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CORRESPONDENCE
Our thanks to the following
Carl Apap, Malta. Glad to see you’re keeping in touch and
still going strong.
We hope that Ian’s response has answered your questions.
Judy Charlton, Calgary. Congratulations to Bob and Christie
Charlton on their 50th Wedding Anniversary which they celebrated
on 24 June this year.
Ernie Fenton, Edmonton. Thanks for sharing your memories of
coaching the (winning) LMG -C2 squad of the Prix LeClerc team of
1962. Those were heady days for all of us in 1st Battalion.
Steve Brodsky, Sydney B.C. Many thanks for your kind words
regarding "Guards 2009" celebration and for the pics of Gerry
Grimshaw, (Langley, B.C.). Thanks also for the pictures supplied
to Museum Chair Gerry Wharton.
"Sam" Magee, Oshawa. The Guards Depot was certainly
an entertaining place with "Mr. Wetherall" around. But he
could certainly back up the blarney when he got in the ring! (
"The Rules of Golf" (circa 1942) story is in the newsletter
file for publishing at a later date.)
Gary Mancuso, "The S00". Anne Baxter was surely one
of the sexiest actresses of the 40’s, 50’s and 60’s,
and to be so close as to smell her perfume!!!! We’re sure you
weren’t the only one with a "brain freeze".
Roger and Laurette Dunn, Casselman. We agree! That was a great
party! And, thanks to our Committee and the Ceremonial Guard, it was
as you said, " well organized with interesting activities."
Gordon Coles, Goose Bay. Sgt Max Peddle will retire on
24 November 2009, after 42 years service in the Guards, RCR, TFC Tech.
A "retirement" party will be held at the CANUCK CLUB in
Goose Bay (where Max has served since 1989 ) on 13 November.
Congratulations may be e-mailed to: gordon.coles@forces.gc.ca.
Congratulations Max, from all your friends in the Guards Regimental Family
John Selkirk, Kingston. The items from Drum Major Walford’s
estate will be welcome additions to the ’Guards Collection’
in the Petawawa Military Museum.
Bernie Skehen, Clarenville, NFLD. Congratulations on the
success of the Atlantic Reunion on "The Rock". From the
tenor of Terry Dexter’s report, you may wind up doing it
again! Also, thanks for the notice regarding the death of Lou
Colliier - that too is part of life these days.
MORE CORRESPONDENCE
Nick Puddicombe, Brockville. Thanks for the information,
it’s always good to hear from you.
Jim Purcell, Pembroke. Ambrose Dwyer spilled the
beans on your latest stay in hospital. He says you must be on the
road to wellness because you’re starting to complain about
everything and want to go home. We wish you a speedy recovery.
George Kennedy, Ottawa. Sends his thanks to Jim
Ovens, Bob Tate, Ralph Cameron and Keith Ferris for their
special advice and support during a recent medical crisis. We hope
you are on the mend and wish you a speedy recovery.
Marie McCully Collier. Thank you for sending Lou’s
outstanding obituary and the epigraph.
Heather Inrig Guylas. Thanks to you for representing us in
such a worthy cause.
The following was recently received by Ian Douglas and he
passed it on to me.
"Good morning. My wife and I recently took a trip down memory
lane with a trip to Petawawa where our fathers were stationed between
1962 and 1967. Since then I have often had a look at various Petawawa
- based websites and just recently came across the Guards Association
site. The 2nd Guards and Depot were still very much a part of the
Camp in the early 60’s. We lived on Nissoria St. and our
next-door neighbors were RSM and Mrs. Ross Bennett; their son Dan
and I were good friends. I can recall to this day the imposing
picture that Mr. Bennett made each and every time he stepped out the
door. The photo on your site, submitted by Matt Corbett, does
justice to this exceptional example of a Regimental Sergeant-Major.
RSM Bennett was instrumental in having the Guards Depot take over
sponsorship of the Camp’s Cadet Corps about 1963. I was a member
of the Corps for the 5 years I was in Petawawa and had the privilege
of commanding it in 1965. All of our instructors were Depot staff and
our association with the Depot made it possible for the Cadet Corps
to participate in numerous training opportunities simply not
available to other cadet corps in Canada - a great experience.
Interestingly enough, RSM Bennett is also directly responsible for my
NOT joining the Army. The Army was one of my career choices but, with
amalgamation and unification in the wind, many of the "old
sweats" like Mr. Bennett and my Dad, counseled against it. A
career in the RCMP resulted.
I am pleased to see that the Regiment continues to thrive through the
Guards Association. Congratulations."
David Grindlay, Bancroft. Thank you David.
REPORTS
"Guards Help"
This is a brief account of how the Guards Help network worked
for Ralph Hazeldean, one member of the Regimental Family.
On 18 November 2008, I met Fred Marentette at the mail box and he
asked me whether I was involved in the Chalk River decontamination
effort in 1958. My response, " I sure was!" He suggested
that I go to the Guards website where I would find information and an
application form for compensation. I did that, filled out the
application form and sent it in the same day.
In early December, I received a letter, dated 25 November, from Major
M .M. Born, Program Manager for the Atomic Veterans Recognition
Program, confirming that his office had received my application and
that it was under review. By 27 February, 2009, and after reading
some adverse comments about the AVRP, I had about given up hope.
Imagine how my spirits soared when later that same afternoon,
Priority Post arrived with a letter from Major Born, a cheque for
Twenty-four thousand dollars and a note indicating that the
certificate would be sent soon. Sure enough, a letter and
accompanying Certificate of Recognition for exceptional service,
mounted in a very nice leather display case, arrived via Priority
Post on 27 April.
Thank you to all, with special thanks to Fred Marentette and JAS
Haley.
Ralph Hazeldean.
Band Report
Dave Lockwood hails from the Province of New Brunswick where
he and his family have been living since (his) leaving the military
after service of exactly 18 years and 30 days. Dave joined the Guards
Band in 1960 and stayed until 1968 when he was posted to the National
Band in Petawawa and subsequently to the RCR Band in Camp Gagetown.
Dave had a number of good experiences in the Guards Band, among them
was the Seattle Tattoo in 1962 where they performed with a number of
military bands from Canada. That same year he had the opportunity to
go to with the Band to Washington, D.C., to play for the
International Horse Show; it was emceed by Arthur Godfrey ( a noted
horse breeder/rider) the host of the TV program called "Amateur
Hour". This was the time of the Cuban Missile Crisis which
President Kennedy resolved by convincing the Russians to leave and
take their missiles with them.
Dave was also impressed with the cross-Canada tour the Band made in
1967, stopping at each Provincial capital to perform concerts. He
certainly learned a lot about the geography of Canada. Another of his
favourite memories was performing the "Changing of the
Guard" ceremonies on Parliament Hill in Ottawa - especially the
day he fainted and had to be carried off! At age 69, Dave is now
retired and his hobbies are very important to him. These include
sleeping and going to the Bay of Fundy in the summers. He still
remembers his old friend Jim Stutt, who played in the horn
section with him, and whom I remember as one of my roommates in
Petawawa who entertained us each morning by singing in the washroom
while we shaved.
Bob Bertuzzi Band Correspondent.
Atlantic Branch
The Atlantic ‘Reunion’ was held at Clarenville on
"The Rock", 11-13 September. Hosted by Bernie and Sue Skehen,
it was an overwhelming success drawing over 160 members and family
from as far away as Germany, British Columbia, the Prairies and
Ontario. For many people, it was their first time ever and a good
number of them vowed to be in Oromocto in 2010. Friday evening we
were treated to the down home music of some fellow Newfoundlanders
who played the fiddle, spoons and some sort of contraption consisitng
of two sticks of wood which, when played (?) contributed to the
genuine tune of the other two instruments.
The ‘Meet and Greet’ began Saturday at 10 AM with many
‘old friends’ continuing on from the night before. The
Regimental Kit shop did a roaring business! The AGM began at 1330 and
finished up with the induction of three new Executive, as follows:
President - Dan Murphy; Secretary/Treasurer - Wilma Murphy
( alias "The Hat Lady"), and Immediate Past President - Terry
Dexter. Staying on were NB Vice Leo McManus and NS Vice Ralph
Currie.
Following the AGM, our invited guest, Major Margueritte Born,
NDHQ, gave a presentation on the assistance available to those who
had been exposed to radiation in Nevada and Chalk River in the 1950s.
Later, in the main room, Percy Price exercised his expertise
as auctioneer by getting many of his audience to bid on things they
didn’t even want .....I guess they just got caught up in the
frenzy of the moment! On Saturday evening the head table was piped
into dinner by Jimmy Joe Eason. Guests included the Mayor and
his wife and the Legion President and his wife. The Bill Matheson Award
was presented to Bernie and Sue Skehen for their outstanding
success in hosting the Reunion, and outgoing Past-President Ted
MacDonald presented Terry Dexter with a Life Membership
Certificate. Following dinner, Jimmy Joe played several tunes and was
given the customary reward ( and applause) when he left. At the dance
later on, we were visited by several "Mummers" who danced
with whom they pleased and took drink as they had need to.
("Mummers" have an interesting history, as any
‘Newfie’ will be pleased to tell you.) Nearly everyone
gathered at Sunday’s breakfast to say their farewells vowing to
"see you next year in Oromocto!"
Terry Dexter, Immediate Past President
Many thanks, Terry, for all your marvelous reports over the years.
J.B.
"GUARDS 2009"
THE 50TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE "CHANGING OF THE GUARD"
Our wonderful weekend celebration has come and gone and our report,
we think, should begin with a review of the events and circumstances
that led to it.
Our initial plan was to have a low-key event with local attendance
and a simple ‘meet and greet’ barbecue following a
"Changing of the Guard" ceremony. During July of 2008,
Major Brian Hynes, CO of the Ceremonial Guard, (CG) inquired as to
our plans to celebrate the 50th Anniversary and our rather humble
plan was explained to him. Some days later he outlined the type and
extent of administrative support that could be provided by the CG.
His offer included everything from bus transportation to the
preparation of name tags. Major Hynes then introduced us to Mr. David
Sterritt, of Carleton University, who outlined the wide range of
services that the university could provide including accommodation,
cafeteria services and catering and bar service for special events.
The combined offers were too good to refuse and we commenced planning
for a "full" Reunion-type weekend.
Plans were well advanced by the Spring of 2009, and with a Committee
headed by Al Johnston, we were well on our way. At this time it was
suggested that we should mark the occasion with some kind of
presentation to the Ceremonial Guard. After much discussion and
consultation with C G, it was decided that a distinctive
"Regimental" Pipe Banner would be an appropriate - and
permanent - reminder of The Regiment. Gerry Wharton was assigned the
task and delivered brilliantly, as usual.
Three of the Major events, the ‘Meet and Greet" barbecue,
the " Changing of Guard" ceremony and FORTISSIMO were
dependant on the weather. While we had experienced a very wet summer,
in the event, we were treated to three sunny, warm days. The Guard
members were courteous and generous in their support. This included
everything from highway type buses (no school buses) to transport
people to and from Carleton to The Hill, the War Museum and
FORTISSIMO to personnel to assist members with moving their baggage
into their rooms. Carleton rates for accommodation, meals and special
events were reasonable. The Quarters were more than adequate and
attention was paid to our every request including the setting up of a
temporary bar in the cafeteria for our use. The quality of the
catering and level of service provided by Carleton staff were
excellent.
It was a very busy weekend for the nearly 200 members of the
Regimental Family in attendance. Beginning with the start of
Registration at 1300 on Friday through to the noon checkout of
quarters on Sunday, attendees were put through their paces. Friday
night’s ‘Meet and Greet’ was held in a quiet courtyard
behind the Registration area, and at big round tables members were
able to relax, sample the buffet and enjoy their favourite beverage
while sharing stories, pictures and much laughter long into the
night.
Saturday was perhaps the busiest day of any ‘Reunion’ we
have ever had. Starting with the Changing of the Guard ceremony at
1030 (on the buses at 0945) through a visit to the War Museum at 1400
(on the buses at 1315)and finally to the Hill for FORTISSIMO at 1930
(on the buses at 1845) . In between events and bus rides to and from
Carleton members were able to snatch meals and put their feet up for
a few minutes. The last event of the day was a CG Reception for us at
the Carleton Cafeteria where we were joined by many of the FORTISSIMO
participants. About half of the group (100) were quartered at
Carleton and many of them made it to all FOUR events! On Sunday, the
weekend concluded with a "Guards Breakfast", starting at
1000 hours, for farewells. The tenor of comments indicated that the
weekend was a great success.
Many of the events contained elements that were designed specifically
for us.
On the Hill in the morning, the CG Band and Pipes and Drums played
many of the tunes familiar to us all, including the Old Gray Mare
and the Standard of St.George. "The Friends of the War
museum" provided guides, many of whom gave up their Saturday
afternoon in order that we could move around in small groups.
The grand finale, FORTISSIMO, was a "Beat the Retreat"
ceremony and band concert - the highlight of the Ceremonial Guard
season. Massed Military Bands and Pipe Bands; Drill teams from the
Guard and the RCMP; RCMP Highland dancers; a tableau of "Passing
the Torch" - a tribute to soldiers of World War two and
Afghanistan - and lowering the flag at sunset, were just a few parts
of this stunning and emotional event.
And, just before the march-off, a tribute to the Regiment of Canadian
Guards began with the presentation of the Pipe Banner to the
Ceremonial Guard. President Ian Douglas and "Guards 2009"
Committee Chair Al Johnston, tied the Banner to the pipes of CG Pipe
Major Alan Clark in a brief, moving ceremony, as darkness fell, with
the Regiment’s name and dates displayed on the giant screen.
Ian Douglas took the salute at the final march- off with Bands
playing "The Old Gray Mare" as they disappeared into
the darkness at the East end of Parliament Hill Lawn. There was not a
dry eye in the house.
The Committee is now in the process of preparing appropriate
"thank you" letters to all the organizations and individuals
who did their part in turning a very modest venture into a wildly
successful weekend celebration, " GUARDS 2009"
- - - - - - - - - - -
Statistics are marvelous things and can be used in so many
ways. Here are a few designed to cheer you up and inform. As of 17
September, 2009, we have 606 current or "paid up" members
and 28 who are in arrears, for a total 634 Members. There are
418 addressees on the Guard’s net, of whom 298 are
‘current’ members. Of those who are "Current"
only 52 get their newsletter electronically while 246 take a
"hard" copy. We wish more of the latter would make the
change - postage rates are going through the roof!
More words about "Guards 2009" are not necessary, but I
will add 10,000 by publishing this picture. The really high moment
for members of the Regimental Family was the presentation of the
Regimental Pipe Banner to the Ceremonial Guard. It will be carried by
the Pipe Major, for as long as the Ceremonial Guard exists, as a
reminder of The Regiment’s legacy of excellence.
From left to right: Major Brian Hynes, Commanding Officer of the
Ceremonial Guard; Ian Douglas, Association President; BGen J. Collin,
CO LFCA;
Al Johnston, "Guards 2009" Committee Chair, and Pipe Major
Alan Clark, Ceremonial Guard.
LAST WORDS
Another ‘50th Anniversary’ has been successfully concluded
and, as far as we know, everyone got home safely, albeit tired out by
the trek. As befits our Regimental motto, people from all across the
country attended this event, in unexpected numbers. As you saw in the
"Guards 2009" report, this started out as very modest
affair but your response was almost overwhelming.
As always, it is the actions of the members of the Regimental Family
who make these weekends so successful. Although they do their part,
it’s not the committees or the executives - but the members who
really make the event ‘go‘! Our thanks to you all.
A Mari Usque ad Mare
John Barclay, editor.
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