Dear Fellow Guardsmen

Summer 2007

FIRST WORDS

This newsletter was to contain a review of the ideas received from you, gentle readers, on the topic of the 50th anniversary of the first Guard Mount, in June or July, 2009. But, alas, ‘tis not to be! As we used to say on wireless exercises, "nothing heard, out".

Your Executive met in mid-July and agreed to a general "plan" which is considered reasonable and "do-able". In conjunction with the Ceremonial Guard, there will be a ‘ceremony’ on Parliament Hill followed by a reception, probably at Cartier Square. This bare-bones concept will be fleshed out in the ensuing two years. Al Johnston, the Association Secretary, will act as liaison with the Ceremonial Guard.

Just a word - whatever happens, it is not likely to take place on 1 July! ( Indeed the very first Guard Mount was prior to 1 July, 1959.) This city, especially Parliament Hill, goes bananas with all kinds of events that day and our small affair would get lost in the general melee.

IN MEMORIAM

Our sincerest condolences and sympathy goes out to all the family, friends and comrades of the following Regimental Family members of whose passing we have been notified.

Don Bagnal, Bill Marshall, Lorraine Wendel McGlashing, Margaret "Maggie" Mulherin (widow of William Mulherin).

" O Lord give me strength that the whole world look to me with the eyes of a friend. Let us ever examine each other with the eyes of a friend" (Yayurveda)

2007 ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING

The Annual General Meeting (AGM) will be held in Ottawa at 1000 hrs on Saturday, 13 October on the second floor of the Fox and Feather pub. The pub is located at the corner of Elgin and MacLaren street, one block (South) from the Army Mess. Coffee will be provided for the meeting. The pub will be open for lunch and refreshments following the meeting.

Al Johnston, Secretary - Treasurer.

CORRESPONDENTS/ CORRESPONDENCE

Joe Pelisek: (Joe is a member of our Association and is also our contact in the GGFG Association.)

From a message from the Canadian Grenadier Guards Association, Joe has advised us that the Grenadier Guards, as of 2008, will no longer be part of The Ceremonial Guard on Parliament Hill.

Apparently there will be a new unit raised, made up of Regular and Reserve personnel from all across the country (including the GGFG in Ottawa) which will undertake Ceremonial duties in the summer. It is suggested that the Grenadier Guards may be part of the "Garde en Rouge" ceremonial unit at the Citadel in Quebec city.

(Further information will likely be forthcoming in public media. )

Steve Brodsky and Elysium publishing have announced the publication of " The Lame King", book 1 of the "Faust Legacy Quartet". Steve has previously published "Gentlemen of the Blade" and "God’s Dodger", along with many articles and short stories. "The Lame King" begins the story of Reinhardt Faustenach, a German officer in WWII, who steals an identity to escape punishment for war crimes. Faustenach comes to Canada to ‘hide out’, using the stolen identity to start a new life. The book, and the following three, can be ordered on-line at amazon.com, barnesandnoble.com and chapters indigo.ca, or at your local bookstore. (We congratulate Steve on this major achievement.)

Carl Apap writes from Malta (after a long silence) that he was recently a surprise guest at a ‘get together’ of a number of soldiers with whom he had served in the King’s Own Malta Regiment many years ago. The evening featured an excellent meal which was followed by videos of two recent Trooping the Colour ceremonies. One of these was carried out by the Royal Marines, which reminded Carl that he had undertaken training with the Marines in Malta at age 18 - he still has the khaki ‘wings’ presented to him when he completed the course.

(Carl - we enjoy reading and sharing your always interesting letters. )

Ernie Martin writes from Guatamala that he’s alive and well and enjoying life, especially the exchange rate - it’s verrry good! (Good to hear from you old pal. )

Rev. Frank Patrick ( Padre with 2nd Bn. 64-66) recently e-mailed us about his connection to Bill and Margaret Marshall, whom he met at the last Guards reunion. The Marshalls live in Lindsay, just down the road from Frank in Peterborough. Frank was asked to provide Pastoral care during Bill’s last days.

( Bill has since passed away - see "In Memoriam"). Frank is still involved with the family, along with his duties as Chaplain to several Veteran’s groups in the Peterborough area. Margaret - your request to let people know about Bill’s condition was respected and actioned. Regrettably, he had such a short time left. )

REPORTS

Petawawa Branch submitted by Henry Campbell.

A cheery hello to all members! We hope you had a great summer and are prepared for another busy Fall and Winter season. As usual, we lost a few more members however we made contact with several former members ( whose membership had lapsed) and some people came forward to take first-time memberships&ldots;..so slowly we keep the membership alive. Our Branch here in Petawawa has over 80 active members taking part in activities from time to time.

( You may pay your Association dues ($10), by mail if you wish to the National in Ottawa and your Branch dues ($5), at our Fall meeting and dinner. I will be looking for your renewals.)

I have heard from two former serving members from the past. Former Gdsm H.I. Manner who contacted me, and former 1st Bn Kim Nash. Ambrose and I met the former at the Museum on Aug 28th. So you see, word is getting out in the world. Still searching for a few lost souls - Corey Walraven, Reg Newhook, Lionel Rowe, Ian Stark and Newan McDonald. If anyone out there can contact any of them, please advise me or JAS Haley.

That’s all folks and best of luck to the Atlantic Branch on their Reunion in October. I hope to make it, not certain as yet, but I hope to see you all there.

And, from Branch President:

Just a few words to let the membership know that we are planning to have a meeting in the very near future. All the members will be contated and we hope that since summer is almost over, most of the members will be eager to give us their input. We want to plan our annual dinner and election of officers for the coming term. We wish the Atlantic Branch Reunion in Oromocto the best ever.

Sorry my wife and I will be unable to attend due to prior commitments. My best to everyone. Ambrose Dwyer.

"There is an old Canadian proverb which says a fool and his heritage are soon parted." (From "This is on the House" by Judith Robinson.)

Band Report

Our featured Bandsman is Bill Richards. Beginning with the Royal Canadian Air Cadet Band in his home town of Halifax, Bill pursued a military career by enlisting in the RCAF in 1955. Posted to Greenwood, he soon found his way to the volunteer band room. Seven years later, following tutoring by his mentor, Wilf Harvey, (Middleton N.S. high school music teacher and director of the West Novas’ Regimental Band) he performed a successful trade test for Capt Ken Elloway of the RCA Band in Halifax. He achieved the Corporal level and succeeded in getting an inter-service transfer to the Canadian Guards Regimental Band in Petawawa in 1962.

While serving in that band from 62-66, Bill met many colourful personalities; Dwight Tozer, Winston Wuttenee, Dave Lockwood and Andy Frechette, to name a few. Outstanding in Bill’s memory are the many occasions when the "Flyer" buses would break down in the wilds of Algonquin Park, always in winter and deep in the snowiest regions of the Park, where they would wait for the recovery vehicle, patiently shivering.

Public duties on Parliament Hill brought about some ‘entertaining’ moments.

One of his most humorous recollections was an incident when the reviewing Major came marching from behind the bleachers to assume command of The Regiment and it was noticed by a spectator that his bearskin was on backwards. A rapid ‘about turn’ was effected to correct his "gear" and thus he proceeded on to his intended mission. (hardly noticed!)

 Dave Lockwood was notorious for not having the stamina to endure the "heat from hell". He would gently slide his French Horn down his left or right leg to the grass, (whichever was the most convenient at the time) and slither to the ground on the opposite side in a graceful manner so as not to damage his precious horn.

Another memory occurred during a public performance of Sunset Ceremony/mini Tattoo. Andy Frechette, while slow marching, hit rough terrain and ‘flipped’ his bearskin to the ground. While attempting to recover it he kicked it! Panic - to say the least!

Following his four years in the Guards Band, Bill was transferred to the RCA Band in Halifax and subsequently he was absorbed into the Stadacona Band on integration in 1968. Having worn the uniforms of all three services he says he is proud to have served his beloved country.

After 30 years’ service, Bill is settled snugly in Windsor, NS, where he lives comfortably with Anna, his wife of 15 years.

Bob Bertuzzi Band Correspondent

Thanks to all our correspondents for your contributions to the newsletter.

Keep it coming!

A reminder to all&ldots;. Support our Troops&ldots;wear RED on FRIDAY!

No criticism intended, but in lieu of receipt of an updated report from the Atlantic Branch, I have taken the liberty of reprinting the one from the previous newsletter. Ed.

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.

Museum Report: ( as of 10 Aug 07 )

The wheels of progress grind slowly, but, at long last, we now have a great group of volunteers who have made considerable improvements to the Museum - with more to come! Our Petawawa team; Howard Clark, Al Hennessey, Lawrence Herlihy and Norman McBride, have repainted some of the walls, rebuilt several display cases and generally made the Collection space look more pleasing. Andre Petelle has translated the artifact labels and, as soon as the Base Museum gets its new labeling machine, we will start installing the long overdue labels on all of our artifacts. Gerry Wharton.

Addendum: The Museum Committee has been working hard to make the Guards Collection in the Petawawa Military Museum as good as it can be. There are, however, other places wherein some of our artifacts are maintained. Principally, The Colours of the 1st and 2nd battalions, the Company Colours (one through twelve) and the Colours of the Colonel of the Regiment and the Lieutenant - Colonel are mounted at Government House. (See below.) Many thanks to Duncan Mousseau and his staff , who are responsible for the display of all artifacts and art work at Rideau Hall.

The Regiment of Canadian Guards Artifacts at Rideau Hall

The Battalion and Company Colours are displayed as follows: The wall-mounted Colours are, left, 1st Battalion and right, 2nd Battalion. The Company Colours are floor mounted on pikes in numerical order from the left. They are flanked by, left, the Colour of the Colonel-of-the-Regiment and right, the Lieutenant-Colonel.

The following is an excerpt from the Korea Vets News, written by John Bishop.

" An unveiling Ceremony will take place on the lower mainland at 1:00 pm on Saturday 14 July, 2007, that may well be a first in Canadian history. Korean immigrants, now Canadian citizens, have not only raised almost one million dollars, (but) they have built a most impressive memorial.

This initiative by the 60,000 - strong Korean-Canadian Community, based in the area of the city of Burnaby, will specifically recognize the 36 servicemen from British Columbia who made the supreme sacrifice during the Korean War (1950-53) and during the Peacekeeping period (1953-56).

Their names will be engraved on the Central Park memorial ( corner of Boundary Road and Kingsway Road) including rank, surname, given names, decorations and unit. Total Canadian casualties were 516 killed, 1558 wounded and countless others (who) suffer from post- traumatic- stress syndrome. Approximately 100 servicemen from British Columbia were wounded during the Korean War.

Korea remains as Canada’s third bloodiest war, after WWI and WWII and just ahead of the South African War - the last "Colonial" war more than a century ago.

Canadian Forces men and women are again putting their lives in harm’s way at this very moment in Afghanistan.

The Korean War is often called "the forgotten war", but it is worthy of a thought or two by fellow Canadians.

In the Korean War, Canadians assaulted a mountain 1,267 meters high, the height you now ski and snowboard on Mount Washington on Vancouver Island.

It was 30 March 1951, the snow was deep, it was freezing cold and the "welcome wagon" wasn’t there to greet us when we arrived at the top. We commenced our upward challenge about sea-level. It took us two days and one night, almost non-stop, to climb, fight and capture the mountain. Fortunately resistance was relatively light. I weighed about 155 lbs in those days and carried about 55 lbs of equipment including a rifle, ammunition, grenades, rations and an old WWII army blanket.

On behalf of all servicemen who served in Korea, we are humbled and honoured."

The Park and Monument

LAST WORDS

As summer winds down and I settle into my new home on the shores of Lake Ontario, I can’t help but reminisce about times past. My mind goes back 35 years or so when I was a member of the 1st Bn in Picton, 35 minutes down the road on HWY 33. It was young battalion and we were young and bold, we thought. We knew that we were good as we were the reigning CFE Skill-at-Arms and Track & Field champions, BAOR winners in Tug-of-War and Basketball and we had just won the NATO Prix LeClerc small arms competition. We could do anything, having just completed three years as Canada’s "Best Battalion" in NATO!

My Regimental musings took me through a tour at the RCS of I in Borden, a year at Staff College, and another Regimental tour with 9 Coy of 2nd Battalion. This time it was Public Duties - now morphed into the Ceremonial Guard. More important and exciting was the battalion’s tasking as the ACE Mobile Force. Then came a dismal period; being relegated to the Supplementary Order of Battle, the "October Crisis" and the eventual disbursement of many of our traditions and talent to the RCR and other Regiments.

I could not help but reflect on how our cadre of NCOs had such an impact on both the Royals and the Patricias. I remember, as Chairman of the RCR Senate, commenting at one stage in the 80s how all of the RSMs were out of the Guards, (with others waiting in the wings). Although my knowledge of the PPCLI situation is only anecdotal, it struck me that they had a similar glut of talent.

A few weeks ago I saw a car with the plate "RSM VP". A quick check found that my new neighbour, a ‘gentleman farmer’, was none other than Cpl Mike Downey, of 1 Platoon, 1 Coy , some 45 years ago. ( He was RSM of 2 PPCLI in the 80’s.)

On a more profound note, we are approaching the next AGM and the discussion on "The Way Ahead". I wonder about our aging members and the services they are entitled to from VAC - and indeed from the Association. I am, of course, referring to the "Guards Help Program" and ask myself the question, " Are we doing all that we can and should be doing on behalf of our members?" To remind you, the Program was set up as a reference service to ensure that those of us who had problems and/or complaints would know where to go to register them and, hopefully, find a solution. I have discussed the issues with some of you and have received significant input from Chris Beattie. She is, to say the least, a most active advocate for veteran’s and women’s rights in the country. Once more I ask for your advice; do we have the problem properly identified?, is our approach as a reference organization correct?, do you have the information you need? Let us know.

Where do we go from here? Is the 50th Anniversary or the 50th Guard Mount to be our last hurrah? There is a feeling that we have had our last National get together and henceforth we should restrict ourselves to regional activities.

  What say you? Comments? Ideas? Volunteers!

Ian Douglas

A Mari Usque ad Mare