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FIRST WORDS

The front page of this newsletter is a remembrance of our Colonel, Roger Rowley. The quote, "A Lion in the field and a Gentleman in quarters" is, in his case, entirely apropos, although most of us only knew the "Gentleman ". The information in his death notice could not do justice to his whole story. I have, therefore, taken the liberty of amalgamating two more detailed obituaries (Globe and Mail- 7 Mar 07 and UK Daily Telegraph -10 Mar 07) which provide ample proof of General Rowley's 'lion-like' prowess.

We should all be very thankful that his appointment as Colonel of the Regiment of Canadian Guards came when about when we most needed those qualities. Until the very end of his life, he provided us with a superb example to follow, both as soldiers and human beings.

"Major- General Roger Rowley .... was a dashing Canadian Soldier awarded an immediate DSO for his role in liberating Boulogne during September 1944, and an immediate Bar for the capture of Breskens on the Scheldt estuary in October. He left Canada in 1939 as a Lieutenant in the Cameron Highlanders of Ottawa (MG) and in May 1940 went to protect Iceland from being occupied by the Germans. The unit returned to England in 1941. By September 1944, he was a Lieutenant - Colonel and Commanding Officer of the Stormont, Dundas and Glengarry Highlanders (The Glens).

On the 17^th of September, he was ordered to capture the chateau, 'La Cocherie', and the walled and moated citadel in the heart of Boulogne. The official history described its capture as " worthy of a Dumas romance" as it was taken with the help of a French civilian who pointed out a secret tunnel into the citadel.

" .... Rowley led his battalion with such great speed and daring so close upon the heavy bombing of La Cocherie that 200 Germans were captured and destroyed before they had recovered from the bombing. This enabled the remainder of the operation to continue quickly. ..... The next day, under heavy enemy artillery and machine-gun fire, he directed his battalion in the assault on the citadel ..... Churchill tanks were raking the ramparts with machine-gun fire, and engineers were blowing the portcullis, as a Glengarry platoon ( thanks to the aforesaid French civilian) emerged at the heart of the besieged fort to deliver the 'coup-de- grace' to the defenders' morale. A host of white flags appeared on the walls and a further 200 prisoners were taken .....Later on the Glens captured 30 Fez-wearing Senegalese in  a suburb...swarmed up a hill with bayonets and hand grenades to take another 180 prisoners. The next day 'the energetic Rowley arrived with two officers and when the three swung a captured 88 mm gun around to fire on a larger hill, they knocked out an enemy 88 with their third shot." (The response was hot and heavy, forcing them to leave their prize and take cover.)

The Citation read, in part, "This officer's leadership, dash, bravery and unlimited energy in this battle were an inspiration to his officers and men ....and his action was one of the principle factors in the capture of Boulogne..."

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"Five weeks later, he was awarded a bar to his DSO for capturing the German garrison at the Dutch port of Breskens as part of the 'Battle of the Scheldt'. It was surrounded by barbed wire, minefields and a 20 -foot wide anti-tank ditch filled with 12 feet of water. Shortly before the operation was to begin, a squadron of specialized armour, which ,was to support the action, was decimated by an explosion while refueling, leaving the only survivors deaf and blind. In addition, the proposed support bombing attack was canceled due to bad weather, and the operation was postponed for 24 hours. LCol Rowley sat down to dinner with his brother John ( later killed in action), who was CO of the North Shore Regiment. Less than two hours later, Rowley received a signal, said to be initiated by Churchill himself, stating that there could be no delay. Within 12 hours he devised a new plan.

While the attention of the enemy was concentrated on acorn pany of The Glens advancing up the main road to the port, another company was racing in single file along the sea wall. It was so exposed (Rowley claimed afterwards) that it never occurred to the Germans that anyone could be stupid enough to approach that way. By noon, they held the harbour and 12 hours later they had opened a route for tanks, leaving the enemy cut off from any hope of aid.

The citation for this DSO, signed by General Montgomery, declared that, despite the shortage of time, " Lt-Col Rowley planned and ordered the new attack with such brilliance and led it with such determination that the garrison was quickly overcome and Breskens was captured."

This then, was indeed our, "Lion in the field".

The other side of the man, is amply demonstrated by the following excerpts:

" Roger Rowley loved the outdoors, even in the city. He was head of a committee that made a list of all the trees in his neighbourhood and stocked lakes and streams with native species of fish. He was a keen fisherman all his life and fished all the great salmon rivers of Eastern Canada: the Mirimachi, the Cascapedia and the Restigouche, as well as fishing sites in Labrador. He was a director of the Atlantic Salmon Federation and had a wet fly named after him called, "Roger's Fancy". He was golfer of note and a fierce downhill skier all his life, giving it up only at the age of 85."

At his funeral his son Roger said, " He had a wonderful sense of humour, but perhaps most important, he had a tremendous amount of dignity. One thing that I had never fully appreciated about him, but what came through very clearly from the soldiers who attended his funeral and who had served with him, was their appreciation for the respect he had for each and every one of his men. I had no idea he knew the name of every soldier in his command and most of their wives names."

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And for now, from Ian Inrig, this final tribute:

How do you say goodbye to an old friend like Roger Rowley?

Yes I know that he was the Colonel of the Regiment, and yes, I know, he was a Major-General, but he was, nonetheless, an old friend. He was an old friend to all who served in the Regiment, and we were made to feel as such in his presence. He was as much a friend to the Guardsman as he was to the NCOs; as much to the Warrant Officers as he was to the officers.

At every gathering of members of the Regimental Family, be it AGMs, organized Reunions or casual affairs at which Roger was present, he clearly demonstrated that friendship. He demonstrated it in his demeanor, his solicitous manner, his interest in you, his remembering your name and your wife's name. He cared not what rank you wore or what you had achieved, he cared about who you were. And that came out in every conversation he had with you. In my mind, he was first and foremost a 'gentleman' and a gentle man.

So, to say good bye to Roger, you don't; you can't. The French have an expression which is appropriate here - "Au Revoir" -literally, "Until we see you again".

And we will. When we all get to that final Great Parade Square in the sky, Roger Rowley will be there, along with our Regimental buddies, to greet us. And when we parade by - and we will - Roger will mount the reviewing stand, as our Colonel of the Regiment, with Strome at his side, and take our salute.

Au Revoir Roger, au revoir!

IN MEMORIAM

On behalf of the entire Regimental Family, we send our sympathies and condolences to the families, friends and comrades of the following 'Family' members who have passed away since our last newsletter.

Charles Arthur Bates, Terry Bignall, RCAPC (d.o2), Douglas William Bouchie, Bruce R. George, J. Yves Gosselin, Bryce Robertson MacDonald, Archie Cameron McDonell (d.o6), Padre Gordon Mercer, David Pryde (son of John and Elizabeth), John Jack Delbert Read, James Burton Rhyndress, Roger Rowley, Veronica 'Vera" Smith ( widow of Dennis), George John Stevenson (d.o6) and William 'Bill' Wile.

" ..... lighten our darkness, we beseech thee 0 Lord" (BCP)

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CORRESPONDENCE

Many thanks to the following:

Doreen Anderson writes from L'ne Bizard, QC, that her father, Lorry McGlashing, is now a resident at the Caressant Care Retirement Home in Cobden, Ontario. She has asked that anyone wishing to contact him should do it through her. Her address is: 73 Ave Des Cedres, L'ne Bizard, QC, H9C 2G5.

Belated "Happy 80th Birthday!" to Ernie Fenton of Edmonton. We are advised that the Fentons spend winter in the warmer climes and summers traveling, while Ernie " still walks like a Guardsman". Congratulations to you both.

Speaking of birthdays, Charlie Adams, Director of Music for the Guards Band for many years, hits the milestone 90th birthday this year. Many Happy returns to you Charlie we hope you can take the 90 'bumps' and still have enough strength to blowout all those candles.

Gail Bignell wrote to tell us of the death of her husband Terry Bignell (RCAPC), who was with the Guards in Picton from 1962 to 1968. She has fond memories of those days. She lives in Tottenham, Ontario, and still meets people whom she met while in Picton. Terry was one of the first 400 members of the Association and now Gail is back on our mailing list. Welcome Gail!

Once again a hearty "back at ya" to "Jolly" Jack Jenkins in far off Denmark whose annual Christmas card arrived safe and sound in December. Your sentiments regarding the Association are welcome and your 'best wishes' have been broadcast.

We appreciate the interest shown by all members of the Regimental Family, whether you get your information in hard copy or electronically. We are trying to maintain contact with as many members of the Family as we can, but it is often difficult to ascertain current addresses, status and needs.

The GUARDS HELP PROGRAMME is designed to assist members in contacting the right agencies, for example RCL or V AC, to assist in problem solving. As it has neither facility nor stqffto help find people in need, it is up to you, members of The Guards Family.

We ask you to seek out those in your area who may have "fallen through the cracks". If you know of people in this category, try making contact with them or their family. You may be of great help - if only to let them know that they have not been forgotten and that their 'Family' is here for them, if they need it.

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REPORTS

Atlantic Branch: This year's Reunion and 54th Birthday celebrations will take place at the RCL Branch 93 in Oromocto, N. B. It will run Friday to Sunday, October 12th, 13th & 14th. All the usual suspects will be in attendance and dress is relaxed ( but no jeans please!).

The cost this year is $25 per person (member or guest). There will be a lottery, tickets for two draws ( Queen size quilt and a quilt rack) and two 50/50 draws -all designed to help defray the costs. Registration, (cheque or money order), should be made payable to "Canadian Guards NB Chapter".

On Friday, the informal "early bird" registration and get together start at 1900 in the lower lounge. Saturday's festivities start at 1000 for registration. The AGM follows at 1400 with cocktails at 1800 before being piped in to dinner at 1900. Dancing is due to start about 2100 to the music of Perry White from Sussex N .B. Sunday there will be breakfast available from 0800 and the kit shop will be open.

The Day's Inn in Oromocto has a block of rooms booked under 'The Canadian Guards' for a special rate of $83 (plus tax) per night. Telephone 1-800-329-7466.

There are 4 other motels in the area. There are also a limited number of single quarters on base which must be booked well in advance.

We look forward to seeing you in October! Terry Dexter.

Petawawa-PembrokeBranch: On behalf of the Petawawa-Pembroke Guards Association, I want to wish everyone the very best summer ever. Nothing has been planned yet but we are holding a meeting soon. (It would be helpful if we get a good attendance and so have some input from the membership.)

To all our hospital and housebound members we hope you will be better soon and able to enjoy the good weather coming our way.

We send our sympathies to the family of our Colonel- General Roger Rowley. To all our members on the East Coast we wish you well in all your endeavors. We will be in contact with everyone after our meeting. Best of all to everyone and have a good summer. Ambrose Dwyer.

Our membership here in good old Petawawa is still doing well. We have had a steady 'current' membership of 45 for the past two years and 93 renewals since 2000. I would like to see that total increase over the next year. So if you are not sure what your current status is, give us a call or send an e-mail, and we will check the membership records for you. The Atlantic Branch 'Reunion' is slated for Oromocto in October 12, 13, and 14, and we hope to see a good turnout from the Petawawa Branch including some from the Picton area. Have a safe and happy summer. Henry Campbell.

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As a former Secretary- Treasurer of the Association, I sympathize with Henry. But I have no sympathy for those who "'forget" to pay their dues! You are free-loading on the e-mail net, the website, the newsletter and the Association. It's time for you to take on your share and pay your annual ($10) or Life ($100) dues.

 ( JDB)

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MUSEUM

The Museum Chair, Gerry Wharton, reports that all 'snow-birds' appear to have returned (including himself) ,and work on the Guards Collection will begin in May. There are some repairs required to a number of display cases and perhaps some freshening of items therein.

Norman McBride and Lawrence Herlihy will be among those from Petawawa/Pembroke to attend a meeting on 10 May to address these issues and form a plan of action. The Collection is pretty well funded and it is thought that some of the "heavy lifting" may be contracted out. The visitor's brochure, outlining the collection, has been produced and, will be available to guests this season. It was designed to be a keepsake and reminder.

For many years, The Regimental Colours of the 1st and 2nd Battalions have been on display at Government House along with the Company Colours of both Battalions. Last year, Government House underwent a huge renovation and the Colours were put away for protection. The Colours will now be back on display together. The Regimental Colours will be wall-mounted above the floor-standing Company Colours. The President has been assured that this will be a permanent solution. The Colours are located in an alcove off the main ballroom where they will be seen by everyone entering or leaving the room.

Anne Lindsay, the Base Museum curator, has asked if anyone can supply the museum with action shots of many types of military vehicles, such as:

M211- dump truck, M133 - kitchen truck, M543 - recovery vehicle, M3BAI - Jeep, Dodge D60L - truck, M43 - field amb, M29 - Weasel or M4A3EB - Sherman.

The pictures can be in colour or B&W and you can send them to her via electronic means: Lindsay.A@forces.gc.ca, or mail to CFB Petawawa at Petawawa, ON.

FIRST FULL DRESS GUARD MOUNT - 50TH ANNIVERSARY

For a year now, we have been receiving suggestions that the Association should mark the 50th Anniversary -1 July 2009 - of the First full-dress Guard Mount on Parliament Hill with some kind of special ceremony. At a recent Board meeting it was advised that the current Ceremonial Guard is looking at just such an event, but it has not made any serious plans as yet. We will continue to monitor their situation.

In order to carry out any such activity, we must begin to plan for it this summer. We have a fairly detailed suggestion from Steve Brodsky and Andy Maxwell, both of whom participated in the inaugural Guard Mount. We need your input as to form, timings and events -

No later than 1 July 2007!

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My apologies to Bob Bertuzzi. I was unable to prepare his profile of Bandsman Bill Richards for this issue. It will be published next time. Mea culpa

LAST WORDS

I do not intend to elaborate on the death of our Colonel, Roger Rowley. The information which you have already seen is sufficient. But I would like to tell you how your Association contributed to the superb send-off accorded him.

Several years ago, in conjunction with Roger's family, Gerry Wharton prepared a type of "Warning Order" which detailed names, addresses and duties of those who might be required to participate in Roger's eventual funeral. This document was updated, as required, and was the basis for the Regiment's role in the proceedings. As fate would have it, most of those who had been involved with the preparations had migrated South for the Winter, and it fell to Bill MacIver, one of the few Guardsmen remaining in Ottawa, to put the plan into action.

Bill, in his determined but low key and sensitive manner, liaised with the family and the other units' representatives to fashion what Roger Rowley (junior) described as " a great tribute to his father". Bill arranged for the Colonel's two Regimental "batmen", John Clarke and Percy Price, to be pallbearers and both of them were immensely proud to perform that duty. Mrs. Barbara Rowley, who knew both John and Percy very well, suggested that this tying together of "the Colonel" with his two closest Guardsmen made a strong statement about the strength and feeling of the Regimental Family. JAS Haley and Howie Pierce, carrying the Colonel's Colour and Medals respectively, also illustrated the close relationship of all ranks of the Regimental Family. A sincere "thank you and well done!" to all.

We held a Board meeting recently and discussed many of the activities around which our family gravitates. I will report later on the work Merv Olinik and the other members of the "Guards Help" programme are doing to improve the plan. The question is - "How best can we inform our members about the assistance available to them in those various agencies which have a mandate to provide assistance?"

I direct your attention to the item, on the previous page, regarding the 50th anniversary of the first Guard Mount on Parliament Hill. As a 21-year old Ensign who carried the Colour on that grand day, I remember the events only too well, and wonder "what should we do?" Your thoughts by 1 July, please.

Time goes by and none of us gets any younger - except in spirit - but the Association keeps growing in numbers! We are still over the 600 mark and I am as proud as ever to proclaim myself very much a Guardsman. I hope this newsletter finds you in good health and spirits and have a great summer!