Pro Patria 2019

The new RCR title will be positioned lower on the sleeve compared to previous uniforms. Photos courtesy Maj T. Robinson. versions but was larger and made of more modern materials. As the uniform was hung up to the pleasure of many in 1994, the use of coloured shoulder titles also ended. Although the Regiment ceased wearing them, the tradition of coloured titles continued with our affiliated cadet corps, 12 cadet corps totalling over 1500 youths continued wearing the Regimental title. Although many of their badges were old stock from the Regiment, a cadet specific pattern was also produced. Approved in 1978 these titles were viii fully embroidered in rayon thread. Most recently; the enhanced Forward Presence (eFP) Battle Group, Roto 10, led by 1 RCR wore a similar shoulder title but printed on PVC and made with black writing in relief on an olive background throughout their deployment to Latvia in 2018. Which leaves us in our new chapter about the Regiment’s shoulder title. In the supporting documentation for the return to our familiar and distinctive badge it was noted “the easily recognisable shoulder insignia will provide our soldiers with an improved feeling of identity including past serving members who recognize the traditionally worn items of their era.” Much like Second World War policy, as “Canadian” is featured in the title the wearing of the “Canada” badge of DEU will now become obsolete for The RCR. The wearing guidelines describe that “the cloth shoulder title is to be worn on both sleeves of the DEU jacket. It is worn in the position of the current Canada cloth titles with the bottom of the title aligned in the same position. The title should be centered on the sleeve utilizing the “R” in the word Royal, center-line with existing insignia and titles. It is not necessary to align the center of the title with the existing shoulder straps of the DEU since they are not centered on the shoulder seam due to the varying sizes of tunics and design of the shoulder cut. The variances in cut and design in men’s and women’s jackets will also affect the positioning.” The new badges will measure 4.5” long and 1.16” at their widest point. Regimental members can expect to see these being issued in the coming months. By the time this article is published the new shoulder titles will be worn by all members of The RCR. For those wondering why we may be following in the steps of other regiments, such as the PPCLI which have sported a cloth shoulder title on DEU since 2014, they should be aware that we have a long tradition with this badge which has seem some changes over the last several decades. The coloured title was well respected and easily recognized [ 151 PRO PATRIA 2019 ]

throughout Europe during the Second World War, in the many battles we fought in Korea, and throughout Germany and various UN deployments during the Cold War. The author wishes to acknowledge and thank Bill Alexander and Maj Tim Robinson on their contributions to this article. i 5250-1(G1 Dress and Ceremonial) Minutes of the CADCC Meeting 01/18 held on 19 June 2018, dated 12 July 2018. ii Alexander B. Fabric of War, 2019 iii Galloway S., A Regiment at War, 1979 iv LAC, R112, Vol 29711, Letter, Regimental Shoulder Titles, The Royal Canadian Regiment, 29 Nov 41. v RCR Regimental Standing Orders, 1960. vi O’Leary M., Badges of The Royal Canadian Regiment Shoulder Flashes and Titles, Pro Patria, 2009. vii The Regimental Standing Orders for The Royal Canadian Regiment, 1980. viii Memorandum, Insignia Shoulder Sleeve, Army Cadet, 19 Nov 79 [ 152 PRO PATRIA 2019 ]

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Visit The RCR website at: www.thercr.ca [ 154 PRO PATRIA 2019 ]

The Royal Canadian Regiment Voluntary Contributions Program The purpose of the Voluntary Contributions Program (VCP) is to provide funding for Regimental initiatives benefitting individual members of the Regiment, as well as to support major Regimental projects and operations. A portion of the contributions received will be invested in order to aid in the financing of longer-term projects, thus ensuring that the Regiment retains the capability of maintaining historical traditions and of defining and promoting the distinctiveness of the Regiment. From its inception, the VCP rates have been pro-rated by rank, with more senior ranks asked to contribute a larger individual monthly contribution than junior ranks. FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS What VCP rate should I be paying? Remaining a paid-up contributor, in accordance with your rank, to the VCP is one criterion for receipt of the Regimental departure gifts upon retirement. These Regimental departure gifts or entitlements include the Regimental scroll and coin after two years service in the Regiment; and the Soldier of the Queen statuette for 20 years or more of Regimental service, if contributing to the VCP. As of 1 July 2013 the new monthly VCP rates by rank will be as follows: • Pte $5.00 • Cpl/MCpl $6.00 • Sgt/WO/MWO $10.00 • CWO $15.00 • OCdt/2Lt/Lt/Capt $12.00 • Maj/LCol/Col $20.00 • General Officer $35.00 What does VCP support? • Free issue of accoutrements (e.g. initial issue of cap badge, buttons, PT shell, Sergeant’s sash) • Regimental Departure Gifts • Tributes (e.g. flowers) sent on behalf of the Regiment • Support to The RCR Association Bursary • Support to The RCR Pipes and Drums • Support to Regimental operations Enhanced Departure Gift • Bookkeeping/Accounting/Banking Soldier of The Queen For more information visit: www.thercr.ca [ 155 PRO PATRIA 2019 ]

THE RCR ASSOCIATION SERVICE & ASSISTANCE FUND General 1. The RCR Association Service and Assistance Fund does not form part of The RCR Fund, however, support from this fund is applicable to the regimental family and as such information regarding the Service and Assistance Fund is provided here for information. 2. The Service and Assistance Fund is held within The RCR Trust and administered by the Trustees. Monies accrued in this fund may be used as grants to be paid out to Service and Assistance applicants. Upon recommendation by The RCR Association Standing Committee on Service and Assistance, a letter will be forwarded to the Chairman of the Trust requesting that a grant be made payable to the applicant. The letter should include the name, address, contact information of the applicant and a copy of the application. Based on the committee’s recommendation, grants up to but not exceeding $2k may be approved. Standing Committee on Service and Assistance 3. The RCR Association Standing Committee on Service and Assistance will convene at the discretion of the Chairman of The RCR Association Board of Directors (BoD) to approve applications for financial assistance. The Standing Committee will consist of the Chairman of the Association and at least two Directors from the BoD. 4. All applications for assistance will be treated confidentially. Applications for Service and Assistance 5. Applications for Service and Assistance for retired members of the regiment shall be submitted directly to the BoD, and for serving members through the chain of command to RHQ and the BoD. 6. Upon receiving a request for assistance, the Chairman of The RCR Association will convene the Service and Assistance Committee. The Committee will consider each case in accordance with the following criteria: Eligibility 7. Eligible applicants must be: • A retired member of the CF whose former service would qualify the individual to be a member of The RCR Association, or • A widow of a member of the regiment, or • A member currently serving with a unit of The RCR or on ERE, or • Any individual who has been on the posted strength to a unit of The RCR, or • A wounded member of the regiment who has been medically released and it has [ 156 PRO PATRIA 2019 ]

been determined that, as a result of the release the individual has lost an entitlement that would have normally been covered by DND, DVA or SISIP, or • An individual who served with the regiment in a theatre of operations where their medical problem was acquired. Review 8. In reviewing each application, the Committee will take into consideration: • The current financial situation of the applicant, • Whether all other avenues of assistance have been exhausted and if not, advise the applicant where to go for other forms of assistance, and • The recommendations of the chain of command, if any. 9. In assessing eligibility, note that the following persons do not qualify: • Those who have already been provided financial assistance through this program to the maximum amount of $2000, • Those whose financial situation would be alleviated through other forms of assistance provided by DND, VAC or SISIP. [ 157 PRO PATRIA 2019 ]

REGIMENTAL SPORTS SPONSORSHIP PROGRAM 1. Intent. The intent of the program is: • To demonstrate the regiment’s support for the personal endeavours of its individual members in competitive sporting activities which demand physical exertion, stamina and intelligence and which promote a healthy and active lifestyle consistent with the expectations and demands of service in the infantry or the Canadian Army generally; and • To provide positive public exposure for The RCR as a goodwill partner in the support of its members. 2. Policy. The RCR supports its serving members’ personal competitive sporting endeavors by providing a small ex gratia grant in order to defray the personal costs associated with such competitions. Such a grant constitutes a goodwill gesture and is neither service-related Temporary Duty nor duty travel, however, a separate decision to support an activity by providing TD (e.g. for a CISM event) need not necessarily prejudice selection for a grant under this program. A member accepts all personal risk associated with the sporting activity and signs an acknowledgement to this effect as a pre-condition of application, however, nothing in this regimental policy supersedes or affects existing CAF regulations and policies concerning a members’ requirement to engage in physical activities and physical training, nor does it limit normal CAF and/or CAF member responsibility or liability as established by CAF policies. A serving member is any member of the regiment embodied in the Regular Force, including a member of an attached arm serving in an RCR battalion, or the Primary Reserve or Supplementary Reserve who is actively parading at their place of employment. 3. Qualifying Activities. In order to qualify for a grant a member of the regiment must be actively engaged as an individual or as a team member in a competitive sporting activity organized under the authority of a recognized professional or amateur sporting authority in which participation reflects credit on the Canadian Armed Forces and the regiment. There is no minimum or maximum time in which the member has been involved in the sport, however, the member must show, to the satisfaction of the Selection Committee, that their effort is reasonable and sustained. Such activities include, but are not limited to traditional individual athletics (running, cycling, triathlon, skiing, martial arts, swimming, tennis, etc), individual members of a team sport (hockey, soccer, lacrosse, etc), motor sports (Targa, Stock Car, Chump car, etc) and extreme sports (skateboard, BMX, snowboarding, etc). Activities which clearly contain no physical or stamina component such as pub darts or poker, or which are merely for personal recreation (i.e. there is no element of sustained competition such as a one-off golf tournament), or which would in the judgement of the Selection Committee tend to bring the Canadian Armed Forces and the regiment into disrepute will not be considered. 4. Eligibility. A member submitting a request under this program must be a contributing VCP member at the appropriate level for their rank. The annual grant may be received by a [ 158 PRO PATRIA 2019 ]

member up to a maximum of four times, consecutively or non-consecutively, in a member’s career. Members must make application through their battalion chain of command or ERE mentor who will verify that the activity qualifies and forward the application to RHQ for selection. Selection is not automatic and must be reapplied for in subsequent years. The member’s rank, MOS and gender are not selection factors. 5. Every RCR battalion and the regiment’s ERE community may each nominate up to three personnel annually for a total of 15 grants. 6. Funding. Each individual annual grant is $500.00, supported by The RCR Trust to a yearly maximum of $7,500.00, or as subject to review by the Regimental Executive Committee. Unused battalion and ERE allotments do not accumulate; any budgeted funds not used in a given year remain with The RCR Trust. 7. Calculation of Time. The annual grant year is based on the NPF fiscal calendar of 1 January to 31 December. The deadline for annual applications to reach RHQ is 31 October for the following year. Applications prior to 1 September, late applications or applications in arrears will not be accepted. 8. Application. Battalion COs or ERE Mentors must forward to RHQ//Regimental Adjutant: • the member’s completed Regimental Sports Sponsorship Application and Undertaking, found on the RHQ ACIMS Sharepoint site at: https://acims.mil.ca/org/rhq_the_rcr/default.aspx; and, • proof of the applicant’s past involvement (progression in the sport) and upcoming involvement in the qualifying sporting activity (registration documents or other relevant documents such as photographs if necessary). 9. Selection. On receipt of the applications, RHQ will verify the applicants’ contribution to the VCP and convene a committee consisting of the Regimental Secretary, Regimental Major, Regimental Adjutant and the Regimental Warrant Officer to consider the applications. The committee makes its decisions based on the recommendations received from Battalions COs or ERE Mentors, however, it will advise the Chair of the REC to reject any application which clearly does not meet the criteria of this order. Each battalion may submit a maximum of three nominations; should a battalion not use some or all of their allotment, the Selection Committee will draw straws to determine the re-allocation of vacancies among the other battalions and ERE, after which the relevant battalion/ERE will be asked to submit an additional nomination. As the widely dispersed ERE mentors do not operate under a single unit HQ, RHQ will act in this capacity and accept any number of ERE applications for referral to the committee and ultimately the selection of three ERE names. 10. Notification and Disbursement of Funds. The Selection Committee will notify applicants through their Battalion chain of command or ERE Mentor. Disbursement of [ 159 PRO PATRIA 2019 ]

funds will follow immediately by cheque, to be presented by the CO or ERE Mentor with photographs to be forwarded to the Regimental Adjutant for publishing in Pro Patria. There is no subsequent requirement to retain or submit receipts. 11 Publicity. As a condition of receiving a grant, the member must agree to wear the regiment’s authorized blue PT shirt or running jacket or otherwise display The RCR cypher/ cap badge in a suitable location (not provided as part of this program). In cases where an individual athlete has obtained sponsorship other than from the regiment, the Selection Committee will determine whether the symbols of the regiment may be appropriately displayed in combination with those of the other organization(s) and may direct reasonable restrictions or conditions based on the specific circumstances. Subsequent photographs of the competition event are always welcomed for inclusion in Pro Patria or for publication to the regimental web site. [ 160 PRO PATRIA 2019 ]

Corporal Brent Poland “Children of the Fallen” Education Fund Background: 1. The Children of the Fallen Fund does not form part of The RCR Fund, however, support from the Children of the Fallen Fund is applicable to the regimental family and as such information regarding the Children of the Fallen Fund is provided here for information. 2. In response to a bequest by the family of Corporal Brent Poland following his death in Afghanistan in April 2007, The Royal Canadian Regiment established the Children of the Fallen Education Fund to provide support for the post-secondary education of the children of soldiers of the regiment who died in the service of Canada. Purpose and Objective: 3. The objective of this program is to financially assist those eligible students studying at a degree or diploma granting post-secondary institution, on a full or part time basis. Value: 4. The maximum value an applicant can receive from this bursary is $1000 per academic year to a maximum of four years. 5. If the number of applicants exceeds the monies available to provide the $1000 bursary for each request, the bursary amount will be split accordingly on a priority basis to provide for more applicants, but will not be reduced below $500 per applicant. 6. The bursary can be used at the discretion of the recipient, and is intended for, but not limited to, tuition, books, equipment, transportation, etc. 7. The bursary is paid by cheque from RHQ, direct to the applicant. The bursary is taxable. Eligibility: 8. The following guidelines will be used to determine eligibility and priority of award for education support: • Applicants must be the child or stepchild of a soldier who has died, ‘on duty’ (operations or training), or has died as a result of injuries or an illness attributable to service while a member of the regiment, or serving in a unit of the regiment. Such a determination is made based on the supporting documentation, as required, provided by the applicant and may include the findings of a Medical Officer or Veterans’ Affairs. • Priority will be given to those children attending their first year of post-secondary studies; those attending later years will be considered only when all first year applicants have received education support; and 9. Those eligible for this bursary are not excluded from also applying for the Association Education bursary. [ 161 PRO PATRIA 2019 ]

Application Process: 10. Applicants must fill out the requisite application form (available from RHQ) and submit to RHQ which verifies the dependent status of the applicant in relation to the deceased member. 11. Submission may be direct to RHQ, or through any regimental element which will forward it to RHQ on the applicant’s behalf (i.e., units, serving and retired regimental personnel, regimental mentors, etc). 12. All applications are to include proof of academic enrolment for the fall session of the calendar year. 13. Late applications will not receive bursaries or be considered for bursaries in the current year unless funds remain from the current year’s disbursable earnings. Timelines: The deadline for applying is 31 July of each calendar year. Approval Process: 15. Disbursement of funds is procedural and dependent on monies available to disburse. Approval is not based on academic merit, standing, or personal financial circumstance. Applicants must only prove eligibility through the application process in order to be considered, no other supporting documentation is required. 16. The Regimental Major, Regimental Adjutant and Regimental Warrant Officer sit as Bursary Committee members in order to compile the necessary information and verify particulars. Once this process is complete, the committee recommends approval to The RCR Trust for the disbursement of funds, based on the eligibility guidelines. Disbursement Committee: 17. Coordination of bursary disbursements will be coordinated between RHQ and The RCR Trust. [ 162 PRO PATRIA 2019 ]

THE ROYAL CANADIAN REGIMENT Children of Fallen Soldiers Bursary Program APPLICATION FORM 1. Name of Applicant: Address: Postal Code: Phone: ( ) Date of Birth: 2. Secondary School(s) attended & dates: 3. What grade or University year did you or will you complete this June? 4. School from which final marks were obtained previously or will be obtained for the current scholastic year: 5. Courses you intend to complete in the current scholastic year: School Activities: 6. Community Activities: 7. Name the institution you plan to attend in the next scholastic year. If this is your first year, please include a copy of your letter of Acceptance: 8. I am the child (or Stepchild) of: (Rank, Initials, Name) Who died on while serving in (or with) the Royal Canadian Regiment (Date) 9. All sections of this form must be completed and all pertinent documents, including the acceptance to the institution of higher learning, submitted to the bursary committee with the application (with the exception of the final marks, if not available at the time of application). 10. Signed: Applicant: Parent/guardian: Place: Date: [ 163 PRO PATRIA 2019 ]

PLEASE SUBMIT YOUR APPLICATION BY 30 JULY TO: Regimental Headquarters, The RCR Victoria Barracks Petawawa, ON K8H 2X3 Tel: (613) 687-5511 Ext 5086 Fax: (613) 588-5932 Attention: Regimental Adjutant PLEASE FORWARD A COPY OF YOUR FINAL MARKS BY 1 AUGUST OF THE YEAR OF APPLICATION. CHECKLIST. Have you enclosed: Application Form Final Marks (if available) Acceptance document from University/College Proof of eligibility [ 164 PRO PATRIA 2019 ]

THE RCR ASSOCIATION EDUCATION BURSARY Background 1. The RCR Association Education Bursary does not form part of The RCR Fund, however, support from The RCR Association Education Bursary is applicable to the regimental family and as such information regarding The RCR Association Bursary is provided here for information. 2. The Royal Canadian Regiment Association will award bursaries of $1,500 each. The number of bursaries awarded in a given year will depend upon the number of applicants and their suitability. Eligibility 3. Eligible applicants must be: • a child or grandchild of a serving, former serving or deceased member of The Royal Canadian Regiment; or • a serving member of The Royal Canadian Regiment or a spouse of a serving member; or • a member in good standing of a Cadet Corps affiliated with or sponsored by The Royal Canadian Regiment; and • in his or her final year of secondary schooling and preparing to attend an institute of higher learning (University, Trades School, Teachers’ College, Technical College, Nursing School). 4. In the case of a serving member or serving member’s spouse the above criteria applies except there is no time limit between completing secondary school and commencement of attendance at an institute of higher learning, however, marks for high school graduation must be supplied. 5. Potential applicants should note that the following persons do not qualify: • former serving members themselves; and • anyone who has already commenced a post-secondary school education program. Application Process 6. Applicants must complete a bursary application for the current year, which may be found at: https://thercr.ca/the-association/the-bursary-program/ 7. Failure to provide the following documentation will invalidate an application: • Secondary School Principal’s recommendation. A letter from the applicant’s home room teacher in lieu of the Principal’s recommendation is acceptable; • letter of acceptance for first year enrolment from a college or university; [ 165 PRO PATRIA 2019 ]

• for serving members, a letter of recommendation from the member’s Commanding Officer; and • transcript of final grades from a secondary school. Selection 8. The winners of the bursaries will be chosen based on scholastic achievement, community service activities, military/cadet service (if any) and family financial position. Timelines 9. Applications must be received at Regimental Headquarters by 15 July, which forwards the applications to The RCR Association Bursary Committee for selection. [ 166 PRO PATRIA 2019 ]

THE ROYAL CANADIAN REGIMENT ASSOCIATION BURSARY PROGRAM APPLICATION FORM This application is available online 1. Name of Applicant: Address: Postal Code: Phone: ( ) Date of Birth: Email: 2. Secondary School(s) attended & dates: 3. What grade did you or will you complete this June? 4. School from which final marks were obtained previously or will be obtained for the current scholastic year: 5. High School credits you intend to complete in the current scholastic year: School Activities: 6. Community Activities: (Community service is an important selection criterion and should be recorded in detail. Letters of reference or appreciation may be included.) 7. Name the institute of higher learning, which you plan to attend in the next scholastic year: 8. IS YOUR PARENT, GRANDPARENT, OR GUARDIAN: a. A serving member of The Royal Canadian Regiment? b. A former member or deceased member of The Royal Canadian Regiment? OR c. Are you a member or spouse of a member of The Royal Canadian Regiment? OR d. Are you a member in good standing of a Cadet Corps affiliated with or sponsored by The Royal Canadian Regiment? [ 167 PRO PATRIA 2019 ]

If the answer to items 8a, 8b or 8c inclusive is “yes” please provide the following information: Name & Service Number of Parent, Grandparent, Guardian or Spouse who is serving or has served in The RCR: Dates of Service: The RCR Unit or ERE: 9. THE FOLLOWING CERTIFICATE IS TO BE COMPLETED WHEN APPLICATION IS SUBMITTED PURSUANT TO PARAGRAPH 8D ABOVE: “It is certified that is a member in good standing (Name of Applicant) of (RCR Unit, ERE, Cadet Corps – Number & Name) (Cadet Corps Commanding Officer – Signature) (Date) 10. To access the family financial need, the following additional information is required and will be treated in confidence: a. Total of both parents’ or serving members’ gross income for the previous calendar year: b. Number of supported children, including applicant who are attending: pre–school high school public school university 11. Please attach to this application a reference from your secondary school principal. If a cadet or serving soldier or spouse, a letter from your unit CO must also be enclosed. 12. All sections of this form must be completed and all pertinent documents, including the acceptance to the institute of higher learning, submitted to the bursary committee with the application (with exception of the final marks, if not available at the time of application) 13. SIGNED: Applicant: Parent, Guardian, CO: Place: Date: PLEASE SUBMIT YOUR APPLICATION BY To: Bursary Committee, The RCR Association 30 JULY. Regimental Headquarters The Royal Canadian Regiment PLEASE FORWARD A COPY OF YOUR FINAL Victoria Barracks MARKS BY 31 AUGUST OF THE YEAR OF P.O. Box 9999, Stn Main APPLICATION. Petawawa, ON K8H 2X3 CHECKLIST: Have you enclosed: Application Form Principal’s Letter of Recommendation Final Marks (if available) Acceptance document from University/College Letter from CO (if applicable) Community Service letters/references NOTE: It is important to send your application with all information complete. Failure to do so can jeopardize your chances!! Use the checklist above to ensure all is in order. [ 168 PRO PATRIA 2019 ]

MOVED OR MOVING **IMPORTANT**IMPORTANT**IMPORTANT**IMPORTANT**IMPORTANT** PLEASE COMPLETE AND RETURN TO RHQ IF YOUR ADDRESS HAS CHANGED Mail to: Regimental Headquarters, The Royal Canadian Regiment, Victoria Barracks, PO Box 9999 Stn Main, Petawawa, ON K8H 2X3 OLD ADDRESS Print Name, Rank, Decorations (or attach old label) Name of Spouse House no., Street Name, Apt. no./P.O. Box/R.R. no. City Province Postal Code NEW ADDRESS House no., Street Name, Apt. no./P.O. Box/R.R. no. City Province Postal Code Signature Phone [ 169 PRO PATRIA 2019 ]

THE LAST WORD Fellow Royal Canadians, Pro Patria 2019 would not have been possible without the production of articles by members of our Regimental family. Thank you to those who provided assistance and guidance, in particular Lisa Twomey of Creative Spark Design, who made my task as editor a great deal easier. Please permit me to take this opportunity to express my sincere thanks to you all. Please note that “Pro Patria”, the Regimental Journal, will be going paperless within 18 - 24 months. We will only be producing paper copies if they are requested by the members of our Regiment, but in time that privilege will disappear. Initially, we will adopt an “on demand” philosophy with respect to publishing printed copies rather than baseline a certain number of Pro Patria paper copies on spec. Most of us have accepted that a computer and access to the internet is a necessity today, and continuing to produce paper copies that go to landfills or recycling plants are not in line with the world we live in today. Pro Patria! Shawn Neville Captain Regimental Major [ 170 PRO PATRIA 2019 ]