20230625_Reunion Booklet (Final)

THE REUNION BOOKLET 4 to 6 August

The 140th Reunion Booklet THE REUNION SCHEDULE FRI  1100 – Golf Tournament (Optional) * 4 Fanshawe Golf Course AUG  1500 (and later) – Registration and Check-In * Fanshawe College  1800 – Meet and Greet (Informal Buffet) * West Gym C1052  RCR Memorabilia Auction SAT  1000 – Annual General Meeting * Lecture 5 Hall, R1020 AUG  0900 to 1700 – Museum Tours and Equipment Displays * Wolseley Barracks  RCR Kitshop open * The Museum  1200 - Unveiling of Volume III of our Regimental History * The Museum  1200 – 1400 – BBQ Lunch * Wolseley Barracks  1830 – Dinner and Dance (Table Service) * West Gym C1052 SUN  1000 – Parade and Memorial Service 6  0900 – 1400 - Museum Tours  1130 – 1330 – Lunch Wolseley Barracks AUG 2

The 140th Reunion Booklet SOME ADMIN BUMPF The 140th Reunion has three themes: • Renewing your comradeship with other Royal Canadians; • Exploring the revised displays in our Museum; and • Enhancing your understanding of our 4th Battalion. Dress for all events is casual. Wear what is comfortable. Your registration fee provides you with dinner on Friday evening, lunch on Saturday and Sunday, and dinner on Saturday evening. Breakfasts are not included (as the cafeterias in the College are closed for the holiday), but there are many places near the College where you can get breakfast. Transportation to and from the College and Wolseley Barracks is available. Buses will run at 20-minute intervals from 0900 to 1700 on Saturday and from 0900 to 1400 on Sunday. The auction of regimental memorabilia (including some unique items) will be conducted on Friday evening during the buffet supper. Funds raised by this event will help offset the cost of the Reunion. Bring cash or your chequebook! There are a number of Fanshawe students who have helped plan this event. They can be identified by the black shirt with the Fanshawe crest. They are ready to assist if needed. If you see one, thank them for their efforts. In an emergency, call Fanshawe's Emergency Services – 519 452-4242 3

The 140th Reunion Booklet MAP OF FANSHAWE COLLEGE SHOWING LOCATIONS OF EVENTS 4

The 140th Reunion Booklet MENUS Friday Meet and Greet Buffet MAIN HunterStyle Roast Chicken Breast with roasted mini potatoes and fresh seasonal vegetables SIDES A selection of fresh salads, including Garden salad, Potato salad, Pasta salad, Cabbage salad, crudites, assorted dinner rolls DESSERT Assorted Tortes Saturday Dinner and Dance Artisan Bread Baskets Microgreens with Sundried Cranberries and Blueberries, goat cheese, toasted almonds with a Balsamic Vinaigrette Main (choice of 1) Hand Carved Roast Striploin of Beef with Herbed Red wine Demi served with Roasted Rosemary Fingerling Potato and seasonal vegetables. or Oriental Maple Glazed Salmon Fillet served with Citrus infused Couscous and Green Beans or Vegetarian Wellington with grilled vegetables Dessert Cheesecake Bar with Three different types of Cheesecakes served with Fruit Syrups and Infused Whip Cream 5

The 140th Reunion Booklet THE LIEUTENANT-GOVERNOR OF ONTARIO THE HONOURABLE ELIZABETH DOWDESWELL I happily extend greetings to all celebrating the 140th Anniversary of The Royal Canadian Regiment! Formed in 1883, the Regiment has a distinguished record of service to our country dating back to the South African War. Since then, it has honourably contributed to Canadian military efforts in the First and Second World Wars, the Korean War, and, most recently, the War in Afghanistan. Its members' unwavering commitment to preserving the peace and security that define our country has been anchored in duty, discipline, and honour. The dedicated soldiers of this Regiment stand ready and are able to deploy when needed, whether the need is to assist during a crisis at home or to serve our country internationally. As His Majesty The King's representative in Ontario, I congratulate The Royal Canadian Regiment on your military record and community presence and ask that on this day of celebration, you remember those who courageously contributed to its success over the years. Please accept my best wishes for a memorable and enjoyable reunion as you celebrate this proud milestone. 6

The 140th Reunion Booklet THE MAYOR OF LONDON HIS WORSHIP JOSH MORGAN Dear Friends, On behalf of the City of London, I extend our heartfelt greetings for The Royal Canadian Regiment's (RCR) 140th Anniversary of military service to Canada. We are honoured to be the chosen host city for the three- day Regimental Reunion from 4 August to 6th. As the spiritual Home Station of The RCR, the home of the 4th Battalion and The RCR Museum, London holds a special place for your esteemed Regiment. Our city is proud to have a vibrant community of regimentally affiliated veterans. This momentous occasion has brought together four to five hundred serving and former-serving members of The Royal Canadian Regiment. Your unwavering commitment and sacrifices have made The RCR Canada's oldest and most decorated Regular Force infantry regiment, earning our deepest respect and admiration. As Mayor of London, I personally invite all members of The Royal Canadian Regiment to join us in commemorating this significant milestone. Let us stand united in gratitude and admiration as we honour the selfless service and sacrifices of The RCR. May this Reunion be a time of joyous celebration, camaraderie, and reflection. Kind regards 7

The 140th Reunion Booklet THE PRESIDENT OF FANSHAWE COLLEGE LGEN (RET’D) PETER DEVLIN It is my privilege to welcome you to Fanshawe College, proud host of The Royal Canadian Regiment's 140th Reunion. This celebration is a testament to the enduring legacy of The RCR and its unwavering dedication to safeguarding our values and freedoms. We are honoured to be part of this significant milestone and to have the opportunity to commemorate the rich history and countless sacrifices made by members of The Regiment. I'm proud of the connections Fanshawe has developed with the Canadian Armed Forces during my time at the College. Over the past few years alone, we have supported the restoration of the Holy Roller tank (check it out in Victoria Park!) and partnered with the CAF to create the first-ever Military-Connected Campus to provide students, CAF members, veterans and their families with career opportunities and additional supports for transition to civilian life. The organizers have arranged an exciting program of social activities, demonstrations and tours of Wolseley Barracks and The Regiment's Museum. I encourage you to embrace this opportunity to engage with your fellow Royal Canadians, celebrate our common bond and take some time to explore what our city has to offer. I want to thank our Conference Services team and the many students from various programs – from Event Planning and Public Relations – Corporate Communications to Photography and Golf and Club Management – who have been planning and documenting this event for some time. At Fanshawe, we aim to unlock the potential of students, staff and the community, promising to educate, engage, empower and excite in everything we do. It's a promise we intend to deliver on throughout the event. 8

The 140th Reunion Booklet THE ARMY COMMANDER LGEN J.J.M.J. PAUL I am pleased to play a small part in celebrating 140 years of the RCR with you. My heart is warmed by thoughts of former and current members coming together for this event in a spirit of camaraderie and shared experience. It is inspiring for us older soldiers to meet those coming through the ranks behind us. They inspire us as a representation of what has been achieved. They do the same for us by representing all that remains to be achieved. Current events demand big changes within the Canadian Army. We are embracing the future, including an increasingly significant role for us in Europe, specifically in Latvia, where Canada's leading role in deterring Russian aggression will expand. Most currently serving RCR soldiers will rotate through the Canadian-led Multi- National Brigade there. They will, without a doubt, leave a positive mark. That steadfast professionalism is a constant in the history of the RCR. And you should take pride. The story of Canada's oldest Regular Force Regiment is a deep, rich well from which we can draw. Over 140 years, you have marched in parallel with some significant parts of our national history. From South Africa to some of the most critical engagements of the World Wars – Vimy, the Somme, Ortona, Apeldoorn – through to Korea, Cyprus, and Afghanistan, the RCR has left a big footprint and made a big difference. And there is perhaps no better single phrase to describe why we serve than the RCR's motto: Pro Patria – For Country. I congratulate you all on reaching this historic milestone. Best regards for this very special event 9

The 140th Reunion Booklet THE COLONEL 0F THE REGIMENT MGEN (RET'D) DENIS THOMPSON Welcome to the 140th Reunion of the Royal Canadian Regiment! We are thrilled to have all of you here, joining us in this special quinquennial event. Your presence reflects your unwavering commitment to the Regiment, and we appreciate your dedication. Reunions like this allow us to reminisce and share our cherished moments of service. While we may have experienced some challenging times, the abundance of fond memories unites us. Moreover, this occasion offers a chance to rekindle the bonds of friendship forged during your time as a Royal Canadian. I encourage each one of you to make an effort to connect with fellow Royal Canadians who served before or after you. They share the same dedication to The RCR as you did during your service. Let us also take a moment to honour the widows of RCR soldiers who have joined us, as they deserve our utmost respect and appreciation. The themes of this Reunion, namely maintaining your comradeship with other Royal Canadians, highlighting the new additions to The RCR Museum, and enhancing the standing of 4RCR, have been thoughtfully selected to capture your attention throughout this weekend. We urge you to take the time to reconnect with old friends, forge new acquaintances, explore the wonders of the Museum, and demonstrate your unwavering support for our militia unit. Your presence at this Reunion exemplifies the enduring spirit of Royal Canadians, and I am delighted to have you join us. Let us make this event a memorable and joyous celebration of our shared history and camaraderie. 10

The 140th Reunion Booklet THE SENIOR SERVING ROYAL CANADIAN AND CHAIR THE RCR SENATE MGEN GREG SMITH Fellow Royal Canadians, Thank you for participating in the 140th Anniversary of the Royal Canadian Regiment. This event is an important time to celebrate our past and equally cast our minds to the Regiment's future. As the Commander Canadian Army notes, we face operational challenges with Canada returning to international strategic competition facing a revanchist Russia, an increasingly assertive China, and continuing security threats elsewhere in the world. Equally, Canada's strategic isolation is diminishing. At the same time, concurrently, the Canadian Army is being called upon, along with other elements of the Canadian Armed Forces, to respond to the impacts of climate change and extreme weather across the country. Finally, we are all aware of the changes within the Canadian Armed Forces as it strives to modernize, improve its culture, eliminate sexual misconduct, and conquer recruiting shortfalls. This calls for new thinking and communicating effectively across the many generations of the Regimental family – serving and retired. The Regiment will be critical in providing deterrence and defence to Canada across Europe, the Indo-Pacific, and the rest of the world. As an important element of the Canadian Army, we must support this examination of culture and prepare our leaders and soldiers for future battle spaces and threats. These challenges are bigger than the busy serving component, and I look forward to the entire Regimental family's engagement. Pro Patria 11

The 140th Reunion Booklet THE CHAIR, 4RCR COUNCIL BGEN (RET'D) GARY O'BRIEN On behalf of the 4th Battalion Council, I welcome everyone to this 140th Reunion of The Royal Canadian Regiment. The Fourth Battalion is pleased that this year's Reunion will highlight the unit's place in the Regiment. The 4th Battalion is a vibrant, active Reserve Unit and a workhorse within 31CBG. London has long been an important location for the Regiment, and these days are no different. Our stewardship of this holy place continues to be strong and dominant in the London Garrison. We have been busy preparing, and the weekend events look comprehensive and exciting. We will support the luncheons this weekend and participate in all the activities. Please make sure you take advantage of all that is offered. Gathering as we will is an integral part of the Regiment, and we must constantly maintain the standard set by those who went before us. The Old soldiers returning for the Reunion will include veterans of the 4th Battalion, and those local connections stretch from London to Woodstock and up to Stratford. Old Comrades, old stories, old soldiers, it will be a great time to get together, and we look forward to seeing everyone. Finally, I would like to provide a full heartfelt welcome to all Royal Canadians and their families at this 140th Reunion. Pro Patria! 12

The 140th Reunion Booklet THE CAIR OF THE RCR EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE COL JASON GUINEY As we celebrate this 140th Anniversary, I would like to share some of the ongoing initiatives championed by your Regimental Headquarters. RHQ has been busy engaging with The Association, The Trust and the Serving component to look to the future to ensure the long- term well-being of our Regiment while respecting our traditions. With the passing of Her Majesty Queen Elisabeth II, we have had to review what Cypher we fly on our colours- a discussion that has not happened since the early 1950s. After extensive consultation with our serving and retired members, the decision was made to bear the Royal Cypher of King Charles III on our Regimental Colour keeping in line with the tradition of retaining the Cypher of the current monarch. Production is projected to begin in two years. This year also marks the 80th Anniversary of our Regiment's fight in the Italian campaign. Last month, we sent serving and Association members with our Colonel of the Regiment to Sicily, where they followed the trace of The Regiment to Agira. Along the way, we marked the route with commemorative markers, each representing a fallen Royal Canadian. We will send another contingent to Ortona in December and present memorial plaques. Other initiatives ongoing will see a return of the \"traditional\" patrol dress blue uniform authorized for wear at parades and other formal occasions, a project to update our Regimental Governance and the final release of Regimental History Volume 3. On behalf of the entire RHQ team, please accept our heartfelt best wishes as you connect with your Regimental colleagues at our 140th Anniversary! 13

The 140th Reunion Booklet THE REGIMENTAL CHIEF WARRANT OFFICER CWO TOM VERNER As the Regimental Chief Warrant Officer and Training Sergeant Major for the Canadian Army, I am truly humbled to have been given the honour of representing our fine Regiment in these capacities over the last two years. Unfortunately for our kids and grandkids, the world is still dangerous despite our best efforts. In these times of great power competition and emerging challenges to the rules-based international order, the need for ethically sound and professional soldiers with an unwavering fighting spirit is extant. I genuinely believe that our Regimental brand remains very strong, and our place in the order of battle is secure! I look forward to seeing everyone at the Reunion and, equally, the return visit to our Regimental home station. It holds a special place in my heart, as the location of my first tour of Regimental duty, in Duke's Coy, 1 RCR, in 1988. Pro Patria \"Never Pass a Fault\" 14

The 140th Reunion Booklet RCR PATRON JUDITH IRVING As the Patron, I extend heartfelt greetings and a warm welcome to all Reunion attendees as you come together to commemorate the momentous 140th Anniversary of The Royal Canadian Regiment. The history of The RCR intricately weaves with the story of Canada itself. For 140 years, this remarkable Regiment has safeguarded our nation's interests and defended Canada, leaving an indelible mark on our country and its people. The immeasurable contributions made by every Royal Canadian have been instrumental in securing the revered rights and freedoms we enjoy within our borders. The gratitude of the Canadian people towards The RCR knows no bounds. While this joyous reunion calls for celebration, it is crucial that we also take time to honour and reflect upon the fallen RCR heroes who selflessly sacrificed their lives for our nation. May this Reunion serve as a poignant opportunity for Royal Canadians to reflect upon the profound bonds forged during service in the Regiment. Let us unite to share cherished memories with old friends and form new connections as we embark upon the Regiment's future with unwavering optimism for the next 140 years and beyond. Judith 15

The 140th Reunion Booklet RCR PATRON MIKE HOLMES Today I express my deepest gratitude for your exceptional service to our great country. In recent years, our country and the world have faced unprecedented circumstances, the pandemic, natural disasters and conflict. Throughout it all, your courage and resilience have been unmatched, and when called upon, your presence has made a profound difference among communities across our nation. Simply put, you help people and make it right. To me, that's the best anyone can do. Thank you for your service and unwavering dedication to this Regiment and our country. You embody what it means to be true Canadian heroes, and I am proud and honoured to be one of your patrons. This weekend celebrates your duty, integrity, discipline and honour to each other, the Regiment and your country. Congratulations on the 140th Reunion of the Royal Canadian Regiment. 16

The 140th Reunion Booklet PATRON OF THE RCR ASSOCIATION BGEN (RET'D) JIM COX It is my great pleasure to welcome all Royal Canadians to the 2023 Regimental Reunion in London, Ontario, celebrating the 140th Anniversary of the establishment of The Infantry School Corps in 1883, which, by 1900, had become The Royal Canadian Regiment. As Canada's senior Regular Force infantry regiment, Royal Canadians have much to be proud of. Our Regiment distinguished itself in major wars of the 20th century, and a new generation of Royal Canadians did so again in the 21st century. Today, the Regiment continues to serve Canadians, in various ways, at home and abroad. We continue to enjoy Regimental comradeship that remains meaningful and strong across many generations. As much as this 140th Anniversary of our Regiment celebrates the conduct and memory of military service of all Royal Canadians, we might allow ourselves a moment to reflect on our Regimental motto Pro Patria – \"for country.\" This is the highest calling for a Royal Canadian in any generation. Let it remain so for the next 140 years. 17

The 140th Reunion Booklet THE CHAIR, THE RCR ASSOCIATION COL (RET'D) SANDY MCQUARRIE Welcome, fellow Royal Canadians, to the 140th Reunion! This quintennial event celebrating a particular time in our history allows me to renew and make new friendships. Hopefully, all of you attending feel the same way. Since 2005, I have dedicated my time and effort to ensure that The RCR Association lives up to the ideals set by our forebearers – helping each other as and when needed. Along the way, I have been privileged to work with other equally dedicated Royal Canadians. Many of their efforts were without fuss or self-seeking – a remarkable trait brought about and reinforced by our quiet professionalism. We owe all of them our thanks! This Reunion would not have been possible without the hard work of the faculty, staff and students of Fanshawe College. Their support and products of their efforts have been more than \"up to par.\" The fact that LGen (Ret'd) Peter Devlin is the president of the College may have influenced them a bit! As my time as Chair ends, I am satisfied that your Association is flourishing and has regained its rightful place in the The RCR Family. Each of you has a role to play as we continue to honour and preserve our Regiment. I urge you all to do your part! 18

The 140th Reunion Booklet THE CHAIR, THE RCR TRUST COL (RET'D) NORRIS PETTIS On behalf of the Royal Canadian Regiment Trust Fund, let me welcome you to the Reunion celebrating the 140th Anniversary of the Regiment's founding. Through donations, voluntary contributions (VCP) and profitable investments, your Trust Fund has grown to over $8M this year. This amount has allowed the Trust to continue to support a wide range of regimental activities through annual disbursements. While the RCR Museum and the Regimental Headquarters (RHQ) activities receive the most significant yearly allocations, several other members of the regimental family benefit. Some examples of this include some educational bursaries to dependents of members of the regimental family; support to regimental units; direct assistance to soldiers; support to the RCR Association operations; and special projects like Volume III of our regimental history. In the past, the Trust has supported our reunions by providing organizing committees with seed money that is eventually repaid through subscriptions to the event. This year marks a unique departure from past practice in that the RCR Trust Fund is providing a grant to the RCR Association to subsidize the cost of attendance at this event, which aims to promote fellowship among those that attend. 19

The 140th Reunion Booklet THE CHAIR, THE RCR MUSEUM CAPT(RET’D) JOHN MOMBOURQUETTE On behalf of the Board of Directors, staff, and volunteers, I extend a warm 140th anniversary welcome to you from The Royal Canadian Regiment Museum family. The Regiment is fortunate to have a professional museum that tells our story in an accessible way. The newly revitalized permanent exhibits on the Cold War, UN Peacekeeping, and The RCR at Home are certainly Reunion highlights. If you haven't done so already, please visit the Museum's website, sign up for the RCRM digital newsletter, and listen to the RCRM Speaker's Series podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, or Spotify. These are great ways to keep up with Regimental history! 20

The 140th Reunion Booklet FANSHAWE STUDENTS SCHOOL OF TOURISM, HOSPITALITY AND CULINARY ARTS Much of the hard work in preparing for this Reunion was provided by a great group of students guided by their professors, Chris Burr and Kristi Hall. The students worked in two groups – Golf and RCR Logistics. We all owe a huge thanks for the efforts of:  Golf Group ▪ Camila Ariza Sanchez ▪ Esteffany Aybar Campusano ▪ Kashish Vijay ▪ Keshav Malhotra ▪ Luana Kalil ▪ Sandeep Kaur ▪ Rogan Kiser  RCR Logistics Group ▪ Alexia Shepherd ▪ Jessie Man ▪ Camila Martins De Jesus ▪ Mihir Patel ▪ Rajneet Kaur ▪ Shenika Henry ▪ Scott Liu These students will be in attendance wearing a black shirt with a Fanshawe College Crest. Reach out to them if you need help. The College's Conference ladies – Cassie Vannoord and Holleigh Baldwin- also provided significant support that exceeded expectations. If you see them at the Reunion, thank them! In appreciation for their efforts, they all have been invited to join us for the Saturday night dinner. 21

The 140th Reunion Booklet REUNION 140 SPONSORS This 140th Reunion of The Royal Canadian Regiment is made possible by a generous group of sponsors - individuals and industries/firms. Where possible, we recommend you support them. INDIVIDUALS / ASSOCIATION BRANCHES Denis Thompson Our current CoTR Des Carter A member of the Association Geordie & Shirley Elms Members of the Association Ivan Fenton A former CoTR Jim Cox Association Patron Joe Aitchison A former CoTR Judith Irving Patron Mike Holmes Patron Pat Leadbeater A member of the Association Pat Rossiter A member of the Association Tom de Faye A former CoTR Norris Pettis Chair, The RCR Trust Jay Abbass A member of the Association Peter & Judy Devlin President of the Fanshawe College and our hosts Michael Bowler-Jones A member of the Association London Branch Ottawa Branch 4 RCR Council Special thanks to Roscoe Wiseman for donating his work - four carved wooden plaques. 22

The 140th Reunion Booklet REUNION 140 SPONSORS These industries / firms or organizations also made generous donations. THE RCR TRUST Funds for the Regiment and its component units ACTIVE GEAR CO of CANADA Cold Weather Operations and Startup Specialist CMS INFRASTRUCTURE Designing Solutions with Advanced Material Manufacturing KILNCORE INC Developing innovative technologies for the New Space economy and Earth markets RHEINMETALL An established player in the Defence and Security Industry Bornea Dynamics Limited We Craft INNOVATION Cobs Bread Baked fresh daily by bakers with passion 23

The 140th Reunion Booklet THE AFGHANISTAN MEMORIAL A suggestion to acquire a memorial was made by Col (Ret'd) AD (Sandy) McQuarrie at an Association Board meeting in 2019. A design competition resulted in the majority selecting the one submitted by Maj Tim Robinson. He also managed its production through many complex steps. MGen (Ret'd) Denis Thompson successfully raised the necessary funds with the help of many others. Today's Association is proud that we could add this memorial to the others celebrating our fallen. The new monument can be viewed in the Museum. 24