The Discharge Certificate in Kamal Khan’s service record for the CEF was completed on 16 September 1919 includes the following marginal notes: • “Military Medal, Palestine, Nov. 29, 1916” • “Cross St. George, 4th Class, in India 1912-13 • Mons Star France 1914 The same document states he “served in France with 13th Can. Bn and the 51st Ghurka Regt, in 1914.” It adds to the description of his service with the note “he also served four years, eight months and eight days with 52nd Sikh Regt. and four years and six months with 51st Ghurka Regt in India, Imperial Army.” On his Discharge Certificate, Khan’s first name is given as “Kaman” in both data entry and signature, and his age at time of discharge is 23. Khan’s Discharge Certificate is also marked “Cancelled, Amended,” but there is no indication what information needed to be changed for a re-issued certificate. Some of the potential points of discrepancy are: • Neither the claimed Military Medal nor the Cross of St. George, 4th Class, appear to be published in the London Gazette, the official record of such awards (there is a chance that the scanning of the pertinent edition is flawed, or absent, and thus not showing up in searches). • If Khan served four years, eight months and eight days with the 52nd Sikh Regiment and four years and six months with the “51st Gurkha Regiment” he would have had over nine years of service before 1917, which would have required him to enlist at the age of 13. • During the First World War, the 52nd Sikhs (Frontier Force) joined the 18th Indian Division in Mesopotamia in 1917, it moved to Kurdistan in 1919 and took part in suppressing the Iraqi Revolt of 1920. • There was no 51st Ghurkha Brigade during the First World War, there were, however, Gurkha, Sikh and other Indian units in the Indian Corps on the Western Front in 1914-1915. • During the First World War the 51st Sikhs (Frontier Force) remained part of the 28th Indian Brigade. In 1915, it served in Egypt and Aden (Yemen), moving to Mesopotamia in December. In 1918, the regiment moved to Palestine. PRO PATRIA 2016 101
One further point that may indicate Kamal Khan was not the man he claimed to be at his CEF enlistment can be found on his attestation paper. Under religious denomination, the entry reads “Salam Kheli,” which Google translate identifies as Hindi for “Hats made,” For his service with the CEF in the First World War, Kamal Khan was entitled to receive the British War Medal (BWM) and the Victory Medal (VM. If he had previously been entitled to the 1914 Star, BWM, and VM, they would have been issued by the Imperial Army with the details of his first operational service in the war on them. There is, however, a medal card in his CEF service record, that indicates he was sent his BWM and VM based on his CEF service on 20 Oct 1922. These medals were returned 2 Nov 1922, possibly for not having been sent to a current address at the time, and replacement medals were issued in October 1946. If Kamal Khan has previous service with the Imperial Army, that should have been the source of his medals, original and replacement. Kamal Khan’s service record has a final notation on the cover, indicating that he died on 13 November 1959. No other details are provided. Kamal Khan is one of many soldiers of the Regiment whose regimental service has a brief record in the surviving enlistment ledgers. His, like many others, is also deserving of continuing research to sort out the facts of his story. Awards (MM and St George) not found on London Gazette, or LAC database of Honours and Awards (1812-1969) or in online listings of honours to 13th Cdn Inf Bn (RH of C). https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/52nd_Sikhs_(Frontier_Force) The 52nd Sikhs (Frontier Force) was an infantry regiment of the British Indian Army. It was raised in 1846 as the 2nd Regiment of Infantry The Frontier Brigade. It was designated as the 52nd Sikhs (Frontier Force) in 1903 and became 2nd Battalion (Sikhs) 12th Frontier Force Regiment in 1922. In 1947, it was allocated to the Pakistan Army, where it continues to exist as 4th Battalion The Frontier Force Regiment. During First World War, the regiment joined the 18th Indian Division in Mesopotamia in 1917 and fought in the Battle of Sharqat. It moved to Kurdistan in 1919 and took part in suppressing the Iraqi Revolt of 1920.[ http://www.researchingww1.co.uk/52nd-sikhs-frontier-force The 13th Battalion, Royal Highlanders of Canada, 1914-1919 Edited and Compiled by R. C. Fetherstonhaugh, 1925 102 PRO PATRIA 2016
https://webcache.googleusercontent.com/search?q=cache:r1NkqlWlIOEJ:https:// archive.org/stream/royalhighlanders00fethuoft/royalhighlanders00fethuoft_djvu. txt+&cd=1&hl=en&ct=clnk&gl=ca p. 259 “The night of the 18th [August, 1918] and early morning of the 19th were spent by the Royal Highlanders in connecting up and otherwise strengthening the series of posts established after the capture of la Chavatte. The enemy was quiet all night and the work, in consequence, made rapid progress. About 10.30 o clock in the morning Lieut. H. H. Chanter advanced with a patrol up the continuation of Sottises Alley and drove off the garrison of a German post. Returning to this same spot at about 5 p.m., accompanied by Private Kamal Khan, a Gurkha, who by some queer turn of fate had enlisted in the Canadian Forces and been forwarded to the Royal Highlanders in a draft, Lieut. Chanter entered the post and discovered that the enemy had once more forgotten their packs from there, which he and Kamal Khan brought back and which were forwarded at once to Brigade, identification of the 56th German R.I.R. was secured.” Capt Henry Howard Chanter, 13th Bn., Can.Inf., Quebec R., gazetted for Military Cross 8 June 1920 https://www.thegazette.co.uk/London/issue/31936/supplement/6436 PRO PATRIA 2016 103
INDIVIDUAL SUBMISSION The South African War The foundation of RCR professionalism By Bob Near, Major Ret’d, The RCR T he first overseas campaign for The Royal Canadian Regiment was the South African War, also known as the Boer War, which took place from October 1899 to May 1902. In broad terms, the war was a British strategic operation aimed at conquering the two Dutch speaking Boer republics of Orange Free State and Transvaal and incorporating them into the British Empire. The Boers, however, were determined to defend their independence and they put up a formidable resistance, which made for a war that was extremely costly in blood and treasure for both sides. For the people of the British Empire, the war was justified as a necessary response to Boer policies that put restrictions on the civil and political rights of the expanding number of British settlers in the Boer states. There was also a strong moral component to the war, aimed at ending the Boers’ brutal regime of semi-slavery over their resident black population, a situation which the British public found abhorrent. British commercial interests further favoured a hard line, but with the self-serving motive of gaining control over the Boers’ rich diamond mines and gold fields. Added to these motives was the strategic imperative of establishing British dominance over all of southern Africa, both to maintain the allegiance of their own Dutch speaking populations in Natal and Cape provinces, and to prevent Germany and other competing powers from gaining influence in the region. Capping it all off was the matter of honour and the need to remove the stain on British arms resulting from their defeat at the Battle of Majuba Hill in the First Boer War (1880-81), an unforgotten humiliation which needed to be avenged. This combination of factors, coupled with the 19th Century cultural belief that warfare was a legitimate means for advancing national objectives, made a renewed military showdown between Britain and the Boer republics inevitable. The spark for war was struck on 11 October 1899 when Britain rejected a Boer ultimatum demanding the withdrawal of British forces massing on the borders for what the Boers feared to be an imminent invasion. The two Boer republics immediately declared war, and within hours their fast moving, horse-mounted “commandos” were driving deep into Britain’s Natal and Cape Colonies, laying siege to British garrisons. This rapid Boer offensive knocked the British on to their back feet, completely disrupting the British campaign plan and forcing them to completely revise their war-fighting strategy. Despite having massive military superiority, British commanders found the war extremely difficult to prosecute because of its asymmetric, counter-insurgency nature. The Boers, apart from their professional artillery corps, did not wear uniforms and their 104 PRO PATRIA 2016
forces easily blended into the local population of farmers and country-folk. In addition to being intimately familiar with the terrain, the Boers were skilled sharpshooters and fine horsemen who were able to live off the land while moving quickly from point to point, disrupting British plans. Employing quick ambushes and hit and run tactics, Boer forces regularly foiled British attempts at fixing and encirclement. Other challenges facing the British were the harsh South African climate and rugged terrain, both which made extreme physical demands on the troops and which brought the army’s logistical system to the breaking point. Indeed, the British were frequently out-manoeuvred by the Boers, while the British lines of communication and supply were constantly being cut or threatened, tying up thousands of troops in guard duties and vital point protection. All of this forced the British to undertake a major re-set of both their strategy and tactics. Impressed with the Boers’ tactical agility, British commanders gradually adopted a much more mobile posture, bringing in reinforcements of cavalry and dragoons, and creating special long range “scout” units to operate independently. At the same time, there was massive reinforcements of infantry, with more than a quarter of a million troops assigned to hold and secure captured ground. Despite employing a massive number of troops, the British still had problems dominating the battle space. This led the British Commander in Chief, Lord Kitchener, to adopt a scorched earth policy of burning Boer crops and homesteads while interning in concentration camps more than 100,000 Boer civilians, almost entirely women and children, the intent being to decouple Boer fighters from their moral and logistical support. By employing these extremely harsh measures, which today would probably be considered war crimes, the British were gradually able to gain the upper hand and force the Boer leadership into accepting a negotiated peace settlement. By the time the conflict ended in May 1902, it had cost the British more than 36,000 dead from both combat and disease, including some 270 Canadian fatalities out of the 7300 Canadians that served in various contingents. While the Boers suffered some 14,000 military casualties, their greatest tragedy was the deaths of an estimated 26,000 Boer women and children in the concentration camps, caused by starvation, disease and neglect. Overall, the South African War was the biggest, costliest, and most militarily and politically difficult conflict fought by Britain in the 100 years between its struggle against Napoleon and the First World War. Indeed, in many ways, South Africa was a template for the kind of war the United States would experience in Vietnam some 60 years later. In Canada, the South African war was politically and socially divisive, and threatened to split the Liberal government of Sir Wilfrid Laurier. While most English Canadians and the opposition Conservative Party were filled with imperial fervour and demanded that Canada contribute militarily to the British effort, most French Canadians, including PRO PATRIA 2016 105
those in Laurier’s cabinet, could see no justification for Canada’s participation in what they viewed as just another one of Britain’s far off colonial wars. Indeed, more than a few French Canadians had latent sympathies for the Boers, including seeing parallels with their own situation as a minority race struggling to preserve their culture, religion and way of life. Caught between these divergent poles, and conscious of the need to keep his MPs from English Canada on side, Laurier tried to find what middle ground he could. Rejecting British suggestions that independent infantry companies be recruited and supplied to the British Army, Laurier instead concurred with a Militia staff proposal to create a Canadian-led and fully equipped national expeditionary contingent that was “worthy and representative” of Canada’s size and importance in the British Empire. Thus came into being 2nd (Special Service) Battalion, Royal Canadian Regiment. Established as a unit of the Active Militia, 2nd RCR was directly linked to the existing Permanent Force RCR, which provided the unit with trained officers and NCOs, including its Commanding Officer, Senior Major, Sergeant Major, and most of the Company Colour Sergeants, as well as a number of other ranks. Totalling 1029 strong, this all- volunteer “special force” was recruited, equipped and funded by Canada, including its transport from Quebec City to South Africa, at which point it came under British operational command. Although organized as an eight company infantry battalion in accordance with military doctrine of the day, but not knowing what precisely to expect once on the ground in South Africa, Canadian staff planners opted for flexibility and made provisions for 2nd RCR to be able to operate as an all arms battle group or even a demi-brigade. Thus, there were sufficient numbers of non-infantry in the contingent to provide a 50 man cavalry troop and a 173 man artillery battery. This was in addition to the unit’s heavy machine gun section of 19 men and its two horse-drawn Maxim guns. There were also additional officers and NCOs to allow for re-grouping the force into two 500 man battalions, under a regimental headquarters comprising a lieutenant-colonel commander, two majors (to command each battalion), three captain / lieutenant adjutants, two medical officers, a stretcher bearer section, quartermaster staff, armourer, transport section, three chaplains, historical recorder, a YMCA welfare representative and a rear echelon. A postal section would also later be established. Four Lieutenant nurses – the first women ever to be enrolled in the Canadian army – also accompanied the force when it sailed from Quebec. However, as the British had made no provision for women to serve in forward field hospitals, upon arriving in South Africa the Canadian nurses were assigned to general and base hospitals where they rendered outstanding service. While some 13 percent of 2nd RCR comprised professional soldiers transferred over from the Permanent Force, the majority of the troops were recruited from the best Non- Permanent Militia units across Canada, or were men who could claim previous military experience. In order to give full national representation to the contingent, each of the 106 PRO PATRIA 2016
eight 125 man companies were drawn from a particular region of Canada. Thus, A Company represented British Columbia, Manitoba and the Northwest; B Company London and Southern Ontario; C Company contained Toronto men; D Company drew from Ottawa and Kingston; E Company Montreal; F Company Quebec; G Company New Brunswick and Prince Edward Island; and H Company’s soldiers were mainly from Nova Scotia. In addition, all the officers in F Company and half the NCOs were francophone while one of the senior majors – Oscar Pelletier – was a French Canadian professional soldier and veteran of the Northwest Rebellion of 1885. Another noteworthy French Canadian career soldier serving with 2nd RCR was Surgeon-Major Eugene Fiset from Rimouski, Quebec. Following his distinguished service in South Africa, Fiset remained a doctor in the Permanent Force, organizing the Canadian Militia Medical Corps, and becoming Canada’s first Surgeon General. He further served as Deputy Minister of Militia and Defence, and then as the Member of Parliament for Rimouski, finally ending his storied career as Lieutenant Governor of Quebec, dying in that office in 1951. Overall, then, 2nd RCR was a true Canadian national contingent, its officers and men representing all parts of Canada, and taking special pride in their maple leaf helmet badge which visibly distinguished them from the British and other Empire troops. Departing Quebec City on 30 October 1899 on the jam-packed troop ship Sardinian, which the troops quickly labelled the “Sardine,” 2nd RCR disembarked at Cape Town 30 days later. During the Battalion’s nearly 11 months in South Africa, it experienced extremely hard field conditions, including frequent sandstorms, fierce winds and torrential rains, while temperatures could range from below freezing to more than 40 degrees Celsius. The troops further had to endure a wretched British logistics system which provided meagre rations, no re-supply of kit and clothing, dreadful medical care and little potable water. Indeed, most times the only water available to the troops came from disease-infested streams and stagnant pools, resulting in much sickness, including 29 deaths from typhoid fever. At the same time, the Canadians faced a formidable fighting opponent. Above: 2nd RCR on the March. Notwithstanding As noted earlier, the Boers were fine horsemen the scarcity of water, and living on hardtack and and skilled sharpshooters, and highly motivated in biscuits, the troops often covered 20 miles a day the defence of their homeland. They also enjoyed in what was usually a futile pursuit of the horse excellent artillery support from their Creusot 155 mounted Boers. PRO PATRIA 2016 107
2nd RCR’s long march to Pretoria was an exhausting one for the troops, who slept on the open ground most times without shelter from the elements. mm “Long Tom” cannons, which well out-ranged what the Royal Artillery could bring to bear. Upon being assigned to 19 (British) Infantry Brigade under MGen Horace Smith-Dorrien, a capable, charismatic commander and an excellent trainer, 2nd RCR steadily built up its reputation for being a tough and disciplined fighting unit. This included forced marches with full combat loads of 20 miles a day or more, bivouacking in the open with only a blanket for cover, having mostly hardtack, biscuits, and weak tea for rations, and at day’s end still having the stamina to conduct patrols and carry out security tasks. Proof of 2nd RCR’s mettle was amply demonstrated during 18-27 February 1900 in the most hard-fought and costliest battle of the war. In this action, a Boer force some 4100 strong under General Piet Cronje, had been run to ground, encircled, and forced to dig in along the Modder River just above a ford called Paardeberg Drift. Destruction or surrender of Cronje’s troops would be a major achievement for the British who up to this point in the war had achieved very little. The task of prying out Cronje’s entrenched Boers was assigned to 19 Brigade, with 2nd RCR placed in the centre of the action. This was not an easy job by any means, as the Boers were well concealed and benefitted tactically from a series of “dongas” or gullies that ran perpendicular from the river, providing excellent fields of fire, as well as protection from British shelling. The dongas further served as natural obstacles, slowing down any frontal assault. The solidity of the Boer position was amply demonstrated early on the morning of Sunday, 18 February, when in an attempt to rush the Boers frontally, none of 19 Brigade’s four Battalions were able to advance more than 300-400 metres, before being halted by accurate, intense enemy fire. While the British artillery did serious damage to the Boers’ wagon laager, it had little effect on the dug-in riflemen, nor did it take out the enemy’s deadly 37 mm pom-pom guns, which for the rest of the day poured a steady stream of explosive rounds into the Canadian lines. Among the mounting casualties in 2nd RCR was the popular commander of A Company, Captain H.M. Arnold of Vancouver, shot in the head and dying three days later. By late Sunday afternoon, the British chief of staff, 108 PRO PATRIA 2016
Lord Kitchener, was becoming increasingly frustrated by the stalemate. Believing that all that was needed was one more determined push, he ordered the Duke of Cornwall’s Light Infantry to take up an attack position on the immediate left of 2nd RCR, some 400 metres in front of the Boer trenches. Passing through the Canadians, the Cornwalls deployed into a firing line and fixed bayonets. Their buglers then sounded the charge. On hearing this and seeing the Cornwalls rushing forward, the adjacent Royal Canadians reacted instinctively, leaping up with wild cheers to join their British comrades in the assault. But it was nothing short of suicidal. Once again the concealed Boers with their excellent Mauser rifles cut down the attackers in swaths, while Boer over-shots reached nearly 2000 yards into the British and Canadian rear, taking out men in the depth companies. In this day-long engagement, thereafter referred to as “Bloody Sunday” by the troops, 2nd RCR suffered 21 killed and 63 wounded, more than 10 percent of the battalion. But there was no lack of courage. Surgeon-Major Fiset and the Roman Catholic padre, Father Peter O’Leary, ignoring Boer fire, went out among the hunkered down Canadians patching wounds, distributing food, water and cigarettes, and offering encouragement and succour to the utterly fatigued troops. In another heroic act, Pte R.R. Thompson crawled out into no-man’s land to save the life of a soldier shot in the throat, compressing the wounded man’s jugular vein for seven hours until a stretcher party was finally able to come forward. Pte Thompson subsequently was awarded the Queen’s Scarf for Bravery. The Battle of Paardeberg, however, was not over, and Cronje’s stubborn fighters still had to be dealt with. A week later, having Above: A Coy 2nd RCR learned from a deserter that the Boers were short of supplies Crossing the Modder River and nearing the end of their endurance, the British leadership Ford near Paardeberg decided on a surprise night attack. Once again, 2nd RCR found PRO PATRIA 2016 109
itself at the spearhead. At 0200 hours on Tuesday, 27 February, 1900, all eight companies of the battalion began advancing towards the Boer positions. The scheme of manoeuvre called for 2nd RCR to advance stealthily in the dark to the enemy entrenchments, achieve surprise and then rush in with the bayonet. Should they be discovered early, the firing line would lay down suppressive fire, while the second or support line with its shovels and picks would dig fire scrapes for the firing line to fall back on. Surprise, however, was not achieved and the approaching Canadians were discovered while still some distance out. Much confusion ensued as Boers and Canadians exchanged fire in the dark. In the mayhem, four of the RCR companies on the Battalion’s left heard an order to retire, and they subsequently retreated back to their initial start line. G and H Companies, however, remained well forward on the right, and managed to establish over-watch positions where they were able to pour enfilading fire into the Boer lines. Come the morning light, with accurate rifle fire now raining down bullets on them, their ammunition and supplies mostly expended, and encumbered with women and children in their laager, it was clear to the Boers that continued resistance would be futile. At 0600 hours white flags were raised and the Boer troops began throwing down their weapons and approaching the Canadians to surrender. The Battle of Paardeberg was over. It was a victory badly needed by the British. Significantly, it came 19 years to the day of the 1881 Majuba disaster of the First Boer War. Lord Roberts, the British commander, gave full credit to the Canadians for this achievement, stating in his official despatch to London that the soldiers of 2nd RCR were the embodiment of “bravery, dash and courage.” Indeed, 2nd RCR was subsequently deemed by British commanders to be a veteran, battle-tested unit equal to the best battalions of the British Army, and which could be assigned the most difficult of operational tasks. The price paid, though, for these accolades was high, with 34 Royal Canadians killed in action and more than 100 wounded during the various phases of the battle. One can state with confidence that the South African War and the Battle of Paardeberg was the crucible for engendering the professional military character that marks The Royal Canadian Regiment of today. It is one that prizes self-discipline, mental and physical toughness, personal initiative, rigorous training, attention to detail and quick reaction to situations, all the while eschewing publicity and fanfare. The concept of quiet professionalism and simply “doing one’s job as a soldier” is fully embedded in the ethos of The RCR and is sustained by our cardinal principles of Pro Patria and Never Pass a Fault. Let this always be so, with Paardeberg being our first and enduring example of these qualities in action. 110 PRO PATRIA 2016
Visit The RCR website at: www.thercr.ca PRO PATRIA 2016 111
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 112 PRO PATRIA 2016
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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? 114 PRO PATRIA 2016
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. PRO PATRIA 2016 115
THE RCR ASSOCIATION BURSARY PROGRAMME Description The RCR Association awards a number of bursaries each year with the intent of assisting in paying for the education of a: • child or grandchild of a member of The RCR Family (serving, retired or deceased); • serving member of The RCR (or spouse); • member of a cadet corps affiliated with, or sponsored by, The RCR. Eligibility The applicant must be 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). In the case of a serving member (or 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. Former serving members and anyone who has already commenced a post-secondary school education program do not qualify. Documentation Required • A completed application form • Secondary school principal’s recommendation (A letter from the applicant’s home room teacher in lieu of the principal’s recommendation would be acceptable) • Letter of acceptance for first year enrolment from a institute of higher learning • For serving members, spouse or a cadet, a letter of recommendation from your unit CO or ERE mentor • Transcript of your final grades from a secondary school Award Criteria Winners of the bursaries will be chosen on scholastic achievement, community service activities, military/cadet service (if any) and family financial position. Submissions All sections of this form, including the acceptance to the institute of higher learning, must be completed and all pertinent documents submitted to the bursary committee with this application (with the exception of the final marks if not available at the time of application). Please attach to this application a reference from your secondary school principal. If a serving soldier, spouse or cadet, a letter from your unit CO must also be enclosed. Applications must be received at Regimental Headquarters by 15 July each year. 116 PRO PATRIA 2016
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 PRO PATRIA 2016 117
THE LAST WORD It is my intent that Pro Patria continues to be a journal that reflects the values of The Regiment and provides a written record of our achievements. Please send your suggestions, comments or critiques to RHQ, Attn: The Regimental Adjutant. Any errors or omissions should be brought to my attention at your earliest convenience. Pro Patria! Captain Shawn Neville Regimental Adjutant 118 PRO PATRIA 2016
Pro Patria 2016 Addendum Unfortunately two submissions by the Ottawa Branch were inadvertently missed in the final publication. The submissions - Ottawa Branch Write-up and RCR / Van Doo Comparison - have been added to the electronic version.
OTTAWA & DISTRICT BRANCH, THE RCR ASSOCIATION. By Major (ret’d) Bob Near, OMM, CD, President Ottawa & District Branch Warm greetings from Ottawa & District Branch to our fellow Royal Canadians! Here in the nation’s capital we keep the Regimental flame burning bright with a good mix of retired and serving members who come together the last Friday of every month (except in summer) for comradeship, and to mark a variety of special occasions. In 2016, our Branch e-mail list connected to some 180 Royal Canadians in the area, with an active membership of more than 75 dues-paying members. The Branch Executive also benefitted from a strong team, with President Bob Near being well supported by Vice President Rick Reid, Treasurer Bob Butt, Secretary Sandy McQuarrie, and member at large Captain Yannick Hart. We especially appreciated Yannick for bringing a valuable serving member’s perspective to our Branch program, along with his energy and keenness, including being OPI for our Paardeberg Dinner and the Ortona Toast. Our excellent Branch web site, designed and managed by Sandy McQuarrie, has also proven very useful for keeping members informed of upcoming activities, displaying RHQ updates, and for posting photos. I invite you to have a look at it at this link: http://sandymcq.wixsite.com/ottawa-br-rcr-assoc. Branch Activities (Photo Themes 1A, 1B, 1C. 1D. 1E) Monthly Speakers We began our 2016 activities with a visit from the Regimental Major, Brian Wright, who kindly accepted an invitation to be the guest speaker at our January gathering. Brian gave a detailed report on Regimental developments, including the upcoming commemorative events associated with World War I, status of Afghanistan Battle Honours, promulgation of new Regimental Standing Orders, and other RHQ news. It was a delight to have Brian with us and a chance for him to experience the dynamism and strong regimental spirit that characterises Ottawa Branch. Come February, our speaker was retired MCpl Jody Mitic, who is now now a popular Ottawa City Counsellor, as well as an active member of the Branch. Jody’s topic was about his experiences as young soldier in The RCR, culminating in becoming a sniper detachment commander in Afghanistan, including the fateful and devastating moment he stepped on an anti-personnel mine resulting in the loss of both his feet. No question, Jody’s story was very moving, but also inspiring, marked by a fierce 1/7
determination not to let his terrible injuries depress him or keep him from living an active and productive life. In addition to embarking on a career in municipal politics, Jody also took up writing. His best-selling book Unflinching, The Making of a Canadian Sniper, reflects the enduring nature of soldiering, and the pride Jodi has in being a Royal Canadian. We are proud to have Jody as member of our Branch, and having him speak to us of his experiences made for a memorable afternoon, indeed. In April, we were pleased to have join us from 1 RCR, Capt Shane Gapp (yes, the son of CWO Earl Gapp), who gave a presentation on OPERATION UNIFIER, which is the Canadian Government’s military training mission to Ukraine. As 2ic of the training company formed for the mission, Shane described the work done by RCR soldiers to improve the operating capabilities of the Ukrainian Army in response to the many security challenges facing that country. Shane’s account of how the troops overcame language barriers, mastered Warsaw Pact weapons and equipment, and became effective military tutors to their Ukrainian “students,” made for a fascinating afternoon. Once again our thanks to CO 1 RCR for providing Shane as our speaker, and keeping us informed of the regiment’s operational activities. War Museum Visit In March, looking for a break from the winter doldrums, a number of Branch members along with spouses and friends enjoyed a visit to the Canadian War Museum – always a great educational experience – and with the benefit of free entry for veterans and serving military and their families. Francis Pegahmagabow Statue Unveiling In mid-June, several members from the Branch, with family members accompanying, proceeded to Parry Sound, Ontario to attend the unveiling of a statue to Cpl Francis Pegahmagabow, one of the most highly decorated soldiers of the First World War. Cpl Pegahmagabow received three times the Military Medal for his unmatched performance as a scout and sniper, being credited with 378 kills and capturing 300 German prisoners. Later in life, he served as Chief and a councillor for the Wasauksing First Nations, just outside Parry Sound. The Regiment’s connection to Cpl Pegahmagabow is st through 4 RCR, which perpetuates 1 Western Ontario Battalion, the unit in which this remarkable First Nations soldier served. The statue itself is a beautiful piece of military sculpture, inspiring both pride and 2/7
reflection. For its unveiling, 1 RCR provided a Guard of Honour, adding much to the pomp and circumstance of the occasion. Our small Branch contingent was happy to join with 1 RCR as well as our native Canadian brothers and sisters in commemorating this unique piece of our Regimental history. Saint Jean Baptiste Day with the Van Doos As our June gathering coincided with French Canada’s most important holiday, St. Jean nd Baptiste Day, we thought it only appropriate to invite the Royal 22 Regiment’s Ottawa Association to join us for a combined RCR – R22eR celebration of the great Saint’s day. Thus, some 15 Van Doos serving and retired, led by their Colonel of the Regiment, LGen Richard Evraire, joined their RCR frères, led by our Colonel of The Regiment, MGen General Ivan Fenton, for an afternoon of food, drink, good conversation and warm comradeship. A highlight of this camaraderie was a “regimental comparison” illustrating the many commonalities shared between The RCR and the R22eR, and how our two regiments are true brothers in arms! (See separate article.) Promotions & Retirements In 2016, Ottawa Branch was pleased to see a number of our serving members promoted, plus helping newly retired members adjust to their new status. Among the former, we were especially proud to see BGen Omer Lavoie, a regular attendee at our monthly gatherings, promoted Major General and appointed Commander st 1 Canadian Division. General Omer’s promotion was done in fine style, first receiving new epaulettes from the CDS, General Vance, and then having Pipe Major Hugh MacPherson pipe him into the Army Mess to join our assembled RCR throng. After clanging the gong – a 105 mm shell casing – all present enjoyed a drink on General Omer, who then proceeded to give an update on Regimental and Army matters. Branch members retiring from the CAF included BGen Mike Jorgensen, Capt Dan Bell and Capt Joe McNulty. Although, hanging up their uniforms, we were pleased that they will continue to be active members of Ottawa Branch. 3/7
Recalling the Korean War (Photo Theme 3) Being geographically close to 1 RCR and 3 RCR – just “up the road” in Petawawa – has allowed Ottawa Branch to develop a close relationship with both Battalions, based on recalling the service of 1 RCR and 3 RCR in the Korean War. Thus in May, Ottawa Branch members were guests of 3 RCR for their commemoration of the Battle of Hill 187. Among those attending were three of our Korean War veterans – Ed Mastronardi, Elburn Duffy and Jim Gunn. We were “royally” fêted by LCol Will Graydon and his soldiers, and had a thoroughly enjoyable day observing the inter-platoon military skills competition, and even got in some range practice with the C6 machine gun. Jim Gunn, a veteran of the Battle of Hill 387, was accorded the honour of presenting the Hill 187 competition trophy – a Chinese burp gun – to the winning platoon, which turned out to be an exchange platoon from the US Army’s 82nd Airborne Division. These young American soldiers showed great interest in our Korean War veterans, and coupled with our own young Royal Canadians, helped make the day a genuine union of soldiers across countries and across the generations. Other engagements with Petawawa’s Royal Canadians included attending 1 RCR’s change of command parade in June, and in November, coordinating 1 RCR Recce Platoon’s participation in ceremonies at the Canadian War Museum commemorating the Korean War Battle of Hill 355. This good relationship between Ottawa Branch and the units in Petawawa is most appreciated by us, and is testimony to the value of the regimental system, which unites serving and retired RCR soldiers in a common history and shared ethos of Pro Patria and Never Pass a Fault. Branch Regimental Celebrations Paardberg Dinner On 25 February, Branch members marked th the 116 anniversary of the Battle of Paardeberg with a dinner in “The Mill” restaurant, scenically located on the Ottawa River, and in one of the oldest restored buildings in the city. Indeed, the limestone block walls and beam fixtures gave an air of th 19 Century authenticity to the evening. Credit to Capt Yannick Hart for organizing the dinner, and the colourful poster he put together for it. 4/7
Pachino Pachino Day was once again an excellent affair. It began with the kindness of the CO of the Ceremonial Guard, Maj Michel Lavigne (The RCR), who provided Branch members and their families with VIP seating on Parliament Hill to observe the Changing of the Guard. Thus, we enjoyed a superb view of the parade and had great acoustics. As per last year, we were proud to stand to attention when The RCR March was played during the march on and march off of the troops. Afterwards, we were joined by some of the RCR members attached to the Ceremonial Guard, who joined us in our usual place in the Army Officers’ Mess for a spaghetti lunch and a generous supply of Vino Rosso, provided by a kind benefactor! St. Andrews Day In November, Ottawa Branch once again paid tribute to The RCR’s highland heritage with a joint celebration of St. Andrews Day, in company with members of the Black Watch Association. A stirring (and skirling!) affair it was, with excellent piping by Bill Gilmour, and superb “Ode to the Haggis” by Robbie Robertson. Regimental Birthday Dinner On 1 December, Ottawa Branch rd celebrated the Regiment’s 133 birthday with an excellent multi-course dinner at the NDHQ WOs and Sgts Mess. It was a colourful, classy evening with many members wearing mess kit or black tie, and with music provided by the scarlet-clad jazz combo of the Governor General’s Foot Guards. Our special guest for the evening was CWO Stuart Hartnell, the senior Regimental Sergeant Major of The RCR. Mr. Hartnell gave a lively talk on the joys of soldiering as experienced by him during his many years of service in the Regiment. He also gave much praise to the high quality of our young soldiers serving today, noting that they are truly an excellent bunch of young Canadians who we can all be proud of. We much enjoyed CWO Hartnell’s talk and his personal reflections, which made for good conversation with him in the bar afterwards. 5/7
Ortona Toast December 21 saw some 50 serving and retired members of The Regiment gather in the Cartier Square Drill Hall WOs and Sgts Mess to conduct the Ortona Toast. Master of Ceremonies was LCol Eric Pellicano, while Captain Freddie Richings read an account of the toast’s origins. The toast was then made by the Colonel of The Regiment, MGen Ivan Fenton. It all made for a great afternoon of regimental comradeship across ages and ranks, while recalling for us the service and sacrifices rendered by The RCR in the Italian Campaign. Annual General Meeting Our 2016 Branch AGM took place at the end of October and was well attended. Main items arising from it were changes in the Executive as follows: Treasurer Bob Butt handed over to David Johnston while Joe McNulty came on to the Executive as one of our two members-at- large, joining Yannick Hart in that role. Remaining in place were Bob Near as President, Rick Reid, Vice President, and Sandy McQuarrie as Secretary and Branch Web Master. Also approved at the AGM were Terms of Reference for the Branch, which to this point had been non-existent. These will be used to ensure standardized Branch practices and procedures. Remembrance Ceremonies Remembrance ceremonies also featured prominently in our Branch activity program, beginning on the night of 10 November with the “Turn to Busan” at Ottawa City Hall, organized by the Korea Veterans Association. The next day we joined with soldiers from N Coy, 3 RCR to mark Remembrance Day in Chelsea, Quebec, at the grave site of Pte R.R. Thompson, winner of the Queen’s Scarf for his bravery at Paardeberg. Then on 24 November, we participated with members of 1 RCR, along with a Van Doo contingent and members of the Korea Veterans Association, in a commemorative ceremony at the Canadian War Museum. This th th was to mark the 65 (for the R22eR) and 64 (for The RCR) anniversaries of the two Korean War battles of Hill 355. Our remembrance activities concluded on 4 December with participation in the annual Wreaths Across Canada ceremony at Beechwood National Military Cemetery. 6/7
Lest We Forget / Departed Members In concluding this contribution to Pro Patria 2016, Ottawa Branch expresses its sadness over the loss of four well-loved members of the Branch who passed away in 2016, while recalling the happy times we enjoyed with them. These fine gentlemen, who we will much miss, are: Allen Gillis: 9 June 1942 - 29 Jan 2016; Musician / Band Sgt, Canadian Grenadier Guards, Ceremonial Guard. Ralph Priestman: 1945 - 25 May 2016; The RCR; NATO/Germany, multiple UN missions. Edward Mastronardi: 2 Nov 1925 - 9 Oct 2016; RCN WW II; 2 RCR, Korea; Awarded Military Cross for actions as platoon commander at Song Gok Spur, 2-3 Nov 1952; RCAF 1953-1968; author of Mock the Haggard Face, A Canadian War Story. Pte Marcel Boucher: 21 Nov 1959 – 7 Nov 2016. Royal New Brunswick Regt & The RCR. At the going down of the sun and in the morning, we will remember them. Pro Patria 7/7
Confrères in Arms - The RCR and the Royal 22 Regiment e From a talk by Maj (ret’d) Bob Near, OMM, CD, President Ottawa & District Branch, The RCR Association, on Saint Jean Baptiste Day, 24 June 2016 A significant portion of Canada’s cultural heritage can be traced back to the early days of New France when French colonists brought with them the traditions and customs of Old France. Among the most popular of these was celebrating the birthday of Saint John the Baptist – La Fête de la Saint Jean Baptiste – every 24 of June. Indeed, from the early 17 Century on, th th Saint Jean Baptiste Day has been French Canada’s most important holiday. In 2016, it so happened that the renowned Saint’s feast day coincided with the monthly gathering of the Ottawa Branch of The RCR Association. Always happy to mark special occasions, especially with fellow soldiers, the Ottawa e RCR invited members of the Royal 22 Regiment Association residing in Ottawa to join with them for a common celebration of Saint Jean Baptiste Day. Some dozen “Van Doos”, retired and serving, joined with approximately 30 members of The RCR Association in the Ottawa Army Officers Mess for an afternoon of camaraderie and good cheer, all in tribute to the good saint. Those attending included the Colonels of both Regiments – LGen Richard Evraire for For the Centennial of the R22eR in 2014, Ottawa Branch of The RCR Association hosted the Van Doos of Ottawa e the R22 R and MGen Ivan Fenton for The to lunch and drinks. Shown here, MGen Alain Forand, RCR. A highlight of the warm conviviality was Colonel of the R22eR presents Ottawa RCR Branch a talk given by RCR Ottawa Branch President, Ivan Fenton, with a Regimental coin and President, Bob Near, on the similarities that history book, reflecting the high mutual regard that exists e exist between The Royal Canadian Regiment between The RCR and the R22 R e and the Royal 22 Regiment. As can be seen, despite language differences, the soldiers of both Regiments are true brothers in arms and together have served Canada with equal valour and sacrifice. REGIMENTAL ORIGINS AND HERITAGE Royal 22e Regiment The regiment was formed on 7 October 1914 in response to pressure from leading citizens in Montreal and Quebec City for French Canadians to have their own French speaking unit for service in the First World War. The 22nd Battalion was subsequently authorized for service. Filling its ranks were young men inspired by the legacy of their valiant forefathers such as Samuel de Champlain, Sieur de Frontenac, Dollard des Ormeaux, and Charles de Salaberry. The Van Doos subsequently served with distinction throughout the First World War, including its soldiers winning two Victoria Crosses. In 1920, in response to pressure from the premier of Quebec, the Mayor of Quebec City, and several English-speaking senior officers, the “22nd Regiment” was established as a unit of Canada’s permanent army, joining The RCR and Princess Patricia’s Canadian Light Infantry in this role. In June 1921, the Van Doos had the honour of having King George V bestow on it the title “Royal,” thus becoming the Royal 22nd e Regiment. Seven years later, in 1928, the regiment received its current name, Royal 22
Regiment, its official name in both French and English, and its home station being the Quebec Citadel. The RCR Formed 31 years earlier, on 21 December 1883, as Canada’s first professional, full time infantry organization, initially under the title of the Infantry School Corps (ISC). The role of the ISC was to provide military expertise to the Militia and support the civil authorities. Its company garrisons at Fredericton, Toronto and London trained militia soldiers in English speaking Canada, while the ISC’s B Company, stationed in the old fort at Saint-Jean sur Richelieu, did the same in the province of Quebec. Indeed, the Lieutenant-Colonel commanding B Company, Louis Gustav d’Odet d’Orsonnens, was one of French Canada’s most accomplished professional soldiers. He and his troops provided the ISC with a significant French Canadian representation that further reflected the pan-Canadian nature of the Infantry School Corps. After several variations of name, the ISC’s title in 1901 was finally settled on as The Royal Canadian Regiment. From 1899 until 1914, The RCR maintained a company and training depot in Quebec City, its commanding officer being a French Canadian. Following the First World War, a company of The RCR was stationed in Montreal (1920-24) and then again in St. Jean from 1924 right up to the outbreak of the Second World War in 1939. Most people are surprised to know then that The Royal Canadian Regiment can claim a significant presence in the province of Quebec, including having many French Canadian professional soldiers on its rolls, especially before the First World War. Regimental Headquarters and Museums Both The RCR and Royal 22 Regiment have strong connections to buildings and locations e that are nationally historic and rich in symbolism. For the Van Doos, this is the Citadel at Quebec City, built in 1833, and which houses the Regimental Headquarters and Museum. For The RCR, it is Wolseley Barracks in London Ontario, purpose built in 1888 in the military style of the time. While Regimental Headquarters for The RCR is currently in Camp Petawawa, Wolseley Barracks remains a spiritual centre for the Regiment, housing The RCR Museum, and serving as headquarters for the Regiment’s 4 (Militia) Battalion. th Colonel-In-Chief Both The RCR and the R22 R have intimate connections with the Canadian monarchy. Her e Majesty, Queen Elizabeth II, is Colonel- in-Chief of the Van Doos, while His Royal Highness, the Duke of Edinburgh (Prince Philip) is Colonel-in-Chief of The RCR. Both royal personages take a deep and abiding interest in their Canadian regiments. The RCR and the R22 R on several e e occasions have mounted guards at Buckingham Palace in London, England, the R22 R first doing this task in 1940. Such an honour only came to The RCR in 1999. Notwithstanding, soldiers of both regiments have been personally hosted in the royal palace by their respective Colonels-in-Chief. One can say then that, in this regard, The RCR and Royal 22 Regiment are e “royal siblings!” OPERATIONAL COMPARISONS e The RCR and R22 R each have a distinguished record of warfighting and other operational service coupled with common experiences in training and preparing for war. South African / Boer War 1899-1902 Although the R22 R did not exist during the Boer War, a full company of French Canadian e volunteers served with Second “Special Service” Battalion of The Royal Canadian Regiment. Indeed, in addition to the soldiers, all the officers in F Company and half the NCOs were 2 / 7
francophone while one of the Battalion’s two senior majors – Oscar Pelletier – was a French Canadian professional soldier and veteran of the Northwest Rebellion of 1885. Another noteworthy French Canadian who served with 2 RCR in South Africa was the unit’s doctor, Surgeon-Major Eugene Fiset from Rimouski. Fiset later went on to become Militia Surgeon General, Member of Parliament and Lieutenant Governor of Quebec, all the time with fond memories of his time with The RCR. Overall, 2 RCR in South Africa was a true Canadian national contingent, comprising volunteers from across Canada and representing both the nd English and French make-up of the country. When the 22 Battalion was formed in 1914, it is quite likely that a number of its members had seen service with 2 RCR in South Africa. World War I Before deploying overseas, the 22 Bn was sent to Amherst NS for 3 months (March to ND May 1915), where it performed garrison duties while training for service in Europe. Before it deployed to Europe to fight in World War I, The RCR was first sent to Bermuda for 12 months (Sep 1914 to Aug 1915), where it performed local defence and garrison duties. nd On 20 May 1915, the 22 Bn sailed for England. It was not until three months later, on 22 Aug 1915, that The RCR sailed for England. Entering the Trenches in France The 22 Bn first entered the trenches on 21 Sep 1915, as part of the 5th Brigade, 2nd nd Canadian Division. th rd The RCR first entered the trenches on 8 Jan 1916, as part of the 7 Brigade, 3 Canadian Division. During the First World War, the Van Doos served four months longer in France and Belgium than did The RCR. The Van Doos were also part of a more senior CEF formation, standing right of the line relative to The RCR, notwithstanding the latter’s historic seniority among units in the Canadian Expeditionary Force. Between the Wars Following the First World War, The RCR and Royal 22 Regiment suffered serious neglect by e governments of the day, especially during the Great Depression. This did not prevent them on several occasions from being called out in Aid of the Civil Power to support the police and help contain labour disputes. During 1922-1925 the R22 R were despatched to Cape Breton to e protect property during a strike by coal miners, while in 1933, the RCR were deployed to Stratford, Ontario to assist the police in maintaining law and order during a lengthy strike by the town’s furniture workers. A much happier event that brought both regiments together took place in 1927 in Washington D.C. when a large memorial cross was dedicated at Arlington National Cemetery, honoring Americans who had died while serving with Canadian Forces in the First World War. Both The e RCR and R22 R provided soldiers to form a Guard of Honour, while the bands of the two regiments came together to perform the music program. The next day, both regiments with the bands leading, marched in formation down Pennsylvania Avenue to the White House, where they were received by President Calvin Coolidge. The President noted that this was the first time since 1814 that “red coats” had marched through Washington, only on this occasion, they weren’t invaders! The RCR and R22 R would in future years continue to conduct ceremonial e events together.
World War II e The RCR and the R22 R sailed with 1 Canadian Division to the UK in December 1939. The st RCR was the senior unit in 1 Infantry Brigade, and grouped with the Hastings and Prince st rd th e Edward Regiment and Toronto’s 48 Highlanders. The R22 R was the senior unit in 3 Brigade, serving alongside the Carleton & York Regiment of New Brunswick and the West Nova Scotia Regiment. e The R22 R and The RCR both landed in Sicily on 10 July 1943 as part of Operation HUSKY. From September 1943 to March 1945, both regiments fought together against a tough and skilled enemy in the effort to drive the Germans out of Italy. This included bloody fighting at Ortona, and breaching the Hitler and Gothic Lines. In March 1945, both regiments were transferred to North West Europe to fight the final battles of the war. These included clearing through the Reichswald Forest, the capture of Apeldoorn in Holland, and finally seeing the German surrender in May 1945. Korean War During 1951 -1953, The RCR and the R22 R were part of the Canadian Army Special Force e that fought in Korea, each having three battalions rotate through Korea, as part of 27th Canadian Infantry Brigade. Both regiments engaged in heavy fighting on Hill 355, Hill 227 and Hill 166, demonstrating impressive tenacity and valour. 1 Gulf War 1990-91 st M Company 3 RCR and C Company 1 R22 R both served in in the First Gulf War at Doha in e Qatar, providing airfield security for the Canadian fighter squadrons that participated in the war. C Company relieved M Company for this task. Balkans Both regiments served in the Balkans on UN and NATO Peace Support Operations. A most e notable event linking The RCR and the R 22 R occurred in June of 1992 when N Coy 3 RCR and 3 RCR’s Recce Platoon were attached to the 1 R22 R Battle Group for the relief of e Sarajevo airport. Both R22 R and RCR soldiers received the Commander In Chief’s e Commendation for this successful operation. Afghanistan During the dozen years (2001-2013) in which the Canadian Army was involved in Afghanistan, all of the Battalions of The RCR and R22 R served with distinction. 1 RCR and 3 e R22 R each received the Commander-in-Chief’s Commendation for their performance in e battling Taliban insurgents in Kandahar province. Domestic Operations The RCR and R22 R both provided security for the 1976 Olympics held in Montreal and e Kingston. Both regiments also served together in Aid of the Civil Power operations during the 1970 October Crisis and the 1990 Oka Crisis. NATO For more than 30 years, The RCR and R22 R served together in Germany as part of e Canada’s NATO Brigade. Each regiment also contributed battalions for the Canadian Air Sea Transportable Brigade Group tasked with the defence of northern Norway. In addition, for several years 2 RCR served as the third infantry battalion in the French speaking 5th Canadian nd e Mechanized Brigade Group, working closely with 2 and 3 Battalions of the R22 R. In rd 4 / 7
e Germany, 1 R22 R and 3 RCR were friendly but fierce rivals. The RCR excelled at hockey while the Van Doos routinely came out on top during the annual 4 Brigade Sports Day. During e NATO’s annual Fall Exercises, both The RCR and R22 R demonstrated a high level of professionalism and tactical competence, enhancing international respect for Canadian soldiers. Peacekeeping e Both the R22 R and the RCR shared peacekeeping duties together around the world, often relieving each other on mission rotations. CASUALTIES e Both regiments have shed much blood for Canada, the R22 R making a particularly heavy sacrifice in the two World Wars. World War I nd The 22 Bn suffered 3961 casualties, 1074 of these being Killed in Action. The RCR suffered 3113 casualties with 704 Killed in Action. World War II e The R22 R suffered 1647 casualties. Of these, 382 were Killed in Action and 1265 wounded. This amounted to 31 % among those who served in the Van Doos in the Second World War. The RCR suffered a total of 1557 casualties. This included 370 Killed and 1207 Wounded. Korean War The R22 R suffered a total of 289 casualties in Korea. Of these, 104 were Killed in Action e and 185 wounded. This amounted to 9.1% of the 3463 Van Doo soldiers who served in Korea. The RCR suffered a total of 547 casualties. This included 117 Killed in Action, 409 Wounded, and 7 Prisoners of War, Afghanistan The R22 R suffered 14 Killed in Action. The RCR lost 26 soldiers Killed in Action. e HONOURS AND AWARDS Battle Honours The RCR have been awarded a total of 58 Battle Honours dating back to the Northwest e Rebellion of 1885, and the R22 R have received 44, dating back to World War I. These include three each from the War of 1812, acquired through each Regiment’s associated Militia units. The number of Battle Honours awarded The RCR and the R22 R from First World War to the e present are as follows: Battle Honours Regiment World War I World War II Korea Afghanistan The RCR 22 24 1 1 Royal 22e Regiment 18 24 1 1
Victoria Crosses The Royal 22 Regiment has had three winners of the Victoria Cross, two in the First World e War – Cpl Joseph Kaeble and Lt Jean Brillant, and one in the Second World War, Maj Paul Triquet. The RCR have had one member awarded the Victoria Cross, this being Lt. Milton Gregg in the First World War. Freedoms of the City e The Royal 22 Regiment has received the Freedom of the City for seven cities in Canada and three in Europe. These include Werl and Lahr in Germany, and Ortona in Italy. The RCR have received the Freedom of the City for 12 cities in Canada and two in Germany, these being Soest and Baden Baden. COMMON SYMBOLS, TRADITIONS AND CUSTOMS The Canadian Beaver Both The RCR and the R22 R take special pride in having the beaver as a regimental e symbol. For The RCR, the beaver is displayed as badges on the tunic lapels and on the full dress uniform collar. For the Van Doos, the beaver has pride of place on their cap badge, and e forms the main insignia on the R22 R Crest and Regimental Colour. Regimental Marches Both The RCR and the R 22 R have Regimental Marches that are uniquely Canadian e compositions. For The RCR this is Saint Catherine and for the Van Doos, Vive La Canadienne. Mottos and Slogans Both regiments have inspiring mottos and slogans. The RCR take special pride in their motto Pro Patria, representing the regiment’s dedication to serving Canada. Likewise, The RCR slogan Never Pass a Fault, inspires soldiers to perform at a high level of excellence and always to take corrective action to maintain this standard. The R22 R motto, Je Me Souviens, recalls for all Van Doos their glorious military heritage e extending back to the early days of New France and the contributions that French Canada’s soldiers have made to defending their country for more than 400 years. Chiefs of Defence Produced by Each Regiment e The R22 R can take pride in claiming three Chiefs of Defence Staff – General Jacques Dextraze, General Jean V. Allard, and General Maurice Baril. The RCR can claim two – our current CDS, Gen John Vance, and in the early 1950s, Gen Charles Foulkes, who served as Chairman of the Chiefs of Staff Committee. THE COMMONALITY WE CELEBRATE THIS 24 JUNE, 2016 In addition to the commonalities that have just been described, what further links our two Regiments today is the presence here on Saint Jean Baptiste Day, in this Mess, of our two Colonels of the Regiment -- LGen Richard Evraire and MGen Ivan Fenton. Officers and gentlemen in every respect, they represent the best personal and professional qualities of our two regiments and the Canadian Army. 6 / 7
SUMMARY e The Royal Canadian Regiment and the Royal 22 Regiment – the “famous Van Doos” as the English Canadian media is inclined to say – are two deeply Canadian infantry regiments that share much in common. Each regiment proudly represents the French and English patrimonies, as well as the military history, of Canada. Together both of our Regiments stand ready to defend Canada while enjoying bonds of soldierly comradeship with each other – a comradeship has been forged in peace and war for more than 100 years. Indeed, we “Royal Canadians” and “Royal Van Doos” together constitute the quintessential essence of English and French speaking Canada. With the blessing of Saint Jean Baptiste, we will continue to be this essence for the next hundred years! I would like now to invite our two Colonels of the Regiment to offer a toast to each other’s Regiment. Pro Patria / Je Me Souviens!
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