15th Field Artillery Regiment
The Royal Regiment of Canadian Artillery
2024
The Royal Regiment of Canadian Artillery
2024
as at 21 April 2024
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
Commanding Officer - Lieutenant-Colonel Andrew Grieve CD
Regimental Sergeant Major - Chief Warrant Officer Heath Porritt CD
Honorary Lieutenant-Colonel - Honorary Lieutenant-Colonel Don Foster
Second in Command - Major Alex Haussman CD
Commanding Officer - Lieutenant-Colonel Andrew Grieve CD
Regimental Sergeant Major - Chief Warrant Officer Heath Porritt CD
Honorary Lieutenant-Colonel - Honorary Lieutenant-Colonel Don Foster
Second in Command - Major Alex Haussman CD
Open House 2024
The Regiment held a very successful open house with about 200+ individuals dropping by Bessborough Armoury to say hello and find out more about the Regiment. There was a C3 set up, recruiting table, small arms table band quartet (or was it a sextet?) and the indirect fire trainer. In addition the Regimental Museum was open and the older guns were on display manned by volunteers from the Vancouver Artillery Association.
Check out the other photos here.
The Regiment held a very successful open house with about 200+ individuals dropping by Bessborough Armoury to say hello and find out more about the Regiment. There was a C3 set up, recruiting table, small arms table band quartet (or was it a sextet?) and the indirect fire trainer. In addition the Regimental Museum was open and the older guns were on display manned by volunteers from the Vancouver Artillery Association.
Check out the other photos here.
15th Field Gunners Hockey Club
The team hits the ice for the first time together! Here’s to more 15Fd Hockey to come in the future! There's a couple more photos on this page.
The team hits the ice for the first time together! Here’s to more 15Fd Hockey to come in the future! There's a couple more photos on this page.
2024 BC Military Gala
Another fancy gala held at the Wall Centre. The Military Ball originated in 1946 as a victory celebration to mark the end of World War II and has continued, uninterrupted, since. It began as a brainchild of the officers of the Vancouver Garrison to relive the euphoria of the time and to celebrate the return to families and friends. Much had changed during the six year period that Canada had been to war and many returning military personnel had not seen their spouses and children during that time.Photos are rather spars at the moment. Looking forward to receiving more photos in the near future.
Another fancy gala held at the Wall Centre. The Military Ball originated in 1946 as a victory celebration to mark the end of World War II and has continued, uninterrupted, since. It began as a brainchild of the officers of the Vancouver Garrison to relive the euphoria of the time and to celebrate the return to families and friends. Much had changed during the six year period that Canada had been to war and many returning military personnel had not seen their spouses and children during that time.Photos are rather spars at the moment. Looking forward to receiving more photos in the near future.
Concert For the Padre
The 15th Field Artillery Regiment Band performed at the Christ Church Cathedral on 17 February 2024.
The 15th Field Artillery Regiment Band performed at the Christ Church Cathedral on 17 February 2024.
Future Exercise Cougar Rage
Officers' Mess
Wednesday Lunch - 13 March
Dr Andrea Lane:- RCN Strategic Policy - Hybrid Warfare and Information Operations
Professor Lane is a Defence Scientist with the Maritime Operational Research Team, providing operations research support to Maritime Forces Pacific in Esquimalt. She is part of a team of defence scientists who do deep dive research into defence topics of interest to commanders.
Dr Andrea Lane:- RCN Strategic Policy - Hybrid Warfare and Information Operations
Professor Lane is a Defence Scientist with the Maritime Operational Research Team, providing operations research support to Maritime Forces Pacific in Esquimalt. She is part of a team of defence scientists who do deep dive research into defence topics of interest to commanders.
Warrant Officers and Sergeants Mess
New Year's Levee and Breakfast
Many members, who attended last year, had taken the opportunity to travel in this second post COVID-19 year and were not in attendance hence the small turn out . To top it off, our chief coordinator, Sergeant Donato Calogero, tested positive to COVID-19 after a visit from some foreign friends and was unable to attend. He certainly look forward to a larger turnout in 2025!
Nice to see those that did turn out: Bdr (ret'd) Doug Butler, WO Conrad Skuce, Bdr Andy Law, Sgt Andrew Chan, Sgt Joseph Rozario and Capt (ret'd) Kevin Walker.
Many members, who attended last year, had taken the opportunity to travel in this second post COVID-19 year and were not in attendance hence the small turn out . To top it off, our chief coordinator, Sergeant Donato Calogero, tested positive to COVID-19 after a visit from some foreign friends and was unable to attend. He certainly look forward to a larger turnout in 2025!
Nice to see those that did turn out: Bdr (ret'd) Doug Butler, WO Conrad Skuce, Bdr Andy Law, Sgt Andrew Chan, Sgt Joseph Rozario and Capt (ret'd) Kevin Walker.
15th Field Artillery Regiment Museum and Archives
The Directorate of History an Heritage conucted an evaluation of the Regimental Museum. Thanks to John Redmond, Doug Loney and Andrew MacRae for participating.
The Directorate of History an Heritage conucted an evaluation of the Regimental Museum. Thanks to John Redmond, Doug Loney and Andrew MacRae for participating.
Vancouver Artillery Association
Yorke Island
The 85Vics are planning their annual weekend cleanup visit to Yorke Island in May 2024. Interested in joining them? Send me an email. president.vcrgunners@gmail.com
The 85Vics are planning their annual weekend cleanup visit to Yorke Island in May 2024. Interested in joining them? Send me an email. president.vcrgunners@gmail.com
68 Bty 30'ish Year Campout Reunion
May 24 at 4 PM – May 26 at 12 PM - Harrison West - Camp Cove Campground
Anne Nikodem (former Bombardier Anne Edwards) and Terry Stratton (former Bombardier Terry Stratton) are organizing another 68 Battery camping reunion.
Same as last year, its a a 10 vehicle allowance (50 person max) with the booking (additional fees for extra vehicles and day guests). In order to confirm your attendance, transfer $100 to annenikodem@gmail.com asap.
May 24 at 4 PM – May 26 at 12 PM - Harrison West - Camp Cove Campground
Anne Nikodem (former Bombardier Anne Edwards) and Terry Stratton (former Bombardier Terry Stratton) are organizing another 68 Battery camping reunion.
Same as last year, its a a 10 vehicle allowance (50 person max) with the booking (additional fees for extra vehicles and day guests). In order to confirm your attendance, transfer $100 to annenikodem@gmail.com asap.
Rogers Pass Monument Guns
Came across some very disturbing photos showing the state of the guns, our colours, at Roger's Pass. The Royal Canadian Artillery Association has drafted letters to Parks Canada in the hopes that they can address the situation. Additional photos can be found here. |
Former Members
39 CBG posted an article on one of our former members.
February is Black History Month. It’s a time for us to celebrate and honour the many contributions that Black Canadians have made throughout our history to help make Canada the culturally diverse, compassionate, and prosperous nation that it is today. For the CAF, it’s an opportunity to learn more about the important achievements that our members have made, both within our armed forces and throughout the public service.
Chief Warrant Officer Clyde Roberts enrolled in the Canadian Armed Forces in Montreal, Quebec in 1988. Following his initial basic and artillery training, CWO Roberts became an active member of 2nd Field Regiment, Royal Canadian Artillery (2 RCA). From 1988 to 2007, he served the guns of 7 Fd Bty, 2 RCA and participated on battery and regimental exercises with his unit and 5ème Régiment d'artillerie légère du Canada (5 RALC). In addition, he held many instructor positions with 34 Canadian Brigade Group Battle School and support positions with Western Area Training Centre – CFB Shilo, and W Bty in the Artillery School in CFB Gagetown.
Chief Warrant Officer Roberts has academic credentials from Canadian and American universities.
He holds a Bachelor of Arts from Concordia University, Certificate Degree in Business from McGill University, a Master’s in Business Administration from Royal Roads University, studied accounting in University of British Columbia and holds a second graduate degree, a Master’s in Science from New York University. Chief Warrant Officer Roberts gained operational experience on a United Nations operation and within Canada. In 1996, he deployed at the rank of Sergeant with Batterie R, 5RALC on United Nations Mission in Haiti (UNSMIH). He also deployed on an OP LENTUS operation during the Quebec ice storm in 1988 and most recently on OP LASER. In 2007 Chief Warrant Officer Roberts transferred to 15 Field Artillery Regiment, Royal Canadian Artillery.
He filled positions as Command Post Technician Warrant Officer, Troop Sergeant Major and 31 Bty, Battery Sergeant Major and Battery Sergeant Major of Headquarters and Services Battery. In 2008 to 2011, he completed a position with Canadian Forces Recruiting Centre (CFRC) in Vancouver. During this period, he was the Senior Recruiter and in charge of employment equity for British Columbia.
In 2011, he transferred to 39 Canadian Brigade Group Headquarters. He served in several positions throughout his time at the headquarters including G3 Tasks, G3 Individual Training, G4 Ops 2, and Headquarters Sergeant Major. In 2016, Chief Warrant Officer Roberts continued his civilian career has a human resource professional. Currently, he works as a Senior Human Resource Business Partner supporting business operations in Canada and teams in the Philippines, Ireland, and the United Kingdom for a US technology company.
In 2019, Chief Warrant Officer Roberts transferred to 5 Field (BC), Royal Canadian Artillery (RCA) in the position of Headquarters and Services Battery Sergeant Major. In 2020, he was promoted to his current rank, and from 2020 until 2023 he was appointed the Regimental Sergeant Major. Currently, he is serving as a Regional Chief Warrant Officer in Director of Employer Support Programs.
“Serving as the RSM for 5th (BC) Field Artillery Regiment, RCA was a profound honour,” says Chief Warrant Officer Roberts.
“It was an honour every day to work with both officers and Non-Commissioned Members (NCMs). Our accomplishments stemmed from the past efforts of those who served before us and steers the unit's future. It demanded unwavering dedication, integrity, and a profound sense of duty to Canada, the unit, and its soldiers.
February is Black History Month. It’s a time for us to celebrate and honour the many contributions that Black Canadians have made throughout our history to help make Canada the culturally diverse, compassionate, and prosperous nation that it is today. For the CAF, it’s an opportunity to learn more about the important achievements that our members have made, both within our armed forces and throughout the public service.
Chief Warrant Officer Clyde Roberts enrolled in the Canadian Armed Forces in Montreal, Quebec in 1988. Following his initial basic and artillery training, CWO Roberts became an active member of 2nd Field Regiment, Royal Canadian Artillery (2 RCA). From 1988 to 2007, he served the guns of 7 Fd Bty, 2 RCA and participated on battery and regimental exercises with his unit and 5ème Régiment d'artillerie légère du Canada (5 RALC). In addition, he held many instructor positions with 34 Canadian Brigade Group Battle School and support positions with Western Area Training Centre – CFB Shilo, and W Bty in the Artillery School in CFB Gagetown.
Chief Warrant Officer Roberts has academic credentials from Canadian and American universities.
He holds a Bachelor of Arts from Concordia University, Certificate Degree in Business from McGill University, a Master’s in Business Administration from Royal Roads University, studied accounting in University of British Columbia and holds a second graduate degree, a Master’s in Science from New York University. Chief Warrant Officer Roberts gained operational experience on a United Nations operation and within Canada. In 1996, he deployed at the rank of Sergeant with Batterie R, 5RALC on United Nations Mission in Haiti (UNSMIH). He also deployed on an OP LENTUS operation during the Quebec ice storm in 1988 and most recently on OP LASER. In 2007 Chief Warrant Officer Roberts transferred to 15 Field Artillery Regiment, Royal Canadian Artillery.
He filled positions as Command Post Technician Warrant Officer, Troop Sergeant Major and 31 Bty, Battery Sergeant Major and Battery Sergeant Major of Headquarters and Services Battery. In 2008 to 2011, he completed a position with Canadian Forces Recruiting Centre (CFRC) in Vancouver. During this period, he was the Senior Recruiter and in charge of employment equity for British Columbia.
In 2011, he transferred to 39 Canadian Brigade Group Headquarters. He served in several positions throughout his time at the headquarters including G3 Tasks, G3 Individual Training, G4 Ops 2, and Headquarters Sergeant Major. In 2016, Chief Warrant Officer Roberts continued his civilian career has a human resource professional. Currently, he works as a Senior Human Resource Business Partner supporting business operations in Canada and teams in the Philippines, Ireland, and the United Kingdom for a US technology company.
In 2019, Chief Warrant Officer Roberts transferred to 5 Field (BC), Royal Canadian Artillery (RCA) in the position of Headquarters and Services Battery Sergeant Major. In 2020, he was promoted to his current rank, and from 2020 until 2023 he was appointed the Regimental Sergeant Major. Currently, he is serving as a Regional Chief Warrant Officer in Director of Employer Support Programs.
“Serving as the RSM for 5th (BC) Field Artillery Regiment, RCA was a profound honour,” says Chief Warrant Officer Roberts.
“It was an honour every day to work with both officers and Non-Commissioned Members (NCMs). Our accomplishments stemmed from the past efforts of those who served before us and steers the unit's future. It demanded unwavering dedication, integrity, and a profound sense of duty to Canada, the unit, and its soldiers.