“NON PUBLIC PROPERTY” OF THE CANADIAN GUARDS from Ian Douglas

Background Upon relegation of the Regiment to the supplementary order of battle all Non Public Property, artefacts and other such regimentally owned kit became the property of Third Battalion, The Royal Canadian Regiment, 3 RCR. For a significant period of time, while members of the “ex” Regiment served with the battalion, the kit was used. With the passage of time and the the Guards legacy becoming less germane, most of the kit fell into disuse. Regardless, 3 RCR maintained the kit as it moved to CFB Borden, Germany and ultimately back to Petawawa. At some stage in the past, after the birth of the Canadian Guards Association, liaison was established with 3 RCR to examine the situation of what had been our NPF property. The property, valuable in both a monetary and historical sense, was seen to be lying, maintained but unused, in a lock up of the battalion, and the question arose, how could it be put to good use? Discussions with the battalion ascertained that the battalion did not have any use for the kit, as valuable as it might be, but that regulations of NPF did not allow it to be transferred to anything but another unit of the Canadian Forces. Over the years legal advice was sought but it was abundantly clear the kit had to remain in the inventory of a CF unit. During this period of time relationships with 3 RCR remained positive with the unit offering to continue to maintain the kit, and to keep the Association informed. At the last meeting with 3 RCR when the property, particularly the silverware was counted, the forlorn hope was still held that the regulations might be changed/used, that would allow us to dispose properly of the kit. It was agreed that a final legal opinion would be sought. At the same time the executive had discussed the idea of the NPF property somehow being distributed/shared between our militia battalions; the GGFG 5th bn, the CGG, 6th bn, and perhaps what might be appropriate for the museum to hold. Current Situation Given the operational situation of 3 RCR over the last few years the bn has had little time or effort to apply to such secondary items as our former NPF property that was lying fallow in storage. This fall the battalion has asked the GGFG, our 5th bn, whether they would be kind enough to take over and manage their NPF property that had belonged at one time to the Regiment of Canadian Guards. In other words hand the situation over to the Guards family to make decisions. Given the frenetic pace of operations the CO (LCC GGFG) gave the idea a positive approval. As sometimes happens in such actions the staff proceeded proactively and started the move. It is clear that something slipped in the passage of information but indeed most of the equipment has now been moved to Ottawa where it is stored and secured by the GGFG. Discussions with our executive, the Commanding Officer of the GGFG, and the honourary Colonel of the CGG suggests that there should be a “Guards” decision on how the NPF should be finally used. The GGFG have some very positive ideas, and have suggested that we organize such a “family” committee to examine the issue and arrive at a solution(s) to the situation. In that operational commitments have put the NPF issue as a relatively low priority, it has been agreed that we meet in the spring to resolve the issues. The GGFG have suggested April as the time frame when we might meet and resolve the situation. The Way Ahead Over the next few months, before we get together with the two remaining units of the Regiment we will consider ideas that might positively solve the issue of what to do with the physical remnants of our Regiment. This is seen as a most positive action and if there are any ideas, particularly on how the museum might be positively impacted, they would be appreciated. The LCC of the GGFG has asked the Association to be the lead agency in this process. It is appreciated that the GGFG, as the current CF unit that has responsibility for the property, has taken this approach. The Association will therefore dedicate out efforts over the next period of time in working with the two militia battalions of the Regiment on developing a plan that will see our past NPF equipment and artefacts take their place in remembering our Regiment that was ... "Worthy of its Hire”..