RCR_Pro_Patria_2017_Bk_WEB Final

By August 2015 a formalised plan titled “Royal Camino” had been developed, presented to and endorsed by, The RCR Association, The RCR Senate and the Colonel of the Regiment. In September/October 2015 MCpl (Ret’d) Dave Brydon walked the 800 km Camino Francés route (for his 3rd time) to conduct a reconnaissance of the pre-established route as well as to promote the initiative online. During this time he identified all cost and logistical factors required to support the main body of participants and administrative/support staff as well as other potential challenges. Between August 2015 and March 2017 (21 months) funds were raised in support of this initiative. Fund raising was conducted using a GoFundMe site supported by other social media sites. In addition, a major fundraising campaign as conducted within The Royal Canadian Regiment and Association; spearheaded by the Colonel of the Regiment. These efforts brought in the bulk of the donations, along with assistance from the RCR Trust Fund. The timeframe also allowed administrators to recruit, select participants and further develop strategies for the overall management and execution of this initiative. In addition to advertising on-line, messages were sent through RHQ to all of the RCR battalions and to all of the CAF regional personnel support organizations. This resulted in 11 successful applications, though once the dates were confirmed only 8 of the applicants were available to participate. This included 2 serving/6 retired, 4 men and 4 women; ranging in age from 37-52, and in rank from Private to Captain. The Royal Camino group departed Canada on 19 April 2017 and began the Camino journey on 22 April; 36 days on the Camino and a total of 41 days including travel. The first face to face meeting of the group took place at the Toronto Airport (and one more at Madrid Airport), after participants travelled in from across Canada, as far dispersed as Winnipeg and Newfoundland. After arrival in Madrid the group flew to Pamplona for initial briefings and recovery from travel. At the initial team meeting it was evident that the group members represented a diverse background, with considerable operational experiences and lots of anticipation of the journey ahead. The planned approach to the journey was outlined and advice given by the group’s Camino veteran Dave Brydon. Somewhat refreshed and eager to commence, the group departed by bus early on the morning of 22 April to Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port (the walled town of St-Jean-Pied-de-Port Left: Group members complete official registration Right: Group picture before commencing PRO PATRIA 2017 101

Heading up the Pyrenees Below: Starting down the Pyrenees in the French Basque Country situated at the base of the Pyrenees that is the official start point of the Camino Francés route). Official registration was completed fairly quickly and after a group photograph the Camino journey was launched at about noon in beautiful weather, heading up the Pyrenees towards the Refuge d’Orrison – the designated destination for day one. As the distance is only 8 km there was initially some desire to go all the way to Roncesvalles the first day, but as the group advanced up the mountains and learned just how steep the incline was, all were happy to call it a day when Refuge d’Orrison was reached. One of the humorous sayings learned and adopted by the group was “don’t worry, it levels out just after the next bend”. Refuge d’Orrison also provided the group’s first experience sleeping in Albergue (hostel) like accommodations and eating peregrino (pilgrim) meals en masse. Already the group was getting to know each other better, as well as getting to meet many other pilgrims with whom they would interact throughout the journey. The weather was again great the next day as the group finished climbing to the top of the Pyrenees before commencing the sharp, and rugged, descent into Roncesvalles. It was quickly learned that while going uphill takes more effort, it is the steep downhill sections that cause more physical problems, and many of the group were suffering from shin splints and sore knees by the time day 2 ended. Day 3 was another nice day, with more gradual up and down hill sections leading into Zubiri. It was here that the decision was made for participants to continue the journey at their own chosen pace and daily destinations. Sadly, it was determined that one of the participants was not fully ready for the Camino and this was the last day of participation for that individual. With the commencement of individually controlled journeys came a number of changes; including the establishment of informal pairings and sub groups based upon walking pace, 102 PRO PATRIA 2017

Taking a break beside the trail Right: On to the next town preferred time of day for commencement, and personal compatibilities. To enhance safety the support staff separated, with Rusty Bassarab moving forward with the lead elements (which individuals were in the lead varied frequently) and Dave Brydon and his son William acting as the trail party. Over the next 30-days the participants traversed across the northern Spanish provinces. This included Navarra, then into the famous wine region of La Rioja, the beautiful province and city of Burgos (with its delicious tapas and magnificent Cathedral), and on into Palencia, spending the next 5-days crossing the open fields of the meseta (Spanish for “plateau”). The daily routine varied, with some participants preferring to get up early and commence walking prior to sunrise, while others preferred to sleep in as much as the Albergues would allow (seldom past 7 AM). The group quickly learned that in most areas the villages are not that far apart and that there was good support in the way of cafés, chemist shops, and Albergues; providing ample opportunities to rest for brief periods during the daily walk. Spanish coffee, particularly café con leche (coffee with milk, more like a cappuccino in Canada) quickly became a favourite; along with Spanish chocolate filled pastries. Pilgrim’s meals came in a variety of shapes, sizes and qualities ranging from excellent to almost uncooked. Most pilgrim’s meals came with red wine. The confined spaces, loud snoring & strong odours of the Albergues made sleeping difficult for many and every so often it was necessary for some to slightly upgrade their accommodations (there are actually quite a wide range of accommodations available in most places) in order to get sufficient sleep. Once off the meseta, the groups navigated through the province and city of Léon with its PRO PATRIA 2017 103

Above left: Morning coffee break Above right: A lovely day on the trail stunning Cathedral and into the province of Lugo. Once past Léon and beyond the outer edges of the meseta near the town of Astorga, the groups entered the mountainous and lush Galicia region. By this point many felt that they were no longer walking towards Santiago de Compostela, but were being drawn towards it. After 30-days and 800km, the first two members of the group entered the city of Santiago de Compostela, followed over the next 6 days by the remaining members. Most of the group expected to see the incredible Spanish churches, the old towns, and the great cities. The surprise was just how beautiful much of the Spanish countryside is. The hills, mountains, (the trail is never flat for long along the Camino) vineyards, morning mists, streams, rivers and varied vegetation, plentiful flowers, butterflies and birds made for some very pleasant and enjoyable days on the trail; certainly adding to the overall experience. While enroute, each member carried a Camino Passport, known as a Pilgrims passport (Credencial del Peregrino) which is the official document each pilgrim carries and must obtain at least one daily stamp, known as sellos and two stamps per-day for the last 100 km, as proof and testament to their journey. The last stamp (sello) is obtained at the pilgrim’s office in Santiago de Compostela, which then results in the issue of the ‘Compostela’ or ‘Certificate’ of completion. One of the participants decided to continue walking on to Finisterre (roughly translated as the end of the earth), located at the edge of the Atlantic Ocean. This was the final destination in the original journey by St James, and is the final destination for many pilgrims. It is about a 90 km walk from Santiago de Compostela. Additionally, it is a tradition for pilgrims to burn, or leave, their clothes or boots at Finisterre (specifically near the lighthouse on the cliff overlooking the ocean). Several of the remaining group members bused to this end location to share in this final chapter of the overall journey of self-discovery. As the journey was conducted as an auxiliary means of self-healing and awareness, pre- departure and post-journey questionnaires were completed to help ascertain the value gained by each member of the group. By all accounts, from the team members themselves to the support staff and the psychologist who analysed all collected data, the Royal Camino Initiative was highly successful. Regardless of the formal outcomes, all involved - participants and support staff alike – finished the journey “richer” than when they started. As is normal when people share hardships and new experiences, some strong friendships were made 104 PRO PATRIA 2017

amongst the group and the many people that they met and walked with throughout the journey. Clockwise from top left: The Royal Camino participants and support staff wish to thank The Royal Canadian Regiment Association, Senate, Beautiful countryside Trust Fund and Colonel of the Regiment for their belief and overall support for this initiative. It is very much hoped that Celebrating completion similar journeys will be made possible for veterans and first Royal Camino group at completion responders in the future. Another beautiful Spanish church Remember that in life, as on the Camino, there are many hills to climb and obstacles to overcome. Don’t forget – it levels out after the next bend! PRO PATRIA 2017 105

WINDSOR-ESSEX COUNTY BRANCH By Hardy Wheeler Our branch of Association members in the ‘deep’ South-West of Ontario is a small, but mighty group of Royal Canadians made up of serving, past serving, immediate family of past serving and friends of the Regiment. We have had great success reaching out to the family of regimental members and retired non-RCR military who enjoy the camaraderie and a sense of community in a place where few ex-military choose to live. It has been our habit in the past several years to meet for dinner twice a year and always extend the invitation to family. In 2017, we gathered at Lilly Kazzilly’s Crabshack & Grill in Windsor for fellowship on 29 May and on 18 December to celebrate our Regimental Birthday – of course with Ortona Port in china mugs. Insert Windsor Essex Branch Photo 1 – Caption - Windsor-Essex County Branch members celebrated our Regimental Birthday on 18 December 2017. L to R, FRONT – Sherry Atkinson (WWII veteran), Pete Remdenok (Korean War veteran – RCEME), Joe Johnston (Korean War veteran – RC Sigs). Photo credit Cathy Mosco Our active Branch membership is 18 with some joining the National Association for the first time or renewing after an absence. Our non-active membership is 12 who wish not or physically are unable to attend our gatherings regularly but have asked to remain on our email list to be updated on regimental affairs. Our view is that our branch family comprises a whole range of people who are all Royal Canadians with each making our Branch better. We look forward to the next year with the same executive: Hardy Wheeler and Bob Papak. 106 PRO PATRIA 2017

The Royal Canadian Regiment Museum By Dr. Georgiana Stanciu, Curator/Director The museum has known unprecedented changes in 2017, mostly due to several milestones that Canadians marked during the year: 150th anniversary of Confederation, Vimy Centennial, and Passchendaele Centennial. As many reasons to review old exhibits, create new ones and organize events to promote the changes. Exhibitions and Collections Vimy, Symbol of Canada, Topography of Grief The First World War (FWW) exhibit of the permanent gallery had not been revised since 1983, when the museum first expanded. With the Centennial of many important FWW battles in 2017, it was time to proceed with a major refurbish of this important section of the museum storyline. In doing so, three goals were set: to maximize our collection potential, to update the existing information, and to create an all-immersive experience for our patrons including both, hands-on and digital interaction. Firstly, the museum collection has surely expanded since 1983 and more artefacts or archives were waiting to be unveiled to the public eye. Secondly, the storyline was organized in such a manner so that four main themes are represented: Home Front; Warfare and Tactics; In Flanders Fields; Community, Memory and Honour. Each theme comes with individual sub-themes such as Soldiers and Recruits, Training, Equipment, the eleven major battles the Regiment fought between 1916 and 1918, or the networks of support established after the war within communities across the country. Finally, with the necessary financial resources and great enthusiasm from all those involved in this project, the space assigned to the FWW section was arranged as to offer our visitors an unique interactive experience: walking among enlarged period photographs of The RCR in Bermuda (1914 – 1915) or in Europe (1915 – 1918), aerial views of operations between Valenciennes and Mons in August-September 1918 as a floor finish, viewing of rare German weaponry captured at the front by The RCR, full size burial cross for soldiers killed on 9 April 1917 and a virtual reality rendering of The RCR operations during the Vimy assault. Last, but not least, the interpretive material is fully bilingual. The museum wishes to acknowledge DND’s Directorate of History and Heritage – Historical Collections and Museums Section 5 (DHH) for providing the funding for this project. PRO PATRIA 2017 107

1 2 3 9 10 4 8 5 7 6 Developed in partnership with MA Public History Program, History Department - Western University, under Community Stories Program, Virtual Museum of Canada (VMC), Topography of Grief encourages online audiences to ponder themes of service, sacrifice, grief and memory. It is to be noted that The Royal Canadian Regiment Museum is now part of this digital network, visible to Canadians from coast-to-coast-to-coast. Like many other Canadian cities, London, Ontario, suffered the impact of the trench warfare fought in Europe between 1914 and 1918. Our exhibit explores collective memory and individual grief by mapping homesteads in mourning, along with official commemorative sites throughout the city today. While unveiling some of the artefacts produced to commemorate or acknowledge the sacrifices, our research also brought forward the next- of-kin, who experienced the loss in a very personal way. 108 PRO PATRIA 2017

Recent research in Library and Archives Canada From previous page: database Personnel Records of the First World War, 1: Flyer for the museum’s first virtual exhibition more precisely the Attestation Papers signed by available on a national museums network, VMC. those who volunteered to enlist in the Canadian 2: Panoramic view, The RCR on the Western Front. Expeditionary Force (CEF), revealed 343 addresses This space includes all combat engagements and for next-of-kin in London, ON. As many residences features unique artefacts: weapons in use by might have been houses in mourning between Canadians and weapons captured by members of 1914 and 1921. In the following two decades, old The RCR at the front, German armoured vest, gas comrades in arms, families and neighbourhoods mask, maps, etc. were forced to confront the loss of loved ones. 3: View of Soldiers and Recruits, including the period Communities depleted of their men and women, September 1914 to August 1915, when The RCR was came together as a solid network of support to stationed in Bermuda. commemorate the dead or honour the survivors. 4: In addition to honouring the memory of the dead, Individuals in military units sent to fight the war authorities formally recognized the sacrifices of the were the first to confront the loss of their comrades living. Badges, service pins, bravery and campaign and as they were bonding over shared wartime medals were issued to all those having enrolled experience, they created agencies to assist their and participated in the war in any capacity, killed or fellow soldiers and the families of the departed, for having survived it. example the “The RCR Old Comrades Association”, established in 1925. 5: First World War section of the museum permanent gallery before. The large majority of these individuals were declared 6: The virtual reality kiosk featuring the Vimy assault missing or killed in action starting in 1914, but for has been one of the main attractions of the new some, although deceased after 1918, when the war First World War exhibition. LCol David Fearon, Chief ended, the cause of their death may be attributed to of Staff, 31 Canadian Brigade Group Headquarters, consequences of fighting in the European theatre. London, ON, was among the first to try on the new The official casualty lists closed around 1921 and device. Insert The RCR Museum Insert The RCR the “missing in action” mentions were changed to Museum “killed in action” in many personnel records only at 7: First World War, In Flanders Fields space, after the this time. revision. It was necessary to revisit the number of next-of- 8: Thousands of Canadians were affected by the kin addresses in order to meet the VMC Community tragedy of losing their own or by the hardship of Stories requirements for the size of the project. reintegrating those who came back into society. Only 95 addresses were selected in the end. The Individuals in military units sent to fight the war remaining almost 250 addresses are an open were the first to confront the loss of their comrades. invitation for a future project, perhaps scholastic in Grieving continued when they returned home and nature, allowing more room for historical analysis, the veterans looked to each other for support. but also for meticulous research as to the relations 9: View of Training and Equipment, including a section between the individuals and their next-of-kin or the on comforts at the front. particular “special case” exceptions that usually 10: The old trench diorama was left untouched and the come with wider numbers. transition space to the Second World War section, To visit this virtual exhibition, follow this link: http:// before committed to a minor display featuring www.virtualmuseum.ca/community-stories_ the inter-war years, became Community, Memory histoires-de-chez-nous/topography-of-grief_ and Honour. It is accessed via a tunnel, simulating topographie-du-deuil/ . the underground tunnels under the battlefield at Vimy. PRO PATRIA 2017 109

Visitors and Events The number of visitors for 2017 reflects the changes above-mentioned. All over, a total of 12,145 visitors have been recorded; this number is shared between 3,032 people viewing our booth at various events off site (in London, ON or elsewhere) and 9,113 visitors visiting the museum at Wolseley Barracks. The latter number is to be noted as a record-breaking figure for the past 5 years. Statistically, 18% of the total number of visitors on site are youth (school groups, youth organizations and general public under 18 years old), half of them visited us as part of a school group booking. Adult groups and events attendance represent 30% of the total number of visitors on site. Canadian military public, including members of The RCR, consider the museum important An analysis of visitor profile conducted on a sample of 102 or very important for their own understanding visitor cards collected over 12 months, shows that 44% are of the regimental history. They find the Londoners, and 56% from out-of-town, most of which are museum experience useful and informative; a Ontarians. Also, a Trip Advisor rating placed our museum as large majority of this category would like to the top museum in London, ON and as the noteworthy 10th be given the opportunity to spending more most interesting attraction over 84 others available in town. time with the museum exhibits. Although approximately 80% of them were not aware of the museum on-line presence, the large majority seems to be interested henceforth in viewing our website, following our Twitter and Facebook feeds. Other categories of public are more familiar with our presence on social media networks and website, which attracted circa 13,000 new views in 2017. Several events were held at the museum throughout 2017, bringing not only high number of attendees, but also a lot of local media attention. On 30 March 2017, the new First World War exhibition was launched during a public event with the Colonel of The Regiment, MGen Ivan Fenton and Prof Jonathan Vance of Western University as guest speakers and Capt. Michael O’Leary as Emcee. Local TV/radio stations and newspapers welcomed the event and highlighted the new exhibit as a multi-sensory experience of Vimy battle (Hank Daniszewski, New display at Wolseley Barracks museum offers multi-sensory look at First World War battle, “London Free Press”, 30 March 2017). In August 2017, former members of 1 RCR who served at Canadian Forces Base London before 1990s, held a reunion in town, with the museum as one the main attractions. In addition to the service conducted on the parade square, the group thoroughly enjoyed the museum visit and special activities facilitated by Capt. Michael O’Leary and 4 RCR. We are 110 PRO PATRIA 2017

particularly grateful to this group for their generous financial donation of $2,700.00 to the museum. London Doors Open 2017 was a very busy weekend, with a variety of activities: First World War small arms drill and rations, a military heritage show, hands-on equipment from 4 RCR, and special tours organized in conjunction with Museum Hack (https://museumhack.com). The museum’s first virtual exhibition, available on-line, Topography of Grief, was live on the 8th of November and we marked the moment during a public event. Representatives of our partners, Virtual Museum Canada and Public History Program – Department of History at Western University were present, alongside general public and local media. The highlight of 2017 events was Remembrance Day. Every year the museum observes the service conducted by the 4 RCR in front of large crowds, all age brackets. Following the service, many in attendance choose to visit the museum and interact with our volunteer tour guides, who are members of The RCR Association or former serving members of the Canadian military. In addition, other related activities are offered to the public, such as Capt. O’Leary Collection including an extended range of military memorabilia. The most important component of the museum’s public programming continues to be the Tales of the Eight-Pointed Star, with school and/or youth bookings. In the same category range group tours from the 4 Canadian Division Training Centre in Meaford, ON. Clockwise from top right: Capt. O’Leary Collection and Weaponry from 4 RCR during 1 RCR reunion of August 2017. Watching the virtual rendering of the Vimy Ridge battle (from left to right: Justion Wilkinson, Simwave Consulting, member of the public, Maj. Brian Wright and WO Stephen Gillis, at the time representing Regimental Headquarters). Participants to 1 RCR – CFB London Reunion on the Parade Square. The new First World War exhibition was launched during a public event held on 30 March 2017. The Colonel of The Regiment, MGen Ivan Fenton and Professor Jonathan Vance were the guest speakers; Capt. Michael O’Leary emceed the event. PRO PATRIA 2017 111

1 2 3 7 4 6 5 Volunteers and Staff The museum achievements in 2017 would have not been possible without the dedication of 24 volunteers, who offer a combined total of 6,000 hours in-kind service to the museum day-to-day operation. They contribute in all areas, but most importantly as Education Facilitators or Tour Guides thus providing a living history aspect to our public programming. The museum wishes to take this opportunity to acknowledge their generous contribution and extend a heartfelt “THANK YOU” for continued support. The museum staff continues to be formed of one full time Executive Director/Curator position, and three part-time positions: Collections Registrar, Public Programmer and Retail Clerk. In 2017, two summer student positions were possible due to Canada Summer Jobs 112 PRO PATRIA 2017

program (Artefact Cataloguer and Visitor Attendant), one co-op placement from Secondary School Gabriel Dumont and one Research Assistant placement from Public History Program supported the museum requirements for manpower. Above left: Museum Staff (from left to right) Ilinca Olariu (Visitor Assistant), Sarah Coates (Public Programmer), Sarah Verrault (Artefact Cataloguer), Mara Mohaupt (Retail Clerk) and Georgiana Stanciu (Executive Director). Above right: Collections Registrar, Erik Rayment, working in the archives storage. Volunteer tour guide Capt. Michael O’Leary conducting a tour with officers of 1 RCR on 12 August 2017. From previous page, Clockwise from top left: 1. Volunteer Tour Guide John O’Quinn in the Centennial Gallery during London Doors Open weekend. 2. Museum Staff and Public History Program students and teacher during the formal launching of Topography of Grief. 3. Members of the 4 RCR after placing their poppy cards on the museum’s yearly Wall of Remembrance. 4. Volunteer tour guide Don Riley with a group of officers during their museum visit as part of the annual ROIC. 5. Volunteer tour guide Harold Kelly with a group of young recruits from 4th Canadian Division Training Centre in Meaford, ON. 6. George Myatte and Morris McKenzie, volunteer tour guides, are depicted here during a remembrance service as part of our education programs offered to a Grade 8 class in November 2017. 7. Members of Royal Scots Re-enactment Society and of Canadian Great War Society upon completion of their activities. PRO PATRIA 2017 113

2642 3 RCR RCACC Petawawa Cadets from 2642 3 RCR Royal Canadian Army Cadet Corps (RCACC) operate out of Korea Hall, utilizing the space to train weekly as well as accessing all the amenities Garrison Petawawa has to offer. As an affiliate of 3rd Battalion, The Royal Canadian Regiment, its members demonstrate strong leadership qualities while wearing the maroon beret with pride. Cadets who join are between 12 and 18 years of age and seek dynamic, challenging, well- organized activities with a passion for the outdoors. More so, the aim of the Canadian Cadet Program is to develop in youth the attributes of good citizenship and leadership, promote physical fitness, and stimulate interest in activities of the Canadian Armed Forces. Members of 2642 3 RCR RCACC take part in an array of activities and courses such as leadership, citizenship training, adventure training, survival, navigation, precision marksmanship and physical fitness. In particular, Cadets brave the elements of the outdoors and attend weekend field exercises in the fall, winter, and spring. They are tested on their skills and knowledge and must complete tasks pertaining to their star levels. Cadets can also tryout for competitive air rifle marksmanship, biathlon, orienteering, and precision drill. 2642 3 RCR RCACC offers these competitive training programs with additional physical training and challenges Cadets to compete at the elite level regionally, provincially, and nationally. Cadets from 2642 3 RCR RCACC are also active within the community. Most notably, each year prior to Remembrance Day, Cadets are invited to volunteer their time to serve Veterans dinner at the Royal Canadian Legion Branch 517. This spring, the entire Army Cadet Corps will volunteer its time to help with the Canadian Cancer Society’s Git’ Er Done Mud Run before completing the obstacle course themselves. 2642 3 RCR Royal Canadian Army Cadet Corps meets weekly, every Tuesday evenings from 6 to 9 p.m. at Building O-9 (Korea Hall), Garrison Petawawa. The Army Cadet Training Program is free of charge and is the program of choice for youth between 12 and 18 from the Petawawa region. 114 PRO PATRIA 2017

2647 Oromocto Royal Canadian Army Cadet Corps Members of 2647 Oromocto RCACC pose during the Annual Ceremonial Review (ACR) held May 2017. Photo courtesy of Captain David Tree. Affiliated unit- 2 RCR, 5 CDSB Gagetown Making stronger Canadians: the cadet program overall helps instill thought processes for our youth to make practical decisions and solutions with their own lives. Though many subjects in the cadet program cross over between elements, it is only when the distinction of Sea, Army and Air takes place that each element shines with their accomplishments. Our success is due, in no small measure, to the support of DND, Branch #93 Royal Canadian Legion and to the volunteer support of numerous members of 2RCR, 5 CDSB Gagetown. The 2647 Oromocto Royal Canadian Army Cadet Corps began a new training year in September. In addition to the orienteering competition, navigation exercises, marksmanship and biathlon training; our unit has now added a music program. A few cadets from 2647 RCACC have been learning to play the chanter (bagpipes), snare and tenor drums in an effort to gradually build a pipe band to enhance our program. In addition, we have a number of cadets working on various levels of the international Duke of Edinburgh program. Each September on Tuesday evenings, 2647 RCACC gather at D57, 5 CDSB Gagetown, to begin another activity-packed year of training. Each star level (Green Red, Silver and Gold) holds its own unique combination of classes and experiences to be learned. Between parade nights, our cadets enjoy several opportunities to develop instructional leadership techniques with experts in their respective fields. In addition to cadet competitions throughout the year, our Corps volunteers within the local community in sporting events, poppy campaigns, PRO PATRIA 2017 115

Remembrance Day and serving at the annual Legion #93 veteran’s dinner. During the final three months of training before our annual parade, we are looking forward to map and compass training, SCUBA orientation at the base pool, fitness training and guest speakers from the Duke of Edinburgh program, health experts and members of the military (describing their specific trades). Our field training is important which includes three field exercises (one for each season) during the cadet training year. Applications for summer training have already been submitted, allowing skills learned by cadets at the local unit to be expanded upon. Clockwise from top: Cadets setting up a tent on base during a field training exercise. Photo courtesy of Captain David Tree. Captain Winter-Smith presenting MWO Dan Koftinoff (2 RCR) with volunteer award from the Army Cadet League of Canada in recognition of his countless hours as a volunteer. The presentation was at the tri-service Christmas dinner sponsored by and held at Royal Canadian Legion Branch #93 in December 2017. Photo courtesy of Captain David Tree. A cadet with camo paint applied prior to attempting to approach 2 RCR personnel (armed with high power binoculars) in the brush/tall grass, without being detected. Photo courtesy of Captain David Tree. 116 PRO PATRIA 2017

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Departed Comrades of The RCR - 2017 Leo Patrick Egan, Ret’d Ottawa, ON 10 Jan 2017 Louis Stevens, Ret’d Picton, ON 11 Jan 2017 Victor St Clair Dingle, Ret’d London, ON 11 Jan 2017 Capt William “Gus” Lawlor, Ret’d Trenton, ON 14 Jan 2017 MWO Thomas Samuel Hollett, Ret’d Pembroke, ON 14 Jan 2017 WO Collin Suchan Ret’d Ottawa, ON 15 Jan 2017 Capt Cliff Collison Ret’d London, ON 16 Jan 2017 MCpl Doug Downs Ret’d Campbellton, NB 20 Jan 2017 Leo McManus Ret’d Woodstock NB 20 Jan 2017 Capt Albert John Hocking Ret’d Peterborough, ON 23 Jan 2017 MCpl Bill Ternapolski Ret’d Petawawa, ON 31 Jan 2017 WO Richard Colin MacInnis Ret’d Petawawa, ON 31 Jan 2017 Sgt Ronald “Scott” Ryan Ret’d Trenton, ON 5 Feb 2017 Sgt Jordan Woodacre 1 RCR Petawawa, ON 5 Feb 2017 CWO Gordon James “Tunney” Bayne Ret’d Ottawa, ON 12 Feb 2017 Sgt John \"Al\" Morton Ret'd London, ON 15 Feb 2017 Henry Robert “Bob” Pelletier Ret’d McLaughlin, NB 18 Feb 2017 Sgt Douglas Stanley Hartman Ret’d Chilliwack, BC 21 Feb 2017 Col John Montgomerey Lowndes Ret’d Toronto, ON 24 Feb 2017 John William Frizzell Ret'd Pembroke, ON 2 Mar 2017 MWO Peter Thureson Ret’d Mindemoya, ON 2 Mar 2017 Douglas F. Mill Ret’d Maniwaki, QC 12 Mar 2017 James Thomas Cruden Ret’d London, ON 24 Mar 2017 Leo Rose Ret'd New Waterford, NS 24 Mar 2017 Samuel Seymour “Sam” Best Ret’d Petawawa, ON 31 Mar 2017 Maj Doug Eaton Ret’d Niagara Falls, ON 14 Apr 2017 LCol Rick Holt Ret’d St. Mary’s, ON 14 Apr 2017 Ambrose “Andy” Joseph Wall Ret’d Oromocto, NB 14 Apr 2017 Capt/CWO Arthur L “Art” Tompkins Ret’d Oromocto, NB 2 May 2017 Charles David Cowperthwaite Ret'd Almonte, ON 25 May 2017 James “Jim” Gunn Ret’d Ottawa, ON 19 Jun 2017 Gyozo “Vic” Broszmann Ret’d Pembroke, ON 23 Jun 2017 118 PRO PATRIA 2017

MCpl Arthur Jones Ret’d Glace Bay, NS 1 July 2017 LCol Lorne William (Bill) Bentley Ret’d Kingston, ON 10 Aug 2017 Sgt Donald Freeman Walls Ret’d Enfield, NS 15 Aug 2017 Cpl Leo Bertrand Ret’d Moncton, NB 20 Aug 2017 Maj Robert Hawker (Bob) Nuttall Ret’d Kingston, ON 21 Aug 2017 Maj George Kennedy Ret’d Nepean, ON 21 Aug 2017 LCol David Stanley Morkem Ret'd Kingston, ON 23 Sep 2017 Robert Edward Warren Ret’d Brampton, ON 23 Sep 2017 Sgt Ryan John Anderson Ret’d Oromocto, NB 12 Oct 2017 Sgt David John “Dave” Arbo Ret’d Smith Falls, ON 12 Oct 2017 Willard MacIsaac Ret’d London, ON 8 Nov 2017 Harry Korth Ret’d London, ON 8 Nov 2017 MWO Jonathan James “Jim” Kolar 4 RCR London, ON 13 Nov 2017 Boyd “Bud” Harper Ret’d Kitchener, ON 28 Nov 2017 Clyde C Wareham Ret’d Glace Bay, NS 20 Dec 2017 Lem “Rabbit” Sinclair Ret’d Saint John, NB 24 Dec 2017 PRO PATRIA 2017 119

INDIVIDUAL SUBMISSION 100 Anniversary th Commemorations Battle for Passchendaele Colonel Jim Davis had the honour to represent MGen Lavoie and 1st Canadian Division at the 100th Commemoration ceremonies in Belgium this past Remembrance Day. There were more than eight services over five days that paid tribute to the heroic efforts of the Canadian Corps in and around the Ypres salient from Spring 1915 (St Julien) to Fall 1917 (Passchendaele). The CAF was represented by a Marching Contingent (Guard, R22eR band, National Flag Party, Vigil Party and uniformed representatives from our First nations carrying an Eagle Staff and dancers) of close to 100 soldiers, sailors, airmen and airwomen from across all Divisions and the broader CAF. It is worth noting a very special occasion for WO Russell who, at the Sunset Ceremony at Crest Farm (highest point and nearest village of Passchendaele) on the 100th anniversary to the day, 10 Nov, of the capture of Passchendaele ridge, his Great Grandfather won the Military Medal for his brave actions during that hard fought battle. WO Russell collected the National Flag upon its lowering, passed it to the Deputy Comd of the Army, MGen Turenne, who, in turn, presented it to the senior governmental rep in front of a very full crowd of patrons and on-lookers. A very moving event to witness. This photo was taken at the famous Tyne Cot War cemetery. Left to right in the photo are: Col Rob Walker - Event Manager, Special Overseas Events (seconded from his real appt as VAC-COS Service Delivery Branch); Maj Paul Gauthier - Canadian Armed Forces Aboriginal and Visible Minority Desk Officer from the Directorate Human Rights and Diversity; BGen Greg Smith - Commander, Formation Europe and Sr Mil Rep, BGen(ret’d) Michael Jorgensen - Director General Special Overseas Events; WO Mathew Russell - 1 RCR; Col Jim Davis - COS Rear and FD, HQ 1st Cdn Div; and finally, LCol Jamie Morse - VIP Manager, Passchendaele 100 seconded from VAC - Initiatives Project Manager, Service Delivery Branch. 120 PRO PATRIA 2017

INDIVIDUAL SUBMISSION The Story Behind The Silver AVGP By Sandy McQuarrie Above: Silver AVGP model his story is about the acquisition the regiment’s silver model of an Armoured Vehicle T General Purpose (better known as an AVGP) and how it was done. Like many other pieces of regimental memorabilia, the reason for the acquisition and the method used for acquiring it are not well known to those currently serving. This narrative and the pictures are meant to correct this. In early 1981 I was informed that I was to become the CO of 1RCR in the summer and that I would be there for two years. My initial thought involved the realization that I was about to achieve my greatest ambition and my next thought was that I would obviously be involved in the 100th Anniversary celebrations. At the time, I was attending the NATO Defence College in Rome and early in May, a telephone call from Joe Aitchison informed me that I was to arrange to visit MGen Jack Vance (the Senior-serving Royal Canadian) in Ottawa prior to proceeding to London for the change-of-command parade. I wisely judged that my attendance was probably important and so made the necessary arrangements. Gen Jack and I had served together in 1RCR in Germany in the mid-sixties where he was OC HQ Company and I was a recce patrol officer. Even at that time, it was readily noticeable that he was destined to go far. As he progressed in the regiment, our paths crossed many times and as I always enjoyed his company I looked forward to seeing him again anticipating that he would provide me with his advice on what I needed to do as the new CO. During our conversation, I mentioned to him that 1RCR was part of the ACE Mobile Force (Land) and that it was obvious that the unit was going to be heavily involved in the upcoming century of service events. I boldly asked him to let me know which of these two activities was to be my PRO PATRIA 2017 121

priority and was a bit taken aback when he immediately replied “Both of them!” Fast forward to the late spring of 1982 when the RSM (CWO Wayne Northrup) came into my office with a newspaper folded over to show an AVGP parked in front of a Tim Horton’s coffee shop in Kitchener. He pointed out to me that the bold and black Call Sign on the side of the vehicle was 9 and that he wanted to know what we were going to do about it. Secretly I was impressed that the crew commander (a highly respected sergeant in the unit) had the nerve to do such a thing, but I told the RSM to find out why it was there . 1 However, the picture remained on my desk and it led me to think that a silver model of the AVGP would serve as a suitable memorial for the 100th Anniversary of The Royal Canadian Regiment. Hence, the background of my decision to acquire a silver model. The next part involved three critical criteria - was it possible to have a model built in time, how much would it cost and how would we fund it? Answering the first two questions was fairly simple. During a trip to London in the UK, I contacted a firm called Anthony Holt and Sons and inquired about their ability to build a silver model. As they had done many other military vehicle models, I was assured that they could do so, they could meet my deadline and the cost would be 10,000 pounds (about $20,000). I instructed them to start! So two of my criteria were easily satisfied and now I had the “simple” problem of finding the money. Although a readily available source of money called Non-Public Funds was nearby, I thought that using it would be unfair to the soldiers so I had to find another source. As the manufacturer of the AVGP was just down the road from Wolseley Barracks and 1RCR had been providing soldiers (for trial purposes) for a number of years, I thought that I would approach GM Diesel’s executives to seek financial assistance. So I called the Managing Director’s office to make an appointment. A few days later, I was invited to lunch in the Executive Boardroom with John Larmond and a few of his key staff. During that lunch, I took the time to explain the project and to ask if they would provide me with the necessary deposit of 2000 pounds. Although the company and the lunch were great, I failed to receive a commitment. I left somewhat disappointed. I had enjoyed the lunch and had also discovered an executive who I wanted to get to know better, so I decided a few weeks later to invite John to attend a Mess Dinner as my guest. During that dinner, he mentioned that we had a lot of helicopters landing in Wolseley Barracks on a regular basis. I told him that the visits were for training purposes or for VIP travel. When he asked me if he could get a ride one day I readily agree on the condition that he permit me to drive one of their new locomotives one day. A few weeks later, I learned that a small flight of Hueys would be visiting London for training purposes. A quick call to the Brigade Commander (BGen Bob Stewart) gained me permission to offer John a ride in a helicopter. I saw it as another chance to press my case for funding. Once the aircraft arrived, I discussed my plan with the flight commander and 1. It turned out that the Maintenance Officer had instructed the sergeant to take the vehicle on a test drive. He had not been told to remain in the vicinity of London, so he went to visit his home town. I think that the RSM awarded him a few extras. 122 PRO PATRIA 2017

he readily agreed to provide a ride for Sandy McQuarrie and Mr John during their visit. John Larmond pictured with I called John a few days later and asked; the Silver AVGP model “Do you have any special plans for the afternoon?” When he answered “No but why?”, I said; “Meet me on the front lawn outside your office at 1330 hours.” and hung up. At the appointed time, we landed on the lawn. I asked the crew chief to remove the doors and went over to collect John. We walked to the helicopter and I could tell that he was both nervous and excited, especially when I suggested that he sit at the end of the row so he could get a good view. After strapping in we had a short discussion about the trip and what he would like to see. His factory from the air, his home and his cottage near Ipperwash were his answers and so we lifted off. He immediately grabbed me in a death grip and was clearly very nervous. I quickly realized that he was afraid of falling out so we landed and changed seats to his great comfort. As the flight progressed, he obviously relaxed and enjoyed it, especially the part that involved his manufacturing facility and the vehicle and locomotive test tracks. He also asked and got a low pass over his home and cottage. On return to his office, I reminded him that our deal involved me getting a chance to drive a locomotive. I did not mention anything about funding as I thought it inappropriate. About ten days later, John called in in the morning. He said, “Be down at the railroad track below Wolseley Barracks at 2 pm,” and then hung up. At the appointed time, the RSM and I were standing alongside the tracks when a very large locomotive began bearing down on us. For those who have never experienced a huge machine that actually causes the ground to shake as it approaches, let me say it gets your attention. As it pulled to a stop, a crusty older man dressed as a locomotive engineer leaned out and said, “Are you the army guy who wants to drive my locomotive?” Hastily assuring him that I was, I climbed up into the cab. He then proceeded to explain the controls to me and said, “Any questions?” “Yes,” I said, “Which way can I go?” His reply was a classic put down. He pointed forward and then to the rear announcing “That way, or that way”. Later that year, I once again invited John to attend another Mess Dinner where he informed that I was to send him the bill for the model AVGP. I said “The deposit?” and his reply was “No, the total”. Just like that my funding problem was solved! PRO PATRIA 2017 123

INDIVIDUAL SUBMISSION The Regiment & Release: Soldier to Civilian Transition By Major (ret’d) Darryl G. Cathcart nevitably soldiers will leave uniformed service and transition to civilian life after a wide I variety of experiences in The Royal Canadian Regiment (RCR). Regardless of how a solider retires, voluntarily, completion of terms of service, as a result of a disciplinary issue, or medically, a period of adjustment will occur. Research emanating from scholars, the Department of National Defence (DND), and Veterans Affairs Canada (VAC) has shown that transition is individual in nature and responsive to personal factors that may not be applicable to others. In other words, what transition program and service works for one may not be applicable to someone else. Recently, federal government announcements have indicated that transition support, both financially and greater access to programs, will be expanded for some releasing members and instituted for others. While these initiatives are most certainly welcomed, it can be argued that The Royal Canadian Regiment through connection, enrollment, and outreach enabled by The RCR Association can provide a major resource that has largely remain untapped: A known structure. The structure provided by the regimental system can be relied upon during a time of personal uncertainty and potential adversity. In the past few years, the Canadian Armed Forces have witnessed a release rate of approximately 5000 service members annually with roughly 2000 who are deemed a medical release . Although these numbers are inclusive of members of The RCR, there 1 appears to be no central registry of recently released Royal Canadians maintained by Regimental Headquarters (RHQ). While the exact number of releasing RCR’s is important, what may be of greater interest to both the retiring member and The Regiment is how the role transition to civilian life along with the emergence of a civilian identity can be fostered by maintaining a connection with The RCR Association. VAC’s most recent study on Veteran transition indicated that 32% of Veterans experience a difficult transition to 2 civilian life; which, translates into roughly 1600 CAF members encountering difficulty upon release. These figures are meaningful in two distinct ways. First, it should be presumed that releasing members of The RCR are included in the number of those facing transition challenges and, secondly, that academic research findings consistently indicate that a 3 known-support structure built on family, friends, and trusted colleagues better facilitates transition and adjustment to civilian life. In 2017 and continuing through the early part of 2018, The RCR Association underwent a revitalization initiative inclusive of engaged efforts to promulgate and receive input on its 124 PRO PATRIA 2017

“ 100% of interview and online study participants positively identified as a Veteran and welcomed being part of military-focused gatherings, yet, less than half joined a Veteran’s group or association. ” strategic planning framework that will be used “to structure our thinking, planning and work going forward.” In fact, meetings were hosted at various association branches that led to 4 open and constructive dialogue between those serving and retired members who attended. Furthermore, there is an effort to establish a better connection between The RCR Association and its’ many members such as email, distribution of board of director meeting minutes, and an updated website all of which provide a great source of information and assistance. These steps are essential in (re)generating and maintaining interest in the valuable organization that provides retired Royal Canadians a mechanism that maybe relied upon during the often- prolonged military-to-civilian transition period. One of the articulated elements embedded in the strategic guidance is the linkage with established Veterans’ organizations under the pillar of assisting Royal Canadians in need. While this is subjective given the amount, type, and orientation of local, regional, and national Veteran organizations, fostering this kind of connection may be highly beneficial for releasing Royal Canadians. Even though the Royal Canadian Legion, the Army, Navy & Air Force Veterans in Canada (ANAVETS), and our own RCR Association offer gratis membership upon release, a common refrain is to ensure these establishments remain relevant for the multi-generational Veteran who belong to these groups. Research conducted as part of my master of education thesis discovered that 100% of interview and online study participants positively identified as a Veteran and welcomed being part of military-focused gatherings, yet, less than half joined a Veteran’s group or association. This finding indicates retired service members are seeking alternative methods of remaining connected and sourcing information. This may involve the forming of social media groups, creation of locally influenced Veteran organizations, or the sponsoring of specialized activities by like-minded Royal Canadians that aim to build upon the camaraderie enjoyed during regimental duty. While all of these examples are encouraged, a line of communication should be kept open with The RCR Association as to ensure access to regimental news, funds, events, and opportunities that can be taken advantage of for the benefit of the member. During uniformed service, the Canadian Army writ large has a way of taking over resulting in infinite and unchangeable impacts on the totality of one’s life. A release from the army fuels a personal decision-making cycle where service members rely on the structure that they are most familiar. Once the familiarity of regimental life begins to dissipate, The RCR Association, can be a central enabler in guiding soldiers through the complexity of transition by connecting releasing members with someone of a similar background vice advocates who may have only tangentially connected with army service. Regardless of the type of release, maintaining a connection with former serving members who have faced similar transition challenges may translate to receiving sage advice, networking opportunities that could lead PRO PATRIA 2017 125

to gainful employment, or something as simple as providing an opportunity to meet informally with a fellow Royal Canadian to deal with the disorientation surrounding the civilianization process. Transition can be a challenging endeavour that one may not be prepared for, therefore, in having an ability to reach back to a known structure that provides a sense of familiarity with a membership of former colleagues can be quite reassuring. Pro Patria. 1 Department of National Defence, Director Research Workforce Analytics, Section Head, Regular Force Modelling and Analysis, e-mail message to author, September 13, 2017. 2 Linda Van Til, Jill Sweet, Alain Poirier, Kristofer McKinnon, David Pedlar, Kerry Sudom, and Sanlea Dursun, (2017). “Well-Being of Canadian Regular Force Veterans, Findings from LASS 2016 Survey,” Research Directorate Technical Report, (2017), Charlottetown, PE: Veterans Affairs Canada. 3 a. David Blackburn, “Out of uniform: Psychosocial issues experienced and coping mechanisms used by Veterans during the military–civilian transition,” Journal of Veteran and Veteran Family Health 3, no.1, (2016), 62-69. b. Government of Canada, Veterans Ombudsman, “Support to military families in transition: A review,” accessed January 15, 2018, http://www.ombudsman-veterans.gc.ca/eng/reports/reports-reviews/support-family-review. c. Timothy Black, and Chiara Papile, “Making it on civvy street: An online survey of Canadian veterans in transition,” Canadian Journal of Counselling and Psychology 44, no.4, (2010383-401 4 “Strategic Plan Overview,” theRCR.ca, accessed January 15, 2018, http://thercr.ca/the-rcr-association/strate- gic-plan-overview. 126 PRO PATRIA 2017

INDIVIDUAL SUBMISSION Cpl Jamie Murphy Memorial/150th Celebration Tulip Garden Blooming Ceremony Report Despite the coolness on Sunday morning, May 28, 2017, a very enthusiastic group joined the residents of the Town of Conception Harbour as they gathered at the Cpl Jamie Murphy Monument to hold their Blooming Ceremony for Vesey’s Canada 150th Tulip Garden as well as the enhancements to the monument area. Among those celebrating this wonderful event was MP Ken McDonald, MHA Betty Parsley, Mayor Craig Williams and members of the Murphy family. We were very pleased to have representation from DND, Southern Cross Sea Cadets, the Royal Newfoundland Legion, Girl Guides of Canada as well as many residents from neighbouring communities. Inside the Marian Hall, our national Mrs. Alice Murphy, mother of Cpl. Jamie Murphy and Rosemary Ryan, colours were evident throughout - sister of Cpl. Jamie Murphy cut the cake which was prepared by the tablecloths, balloons, plates, napkins Dominion bakery in the shape of the Canadian Flag. and even people were dressed in red and white. Pride in our country was felt throughout. Following refreshments, Betty Kennedy led everyone in the singing of our national anthem. Trudy Strowbridge emceed a brief ceremony, which included addresses from MP McDonald, MHA Parsley and Mayor Williams. During her speech, Trudy noted the overwhelming support and generosity of several local businesses namely Country Path Design (tandem load of soil), Home Hardware (200 multi-coloured tulips), Dominion (gift card), Kent (lumber and mulch), Rona (bonemeal), Sobeys (gift card), and Dough Bys (sandwiches). She also thanked the town workers and others volunteers who assisted with site preparation. Afterwards, everyone proceeded to the monument where Sharon Dalton and Brad Wade captured the moments with breathtaking pictures. Even though only one tulip was bloomed, 127 PRO PATRIA 2016 PRO PATRIA 2017 127

many people commented that it was the “Jamie” tulip! Many have bloomed since. Below are some of the May 28 pictures followed by pictures from June 7, 2017. Mayor Williams noted that in 2017, a cement walkway as well as other improvements will complete the monument area and make it a true centrepiece for the town. He recognized Trudy for spearheading this initiative as well as recognizing the initial Monument Committee. Above right: A single tulip “The Jamie Tulip” had bloomed for the Blooming Ceremony which was held on May 28, 2017. The Cpl Jamie Murphy Memorial and 150th Tulip Garden at the Town of Conception Harbour, Newfoundland. 128 PRO PATRIA 2017 PRO PATRIA 2016 128

INDIVIDUAL SUBMISSION PASHMUL DAY 14 SEPTEMBER he Canadian military campaign in Afghanistan, waged over a period of 12 years and five T months representing Canada’s longest war. In all, 40,000 Canadian service members served in Afghanistan. The Canadian Armed Forces provided, air, sea, conventional land and special operations forces to war from October 2001 until 12 March 2014. Canadian troops employed in Afghanistan would, over time, serve in a full spectrum of roles typical of the “three block war” concept. These roles included warfighting, peace stabilization, humanitarian operations and instruction and mentoring of Afghan forces. Officers and soldiers of The Royal Canadian Regiment would deploy to Afghanistan throughout the war as either individuals serving or commanding a higher headquarters, as part of a mentoring team, instructional cadre or as members of a Battle Group. It can be safely stated that The Regiment had either individuals or groups in theatre throughout most of the campaign if not all of it. From 2003-2010, battalions of The RCR formed one Battalion Group that deployed to Kabul in a peace stabilization role and four Battle Groups that served in Kandahar Province in a combat role. In 2012 during Operation ATTENTION, 2 RCR formed the basis of Task Force 2-12, fulfilling a training mission in Kabul, Herat and Mazur-e-Sharif. During the Afghanistan campaign it was consciously decided at higher levels of command that there would not be any commemoration of Canada’s war effort until after the mission end date. For example, Battle Honours were not awarded to participating infantry regiments until after 12 March 2014, the date that the Canadian involvement in the Afghanistan campaign was deemed to be officially over. Subsequently the generic campaign Battle Honour AFGHANISTAN has been awarded to several infantry regiments, including the Royal Canadian Regiment, with the possibility that other Battle Honours from the Afghanistan war may be awarded in the future. Future versions of the Regimental Colours will be emblazoned with AFGHANISTAN which also resulted in a redesign of the Regimental Colour. Traditionally, The RCR celebrates or otherwise recalls in an appropriate fashion events and occasions that are noteworthy either to the Regiment as a whole or to individual battalions. All members are familiar with the commemorations of Paardeberg Day, Kowang-San Day and Pachino Day to name a few. Afghanistan will be no different. By 2015, deliberations were underway by both the Regimental Executive Committee and The Regimental Senate on which days and significant events should be considered. Following many considerations and a number of deliberations it was determined that the day would be marked by one on which a successful combat operation, well known to the Regiment and the public, was accomplished. The day, regardless of the one selected, would be in memory of all activities PRO PATRIA 2017 129

carried out by members of the Regiment in Afghanistan in the same manner as previously selected Regimental Days commemorate the war they are related to. On 22 June, 2017, The Regimental Senate voted unanimously and designated a new Regimental Day to commemorate the war in Afghanistan entitled “Pashmul Day”. (The following is entered into Regimental Standing Orders effective that date: RSO Entry: Pashmul Day – 14 September 49. Marked/celebrated by the Regiment. In honour of the Regiment’s wartime activities in Afghanistan it was determined by Regimental Senate on 22 June, 2017 that the day would be titled “Pashmul Day”. 14 September marks the date that the 1 RCR Battle Group secured their final Objective “Rugby” during Op Medusa, Panjwayi, Afghanistan in 2006. Above: Bombardment of “the white school”, part of OBJECTIVE RUGBY 130 PRO PATRIA 2017

INDIVIDUAL SUBMISSION A Crowning Tradition RCR Field Officer’s Rank Badges By Captain Richard J.S. Law For the better part of The Royal Canadian Regiment’s first decades it sought to maintain its identity and affiliation to Queen Victoria, the reigning monarch at the time of the Regiment’s designation as a Royal regiment. As a result of her death, the Regiment’s badges were often a point of contention with higher headquarters and the heraldic authority in England whether the retention of the VRI and a Victorian crown, or rather St Edward’s crown, was appropriate. Although the matter was first born upon her passing in 1901, it continued to be battled until 1919 when King George V granted The Regiment the privilege of wearing the VRI in perpetuity; however, the matter of a “proper” depiction of a Victorian crown continued to be debated well into the Cold War era. Between 1901 and 1919 the Regiment’s Major Bill Medland DSO wearing the St Edward’s badges changed to have King Edward Crown rank badge. Image courtesy of MilArt Archives. VII and King George V cypher’s centrally located on the cap badge and buttons, both of which depicted a Tudor crown. Although these were produced and worn, anecdotal and photographic evidence supports that the Regiment stubbornly wore the VRI unofficially throughout the period. Once authority was granted to retain the VRI in perpetuity, the Regiment sought to have a proper crown replace the Tudor crown. Between 1926 and 1927 it was noted that the original crown used on badges as of 1894 was in fact a Hanoverian type crown which was not British at all and dated to King William IV. From this, the Regiment adopted what was believed to be a St Edward’s crown. The Government produced one type while the Regiment produced a different badge which bore a St Edward’s crown closely resembling the one currently found on the regimental badges. It should be noted that the St Edward’s crown was the coronation crown and only used during the coronation ceremony in Westminster Abbey, Sovereigns would then replace it with their own State crown using the stones from their predecessor’s State crown. PRO PATRIA 2017 131

This pattern of crown was subsequently adopted without authority as a rank badge for field officers in the early post- Second World War time-frame. This Regimental quirk was noticed in 1949 at which point The Regiment was asked to substantiate their use of a non-approved badge. In October of 1949 The Regiment argued that the 1927 authority from NDHQ to change the crown on the cap badge and buttons also implied all other badges worn and that “the privilege of wearing this type of crown is now part of the established tradition of the (sic) Royal Canadian Regiment”. Additionally, it was mentioned that there would be no financial impact to the Crown as officers purchased their own accoutrements directly from the mess. With that, the Judge Advocate General, the Quartermaster General, the Adjutant General, the Chief of the General Staff, and the Minister of National Defense all signed their support to amend CAO 84-1 “to permit the Royal Canadian Regiment to wear a special type of crown for their badges of rank” with an effective date of 5 December 1949. As the badge did not exist in Canadian stock, the Quartermaster General requested the Officer Commanding the Regiment to supply a sample in July of the same year. The badge was described as measuring 15/16-inch-wide by 1 1/16-inch in height and further differences noted as: “The RCR crown is not pierced and no crimson velvet is therefore worn.” This badge was worn on all orders of dress less mess dress and on shoulder cords with full dress or undress blues. They were worn until the unification of the Canadian Forces in 1968 at which point stars and crowns were replaced by bar-type ranks. With the re-introduction of the Canadian Army’s identity in 2014, The RCR had discussed potentially returning to a traditional crown as many units were offered the opportunity to return to some of their traditions. However, due to a lack of source documentation the Regimental Executive Committee opted to retain the CAF issued crown supplied by Logistik Unicorp. Sources: 1960 Regimental Standing Orders, Chapter 6 LAC R112 Vol 29711 – File Cover 5250-0603/R1 Dress Instructions Royal Canadian Regiment HQ 1730-603/R1 Vol 3 – RCR Field Officer’s Badge of Rank, St. Edward’s Crown, 23 Jan 53 Memorandum, Headquarters Central Command, Officers Rank Badge – The Royal Canadian Regiment, 30 Nov 49 Above: The rank badge in question, worn by Field Officers. Left: Plate No. 6 from the 1960 RCR Regimental Standing Orders, note the St Edward’s Crown rank badge in the upper left corner. 132 PRO PATRIA 2017

INDIVIDUAL SUBMISSION Invictus Games 2017 - Toronto There were plenty of Royal Canadians participating at Invictus 2017 Toronto. Here, members of the Regimental Family (RCR and non-RCR that served with the Regiment) pause from competition to take a photo and show their Regimental spirit with the CDS. Invictus competitors and support staff pose with the CDS just after he coined the entire Team. Front Row: L-R; Steve Murgatroyd, Gen Jon Vance – CDS, and Mike Trauner Back Row: L-R; Doug Brown, Mike Reist, Dan Graham, name not given, Michel Leblanc, Jay Israel, Phil Badanai, Jay Feyko, name not given, and Geoff De Melo PRO PATRIA 2017 133

INDIVIDUAL SUBMISSION Murder at Wolseley Barracks By: Captain Michael M. O’Leary, CD (The RCR) Wolseley Barracks Postcard circa 1908 olseley Barracks, named in 1894 after Field-Marshal Garnet Wolseley, was the Permanent Force infantry barracks in London, Ontario. Construction on the Wimposing brick building on the heights northeast of the town’s centre began in 1886, and the barracks opened for instruction in 1888. Sitting on the low ridge of Carling Heights, Wolseley Barracks had been built to house the newly authorized “D” Company of the Infantry School Corps. The Corps, Canada’s only regular force infantry troops, was established in 1883 and with the formation of the fourth company at London totaled no more than 400 officers and soldiers of all ranks. By the early 1900s, the Infantry School Corps had been renamed three times, with these changes ceasing in 1901 when the Regiment was named “The Royal Canadian Regiment.” In 1905, the Regiment expanded to include a regimental headquarters and six companies of infantry garrisoning Halifax where they replaced the last departing British Army garrison in Canada. Four separate companies still occupied barracks in St. Jean and Quebec City, Quebec, and London and Toronto, Ontario. In 1907, the St. Jean garrison was closed and the Fredericton station reopened. By this time, Wolseley Barracks was occupied by “K” Company of The Royal Canadian Regiment (The RCR). 134 PRO PATRIA 2017

Established initially to form schools of instruction for the Canadian Militia, this responsibility remained the important work of the separate company garrisons. The Regiment’s troops at Halifax performed similar duties, but were also an integral part of the defensive garrison of Canada’s vital east coast naval station. Recruitment and retention in the Regiment was a challenge in the peaceful years between the South African (Boer) War and the First World War. Low pay, a monotonous existence for the soldiers, and the ease with which a man could disappear from the ranks once disaffected made for a sorry state of affairs. Regimental recruiting was poor enough that, local recruits being unobtainable in sufficient numbers, a draft of 154 men and boys, mostly ex-Manchester Regiment men, were taken on strength from Britain in early 1907 for the Halifax garrison. The Regiment’s garrisons all relied on fresh recruits who had not yet seen the often dreary life of peacetime soldiering. Complementing these were ex-soldiers, both Canadian and Imperial regulars, who were returning to the ranks after finding no other work to their liking, and transfers from local militia units as men decided to try their hand at full-time soldiering. Compounding the soldier’s experience might be found the general distrust of uniformed soldiers among some of the population, especially where their daughters were concerned, and the requirement that a soldier was only permitted out of barracks in his uniform, forever branding him as “from the barracks.” But those attitudes towards soldiers were only one aspect of the soldiers’ existence in a garrison of the period. While some families might look down on their daughter marrying a soldier, in other families it was a benefit to find a man with such steady employment, who might rise in the ranks and be a professional soldier and non-commissioned officer. Families in the Canadian provinces had also been known to see marriages to officers as respectable unions, though that may have changed somewhat with the departure of the British Army garrison battalion with their presumably titled and/or socially well-connected young officers. Full-time Canadian officers, on the other hand, lived on their Militia Department pay and could look forward to service in the few garrison towns that the Permanent Force occupied. In other areas of the shared life of community and garrison, soldiers could be found active in sports and cultural affairs; and the men of the Permanent Force garrisons and local militia units could have many personal bonds of friendship and shared interests. The soldiers of the Wolseley Barracks garrison, uniformed when in the public eye, except perhaps at authorized sporting events, were expected by the military authorities to walk the tightrope of respectability. The choice, for the predominantly single soldiers, was drinking in the men’s canteen, or drinking downtown in uniform. In either case, they could expect the ready arm of military justice to exact punishment in one form or another for any real, or sometimes only perceived, infraction. The close confines of the barracks, with men, non- commissioned officers, and officers all living and working in close proximity, left little room for secrets and the boundary between mutual respect and mutual disdain could be narrow. The stage was thus set for the building of esprit de corps, or the breeding of contempt, wherever they might flourish. Alexander Moir The night of Friday 17 April 1908, Good Friday, was just one more night in the seemingly endless routine of life at Wolseley Barracks. Some men had turned in early, some were PRO PATRIA 2017 135

standing guards and duties, and some had donned their uniforms, passed inspection at the gate, and proceeded downtown. One of the latter was Private William Alexander Moir. Although he was enlisted and trained as an infantry soldier, Moir’s daily employment at the barracks in 1908 was as the garrison doctor’s groom. Moir was an immigrant from Scotland and an ex-British Army soldier. Before coming to Canada he had served in the Gordon Highlanders, enlisting at Aberdeen for three years. It was reputed that Moir had served in South Africa and had also seen service on the North West Frontier of India. Moir was about 25 years of age, with dark hair and eyes, five feet, eight and one-half inches tall, and with a muscular build. While sources don’t provide the cause, he had a slightly disfigured right ear, a scarred right cheek, and was missing an inch of the first finger on his left hand. Described of being a man of volatile personality, Moir was known to carry a pistol off duty and reportedly pointed it at a comrade a few weeks before who had angered him while he was intoxicated. Late that Friday evening, Moir was returning to the Barracks after spending the evening in town. His street car ride from the town centre towards Carling Heights was shared by Lieutenant Fred Douglas Snider, also of The RCR. The route they rode went north from the centre on Richmond Street, then eastward on a spur line along Oxford Street to the Adelaide Street intersection near the Barracks. Snider afterwards reported that Moir appeared sober at the time, but something must have piqued the young officer’s curiosity. As a result he spoke to the duty sergeant, Colour-Sergeant Lloyd, and asked him to ascertain what medal ribbons were being worn by Moir. This simple request, the answer to which does not appear to have been recorded, may have been the tipping point for Moir. On Moir’s arrival at the barracks guardroom in the archway entrance to the barracks, Colour-Sergeant Lloyd confronted him. Shortly thereafter, Snider found Moir and Lloyd in the guardroom arguing. Lloyd declared that Moir would find himself in front of the Commanding Officer the next day for a charge of “improperly dressed in town.” At that point, Moir would likely be on charge for insubordination as well. He tried to get clarification from Lieutenant Snider regarding the charges, but was directed to his quarters. Lieutenant Fred Snider would serve briefly in The RCR. He was appointed to a lieutenancy on 14 March 1906, and would be permitted to resign his commission in May of 1908. His resignation coming soon after the death of Color-Sergeant Lloyd, one might wonder if he might have considered himself an influence on Moir that night and bore the weight of a role in Lloyd’s death. An angry Moir arrived in his room with an unknown amount of rage filling him after the ill treatment he perceived he had received from Snider and Lloyd. As the surgeon’s groom, Moir did not live in one of the larger barrack rooms of the east wing of the “U” shaped Wolseley Barracks. Instead, he shared quarters in the basement of the north end of the west wing, under the barrack’s hospital rooms. Moir’s roommate was Private William Brady of the Army Medical Corps. Brady, the medical orderly, was serving an enlistment in the Permanent Army Medical Corps and would complete 2 years, 10 months and 21 days of service before his discharge. He would return to military service in 1914 as an infantry soldier in the 1st 136 PRO PATRIA 2017

Canadian Infantry Battalion, rise to the rank of Sergeant, and be killed in action in late April, 1915. Shots Fired An angry Moir descended the stairs into the room under the hospital which he shared with the hospital orderly. Burning with the slight by Colour-Sergeant Lloyd and angered by the thought of being on orders parade, which would inevitably lead to some punishment, he was in no mood to go to bed. Waking Brady, Moir asked to borrow the second man’s revolver, and with Brady’s permission took the loaded weapon from his barrack box. Moir briefly left the room and Brady heard shots before Moir returned. An inquisitive Brady was told to mind his own business and he did so as the safest course of action. The shots must have electrified those in the close confines of the barrack square that heard them. The unexpected sounds, recognizable to soldiers, would have demanded immediate action from the duty staff. Lieutenant Morris, the Orderly Officer, heard the shots and investigated, calling upon Sergeant Lloyd at the guardroom to accompany him. Lieutenant George Charles Morris had been appointed to a Provisional Lieutenancy (supernumerary to establishment pending completion of training) in the 32nd Bruce Regiment on 20 June 1907. His presence at Wolseley Barracks in April 1908, was as an attached officer under training. Morris would resign his commission less than a year later, effective 15 February 1909. PRO PATRIA 2017 137

In an era when soldiers in barracks might have their service weapons, personal weapons and ammunition for both at their bedspace, Moir was ideally situated to arm himself. Equipped with two handguns, Moir also picked up his service rifle. Strapping a bandolier of ammunition around his waist, he filled the pockets of his trousers and civilian overcoat, now worn over his uniform, with cartridges from the ammunition he kept in his quarters for rifle practice. On hearing someone coming down the stairs, Moir picked up his rifle and loaded it, preparing to meet whoever it might be. Lloyd rounded the corner first, followed by Lieutenant George Morris. Morris had heard the first shots and was the one who identified them to Color Sergeant Lloyd. Now they were proceeding to confront the soldier who had disrupted the evening with gunfire. In the basement room occupied by Moir and Brady, Lloyd found Moir facing him from across the room, rifle loaded and at the ready. Brady shouted a warning to Lloyd; “Look out, he has a rifle, loaded with ball ammunition.” Lloyd ordered Moir to “Put that gun down!” When he failed to do so, Morris instructed Lloyd to “Take that gun away from him.” Lloyd advanced, ignoring Moir’s words as an idle threat when he declared “Hands up. Or I’ll shoot!” Ignoring Moir’s threat, Lloyd reached toward the rifle, and Moir pulled the trigger. i As Lloyd fell to the floor, Moir threatened the unarmed Morris with the rifle next. Morris fled the room by the stairs, the only way out, and called for the guard to turn out. He was quickly followed up the stairs by an escaping Moir who disappeared into the night. Moir’s disappearance into the darkness after shooting Lloyd triggered a flurry of activity at the barracks. The turning out of the guard, posting of armed sentries, and a search for the fugitive soldier all kept the barracks’ occupants busy into the night. The local police were notified and they reinforced the garrison with a squad of officers who immediately commenced a search of the vicinity of the barracks. It was about midnight on Good Friday 1908 and that barracks was now fully awake. Color- Sergeant Lloyd lay dying in the basement of Wolseley Hall, and William Moir was on the run from justice. Escape and Evasion As the story spread through the town and rumours flew back and forth. The early news stories of Monday morning, 20 April, reported Moir as a volatile personality, one known to drink and who had been known to threaten others, including with his pistol. Dr. Belton, for whom he worked as a groom in the barracks, described Moir as a clever individual, and fairly well-educated. Moir had claimed to him to be a machinist by trade, who did his work in a satisfactory manner and minded his own business. Called to the barracks immediately after the shooting, Doctor Cassius Wilkinson Belton, M.D., had been appointed to the position of surgeon-major with the Royal Regiment of Canadian Infantry (later The RCR) on 17 June 1897, at the age of 36. His training as a military doctor would be advanced in 1898 when he attended a course of instruction at the Royal Army Medical Corps school at Aldershot, England. He would leave regimental service in 1904 on transfer to the newly designated Permanent Army Medical Corps and continue as the medical officer at Wolseley Barracks. He would be promoted to Lieutenant Colonel in the Permanent Army Medical Corps on 2 July 1904, and attain the rank of Colonel in the 138 PRO PATRIA 2017

Canadian Militia on 24 May 1916. In 1919, he would write “Pensions for the disabled soldier: Canadian Expeditionary Force.” It was initially unknown if Moir, armed and possibly deranged, had secreted himself somewhere in the barracks, or had escaped the garrison area. Fears of the former kept tensions high throughout the night. A newspaper reporter approaching the barracks with a friend after the story of the shooting had spread through the town was met at the gates of the barracks by armed guards. The level of danger and resulting tension was afterwards explained by one of the guards: “If you had even raised your hand to point to any object in our direction, you would have surely received a bullet through your body. We were keyed up to such a point that in the darkness of the night, when objects could just be discerned in the moonlight, the fact of you raising your arm would have looked so suspicious that we would have not hesitated an instant in opening fire upon you young men.” ii Tensions decreased after the discovery of 40 rounds of ammunition near the garrison’s eastern gate. This indication that Moir had escaped in that direction also provided an initial direction for the search to follow, and allowed everyone in the barracks to breathe a sigh of relief that he wasn’t still hidden somewhere in the barracks. Colour Sergeant Harry Lloyd In the light of a new day, Moir was a fugitive, armed and on the run from military and police authorities. Behind him, his victim, Sergeant Harry Lloyd, lay dead. Surviving long enough to be moved to the barracks hospital in the rooms over the one where he was shot, Lloyd was awake for 20 minutes after the shooting but died within the hour. At the end, he knew that death awaited him. The bullet had traversed his body three times, penetrating the thumb of his outstretched left hand, his body, and finally his right arm before lodging in a door behind him. With a fair complexion and a light moustache, the 25-year-old Lloyd probably didn’t even look his years to the experienced campaigners in the barracks. He wasn’t even supposed to be on duty that night. The roster had originally named Sergeant Arthur Youngman for the guard duty. But Youngman had asked Lloyd to trade duties with him and Lloyd’s agreeable nature and willingness to do so placed him in the guardroom that fatal evening. Sergeant Arthur Youngman was an experienced old soldier. He had joined The RCR on 20 February 1906, after having served 14 years with the British Army in the 2nd Battalion, The Manchester Regiment. With a birth date in 1870, we can safely assume that Youngman’s British Army service spanned the years 1890 to 1895 (approximately). During this period the 2nd Manchesters served in India, the Middle East, the Channel Islands (Guernsey), on stations in the United Kingdom, and on campaign in South Africa. Serving in the Canadian Permanent Force throughout the period of the First World War, Youngman would attest for overseas service at Victoria, British Columbia, on 22 June 1918. From this and his declared residence at Esquimalt, he was likely employed at the regimental depot in Esquimalt during the war and only permitted to volunteer for overseas service when the restrictions on staff appointments were lifted late in the war. While serving with The RCR, Youngman would be awarded the Long Service and Good Conduct Medal in 1914 and the Meritorious Service Medal in 1919. PRO PATRIA 2017 139

A carpenter by civilian trade, Colour-Sergeant Harry Lloyd was a married militiaman from Number 2 Company of the 28th Perth Regiment located in Stratford, Perth County. He had previously taken courses at the barracks and was serving there again on attachment. Gentlemanly and friendly by nature, Harry Lloyd was popular and well-liked in the barracks. It was his sense of friendship and duty that kept him in the barracks when he might have been away, and his wife in Stratford had to receive the terrible news of his tragic death on duty. Moir on the Run By 9 o’clock the following evening, Saturday, 18 April, a party of police with one non-commissioned officer from the barracks were on Moir’s trail. Plain clothed and heavily armed, the city police members were Detectives Thomas Nickle and Robert Egelton, and Sergeants Harry Down and Green, they Photo of Pte Moir that led to his capture were joined by Colour Sergeant Walter Gilmore from the barracks, a crack shot, in case his skills were needed. The men were accompanied in the early stages of their search by a reporter of the London Free Press. With Detectives Nickle and Egelton engaged immediately, the police were putting their best men on the case. Thomas Nickle had joined the London Police Force in 1895 after serving as the Chief of East London. By the time of Lloyd’s murder, Nickle had already built a reputation as a dogged hunter of fugitives with notable successes to his credit. Nickle, with Egelton, had arrested “Texas” Burdell in 1904 after a close range shoot-out that left Burdell’s accomplice “Shorty Billy” Doyle dead. Nickle became one of the force’s two detectives in 1892 and the Inspector of Detectives in 1920. Appointed Constable in 1897, Harry Down would become a detective and Sergeant of Detective before being the Chief of Police from 1930 to 1940. The pursuers headed north east by hand car on the Grand Trunk railway line, towards Thorndale and St. Mary’s. They were following up a report that Moir, still in his uniform and carrying a rifle, had approached the postmaster at the Grove just after 6 p.m. that evening. Postmaster Robinson had not yet heard of the incident in the barracks, and provided Moir with something to eat. Heading further eastward, Moir reached the village of Wyton about 8:30 p.m. Here he tried to secure food and clothing from Albert Martin. His requests could not be fulfilled as the family’s larder was empty and no clothes were available that might fit the fugitive. These first two contacts gave the pursuers a direction to take in the early stages of their search for Moir. Albert Martin, afterwards, described Moir as perfectly calm, and noted that he no longer carried a rifle. Also at Wyton, Moir was seen by the postmaster there, Simon Blake, who was suspicious and refused to provide food or clothing. Nearer Thorndale, Moir had another encounter. Meeting a small boy, he took the lad’s cap, perhaps an attempt to start changing his appearance since his requests for clothing had come to naught. One more item came to light which confirmed Moir’s direction of travel. In 140 PRO PATRIA 2017

the early afternoon, two young boys, the sons of Dr. Hughes of Thorndale, found a rifle about a half-mile from that village on the road to Wyton. In addition to the reported sightings, this was solid evidence for the pursuers to set out on their manhunt. Lloyd’s Funeral The funeral for Colour-Sergeant Harry Lloyd took place two days after the shooting, on Easter Sunday, 20 April 1908. He was laid to rest in Avondale Cemetery with military honours. Citizens of the town lined the streets along which the funeral party proceeded. The regimental band of the 28th Perth Regiment led the procession to St James Church where the unit chaplain, Reverend W.T. Cluff, conducted the funeral service. Sergeant-Major Keane of the 28th Regiment commanded the firing party which fired three volleys over the grave. Pallbearers came from the Sergeants’ Mess of the 28th Regiment, and consisted of Quartermaster-Sergeant Lorne Smith, Pioneer Sergeant Fletcher, Colour- Sergeant Madill, Sergeant Bissett, Sergeant Wilson and Sergeant Doig. Coincidentally, Stratford, Lloyd’s home town and his final resting place, was directly in the path of the fugitive William Moir. A Dangerous Fugitive Moir’s escape from the Barracks and apprehension of the anticipated pursuit bred much speculation. He was thought to be a man of volatile disposition who may have enjoyed his drink. Moir was also identified by a fellow soldier as a cordite eater. Apparently a popular practice in the South African War (1899-1902), men would remove the cartridges from bullets and eat the propellant powder. The described effects of this was contradictory, both like that of a strong stimulant and like morphine or similar drugs. As a long serving soldier with Imperial Army experience in South Africa and on the north- west frontier of India, Moir was assumed to be an expert at living rough. This supposed skill, plus his heavily armed posture, created the expectations that he might be ready for pursuers, and willing to fight to the death for his chance at freedom. Moir’s death, though desired by few, was not without consideration. The pursuers went forth with clear instructions to bring Moir in, dead or alive. Battling the delay in getting information on sightings of Moir, real or suspected, and the challenges of traveling in the country, by hand car or carriage, the pursuers had their work laid out before them trying to close Moir’s lead. The men searched locations where Moir might have laid up and rested, and on one occasion searched a barn to discover an unexpected occupant. An unidentified man from London, who had been tramping across country, laid up there to rest after drinking to excess. His besotted adventure may have ended in tragedy if the pursuers had been more aggressive in entering the barn in search of Moir. The posse searched the country between Thorndale and St Mary’s, coming up short of any solid leads as to Moir’s whereabouts. In Thorndale, it was suspected, Moir and his pursuers nearly crossed paths. The posse rallied there late Sunday evening, using the services of the East Middlesex Telephone Company, in the offices under the management of Mr. James Stinson. Nearby was a barn owned by Mr. W.J. Evans wherein the evidence of a man having slept there was discovered. The evidence that it may have been Moir was that two blankets PRO PATRIA 2017 141

used by the interloper had been folded “military style” when he departed before the owner entered at 6:30 a.m. Sightings of Moir, real or suspected, confirmed in the minds of his pursuers that he had fled to the north and east of London. News of the murder and Moir being at large had spread through the country and armed men greeted the official searchers at farms as they followed the leads they received. The discovery of Moir’s discarded rifle, at least, reduced the threat of a long range engagement by Moir as well as confirmed his generally northward direction of travel. After finding themselves no closer to capturing Moir by the end of Sunday, the first two days of searching came to an end and the searchers returned to the barracks, emptyhanded. In that time, no word of Moir had surfaced after the early sighting. The pursuers anticipated that Moir had gone to ground and remained hidden, or perhaps he had ended his own troubles with suicide. In balance to these theories, Moir had no way of knowing that Lloyd had died and, desperate as he may be, escape remained a very likely possibility for him. The hunt for Moir continued, next following a sighting in the village of Tavistock. Moir was reported to have entered a local hotel by the fire escape, rifling drawers in search of clothes and being stymied by a locked closet before fleeing the scene. Identified by his general description and the cap he now wore, the search party had a new area to focus on and continued to canvas the area looking for Moir or any trace of his passing. By nightfall however, the members of the search party, which had been working in different areas around the Stratford, met at the Commercial Hotel in that town to compare notes of their fruitless efforts. The search for Moir covered a growing area as sightings, real and rumoured, increased. Members of the search party ranged as far west as Goderich on the Lake Huron shore to St Jacob’s, north of Berlin (now Kitchener), Ontario. Reporters explained Moir’s success at evading capture as proof of his soldierly skills learned in the British Army and developed in South Africa and on the Northwest Frontier of India. The papers also developed a sense of danger through descriptions of a desperate and armed man loose in the area and ready to kill to keep his freedom. By Wednesday, 22 April, the searches were working in pairs and had divided the search area up into three sectors. Sergt. Downs and Sergt. Green covered the land from Stratford to Goderich, the area between Tavistock and Mitchell was in the hands of P.C. Bolton and Color-Sergt. Gilmore, and Detectives Nickle and Egelton worked the territory around Berlin and St. Jacobs. Following up a hundred clues, the search party remained confident they were closing a noose on the fleeing man. But the clues were thin and sometimes completely fictional. The last confirmed sighting of Moir was Sunday morning when he approached a man named Robinson at his farmhouse near St Mary’s and asked for food. By the end of the week, sightings of Moir seemed to localize around St Jacob’s, Ingersoll, and Woodstock, drawing the search area to the region east of London. On Friday 24 April, while the search for Moir continued, a Coroner’s Inquest into the death of Color-Sergeant Lloyd was being held in London. The seventeen members of the jury heard iii evidence from witnesses to Moir’s actions on the night of the murder. The inquest jury heard from Lieut. Morris, who had been behind Lloyd when the fatal shot 142 PRO PATRIA 2017

was fired. Doctor Belton read his post-mortem examination to the jury, describing Lloyd’s wounds and his death by blood loss, primarily from the liver, and shock. Sergeant James Carter described Moir’s arrival at the barracks that night, and how he was met by Lloyd who warned him for company orders the following day. Carter informed the jury that the warning had incensed Moir, who returned to the guardroom to try and discover who had placed him on report, which he was told he would learn the following day. Private Brady, who had occupied the room under the hospital with Moir for two months, described how Moir had come into the room and armed himself with pistols, rifle and ammunition. Brady detailed the shooting and also noted Moir’s volatile nature and the threats he had made toward Color-Sergeant Gilmore over perceived slights during the preceding months. Brady also shared with the jury that the amount of ammunition available to Moir was unusual but that it had been in the barracks room for over eight months. The inquest jury had little difficulty in returning with a verdict of willful murder. A Fruitless Chase Continues By Saturday, the 25th of April, a week after the night of the murder, the search party pondered a trail grown cold. Having followed rumours all over the surrounding countryside, no further solid leads to Moir’s whereabouts had arisen. Every unfamiliar face, or person dressed strangely, or asking for directions, was cause for a new suspicion that Moir was about the country. Each rumour was investigated, but to no avail. The prevailing suspicion was that Moir had gone to ground, and was laying low in the area between the communities of Heidelberg, St. Jacob’s (where he was last reported with any confidence), and Guelph. It was believed that Moir had some friends in that district, who might be assisting his concealment from authority. The search party remained confident that Moir would be found, while admitting that chases through open country could often be long ones. It was also known that Moir received army reserve pay from England on a monthly basis, and any attempt to acquire these funds would be a potential opportunity to narrow the search and secure his capture. Color-Sergeant Gilmore, having known Moir at the Barracks, described him as a braggart to his fellow searchers, and suspected that his habit of talking too much might also lead to his identification and capture. Throughout the week since the murder, the hunt for Moir ranged over the country around London. The search area was shown by one local paper as follows: • Saturday – From London to Thorndale • Sunday – From Thorndale to Wyton Station • Monday – From Wyton Station to St. Mary’s • Tuesday – From Stratford to St. Mary’s, Tavistock, Stratford to St. Mary’s, Stratford to Ailsa Craig • Wednesday – Stratford to Harmony, Stratford to Seaforth, Goderich, Mitchell, Goderich, Centralia and St. Mary’s • Thursday – From St. Jacob to all surrounding villages iv • Friday – From Guelph to surrounding points. Working in pairs, the searchers had covered as much ground personally as humanly possible. Trains, handcars, and horses provided the necessary motive power, but the diligence of the searchers was met by a trail grown cold. PRO PATRIA 2017 143

The Ammunition Question A lingering question in the military community following the reporting on the coroner’s inquest was concerning the ready availability of ammunition in the barracks. The London Free Press, publishing a column titled “Military Minutes,” raised this issue in two paragraphs by pseudonymous author “Major R.E.D. Tape”: “The sad tragedy which occurred at Wolseley Barracks last Friday night brings most forcibly to our notice a question which has received far too little attention in the past. This question is the accounting of ammunition. Private Moir should not have had ammunition in his possession. Where he got it we do not know, but at any rate someone, charged with the custody of ammunition, has been careless, and by his carelessness has aided a man to commit a most cold- blooded murder. “We are quite sure that this same carelessness exists to a very large extent among the rifle associations and militia corps of the country. A considerable portion of the ammunition issued to some of them is never properly accounted for, and we may safely say that it is not expended in the manner intended. It is scattered across the country in the hands of persons who should not have it. To prevent such in the future, the militia authorities should get busy at once.” v A Reward is Offered The Dominion Government, in response to the lack of fresh clue which could put the reassembled search party back on Moir’s trail, offered a reward in early May, a full three weeks after the murder. $500 was offered for the arrest of Moir, or the provision of information leading to his arrest. In the normal manner of such affairs, the notice would be sent to every post office in the country, in hopes of stimulating fresh clues and a solid lead. Three days. That’s all it took before someone was claiming entitlement to the reward. At 6 p.m., Saturday the 9th of May, 1908. Moir was taken into custody at Elora, Ontario, by Chief Constable Farrell of Arthur and Constable Coughlin of Wellington. Acting on a tip Farrell received, and later claiming not to have known of the reward, the constables descended on the farm where they expected to find Moir. At the farm of David Robb, who had hired Moir to pick rocks, the two constables employed a ruse about buying horses to get onto the farm where Moir was working and to get close to their target. And get close they did, in a knock-down, drag-out fight with a man determined not to be taken into custody. The two constables subdued Moir after a vicious fight in the farm’s stable, and succeeded in getting cuffs on him to make the arrest. Moir, it turns out, had been working on the farm for a wage of $22 per month since the 22nd of April, starting there only five days after the shooting and while the search party was still chasing rumours of his presence elsewhere. After the capture of Moir, the constables reported that he had been worked into a rage by the fight, and left in a mood they felt would have ended in further murders if Moir had been armed at that time. In custody and held first at Elora, Moir was his reportedly talkative self. He described his route from London to Elora by identifying where he spent each night: 144 PRO PATRIA 2017

“The first point he touched, taking his own statement as the truth, was likely The Grove, where he stayed on Saturday, the day after the tragedy. Saturday night he slept at a barn further on. On Tuesday he spent the night in a Stratford hotel. On Wednesday he was in Elora. These are the only places he claims to have stopped.” vi Moir also admitted that his most grievous error was admitting to people that he was, in fact, Moir. In London, Police Chief W.T.T. Williams confirmed Moir’s capture to the London Free Press, and mush praise was directed at the constables who effected it. The offer of the reward and the resulting issue of 7000 circulars across the country kept the case in the public eye, providing the necessary information and incentive for Farrell and Coughlin to act when they heard of Moir’s likely location. Even as the Elora constables were taking action, word of Moir’s location had also reached the ears of Constable Blacklock, of Elora, Ontario. Working with information from Charles Robb, Blacklock first sought reinforcement from the Guelph police, but by the time the party of Guelph Chief of Police Randall, Constables Greenaway and Blacklock, and Charles Robb reached the farm, Moir was already in custody. With Moir secure in the lockup in Elora, word of his capture was sent to the London police. Shortly after Moir’s capture was confirmed, Detective Thomas Nickle set out from London to bring Moir back to the city. James Robb, the brother who owned the farm where Moir was captured, afterwards told his story of how Moir came to be working on his farm to the London Free Press by telephone. On the night of 22 April, Moir, looking rough and asking for work, had arrived at the farm when only Robb’s wife was at home. The family being unaware of the tragedy in London at the time, or that an escaped murderer was on the loose in the area, she took him in for a meal and when the farmer arrived, an agreement was made to employ Moir for $22 per month, which might later increase to $25 if he stayed on. The farm only received a Toronto paper, and as yet had not seen the story of Color-Sergeant Lloyd’s murder. When a copy of an Elora paper came to the house, Moir secretly cut out a section which included a description of himself in an effort to maintain secrecy a little longer. He also switched caps, taking one from the farmhouse, to alter his appearance once again when he was sent on an errand to a nearby town. Unfortunately for Moir, a toothache was almost his undoing. Complaining of pain, he was sent to see Dr. Wallace in Alma, who treated him, but also recognized his patient and later shared this knowledge with James Robb. Moir had been working on the farm for eight or nine days before his identity became known to the Robb family. They had also determined that he was armed much of the time and did not raise the alarm for their own safety. By the 9th of May, Saturday, the Robbs were prepared to enable the capture of Moir at their farm. Charles Robb went to Elora and informed Constable Blacklock, which led to the late arrival of Blacklock’s party to find Moir already in custody. James himself had been met by constables Farrell and Coughlin as they approached the farm where Moir worked. He pointed out the barn where Moir would be found and warned them that Moir would be a dangerous adversary. Despite their roles in the affair, James Robb admitted that the family did not expect any share in the reward. Held in the lockup at Arthur, Moir was visited by and talked to a number of people. He PRO PATRIA 2017 145

claimed to have known the details of his act and the progress of the search, but not at first. He claimed that his first indication that he had done something wrong was when he woke up in a barn six miles from London, armed with his rifle, but lacking any clear memory of the night’s activities. He had worked his way eastward until, while mingling in the crowd at a horse show in Elora, heard that the Robb’s were looking to hire a farm hand. Moir’s last public visitor was a Scotsman, who claimed to also be a veteran of the South African War, and whose conversation reminded Moir of home, and possibly of his mother, causing him to become agitated. After this, only the police officers spoke with Moir. Right: Photo of Pte Moir when he was with the Gordon Highlanders Return to London Moir’s return to the city was much anticipated. Word had spread of his capture and the train arriving on the morning of the 11th was met by a crowd of “fully 500 morbid curiosity seekers.” They were disappointed at discovering that Moir was not on that train and that he was not expected to arrive before the night train at 11:30 p.m. Beginning with the murder and manhunt, Moir’s incarceration and trial would continue to be a highlight of London’s news for 1908. Speculation about whether Moir might plead insanity and whether his more likely fate was the hangman’s noose or incarceration in an asylum immediately became fodder for friends and strangers to discuss. As a well behaved and articulate prisoner, Moir generated some feelings of sympathy among the interested public. He confessed to interviewers an intent to flee far from the scene after the shooting, but happenstance found him working at the Robb’s farm. He also professed a degree of remorse and even admitted to have considered returning to London to surrender himself. He was now willing to accept what fate would now deliver him, but this may as well have been a response to the situation he was now in as he awaited trial. In London, Moir would be represented by a lawyer from the town of Arthur, Mr. M. Wilkins. Efforts were immediately made to secure the representation of Mr. Edmund Meredith, K.C., of London as counsel for the defence. Also standing for Moir was Rev. W.T. Richardson, a Presbyterian minister who described Moir as an honest man who attended church regularly. He noted to the papers that Moir had family; a mother, brother, and sister at Hawick in Scotland, and that his grandfather was also still alive. Access by the press to prisoners and anyone else involved in a case such as Moir’s are evident in the newspaper reporting of the era. The London Free Press offered some clues as to Moir’s mental state with the following lines: “At first, when I realized what I had done, the impulse was strong within me to return to London and give myself up. I wanted to rid myself of the whole thing, 146 PRO PATRIA 2017

even if it cost me my life. But I hadn’t the pluck to do it. Then I made up my mind to get away, if I could.” “No, I do not ask for any sympathy now,” he said, “All I ask for is a fair trial. If I am guilty of this thing I must take the consequences. But I feel that I was not responsible.” Moir denies absolutely that he ever ate cordite. He says it was drink entirely that is responsible for his present position. The face of the young man wears a saddened expression. He is undoubtedly aware of the seriousness of his position.” vii Moir stepped off the Canadian Pacific railway train at 11;30 p.m. on the evening of May 11, 1908. He had been escorted on the 153-mile journey by Detective Nickle and met at the London station by Detective Egelton and other officers. Moir spent his first night in London at the Carling Street police station, although he would soon be moved to the county jail in London as he passed into the hands of the court system. Left: The Accused - Photo of William Alexander Moir Trial Preliminaries William Alexander Moir made his first court appearance on the morning of 12 May. This appearance was a formality, during which Moir would be remanded for a later preliminary hearing, in front of Police Magistrate Love. In only five minutes, Moir was informed that he was to be charged with the murder of Henry Lloyd and the preliminary hearing was set for that Friday, the 15th of May. Present in the courtroom for that first appearance were Dr. Belton, the surgeon at the barracks, and also Sergeant Gilmore, who had been a member of the party who first pursued Moir. Gilmore informed reporters that Moir had been struck from the rolls of his Regiment as a deserter, effective the day after the murder. He also spoke briefly to Moir, making arrangement to send Moir’s personal effects to the prison on his behalf. Perhaps it was Moir’s model behavior since his arrest, or his suggestions at being repentant, or the details of his life that were shared, but public sentiment somehow started to swing in favour of the man first hunted and feared as a dangerous killer on the loose. It began in Arthur where he was held between his arrest and being escorted to London by Detective Nickle. Moir had a new suit for his trip to London, PRO PATRIA 2017 147

courtesy of the Robbs paying him money he was due for his labours and the contributions of other townspeople. Supporting this evolving opinion of Moir, the papers began to report that Moir did not appear to be the killer that had been described during the manhunt. As a result of the impression Moir had made upon the people of Arthur, a fund was begun to collect funds to support him. Among the named subscribers were the following prominent community members: • Rev. Father Doherty, pastor of St. John’s Church, • Rev. W.G. Richardson, pastor of St. Andrew’s Church, • J.A. McGill, manager of Trader’s Bank, • M.J. Brown, proprietor of the Arlington Hotel, • George A. Shoner, jeweler, • Rev. Mr. Russell, pastor of the Latter Day Saints’ Church, and • Reeve Colwill viii Moir’s repentant attitude and his polite explanations worked on the hearts and minds of many who met him. His claims that he remembered nothing of the event, and that he was unaware of the fate of Sergeant Lloyd until days later, opened the door to considerations that he Detective Nickle and Constable Farrell might not have been fully responsible for his actions. Some of his newfound friends and supporters were willing to believe that he may not be criminally guilty of the murder. At 3 p.m., on Friday April 15th, 1908, William Alexander Moir appeared again in court before Police Magistrate Love, this time for the commencement of his preliminary hearing. He was formally charged with the murder of Sergeant Henry Lloyd by Sergeant Walter J. Gilmore, of Wolseley Barracks. Mr. Meredith, K.C., was prepared to appear for Moir, but it was anticipated that he would not argue against evidence. As Moir’s counsel, Meredith’s priority at this time was to ensure a fair process and to eliminate inadmissible evidence such as hearsay. Despite the great degree of public interest in the case, police limited public access to the courtroom to a few dozen spectators. Meredith’s cross-examination of witnesses focused on the possibility that Moir was “crazy drunk” at the time of the shooting. Unfortunately for Moir’s case, none of the witnesses would admit to that, although 148 PRO PATRIA 2017

some came close. They were, however, ready to describe Moir as being in a “sour mood” on the evening of the murder. Moir was a well-behaved prisoner in the county goal. This being reported no doubt added to the readiness of some citizens to feel sympathy towards his case. The jailers, guarding against the possibility, took every precaution to prevent the likelihood of escape. The London jail had been beaten before, when a notorious prisoner nicknamed “Texas” had escaped some years before. As a sidebar to the approaching trial, there was discussion and debate regarding who would be entitled to claim the reward for Moir’s identification and capture. Notices for the reward had specified that it would be paid in return for “the capture, or information leading to the capture” of the fugitive. Among the parties claiming entitlement to the offered $500 were the Robb brothers, P.J. Ferrell of Wellington, and Mr. Draper. It would, however, be some months before the recipient would be identified following the submission of affidavits by claimants establishing their roles in Moir’s capture. Moir’s preliminary trial covered the same ground and evidence as the inquest into the murder. Crown Attorney McKillop acted on behalf of the crown and the cross-examination of witnesses was conducted by Meredith. All of the witnesses called during that session were from the barracks. Meredith repeatedly sought to establish grounds for the defence theory that Moir was “crazy drunk” but none of the witnesses supported that assertion. Lieutenant Morris was questioned by Meredith to establish if he thought that Lloyd’s own action in grabbing for the rifle may have contributed to the pulling of the trigger, but he never clearly made such an admission. Fred Snider, formerly a Lieutenant who had served for two years at Wolseley Barracks and who had since left that service, was the first witness called to the stand. He described seeing Moir, along with Sergeant Carter of the 7th Fusiliers, on the streetcar about 11:45 p.m. on the night of the shooting, and that both of them had been drinking. Having left the streetcar himself to return to the barracks, Snider spoke to Sergeant Lloyd on entering the barracks and after seeing Lloyd speaking to Moir, also had an exchange with the accused man. Moir had approached Snider to ask why he should be “up for company office” in the morning, i.e., to be charged for a minor crime. Snider had told Moir that he would find out in the morning and stated that Moir at the time did not appear intoxicated. He was unaware that the conversation he witnessed between Lloyd and Moir had been a heated exchange. Ending his own conversation with Moir, who he described as showing an excited tone and manner, Snider had ordered him to his quarters. Snider confirmed that he had known Moir throughout his two years at the barracks. He claimed not to know if Moir was addicted to drink. Admitting that he knew Moir to be under the influence of liquor on the night of the murder, Snider’s remarks led Mr. Meredith into an interesting exchange to attempt to define “drunkenness.” Snider - “A man is drunk when he is incapable of doing his duty.” Meredith - “If he could walk straight and talk straight would he be drunk?” Snider - “Not necessarily.” Meredith - “If he could not perform his duty would he be drunk?” PRO PATRIA 2017 149

Snider - “Yes, sir.” Meredith - “There are no degrees of drunkenness with you?” Snider - “No, sir.” ix Sergeant Carter, of the 7th Regiment, Fusiliers, an infantry unit of Militia headquartered in London, was next called to the stand. Carter had been on the streetcar with Moir, the two having been seen together by Lieutenant Snider. Carter, a city resident at 167 Wortley Road in London’s south end, was returning to the barracks and had met with Moir at the corner of Dundas and Richmond streets. Together they went on the street car toward the intersection of Oxford and Adelaide streets, the stop closest to Wolseley Barracks. Carter acknowledged that Lieut. Snider occupied the same car. Carter accompanied Moir into the barracks at 11:45 p.m. He described to the court that Sergeant Lloyd pulled Moir aside to speak with him, and informed him that he would be up for company orders the next morning. Moir demanded to know the reason, and that not being provided, Moir left the guardroom and approached Lieut. Snider to speak with him. As Moir began speaking with Snider, Carter continued to his own barrack room and was not party to the exchange between Moir and Snider. Shortly after getting to his room, Carter stated he heard a shot which to him appeared to come from the barrack square. He went to his window, from which he saw two figures who he could not identify crossing the square at a run. Asserting himself to be a teatotaler, Carter hedged under cross-examination in confirming if Moir had been drinking. He did allow that Moir had been in a nasty mood when speaking with Sergeant Lloyd at the guardroom, challenging him to admit that it was Snider who had placed him on company orders. Carter had remained inside after the first shot, but redressed and came back out of his room after hearing the second shot of the night. He refused to rise to Meredith’s line of questioning that he had remained inside after the first shot out of fear. On being examined about Moir’s character, Carter stated that he had not known the accused well but was on good terms with him. Next called to the stand was Doctor Belton, the surgeon at Wolseley Barracks. Belton had known Lloyd, and had made a post-mortem examination of his body after the shooting. He confirmed that the cause of death was the bullet that passed through Lloyd’s chest and pointed out for Meredith the path the bullet had taken. Meredith, likely in pursuit of his theory that Moir had been under the influence of something, next queried Belton on the use of cordite by soldiers. Belton acknowledged that cordite could act upon the brain as a powerful and temporary stimulant. Cordite was a nitro-glycerine based propellant used in rifle cartridges. While a single cartridge may contain 60 strands, it only took a few to have an effect on a user. Major J.W. Jennings, D.S.O., writing in a 1903 Journal of the Royal Army Medical Corps article titled “Cordite Eating and Cordite-Eaters,” stated the following points based on his observation of soldiers using cordite during the South African War: • “Cordite, when taken in “strand” form, rapidly produces a violent splitting 150 PRO PATRIA 2017