15th Field Artillery Regiment
The Royal Regiment of Canadian Artillery
2018
The Royal Regiment of Canadian Artillery
2018
as at 27 May 2018
Sub-units
31st Field Battery, RCA
68th Field Battery, RCA
Band of the 15th Field Artillery Regiment, RCA
31st Field Battery, RCA
68th Field Battery, RCA
Band of the 15th Field Artillery Regiment, RCA
Key Appointments
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Canadian Forces' Decoration (CD)
The Canadian Forces' Decoration is awarded to officers and Non-Commissioned Members of the Canadian Forces who have completed twelve years of service. The decoration is awarded to all ranks, who have a good record of conduct. The decoration is awarded to the regular forces, reserve forces, officers of the Cadet Instructors Cadre (CIC), Canadian Rangers and holders of honorary appointments in the CF. Bombardier Cary McCaffery, CD was awarded the Canadian Forces Decoration on Canada Day, 1 July 2018. See more... |
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Army Operations Course
28 July marked the completion of this year's Reserve Army Operations Course. The photo shows the successful graduates from 3rd Division including our own Captain Conway Hui. |
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Canada Day
The Band of the 15th Field Artillery Regiment marches from HMCS Discovery to Hallelujah Point to perform during the 21 Gun Salute fired by the regiment on Canada Day. See more...
The Band of the 15th Field Artillery Regiment marches from HMCS Discovery to Hallelujah Point to perform during the 21 Gun Salute fired by the regiment on Canada Day. See more...
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The Honorary Colonel of The British Columbia Regiment (DCOR) passed on his good wishes to our former Honorary Colonel, "Congratulations to our very good friend and colleague, former Honorary Colonel of the 15th Field Artillery Regiment RCA, His Honour Judge Bill Rodgers, on his retirement from the Provincial Court of British Columbia. Our very best wishes Colonel Bill and enjoy your retirement." Have no fear, I sense that Bill Rodgers will be back in uniform in the near future.....
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12th Canadian Field Regiment
Honorary Lieutenant Colonel Don Foster and Sergeant (ret’d) Ralph Webb, who served with 85 Battery in Ladner in the 60s, attended a Memorial Dedication of a 25 pounder at the Guelph Armoury on 26 May in Guelph Ontario. HLCol Foster’s father was a signaler in the 43rd Battery, 12th Field, Ralph’s father was the CO of 12th Field. Both fathers served with the 12th Canadian Field Regiment from D-Day to VE Day. Check out the D-Day after action report here. |
Change of Regimental Sergeant Major
Chief Warrant Officer George Dempsey CD handed over the RSM's Drill Cane to Chief Warrant Officer Rob Garrett CD on Wednesday, 24 May 2018. See more...
Chief Warrant Officer George Dempsey CD handed over the RSM's Drill Cane to Chief Warrant Officer Rob Garrett CD on Wednesday, 24 May 2018. See more...
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Cloverdale Rodeo
The Regimental recruiting team is at the Cloverdale Rodeo on the long weekend, 19-21 May with a C3 howitzer. |
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BC Military Gala
The Band of the 15th Field Artillery Regiment RCA performed the entertainment at the annual BC Military Gala on 12 May 2018 with Master Warrant Officer Cheryl McHugh as the conductor. the Drum Major, Master Bombardier Eric Wong led the band's marching drill during the evening. A big shout out to Sergeant Nathaniel Senff for his key role in the organization of the event! See more...
The Band of the 15th Field Artillery Regiment RCA performed the entertainment at the annual BC Military Gala on 12 May 2018 with Master Warrant Officer Cheryl McHugh as the conductor. the Drum Major, Master Bombardier Eric Wong led the band's marching drill during the evening. A big shout out to Sergeant Nathaniel Senff for his key role in the organization of the event! See more...
Christmas CD Recording
The Band of the 15th Field Artillery Regiment RCA spent a 4 day week in May working hard to record a number of holiday-inspired pieces for their upcoming Christmas album. See more...
The Band of the 15th Field Artillery Regiment RCA spent a 4 day week in May working hard to record a number of holiday-inspired pieces for their upcoming Christmas album. See more...
Freedom of the City Parade - Prince George
The Band of the 15th Field Artillery Regiment RCA provided the musical support while the Rocky Mountain Rangers B Coy were given "Freedom of the City" by the Mayor and council of Prince George. After this ceremony, a memorial service followed, to remember Private Kirby Tott, a member of the Rocky Mountain Rangers, who lost his life in July 2015 during routine military training with the third Canadian division training centre detachment at Canadian Forces Base Shilo in Manitoba. Trumpeters Bombardiers Drew and Bligh supported this service with playing the Last Post.
See more,,,
The Band of the 15th Field Artillery Regiment RCA provided the musical support while the Rocky Mountain Rangers B Coy were given "Freedom of the City" by the Mayor and council of Prince George. After this ceremony, a memorial service followed, to remember Private Kirby Tott, a member of the Rocky Mountain Rangers, who lost his life in July 2015 during routine military training with the third Canadian division training centre detachment at Canadian Forces Base Shilo in Manitoba. Trumpeters Bombardiers Drew and Bligh supported this service with playing the Last Post.
See more,,,
Ex Claymore Steel - Yakima Firing Centre
15th Field Artillery Regiment RCA and 5th (BC) Field Artillery regiment combine for Exercise Claymore Steel in Yakima, WA. The Commanding Officer, Lieutenant Colonel Pierre Lajoie and Master Warrant Officer Rob Garrett receive a tour of an Apache attack helicopter while at Yakima Firing Centre.
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15th Field Artillery Regiment RCA and 5th (BC) Field Artillery regiment combine for Exercise Claymore Steel in Yakima, WA. The Commanding Officer, Lieutenant Colonel Pierre Lajoie and Master Warrant Officer Rob Garrett receive a tour of an Apache attack helicopter while at Yakima Firing Centre.
See more...
Ottawa Working Group
The Battery Captain 68 Battery (BK68), Captain Rob Wishnicki, and the Gun Position Officer 68 Battery (GPO68), Captain James Morrison, spent the week in Ottawa at a Working Group discussing the Light Urban Search and Rescue (LUSAR) task. Apparently there was also time to visit the War Memorial and have lunch with a former Unit Adjutant, Captain Wayne Baxter (And whisky tasting, pub crawling, etc....) See more...
The Battery Captain 68 Battery (BK68), Captain Rob Wishnicki, and the Gun Position Officer 68 Battery (GPO68), Captain James Morrison, spent the week in Ottawa at a Working Group discussing the Light Urban Search and Rescue (LUSAR) task. Apparently there was also time to visit the War Memorial and have lunch with a former Unit Adjutant, Captain Wayne Baxter (And whisky tasting, pub crawling, etc....) See more...
Recruiting Office
A new rug was recently delivered to the recruiting office. Nice! Bring a friend along the next time you go to the Armoury. Have them check out the recruiting office and talk to Captain Morrison. He's got some great information on summer employment! Check out the attached ads - download a copy - send it to all your friends!
A new rug was recently delivered to the recruiting office. Nice! Bring a friend along the next time you go to the Armoury. Have them check out the recruiting office and talk to Captain Morrison. He's got some great information on summer employment! Check out the attached ads - download a copy - send it to all your friends!
Regimental Birthday Party - 18 February 2018
Wasn't that a party! The Regimental Sergeant Major pulled together a hard rocking band and blasted the Bessborough Armoury with some great tunes. I've got a few pics from Captain Wishnicki. Send me some of yours!
Wasn't that a party! The Regimental Sergeant Major pulled together a hard rocking band and blasted the Bessborough Armoury with some great tunes. I've got a few pics from Captain Wishnicki. Send me some of yours!
Caustic Shock - 10/12 February 2018
The 15th Field Artillery Regiment RCA combined with The 5th (BC) Field Artillery Regiment RCA for a weekend shoot with 81 mm mortars at Fort Lewis, WA. 39 Brigade's Signals and Medics provided support.
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The 15th Field Artillery Regiment RCA combined with The 5th (BC) Field Artillery Regiment RCA for a weekend shoot with 81 mm mortars at Fort Lewis, WA. 39 Brigade's Signals and Medics provided support.
See More...
Change of Honorary Colonel - Seaforth Highlanders of Canada
In January 2018, Honorary Lieutenant Colonel Don Foster attended the Change of Honoraries at the Seaforth Highlanders of Canada.
In January 2018, Honorary Lieutenant Colonel Don Foster attended the Change of Honoraries at the Seaforth Highlanders of Canada.
New Years Day Levee
The Levee Breakfast originated with RSM CWO Dave Penman in the early 1960’s. In those years, the Band of the Regiment would perform at functions on New Year’s Eve as this was a working day for them. The unit would also have New Year’s Eve parties at the armoury. With the drinking and late night of the eve, the RSM wanted to look after his soldiers and get them out of bed and get them some breakfast New Year’s morning. He gave direction that a restaurant be found to hold the breakfast that was open on this holiday. The breakfast was also attended by the RSM, WOs and Sergeants in the Regiment, both band and artillery. The Directors of Music attended as well. The breakfast has been held in many locations which no longer exist including the Park Hill (Ming Court) on Davie. One year at Denny’s because the Ming Court had closed unknown to us and it has been held in the Bistro on Beatty Street for about the last 10 years.
The dress for the 1st of January is DEUs, medals and oxford shoes.
The breakfast is at 0830 hours at:
The Georgian Court Hotel
Frankie’s Italian Kitchen and Bar, just off the lobby
773 Beatty Street
The New Year’s Levee is at 1030 hours in the Officers' Mess.
The Levee Breakfast originated with RSM CWO Dave Penman in the early 1960’s. In those years, the Band of the Regiment would perform at functions on New Year’s Eve as this was a working day for them. The unit would also have New Year’s Eve parties at the armoury. With the drinking and late night of the eve, the RSM wanted to look after his soldiers and get them out of bed and get them some breakfast New Year’s morning. He gave direction that a restaurant be found to hold the breakfast that was open on this holiday. The breakfast was also attended by the RSM, WOs and Sergeants in the Regiment, both band and artillery. The Directors of Music attended as well. The breakfast has been held in many locations which no longer exist including the Park Hill (Ming Court) on Davie. One year at Denny’s because the Ming Court had closed unknown to us and it has been held in the Bistro on Beatty Street for about the last 10 years.
The dress for the 1st of January is DEUs, medals and oxford shoes.
The breakfast is at 0830 hours at:
The Georgian Court Hotel
Frankie’s Italian Kitchen and Bar, just off the lobby
773 Beatty Street
The New Year’s Levee is at 1030 hours in the Officers' Mess.
Officers' Mess
Future Updates
The Officers' Mess renovations continue. Details to follow in the near future.
The Officers' Mess renovations continue. Details to follow in the near future.
Warrant Officers' and Sergeants' Mess
Info to follow
Have you got an interesting story on a mess event?
Have you got an interesting story on a mess event?
Vancouver Artillery Association
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Canadian War Museum
Your Vancouver Artillery Association president has spent the last two afternoons in the Canadian War Museum checking out 18 pounders and 25 pounders in addition to a couple of hours in their archive department. I could spend a month in here! |
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Abbotsford Agri-Fair
The Association had the 25 Pounder, Limber and Field Artillery Tractor out at the annual Abbotsford Agri-Fair from 4 to 5 August. Certainly a distinguished looking trio manning the display! Former Honorary Colonel Bill Rodgers, current Honorary Lieutenant-Colonel Don Foster and Major (Ret'd) Bob Mugford. Good job! |
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Aldergrove Fair
The 25 Pounder detachment deployed to the Aldergrove Fair from 20 to 22 July. They finished off the Langley's Thunderbird Fast Draw Club's 105 pistol salute with the final 106th bang to celebrate the years of the fair.
Leon Jensen, Doug Loney, Bob Mugford and Don Foster donated their time to represent the Vancouver Gunners at this great event. Sunday's schedule includes another firing at 1500 hours - drop on by and say hi.
The 25 Pounder detachment deployed to the Aldergrove Fair from 20 to 22 July. They finished off the Langley's Thunderbird Fast Draw Club's 105 pistol salute with the final 106th bang to celebrate the years of the fair.
Leon Jensen, Doug Loney, Bob Mugford and Don Foster donated their time to represent the Vancouver Gunners at this great event. Sunday's schedule includes another firing at 1500 hours - drop on by and say hi.
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Western Museum of the Armed Forces
Not all the Gunners are working with the Vancouver Artillery Association during the Aldergrove Fair. Ian Newby has a gang showcasing his M109 self propelled howitzer and Armoured Personnel Carriers. They include Ian Smith, Doug Butler, Darren Kostinuk and Ross Keller. Great looking vehicle park! |
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Beer and Pizza
Summertime is great for catching up with stories from the past. Not too sure if I can print any of the ones that came up from this Saturday beer and pizza night. Colonel (Ret'd) Leon Jensen, Captain Rob Wishnicki and Master Warrant Officer (Ret'd) John Mclelland. John's in town for a couple of months on a construction project in West Vancouver and I'm sure we'll see him a couple of times while he's here. |
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Canada Day 2018
The Vancouver Artillery Association 25 Pounder detachment deployed with the Regiment to Hallelujah Point. There preferred location at Ferguson Point was denied due to a wedding. Maybe next year? See more... |
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Canada Day 2018
Ian Newby's Museum of the Armed Forces took part in the Aldergrove Canada Day parade with APCs. The following exhibit at the Aldergrove Legion included an M109. See more...
Ian Newby's Museum of the Armed Forces took part in the Aldergrove Canada Day parade with APCs. The following exhibit at the Aldergrove Legion included an M109. See more...
Press Release 19 June 2018
Vancouver - The Vancouver Artillery Association announces the expected arrival of a First World War Quick-Firing 18 Pounder field gun. It was so named because of the weight of the projectile it fired. “This gun was the mainstay of the Canadian Field Artillery during the war. The 31st Battery, perpetuated by Vancouver's 15th Field Artillery Regiment, was equipped with the 18-pounder and the 68th Battery, deployed to Northern Russia, went with the same weapon,” according to Dr. Peter Moogk, the curator at the Regimental Museum. See more...
Vancouver - The Vancouver Artillery Association announces the expected arrival of a First World War Quick-Firing 18 Pounder field gun. It was so named because of the weight of the projectile it fired. “This gun was the mainstay of the Canadian Field Artillery during the war. The 31st Battery, perpetuated by Vancouver's 15th Field Artillery Regiment, was equipped with the 18-pounder and the 68th Battery, deployed to Northern Russia, went with the same weapon,” according to Dr. Peter Moogk, the curator at the Regimental Museum. See more...
Artillery Day
The Vancouver Artillery Association deployed the 25 Pounder and Field Artillery Tractor to Wallace Field in Jericho Beach Park. It was a great day showing off the equipment to local Vancouverites. Wallace Field has a monument which provides information on the members of the RCAF that it was named after. In addition, the monument lists the units that had a connection with the Jericho Station including the Royal Canadian Artillery. We've been promised photos of the wedding shoot that used the FAT as a prop! They'll be posted when they arrive. In the meantime, mark your calendar for Sunday, 26 May 2018. We'll do a similar event but with more guns. Now that we've figured out the time required to acquire our Parks Board permit and our insurance certificate, we'll ensure that the application goes in sooner.
The Vancouver Artillery Association deployed the 25 Pounder and Field Artillery Tractor to Wallace Field in Jericho Beach Park. It was a great day showing off the equipment to local Vancouverites. Wallace Field has a monument which provides information on the members of the RCAF that it was named after. In addition, the monument lists the units that had a connection with the Jericho Station including the Royal Canadian Artillery. We've been promised photos of the wedding shoot that used the FAT as a prop! They'll be posted when they arrive. In the meantime, mark your calendar for Sunday, 26 May 2018. We'll do a similar event but with more guns. Now that we've figured out the time required to acquire our Parks Board permit and our insurance certificate, we'll ensure that the application goes in sooner.
Yorke Island
The Province of British Columbia installed a Point of Interest sign on the Sayward wharf to highlight Yorke Island. The Minister of Transportation officially unveiled the sign on 24 May 2018. See more...
The Province of British Columbia installed a Point of Interest sign on the Sayward wharf to highlight Yorke Island. The Minister of Transportation officially unveiled the sign on 24 May 2018. See more...
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9 Pounder of 6 cwt Mark II for Land Service
The 9 Pounder has arrived for the RCA Museum in Shilo! Have you got a couple of hours to spare on Wednesday, 2 May at 1000 hrs? We're going to start the uncrating and scope out the tools required to reassemble the 1874 artifact. Wow. Check out the story as it unfolds on this page..... |
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ANZAC Day
Richard Van Slyke joined the Australian Consul General and the New Zealand Consulate along with CANZBA members at their annual ANZAC Day Commemoration on 25 April The event started at 6:00 pm with a ceremony at Victory Square in Vancouver and continued the celebration at Moose's Down Under Pub, 830 West Pender St. |
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Volunteers needed!
Have you got a couple of weekends to spare? |
Prince Rupert Barrett Battery
This coastal gun emplacement has recently been in the news regarding some planned future infrastructure works that might damage the existing fortifications. It would be a shame for the region to lose an historic heritage site without examining the potential revenue generating options if the site was properly set up. Our Museum & Archives have some photos of the fort being established in the 1940s. See more...
This coastal gun emplacement has recently been in the news regarding some planned future infrastructure works that might damage the existing fortifications. It would be a shame for the region to lose an historic heritage site without examining the potential revenue generating options if the site was properly set up. Our Museum & Archives have some photos of the fort being established in the 1940s. See more...
Khaki Drill Uniforms
The 25 Pounder Detachment have just received their new replica Khaki Drill uniforms! Thanks to Ian and Doreen Newby at International Movie Services, we can now wear uniforms that match the summer dress that were worn during the Second World War. The uniforms are currently equipped with General Service buttons and we'll be purchasing some proper Artillery buttons with the appropriate crown as soon as we can track some down. We're also looking for some brass RCAs and Canada flashers as well as the appropriate rank badges.
The 25 Pounder Detachment have just received their new replica Khaki Drill uniforms! Thanks to Ian and Doreen Newby at International Movie Services, we can now wear uniforms that match the summer dress that were worn during the Second World War. The uniforms are currently equipped with General Service buttons and we'll be purchasing some proper Artillery buttons with the appropriate crown as soon as we can track some down. We're also looking for some brass RCAs and Canada flashers as well as the appropriate rank badges.
Australia Gun Tour?
Are you travelling? Do you have some artillery/military pictures and a story (or two) that may be of interest to other gunners? Email the story to me and we'll put it on line! Here's my story - In December 2017 we were informed that our new house was delayed until February 2018. What to do? Stay in a rental house for an additional two months? or run off to a hot, exotic locale? We chose option 2! See more...
Are you travelling? Do you have some artillery/military pictures and a story (or two) that may be of interest to other gunners? Email the story to me and we'll put it on line! Here's my story - In December 2017 we were informed that our new house was delayed until February 2018. What to do? Stay in a rental house for an additional two months? or run off to a hot, exotic locale? We chose option 2! See more...
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Macaulay Point
The Regiment participated in training exercises at Macaulay Point in the 1930s and 40s. One of our members, John Eckersley, was on Vancouver Island recently and reports: " I attended the annual public guided tour of the Fort on Saturday (Artillery Day - ed.). If you haven't visited it since last November and have the chance to do so, I highly recommend it. It was a few years ago since I had been there and was very impressed with the amount of clearing and cleanup that had been done. Also in November they had installed a very good illustrated signage system giving a history and explanation at the key points, as explained in the article linked below.." Esquimalt installs new interpretive signage for Fort Macaulay Fort Macaulay brochure |
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Obituaries
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Chief Warrant Officer Eric Tyldesley Gore CD
Eric was born in Montreal, PQ in 1934 and moved to Vancouver, B.C. at an early age. He was raised on Sea Island close to the Vancouver Airport. He married his first wife, Verle Evans, in 1952 and had two beautiful children: Gary, who married Dorothy and gave him two grandchildren, Dillon and Geena. Geena has blessed him with a great grandchild Kade Patrick-Gore and another on the way. His daughter Linda has two wonderful sons, Ryan Sigerson and Mark Mueller. He has one sister Noreen (Fred) Babuin, and two nephews Leslie (Paddy) Babuin and Chris (Ann) Babuin. Two great nephews, Tyler Babuin and Heather (Jon) Mattei who have two beautiful children Reagan and Nolan. See more... |
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John William Craven Kostinuk
Deceased - 19 February 2018. Gunner John William Craven Kostinuk enrolled in the 15th Field Regiment on 14 March 1957. He was a drummer in the band in 1962. His choice of joining the 15th Field Artillery Regiment RCA was possibly due to his own father's (Bombardier John Kostinuk) enlistment in the 1st Searchlight Regiment RCA, his subsequent transfer to the 108th (Howitzer) Battery in Lethbridge and then on to the 2nd Anti-Tank Regiment RCA in 1940. The Kostinuk family continued their Artillery Tradition with John William Craven Kostinuk's son, Bombardier Darren Craven Kostinuk, joining the 15th Field Artillery Regiment RCA on 22 March 1983. Ubique. He will not be forgotten. |
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MASKOVICH, Jean Annette
July 24, 1921 – April 19, 2018 Jean Annette Maskovich predeceased by first husband Harry Colton and second husband Don Maskovich. Jean will be missed by sons Harry and Robert, daughters Colleen and Hazel, stepdaughter Helen, all their families and all her loving friends and their families. The Celebration of Life will be held at Avalon Surrey Funeral Home, 13288 108 Ave, Surrey, BC on Wednesday, May 2, 2018 at 2 p.m. Friends may leave messages of condolence for the family at www.avalonsurrey.com Jean and Don Maskovich ran the bar and kitchen of the Officers Mess from the early 60s to the mid 80s and catered most of the events that took place in the Armoury during that period. |