. youthful enthusiasm in the Regiment today. Continued on Page 13 ______REPORTS______
6. Financial Report The President presented the financial statement because the Treasurer was absent due to illness. Our net value increased from jggapa $9,643.00 to $13,286.00. We are in good financial shape. We should get the Casino money shortly. Acceptance of the report was moved by Bernie Stanton, seconded by Bill Shaw. Carried. 7. Hospital Report Bill Shaw^ gave the Last Post report to The Fortyniner. Sam Lenko will phone in any Last Post information from Mayerthorpe. @/|v renovated hotel rooms 8. The Fortyniner David Haas noted that lan ;' silent food service Edwards did a great job as the previous Editor. We are again looking for an improved product at no r convenient bars: Tavern/ Lounge, extra cost. The Edmonton Sun will continue to :le R Saloon, The North Star produce the magazine with no additional cost to ^ access to any part of Edmonton
us. There is a desire for more human profiles, f biographies and pictures in the coming issue. lan Edwards moved to commend David for the job he has done as Editor, seconded by Bruce Zawalsky. Carried. Acceptance of the report was moved by Maurice White, seconded by Bill Shaw. Carried. 9. Social Committee The Volks March, for the Rainbow Society of Alberta, had a modest turnout but raised $1,000.00. Thanks to Mel McPhee for vsEss^E^sssssxsm The Fortyniner
will be in Rundle Park and LOYAL EDMONTON afterwards there will be a barheque. We hope to raise $2000.00 next year.
OTHER MAKERS
report was moved by Bruce
11. Museum Report Chris
nds good things informatlon wln be ^7en at Stone Gallery was opened the RalphRalph CravenCraven finds good things previous night. We have atat the the Annua Annuallinner Dinner tne next executlve meeting. seven display cases opened in 14. November 11 The the common area. We applied for a Commu- Commanding Officer reported that the nity Enhancement Grant as well. A 60 seat Regiment w^ill parade at Edmonton City Hall theater is in the planning. We are involved this year, instead of at St. Albert, and go to with 60 oral history interviews. Acceptance the Kingsway Legion afterwards. of the report was moved by Bob Wall, sec- 15. Compliment Our members were very onded by Don Matsen. Carried. impressed with the turnout of the Regiment on the Freedom of the City Parade this year. 16. Executive During the past year Mario NEW BUSINESS Morin and Alan Jackson resigned, and Keith Wakefield passed away. Chris Atkin has one 12. Volks March St. Albert Trekkers are year left on his term as President. Wally Ross very impressed with being a part of our continues as Past President. Moved by march. The march will happen on the mWally Ross, seconded by Bill Shaw, that Thanksgiving weekend next year. The walk Bruce Zaw^alsky be elected for a two year term as Vice-President, and that the follow- ing be elected for a one term for the positions noted: Secretary Lem Mundorf, Treasurer Doug Thorlakson, Members at Large David Haas, Vince Westacott, Jack Toy, Kevin Weidlich, John Matthews, Bill Shaw, Rollie Castagner, Maurice White, Mel McPhee, and Brendan Yuill. Carried. 17. Next Meeting In 2000 the Annual General Meeting and dinner will be on the weekend after the Thanksgiving Weekend. 18. Bob Wall moved to adjourn at 1621 hours. Dancing up a storm at the Annual Dinner
13 The Fortyniner
PRESIDENT'S MESSAGE: RC BRANCH
THE 49TH BATTALION, THE LOYAL EDMONTON REGIMENT ASSOQ
This year marked the 55th were killed in World War Two. only for members and lady mem- anniversary of D-Day, where Now, fifty-five years later, the bers, but also for spouses, guests, Canadian troops played a major Legion has finally obtained companions, drivers and chil- role in the invasion of Nor- government support to institute a dren. Now, one word of caution. mandy. In honour of this occa- two-minute wave of silence Please don't bring all your neigh- sion, a delegation of Canadian across Canada to encourage the bours, 42nd cousins, aunts, veterans made a pilgrimage to public to remember our war dead. uncles, etc. whom you haven't France. Students will be expected to rise seen for years. Otherwise, we The Times Colonist, in report- from their desks, workers to stop may end up having to pass the ing this pilgrimage, indicated whatever they are doing and hat. that Canadian buglers would be stand, and radio and TV stations Our special thanks to Chris playing Taps at the ceremony. to be silent. A small step, but a Atkin and David Haas for com- Taps is a foreign piece played by little late in the day for many ing to our annual meeting; and to foreigners to the south of us. veterans. The Legion Magazine, Jack Haley, our Vice-President, Canadian buglers sound Last for example, shows that 4,000 for picking them up at 9 a.m. at Post. The one thing the newspa- have died in the past six months. the airport, entertaining them, per got correctly was that the 6th This year, the Toast to the and making sure they got back in of June was the anniversary of Regiment was in honour of time to catch their plane to the day the invasion took place. General Kitching, who died on Edmonton. Thanks also to my However, the photo which June 15th. The General was a brother and sister-in-law and accompanied the article was of real gentleman and will be sorely Alon Johnson for looking after an American soldier on Omaha missed. He was a staunch sup- the registration at the annual Beach. Canadian troops, of porter of the Association, and it meeting. Lastly a very special course, landed on Juno Beach, was as if a light had been turned thank you to all who made the where the 3rd Division pene- off when he passed away. John effort to attend. trated further inland than any of Dougan, our Past President, gave the other invading forces. the Toast in the annual meeting. Doug Rogers This newspaper article is typi- For the past two years, our cal of the ignorance and lack of annual meeting has been in interest which prevail in Canada Victoria. At the last Executive Locked Out? about the sacrifices the Canadian Meeting, it was proposed to Need Keys? Armed Forces made in World continue this into the new War Two. Millennium, subject to the ft} call Western In contrast, the people of the approval of the members attend- LYS^L l.ock& Key Netherlands have continued to ing the annual meeting, which Division of firstline Security Locksmiths Ltd. involve their children by flower was duly accorded. EMERGENCY AFTER HOUR SERVICE laying ceremonies on the graves For the Year 2000, we plan to of young Canadian soldiers who pay the cost of the luncheon, not RWflRiiwB ^SilSJ 14 The Fortynmer
RC BRANCH ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING The 49th Battalion, The Loyal Edmonton Regiment Assoc.
A good turnout in elegant surroundings
Hekl October 13, 1999, at Delorme, Mike Webber, John We had planned for a total of the Barkley Room of Executive and Rie Dougan, Les Dun- 52 members and guests, House Hotel, Victoria, B.C. can, AI Duncan, Jack Haley, however our Secretary- Charles Austin Rivers, Alon Treasurer Doug Bums and IN ATTENDANCEJohnson, Doris Cunliffe, Paddy Bums were unable to Alex and Mary Kohuch, attend, as were Bob and The following members Robert and Irene Lodge, Jack Agnes Summersgill, so we and guests attended: Scotty and Dorothy McBride, Keith ended up with 48. and Mary Adamson, Chris and Joie MacGregor, Jessie Atkin, David Haas, the Middleton, Shirley WELCOME Honourable Henry Bell- McGillivray, Jim and Norma Irving, Ed Bradish, Jane Musgrove, Phyllis Remple, Following the piping of Walker, Carry7 Browne, Doris Doug and Pat Rogers, Kent Bonnie Dundee by Piper Petley, Paul F. Charles, Peggy and Helen Rogers, Marjorie Desjardins, Jack and Dorothy Sheldrake, John Sheldrake, Delorme, Joey Delorme, Harold and Margaret Continued on Page 16 Mitchell Delorme, Mema Smythe, and Alan Mitchell.
15 The Fortyniner
been given by Doug Bums, our hard working and B.C BRANCH ANNUAL GENERALvery capable Secretary-Treasurer. MEETING However, Doug recently had a cardiac check-up, with the result From Page 15that he was booked for major bypass surgery at the Alan Mitchell, President Doug Rogers gave the end of October. This was suddenly moved up to following greeting: On behalf of your Executive, 1 October 1st. At the time of the meeting he was wish to welcome those members,, wives, friends and reported on the mend, and all joined in wishing guests attending our luncheon and Annual General him a full recovery. Meeting today. It is indeed a pleasure to see so many here this afternoon. Your willingness to come each year _____FINANCE REPORT____ makes it all worthwhile. As your President, I wish to extend a special welcome to Brigadier the Honourable President Rogers then gave the membership and Henry Bell-lrring, our senior serving officer; our Past finance report: Our membership as of the 13th Octo- President, John Dougan and Mrs. Dougan; Charles ber stands at 66 regular members and 24 lady mem- Austin Rivers, representing the Seaforth Highlanders of bers, Regrets were received from 23 members who Canada Association; our special guests Chris Atkin, were unable to attend because of health or travelling President of the Edmonton Branch of our Association, elsewhere. Mel Likes is scheduled for an operation; and Deputy-Director of the Museum; David Haas, Editor o/the Forty-Niner Magazine; and the ladies of Continued on Page 17 the Association, who add so much colour and sparkle to
the luncheon. OurHonoi^rary President, Colonel Jim For the name of a dealer near you call 1-877-461-5700 or shop in Stone, sends his best wishes to all, and regrets he is person or by mail at Spike Camp unafcile to attend. Wilderness Safety Supply Ltd. imO@ZONEEdmonton, Ab, T6C 4A9, Following the Act of Commemoration, Hon- (780) 461-5700 Fax (780) 461-5771 ourary Padre Kent Rogers read the following High tech military textile products for high tech soldiers names: Major-General George Kitching, Mrs. designed and manufactured in Edmonton and available Phyllis Darlington. After a moment's silence Piper nation wide in better surplus stores and kit shops Mitchell piped the Lament. Grace was said by our Honourary Padre, then Sleeping Bags everyone sat down to an excellent meal. At the end of the luncheon, Brigadier Bell-Irving proposed Belts Holsters the Toast to the Queen. Gun Cases Load Bearing Vests ANNUAL REPORT_____ Chest Rigs Rifle Slings Assault Packs Following a short break, President Rogerswe gave Patrol Packs his Annual Report and asked that the Annual Expedition Packs General Meeting Minutes for 1998 be adopted as Fleece Jackets & Sweaters circulated in the December 1998 edition of the Scrim Kits Forty-Niner magazine. John Dougan and Alon Mag Pouches Grenade Pouches Johnson so moved and seconded, and the minutes Bdu Uniforms were approved. Field Jacket Liners The next item on the agenda was the Secretary- Poncho Liners Treasurer's Report, which would normally have Swat Gear and more...
16 The Fortyniner
B.C. BRANCH AGM From Page 16
Mickey MacDonald has been on an extended trip; Ralph Paulsen is unable to travel; Dan Spicer's daughter is being married at this time; Les Taplin regrets he is unable to attend; Len Tuppen has moved to Alberta; and W.J. Whitlock is in the process of moving bacl< to the coast. The summary of our finances as at ] 3 October 1999 indicates that we have David Haas and Chris Atkinbring b news from the Regiment's $4,636.97 in the bank, includ- home city ing a GIC for $3,000 maturing inspired by the light-hearted indication of his goals for The 9 December 1999. President approach established by Fortyniner magazine, stressing Rogers then moved the Keith MacGregor last year, the need for members of the acceptance of this report, read a poem which was Association to send their which was seconded by Jack written in response to the stories and World War Two McBride and approved. following headline, dated photos. The members showed 1952, in the local press: their appreciation by giving VICTORIA GIRLS-DO them both a round of ap- TOAST TO THENOT GO OUT WITH plause. REGIMENTSERVICEMEN - MOTHER'S WARNING. CONCLUSiOM John Dougan gave the As of this date, we do not Toast to the Regiment in have copyright to print the There being no further honour of Major-General poem. business, the meeting ad- Kitching. Rather than speak Our special guests from journed at 1545 hours with of the General's military Edmonton, Chris Atkin and the piping of Bonnie background, which is well David Haas, provided some Dundee. known to veterans, John very interesting slides of the Our next Annual General recounted some personal Museum, showing how the Meeting and Luncheon, as anecdotes, also stressing what different military artefacts approved by the members a staunch supporter of the were being displayed and attending, will be held at the Association General Kitch- stored. Chris also outlined Barkley Dining Room of the ing had been. In replying to the financial requirements of Executive House Hotel in the Toast, Alon Johnson, the Museum. David gave an mid-October 2000.
17 The Fortyniner
REGIMENTAL PROFILE! Canada's shameful wartime treatment of its Japanese citizenry went against the advice of military security officials that they posed no threat. One of them indeed spent the war loyally soldiering with the Regiment. Author Bob Clarke is a Detective with the Edmonton Police Service, and a devoted military medal collector. A fellow police officer related to Sergeant Walter Nishikawa's wife handed Bob a treasure trove of material after her death. SERGEANT WALTER SENMATSU WSHIKAWA REGIMENT'S WARTIME MEDICAL SERGEANT A DEVOTED SOLDIER
enlisted in The Edmonton Regi- BY BOB CLARKE ment's Active Service Battalion With the entry of Japan into on 18 October 1939, at age 41. World War Two the Canadian His early medical studies were Government declared that no not wasted, he found himself in one of Japanese descent could the medical section. Promoted to join the Canadian armed forces, Acting Sergeant on 20 December but allowed those already serving 1939, he arrived in England with to remain. This exception was the Regiment in January 1940. fortunate not only for Sergeant Confirmed in the rank of Walter Senmatsu Nishikawa, but Sergeant he served with the unit for the soldiers of The Loyal throughout the war in England, Edmonton Regiment. Italy, and Northwest Europe. He The Regiment's future Medical went to Canadian Section HQ Sergeant was bom in Inamura, Brussels in April 1945. On re- Shigaken Province, Japan on 28 turning to Canada he took his April 1897. His family immi- discharge in Calgary on 3 August grated to Canada in August 1945. 1910, settling in Vancouver, B.C. On returning to reside in Young Walter continued his Edmonton, Walter enlisted in studies to Grade VIII in 1915. He in sunny Italy with two buddies the 19th Alberta Armoured Car volunteered for the Canadian and then with his older brother, a Regiment on 27 February 1948. Expeditionary Force in World physician, in Toronto. He moved He was now working for the War One but only served a to Calgary where he completed Department of Veterans Affairs matter of days before it was Grade XI at night school and at the University Hospital but learned he was below enlistment became Head Bell Boy at the devoted his off hours to his wife age and he was removed from his Palliser Hotel. WT^ile in Calgary and the Militia. However, during battalion. he became Naturalized on 17 summer exercises in Wainwright Walter gained experience in April 1937. in 1951, he was thrown from a the medical field by working as a With the outbreak of World dental mechanic in Winnipeg War Two, Walter Nishikawa Continued on Page 19 18 The Fortyniner
the Department of Veterans They had no children. Affairs on 16 May 1963 at age 65 Sergeant Walter Senmatsu years. He died on 14 October Nishikawa WAS an active, dedi- 1966, just three years after his cated soldier who served his fellow military truck and sustained retirement, predeceasing his wife. servicemen and his country well. fractures to his back. On release from hospital and a subsequent, AI^iroEOFM(Il^^ albeit not complete, recovery, he HECEHEIl^ returned to service in the Re- serves until, at age 57 years, he '.. @ Medical'. Sergeant-'Walter.: ':feel@@:so'gQod?:;"You'takec.':. @' 'triese-,' @,::': left the military for good on 20 N ishikawa "was'-a @Oahadi.ali^of:.':@'@'two^No.'^wnen'y^ August 1954. After a drawn-out @Japanese ;deseent*;I"lie.:was:.tHe:^.and^^^'Ilbe^^ew^'ma^ ;@:@ battle with the very federal '@@'best ;damn' medicai::sergea:n@:tin.:' motriing."?:!:::.:;':"!": '@::: 'r;"::;;".:^!'.:""-',"'" ''@".:' department he worked for, @@either'the Canadian^Mthe'^"::'-'''''Iteootsuis'wliat'wasffi^^ @'@ Sergeant Nishikawa was granted Japanese army. Whenever we : those.-Nd, @@9 @pills', ,'cut Sergeant ^ a small pension for the injuries :':CQnsult:ed-'MedtcaI: Selcgeaift!-:""::: "Nishilmwa @" :pjK$ciihed..them,fbr." he received at Wainwright. @ Nishikawai'his-adyice^'wsK'^:!'-':''@ 'just ^oult .every-'TOatady tecwn-.' Walter Nishikawa retired from 'always the same: "So you :dan'r: to:maftkmd:.' @ @ : @@:'.'.".'.;;..:::.:,:- :@:;.;@:'... @ @
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THE FOUR DAAGSE (THE FOUR DAYS) THE 1999 NlJMEGEN MARCH BY CORPORAL HAFIZ VIRANI
The usual five o'clock w^ake up set the tone for a hard day of burning rubber for a daring group of highly motivated troops who showed up at Edmonton's Kinsmen Sports Centre on May 29 for the first day of trials for the famous but intimidating Nijmegen March. The Marching through a Dutch town, the street flanked by spectators tension eased as people the runway at Garrison Regiment, 15 Medical Com- started to recognize friends Edmonton in June where the pany, and 14 Service Battal- and familiar faces. The team came together every ion, left Edmonton for Tren- testing was gruelling as day for a month and a half ton, then Halifax. On the marchers paced through forty and put the tarmac to good way they picked up the rest kilometres of the North use. of the Canadian Contingent Saskatchewan river valley in A demanding ten-day which consisted of over two the heat and humidity. training camp followed in hundred soldiers from all Things could also be enter- early July at Cochrane, aspects of the military. taining when the candidate Alberta. The team had to be As the plane landed at marchers came across inter- reduced in size and those who Eindhoven Airport in Hol- ested onlookers who by the remained were happy to be land on July 18, the com- second day of trials offered selected but also bitter over plaints about the long flight them big juicy hugs and losing three teammates were soon a memory as kisses. By the end of the whom they had got to know everyone tried to catch a second day, everyone who very w^ll over the last two glimpse of the beautiful made it through had cer- months. Dutch countryside. tainly earned their position - The 41 Brigade team Settling in at the tents in some marchers walked on consisting of members from camp Heummensoord was blisters that had the size and The Loyal Edmonton Regi- not hard at all since everyone looks of a plum. ment, The Calgary High- could hear the booming Training also took place on landers, 8 Field Engineer Continued on Page 21 The Fort'-miner
together and marched as one behind Colonel THE FOUR DAAGSE Peter(THE Holt, a well FOUR respected veteran DAYS) of the From Page 20 marches, and a piper who did the whole march and piped us through every town. The music from the soon to be discovered "Insane march ended at the Charlemagne field where Beer Tent" where over 7,500 military person- finishers received their medals in an emo- nel came together and drank their thoroughly tional but happy presentation. The contin- deserved plastic pints of beer. Here young gent prepared for the victory march through and old danced, laughed, and met people the town ofNijmegen where they were from every conceivable country. The beer showered with confetti and given a generous tent is an event. Whoever has seen the amount of hugs, kisses and flowers. Children indescribable, loud - but always cheerful- swarmed for souvenirs as their parents chaos and experienced the atmosphere will cheered on the exhausted marchers. "People never ever forget the tent in his life. poured out their windows," one marcher said Marches started at 2 a.m. every morning for on the bus ride back to camp as he admired the contingent. On the first day, marchers his first medal. went through the town of Elst. That night was a big one as people got The second day through Wijchen, the third together and drank their pain away. Others through Groesbeek, which was the highlight left for the subtler and quieter ways of life in of most of the Canadian participants since Amsterdam where memories were made and the contingent stopped at the biggest Cana- liquids were consumed. As the contingent dian cemetery in Holland for a memorial trickled back into camp, people exchanged service. stories of the previous night of adventures on The last day was through the town ofCuijk the town, and souvenirs with other partici- where marchers drove themselves to finish at pants. any cost. About eight Canadian teams came The contingent left Eindhoven Airport the @@@@@@i next morning for Halifax,
S tightly woven contingent and promises were made to meet next year and do it all over again. The 41 Brigade
Grabbing a bit of ease up for the next time.
21 The Fortyniner
A REGIMENTAL POLITICIAN J. HARPER PROWSE WON THE FAVOUR OF A MILITARY ELECTORATE, BUT NOT OF His COMMANDING OFFICER T^V 'TV^K A A "r\ A K /fC^XT ^ac^-to BattalionJback to Headquarters Battalion Headquarters to await to await D I 1 UM /WAMOUJN his movement order to Canada. RHO hisw? movement order to Canada. BHQ was then in the market town of Bagnacavello, When the Province of Alberta held an with QM Stores on the other side of the election in the fall of 1944, it was decided main street. Harper took up residence to have representation from the Anned with the quartermaster, Einer Nerland. Forces, one seat being allocated to the One afternoon I happened to glance out Central Mediterranean Theatre. the window of BHQ, and was startled to A number of high ranking officers j, J.Harpel HarperProwse Prowse see Harper come staggering out onto the allowed their names to be put forward, main street of Bagnecavello nattily attired but a lowly lieutenant from the Loyal Edmonton in a pair of jockey shorts and a tin hat. Regiment - J. Haiper Prowse - decided to contest the It would seem that he and the QM had got their seat. noses into the SRD (translation: Service Rum, Harper applied for and was granted leave to cam- Diluted), Unfortunately for Harper, Lieutenant paign up and down the boot of Italy. His slogan was Colonel J.R. Stone was looking out the other win- "A Vote for Prowse is a Vote for a Louse." dow of BHQ. The result was entirely predictable. It was no Half an hour later Harper was out on the street contest. Harper won in a landslide - to the chagrin of again, still somewhat unsteady, on his way back up to the other candidates. the dyke to sweat it out till his movement order We were then as far north as we ever got in Italy, came through - which it did eventually. holding a line along the Senio River. Jeny was still He went on to a distinguished political career, unrepentant and indulged in dirty tricks such as becoming the leader of the Liberal Party in Alberta, rolling barrels of explosives over the dyke. and consequently leader of Her Majesty's Loyal It would have been unfortunate if the elected Opposition. And in due course Lester Pearson made member had been knocked off, so he was brought him a Senator. FORTYNINER GALLERY #1
22 The Fortwiner
TWO SISTERS MEET AND MARRY EDDIES
In June 1940 Carry and Phyllis Ashford were teenage sisters in the quiet English town ofOxted, when The Edmonton Regiment moved into a nearby wood. Now living in Victoria, B.C., they write of wartime romance, and of danger from the skies over England. Both these ladies are veterans themselves, Garry sewing in the Auxil' iary Territorial Service (ATS) of the British Army, Phyllis in the Women's Royal Naval Service (WRNS). A WAR BRIDE'S STORY stone's throw from my house, BY CARRY wa.s a favourite spot for the troops, especially on pay BROWNE days, where they would fill watering cans full of apple By 1940, when I was 18, we cider. Those poor boys had were used to troops passing no idea how potent it was. through the English country- There were many other pubs side, but we were unprepared in the area like the Hoskins for the arrival of so many Arms, the Bell, the Wheat- Canadians. I recall with sheaf, and the Haycutter, horror the first night after and by the time they closed they arrived in numbers, the dance floors would be cycling home from my office. almost too crowded to move. They were sitting beside the Dances were also held every road eating from their mess Canadian Uncle Dewey Keeblerweek at the Barn Theatre or tins. I was trying to keep my from Signals Platoon gave Carrythe Hay Wain and at many skirt down over my knees as a little help to meet Regimentalchurch halls. The locals Policeman Bob McEwan hoards of khaki-clad men became very fond of the whistled and shouted, "Hi, We were surrounded. We Loyal Eddies, and to this day Blondie!" or "See you had The Edmonton Regi- they are still welcomed back. tonight, honey!" It was a ment in the woods, right The Oxted British Legion nightmare I had to endure across the road from our has entertained many in twice daily until they all house. When winter began recent years. moved on. My poor father setting in the troops moved My maiden aunt, Mabel, was having conniptions! out of the woods and fields on a visit to us, met a nice Suddenly, there were all and into either empty houses man by the name of Dewey kinds of new rules and regula- or spare rooms in people's Keebler of Signals Platoon. tions in our house. Three homes. Our woods became They had a whirlwind ro- daughters and all those our own once again. strange Canadians. The Royal Oak Pub, just a ContinuedonPage24
23 The Fortyniner
A WAR BRIDE'S STORY
mance and, before we knew it, we had a Canadian uncle. I had dated a number of young men, and in 1941, while dancing in a hall on Merle Common, I saw a tall, handsome Regimental Policeman standing in the doorway, making sure there was no trouble. I remember think- Barry's first husband, Bob IVIcEwan, killed at Hill 736 in Sicily ing, "Wow!"' On enquiring of my newly acquired uncle who this handsome chap for he was killed on August 5th, fighting in might be, I learned it was Corporal Robert Sicily on Hill 736. By the time the news (Bob) McEwan. So, a week later, with a little reached me, Lieutenant Remple was on his help from Uncle Dewey, I met this stranger way back to England. He learned of his from across the sea and fell helplessly in love. friend's death when he landed in Scotland. From then on I dated no other and we mar- He and my sister Phyll had been planning ried in 1942, when the Regiment was on the their marriage for some time and I was assist- south coast. ing him in the arrangements as Phyll was On one of his leaves Bob brought home a then stationed in Scotland. During the weeks friend, Bill Remple, who was interested in my that followed, Bill brought to our home sister, Phyll. Then began the second romance another fellow officer, Ow^en Browne, who in the Ashford family. Phyll was about to join was to be the best man at his forthcoming the Wrens, and Bill was soon to leave for marriage. CT Canada to attend officer training at Gordon This wasn't to be, for Owen was shipped to Head in Victoria. By this time, many local join the Loyal Eddies in Italy. Before leaving, girls had married Canadians and it was with he left me his photograph and a request that I much regret that we all saw the Regiment write to him. During the war, one wrote leave us for Shoreham on the south coast of many letters to young men overseas, and my England. list was long. Later, I joined the ATS and it In June 1943 I received secret word that the was then that I came to realize how much the Regiment was in Hamilton, Scotland. We all letters meant to the young men. knew by then that they were about to go Our house was situated on one of the direct overseas, so another wife and I took off for paths of the German bombing runs into Scotland. We found our men and spent three London. Consequently, several bombs wonderful days there. However, soon enough dropped in the Oxted area near us, though it was time for them to ship out. I recall overall we were fortunate because there were standing on the street, watching the troops very few casualties. My family's home was march past as they boarded their ship. All destroyed by a VI or "doodle bug" which Bob and I could do was smile as he passed by. I was never to see my beloved man again, The Fortyniner
fliers who had jumped from dashed through our door just A WAR BRIDE'Stheir burningSTORY planes dotted as the lights went out. I dove From Page 24the sky. One German landed under the steel table to join in a neighbour s runner my mother, sister, Barbara, landed and exploded in the beans, another lay wounded and young brother, Graham, wood across the road. We lost in a field close by. who was wrapped in a towel, most of our house but every- I found it very scaly after having just been grabbed one was safe as fortunately dark, cycling through the from his bath. my mother and brother were woods while enemy planes It must have been worrying in our steel table shelter. were overhead. Sometimes for parents who wouldn't In the countryside, where they would dump their deadly know where their family once Canadians had ^^^ might be, and fright- their tents, now RAF Iening for young ones, men pitched theirs. like my brother, who wouldn't understand. barrage balloons that But for people my soared overhead to age, it was an excit- ing time. I remember, too well, the bright red skies as London was lit up in the Blitz plode in the country and the docks fields rather than stafm"Staffhurst Wood in spring, Loyal Eddiesmping camping burned. land in London, lnthel;in the woods in 1940 proved more congenialaltha" Meanwhile, than as the 1 i iii faermar German incendiary bombs dropped imidstlater amidst r- i _@ j where they would do am^oammo i dumps hidden in the foliage righting raged over- so much more dam- head in England, and age. Terrifying beasts they cargo trying to return home I was serving in the ATS, I were, so much noise, w''ith in a hurry. This posed an wrote faithfully to Owen flames shooting from behind, additional danger for us Browne in Italy. We got to We were also close to because our wood, that had know each other very well. Biggin Hill Aerodrome and once been home to the So it was no surprise when, saw many dog-fights over- troops, was now an ammuni- on his first leave after the head. I recall huge flights of tion dump, guarded by the Regiment reached Holland, enemy bombers, escorted by Pioneer Coips. One dark he came to my base to find their fighter planes high up in night I was almost home me. I was attending a lecture the sunny skies. Then, our when Jerry dropped a stick of when a runner came to tell boys would be swooping incendiary bombs. As they me there was a dashing down amongst them firing exploded they lit up the Canadian Captain in my their guns. There were woods. They were coming Company office. Owen screeching planes, great dark nearer and nearer. I just flew Browne had used his usual shapes hit and trying to down the hill, threw7 my escape. Parachutes of the bicycle through the gate, Continued on Page 26
25 The Fortyniner
A WAR BRIDE'S STORY From Page 25 charm on my CO to grant me leave and, before I knew it, I was on my way to Oxted. What a won- derful week that was! By the time I returned to camp, I was wearing his engagement ring. We were married in June 1945, and soon after- wards Owen left for Canada. I followed in 1946, sailing on the Isle-de-France. On board were a number of returning servicemen as well as war brides. It was a very pleasant voyage. We were well cared for and we marvelled over the white bread and good food. We were warmly welcomed when Owen Browne, on left, came along to assist Bill Rem- we arrived in Halifax. ple, on right, with Bill's wedding preparations. His Then began the long train journey to Calgary, own marriage to Carry followed in due course Alberta. It was fascinating to watch as, at all hours, dressing case! The next day I received no sympathy the train would stop and girls would get off to meet as I wrung out my pretty undies. Although I had their menfolk. The men looked so different in their the stain in my case to prove it, Owen never be- civilian clothes: big hats, bright ties. We had many lieved my story. a laugh. People were so kind, coming aboard the We finally an-ived at Calgary station with the train with baskets of fruit. Imagine: bananas and Salvation Army Band playing The West, The Nest, oranges - sheer heaven to us, coming from severely and You, Dear. Oh, dear! It sounded like a funeral rationed England. Reporters also came for stories to march, and there were quite a few tears shed. But it print in their local papers. That proved hilarious, was a lovely April morning. The sun was shining for we all listened in to the interviews. and our men were waiting. We were home! I was bringing Owen a bottle of Johnny Walker I have loved two great Loyal Eddies. Canada has whiskey from home and no way would I open it, been good to me and I have been very happy living much to my travelling companions' chagrin. Then in many parts of the country, but part of me will one night, I awoke in my bunk to the smell of always be there beside the woods in Oxted, Surrey, liquor. My precious bottle had blown up in my England. SUCH NICE BOYS could hardly wait to leave work a field right across from the Pub. BY PHYLLIS REMPLEand get home - sure enough That was the only tent. The On June 30,1940 one of the when I cycled through the woods soldiers were getting settled salesmen at the firm where I there they were! "C" Company, under the chestnut trees with worked came into say to me, The Edmonton Regiment was their kit bags and ground sheets. "You have a surprise waiting forcamped right behind our house at That was all they had. you in Staffhurst Wood! The the edge of the wood. The "Cook Canadian Army has moved in!" IHouse" was just down the road in Continued on Page 27
26 The Fortyniner
of the boys that she had two word but as he got to our SUCH NICEolder BOYS sisters (Garry was 18 garden gate he turned and in From Page 26and I was 16.) We soon met a a stern voice said "GIRLS! group of young men. We get into the house NOW!" There were long queues were enchanted with their And we did! outside of the "Royal Oak lovely accents and they were That night it rained hard, Pub" - soon the place was out so good looking too - most how awful it must have been of everything to drink except about 19 or 20, and some for those young lads without cider - not knowing how7 even younger. We were even a tent over them. The potent English cider can be chatting with a group of Quartermaster was sleeping the boys were drinking it like them when we saw my father in a little hut in our garden lemonade! Soon there were coming up the road - the and another Sergeant in our drunken soldiers lying in the boys quickly formed a circle shed but everyone else was ditches and on the sides of around us hoping he would- out in the pouring rain under the road! My twelve year old n't see us. My dad walked sister Barbara had told some right by without saying a Continued on Page 28
BARRISTERS
SOLICITORS
27 The Fortyniner
surprise to our family as she was 43 and a SUCH NICE BOYSconfirmed spinster, or so we thought. These From Page 27Canadians were hard to resist! When the air raids were getting bad (Oxted the trees and that's the way it was all the time was in direct line to London) my mother was the Regiment stayed in Staffhurst Wood. concerned for me cycling through the woods I fell "in love" with "Larry B" and then with in the dark - Staffhurst Wood was now an "Stan C". My sister had fallen for a Sergeant. ammunition depot so I moved into my aunt's My four year old brother was "adopted" by house nearer Oxted. Captain Alan Purvis was the boys who fed him chocolate bars; they billeted there and another Captain and six taught him to chew gum and introduced him evacuees from London - a busy household to to peanut butter! There were empty Sweet be sure. Caporal packets all over the place. Those One night while I was attending a band Canadians were a charming and cheeky lot, concert at the Barn Theatre with "Vie E" my parents were quite frantic! However, during an air raid, a stick of fire bombs several came into our home and we would dropped in our garden - a group of "D" Com- stand around the piano singing I Saw You by pany boys came rushing over to help put out the Light of Seventeen Candles and all the latest the fires - among them was a young corporal hit songs, and we girls learned to sing She'll by the name of Bill Remple! On my return Be Coming' Round the Mountain and Su'eet my aunt said, "Some nice boys were here to Violets. help us - you should have been here." After The Regiment stayed about three weeks all the work they had done she had rewarded and then moved to Perrystield Farm into them with a cup of cocoa each in the tents at last. It was about three miles from us kitchen. I bet they were thrilled with that! but, of course, I had my bicycle! "Stan" had I fell in love again with a boy the Pioneer fallen for a girl in Oxted and my heart was Section and that romance lasted quite a long broken for at least three days, but there were time. My mother loved to have the boys in lots more nice boys around! It was much and my dad sometimes would have a drink better for the boys in the fields, though I can with them in the local Pub though he was remember a German plane crashing in the often saying to us, "That is the last Canadian field not very far from their tents. In Septem- you are bringing home." But my sister and I ber the soldiers were moved into billets in didn't listen. Wilt Whitlock spent one private homes nearby. All appeared comfort- Christmas Day with us - "Brat" McBratney, able, and before long seemed like family Ernie White, Tommy Hidson, Stan Chettle- members to a lot of the country folk. There borough, and Rolland Hawkins were some were dances held at the various halls and it that spent evenings with us. Mum always was a great time for my friends and me. The managed to produce something she had boys were always smartly turned out - not the baked in spite of rationing. She really moth- greatest dancers though! I suppose those big ered them. "Such nice boys," she used to say. boots didn't help! Before the war started Oxted was a very In October 1940 my aunt married Dewey Keebler - he was in the Signals unit - quite a Continued on Page 29 The Fortyniner
with Movement Control. In May SUCH NICE BOYS 1946 Bill left for Canada and From Page 28 after a dreadful journey on a "war bride"ship and train with our quiet place - especially where we baby son I joined him in Calgary. Ashfords lived down in the We had a wonderful life together woods - nothing ever happened. that lasted 50 years. We travelled What a change The Edmonton a great deal as Bill stayed in the Regiment made to our lives. army. In the Autumn of 1941 the 1st I have been happy and content Canadian Division moved down in Canada but every Spring to the coast and it was goodbye when I know the Bluebells are to the "Edmontons." Everyone blooming in Staffhurst Wood I was sorry to see them go, not just yearn to he there. the young girls. They had been I know of only three War with us for a year and a half. Brides who married boys from the Many weddings had taken place, Edmonton Regiment who didn't I counted between 50 and 60 stay here - they returned to girls in the Oxted area married England with their husbands. I've Canadian boys by the time the said many times these men from war ended. My sister married Bob Bob MoEwan, on left, introducedthis famous Regiment made McEwan in 1942. We all loved Phyllis to her future husband Billwonderful husbands as well as him and we were all heartbroken Remple, on right first class soldiers! when he was killed in Sicily. leave just before he left for In June 1942 I decided to join Canada. In September 1943 Bill the WRNS. I was eighteen and returned (we scarcely knew^ each had to do something and I didn't other but we were really in love!) want to do any other kind of war and we became engaged and in work. Just before I received my November we were married in orders to go Bob brought his Limpsfield Church. Bill left soon "Where Service & Quality are Guaranteed!' friend Sergeant Bill Remple (the after the wedding to rejoin the tirefighter) to our home for a two @ Collision Specialists @ Lifetime Guarantee Regiment in Italy and I contin- @ Courtesy Cars Available day visit. We were destined to ued serving at a Naval Hospital @ Lazer Controller Frame and Unitized Body meet. He stayed six days I should in Scotland. Repair * Ultra Modern Downdraft Painting c/'w add! He was leaving in a few In March 1945 Bill came back Baking for Durability months for Canada as he had on leave from Holland and in * Factory Authorized Repairs to: been recommended for a com- June I was "demobbed" from the VOLKSWAGEN @ PORSCHE @ AUDI @ mission and would be trained in WRNS and was able to attend NISSAN @ HYUNDAI Victoria and Calgary. While I the wedding of my sister Carry was in training in London Bill and Owen Browne. The Regi- came up to see me at the "Wren ment left for Canada soon after 1-actory" as he called it. Then we but Bill stayed in England, sta- 1272DB -101 Street ran 4?@-77B5 met briefly again on my first tioned at Biggin Hill Air Station 472-1544
29 The Fortyniner
REGIMENTAL CADETS ON EXERCISE
JNIT ASSISTS CADETS ON EXERCISE TRAIL BLAZER VIII
taught range commands, Sahadevan and Private BY CAPTAINfirearm ED safety, ground fires, Rombough. Their task was firing the air rifle on the to approach each OP site, FEDERATION,range, CD basic patrolling, build- pretend to attempt to infil- ing emergency shelters and trate the cadets' position, and hoochies, and setting up 5 failing in that to create a Thanksgiving weekend this man tents. Topping that were disturbance following the year saw a number of the night operations and sports. scenario to give the cadets Regiment's affiliated cadet The silver stars (third year information to radio back to corps participating in the cadets) were taught warning HQ. unit's annual cadet exercise. orders, operation orders, task This year's location was at (battle) procedure, making IMAGINATIVE Camp Wright which is about range cards, radios and radio 30 miles southwest of communications, and obser- CHALLENGES Athabasca Alberta. vation post procedures. The The weather was unseason- cadet officers and gold star The enemy force put their ably warm with gentle cadets were given instruction imaginations to work to breezes and sunny days which on the proper handling of the make this exercise as enter- made training much easier. Army's C-7 rifle, radio com- taining as possible. They Without the snow and sleet munications, range cards and even ignited a fire in the that occurred last year the observation post procedures. middle of a road in front of cadets were able to concen- one position, and their antics trate on the training and NIGHT OPERATIONShad the cadets really con- enjoy the sports competi- fused. Another cadet OP tions. Logistics for the night mistakenly thought they The night operations for were being infiltrated from operations was minimal the second night involved thanks to the mild weather. the rear and abandoned their three cadet coips establishing original post to go to their observation posts in the alternate site. Their radio TRAININGtraining area, tasked with reporting to HQ any suspi- The training this year cious activity pertaining to covered a number of topics the scenario. The enemy pertaining to each star level. force comprised unit mem- Continued on Page 31 The green and red stars (first bers Officer Cadet Fadijew, and second year cadets) were Sergeant Barbiani, Private
30 The Fortyniner See our full line of Goodyear tires CADETS ON EXERCISEand experience our operator, a young cadet corporal, when later Award Winning approached by the enemy force had the presence of mind to scramble his radio frequency. It is debatable who had more fun, the cadets or the Service! enemy force. This observation post exercise was of great interest to the cadets and to the cadet officers as @Passenger and Light Truck Tires well. To do real army training and perform a real military task was something the cadet program @ Mechanical Service does not provide for. Games and simplified non military activities can only go so far to capture the Visit onf website at imagination of cadets but when developing lead- wivw.fountamtm.com ership and maturity in the senior cadets more realistic training is required. This exercise really fired up imaginations and enthusiasm such that the cadets and cadet officers want to do this again next year. ______C-7 RIFLE______
The C-7 rifle was a surprise to the cadets. They paid very close attention to the instruction pro- vided and thoroughly enjoyed the opportunity to handle the weapon.
______THANKS______
This report would not be complete until appre- ciation is expressed to the unit members who participated in this exercise as training staff. Many compliments and favourable comments were received for their dedication, professionalism and the way they interacted with the cadets. The cadets looked upon these soldiers wdth admiration I;; Edmonton, visit these Fountain Tire retailers: and some of the cadets even began to imitate NORTHGATE 13450-97 Street.,476-6248 them. They were excellent role models. A number of requests were received to bring these same LONDONDERRY 6708.137th Ave.,.478-2155 members back next year. Good work! The Fortyniner
YUKON CADETS 2685 RCACC WHITEHORSE nights, the corps doubled in size, with over 35 BY MAJOR LANCErecruits being trained throughout the year. Training commenced with a four day senior KOSCHZECK,cadet CD exercise - canoeing the Takhini River. The 2685 Yukon Regiment Royal Cana- Everyone stayed dry except the CO and dian Army Cadet Corps remains the Loyal Cadet RSM Scott Lentz, who had to prove Edmonton Regiment connection in the their swimming ability in the first set of Yukon Territory. The corps is sponsored by rapids. These exercises build teamwork the Whitehorse Branch of the Royal Cana- amongst the corps leadership staff and are dian Legion and presently consists of 51 great for morale and esprit-de-corps. cadets, 4 officers and 6 civilian instructors The corps next attended a joint unit field The 1998-99 training year was a booming success for the corps. On the first two parade Continued on Page 33 EDSON CADETS 1712RCACCEDSON
On April 13,1999, RCMP Coiporal Brian Topham of the Edson Highway Patrol was attested as a member of the Cadet Instructors Cadre. It is believed this is the first time a serving RCMP member has been sworn in as a Cadet Instructors Cadre officer in Prairie Cadet Region, The Cadet Instructors Cadre, a sub-component of the Reserves, is the Dennis Fleck, President of the Alberta Army largest corps of officers in the Canadian Cadet League, congratulates newly attested Of- Armed Forces. Its membership is found in ficer Cadet Brian Topham, an RCMP Corporal in CiVil Sif@ PHOTO by Honorary Lieutenant Colonel Frank Ko;ar every province and territory, and is charged with the administration and training of unit number indicates, the Edson Corps is Canada's navy, army, and air cadets. As its one of the older army cadet corps in Alberta.
32 The Forfvniner
began with another senior cadet 15 nevv cadets to date. Next on YUKON CADETSexercise in which 8 cadets hiked the agenda is a joint unit field From Page 32the historic Chilkoot Trail from training exercise near White- Skagway Alaska, to Log Cabin in horse which the corps will host. training exercise in Ross River, British Columbia. Recruiting In addition, Cadet Sergeant H. northeast of Whitehorse. This started the following week with Stevenson will attend the US annual affair was highlighted @ - Marine Corps experience, an by introduction to the new army cadet adventure train- field radios and by an abun- ing program. dance of wild game meat - '^% Biathlon, drill and rifle moose and caribou - pro- lai: -;; team training are well under vided by the host unit. -@ way for the year. Other major Seven cadets then traveled ||| ^1 activities for the coming year to Chip Lake for the Loyal ||1 |@ are hosting the Arctic Winter Edmonton Regiment s ^ 8 Games in March of 2000 and Exercise Trail Blazer. The ^ j hopefully an exchange with a cadets had a great training ^| I coips at CFB Petawawa. and camaraderie experience | The corps was sorry to and also managed to get | retire its long time RSM, some time in the West g Cadet CWO Scott Lentz, Edmonton Mall. | who is now attending SAIT Yukon Regiment cadets I in Calgary. Cadet WO participated in regional drill, || Jacqueline Boily has been rrle and biathlon competi- JM J appointed as the Corps tions. Four attended the u Sergeant-Major and senior national biathlon competi- IJ cadet until the next round of tion at CFB Valcartier and I appointments in October. one was selected as an Yuji Yukon cadets enjoy a mountain lilice individual competitor for the national shooting competi- tion in Ottawa. Cadets also participated in three local field training exercises :iv^R:DiliNffliill^ and supported numerous citizen- ship activities including Remem- brance Day, the Yukon Sour- dough Rendezvous festival and Canada Day. The corps has a pipe band in its formative stages. A few cadets also competed in orienteering races hosted by the Yukon Orien- teering Association. S^33!E33S!SaiS3SE3SBmaa The 1999-2000 training year The Fortyniner
BY DIRECTOR OF MUSIC, SECOND LIEUTENANTM.CHUTC
The Loyal Edmonton Regiment Band continued busy during this past year, performing approxi- mately twenty engagements between January and July. Notable performances included Edmonton s First Day Celebration at City Hall, the Lethbridge Tattoo at the end of May, and a joint appearance with the King's Own Calgary Regiment Band in the Stampede Parade. Other performing groups within the band were also busy, notably the Black PHOTO by Honorary Lieutenant Colonel Frank Korar Light Drum Line which performed at venues all The plays for a mess dinner during Edmonton's over the province. One special Drum Line appear- Reserve Days celebration ance, tor the second time in two years, was the training at CFB Borden; all achieved at least one opening of the Edmonton Oilers season at the new qualification level. Skyreach Centre, this time with Wayne Gretzky The introduction of a regular force band into attending to have his jersey retired! Edmonton also proved beneficial. In addition to The band's members have also been busy. Duringthe Royal Canadian Artillery Band providing The the summer one musician was tasked to the Band Loyal Edmonton Regiment Band with a few musi- of the Ceremonial Guard in Ottawa, two were cians for the occasional engagement, some of our tasked to the National Band of the Naval Reserve musicians assisted the RCA Band on their engage- in Quebec City, one to the Atlantic Area Army ments. This has included performances at the Band in Halifax, and one to instruct at the Cana- PPCLI Trooping the Colour in July, as well as at dian Forces Music Centre Detachment at CFB the Quebec International Military Band Festival in Borden. The band also had four members take August. Additionally, we have one of our members on a six month tasking with the RCA Band. The quality of The Loyal Edmonton Regiment Band's performances have been steadily improving. The size of the band has been increasing due to a continued effort in recruiting new members. This summer four new musicians attended QL2 Basic Military Training in Wainwright and there are at least three more who will soon be taking the same course. Even though the band has seen a few- people leave over the past year, the overall strength of thirty-three musicians is larger than this time last year. Still, the band is always looking for new members, with positions available for nearly every The Band at the Lethbridge Tattoo band instrument. The Fomniner
AFFILIATED REGIMENT AN UPDATE ON PRINCESS PATRICIA'S CANADIAN LIGHT INFANTRY OF PROUD home station for the PPCLI, During the period 1 - 4 SERVICE July, 1999, the Regiment This year marked the celebrated the 85th Anniver- celebration of the 85th sary with a Golf Tournament Anniversary of the founding planned and conducted by of the Regiment. Numerous the PPCLI Association activities were arranged across the country, but the Continued on Page 36 main celebrations were in The Colonel-in-Chief speaks to Edmonton, Alberta, the her Patricias at the 85th An- niversary Celebration
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Ceremony included different Regimental and Association military bands from western functions relating to the 85th Canada, unarmed combat Anniversary. displays, parachuting, a silent drill team display, and a Branch in Edmonton; held splendid Guard provided by The first part of the year the National Annual Gen- Third Battalion, was devoted to training. eral Meeting of the PPCLI The main event of the During May a brigade level Association; performed a celebrations was Trooping exercise, Exercise Total Ram, Tattoo and Sunset Ceremony the Colours, the first time in included American units of in downtown Edmonton; the history of the Regiment Ml Abrams tanks and Trooped the Colours; and that all three battalion Apache attack helicopters. performed a dedication Regimental Colours were on The Light Armoured service to officially com- parade, as well as the Regi- Vehicle, the newest eight- mence work on the Hamilton mental Colour of The Loyal wheeled Aroured Personnel- Gault Memorial Park, named Edmonton Regiment, whose Carrier, arrived with initial after the Founder of the secondary title is Fourth production trials in Wain- Regiment. A nephew of the Battalion PPCLI. wright staffed by drivers and Founder, Mr. Leslie Gault, A highlight was the atten- maintainers from the Battal- dance of the Colonel-in- was available for the sod ion. turning ceremony and Chief, the Countess Mount- First Battalion received a Church Service to inaugurate batten of Burma, who is in warning order in late May to the Hamilton Gault Memor- her 25th year of service to provide a battle group to ial Park. the Regiment. She travelled Kosovo. The initial rifle The Tattoo and Sunset across the country attending company deployed in early July, missing the 85th An- niversary events, followed by the remainder of the battle group in August. The battle group was employed in the UK sector and consolidated with ele- ments of Lord Strathcona's Horse (Royal Canadians) and 408 Helicopter Squadron. The small Pvear Party of the unit did a splen- did job of assisting families and continuing with training in the Edmonton area. The Regimental Colonre of all three PPCO Battalions and The Loyal Edmonton Regimentare trooped at the B5th Anniversary bration The Fortyniner
eluded travel to the United States to take advan- PPCLI tage of an excellent live-fire "kill house" facility, From Page 36 since as a light infantry battalion soldiers are ex- pected to be proficient in fighting in urban areas. During the summer the Battalion was tasked with its second major mission of the year, Bosnia. With a deployment date of February 2000, six full months were devoted to preparing the unit for the tour. The largest challenge was to retool the Battalion from a 550-man light infantry battalion to an 850 strong mechanized battle group. After receiving armoured and engineer attachments, the newly formed 3 PPCLI Battle Group entered a new cycle of extensive live-fire mission specific peace support training. To ensure a realistic scenario, a number of small communities around Edmonton were turned into fictitious Balkan towns to allow A 1 PPCLI patrol in Kosovo stops to pose with someurban kids patrolling, riot control, and cantonment site inspections. ______2 PPCLI
In addition to a busy and eventful training year, Second Battalion had some fun during the summer under the guise of supporting the XIIIth Pan Amer- ican Games in Winnipeg, with most soldiers volun- teering to work at the beach volleyball and swim- is proud to offer a ming events! For the 85th Anniversary celebrations in Edmon- ton, the battalion provided silent drill teams, an 15% DISCOUNT excellent drum line and a Guard, as well as the on a prepaitt 6 month rental to all military personnel. Second Battalion Colour Party that paraded for the We offer secure heated and unheated Trooping the Colours. units in a Wide Variety For the first six months of the year Third Battal- ion was Canada's contribution to NATO's Immedi- ate Reaction Force (Land), on seven days notice to move, maintaining a high-level of readiness through a rigorous training schedule. This in- 37 The Fortyniner THE ALLIED AN UPDATE ON THE QUEEN'S LANCASHIRE This year the regular force 1st Battalion has continued on public order duties in Northern Ireland, recently moving from Omagh to Catterick. The reserve force 4th Battalion has been stood down as part of the reduction of the Territorial Army, leaving two Territorial com- panies wearing the Queen's Lancashire Badge, B (Somme) Company in Blackburn and Bury, and D (Waterloo) Company in Preston and Blackpool, now part of The Lancastrian and Cumbrian Volunteers in conjunction with the former Territorial Battalion of the Queen'sfor & i King's Own Royal Border Regiment. Queen's Lancashire Regulars on public order duties lii North- ern Ireland The Fortyniner THE LOYAL EDMONTON REGIMENT MUSEUM UPDATE ON THE REPOSITORY OF THE REGIMENT'S HERITAGE The Museum under- breaking project developing went tremendous growth a CD-Rom and website to and good success in 1999. allow viewers to virtually Sadly, we also mark the tour the Museum. This w'w passing of a member of let us promote the Museum the Museum Board of on an international scale. Directors, Major Keith Researchers, students and Wakefield, whose wit and the general public will have tail humour will be access to our artefact data The year saw many tours: two Probus Clubs, Youths Youtl invariably enjoy inspecting the IVIusem's Continued on Page 40 Westlock Long-term wealweapons collection Care, Mewburn Veterans Centre, Club 55, 1809 Cadet Corps from Revelstoke, B.C., Victoria Composite High School social studies students, Millwoods Christian School, and a Grade 3 group from Glenora School that even got a little marching prac- tice courtesy of Museum Board member Major John Matthews! A number of functions were held at the Museum in the past year as part of ongoing develop- ment. We hosted a Museums TERRYALLISONLERMuS Alberta Disaster Preparedness @@^naiMerfrt^rc@ Recogn^esB^ER^^^oft^Pres Workshop in February. Consider- Gallery for the museum restoration work Bernie Robitaille, Owner & General Manager of ing our struggle with a flood in Edmonton's first drive thru drycleaner is very proud to be a the summer of 1998, we grudg- part of the Regimental Family (serving from 1979-1984). ingly agreed with the Museums Bernie was honored by the request to serve the Regiment Association that we were the once again in restoring the flood damaged, historic perfect choice as hosts. The uniforms of the museum. workshop was a resounding success. A reception was held on 23 June to officially launch Educating for Success, a ground- The Fortyniner War II battle dress uniform, THE LOYAL EDMONTON looking as though he had just marched in from the REGIMENT MUSEUM presentation of colours by From Page 39 His Majesty King George VI in 1941: Bill's size hadn't base and receive our mes- changed in over 50 years! sage of Remembrance for We extend our thanks to all those who fell to preserve the attendees. From their our way of life. efforts we were able to raise We held a MASH theme approximately $2000 for fundraising party at the the Museum. Prince of Wales Armouries Captain Christine Atkin, MMM, The big event of 1999 was in March, in conjunction relaxes after a hard day the unveiling of the Stone with the City of Edmonton Gallery in the Fall, after a Archives and the Avenue of Nations Rotarynumber of construction and maintenance Club. Museum Vice-President Captain Chrisproblems delayed the official opening. Promi- Atkin turned up in dress, boa, and gaudy wignentlynently exhibited exhibited in inthe the gallery7 gallery7 is isColonel Colonel Jim Jim as Klinger, having previously appeared soStone'sStone's Provost Provost Marshal Marshal service service dress dress uniform uniform, attired on the A Channel Big Breakfastalong withalong a set with of spursa set of given spurs to given him by to thehim by the morning program to promote the event!SergeantsSergeants and Wan-ant and Wan'ant Officers Officers at a mess at a mess There were a number of popular items on thedinnerdinner marking marking his his taking taking command command of of the the silent auction table to fight over, along with aRegimentRegiment during during the the Second Second World World War, War, Ths The stand-up comedian, a MASH trivia competi-themetheme of ofthe the gallery gallery is theis the contribution contribution of of tion, and a Jazz Band from the U of A. Tele-otherother military military services, services, corps, corps, and and units. units. The The vision anchor Shawna Randolph from CFRNgallery displays artefacts from the Royal Cana- TV was the show emcee. A highlight of thedian Navy, various Corps of the Canadian party was veteran Bill Teleske in his WorldArmy, the Korean War, peacekeeping mis- Dr. Jack Granatstein, Director and Chief Execu-the final cabinet and sweeping up the last live Officer of the Canadian War Museum, in his Ottawa office with tokens of the Regimental Mu-fnntim ip^ nn Paop 41 seum's ,appreciation ...,,. .wvllUllUCU ull for A dfC his ll supportb The Fortyniner THE LOYAL EDMONTON REGIMENT MUSEUM From Page 40 dust ball as Dr. Granatstein arrived. The reception was a wonderful opportunity for fifty guests to socialize with one of the most prominent historians in Canada. Dr. Granat- stein signed a number of his books for those attending. He was very impressed with the facility, remarking, "The Regiment s Museum is already one of the best such museums in Canada". The recovery from the disastrous flood of July 1998 is almost complete. Thanks to professional conservators from the University of Alberta, we were able to recover most of the damaged artefacts, losing only a few photographs and documents. Uniforms, webbing, and headgear were restored to almost new condition by the professional staff Colonel Stone's Provost Marshal uniform, and his Regimental spurs, prominently displayed in the of The Press Gallery, owned by former unit gallery named after him member Bernie Robitaille, whose cleaning crew did fabulous work on the items. but are now unused. The cabinets contain We have constructed seven cabinets in the uniforms and artefacts of service members Prince of Wales Armories common area, from northern and central Alberta. From the using doorways that once lead into offices, Regiment they include Brigadier Jefferson's patrol uniform, and Major Keith Wakefield's prior Australian army uniform complete with bush hat. The common area displays are a practical use of underused space that provide an excellent draw to the Museum for people entering the Armories, while lending a tasteful theme decor to the common area that enhances the military aspect of the building. Our newest volunteer, Stan Homan, comes from Telus as part of that corporation's A stone Gallery exhibit, a model of Lord Mount- batten's wartime destroyer HMS Kelly. The Fortyniner THE LOYAL EDMONTON REGIMENT MUSEUM From Page 41 Community Support Program, which pro- vides volunteer hours for charitable organiza- tions while employees search for further positions within the company. Stan is cur- rently working on our artefact database, which will allow us to maintain computerized The Press Gallery's Tereena Morelli and Bernie records of all artefacts in our care. Once the Robitaille with an Appreciation Award for han- database is complete we will be able to make dling a lot of pressing business for the Museum information on artefacts including location, donor details, and research information Provincial Museum lent traveling cabinets for accessible to the public on our computers or displays at two long-term care facilities. over the internet. Several soldiers from the Regiment trans- For November 11th we put a record num- ported the cabinets, and demonstrated an ber of "satellite" displays throughout the city adept hand in lay-out and design in making and region. The downtown Stanley Milner appealing displays! For the second year we Branch of the Edmonton Public Library provided artefacts for the Ecole Maurice featured our artefacts in their main lobby area Lavallee school, where our display was a for the entire month of November. The feature for the gathering of a national Fran- cophone teacher's conference in November, the Northside Baptist Church and Capilano Mall borrowed several items for their Re- membrance Day services. All our displays received positive commentary. The new Vimy Ridge Academy, a school where students must be in the Cadets, now holds two exhibits on long-term loan from the Museum. The displays will change yearly. In the coming year we have a number of projects planned. One is to finalize the wall hanging system allowing us to display medals and photographs on the walls in each gallery7. Security is a major concern, as we cannot simply fasten framed cases to the wall since it would be very easy for irreplaceable medals to Jean Wakefield by her World War Two CWAC Cap- tain's uniform, one of the Common Area displays Continued on Page 43 42 The Fortyniner THE LOYAL EDMONTON REGIMENT MUSEUM From Page 42 be stolen. Plans are also in place to construct long cabinets running uninterrupted the length of the wall in each gallery. This will enable us to feature the evolution of the Regiment's uniforms, as well as weapons, artwork and battle dioramas. The Museum Galleries' spacious layout facilitates wheelchair access We hope to have the basement storage area finalized within the next 12 months. The currently owns approximately 2,500 military movable storage unit will be completed, and books, magazines and manuals. Recent large- further gun cabinets installed. scale book donations by Alan Vanterpool and We are currently in discussion with the James Campbell have highlighted the need City of Edmonton to acquire a Reading for a means to properly store and access Room within the Armouries. The Museum written material. sgwsswysw-iV'wwyMSsSsw&swssew ^ P"!.. @ 11 WR8TE TO The Loyal Edmonton Regiment Museum #108, Prince of Wales Armouries Heritage Centre 10440 -104 Avenue, Edmonton, Alberta, T5H 3Z9 TELEPHONE/FAX 780 - 421-9943 E-MAIL [email protected] AND DON'T FORGET ^ITAL KITSHOP Operated by the Museum In partnership with The Regiment & The Regimental Association Mail Orders welcome Ask us to send you a price list If you can't drop by The Fortyniner THE FINE ART OF SNIFFING SNUFF A REGIMENTAL CUSTOM tradition of passing around what is commonly called BY HONOURARYsnuff after a mess dinner has chewing tobacco. LIEUTENANT COLONELsurvived in some, including Sniffing snuff was the FRANK KOZAR, 20TH The Loyal Edmonton Regi- original method of taking FIELD REGIMENT, RCAment. tobacco, first used by the There are two forms of American Indians. During In recent years the anti- snuff. The more common is a Christopher Columbus' smoking movement has fine powder for sniffing. A greatly reduced the use of form called "snuss", popular cigarette and cigars in Cana- in Scandinavia, is chewed, Continued on Page 46 dian military messes. The though it is a finer grind than Commanding Officer Lieutenant Colonel Tom Reaume takes a pinch of snuff from the ram's horn snuff box held by Mess Manager Don Murphy. The elaborate ram's head snuff box is just visible over 1 CMBG Commander Colonel G. Nordick 45 The Fortyniner SNIFFING SNUFF From Page 45 second voyage to North America from 1494 to 1496 he noticed the natives sniff- ing a mysterious powder. Intrigued, he brought some back to with him to Europe, Very quickly sniffing snuff became the rage among the Spanish and French. Initially the practice gained only limited acceptance in Eng- land, until King Charles II brought the habit back with him from his exile in France. Snuff is made by disinte- grating selected tobacco leaf into a coarse powder. It is next ground manually or in a mechanical mill, then sieved. Then various oils such as spearmint, raspberry, apricot, lavender, or Seville orange may be added for flavouring, Two former Commanding Officers at the Regimental snuff, Lieu- tenant ColoneB Wally Boss takes a while Lieutenant Colonel following which it is stored in Ed PIasfia liolds the ram's horn tox airtight containers to allow the flavour to permeate Charlotte, the consort of flooded the market with uniformly. King George III, was nick- cheap snuff. Among the Snuff was primarily the named "Snuffy Charlotte" booty was a large consign- province of the aristocrat and because of her passion for the ment of snuff, which was man of fashion, who looked nasal tobacco. Her son, King given to the sailors as part of down on the common man George IV, changed his snuff their pay. Sailors anxious to and his pipe. Snuff was according to the time of day, make a "fast shilling" distrib- carried in very expensive and and had a storage room set uted it around the ports and ornate snuffboxes. It was aside in each of his palaces coastal towns, where it particularly popular in court for this purpose. The com- circles. Queen Anne so mon man was first introduced enjoyed snuff that her ladies to the habit after the capture all took up the habit. Queen of a Spanish convoy in 1702 The Fortyniner THE FINE ART OF SNIFFING SNUFFHe also presented a snuff box mounted in the head of a Himalayan ram to the Western Command From Page 46 Headquarters Officers' Mess. This majestic recepta- cle later came into possession of the regiment when Western Command was stood down. The two snuff quickly became popular. A large demand was boxes had once belonged to a British regiment created and mills were established in London, serving in India, and were obtained at a flea market Bristol, Sheffield, and Kendal. This readily avail- in England! able supply of snuff led to the establishment of When the ram's horn was to be presented at a numerous snuff shops. London alone boasted over mess dinner, the Mess Secretary of the day, one 400. Lieutenant Wally Ross, was tasked to get some Until the 1900's the volume of snuff produced farsnuff. Rushing down to Mike's News to make the exceeded that of smoking or chewing tobacco, purchase, he unwittingly bought Copenhagen Everyone took it, from writer Alexander Pope to brand "snuss" style snuff. As the snuff was passed naturalist Charles Darwin, actress Sarah Siddon to down the head table one of the guests, inhaling the soldier and statesman the Duke of Wellington. coarser and more pungent substance, exclaimed Admiral Lord Nelson took large quantities to sea "Good Gawd, it's chewing snuff!" Despite this gaffe with him. Napoleon sniffed up to seven pounds a Wally rose to Lieutenant Colonel and command of month. Physicians made great claims for the sub- the Regiment, but to this day he is kidded about stance, prescribing snuff for headaches, insomnia, putting the wrong snuff into the snuff box. The toothaches, coughs and colds, and recommending lesson was not learned by subsequent generations. it as a measure against contagion, The error was repeated in 1997, to the discomfiture Snuff and chewing tobacco became popular with of the deeply inhaling Commanding Officer of the miners, who were not allowed to smoke under- day, Lieutenant Colonel Grant McLean. ground because of the danger of igniting gases. German miners, particularly in the Ruhr valley, believed snuff to be of significant benefit since it stimulated excretion from the nasal membrane and Macro Automotive kept the nasal passage moist. This, they main- tained, kept much of the coal or stone dust from getting into their lungs. Ltd. The military often reflect the fads of the society Diagnosis - Service - Repairs from which they are drawn. Over the years, since the time of Napoleon and Nelson, members of the Imports - Domestic military have used tobacco in one form or another. Inspections - Tune-Ups - Tires In army messes the tradition of passing out cigars after the Loyal Toast became well established. 9138YellowheadTrail Numerous regiments embellished this practice by Ph. 471-5515 also passing around snuff in ornate snuff boxes. These might be mounted in a rams head or horn, lax 474-8150 or an elephant's tusk, or in a hoof from one of the Rick Ouellette regiment's deceased horses, and so on. Peter Hanlon In the 1960's a Lieutenant Colonel Phil Debney JR iii'iiiiiiijiiii'iniii!]!' Member of The Better Business bureau presented a rams horn snuff box to the Regiment. ^-TB-~-^ 47 The Fortyniner CROSSING THE The assault across the Ijssel River near the town of Gorssel, in mid April, 1945, was the Regiment s first action in Northwest Europe. It was part of an operation to liberate Western Holland, with its great cities of Ams- terdam, Rotterdam, and The Hague. Following years of brutal occupation, people there were on the verge of The EjsseSIn t8i@of the assault crossing starvation. Gorssel lies on the Ijssel River between Zutphen and Deventer, not far from where the movie A Bridge Too Far was filmed. The Ijssel is a substantial, fast flowing river, a hundred or so yards in width, which eventually empties into the Ijssel Meer, formerly called the Zuider Zee. At the time of the crossing I was in command of "A" Company. Our immediate objective was to cross the Ijssel to the left of the The Fortyniner The white house was "A" Company's objective CROSSING THE IJSSEL The crossing took place in the larger and more prosperous, and early morning hours, without the Dutch people still feel a deep From Page 48incident and with negligible sense of gratitude and friendship opposition. As we began pro- towards Canada. Seaforth Highlanders and take a ceeding southwest, our progress white house about a half mile was slowed not by enemy action What's Our Military from the far bank. but by crowds of wildly cheering History Worth? Dutch civilians. More Than You Think! Then we were to proceed .Jita Military collectors pay for military soutlwest roughly parallel to the In June 1999, almost 55 years memorabilia: Photos, medals, ^SSJS^ regimental histories, flying logs, river. The British 4th Royal Tank later, my wife Rie and I were ^^^^. uniforms and accoutrements. visiting her family in Holland, I will honestly and accurately evaluate Regiment supplied Buffaloes, jiLt and arrange for purchase of CF amphibious armoured vehicles, to and her brother Henk took us for memorabilia (from 1800's to present) through an extensive network of carry us across. I well remember a cruise on his boat, including Canadian military collectors. both the anticipation and trepi- going along the Ijssel River. The Arnie R. Fisk 8420 Fairbrook Cres. dation surrounding our first move white house is still there, the JBt Richmond, B.C. V7C 1Z3 into combat in Northwest Eu- Ijssel has not changed, cattle still ^^(604)241-3950 graze on its banks. The towns are ^^w!^ Member of Canadian Military History Society rope. The Fortyniner PREPARING To CROSS THE NAVIGLIO CANAL BY KEITH MACGREGOR I must have "come up with the rations" at night, the way most battle reinforce- ments arrived. One was stripped down to "battle order" at "A" Echelon, piled unceremoniously into a truck and bumped forward to the area of Battalion HQ, usually the furthest forward one could get without en- emy interference. Then A combat casualty evacuation by the Regiment there was some milling time, 15 Platoon being calling for a stretcher party. around in the dark and commanded by their very George was hauled into our finally the appropriate competent Sergeant, taking Casa, examined carefully, preparations of digging in or the place of Doug Fraser who given some further dressing, "nesting". It was an imper- was enjoying being LOB but refused to let the sonal and discouraging (Left Out of Battle). We stretcher-bearer give him a procedure tor new reinforce- were in a group of farm shot of morphine. ments, but I was going buildings shown on the map "Damn it, Keith," he said "home" to my good old 13 as "Casa Liverani" waiting to me, "You seem to have Platoon where, despite the orders to take part in the finally succeeded to my ravages of war, most of my battle for the Naviglio mcommand. Get your map reliable old comrades were Canal. and chinagraphs {grease still around. I knew I would George Brown had gone pencils) and I'll give you our be welcome back - on the back down the rainy and orders." I have the greatest basis that my men preferred muddy road to take orders the devil they knew. and on his way hack to Bob Dudley of 14 Platoon Company HQ was wounded and I were "C" Company's by a mortar bomb. His Continued on Page 51 two Platoon Officers at the runner galloped into HQ 50 The Fortyniner PREPARING TO CROSSwith a faint grin. "Stretcher tions I said, "Okay. Lights bearer says you're going to out and fall in outside." THE NAVIGLIO CANALsurvive George, but remem- Just as I was getting to my ber, I get your boots if the feet in the dark, there was a From Page 50worst comes to the worst." blinding flash of light and an George had the expensive explosion. "Damn!" I admiration for George, who high-top brown boots sold at thought, "A direct hit from a passed on clear, understand- British officers' shops; he mortar." {Wed heard no able, and sometimes even always was a snappy dresser. "incoming" whistle from a humourous orders to all of "Tactical HQ has acknowl- shell.) For a few seconds the us, despite being in consider- edged your location and will silence was profound and I able pain. The orders were have a jeep here ASP. Your wondered if I had gone deaf. to move to an FUP (Forming runner will stay with you. "Anybody left alive in here? Up Place) just east of the And good luck." We both What the hell has hap- Naviglio and he prepared to grinned at each other, pened?" Then I heard the move forward on short pleased with having play- bustle of movement recom- notice. George said, "The acted the part of brave and mence and the voice of my enemy have probably with- dedicated officers, copied runner came out of the dark. drawn behind the Naviglio from some movie some- "I'm sorry, Sir. I didn't mean and there should be none in where, in front of our troops. to pull the trigger, but I your FUP because 1st I suspect they enjoyed the slipped as I was standing up." Brigade already has a few performance as much as we My runner had fired a round troops across the Canal." did. into the ceiling as he used George swears that I then It was getting dark in the his rifle to lurch to his feet - turned to the rest of the "0" late cloudy afternoon when I with his finger inside the Group and said something got to my own platoon "0" trigger guard. I didn't know like, "Okay. That's enough Group. They were crouched whether to be relieved or time wasted on the dead and together in a leaky stone angry so I was both. "Put dying. If you have no ques- outbuilding around the false your bloody safety on and tions, rejoin your platoons warmth of a farm kerosene don't, I say again don't, take and get out on the road lantern, smoking and chat- it off until you need to 01- ready to move off in twenty ting in low voices. I told until you get the order." minutes. Order of March: 14 Sergeant Wismer about the We fell in outside, and I Platoon leading, 13 and 15. change in command, then moved off to Company HQ I'll give orders to 13 Platoon issued orders for our move before joining Company and saw Wismer's map prop- HQ, and then we'll move." erly marked with the DF I then turned to George, (Defensive Fire) tasks. When Continued on Page 52 who was observing things there were no further ques- 51 The Fortyniner in. We had two German aged to get hot thick soup up stretcher cases with three to us around midnight. POWs and one of our escorts At first light we could see to carry them back to the the twenty foot or so high road. These and a further dykes of the Naviglio about escort for the prisoners were a quarter of a mile to our just behind Bob Dudley's 14 sent off into the drizzling northwest, and were glad to Platoon, taking my runner night. An hour later the two think there were no enemy with me and wishing escorts came back from on them looking down at us. Sergeant Wismer, "Good turning them over to our We improved our shell luck." At Company HQ jeep ambulances and Battal- scrapes into weapon slits as CSM Al Baker had every- ion HQ escorts. It was the day went on, largely to thing under control, always amazing to see how keep busy and warm. I was It was a straightforward far forward the unit managed suddenly summoned to matter of moving into the to get the Regimental Aid Battalion HQ at about 1400 small group of farm buildings Post jeeps. to receive orders. My runner which was to be our next By morning we had dug and I had about half a mile stop. We moved in single "shell scrapes" about 18 to go cross-country, and were file, but at battle dispersion inches deep for everyone, out of breath on arrival. just in case. Bob Dudley's but as usual in bad weather, Lieutenant Colonel Stone platoon took on the main we had taken chances by called me in to join the "0" farm building and were just completing only 25% of our Group waiting in Tactical about to enter it after having slits to full depth and keep- HQ, sat me down, and fired a few rounds through a ing only 25% of the troops chatted to the rest while the window and a burst through on "stand to." The rest of us Intelligence Officer gave me the door, when we heard the slept inside two large and a set of marked maps. cry "Kamerad!" Three Ger- two small buildings at some Stone s calm and confident mans came out with their risk but in relative comfort. behavior and his crisp clear hands up. Real comfort it was not! orders were very encourag- There were two wounded Things weren't supposed to ing. "C" Company, sup- Germans inside the house be done this way, but I could ported by "D" Company being readied for evacuation. do without a soaked, ex- behind us, and a squadron of This little rearguard rem- hausted, and dispirited British Columbia Dragoons nant, meant to slow our company in the morning. tanks (when we could get approach to the Naviglio Elsewhere we could hear the Canal, was happy to be noises of battle as our sister getting out of the war. We brigades mounted night reorganized into company attacks to close up toward all-around defence, and just the Senio River, As usual, as dark fell we were digging our fabulous CQMS man- The Fortyniner We completed the usual self, but instead I said to orders, which among other Bob, "I've often pictured things assigned definite areas something like this, right and buildings on the objec- out of a World War One tive to each platoon: they movie. Here we are, just like would head straight for our fathers in World War them across) were to assault them, clear them or contain One, wearing the same over the canal. We would them, then he ready for damn tin hats and waiting ' cross and move a short dis- whatever came next. The for the signal to go over the tance along the far side to weather had lightened and a top. We're in a long assault cover a road leading north dying but watery sunlight line, bayonets fixed, all from the Naviglio marked, as illuminated the forbidding magazines full, and I have a usual, by a small group of canal dykes by the time we chance to use my whistle as farm buildings. This move were lined up just below a start signal for the first was designed to extend the them at about 1550.We time in this war. Our safeties bridgehead made by the were told there was nothing are off and we're just waiting "Hasty Pees" (Hastings and more than a "rainwater for the guns to start - and Prince Edward Regiment) on trickle" in the canal, and here comes the opening our left and take some pres- that with luck we would barrage." We could hear the sure off them. The near bank cross dry shod. The artillery guns start firing behind us of the Naviglio was our Start had a five minute opening and then the swelling howl Line and H-Hour was 1600, shoot close to the far side of of shells passing overhead to As I got ready to go back to the canal but at 1600 they crash just beyond. Bob my company Lieutenant would lift and give us a fence shouted, "The only thing Colonel Stone asked me if I'd in front and to our right for we're missing is a Pathe like a ride. Since there was another five minutes. There- News war correspondent desultory shelling in the area, after artillery fire was on with one of those hand I reckoned that the quicker call. Tanks might not get up cranked cameras. Good my runner and I got back, the until morning, so we didn't luck!" Then Bob moved to greater our chances of doing count on them for our at- the centre of his platoon. so with a whole skin. Hey, tack. Sharp at 1600 we heard look what had happened to Bob Dudley, commanding the change in the artillery George! I accepted with great the right hand platoon, was program. With my 9mm pleasure (probably not recip- standing with me as we Browning in my right hand, rocated by the colonel's watched the time counting I raised my arm and blew a driver) and less than ten down to H-Hour. A few of great blast on my whistle minutes later I was back at the chaps were being good and we were up and away. my own HQ, where CSM Al naturedly kidded as they What a great piece of the- Baker had my "0" Group took a quick "nervous pee". atre to begin our Naviglio waiting for me. I could have used one my- battle! @3 The Fortyniner It is sad that Art did not get to see this piece in print, hut at least he knew it would be published. Thanks go to Bill Teleske for some original photograph of the event. THE DONKEY DERBY AT BARANELLO DARK DEALINGS AND STRANGE TURNINGS of the Brickyard I discovered be a sure indication that it a lovely black mule who was army property. Arrange- BY ART EDGE,looked like he might be able ments were completed and I OF MORTARto run. The mule's owner was took the mule back to the in a P.O.W camp, but his Brickyard. When I delivered PLATOONwife was present and after the mule to Red, he was During the latter part of lengthy negotiations, it was extremely pleased, stating the year 1943, the Loyal that he could see a lot of Edmonton Regiment moved potential in the animal. The into the Campobasso area for mule was named simply a few days rest. Support "Jack." Red and I worked out Company of the Regiment an agreement that he would was stationed at the Brick- do the riding if I accepted the yard in Baranello and in menial jobs of feeding, water- order to relieve the tedium of ing, stall cleaning, etc. poker playing, arguing, etc., The next important thing our padre, The Reverend to consider was Jack's diet. Edgar Bailey, came up with Our Platoon cook cooperated the idea that the time would by providing a good supply of be better spent if we were to Rolled Oats, On one of my engage in some kind of trips around the compound, I diversion. It was suggested discovered a small fig orchard that a Derby Day be held at and although it was late in the Baranello Brickyard. A speedy entry the season, the figs, overly In the Mortar Platoon was ripe and dripping juice, were a young redheaded farm boy decided that I would take still attached to the trees. named Red Davidson, who delivery of the mule in ex- Jack loved his oats, especially weighed about 90 pounds change for an army blanket - when they were marinated soaking wet. Red was quite no stripe please - plus a willing to accept the role of carton of Sweet Cap ciga- jockey if we could locate a rettes. The lady was insistent Continued on Page 55 suitable mule. Here we struck that the blanket be plain it lucky, as within three miles grey, as the black stripe would 54 The Fortyniner THE DONKEY DERBY AT BARANELLO From Page 54 with fermented fig juice. Gradually Jacks coat became sleeker and blacker until he came to be a fairly handsome mule. About this time we were visited by a dele- gation of signoras and signoritas from the Brickyard. They marveled at Jack's transfor- mation. The next day they returned and presented Red with a jockeys outfit, includ- Competitors line up ing white twill pants, black riding boots and a one threw a monkey wrench into the works. flamingo coloured blouse with a cap with an You see, the alley to Jack's stall was situated elongated bill to match. In return, Red and about twenty yards before the finish line. It Jack made a circuit of the track, making both seems that Jack developed a sudden craving spectators and Jack extremely happy. The for more of that highly intoxicating concoc- next day was Derby Day. It was a typical tion of oats and fig juice. He left the track, Italian late fall day, with a bright sun in the headed for his stall and was disqualified. The azure blue sky. After a couple of preliminary official winner was a broken down chunk of races, it was post time for the Derby, The mule flesh named Beetlebomb, who paid off at eight entrants were lined up and sent on their odds of two hundred to one! Red, in the way by a shot from the starter s P-38 German meantime, had been unceremoniously automatic pistol. A couple of speedsters broke dumped to the turf. All that he was able to immediately to the front of the pack, and Red mutter was a single word, "Beetlebomb." I was positioned Jack on the rail, about five lengths so incensed at Jack's performance that I off the pace. There was no change in position returned him to his rightful owner, who down the backstretch, but at the half-mile informed me that the price for her to lead him pole Jack began to show his true colours. By home was six packages of Sweet Caps. the time front runners had reached the Oh what a sorry day! I suppose that I quarter pole, the crowd of female fans were should provide an estimate of what this ill- urging Jack on, with shouts of "Come on fated adventure cost the platoon. Well, first Jack, bambino mia, show them your heels." there was an army blanket (without stripe), Jack passed the leader going away, and looked and second there were many packages of like a cinch to win. cigarettes, each of which would have fetched At this time tragedy struck, reminding me of a fair amount of money on the black market. the words of the great Scottish poet, Robbie Most important, there was a concussion to a Bums, who wrote in his poem To a Mouse, good friend. All in all, it was a very dark day. "The best laid schemes o' mice an' men gang Thus ends the woeful chronicle of the aft a-gley." In more common parlance, some- Baranello Derby. 55 The Fortyniner Ralph Craven tells how a flip remark during training in England led to a 50 mile competitive route march A REGIMENTAL BET nipegs Little Black Devils. Each company would march RALPH CRAVEN, The two Regimental Colonels 25 miles the first day, spend the were standing togther watching night in each other s Regimental MBEus from the side of the road. The area, then return to their own The early training years in the Winnipeg Colonel apparently area the next day: 50 miles old country were real tough. said, "That's a pretty good altogether in two days. The Field exercises by the dozen, marching outfit, you've got winner was to be treated to a few route marches every week or there." barrels of beer by the losing more, being sent on courses So naturally our Colonel studying enemy aircraft, the company. replied "Yes, they can beat The average age of our group various German tanks and other anything in the country." armoured vehicles, weapons of was 30 to 31 years, while that of Result - the two of them all kinds - etc - etc. our opponents was only around arranged a marching competi- I'll always remember one 21 years, but we beat them by tion between one full company Divisional Exercise we had about 40 minutes over the 50 from each Regiment, all person- which lasted several days. "A" mile trip. Not bad, eh! nel in full kit, rifles and ammu- Company of the Eddies -1 was But I lost out anyway - when then a two striper in 7 Platoon - nition, with great coats and the beer finally came on tap, I blankets carried, full pack on were marching into a position had been sent away on an your back! we were taking over from Win- N.C.O. course. FORTYNINER GALLERY #2 The Fortyniner TRACER; Any assistance readers can give like to hear from anyone who who was killed while serving with answering requests for information knew him personally. The Loyal Edmonton Regiment on the following individuals would in Holland. Contact Noel be greatly appreciated. If you J.A.R. "RODOLPHE"Butcher at 19636-48A Avenue, contact the inquirer, it would be Langley,B.C.,V3A3N7. appreciated if you would let The LANODEAO Fortyniner know that you have A post-war military friend, IVS66119 PRIVATE JOHN responded. You can also send your Martin Loh, of 9016-155 Street, Edmonton, Alberta, T5R 1W5 SCHMlDT information directly to The His sister Louise Barwell of Fortyniner to be forwarded. is looking for any information about this veteran from Mallaig, 1040 Connaught Crescent, Alberta, who served in Italy with Samia, Ontario, N7S 1C6, telephone (519) 337-7310, 231444 WILLIAM ROYThe Loyal Edmonton Regiment. GALBRAITH would like to hear from anyone with information about this A great-niece, Jan Hobson, of W.R. STRANG Sargint Street, Stratford, On- member of The Loyal Edmonton A Dutch family is trying to Regiment killed in Italy on 10 tario, N5A 7E2, telephone (519) locate any relatives ofW. Strang, 273-3273 is looking for informa- January 1945. tion about this member of the 202nd and 49th Battalions, who died at Calgary's Belcher Hospi- tal in 1962, after a lifetime of ill health following his World War One service. She would particu- larly like a photograph. Ml 6742 LANCE SERGEANT EDWARD JULIAN HAUPTMAN Sister-in-law Margaret Haupt- man of 5926-187A Street, Sur- rey, B.C. V3S 8G4, is looking for information or photographs of this member of The Loyal Ed- monton Regiment, who died of wounds on 25 May 1944 during the Italian campaign. She wowd The Fortyniner THE REGIMENTS BATTLE ORTONA CANADA'S EPIC WORLD WAR JJ BATTLE BY MARK ZUEHLKE REVIEWED BY DAVID brought it out better. In Treasure Island the seasoned HAAS pirate growled, "Dead men don't bite." Only those no longer able This just published $40 book is to answer are criticized in a higher in the main a mosaic of reminis- chain of command significant for cences from troops who fought at The Loyal Edmonton Regiment. Ortona. It progresses chronologi- Major (ranks are as at the time of cally through crossing the Moro the battle) Jim Stone, still living, River, getting past The Gully, is justly lauded for his role as a then on in to clearing the town company commander in the itself. Personal recollections are battle. His immediate superior, drawn from across the various battalion commander Lieutenant units in action at each stage. Colonel Jim Jefferson, long de- The book gives a good por- ceased, is noted as not command- trayal of what the fighting was ing from close to his front compa- like for the infanteers and CANADA'S EPIC WORLD WAR IInies BATTLE (from the next month he was tankers involved. It also presents in command of brigades in com- memorable portraits of gunners interviewed. However, the result- bat till the end of the war.) No and medical teams in action, as ing limited number of intervie- criticism is ventured of the well as seldom discussed elements wees is really no defect. It gives brigade commander, Brigadier like the CBC mobile reporting an individual continuity to the Bert Hoffmeister, still alive at the team, and war artists. Some of book that adds personal interest time of writing and publication. the fighting is described through as the reader tracks some soldiers The division commander, long enemy eyes, and the impact on through the campaign. dead Major General Chris Vokes civilians caught in the battle is Unfortunately the author s (who continued commanding brought out. mosaic approach becomes a divisions in combat till the end of The author's selection pool for weakness in maintaining an the war), is sniped at periodically personal accounts was restricted overview of the ongoing big throughout the book, then finally since the book was undertaken picture. It is there, embedded in criticized for his overall execution after many veterans had passed the structure of the book, but of the Ortona battle, which away through age. Further, as the more continuity narrative, and according to the author "came author notes, most of the sur- some more detailed maps close to destroying the division he vivors approached declined to be through the text, would have commanded." The Fortyniner ANOTHER PRAIRIE INFANTRY REGIMENT After some convoluted lineage UP THE JOHNS J changes in the early 1920s the name THE STORY OF THE The Regina Rifles emerged in 1924. Placed on active duty on August 26, ROYAL REGINA RIFLES 1939 for local protective duty, the unit mobilized as 1st Battalion, The Regina Rifle Regiment, Canadian A.ctive BY STEWART A.G. MEIN Service Force, on June 1, 1940. Half REVIEWED BY IAN EDWARDS the originals were recruited from The Prince Albert and Battleford Volun- teers. The Overseas unit became part The regiment's peculiar nickname, .^fe"^"'- '-^^^ of the 8th Brigade of the 3rd Canadian not originally meant to be flattering, is Infantry Div ision, serving with 1st Battalion, The not only borne with pride by current and former members, but features in the title of their regimen- Continued on Page 60 tal history. While today the term "Johns" is, so I have read, used by entrepreneurial young women of a very old profession to refer to their clients, the IT TAKES military nickname initially referred to "Farmer MOMEMOMENTUM TO Johns", of whom there are still quite some number in Saskatchewan. Could an agrarian area such as MOVEMOVE FORWARD. central Saskatchewan provide crack troops to @@ Bonnie has achieved a high level of specialized knowledge in financial. oppose successfully the might of the Kaiser s insurance & taxation matters. She Imperial Army and, a generation later, Hitler's has recently received her Certified Financial Planner Designation. determined Wehrmacht? They did. And this book This will enable her to provide the best possible service to our many clients. The Regiment dates to 1905 and the formation Investors Group Financial Services BONNIE Inc. is a member of Investors of the 95th Regiment. The numeral assigned to BONNI Group Inc. - one of the largest the new regiment, the next in numerical sequence S\/ft^,^ LAMOUREUX- financial services companies in tile MCLEAN country. For over 70 years, in Canada's expanding militia, coincided with the CFP CFP Investors Group has been a pioneer in offering a old British Imperial 95th of Foot, which had NEVER NEVER STANDS comprehensive array of financial gained fame in the Napoleonic Wars and became products and services. Today, we manage over $40 billion in mutual STILL. The Rifle Brigade. Because of this "Rifle" overtone STILL. fund assets for over 1,0(10,000 people like you. associated with the regimental number, in 1913 ^- After^ After servi serving 11 years the Regina unit was re-designated the 95th with the c, with the Canadian For more Information Armed Forces, Bonnie please call (780) 488-3828 Saskatchewan Rifles, adopting forever the pecu- ^n"^i?i' Ext. 251 Lanioureux-McLean liarities of that once elite band of skirmishers, started hei started her second lamoubl @lnvestorsgroup.com During the First World War the Regiment career witi career with Investors mRsf Investors formed the 28th (Northwest) Battalion, Canadian ^"P in 1 Group in 1996. Expeditionary Force, and fought with much dis- SOLUTIONS BUiLT AROUND YOU@ tinction in France and Flanders. ______59 The Fortyniner before the days of xerography. I was pleased to read ANOTHER PRAIRIE INFANTRYone held by the Regina PublicREGIMENT Library, and am From Page 59delighted to see that it finally made it into mass print. Canadian Scottish Regiment and The Royal Win- Shortly after the Johns returned to Regina follow- nipeg Rifles. The same day, a 2nd Battalion was ing the Second World War, four majors compiled a formed in Regina for home defence in the Reserve history of the unit overseas, and their work is also Army. A 3rd Battalion was formed for duty on the incorporated into Mein's book. West Coast on May 12, 1942, consisting of volun- To obtain a copy, write to The Royal Regina teers from the 2nd Battalion and men of 2nd Rifles, The Armoury, 1600 Elphinstone St., Regina, Airfield Defence Battalion. SK, S4T 3N1. The book, published by The Senate The 1st Battalion landed on Juno Beach in of The Royal Regina Rifles in 1992, is now being Normandy on D-Day, June 6th, 1944. Landing given away free. A few years ago it sold for $50 as a under heavy fire at Courseulles sur Mer. Losses were new, well illustrated, hardbound, edition of 237 high but the unit advanced seven miles in fourteen pages. A donation, payable to Unit Funds, Royal hours that first day. The fighting in France, Bel- Regina Rifles and perhaps equal to a dealer's 40% gium, Holland and Germany was bitter. In eleven discount off that retail price, would surely be appro- long months the Johns sustained 479 fatal casual- priate ! ties, numbers higher than our Overseas battalion which fought twice as long. It is not mentioned in the book, but a large reinforcement draft was transferred to the Johns from The Edmonton Fusiliers. FOR ALL In 1982 the Queen appointed HRH Princess Anne, The Princess Royal, GCVO, to be Colonel- YOUR MILITARY in Chief. At the same time the Queen bestowed upon the Regiment the title of "Royal" in honour of its services to the nation. Also not mentioned in & CIVILIAN the book, the name change took place only by circumventing anti-monarchists in high places in Ottawa. TAILORING NEEDS. This hard cover book should be studied and appreciated by all interested in Canadian military history. Published in 1992, it is actually a combina- tion of two older books plus a sketch of the postwar LaFleche Etos. doings of the Johns and their customs and tradi- Established 1 906 tions. Following the First World War Major Donald CUSTOM TAILORS Scott-Calder compiled the story of the 28th and its 5824 - 99 STREET, EDMONTON, ALBERTA antecedents. In many ways Scott-Calder resembled T6E 3N9 our own Major David Petrie, an embodiment of the FAX: (780) 438-9088 regimental spirit that strove to keep the unit alive REGIMENTAL TAILORS TO THE P.P.C.L.I. email: [email protected] during the lean years between the world wars. Scott-Calder prepared a manuscript in three copies, phone: (780) 435-3456 60 The Fortyniner WHERE Is MY WANDERER? You are invited to send in he is Chairman of the Ed- Spring Island. He was asked items for the Wanderer along monton Historical Board and to lecture the local high with the renewal of your mem- its Plaques Committee, Vice school students on Novem- bership, but you are welcome to Chair of the City of Edmon- ber 11 regarding his wartime drop the Editor a note at any ton Names Advisory Com- activities, particularly his time through the year. Help mittee, and President of the experience in intelligence. keep everyone up to date! Lynwood Community League. DAVID BOYER IVIAURY (HI-KO) Has not been able to get to SILVER the reunions because of DONALD GOWER Is busy taking art lessons. Retired from Coopers & trouble with prostate cancer, He still lives in his house. He Lybrand, Chartered Accoun- but there is always next year, was in sales till May 30, and he hopes maybe to see tants, in 1985. Moved to his 1999, and was on the road everyone then. present address in January7 over forty years. Is coming 1987. His wife Margaret died eighty and his general health KEN COUPLANPMarch 6, 1996. He spends a is okay. bit of time with The Loyal Mentions that this past Edmonton Regiment Mu- summer Dave Gaulter had a seum, the PPCLI Associa- WILLIAM H. SMITH barbeque at his acreage near tion, and the Alberta Avia- Retired from the BC Forest Thorsby, Alberta, for the 1994 Service seventeen years ago Ortona visit members, which tion Museum, as well as travelling and with family. after thirty-five years of was enjoyed by all. Ken took service. Says he is too old and in the picnic at Camp Hams stupid to do anything excit- and was disappointed by the BILL GRADYing now. He still lives in low7 turn out. He also travelled Is currently a member of 1 Houston, and was the Legion to Vancouver Island. PPCLI Recce Platoon. He service officer for many years has deployed to Kosovo from but has now turned that job CHRIS FUCHSAugust until early in the over to the younger people. Wrote from Macedonia, New Year, where he was part of the DELBERT(DEB) National Support Element in JIM HAWLEY WALDRIFF Skopje. He was hoping to be Is cun-ently a second year Is retired from the Ontario home by the middle of De- nursing student who spends Ministry of Natural Re- cember for a much needed his summers as a Wilderness sources - Fisheries. Since rest. Firefighter (Rapattack). then has had two knee replacements and can again CHARLES GALAN DAVE MUNDYenjoy social games of golf, Amongst his involvementsIs still located on Salt and is otherwise healthy. 61 The Fortyniner THE REGIMENTAL POET Bill Teleske took the title from a widespread Second World War poster for his clever poem warning about the dangers of travel in wartime Italy. IS YOUR JOURNEY REALLY NECESSARY By William Teleske A soldate one day, without any fear Went looking in search of a souvenir And then he found it there at last, And with it came an aw^ful blast It blew this soldier clean off the map For he had found a German booby trap And another soldate who was feeling blue Just like a good many soldiers do Jumped in his jeep away to find A litre or two of Italian wine He got thinking of vino more and more And pressed the gas peddle down to the floor While driving along with haste and speed He didn't have time, the signs to read He weaved in and out of the traffic in line And up on the verge ran into a mine It blew him and the jeep far and wide This soldier had taken his last ride Herbie knew what Bill was talking about! Take heed of these signs as you go by They are put up there for you and I They are to he remembered as well as read To warn us of the dangers that lie ahead So don't be a fool, a victim, a prey To the Nazi soldier though he's far away Just think of the lad who was duly warned And now at home so sorrowfully mourned Booby traps he wouldn't capito and now at last he is finito Digest these signs as you go by and think of the boy in serge Bill Teleske heeded his own warning Who was travelling too fast to read the sign while On The Road To Rome That said KEEP OFF THE VERGE 62 The Fortyniner THE WARRIOR BARD Many years ago 1 read of a French Foreign Eegion officer killed in Judo-China in 1948, whose American fiancee paid for a monument bearing the haunting phrase: "I rose from the chill ground and folded my soldier well in his blanket, And buried him where he fell." The book gave no indication the passage was a quotation. The phrase stuck in my mind. Recently I chanced upon the words again while reading one of Walt Whitmans poems of the U.S. Civil War. The famed writer gained material for his poetry while working as a volunteer aide in Washington hospitals caring for Union wounded. The memorial had been taken from the last two lines of a father's lament for a son who fell in battle beside him. This was not a far-fetched Walt Whitman at scenario for that and later wars. In 1917 the RSM of the Lakehead's 52nd "New Ontario" tli@ time of the Battalion held his eldest son in his arms as the lad died on the battlefield at Vimy Ridge. U.@. Civil k VIGIL STRANGE I KEPT ON THE FIELD ONE NIGHT By Walt Whitman Passing sweet hours, immortal and mystic hours Vigil strange I kept on the field one night; with you dearest comrade - When you my son and my comrade dropt at my not a tear, not a word, side that day, Vigil of silence, love and death, vigil for you my One look I but gave which your dear eyes re- son and my soldier, tum'd with a look As onward silently stars aloft, eastward new ones I shall never forget, upward stole, One touch of your hand to mine 0 boy, Vigil final for you brave boy, (I could not save reach'd up as you lay on the ground, you, swift was your death, Then onward I sped in the battle, the even- I faithfully loved you and cared for you living, contested battle, I think we shall surely meet again,) Till late in the night reliev'd to the place at last Till at latest lingering of the night, indeed just as again I made my way, the dawn appear'd, Found you in death so cold dear comrade, found My comrade I wrapt in his blanket, envelop'd your body well his form, son of responding kisses, (never again on Folded the blanket well tucking it carefully over earth responding,) head and carefully under feet, Bared your face in the starlight, curious the And there and then and bathed by the rising sun, my son in his grave, scene, cool blew the moderate night-wind, in his rude-dug grave I deposited, Long there and then in vigil I stood, dimly Ending my vigil strange with that, vigil of night around me the battle-field spreading and battle-field dim, Vigil wondrous and vigil sweet there in the Vigil for boy of responding kisses (never again on fragrant silent night, earth responding,) But not a tear fell, not even a long drawn sigh, Vigil for comrade swiftly slain, vigil I never long, long I gazed, forget, how as day brighten'd Then on the earth partially reclining sat by your I rose from the chill ground and folded my side soldier well in his blanket, leaning my chin in my hands, And buried him where he fell. 63 The Fortyniner MAIOR GENERAL GEORGE PITCHING CBE, DSO, CD, COMMANDER ORDER OF ORANGE-NASSAU, OFFICER OF THE LEGION OF MERIT, MILITARY ORDER OF ITALY, COMMANDER ORDER OF ST. MAURICE, OFFICER ORDER OF THE HOSPITAL OF ST. JOHN OF JERUSALEM SEPTEMBER 10,1910 later referred to his short period JUNE 15.1999 in command of the Regiment as the best six months of his life. The future Canadian general There is no doubt his high was born in Canton Province, standards sent the Regiment on China, where his father ran a to Italy the better for his tour of trading facility. His childhood duty. was spent in China, where he In December 1942 Kitching attended an international board- left the Regiment to become ing school, interrupted briefly by General Staff Officer, Grade 1 of a stay in Victoria, then eventu- 1st Canadian Infantry Division. ally went on to schooling in He was serving in that appoint- England. Coming of age, he ment in April 1943 when the entered Britain's Royal Military Major General Kitching in wartimedivision was taken over by Major College, Sandhurst, and gradu- started his Canadian service as a General Guy Simonds, whom ated in 1930. He was commis- second lieutenant, and went Kitching had known earlier at 1st sioned into the Gloucester Regi- overseas in December 1939. Canadian Corps when Simonds ment, and served for eight years Kitching's rise in the wartime was Brigadier, General Staff and including in Singapore, Malaya, army was rapid, he was promoted Kitching a staff officer. and India. In 1938 Kitching left Captain in 1940 and Major in For the next sixteen months his the British army and emigrated 1941. As a newly promoted wartime career was strongly linked to Canada, hoping to eventually Lieutenant Colonel in July 1942 to Simonds. He remained at 1st join the Permanent Force in the he took over command of The Royal Canadian Regiment, allied Edmonton Regiment, replacing a to his former British regiment. popular commanding officer He was able to join in September dismissed after troops booed Continued on Page 65 1939 when war broke out. He Britain's top general. Kitching 64 The Fortyniner _ MAJOR GENERAL GEORGE KITCHING From Page 64 Canadian Infantry Division under Simonds until October 1943. Early in the Sicily cam- paign there was a grotesque incident where Kitching actually received orders from Si- monds to move forward and take over 1st Infantry Brigade whose commander Brigadier Graham had resigned or been fired (accounts vary), only to have his orders rescinded when higher commanders intervened on Graham's Continued on Page 66 E. Louise Eccleston B. Ed., L.L.B. LAWYER NOTARY PUBLIC COMMISSIONER FOR OATHS @ Real Estate @ Personal Directives - Purchase @ Enduring Powers of Attorney -Sale @ Estates - Mortgages @ Wills @ Dependent Adult Applications 235 North Town Mall, Edmonton, Alberta, T5E 6C1 478-6635 Fax:476-8587 E-mail: [email protected] The Fortyniner did. In November 1944 he became Chief of MAJOR GENERAL StaffGEORGE of 1st Canadian CorpsKITCHING under Lieutenant From Page 65 General Foulkes, and remained in that ap- pointment until the finish of the war. Staying on in the peacetime army Kitching behalf. In November 1943 Simonds took eventually regained the rank of Major Gen- over 5th Canadian Armoured Division and eral, and served as General Officer Com- Kitching moved with him to take over 11th manding Central Command. Infantry Brigade. Simonds moved up to head After retirement he served as President of 2nd Canadian Corps at the I@@@@@@ the Duke of Edinburgh Award end of January 1944, and a month later Kitching was ,'| promoted Major General and 1| given command of 4th Cana- 1| dian Armoured Division. He | remained in that appointment until August 1944, when Simonds relieved him in the wake of Operation Totalize, George Kitching weathered Jll^HH 'Ontario* this severe professional setbackMaking Making a apoint pofit at at his his last last In full retirement in Victoria, with dignity. The merits of his Association Association meeting,leeting, i Octo- Octo- he was active in the affairs of firing have been debated, but ber her 1998 1998 the British Columbia Branch of Kitching never contributed to the 49th Battalion, The Loyal the debate, standing silent for over half a Edmonton Regiment Association until his century, and taking his thoughts on the death. matter with him to the grave. When King To have swiftly attained high command in George VI asked about the former Major wartime, only to be blamed and dismissed General appearing before him at Buckingham over a failed operation, then to remain with Palace as a Brigadier to be invested as a the field army as a high operational staff Commander of the Order of the British officer but not again given combat command, Empire, Kitching blandly referred to having must have been hard on the spirit. Kitching "a problem, a row" with Simonds. bore his disappointment gallantly. Colonel Kitching soldiered on. He was still highly Stone's accompanying article notes George regarded. Rarely did sacked commanders Kitching's invariably impeccable appearance. remain in a field appointment, but Kitching It reflected the inner man. The Fortyniner COLONEL JAMES STONE RECALLS MAJOR GENERAL KITCHING George died on June 14th 1999, aged 88 years. career in the Canadian Army, which included six He was a good friend of mine but I would not months as the Commanding Officer of the Edmon- presume to write his biography. These are a few ton Regiment. He was obviously a well trained biographical notes of the "George" of my acquain- soldier and gained, in a very short time, total tance. acceptance. Ernie Wilson, whom he replaced, had In 1942 The Edmonton Regiment was on a been well liked and totally efficient, but however "route march" in the South of England. It was very unjust his firing, George Kitching had nothing to hot, the road very dusty and the troops fed-up and do with it. The battalion quickly settled into its tired. A large car, filled with red-tabbed officers, roared by the column throwing dust on the troops. Continued on Page 68 As one man, the company "BOOed". "B" Com- pany was immortalized as "Boo" Company but retribution for their action was almost immediate. The car they "booed" carried Sir Alan Brooke, C- GDI COLLEGE m-C all troops under British Command, and he OF BUSINESS S TECHNOLOGY commanded swift discipline. The battalion Com- manding Officer was fired, the Company Comman- der was relieved of his command and sent to the "holding unit," and various minor punishments 67 The Fortyniner one month under the tender contact with the unit. I saw MAJOR GENERALmerciesofCSM"Eddy" PITCHING training schedules organized From Page 67Greene ("Punishment" professionally, unit training Greene) and the word "ease" from section to battalion was never heard. level all demonstrating the training routine. master's hand, but a happy George demonstrated his ff Qeorge battalion with "messes" military knowledge with a functioning properly in series of "sand-table" exer- Kitching controlled relaxation. cises which culminated in a imbued profes- George one time told me "Battalion in Night Attack that the happiest six months field exercise". Everything sionalism within of his life w'-ere spent with the went perfectly: the "start- the regiment. It Edmonton Regiment. line" was crossed on time; George Kitching imbued direction was maintained in had every other professionalism in the Regi- the darkness; the objective quality and I say ment. It had every other was reached and the battal- quality and I say with pride ion deployed as the first rays with pride that that The Edmonton Regi- of dawn lighted the battle- The Edmonton ment developed into the best field. The sun rose a little, infantry battalion in the warming the atmosphere, Regiment devel- Canadian Army. George and gradually the tired troops oped into the best Kitching's six months with us rolled over on their backs infantry battalion was a valuable factor in that and went to sleep. The development. George was Commanding Officer, after a in the Canadian destined for greater things mug of tea, commenced the Army* Qeorge than battalion command. inspection of his defence He left us to be GS01 First against the inevitable coun- Kitching's six Canadian Infantry Division; terattack. Instead of soldiers months with us Brigadier, Tenth Brigade; consolidating their positions Major-General, Fourth he found his battalion asleep. was a valuable Armoured Division and In the "critique" which factor in sundry other important followed the exercise, with- military appointments. His out passion or anger, George that devel- MM subsequent military career blamed the lack of discipline had its ups and downs but of on the junior officers. Fortu- opment. '^ f9 that I'll make no further nately for me, I was away mention. George was a great from the battalion at this George taught his lesson. soldier, a gentleman and a time but I heard that the During this period I was first class Canadian. May he young gentlemen drilled for commanding a junior NCO's rest in peace, his worldly one hour before breakfast for school but was in close duties honourably discharged. The Fortyniner MAJOR KEITH FRANK WAKEFIELD, CD MARCH 10,1918- AUGUST19.1999 Keith Wakefield was born in Melbourne, Australia. His studies towards a Bachelor of Commerce degree were interrupted by the outbreak of the Second World War. He joined the Australian army as a Private. He rose to the rank of Major, serving in North Africa, Crete, Palestine, and New Guinea. Never one to do things the ordinary way, Keith s evacuation from Crete was by submarine. From 1943 Keith was vi-ith the Australian Military Mission in Washington, D.C. There he met Captain Jean Donald, a Canadian Women's Army Corps officer commanding die detachment there, and daughter of the first mayor of Peace River. They married in Melbourne in 1946, and moved co Edmonton in 1953. For the IViaJor Keith WakefieEci, CD as a unit officer next year Keith served as a general staff officer at the Cana- Governor of Alberta. He re- dian Army's Western Command mained active in Regimental Headquarters. affairs after his release, and was In 1954 Keith joined The on the boards of both The Loyal Loyal Edmonton Regiment as a Edmonton Regiment Founda- militia officer, and served with tion, and the 49th Battalion, The Medal Mounting Miniature Medals Sold the unit for ten years. He was Loyal Edmonton Regiment Medal-Ribbon-Sets @ Made to order President of the 49th Battalion, Association at the time of his Gunter Stahr The Loyal Edmonton Regiment Military Tailor Association for a number of Please call first years. He served five years as |780| 457-4^45 11412 - 1 St Aw@, Res. aide-de-camp to the Lieutenant Eelrn, ABSa. T5X 1 C4 The Fortyniner MAJOR KEITH FRANK WAKEFIELD From Page 69 death. He was also associated with the Al- berta Army Cadet League for thirty-five years. In civil life Keith wwked at Celanese Canada from 1954 to 1972, was part owner of Edmonton Printers from 1972 to 1979, and was general manager of another printing firm from 1979 to 1981. Having been vice-chair of ceremonies for the 1978 Commonwealth Games, he became manager of protocol and ceremonies for the 1983 World University Games in 1983. From 1987, when he was sixty-nine years old, until his death he Keith as a wartime Australian Army Captain worked for Ed-Web Printers/Hebdo Mag. It is telephone let this tireless and dedicated man a mark of the esteem Keith generated in his keep working until the very end. He fitted a employers that they published a lengthy In line from Nicholas Monsarrat's novel The Memorium notice, crammed with laudatory Cruel Sea: "These were the men who did all comments, including mention of Keith's things well, automatically; in death, the trick mastery of the English language. did not desert them." A humorous and gregarious man, Keith was dedicated to community affairs. His volunteer PERSONAL activities included being executive secretary of the Sir Winston Churchill Society, the MEMORIES OF KEITH advisory board of the Salvation Army, and board member and past-president of the Royal Glenora Club. The Canadian and Alberta flags at the club were lowered to half BY MAJOR DAVID HAAS staff at his death. Never one to forget his Australian origin, My early recollections of Keith Wakefield Keith belonged to the Friends of Down are from my days as a young soldier with the Under Club. As an entirely appropriate Regiment from 1959 to 1961. Keith, with his touch his memorial service used Waiting tailored battle dress, sleeve handkerchief, and Matilda as the Processional, and Advance elaborate manners, was rich fare for young Australia Fair as the Recessional, high school boys on the Prairies. "Retirement" was a word not found in Keith Wakefield's vocabulary. Nor was "sur- render." In the end his illness overran him, Continued on Page 71 he never gave in to it. Couriers and a bed 70 The Fortyniner PERSONAL MEMORIESspotted OF me wearing familiar knowledged with a nod and a headgear, though with the gruff, "Thanks," but I think KEITH curled up brim un-buttoned Keith would have died before and smoothed down. asking for assistance. On this From Page 70 "Where did you get that occasion while swinging Australian Army hat, young open the portal I muttered, I next met him fifteen years Haas?" he challenged. "I took "Keith, I warned you'd mess later after I returned to it off an Australian rugby up your leg if you insisted on Edmonton. One day Keith player I'd punched out," I playing Aussie Rules Football showed up representing a said. "I doubt that," Keith on your trip." printing firm to discuss my chuckled, "I doubt that very Keith was purring audibly letterhead needs. much." as he strode on smartly into Thereafter I saw more of the office. I last spoke to Keith only a him, at the annual Regimen- ff Keith did tal Dinners and other unit week and a half before his functions. He had aged, but M not fit the death, as he gave directions he was still a fountain of entertainment busi- from his hospital bed com- jokes, a ball of energy, and mand post for a publicity invariably looked as though ness stereotypes of release on an upcoming he had just stepped from a Australians, I Museum event. I was down photography studio session east when he died, and modelling gentlemen's attire. never heard him learned of his passing while Keith impressed me im- say ^cobber^ or driving from Toronto to mensely some years ago when Camp Borden. One of my I was defending a court ^g^day mate" nor travel companions, also from martial involving an officer anything like that. Edmonton, thought to men- from one of the Regiment's tion the death a few days affiliated cadet corps. Keith, a He was the real earlier of "that old Australian long time member of the article^ and major." cadet league, was the only I felt saddened, but I person associated with the proud of his MM brightened as we passed Regiment who showed up to origin. yy through the Camp Borden wish the officer good luck. JJ entrance, for there sprang to Successfully. mind the mischievous Keith did not fit the enter- Keith got in one final trip thought of Keith arriving at tainment business stereotypes back home not long before the Pearly Gates and mutter- of Australians. I never heard his death. On his return he ing in that confiding joke him say "cobber" or "g'day came down to a Museum telling voice of his, "I say, mate" nor anything like that. Board meeting. After the loss Peter, before we get down to He was the real article, and of his leg handling heavy the paperwork, do allow me proud of his origin. Once at doors was a burden. Volun- to tell you the one about the an Association picnic he teered help was always ac- chap who..." 71 The Fortyniner LAST POST Please send in items for LastHe was a member of the February 25, 1999, in Drayton Post to the Editor. The more Royal Canadian Legion. Valley, at the age of 74 years detail you are abk to supply, the in the arms of her husband more information we can print. ARTHUR JAMESIvan Feldberg. EDGE PATRICK JOSEPH Born November 7,1914, in GEORGE CLIFFORD (PADDY} BAWNEdmonton; died July 5, 1999 GATES Died January 28,1999, in in Edmonton at the age of 84 Died February 1,1999. He Edmonton at the age of 68 years. He was a wartime was an original member of the years. A police office with the member of the Regiment, and Regiment. Royal Ulster Constabulary served as Mortar Platoon and the Edmonton Police Sergeant. A final contribution GEORGE ROBERTON Service, in which he rose to to The Fortymner appears in Inspector, Paddy served as a this issue. HENDERSON Captain in the Regiment s Died May 27, 1999, in Militia unit after the 19th L. FERN ERICKSONCalgary at the age of 83 years. Alberta Dragoons were dis- He was seriously wounded Died February 7, 1999, in overseas as a member of the banded. Paddy was also Drum Edmonton at the age of 80 Major of the Edmonton Regiment. After the war he years. She was the wife of Gus worked for over 30 years with Police Pipe Band, and noted Erickson of "C" Company. for always leading the band in Imperial Oil Ltd. in a variety of marketing and sales roles. the Klondike Days Parade. JOHN FOFONOFF STANLEY ARNOLD Born May 12,1922, in Pelly, PHYLIS HIDSON Saskatchewan; died April 1, DiedApi-ill6.1999.She CHETTLEBOROUGH1997,inKelowna,B.C.atthe was the wife of Tom Hidson Born February 4, 1920, in age of 77 years. He was a of Winnipeg. Edmonton; died October 13, wartime member of the 1999, in Edmonton at the age Regiment, and fanned in the of 79 years. A member of the Grande Prairie area after the PETER HOLMES Militia before World War war. He was a member of the Born October 17, 1950, in Two, he served with the Royal Canadian Legion. Montreal, Quebec; died Regiment through that con- January 10, 2000, in Stony flict. After the war he served MARGARET ANNIEPlain. He was a member of 33 years with the Edmonton the Regiment's Militia unit. Fire Department, attaining FELDBERG the rank of Assistant Chief. Born September 15, 1924, Continued on Page 73 in Lancing, England; died 72 The Fortyniner of 83 years. He left the Regiment in 1954 with the LAST POST rank of Major having served with the wartime unit From Page 72 overseas and with the post war Militia unit. As a Sergeant he was in the Colour Party for the presen- tation of colours by King George VI on July 1, GEORGE KITCHING 1941. Born September 10, 1910, in Canton Province, China; died June 15, 1999, in Victoria, B.C. at the PETER JOHN THIESSON age of 88 years. A formal obituary appears in this Born August 18, 1915, in Neu Halbstadt, Russia; died December 18, 1998, in Grande Prairie at the issue, age of 83 years. He was a wartime member of the STEVE LOTOSKI Regiment. Died November 29, 1999, at Alberta Beach, at the age of 77 years, the victim of an appalling KEITH FRANK WAKEFIELD crime. He was a wartime member of the Regiment. Born March 10, 1918, in Melbourne, Australia; died August 19, 1999, in Edmonton at the age of DONALD STIVEN MACDONALD81 years. A formal obituary appears in this issue. Born April 16, 1918, in Minneapolis, Minnesota; died April 22, 1999, in Sechelt, B.C. at the age of MATHESON & COMPANY 31 years. He was a wartime member of the Regi- ARRISTERS SOLICITORS ment, and a member of the Royal Canadian Le- Experienced, Thoughtful gion. Legal Advice by OWEN L. MOSES Hon. Col. Matheson, C.M.Q.C.* Apparently of Fort McLeod, Alberta. No furtherDarlene Chapman details available. Russell Olekshy* Lawrence Ewanchuk David Rode, Q.C. _____AL NORLANDER_____ Merlin Mittelstadt Died October 2, 1999, in Sherwood Park at the David S. Welsh** R^^^^^^ age of 77 years. He was a wartime member of the Brian Graham Regiment. Tim Mavko LorraineA. Stark JOHN (JACK) GEORGE SMITHDaniel N. Scott Born March 9, 1917, in Wales; died February 7, Robyn J. Kaulback 1999, in Athabasca at the age of 81 years. He was a * Professional Corporation wartime member of the Regiment, and a lifetime ** Trade Mark Agent member of the Royal Canadian Legion, serving since 1945. 10410 - 81 Avenue Edmonton^ T6E 1X5 LESTER E. "LES" TAPLIN433-5881 Died February 27, 2000, at Delta, B.C. at the age [email protected] 73 The Fortyniner VISITING THE MORO RIVER CEMETERY THE REGIMENT'SVISITS BY KEITH MUNDORF For years I had heard of the Battle for Ortona from veterans and read about it in books. I always wanted to visit the Moro River Canadian War Cemetery outside Ortona, but only half believed I would ever make it there. I finally visited the cemetery on July 29, 1999. Seen from the road the cemetery gate seemed odd, an archway of stone and cement attached to what appeared to be a chapel. It looked out of place in a countryside of more or less tended orchards and vineyards. It was not until I had passed through the gate, after stopping to read the plaque, that I realized this small patch of Italy formed a lush oasis in an otherwise hot and dry countryside. I was immediately aware of row upon row of orderly white gravestones against the green of well tended lawns. The realization that each stone represented a human life brought a humbling awareness of how thankful Canadi- ans should be for their total sacrifice. I thought about Remembrance Day in Canada, and how we spend so little time throughout the year remembering the hard- ships war brings to all people in all countries. While I visited this legacy from an earlier war, there was ongoing conflict just a few- kilometres across the Adriatic, as in many other places round the world. I asked myself whether the people of the planet have really learned any lessons. and are excited to provide you with friendly personal service and a menu with something for everyone, including what made us famous. Our Pizza. Whether you're in for lunch with the gang from work, dinner with the family or after the game with the team.... We promise to make every experience memorable! Former Loyal Eddies go on to serve in various parts of the country's Armed Forces. Warren Hall is with the Canadian Rangers. r~> 7 @ Tt A WEST COAST RANGER and three days rations annually. We b@ ^ vote ln oux l^dership, and take our BY WARREN "TINY"gr ^^r weapons home. Although our HALLjy^^B^sr ^atT0^ ^J hasn't seen an election since The northern Arctic and eastern ^^ Ks ^c>^ when I w^s voted in as a Labrador and Newfoundland had ^^y^^^ Patrol 21C, other Patrols conduct Canadian Rangers posted as sentries <^Sls<|^^ f'^^ regularly scheduled elections. and guides since the early 1950s. In ^y Organization at the Patrol level 1990 a decision was made to put v^ consists of a Patrol Commander eyes and ears on Canada's western (Sergeant), a Patrol 2IC (Master flank. Interestingly, the Pacific area Corporal) and one Section Leader had already the seen the active use of Rangers (Master Corporal or Corporal) for each 10 Rangers. during hostilities. What had been the area of Our ranks are for pay purposes only. operation for the Pacific Coast Militia Rangers Most of our time is volunteer but we do get some during World War Two was now re-activated with paid parades and training and we are bugged-out the formation of the Canadian Rangers (Pacific), once a year for evaluation on our ability to function who are now the 4th Canadian Rangers Patrol as a group, and to sharpen our skills. We also serve Group attached to 39 Brigade of Land Forces in the community. In the Rangers I have had Western Area. training on the old basics: map and compass, drill This Loyal Eddie became a part in 1992 when a ("Slope Arms"!), rifle (.303 & C7), Observation Patrol (Canadian Rangers equivalent of a Platoon) Posts, rappelling, bridging, tracking, and Search & was formed in Gold River, a small village on the Rescue. western side of Vancouver Island, where I had been All in all it can be a lot of work but fun is to be working. "Once a soldier, always a soldier" -1 found also, so that why I still continue to joined up. Soldier/Ranger on! We didn't get much for kit initially: two red ball caps, an armlet, and a .303 rifle (yes, a Lee Enfield, mine is stamped 1942!). This did not deter me. Having been a reservist in the 60s and 70's I was used to not much new kit. The day I joined The Loyal Edmonton Regiment at the age of 16,1 proudly wore my black coveralls and armlet to my first parade at Ortona Armoury because that was all I was issued. Now in addition to the above issue we have recently, last year, been given two Ranger red sweatshirts and a T-shirt. We are not like other military units. Each Ranger "When the bonnie pipes are skirling, and the lads are in the Patrol is allocated 200 rounds of .303 ammo on parade," still with .303 Lee Enfields at the "Slope" ORTONA 1999 55TH ANNIVERSARY & PILGRIMAGE TRIP TO ITALY OCTOBER 1' 13,1999 rectly, at Coriane Ridge. Mr. Bob Wood had re- BY MAURICEceived a request via the web from the granddaugh- ter of an Irish Regiment man who was buried there. D. WHITEShe asked that we observe a 2 minute silence at her Attending were 55 veterans, 4 Youth of Canada, 6 from the Canadian Cadet organizations, 31 officials, 15 Regular Force personnel (peacekeepers Continued on Page 78 from Kosovo and Bosnia), 8 soldiers who performed all the ceremonies, and of course the Padre. Every province and territory was represented. On October 1 we arrived at Catania airport in Sicily. The buses transported us to the Sheraton Hotel. On October 2 we left for Marza to perform a ceremony and wreath laying at the 1st Canadian Division Memorial. We were greeted by approxi- mately 30 civilians who thanked Canadians and openly cried and gave us hugs and shook our hands, grateful for what we had done for their country. It was moving to receive their gratitude. We also visited a British War Cemetery in Catania where 22 Canadians were buried. After checking out of the hotel on October 3 we departed for Agora cemetery, where 490 Canadians are interred. A total of 22 ceremonies were performed. Each was very much alike, except where I w^uld see a grave of a friend, which would become deeply emotional for me. We all had these feelings at such times. I personally was most emotional at the unveiling of the Price Of Peace monument in Ortona. I was honored to help perform this duty. There were many civilians in attendance and their eyes were filled with tears. Another moving event was, if I remember cor- 77 The Fortyniner you there was not a dry eye slowly walked into the house anywhere. making the sound slowly fade From Page 77 At the ceremony at Casa away. This added a lot to the Berardi the bagpipes were closing of the ceremony. grandfather's grave side and being played on the balcony. Throughout the trip the say a prayer. We did so after Near the end the piper Youth of Canada personnel the ceremony, and I can tell turned his back to us and were all most helpful and comforting to every one of us veterans. Whenever they w^uld see any of us having trouble emotionally they would not hesitate to come over and give us a hug and a pat on the back. They were always there and ready to help those who required wheelchair assistance. They would push a wheelchair half a kilometre in case someone required help, and do so with tears running down their cheeks. Nor must I forget to men- tion the Canadian Cadet organization. They were also very helpful at all times, and shared our feelings. Our baggage was handled by the military personnel, who looked after all our needs. We were treated like royalty by these soldiers throughout the 12 days we spent in Italy and on the military air bus going there and back. The Pilgrimage makes me feel that everything is com- plete now7. I do not feel that I have to return to find whatever it was that was left Maurice White at the Price of Peace monument in Ortona behind. 79 THE COMMON GROUND