Volume 56 Number 47 | November 21, 2011 Grreateat sselectionelection ooff ccardsards & ggiftsifts DDNDND 10%10% ooffff PPharmasaveharmasave BrandBrand
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Last Tuesday, the Victoria Royals supported CFB Esquimalt in their Government of Canada Workplace Charitable Campaign fund raising activities by hitting the ice for a friendly game of hockey. The teams were a mix of the two organizations and the game proved eventful with a 4-4 end after regulation. After a shoot out, the “blue” team took home this year’s trophy.
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September 30 to December 31 2011 2 • LOOKOUT November 21, 2011 Remembrance Day
Right: LS Devin Snashall walks the rows of headstones after HMCS Vancouver’s Remembrance Day Ceremony at the Souda Bay War Cemetery on the Island of Crete, Greece. Members of Vancouver participated in a ceremony at a Commonwealth War Cemetery during a port visit. Cpl Brandon O’Connell, MARPAC Imaging Services
Sergeant Craig Fiander, MARPAC Imaging Services Parade Commander LCdr Mark Cunningham leads veterans, Canadian Forces members, emergency services personnel, cadets, and other community groups from the Esquimalt Legion to Memorial Park in Esquimalt for the 2011 Remembrance Day service. The township hosted the Remembrance Day ser- vice at the War Memorial to honour those men and women who served and continue to serve our country during times of war, conflict and peace.
Cpl Malcolm Byers, MARPAC Imaging Services Ed Dixon, MARPAC Imaging Services PO2 Amanda Gall, Chief Bosun’s Mate aboard HMCS Nanaimo, assists retired CPO1 David Bliss, Fleet Chief Petty Officer, looks on as Commodore Ron Ellis, Cdr Evan Pettley-Jones, a 92-year-old naval veteran, in laying a wreath. The Commander Canadian Fleet Pacific, lays a wreath on behalf of the Canadian ship’s company of Nanaimo was in Nanaimo for Rememberance Day after Forces at the British Columbia Legislature spending several days on a maritime security patrol.
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Any casual along the shoreline and at the southern end of property. The crackle and pop of an open fire cast its warmth about observer would be forgiven their confusion as to which Controlled access to CFMETR will be maintained, while the clearing nestled in a forested area along the rocky shore group constituted the “guests” and which were the “hosts.” hunting and overnight stays remain prohibited. of Nanoose Bay. Greetings and conversation bridged two “I remember as a boy, coming here to hunt venison,” said Through conversation it became clear the Nanoose groups as they came together recently to reaffirm an impor- Chief Bob. “I would drag my canoe up onto the land and people place great emphasis on nurturing their Coast Salish tant accommodation between them. hide it so as not to be discovered by the navy patrols.” cultural identity, including maintaining their language and Led by Chief David Bob, approximately 30 people from CFMETR has been in operation continuously since 1965 traditions. Communing with the natural lands at CFMETR the Nanoose First Nation had made the short trip across and runs a unique three-dimensional sonar underwater will be a valued additional resource available to the 210 the inlet 15 kilometres north of Nanaimo. Known locally tracking facility that is a jointly funded by Canada and the Nanoose living nearby. Several of the women expressed an as Snaw’Naw’As (the bay pushing inwards) the Nanoose United States Navy. interest in rediscovering the native berries and plants used reserve sits on 54 hectares of property perched halfway The continued management of the land as a defence in traditional diets and medicines that can be found within up an upland slope overlooking Canadian Forces Maritime property has precluded both the development and logging the territory. Experimental Range (CFMETR). that has occurred elsewhere along the peninsula and within Although the connection is to the past, as Chief Bob There to greet them were 15 Department of National the reserve itself. The unintended consequence is that emphasized to his group that represented several genera- Defence representatives led by Capt(N) Craig Baines, the natural environment within CFMETR boundaries has tions from elders to toddlers, the agreement will most ben- Commander of CFB Esquimalt. Accompanied by his wife, largely been preserved in its original state. efit the children and future generations of Nanoose. three children and other departmental employees who had “Our children will be able to walk the land and experi- travelled from Victoria, Capt(N) Baines had come to renew ence it as their forefathers did,” said Chief Bob. “This agree- the military’s commitment to the Nanoose people in the ment means the Nanoose people will no longer be forced form of a letter of agreement granting them access to the to trespass to in order to come to this place.” twitter.com/Lookout_news natural lands within the test range. After greeting those assembled, Capt(N) Baines expressed www.facebook.com/lookout.newspaper The land associated with CFMETR was expropriated his support for the accord. in 1951 when the Royal Canadian Navy purchased 580 “I am very pleased that we were able to come to arrange- acres for $75,000 from the previous owners, Powder Point ment that made sense both for the navy and the Nanoose Ranch. Security concerns common to all defence establish- people.” Wholesale prices for Canadian Forces members ments led to diminished access of the Nanoose people to Capt(N) Baines went on to emphasise his desire to fos- traditional resources on the property. ter a sense of common community with the test range’s EASY FINANCE - LOW PAYMENTS As casual conversation was replaced by formal address, neighbours. I have all makes vehicles available 4000 to chose from call or email Gordon Anderson Left: Joel Salazar 23 years service listens to Chief David and highly decorated Bob speak while young son Mateo seems less interested in what the 1-888-348-4310 grown-ups have to say. [email protected]
Below: Travis Bob reconnects with the earth as Chief David Bob (back turned), Capt(N) Craig Baines and guests share a sense of community around an open fire.
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All vehicles safety inspected. Free warranty for military personnel. D31034 D30748 colwoodcarmart.com • 1836 Island Hwy • islandautosource.com 4 • LOOKOUT November 21, 2011 ofOPINION WHO WE ARE WHATmatters SAY YOU MANAGING EDITOR Melissa Atkinson 250-363-3372 [email protected] Grandson honours his grandfather STAFF WRITERS Ron Simpson While posted to Shawinigan tion of the buoy. was observed. Items from the sub Ben Green 250-363-3130 Contributor in 1944 he was hospitalized for At approximately a hundred came to the surface, boats were [email protected] two months due to an injury he yards from the buoy, the skip- launched to recover the debris On November 11th, we suffered carrying four-inch gun per ordered two signal lights to and, among other things, person- PRODUCTION shells. He tripped and fell over a pinpoint the buoy. Upon closer al letters and journals from the Francisco Cumayas 250-363-8033 Canadians remembered those who fought and died during bat- wire landing on his chest. While inspection a snorkel came into engine room were found by the [email protected] tles for our country and with our in the naval hospital in Halifax, view. A submarine was hiding crew members of La Hulloise. Shelley Fox 250-363-8033 allies. Shawinigan was deployed alongside the buoy in an attempt It was later determined it was [email protected] Those Canadians who gave the on a mission never to return. to avoid being detected as it not the U775, rather the U-Boat Shawinigan was sunk with all expelled carbon dioxide from its 1302. ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT ultimate sacrifice for our free- hands lost in November 1944. battery. This U-Boat had sunk three Kate King 250-363-3014 dom must always be remem- Simpson lost many of his friends At that moment La Hulloise ships in three days. [email protected] bered. Approximately, 45,000 military Canadians died during and still suffers from survivor fired off star shells to illuminate Thomas Joseph Simpson ACCOUNTS the Second World War, but many guilt to this day. the night sky, and then descend- received the Distinguished Raquel Tirado 250-363-3127 more returned home survivors A year later, Simpson joined ed upon the area of the snorkel. Service Medal from Field [email protected] of the largest military conflict in HMCS La Hulloise. While doing At that point, the submarine Marshal, the Right Honourable sweeping exercises in the Irish captain realized it was being Harold Alexander, the Earl SALES REPRESENTATIVES human history. Sea an incident occurred. Three attacked and started to dive. Alexander of Tunis, for his great Ivan Groth 250-363-3133 The average age of a Canadian Canadian ships were sweeping There was a contact between actions at sea and in battle. [email protected] veteran who served during the Second World War is 88. Fewer for submarines they thought the ship and the sub, which sent Thomas Simpson is a veteran. Joshua Buck 250-363-8602 and fewer of these amazing men were in the vicinity because, the sub to the bottom, where Let us thank him and others like [email protected] are with us as time ticks by. at that time, there were vessels she stayed. him as we continue to remember DISCOUNT INFORMER This is the other side of coming out of England that were The other two vessels, those who did not return. LS Melinda Urquhart 250-363-3422 Remembrance. Honouring those taking troops into Italy. They got Strathadam and Thetford Mines, More information is avail- a message there was a German launched a depth charge attack, able about Thomas Simpson’s EDITORIAL ADVISOR who are still with us and entering the final days of their lives. submarine, U-775, that had tor- the attack continued over some story at www.facebook.com/ Lt(N) Michael McWhinnie 250-363-4006 If you were like me you prob- pedoed the British sea boat [SS] time until an oil slick and debris thomasjospehsimpson.d.s.m Published each Monday, under the authority ably did not know the name Empire Geraint. On the emer- of Capt(N) Craig Baines, Base Commander. Claude Choules until he died gency call frequency a message Le LOOKOUT est publié tous les lundi, sous l’égide du Capt(N) Craig Baines, Commandant earlier this year. He had a great from the damaged ship went out. de la Base. 41-year military career and pub- Canadian Frigates, La Hulloise, lished his first book at the age of HMCS Strathadam and HMCS The editor reserves the right to edit, abridge 108. Yet, he only made the head- Thetford Mines went looking or reject copy or advertising to adhere to lines when died because he was for this submarine. The three policy as outlined in CFA0 57.5. Views and opinions expressed are not necessarily those the last First World War combat ships took up formation with of the Department of National Defence. veteran in the world. Strathadam as the command Le Rédacteur se réserve le droit de modifier, How much time do we have vessel. Now, La Hulloise, which de condenser ou de rejeter les articles, until Canada’s last remaining Thomas Simpson was on, took photographies, ou annonces plublicitaires Second War World veteran makes the port side position with pour adhérer à l’0AFC57.5. Les opinions the headlines with their pass- Thetford Mines on the star- et annonces exprimées dans le journal ne réflètent pas nécéssairement le point de vue ing? How important are Canada’s board. It was approximately 10 du MDN. remaining survivors to you? PM when Simpson was in the For me, my grandfather radar cabin and they were closed Thomas Joseph Simpson is one up, prepared for radar sweeping. veteran who needs our remem- As the sweep continued at brance. This is his amazing story approximately 3 AM, just off St. Circulation - 4,500 of survival: George’s Channel, the Officer 36 In the early days of the war in of the Watch acknowledged that One year subscription - $37. 1939, Thomas Simpson joined Simpson had picked up a radar Six month subscription - $18.84 the Royal Canadian Navy; contact, but it was just a buoy Three month subscription - $12.56 however, he was only in for six sitting out there at the tip of A Division of Personnel Support Programs months as he was released due to land’s end and Simpson was told CFB Esquimalt, PO Box 17000 Stn. Forces, complaints by his Aunt to a local to continue his sweep. Victoria, BC V9A 7N2 Member of Parliament. His Aunt Upon a second sweep, the said that since he was the eldest, Officer of the Watch was E-mail: [email protected] he was needed at home to help informed, again, the radar Web: www.lookoutnewspaper.com take care of his parents (both showed two pips off the port Fax: 250-363-3015 mutes) and family. beam. The Officer of the Watch Canadian Mail Product Sales Agreement 40063331 In 1942, Simpson re-enlisted a responded to Simpson that he second time on his 21st birthday was seeing gremlins. Simpson – Nov. 6, 1942. He spent his time told the Captain of the sec- training on both coasts as a Radar ond contact and that the officer 2011 WINNER Operator before being drafted to ignored it. To which the skipper his first ship, the original HMCS ordered the ship to be brought Shawinigan. around and headed in the direc- AUTHENTIC THAI Friday Lunch Buffet Evedar’s • Lunch Combos • Full Dinner • Bistro & Espresso Wine Bar 20% off Food ★ Pam Grant Food critic 4.5/5 stars 2829 Peatt Road Dine In Take Out ★ Top 10 Times Colonist Favourite Langford, BC Restaurant 2010 1245 Wharf St (250) 391-8636 Foot of Yates & Wharf Celiac Thai dining at its Best! ★ Better Business Torch Award www.evadarsbistro.ca 250-382-8662 friendly Finalist 2011 “Ethics in Business” Open 7 days a week saucevictoria.com 1207A Esquimalt Rd. • 389-1845 • www.zapthai.com November 21, 2011 LOOKOUT • 5 From the AAdmiraldmiral Reach your target audience ADVERTISE in digital format. Great turnout for Remembrance Day Call 250-363-3014 for details. Given the sacrifices made by the men and women paraded at 10 events on Vancouver OOnlinenline women of all Armed Forces and civilians for Island, and the attendance at numerous past and ongoing wars or conflicts, I directed cenotaphs on lower/mid-Vancouver www.lookoutnewspaper.com that Remembrance Day be designated a Island were extremely well attended. class A function (duty) for all Formation Furthermore, there were 117 remembrance military members. I also directed that all week speaking engagements that were filled were to attend a Cenotaph of their choice by an overwhelming number of volunteers, in uniform. which exceeded the number of requests. Civilian members of the team were Lastly, HMCS Algonquin was in Vancouver encouraged to attend a cenotaph of their and equally engaged in Remembrance Day choice. events on the lower mainland. I am extremely pleased with our Bravo Zulu to the MARPAC defence contribution to this very important day team. in that more than 700 service men and RAdm Nigel Greenwood News NNuggetsuggets Cenotaph returning home The Joint Task Force CF mission in Kingston, with kickoff at 3:30 p.m. Afghanistan Cenotaph to Jamaica, has finished. Since There will be more than % Off Military Our Fallen in Afghanistan, Aug. 10, three CH-146 $300 in prizes and gifts. 5 Discount currently at Kandahar Air Griffon helicopters and 65 Admission is free, but you Field (KAF), will soon find CF personnel have been must register with Megan a permanent home at a yet- on the island by request Ilott in advance (250-363- to-be-identified location in from the Government of 2689). our Nation’s Capital. Jamaica for military avia- Also on Nov. 27, the The cenotaph was tion and search and rescue deconstructed Nov. 12 (SAR) support. Chief and Petty Officers’ and will be transported to, As of mid-November, Mess and the Pacific Fleet and stored in, the National Task Force Jamaica sup- Club will commence their Capital Region until an ported the operation with Chili Cook Off at noon. appropriate location is 29 SAR missions, casu- Contact Lilli Smith (lilli. identified. alty and medical evacua- [email protected]) to tous les services sont également The cenotaph was erect- tion missions assisting 31 enter the competition and disponibles en français ed in 2006 at KAF and Jamaicans, and over 445 for more details. has 189 plaques honouring hours of SAR training Food will be available Canadian Forces members, resulting in qualifications for $5 at the Pacific Fleet civilians, and U.S. mili- for 17 pilots and flight Club for the football game tary personnel who were engineers. as well as a number of door killed while serving under All CF personnel are prizes for those who stay Canadian command. scheduled to be home by One plaque has yet to end of the month. and watch the game. be added for MCpl Byron Football party Contact MS Gord Greff who was killed at the On Nov. 27, the McKiver (Gordon.mck- end of last month. Wardroom will be hosting [email protected]) for any Mission complete their Grey Cup party. The further details about the Operation Jaguar, the bar will open at 3 p.m. day’s events. 6 • LOOKOUT November 21, 2011 find us online www.lookoutnewspaper.com Sharing the lane: beware bikes and cars Ben Green says. “To give an example, if you see city-wide cycling safety courses such Staff Writer traffic lining up at an intersection you as Bike to Work Victoria are great should line up with traffic, not along- resources in teaching riders of all expe- At CFB Esquimalt, hundreds of side it; unless there is a bike lane.” rience levels the fundamental rules of military and civilian personnel peddle While there are many guidelines the road. their way to the base from surrounding cyclists can adhere to for a safer ride, Anyone looking for an in-depth communities, often having to compete Marr says drivers have to be just as review of cycling safety can visit www. with personal vehicles, base vehicles, vigilant. bikesense.bc.ca. For more information construction vehicles, machinery, and “I suggest that drivers keep an eye on the GVCC visit www.gvcc.bc.ca. city transit that frequent the surround- out for us, particularly when parking ing roads. along a bike lane,” he says. “Before As colder conditions chase even you open your car door, please look more people to the confines of a in your side view mirror before you warm morning drive, Darren Marr, open it as a cyclist may be passing by. president of the Greater Victoria I would also emphasize looking out 10% off Cycling Coalition (GVCC), says fol- for us when making turns; specifically lowing simple rules and practicing a passing us on the left then suddenly little common courtesy can reduce making a right turn. Not only is that any Truck the number of cyclist-driver accidents dangerous, but inconsiderate.” during the winter months. Julie Eustace, from Formation Safety Rate “I would advise that cyclists be con- and Environment, says while there are spicuous while riding on the road,” he only a handful of reported accidents says. “That is, make yourself visible involving cyclists around the base each Call 250-953-5300 and let drivers know where you are at year, many more close-calls and colli- www.budgetvictoria.com all times. This means use arm signals sions go unreported. when you are turning, changing lanes, Despite the inevitability of some or stopping; take the lane if the lane incidences occurring, keeping a cool is too narrow; follow all traffic rules head is a must when looking to de- such as respecting stop and yield escalate the situation. Marr says in the Complete Dental signs; and not ride too close to the heat of the moment it can be difficult Dr. Ngan Huynh curb or sidewalk.” for saner heads to prevail, but a resolu- Marr says the use of lights and reflec- tion is often impossible otherwise. tors at night, as well as wearing a hel- “If the event is a driver/cyclist colli- General and Cosmetic Dentistry met at all times, is not only common sion, there are legal procedures to fol- Friendly staff & relaxed atmosphere sense but required under the law. He low similar to a driver-on-driver one,” Emergency treatment available says predictability in cycling is a must he says. “These are best done when the New patients welcome so motorists aren’t trying to guess the parties involved are not involved in a actions of someone in their lane. heated discussion themselves.” Mon-Fri 8am-4pm “I always suggest that if you can’t Despite the risks that can sometimes Veneers by Dr. Huynh 250-384-5052 / 1230 Esquimalt Road do it in a car, don’t do it on a bike,” he accompany urban cycling, Marr adds JOSEPH KING, MD
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Eleven uniquely painted military helmets were on display at CFB Halifax during the morning of Nov. 4 in Juno Tower. These helmets were painted into distinc- tive works of art as part of a province-wide tour named the Art for Heroes Helmet Tour. The helmets were auc- tioned at the Atlantic Maple Leaf Gala hosted by the True Patriot Love Foundation. Benjamin J DeLong, Trident Staff
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Military Grievances Veterans Pensions Personal Injury Summary Trials Courts Martial Appeals Criminal Law Call 250.478.1731 Serving du Leigh Gagnon Practicing Family and Real Estate Law for military Ben Green farmer] back to safety. To this day I can’t members for 20 years. Staff Writer stand the smell of barbeque.” Call 250.381.2151 Back in 1978, Cpl (ret’d) Barr was It was in Cyprus, 1980. deployed to the island for six months with 1 Cpl (ret’d) Chris Barr, part of the United Princess Patricia’s Canadian Light Infantry, [email protected] www.DinningHunter.com Nations Peacekeeping Force, was deployed the Canadian contingent of U.N. forces in to investigate an explosion in a farmer’s field. the country. Stationed at Camp Maple Leaf When he arrived the tractor was in pieces; inside the U.N. Protected Zone, which was its occupant alive, but not fairing much situated around the airport on the outskirts better. of the capital Nicosia, it was their job to Despite residents in the region being cau- man observation posts at certain check- tioned that much of their land was mined, points within their allotted district. some chose not to heed the warnings. The “[Camp Maple Leaf] was an old Finnish often subdued conflict zone on the tiny camp, full of stone buildings, not a heck of Mediterranean island had just become very a lot of grass,” says Cpl (ret’d) Barr. “It was real for the young soldier. predominantly dry, dusty, and hot.” “Your training takes over,” says Cpl (ret’d) The conflict in Cyprus had been waging Barr, now retired and working in the grav- long before he arrived. With Greece and ing dock across the harbour. “You think Turkey both claiming ownership, the U.N. about it later, but at the time you trust your had been manning the island with peace- training.” keepers for years. A “green line” basically Accompanied by his captain and an split the island in two and was patrolled by Australian Vietnam War vet who was polic- international forces at all times. ing the area, Cpl (ret’d) Barr was ordered However, besides the occasional mine to venture into the field to retrieve the detonating or an isolated skirmish breaking casualty. Seconds before wandering out, he out, Cpl (ret’d) Barr says his first foreign received some potentially lifesaving advice. tour was fairly calm. “[The Australian said] just walk up the “It was boredom, heat, and flies,” he says tracks of the vehicle, don’t stray either smiling. “It was like 96 per cent boredom, side,” he recalls. four per cent excitement.” It’s been 33 years since that mine went After his tour ended, Cpl (ret’d) Barr off, but the stench of burned flesh still lin- returned to Canada and re-mustered to gers in his consciousness. Lord Strathcona’s Horse (Royal Canadians) “We went up there and brought him [the as a crewman. Coincidentally, a year after WESTSHORE WESTSHORE U-LOCKU-LOCK MINIMINI STORAGESTORAGE
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