In Pace Paratus Fall 2012/Winter 2013 1st Canadian Rifle Battalion in Germany 2nd Lt Arthur C. Whealy, 1951 In the “Ratskeller,” Germany, 1953 1st Canadian Rifle Battalion, Edinburgh Barracks, Hannover, Germany, April, 1952. Published by The Trust Fund The Queen's Own Rifles of Canada 61 years ago 1st Canadian Rifle Bn sailed to Germany It has been 61 years since the 1st Canadian Rifle sonnel from rifles, line infantry or highland militia regi- Battalion sailed for foreign shores and NATO service in ments. As an independent brigade, in addition to the Germany and The Honourable Arthur C. Whealy, who infantry regiments, its complement included an died recently, was the last of eight officers from The armoured squadron, an artillery troop and contingents Queenʼs Own Rifles of Canadaʼs 1st (Reserve) Battalion from supporting services. Brigade commander was Brig who had volunteered to join the new battalion when it Geoffrey Walsh, DSO, who had served in Sicily and was formed. 57 other ranks from the reserve unit also Italy in World War Two and was awarded the joined, along with 120 new recruits. Following its forma- Distinguished Service Order for “Gallant and tion the battalion mustered at Camp Valcartier, QC, for Distinguished Services” in Sicily. six months training. In October, 1CRB paraded to the Plains of Abraham where it was inspected by Princess Upon arrival in Hannover, 1CRB and 1CHB were quar- Elizabeth during the first major tour of Canada by tered in a former German artillery housing now Princess Elizabeth and the Duke of Edinburgh, one renamed Edinburgh Barracks. For administrative pur- which would last 33 days and visit all parts of the country. poses the 27th Brigade was attached to British 11th Armoured Division, part of the British Army on the Rhine The 1st Canadian Rifles were created from five reserve regiments to be part of the 27th Canadian Infantry (BAOR). Following a series of shakedown exercises, Brigade which was being assembled to be the first the battalion was considered to be operational and Canadian formation to join NATO in Europe. In addition training became more intensive and continued in this to The Queenʼs Own Rifles, the battalion was recruited fashion for the duration their stay in Germany. Live fir- from the Victoria Rifles (which became A Company), ing exercises were conducted at Putlos on the Baltic Royal Hamilton Light Infantry (B Coy), Royal Winnipeg seacoast and the British Armyʼs 45 square mile training Rifles (C Coy) and Regina Rifles (D Coy), with the facility at Sennelager became a regular visitation area, greatest number coming from The Queenʼs Own Rifles, for as many as four weeks at a time. Lt Whealyʼs which became Support Coy. responsibilities varied and included periods as anti-tank officer, battalion intelligence officer and as 2/IC of the A graduate of Canadaʼs Royal Military College, Lt mortar platoon. Whealy was the son of Canadian World War One air ace Arthur Treloar Whealy, DSC & Bar, DFC, who was credited with 27 victories while serving with the British Lt Whealy remembered that, “When the brigade was Royal Naval Air Service and, later, with the Royal Air first authorized, the terms of enlistment specified that Force. married men would serve 12 months overseas, while unmarried men would serve for two years, before rota- Lt Whealy recalled that 1CRB formation was authorized tion. As a result, after the first year many of the senior on 5 May, 1951, and in transferring from reserve to officers and NCOs rotated out and replacements active status, “everyone had to re-qualify in their nomi- moved in to take their places. Junior officers, as I was, nal rank. I joined in the rank of 2/Lt and was promoted for the most part stayed put.” Queenʼs Own Rifles lieutenant in the summer of 1952, in Germany. The bat- replacements included Maj H.F.C. (Hank) Elliot, who talion only existed from 5 May, 1951 until 16 October, later would command 1st Bn of the regular force in 1963, a period of 28 months. I was a member of it for Germany and would eventually be named Honorary all but 26 days of its life.” Original regimental cap Colonel of 3rd Bn of the reserve force. badges and shoulder flashes were worn with a grey patch in the shape of shield with a black horn on it worn on the left shoulder of the khaki battledress tunic. The commanding officers of 1CRB were LCol E.W. Cutbill, DSO, ED and LCol J.M. Delamere, MBE, CD. Of the eight Queenʼs Own officers who volunteered, all Acting commanding officer Maj C.P. MacPherson but three were posted into 1st Canadian Rifle Battalion brought the battalion back to Canada in November, – Maj W.R. (Bill) Weir and Lts Healy, P.B.L. (Pete) 1953 and it was on the voyage aboard SS Columbia MacKinnon, M. deC (Mike) OʼGrady and M.B. (Mike) that members of 1st Canadian Rifles learned their unit Symons. The others were dispersed to different regi- had been redesignated as 1st Battalion The Queenʼs ments. Own Rifles of Canada. The 27th Brigade consisted of three infantry battalions Upon its arrival, the battalionʼs members went on fur- (called PANDA, as in Pacific and Atlantic.) In addition to lough, reassembling at Calgaryʼs Currie Barracks, the 1st Canadian Rifles, were 1st Canadian Infantry and 1st Canadian Highland Battalions, each drawing its per- 1st Canadian Rifles Battalion now being part of their history. 2 The Honourable Arthur C. Whealy, QC (July 30, 1929 - Sept 1, 2012.) At St. Michael's Hospital, peacefully, surrounded by President of the Criminal Lawyers Assoc.; former direc- family. Retired judge of the Superior Court of Justice. tor of the Advocates Society; and former counsel with Predeceased by his wife Anna Bokor (1987). Son of the the Dept of Justice (Ottawa). After a decade in private late Arthur Treloar Whealy, DSO and bar, DFC, and practice, he was appointed to the Ontario Superior Margaret Carrick. Survived by daughters Lise and Court of Justice (1980), where he served for 25 years. Victoria, grandson Alan (Caitlin) and former wife Jurist, photographer, birder and soldier; member of the Elizabeth Richardson-Whealy. Also survived by his sib- Royal Canadian Military Institute and Royal Canadian lings Peggy (Erskine Duncan), Rosemary, and Michael Legion (Fort York Branch.) He will be fondly remem- (Wendy), plus 11 nieces and nephews and their fami- bered for his fairness, optimism, humour, and generos- lies. Educated at Upper Canada College, RMC ity of spirit. He will be deeply missed. Donations made (#2953), and Dalhousie Law School (LL.B. '58). to the Queen's Own Rifles Trust fund, c/o QOR of C, Commissioned as a regular army officer in the First 145 Queen St. E, Toronto. Canadian Rifle Battalion in 1951 and continued in the (or at www.QOR.com/association/association.html) military when 1CRB was designated as 1st Battalion would be appreciated. The Queenʼs Own Rifles of Canada in 1953. Former FRONT PAGE (Top left): The Honourable Arthur C. Whealy, former Superior Court Judge, was a member of 1st Canadian Rifle Battalion from 1951- 1953. (Top right): A timeout for 1st Canadian Rifle Battalion officers in the “Ratskeller,” at Putlos, Germany. (L. to R.) (Standing) LCol J.M. Delamere, MBE; Maj W.R. Weir; Maj A.E. Mills; Maj H.C.F. (Hank) Elliot; Maj J.J. Osbourne. (Bottom) 1st Canadian Rifle Battalion formed up on the parade square in Hannover Germany during celebrations for the 92nd birthday of The Queenʼs Own Rifles of Canada in April, 1952. THIS PAGE (Top): Lt Arthur Whealy, second-in-command of 1st Canadian Rifles Battalion mortar pla- toon on the gunnery range at Putlos, Germany in 1953. (Bottom) Practice at the dress rehearsal for a feu de joie to be fired by members of 1st Canadian Rifle Battalion during 92nd birthday celebrations for The Queenʼs Own Rifles of Canada at Edinburgh Barracks, in Hannover, Germany, April, 1952. 3 Traditions are maintained by members of the Calgary Association By Shirley and Bill Major Photography by Karen Titus The Calgary Branch of the QOR of C celebrated the reg- Regiment, by Jerry Smith, The Colonel-in-Chief, by Joe imentʼs 152nd birthday on April 20th, 2012 with a lunch- Morin, to absent friends and loved ones, by John eon at the Carriage House Inn and the well-attended Cresswell. party, as always, was most enjoyable. Following tradi- tion, under the command of Clay Hodder the rifle was A QOR of C Plaque was presented to George Carstead marched on by Sergeant-of-Arms John Creswell. with grateful thanks for his many years of service reminding the membership of luncheon dates and President Bob Titus during his opening remarks wel- encouraging our attendance to same! comed everyone in attendance, making special men- tion of the following out of town members and guests: The monthly luncheons resumed at RCL 264 on Lt. Governor of Alberta Don Ethell and her honour Linda September 5th and will continue as usual on the first Ethell, Edmonton, Gill King, Langley, BC, Joe Morin, Wednesday of every month until June 2013. We gather Moose Jaw, SK, Jerry and Deanna Smith, High River at 11:00 to 11:30 in the games room or dance floor area. AB,Francis Vermette, Dauphin, MB and Norm and Again a reminder for any of the regimental family who Cathy Walker, Cowley AB. are in town and who would like to join us, all are wel- come to do so. Please notify Arlene Albrecht at 403- Toasts were made to The Queen, by John Hearn, The 253-8808 or Jean Pendlebury at 403-259-0092.