15th Field Artillery Regiment
The Royal Regiment of Canadian Artillery
1964
The Royal Regiment of Canadian Artillery
1964
as at 11 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
Officers and Senior Non-Commissioned Officers
1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8,9,10,11,Vic Stevenson
13,14,15,16,17,18,19,20,21,22,23,24,25,26. Barrie Hamilton.28.29
30,31,32,MWO George Chow,34,Peter Erwin,36,37,38,39,40,41,Bill Wickett,43,44,45,46,47,48,49
50, AL Sweet,52,53,54,55,56,57,58,59
60,61,MWO Windy Wadden ,63,64,65,66,MWO Gord Wright,68,69,70,71,7
13,14,15,16,17,18,19,20,21,22,23,24,25,26. Barrie Hamilton.28.29
30,31,32,MWO George Chow,34,Peter Erwin,36,37,38,39,40,41,Bill Wickett,43,44,45,46,47,48,49
50, AL Sweet,52,53,54,55,56,57,58,59
60,61,MWO Windy Wadden ,63,64,65,66,MWO Gord Wright,68,69,70,71,7
209 Battery
MWO George Chow,2,3,4,5,6,7,8,9,10,11,12,13,14,15,16,17,18,Bdr Joe Phelan,20,21
22, Bdr Eric Tyldesley-Gore, 24, Bdr Al Yelland, 26,27,28,29,30,31
22, Bdr Eric Tyldesley-Gore, 24, Bdr Al Yelland, 26,27,28,29,30,31
85 Battery
The Battery paraded out of hangar at the Canadian Forces Station Ladner . They were equipped with two 155mm M1A1 howitzers for a short period of time.
The Battery paraded out of hangar at the Canadian Forces Station Ladner . They were equipped with two 155mm M1A1 howitzers for a short period of time.
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Militia Reorganization
Sweeping changes are announced by the Minister of National Defence, Paul Hellyer. 210th Field Battery to be moved to the Supplementary Order of Battle, 5th Independent Battery, RCA to be converted to 5th Field Battery, RCA, a sub-component of the 15th Field Artillery Regiment, RCA |
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Promotions
Bombardier Al Yelland promoted to Lance Sergeant on 1 Dec 1964. |
Trophies
The Commanding Officer, Lieutenant-Colonel Walter Douglas Elsdon admires the Wallace Trophy with the Regimental Sergeant Major Dave Penman and the Honorary Colonel Thomas Ingledow . The table also holds the Colonel T. Ingledow Trophy, the Royal Canadian Artillery Association general efficiency competition trophy and other silverware.
The Commanding Officer, Lieutenant-Colonel Walter Douglas Elsdon admires the Wallace Trophy with the Regimental Sergeant Major Dave Penman and the Honorary Colonel Thomas Ingledow . The table also holds the Colonel T. Ingledow Trophy, the Royal Canadian Artillery Association general efficiency competition trophy and other silverware.
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The Finest Hours
Opening night for a documentary on Sir Winston Churchill. The Regiment provided a military presence for the theatre on Granville Street. |
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Keen Plate
The silver plate was presented to the 15th Field Regiment RCA by Mrs J.F. Keen in 1953. It was originally won by her husband, Colonel J.F. Keen CMG TD who was a very accurate shooter. Colonel Keen had won the Queen’s Purse from Queen Victoria and was excluded from Bisley Competitions after winning three years. The Regiment uses the plate as a trophy for a rifle competition between batteries. This year it was won by the 85th Battery. |
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Albert Head 1964
The unit forms up outside the barracks prior to heading off to the rifle range. Battle Dress with puttees. Good thing we had our ponchos to lay on. The 1953 Deuce and a half. They're almost brand new! The 105mm C1A1 howitzers parked outside the barracks at Camp Albert Head. The shooting was offshore to a floating target. No direct hits allowed! Appears to be Bombardier Eric Tyldesley-Gore on Number 2 position alternating with Lance Sergeant Al Yelland.
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The unit forms up outside the barracks prior to heading off to the rifle range. Battle Dress with puttees. Good thing we had our ponchos to lay on. The 1953 Deuce and a half. They're almost brand new! The 105mm C1A1 howitzers parked outside the barracks at Camp Albert Head. The shooting was offshore to a floating target. No direct hits allowed! Appears to be Bombardier Eric Tyldesley-Gore on Number 2 position alternating with Lance Sergeant Al Yelland.
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Shilo or Vernon?
The slide folder was marked "Shilo 1964" but the trees in the background seem to indicate Vernon. With the Wallace Trophy being highlighted, I would place my guess on Vernon.
The slide folder was marked "Shilo 1964" but the trees in the background seem to indicate Vernon. With the Wallace Trophy being highlighted, I would place my guess on Vernon.
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Blair Range - North Vancouver
The cozy barracks complete with bunkbeds, warm stove and itchy battle dress. That may be Bombardier Ian Newby on the guitar, maybe....... |
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Work Point
Captain Victor R Stevenson CD looking well turned out! |
Area Commander’s Inspection - May 1964
Warrant Officer Class II Sherwood Douglas "Mac" MacKenzie lectures on the 105 mm Howitzer during an inspection by the Area Commander Brigadier Danby. Bombardier Al Yelland is the number 3 and Bombardier Eric Tyldesley-Gore is the number 2.
The Regimental Band show their first aid skills while Staff Sergeant Gord E Wright lectures on the field burner.
Warrant Officer Class II Sherwood Douglas "Mac" MacKenzie lectures on the 105 mm Howitzer during an inspection by the Area Commander Brigadier Danby. Bombardier Al Yelland is the number 3 and Bombardier Eric Tyldesley-Gore is the number 2.
The Regimental Band show their first aid skills while Staff Sergeant Gord E Wright lectures on the field burner.
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Bessborough Armoury
May 1964 - Bombardier Suhk Dhillon and Bombardier Dag Gruban on the edge of the parade square. 
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Training event at the Armoury
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Salutes
The Regiment fired salutes for President Johnson's visit, the Queen Mother's birthday, the 11th anniversary of the Queen's Coronation, Prince Philip's birthday and Queen Elizabeth's birthday.
The Regiment fired salutes for President Johnson's visit, the Queen Mother's birthday, the 11th anniversary of the Queen's Coronation, Prince Philip's birthday and Queen Elizabeth's birthday.
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Band Performances
The Regimental Band was at Peace Arch Park for Mothers' Day. |
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Summer Courses
Artillery contingent waiting at Jericho for transport to Albert Head to attend 6 week summer Senior and Junior NCO courses. Back Row, L to R, Gunner K Horton, Bombardier Doug McCloy, Bombardier Sukh Dhillon, and Lance Sergeant Dag Gruban. Front Row, 5,6,7,8, Gnr Victor Hawes?, 10 |
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9 Pounder Mark II of 6 cwt Muzzle Loader
It appears that the 13 Pounder that we had given to the RCA Museum was in reality a 9 Pounder Mark II. Its origins are still unclear. |
Ladies Auxiliary
The Ladies Auxiliary continues to meet at the Bessborough Armoury.
The Ladies Auxiliary continues to meet at the Bessborough Armoury.
Officers' Mess
New Years Day Levee 1 January 1964 (or maybe 1965?)
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It's Officers turn to be Home for the Warrant and Sergeants to visit on New Year's Day. A rather large crowd gathered before the teams were sent out to visit the other units' Messes. There's a couple of identifiable faces. Looking forward to hearing from anyone that can recognize a face. Back Row - 1, Lloyd Hunter, Gordon Will, Doug Reenie, Stan Thompson ,6. Second Row - 7,8,9,Windy Wadden , Jim Hamilton, Gary Angell,13, Barry Clemons, Gus Clarke, 16, Dag Gruban, Sukh Dhillon ,19, Bill Wickett, John Baker, Ray Guttridge, 23, Dave Penman, LtCol Walter Douglas Elsdon GM CD, 26. Front Row - 27, Gord E Wright, Peter Erwin.
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Military Ball
Another large turnout for this annual event. The Vancouver Sun provided full page coverage of the event. See more ....
Another large turnout for this annual event. The Vancouver Sun provided full page coverage of the event. See more ....
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Officers' Mess Annual Tea
The poureres were Mrs. RT DuMoulin, Mrs. GF Blyth, Mrs. WS Jackson and Mrs. F.C. Garrett. |
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Sergeants' Mess
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The Field Mess - (Possibly 1964?)
The Warrant Officers' and Sergeants' Mess took advantage of the surplus twenty-five pounder limbers that were made available and converted one into a mobile mess for field use. I still need confirmation on when and where these photos were taken. It appears that Eric Tyldesley-Gore is the duty bartender. What manner of uniform he is dressed in and what rules are in place for serving members laying horizontally is still to be ascertained. The group photo may help to identify the year and location: 1,2,3, Master Warrant Officer George Chow, Eric Tyldesley-Gore, 6. |
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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 Patrick Smith CD was presented the trophy for his performance during 1963. |
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Other Events
15th Brigade, Canadian Field Artillery Reunions
The 15th Brigade, Canadian Field Artillery World War I Gunners gathered in Victoria for a reunion. This was followed later in the year with the 60th Battery, a sub-unit of the 15th Brigade gathering for a luncheon to reminisce.
The 15th Brigade, Canadian Field Artillery World War I Gunners gathered in Victoria for a reunion. This was followed later in the year with the 60th Battery, a sub-unit of the 15th Brigade gathering for a luncheon to reminisce.
Firepower demonstration
The slide package was marked "Shilo Lt Chamberlain 1964." I have yet to come across a record of a Lieutenant Chamberlain in the Regiment, however there are still countless names to yet discover.
Shilo? I can't recall a location as shown in the photographs and that's a lot of American equipment to have been brought up for a Firepower demonstration. I'm thinking Fort Sill while Lieutenant Chamberlain was on course or attachment...
What and where do you think the photographs came from?
The slide package was marked "Shilo Lt Chamberlain 1964." I have yet to come across a record of a Lieutenant Chamberlain in the Regiment, however there are still countless names to yet discover.
Shilo? I can't recall a location as shown in the photographs and that's a lot of American equipment to have been brought up for a Firepower demonstration. I'm thinking Fort Sill while Lieutenant Chamberlain was on course or attachment...
What and where do you think the photographs came from?
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Retired Regimental Sergeant Major
Some Regimental Sergeant Majors never slow down. At 66, he's paddling from New Westminster to Olympia, Washington....in a kayak....with his wife. |
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Orville Fisher
The Canadian war artist, Orville Fisher has a connection with 15th Field Artillery Regiment, RCA through his work at Yorke Island and the Stanley Park Fort. He wnt ashore at Juno Beach on 6 June and was featured in this Vancouver Sun article.
The Canadian war artist, Orville Fisher has a connection with 15th Field Artillery Regiment, RCA through his work at Yorke Island and the Stanley Park Fort. He wnt ashore at Juno Beach on 6 June and was featured in this Vancouver Sun article.
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Stanley Park Fort
The Fort is mentioned at Vancouver City Hall. |
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Royal Canadian Artillery Association Ad
Lieutenant-Colonel "Bud" Garrett, in his new role as the President, advertises for the RCAA. |
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Obituaries
Battery Sergeant Major Thomas Francis Coakley
Former City Detective Dies at 86. Thomas Francis Coakley, former Vancouver police detective, died Sunday in Shaughnessy after a lengthy illness. He was 86. Mr. Coakley was born in County Cork, Ireland, and when 17 joined the 1st Life Guards, in which he served 11 years and saw service in the Boer War.
He came to Canada in 1910 and the following year he joined the Vancouver police department. At the outbreak of the First World War he joined the 68th Battery, CFA. And was discharged five years later as battery sergeant major. He was mentioned in dispatches for his war service.
Following his discharge, he went back to the police department and retired in 1935 with the rank of detective.
Mr. Coakley was noted for his work with the Fraternal Order of Eagles, Vancouver Aerie No. 2075, and community charitable work. He is survived by his wife, Alice, at the family home, 1307 East Eight; a stepdaughter, Mrs. Marion Hale, of Tasmania; a grandson and relatives in Ireland.
Funeral services will be under auspices of the Fraternal Order of Eagles in Mount Pleasant Chapel, at 2 p.m. Wednesday. Cremation will follow.
Former City Detective Dies at 86. Thomas Francis Coakley, former Vancouver police detective, died Sunday in Shaughnessy after a lengthy illness. He was 86. Mr. Coakley was born in County Cork, Ireland, and when 17 joined the 1st Life Guards, in which he served 11 years and saw service in the Boer War.
He came to Canada in 1910 and the following year he joined the Vancouver police department. At the outbreak of the First World War he joined the 68th Battery, CFA. And was discharged five years later as battery sergeant major. He was mentioned in dispatches for his war service.
Following his discharge, he went back to the police department and retired in 1935 with the rank of detective.
Mr. Coakley was noted for his work with the Fraternal Order of Eagles, Vancouver Aerie No. 2075, and community charitable work. He is survived by his wife, Alice, at the family home, 1307 East Eight; a stepdaughter, Mrs. Marion Hale, of Tasmania; a grandson and relatives in Ireland.
Funeral services will be under auspices of the Fraternal Order of Eagles in Mount Pleasant Chapel, at 2 p.m. Wednesday. Cremation will follow.
Gunner Merton John Davis
Services for Merton J. Davis, 67, of La Porte, Ind., will be held at 1:30 p.m. Monday in St. Paul’s Episcopal church in La Porte. He was an account executive for Walstrom & Co., Inc., investments, 201 S. La Salle st., and was employed there for about 30 years. He died Thursday of a heart attack in his home. He is survived by his widow, Molly; as on, Dr. John W.; a daughter, Mrs. Robert Martin; two grandchildren; two brothers; and two sisters.
Gunner Davis served with 68th Battery, 16th Brigade, Canadian Field Artillery in North Russia.
Services for Merton J. Davis, 67, of La Porte, Ind., will be held at 1:30 p.m. Monday in St. Paul’s Episcopal church in La Porte. He was an account executive for Walstrom & Co., Inc., investments, 201 S. La Salle st., and was employed there for about 30 years. He died Thursday of a heart attack in his home. He is survived by his widow, Molly; as on, Dr. John W.; a daughter, Mrs. Robert Martin; two grandchildren; two brothers; and two sisters.
Gunner Davis served with 68th Battery, 16th Brigade, Canadian Field Artillery in North Russia.
Gunner Alexander Wycliffe Donaghy
Passed away suddenly April 7, 1964, in his 71st year. Survived by his loving wife, Catherine; two daughters Mrs. Graham (Noreen) Watson, North Vancouver; and Mrs. Ian (Mavis) Yule, Melbourne, Australia; five grandchildren; brothers, Oscar and David Donaghy, Vancouver; Frank Donaghy, New Glasgow, N.S.; sister, Mrs. Donald Macdonald, West Vancouver. Mr Donaghy served overseas in World War I, a member of Fourandex and Musicians’ Union, Local 145, A.F. of M. Funeral service Friday, April 10, at 1:30 p.m. in Nunn and Thomson’ Chapel, 10th Ave. and Cambie St. Rev. Canon J. Whinfield Robinson officiating. Internment Mountain View Cemetery.
Gunner Donaghy enlisted with the 68th Overseas Depot Field Battery, Canadian Field Artillery as a Gunner, 21 February 1916 and served overseas with the 2nd Canadian Division Ammunition Column.
Passed away suddenly April 7, 1964, in his 71st year. Survived by his loving wife, Catherine; two daughters Mrs. Graham (Noreen) Watson, North Vancouver; and Mrs. Ian (Mavis) Yule, Melbourne, Australia; five grandchildren; brothers, Oscar and David Donaghy, Vancouver; Frank Donaghy, New Glasgow, N.S.; sister, Mrs. Donald Macdonald, West Vancouver. Mr Donaghy served overseas in World War I, a member of Fourandex and Musicians’ Union, Local 145, A.F. of M. Funeral service Friday, April 10, at 1:30 p.m. in Nunn and Thomson’ Chapel, 10th Ave. and Cambie St. Rev. Canon J. Whinfield Robinson officiating. Internment Mountain View Cemetery.
Gunner Donaghy enlisted with the 68th Overseas Depot Field Battery, Canadian Field Artillery as a Gunner, 21 February 1916 and served overseas with the 2nd Canadian Division Ammunition Column.
Bombardier William Plumsteel
Passed away on November 5, 1964, Willaim Plumsteel, of 1847 Barclay St., in his 84th year. Survived by his loving wife, Mildred; 1 son, Harold William, Vancouver; 4 daughters, Mrs. Kay Lemon, and Mrs. A. M. McGregor, Mrs. E.A> Clarke, all of Vancouver; and Mrs. M. Zuest, San Diego, Calif.; 14 grandchildren; and 4 great-grandchildren; 2 brothers, Ivan and Earl, Vancouver. The deceased served in the Boer War and World War 1. Also a retired assistant chief of the Vancouver Fire Department. Funeral service Monday at 3 p.m. in Simmons & McBride Funeral Chapel, Ocean View.
Bombardier Plumsteel enlisted with the Vancouver Volunteer Reserve, Boorman's Battery on 9 October 1915 and served overseas with the 1st Canadian Division Ammunition Column and the 1st Canadian Field Artillery Brigade Artillery Headquarters.
Passed away on November 5, 1964, Willaim Plumsteel, of 1847 Barclay St., in his 84th year. Survived by his loving wife, Mildred; 1 son, Harold William, Vancouver; 4 daughters, Mrs. Kay Lemon, and Mrs. A. M. McGregor, Mrs. E.A> Clarke, all of Vancouver; and Mrs. M. Zuest, San Diego, Calif.; 14 grandchildren; and 4 great-grandchildren; 2 brothers, Ivan and Earl, Vancouver. The deceased served in the Boer War and World War 1. Also a retired assistant chief of the Vancouver Fire Department. Funeral service Monday at 3 p.m. in Simmons & McBride Funeral Chapel, Ocean View.
Bombardier Plumsteel enlisted with the Vancouver Volunteer Reserve, Boorman's Battery on 9 October 1915 and served overseas with the 1st Canadian Division Ammunition Column and the 1st Canadian Field Artillery Brigade Artillery Headquarters.
Captain Herchmer (Harry) Sherwood
2090 Fulton Ave., West Vancouver, in Shaughnessy Hospital, May 10, 1964. Survived by wife, Dorothy; 3 sons, Robert H.D. of North Vancouver; Commanding Officer Graham H., of Halifax, and Daniel G. at home, and 1 daughter Mrs. G.F. Hodgson (Carol) West Vancouver. Private funeral service will be held on Tuesday, May 12, 1964. In lieu of flowers please send donations to the B.C. Cancer Foundation, 2656 Heather St.
Captain Sherwood enlisted with the 68th Overseas Depot Battery 16 December 1916. He served overseas with the 10th Siege Battery, Canadian Garrison Artillery. After the war he was in the Corps Reserve for 15th Brigade, Canadian Field Artillery from 1921 to 1925 and then a member of the 85th Battery from 1925 to 1927.
2090 Fulton Ave., West Vancouver, in Shaughnessy Hospital, May 10, 1964. Survived by wife, Dorothy; 3 sons, Robert H.D. of North Vancouver; Commanding Officer Graham H., of Halifax, and Daniel G. at home, and 1 daughter Mrs. G.F. Hodgson (Carol) West Vancouver. Private funeral service will be held on Tuesday, May 12, 1964. In lieu of flowers please send donations to the B.C. Cancer Foundation, 2656 Heather St.
Captain Sherwood enlisted with the 68th Overseas Depot Battery 16 December 1916. He served overseas with the 10th Siege Battery, Canadian Garrison Artillery. After the war he was in the Corps Reserve for 15th Brigade, Canadian Field Artillery from 1921 to 1925 and then a member of the 85th Battery from 1925 to 1927.
Lieutenant Robert Viney
July 2, 1964 - Robert, beloved husband of Marian Viney of 2121 Mathers Ave., West Vancouver, aged 57 years. Also survived by 1 daughter, Mrs. M. (Ann) Edwards, Vancouver. Deceased served in the Militia, in World War Two. Rev. F.A. Ramsey will conduct the funeral service in Mount Pleasant Chapel, Kingsway at 11th Ave., on Saturday, July 4 at 12 noon. Cremation.
Lieutenant Viney was taken on strength with the 85th Battery, 15th (Vancouver) Coast Brigade, RCA NPAM on 9 August 1940 and the 202nd Battery, 11th (Reserve) Anti-Aircraft Regiment RCA in 1945.
July 2, 1964 - Robert, beloved husband of Marian Viney of 2121 Mathers Ave., West Vancouver, aged 57 years. Also survived by 1 daughter, Mrs. M. (Ann) Edwards, Vancouver. Deceased served in the Militia, in World War Two. Rev. F.A. Ramsey will conduct the funeral service in Mount Pleasant Chapel, Kingsway at 11th Ave., on Saturday, July 4 at 12 noon. Cremation.
Lieutenant Viney was taken on strength with the 85th Battery, 15th (Vancouver) Coast Brigade, RCA NPAM on 9 August 1940 and the 202nd Battery, 11th (Reserve) Anti-Aircraft Regiment RCA in 1945.
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In Memory
Lieutenant John Pennington |
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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