15th Field Artillery Regiment
The Royal Regiment of Canadian Artillery
1962
The Royal Regiment of Canadian Artillery
1962
as at 26 October 2021
Sub-units
31st Field Battery, RCA
85th Field Battery, RCA
158th Field Battery, RCA
209th Field Battery, RCA
210th Field Battery, RCA
Band of the 15th Field Regiment, RCA
31st Field Battery, RCA
85th Field Battery, RCA
158th Field Battery, RCA
209th Field Battery, RCA
210th Field Battery, RCA
Band of the 15th Field Regiment, RCA
Key Appointments
Promotions and appointments
Major Walter Douglas Elsdon GM CD promoted Lieutenant-Colonel and appointed Commanding Officer. He had served with the 2nd Field Regiment, RCA through Italy and had been slightly wounded. He was awarded the George Medal for his actions as described in the attached citation.
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George Medal
The George Medal (GM) is the second highest civil award of the United Kingdom and Commonwealth. It ranks below the George Cross. It is only awarded for non-combat acts of bravery. The GM was created on 24 September 1940 by King George VI. At this time, during the height of The Blitz, there was a desire to reward acts of civilian courage. It was decided that the George Cross and the GM would recognize civilian bravery in the face of enemy action and brave deeds more widely. See more... |
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8 Jun 1962 - Lieutenant-Colonel AM McGavin CD appointed Honorary Lieutenant-Colonel.
1 September 1962 - Second Lieutenant William (Bill) T. Wickett promoted Lieutenant.
New Members
Al Yelland enrolled in the unit under the Special Militia Training Plan (SMTP).
Robert John Aitchison
Al Yelland enrolled in the unit under the Special Militia Training Plan (SMTP).
Robert John Aitchison
Change of Command
The Change of Command Parade was held at the Armoury with receptions in the Messes afterwards.
The Change of Command Parade was held at the Armoury with receptions in the Messes afterwards.
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Officers & Senior NCOs
15th Field Artillery Regiment RCA Top Row - 1,2,3,4, 5,6,7, 8, 9, 3rd Row - 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 2122, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, WO I Al Sweet 2nd Row - 30, 31, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36, 37, 38, WO I David Penman Front Row - Major Walter Elsdon, LtCol Francis (Bud) Garrett, HonCol Aeneas Bell-Irving, Capt Barrie Clemons |
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Senior NCOs and Officers on Nov 11 1962
Back row - Jim Mancor, Len Hedberg, Stu Harper, Joe Richardson, 6, Stan Thompson, Reaney, 9,10,Vic Stevenson Fourth Row - Ron Seymour, Peter Dwillies, 14,15,16, Jim Hamilton, 18,19,20,21, SD Mackenzie, Ron Abbott, 24, Barrie Hamilton, Bailey, Seymour, 28 Third Row - 29,30,31, MWO George Chow,33, Peter Erwin, George Mapson, 36,37,38, Pat Smith, 40, Bill Wickett, 42,43, Langmuir 45,46, Reynolds Second Row - Jim Bathhurst, AL Sweet, Griffiths , Stephan, Platt, Elsdon, Barry Clemons, Eckford, Dave Amey, Dave Penman Front Row – Lloyd Hunter, 59, MWO Windy Wadden ,61, Sgt Gary Angell, Freeborn, Jack Isbister, MWO Gordy Wright, 66,67, Gus Clarke, Norm Mohr, Sgt Ho, Dave Upton |
Visit by the Master Gunner, St. James Park, General Sir Robert Mansergh GCB, KBE, MC
The Master Gunner included a visit to 15th Field Artillery Regiment, RCA as part of his 25 day cross-Canada tour. His itinerary included visits to the 1st R.C.H.A at Gagetown, the 2nd R.C.H.A in Winnipeg and the the 2nsd S.S.M. Battery in Shilo. and The Band of the 15th Field Artillery Regiment at Sunset Beach with the Drum Major, Jim Stewart leading. Other reserve units included the 5th Independent Medium Battery in Victoria, 24th M.A.A regiment in Trail and the 42nd Medium, 29th Field and 1st Locating in Toronto. The 15th Field Artillery Regiment held a parade in the parking lot at Sunset Beach in Kitsilano.
See more...
The Master Gunner included a visit to 15th Field Artillery Regiment, RCA as part of his 25 day cross-Canada tour. His itinerary included visits to the 1st R.C.H.A at Gagetown, the 2nd R.C.H.A in Winnipeg and the the 2nsd S.S.M. Battery in Shilo. and The Band of the 15th Field Artillery Regiment at Sunset Beach with the Drum Major, Jim Stewart leading. Other reserve units included the 5th Independent Medium Battery in Victoria, 24th M.A.A regiment in Trail and the 42nd Medium, 29th Field and 1st Locating in Toronto. The 15th Field Artillery Regiment held a parade in the parking lot at Sunset Beach in Kitsilano.
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Artillery Salutes
The 15th Field Artillery Regiment's schedule for 21 gun salutes includes Victoria Day, the 10th Anniversary of Queen Elizabeth's Coronation, Prince Phillip's Birthday, Dominion Day, and the Queen Mother's Birthday.
The 15th Field Artillery Regiment's schedule for 21 gun salutes includes Victoria Day, the 10th Anniversary of Queen Elizabeth's Coronation, Prince Phillip's Birthday, Dominion Day, and the Queen Mother's Birthday.
Regimental Parade - Area Commander's Inspection
The Regiment holds a parade in the Safeway parking lot on West Broadway. The McGavin’s Bakery stands at the south west corner of Broadway and Arbutus and you can clearly see the huge hand holding a big loaf of bread on the roof reflected in the store windows. Note that the guns are the original M1A1 model (today they would be called C2s). The reviewing Officer is Brigadier Danby, the Area Commander. To his right is Lieutenant-Colonel Blyth, a former Commanding Officer of the 43rd Medium Anti-Aircraft Regiment.See more...
The Regiment holds a parade in the Safeway parking lot on West Broadway. The McGavin’s Bakery stands at the south west corner of Broadway and Arbutus and you can clearly see the huge hand holding a big loaf of bread on the roof reflected in the store windows. Note that the guns are the original M1A1 model (today they would be called C2s). The reviewing Officer is Brigadier Danby, the Area Commander. To his right is Lieutenant-Colonel Blyth, a former Commanding Officer of the 43rd Medium Anti-Aircraft Regiment.See more...
1953 Panel truck
I believe that this is the style of truck that was referred to in the following charge report, “In that he, L/Bdr Carswell, did take one 1953 Panel truck on a joy ride and did strike a tree causing damage to the right front fender. L/Bdr Carswell shall be reduced in rank to the rank of Gunner effective immediately. No costs shall be assessed”. The one in the photograph is from a 2013 photo when it was purchased by a restorer.
I believe that this is the style of truck that was referred to in the following charge report, “In that he, L/Bdr Carswell, did take one 1953 Panel truck on a joy ride and did strike a tree causing damage to the right front fender. L/Bdr Carswell shall be reduced in rank to the rank of Gunner effective immediately. No costs shall be assessed”. The one in the photograph is from a 2013 photo when it was purchased by a restorer.
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Vernon 1962 - Glenemma Summer Camp
It appears that it was time to bring out the Regimental silver so that everyone could get a good look at it? It was the year that we won the Wallace Trophy. |
Band Performances
The Regimental Band is scheduled to play at the Seattle World's Fair, Vancouver Connie Mack Day baseball tournament, the Peace Arch for Mothers' Day and the Regimental Church Parade.
The Regimental Band is scheduled to play at the Seattle World's Fair, Vancouver Connie Mack Day baseball tournament, the Peace Arch for Mothers' Day and the Regimental Church Parade.
Recruiting Campaign
The Regiment reaches out to the community via newspaper want ads.
The Regiment reaches out to the community via newspaper want ads.
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Director of Artillery
The Director of Artillery arrives in Vancouver for an inspection. |
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Officers' Swords
Have you got an Artillery Sword you could donate? |
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15th Brigade, Canadian Field Artillery Reunion
The former members of the 15th Brigade, recruited on the west coast, gathered together for their 46th reunion. |
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Officers' Mess
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Dining In
The officers gather for a formal dinner in the Mess. |
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Mixed Mess Dinner
Once again we have the menu but no photos. |
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Seasons Greetings from the Commanding Officer and Officers
The three guests pictured have all been awarded honorary ranks in the Warrant Officers' & Sergeants' Mess, the Master Gunner as a Warrant Officer Class I and the two other guests as Staff Sergeants. |
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Brigadier Bishop Dinner
The Honorary Colonel sponsored a dinner to mark the retirement of the District Commander. |
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Officers' Mess Christmas Tea
The Officers' Mess is decorated in a festive mood. |
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New Years' Day Levee Instructions
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Vancouver Artillery Officers Association
Plans for the visit of the Master Gunner are shared with the membership, including renting out the Royal Vancouver Yacht Club. |
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Ladies Auxiliary
The Ladies Auxiliary (LA) met on a regular basis |
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Warrant Officers' & Sergeants' Mess
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The Brigadier DuMoulin Trophy
This trophy is awarded to the most efficient member of the Sergeants’ Mess as determined by the displayed rating system. Warrant Officer Class II Albert Bramwell Sweet was presented the trophy for his performance during 1961. |
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New Field Artillery Regiments
Six Anti-Aircraft Regiments are converted to Field ARtillery including the 24th Medium Anti-Aircraft Regiment, RCA in Trail which is now the 24th Field Artillery Regiment, RCA |
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Regular Force Artillery
RCA Museum official opening in building C2 in Shilo, MB takes place in January 1962.
RCA Museum official opening in building C2 in Shilo, MB takes place in January 1962.
Obituaries
Corporal Alfred Roy Banner
Private funeral services were held on August 14th for the late Mr. Alfred Roy Banner. He passed away last Saturday at the age of 68.
Surviving are his wife, Ruth; one sister, Mrs. Emma Card of Vancouver; and five brothers. William Banner resides in White Rock; Jack, Walnut, California; George, Portage La Prairie; Lou, in Winnipeg; Les, North Bay, Ontario.
Canon L.A. Morrant officiated at the service, held at Chapel Hill funeral parlour. Cremation followed.
Corporal Banner was taken on strength 60th Battery, 15th Brigade, Canadian Field Artillery on 27 March 1916.
Private funeral services were held on August 14th for the late Mr. Alfred Roy Banner. He passed away last Saturday at the age of 68.
Surviving are his wife, Ruth; one sister, Mrs. Emma Card of Vancouver; and five brothers. William Banner resides in White Rock; Jack, Walnut, California; George, Portage La Prairie; Lou, in Winnipeg; Les, North Bay, Ontario.
Canon L.A. Morrant officiated at the service, held at Chapel Hill funeral parlour. Cremation followed.
Corporal Banner was taken on strength 60th Battery, 15th Brigade, Canadian Field Artillery on 27 March 1916.
Gunner Charles Garfield Bird
Pioneer, 84, is Buried at Marysville
Charles Garfield Bird, 84, who settled at Marysville and operated a hotel in the early days here, died at St. Eugene Hospital Friday. He lived at Shaw’s Rest Home in Cranbrook the past three years. In 1903 he came to this district to work at the Otis Stapes Lumber Company at Wycliffe. In 1914 he enlisted in the Canadian Army and served overseas until 1918. He returned to Wycliffe and in 1920 settled with his brothers at Marysville. They operated the hotel until 1954 when they retired but continued their homes there. He was a member of the Royal Canadian legion.
Surviving are two, Ernest, Birch Corner, N.B., and Hattie Bird, Fredericton.
Rev. Ronald Smith officiated at the funeral service Tuesday at McPherson Funeral Chapel, Kimberley, and burial was in Marysville Cemetery.
Gunner Bird enlisted with the Vancouver Volunteer Reserve, Boorman's Battery as a Driver on 9 July 1915.
Pioneer, 84, is Buried at Marysville
Charles Garfield Bird, 84, who settled at Marysville and operated a hotel in the early days here, died at St. Eugene Hospital Friday. He lived at Shaw’s Rest Home in Cranbrook the past three years. In 1903 he came to this district to work at the Otis Stapes Lumber Company at Wycliffe. In 1914 he enlisted in the Canadian Army and served overseas until 1918. He returned to Wycliffe and in 1920 settled with his brothers at Marysville. They operated the hotel until 1954 when they retired but continued their homes there. He was a member of the Royal Canadian legion.
Surviving are two, Ernest, Birch Corner, N.B., and Hattie Bird, Fredericton.
Rev. Ronald Smith officiated at the funeral service Tuesday at McPherson Funeral Chapel, Kimberley, and burial was in Marysville Cemetery.
Gunner Bird enlisted with the Vancouver Volunteer Reserve, Boorman's Battery as a Driver on 9 July 1915.
Gunner Nathan Cornfoot
Former B.C. golf pro, Nat Cornfoot, 73, dies
British Columbia golf lost one of its great teachers and fine friends Thursday as veteran professional Nat Cornfoot passed away at his home in Vancouver at the age of 73. Nat learned his craft under the great clubmakers in his home town of St. Andrews, Scotland, and migrated to Nova Scotia in 1920. His first post in the west was at Langara Golf Club, where he served for ten years and became recognized as master applying golf theory. During this period, too, he travelled to Japan – the first Canadian pro to go to the Orient – to introduce a new line of golf equipment and help in the laying out of a golf course.
He later became pro at the Port Alberni Golf Club and was there until his retirement several years ago. Nat served in the Cameron Highlanders in World War I and had one hand partially shot away, a handicap that did not deter him from a long and fruitful golf career as a teacher.
In World War II, he served first in the Royal Artillery (Royal Canadian Artillery ed.) then three years in the Merchant Navy.
He is survived by his wife, Marion, daughter, Catherine, and a niece Annie Jane McCarty. Funeral services are this morning at 11, at the Mt. Pleasant Chapel.
Former B.C. golf pro, Nat Cornfoot, 73, dies
British Columbia golf lost one of its great teachers and fine friends Thursday as veteran professional Nat Cornfoot passed away at his home in Vancouver at the age of 73. Nat learned his craft under the great clubmakers in his home town of St. Andrews, Scotland, and migrated to Nova Scotia in 1920. His first post in the west was at Langara Golf Club, where he served for ten years and became recognized as master applying golf theory. During this period, too, he travelled to Japan – the first Canadian pro to go to the Orient – to introduce a new line of golf equipment and help in the laying out of a golf course.
He later became pro at the Port Alberni Golf Club and was there until his retirement several years ago. Nat served in the Cameron Highlanders in World War I and had one hand partially shot away, a handicap that did not deter him from a long and fruitful golf career as a teacher.
In World War II, he served first in the Royal Artillery (Royal Canadian Artillery ed.) then three years in the Merchant Navy.
He is survived by his wife, Marion, daughter, Catherine, and a niece Annie Jane McCarty. Funeral services are this morning at 11, at the Mt. Pleasant Chapel.
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Gunner Robert Ross
Funeral Services will be held Friday at 1.30 p.m. at St. Andrews Presbyterian Church for Robert “Bobbie” Ross, well-known former police officer who died Tuesday at Royal Jubilee Hospital. Born in Victoria and veteran of the First World War, he joined the B.C. Police and was for many years head of the Shawnigan Lake detachment, where he was serving when the above picture was taken. He went to the RCMP when the B.C. force was absorbed, and retired in 1959. Surviving are the widow, Marion, at home, 1030 Richardson; two daughters, Mrs. W.O. Cameron, Victoria, and Mrs. Thomas Wilde, Duncan; four grandchildren; two brothers, James and Joseph Ross, Port Angeles; and one sister, Mrs. William Mair, Victoria. Internment will be at Hatley Memorial Gardens. Gunner Ross was taken on strength 62nd Battery, 15th Brigade, Canadian Field Artillery 20 May 1916 |
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