15th Field Brigade
Canadian Artillery
1928
Canadian Artillery
1928
as at 12 October 1928
Sub-units
31st Field Battery, Canadian Artillery
68th Field Battery, Canadian Artillery
85th Field Battery, Canadian Artillery
Attached – 5th Medium Battery, Canadian Artillery
Detached: 58th Field Battery CA-Victoria; attached to 5th (British Columbia) Regiment Canadian Garrison Artillery
31st Field Battery, Canadian Artillery
68th Field Battery, Canadian Artillery
85th Field Battery, Canadian Artillery
Attached – 5th Medium Battery, Canadian Artillery
Detached: 58th Field Battery CA-Victoria; attached to 5th (British Columbia) Regiment Canadian Garrison Artillery
Key Appointments
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Christmas Card list 1928
The attached document lists the officers enroled in the 15th Field Brigade CA. These include: Regimental Staff Lieutenant-Colonel W.A. Townsley MC Medical Officer brevet Lieutenant-Colonel W.T. Lockhart Veterinary Officer Captain T.R.R. Hoggan See more ... |
Camp Sarcee
The unit participates in training at Camp Sarcee. Seems to be a rather quick training cycle. Recruit in May for the July live firing event.
The unit participates in training at Camp Sarcee. Seems to be a rather quick training cycle. Recruit in May for the July live firing event.
Unit Local Training
The training exercise under the command of Major J.G. Chutter, MC on the week-end of June 9th, 1928 must have been a first for the Non Permanent Artillery. Excerpts from Major Chutter's report relate some facts of this experiment.
On Thursday evening we practised the hitching of 18 pdr. guns to motor trucks, so that on Saturday afternoon there should be no delay. We left the Horse Show building, our Armoury, at 3 o'clock, Saturday afternoon, 38 all ranks, 4 18-pdr. guns, 4 International trucks and 5 motor cars.
See more...
The training exercise under the command of Major J.G. Chutter, MC on the week-end of June 9th, 1928 must have been a first for the Non Permanent Artillery. Excerpts from Major Chutter's report relate some facts of this experiment.
On Thursday evening we practised the hitching of 18 pdr. guns to motor trucks, so that on Saturday afternoon there should be no delay. We left the Horse Show building, our Armoury, at 3 o'clock, Saturday afternoon, 38 all ranks, 4 18-pdr. guns, 4 International trucks and 5 motor cars.
See more...
Vancouver Armoury Association
The Vancouver Armoury Association Limited met in August 1928 with the intent, "to erect and construct an Armoury and Drill Hall in the area known as Greater Vancouver, to purchase, lease, take in exchange or otherwise acquire lands...to sell, lease, exchange, or otherwise dispose of to His Majesty the King...any of the buildings or structures erected thereon". To hide the cost of new armoury construction this private organization would plan and build the structure and then have the government lease it and later take ownership. The founders were William Allen Townsley (Commanding Officer), J.G. Chutter (Battery Commander), Richard Thomas Perry (Architect and future Commanding Officer), Cyril Gainsborough Beeston (future Commanding Officer), H.R. Bray (Brigade Officer), and Brigadier General Victor Odlum.
Vancouver Defended, page 58, Peter Moogk
The Vancouver Armoury Association Limited met in August 1928 with the intent, "to erect and construct an Armoury and Drill Hall in the area known as Greater Vancouver, to purchase, lease, take in exchange or otherwise acquire lands...to sell, lease, exchange, or otherwise dispose of to His Majesty the King...any of the buildings or structures erected thereon". To hide the cost of new armoury construction this private organization would plan and build the structure and then have the government lease it and later take ownership. The founders were William Allen Townsley (Commanding Officer), J.G. Chutter (Battery Commander), Richard Thomas Perry (Architect and future Commanding Officer), Cyril Gainsborough Beeston (future Commanding Officer), H.R. Bray (Brigade Officer), and Brigadier General Victor Odlum.
Vancouver Defended, page 58, Peter Moogk
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Armistice Day
The Commanding Officer, Lieutenant-Colonel Townsley leads a contingent of soldiers, representative of all Vancouver units, from Christ Church to the Cenotaph. |
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Administration
There's no getting away from kit inspections! |
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Battery Dinner
68th Battery holds a dinner to start their training year. |
Royal Canadian School of Artillery
Edward (Ted) D. J. Edmonds trained at the Royal Canadian School of Artillery in Borden, Ontario during the summer of 1928. The accommodation was somewhat spartan that year. See more...
Edward (Ted) D. J. Edmonds trained at the Royal Canadian School of Artillery in Borden, Ontario during the summer of 1928. The accommodation was somewhat spartan that year. See more...
Training Exercise - Langley
The 5th Medium Battery trained with the Irish Fusiliers in Langley. The photos capture Lt Col WDS Rorison, CO Irish Fusiliers and Lieutenant AE McB Bell-Irving with Major Gordon Chutter.
The 5th Medium Battery trained with the Irish Fusiliers in Langley. The photos capture Lt Col WDS Rorison, CO Irish Fusiliers and Lieutenant AE McB Bell-Irving with Major Gordon Chutter.
Part 2 Qualifying Course
The next series of photos by Edward (Ted) D. J. Edmonds imclude ones (18-22) that were marked, "Royal Canadian School of Artillery, Fort Osborne Barracks, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Pt. 2 Qualifying Course, 1928". We're not sure if EK Jackson, Kennedy, Reg Town or Hodgins were members of the 15th Brigade or if they were from other artillery units in Canada. We're also not sure what a Part 2 Qualifying Course consisted of.
The next series of photos by Edward (Ted) D. J. Edmonds imclude ones (18-22) that were marked, "Royal Canadian School of Artillery, Fort Osborne Barracks, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Pt. 2 Qualifying Course, 1928". We're not sure if EK Jackson, Kennedy, Reg Town or Hodgins were members of the 15th Brigade or if they were from other artillery units in Canada. We're also not sure what a Part 2 Qualifying Course consisted of.
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Local Training
More photos from Edward (Ted) Edmonds appear to show training in the local area. No dates are specified but it appears to be prior to Ted being commissioned. I've placed them in 1928 until such time as additional information is found. |
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58th Battery, Canadian Field Artillery
The detached sub-unit, 58th Battery, 15th Brigade, Canadian Field Artillery plans a smoking concert. Later in the year there is preparation for the Sarcee Camp. |
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Large Exercise at Macauley Point
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Canadian Artillery Association
Lieutenant-Colonel Townsley is voted in as Vice-President. |
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New Armoury Planned
The location is in Kerrisdale, a 10 acre plot on 41st Avenue, between Maple Street and East Boulevard |
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Association of Officers of the Medical Service of Canada
The Regimental Medical Officer, Lieutenant-Colonel Lockhart is voted in as part of the executive for a local branch of the organization. |
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Naval Tribute to the Fallen
Lieutenant-Colonel Townsley and Bishop DePencier were noted as being at the event.
Lieutenant-Colonel Townsley and Bishop DePencier were noted as being at the event.
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BCBGA Holds Reunion
The British Columbia Brigade of Garrison Artillery holds a reunion and elects officers for the "Old Garrison Artillery Association". They claim to be the first military unit in Vancouver having paraded first in 1894. |
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Artillery News
The sound of artillery travels great distances while former RA Lieutenant's also travel great distances. I wonder where he ended up? Sad News from Scotland followed by an accident in Tacoma, WA.
The sound of artillery travels great distances while former RA Lieutenant's also travel great distances. I wonder where he ended up? Sad News from Scotland followed by an accident in Tacoma, WA.
Motor Car Helps Cavalry in War
Maneuvers Show Trucks Speed Horses to Battlefields and Land Them Fresh for Action
Maneuvers Show Trucks Speed Horses to Battlefields and Land Them Fresh for Action
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Social News
Lieutenant Charles Falkland Loewen arrives in town on leave to visit his parents. Lieutenant Loewen had been an RMC graduate but his commission had been withheld due to his age. He returned to Vancouver and enlisted with 68th Overseas Depot Battery but arrived in England shortly after the Armistice was signed. He transferred to 68 Battery, 16th Brigade but was deemed too young to be sent overseas. H subsequently resigned and joined the Royal Field Artillery who sent him to Palestine and other world destinations. |
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Former Gunner May Get Top Post at Oakalla prison farm
Former Battery Sergeant Major Creswick Whebell DCM may possibly become warden. BSM Whebell had considerable experience with the Royal Field Artillery prior to enlisting through 68th Overseas Depot Battery. |
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Bombardier Dashwood-Jones
Sad story regarding a former 68th Overseas Depot Battery Gunner. His son, Donald, would grow up and enlist in the 15th (Vancouver) Coast Brigade, RCA and serve on Yorke Island. |
The German Final Drive
The Province carried a full page story in the Sunday edition for excerpts from Major-General Sir Edward Morrison, the commander of the Canadian Artillery during the First World War. Find the full story here.
The Province carried a full page story in the Sunday edition for excerpts from Major-General Sir Edward Morrison, the commander of the Canadian Artillery during the First World War. Find the full story here.
Officers' Mess
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Friday dances in the Officers' Mess at the Horse Show building.
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Obituaries
Gunner Henry Duncan
Passed away suddenly at the family residence, 2808 Trinity St., March 1, 1928, District Fire Chief Henry Duncan, in his 57th year. Deceased leaves besides his wife, 2 sons, Harvey and Ian; 1 daughter, Margaret, to mourn his loss. The late Chief Duncan was a member of Mt. Hermon Lodge No. 7, A.F.&A.M., and Mt. Pleasant Lodge No. 11, Knights of Pythias. Funeral services will be held under the auspices of Mt. Hermon Lodge from Center & Hanna’s chapel, Monday afternoon, March 5, 1928, at 1 o’clock. Internment Masonic portion Mountain View Cemetery.
Passed away suddenly at the family residence, 2808 Trinity St., March 1, 1928, District Fire Chief Henry Duncan, in his 57th year. Deceased leaves besides his wife, 2 sons, Harvey and Ian; 1 daughter, Margaret, to mourn his loss. The late Chief Duncan was a member of Mt. Hermon Lodge No. 7, A.F.&A.M., and Mt. Pleasant Lodge No. 11, Knights of Pythias. Funeral services will be held under the auspices of Mt. Hermon Lodge from Center & Hanna’s chapel, Monday afternoon, March 5, 1928, at 1 o’clock. Internment Masonic portion Mountain View Cemetery.
Gunner Sidney George Healey
Passed away 27 May 1928. Gunner Healey was born 9 August 1897 in Moosejaw, Saskatchewan. He served 3 months in 19th Company, Canadian Army Service Corps and was a law clerk in Vancouver, BC. He attested in the 68th Overseas Depot Field Battery on 8 May 1916, assigned regimental #338886 and transferred to the 62nd Battery, 15th Brigade, Canadian Field Artillery before embarking for England on 11 September 1916. On 29 March 1919 he proceeded to Canada 29 Mar 1919 and was discharged 11 April 1919. Gunner Healey died 27 May 1928 from epilepsy at Essondale, BC and is interred at Mountain View cemetery.
Passed away 27 May 1928. Gunner Healey was born 9 August 1897 in Moosejaw, Saskatchewan. He served 3 months in 19th Company, Canadian Army Service Corps and was a law clerk in Vancouver, BC. He attested in the 68th Overseas Depot Field Battery on 8 May 1916, assigned regimental #338886 and transferred to the 62nd Battery, 15th Brigade, Canadian Field Artillery before embarking for England on 11 September 1916. On 29 March 1919 he proceeded to Canada 29 Mar 1919 and was discharged 11 April 1919. Gunner Healey died 27 May 1928 from epilepsy at Essondale, BC and is interred at Mountain View cemetery.
Gunner Ivan Jeffrey Stephen
After an illness of only a few days’s duration, Ivan J. Stephens, sub-traffic inspector and operator of the British Columbia Electric Railway, passed away at the Jubilee Hospital yesterday afternoon, following an operation for appendicitis. He had been with the company for the last eighteen years and was a familiar figure to the travelling public.
The late Mr. Stephens was born in Blanchard Township, Perth County, Ontario, thirty-six years ago. He came to Victoria about 1910, entering the service of the British Columbia Electric Company as an operator shortly after his arrival. In 1916 he volunteered for overseas service, joining the 15th Brigade, C.G.A. He served overseas as a gunner with the 58th Battery, C.G.A. and won the Military Medal for gallantry at Cambrai. He is survived by his widow and two step-children at the family residence, 2715 Blackwood Avenue, also his mother and one sister, Miss Isabel Stephens, residing at 1105 Tolmie Avenue.
The remains are reposing at S. J. Curry & Sons Funeral Home, whence the cortege will leave on Saturday at 3.15 p.m. , proceeding to the Centennial Church for services at 3.30. Rev. J. P. Westman will officiate.
After an illness of only a few days’s duration, Ivan J. Stephens, sub-traffic inspector and operator of the British Columbia Electric Railway, passed away at the Jubilee Hospital yesterday afternoon, following an operation for appendicitis. He had been with the company for the last eighteen years and was a familiar figure to the travelling public.
The late Mr. Stephens was born in Blanchard Township, Perth County, Ontario, thirty-six years ago. He came to Victoria about 1910, entering the service of the British Columbia Electric Company as an operator shortly after his arrival. In 1916 he volunteered for overseas service, joining the 15th Brigade, C.G.A. He served overseas as a gunner with the 58th Battery, C.G.A. and won the Military Medal for gallantry at Cambrai. He is survived by his widow and two step-children at the family residence, 2715 Blackwood Avenue, also his mother and one sister, Miss Isabel Stephens, residing at 1105 Tolmie Avenue.
The remains are reposing at S. J. Curry & Sons Funeral Home, whence the cortege will leave on Saturday at 3.15 p.m. , proceeding to the Centennial Church for services at 3.30. Rev. J. P. Westman will officiate.
Lists
The following pages contain additional information relating to the 15th Field Artillery Regiment, RCA
Honours and Awards
Trophies
Commanding Officers and Regimental Sergeants Major
Honoraries
Battery Commanders and Battery Sergeants Major
Band Appointments
Nominal Roll
Guns of the Regiment
Memorial Page
The following pages contain additional information relating to the 15th Field Artillery Regiment, RCA
Honours and Awards
Trophies
Commanding Officers and Regimental Sergeants Major
Honoraries
Battery Commanders and Battery Sergeants Major
Band Appointments
Nominal Roll
Guns of the Regiment
Memorial Page