15th Field Artillery Regiment
The Royal Regiment of Canadian Artillery
1965
The Royal Regiment of Canadian Artillery
1965
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
Organizational Changes
31 Jan 1965 210th Field Battery to Supplementary Order of Battle
31 Jan 1965 5th (BC) Field Battery allotted to 15th Field Artillery Regiment
31 Jan 1965 210th Field Battery to Supplementary Order of Battle
31 Jan 1965 5th (BC) Field Battery allotted to 15th Field Artillery Regiment
Royal Regiment of Canadian Artillery
Captain-General, Royal Regiment of Canadian Artillery
Her Majesty The Queen
Colonel Commandant, Royal Regiment of Canadian Artillery
Major-General AB Matthews CBE DSO ED CD
Captain-General, Royal Regiment of Canadian Artillery
Her Majesty The Queen
Colonel Commandant, Royal Regiment of Canadian Artillery
Major-General AB Matthews CBE DSO ED CD
Key Appointments
Promotions and Appointments
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Lieutenant-Colonel Gordon Maurice Platt EM CD appointed Commanding Officer. Lieutenant-Colonel Walter Douglas Elsdon GM CD hands over the Commanding Officer's sword. |
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Lance Sergeant Al Yelland promoted to Sergeant.
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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. 19 August 1965 - Lieutenant William T. Wickett CD awarded Canadian Forces Decoration See more... |
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Most Efficient Artillery unit in Western Canada
The 15th Field Artillery Regiment is determined to be the most efficient artillery unit in western Canada. A bit of a step down as they had been the most efficient in Canada the previous year. |
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Canada Day Salute
Sergeant Dag Gruban at Canada Day Salute, 1 July 1965 at Stanley Park Vancouver |
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Remembrance Day
The 5th (BC) Battery holds an Armstice Day luncheon and fires a round at the beginning and the end of the 2 minute silence. 15th Field Regiment Band provides the trumpeter for Last Post and Reveille. |
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Governor General Visit
The 15th Field Artillery Regiment fires a salute for the arrival of the Governor General at Vancouver Airport and the 5th (BC) Battery fires a salute for his departure at Victoria Airport. |
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Salute fired USS St Paul
The Regiment fired two salutes on the arrival of the USS St Paul. The first 21 rounds was to answer the warship's symbolic emptying of its guns and the second 15 rounds was for Vice-Admiral Lawson Ramage, Commander of the US First Fleet. |
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Battle Dress Uniform
Sergeant Clay Harmon and Private Darwin Harmon. The lanyard was presented on completion of the Artilleryman course. Regimental brass was purchased at Edmonds Regalia. |
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Live Fire Exercise - Albert Head
15th Field Artillery Regiment deployed to Albert Head on Vancouver Island for a live fire exercise into the ocean offshore. The maps provide Albert Head’s location while the photos provide an insight into the existing terrain and the coastal artillery gun emplacements that remain. Maritime warnings were issued to ensure that commercial and sport fishermen remained outside the impact area. See more...
15th Field Artillery Regiment deployed to Albert Head on Vancouver Island for a live fire exercise into the ocean offshore. The maps provide Albert Head’s location while the photos provide an insight into the existing terrain and the coastal artillery gun emplacements that remain. Maritime warnings were issued to ensure that commercial and sport fishermen remained outside the impact area. See more...
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Lieutenant Bob Spring and Sergeant Wadden returning from Victoria via BC Ferries, possibly from a weekend exercise at Albert Head,
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Summer Concentration 1965
The 15th Field Artillery Regiment RCA CA (M) flew to Wainwright, Alberta on 3 July 1965. One hundred and twenty eight all ranks (which included 27 personnel from 5th (BC) Field Battery in Victoria) spent one week at gunnery training, firing their first land target since 1957. It takes many years for the coastal artillery past to rub off! Twenty-five members of the 3rd Regiment Royal Canadian Horse Artillery assisted the unit in their training which consisted of:
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The 15th Field Artillery Regiment RCA CA (M) flew to Wainwright, Alberta on 3 July 1965. One hundred and twenty eight all ranks (which included 27 personnel from 5th (BC) Field Battery in Victoria) spent one week at gunnery training, firing their first land target since 1957. It takes many years for the coastal artillery past to rub off! Twenty-five members of the 3rd Regiment Royal Canadian Horse Artillery assisted the unit in their training which consisted of:
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Abbotsford Dry Deployments
Local training carried out up the Fraser Valley at the Abbotsford Airport, one time home for a company of the Westminster Regiment.
Local training carried out up the Fraser Valley at the Abbotsford Airport, one time home for a company of the Westminster Regiment.
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Royal Canadian School of Artillery - Shilo
Lieutenant Bob Spring took the aerial shot in October, 1965 from an Air OP flight and shows the School of Artillery Townsite and Private Married Quarters. Captain Bob Spring and Barrie Hamilton were invited as observers of the OP practical and procedural exams that candidates for the Arty Staff course that year had to pass to reach that level of gunnery qualification. They were both issued immediately on arrival with sheepskin coats to keep out the cold at the OP. Most welcome, at -40C and with the wind. . |
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Blair Range 1965 Lance Sergeant Eric Tyldesley-Gore and unidentified compatriot escaping the rain in the trunk of their car with a couple of Black Label stubbies. |
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Courses
Senior Non-commissioned officer part 1 course conducted at Bessborough Armoury. L-R Rear rank – RwestR, Bombardier Ian Newby, BCR, Sergeant Al Yelland, Bombardier Kieth E Kasper, BCR, RMRang, Bombardier George Hollo, BCR, BCR, SHC Front rank – Bombardier Bob Mugford, Lance Sergeant Heinz Winters, RwestR, Lance Sergeant Eric Tyldesly-Gore, RCASC, RCOC, RCEME Bob Mugford was ordered to revert to Bombardier from Lance Sergeant prior to the course start. |
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Recruiting
Recruiting is an essential requirement for the Regiment.
Join the Fighting Gunners!
Fire the 7 mile rifle!
While there is no date on the brochure, the fact that it includes Bay Street Armouries as a recruiting location and boasts about 1963 and 1964 trophy wins would indicate that it was published the year that 5th Field Battery RCA was a sub-unit of 15th Field Artillery Regiment RCA. The unit also advertised in the newspapers.
Recruiting is an essential requirement for the Regiment.
Join the Fighting Gunners!
Fire the 7 mile rifle!
While there is no date on the brochure, the fact that it includes Bay Street Armouries as a recruiting location and boasts about 1963 and 1964 trophy wins would indicate that it was published the year that 5th Field Battery RCA was a sub-unit of 15th Field Artillery Regiment RCA. The unit also advertised in the newspapers.
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United Appeal
The United Appeal receives artillery support to launch their campaign. |
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Army Cadet Support
The Commanding Officer receives permisiion to speak to High School students. |
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Ladies Auxiliary
The Auxiliary continues to meet on a regular basis at the Armoury. |
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Honorary Lieutenant-Colonel
Bigadier R.T. Dumoulin, former Commanding Officer, is appointed Honorary Lieutenant-Colonel of The British Columbia Dragoons. |
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Langley Centennial Museum
A BC Artillery helmet was donated to the museum. Would this be a BC Garrison of Artillery pith helmet or a WWII helmet with an artillery crest painted on? |
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Former Members in the News
Lieutenant Richard Crichton Gilliland Hawkshaw was known as the BC Lions #1 fan. He would dress up in orange and black and attend all the games with his trusty foghorn. |
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Officers' Mess
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Military Ball
Another Military Ball is planned for the Spring. |
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Christmas Tea
It's time to prepare the Officers' Mess for the annual Christmas Tea. |
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New Years' Day Reception
At the 5th Battery, the Officers' Mess reception is from 10:30 until noon while the Sergeants' Mess id from 10:00 until 11:00AM |
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Sergeants’ Mess
German Swastika emblem
The Mess was presented a German Swastika emblem which was used in Germany during the 1939 - 1945 World War. Major J. Carmichael (Ret'd), along with his Engineer Sergeant, removed the emblem from the side of the locomotive which had pulled Adolph Hitler's personal train. The Mess Committee president, WO2 Gary Angell, had his father frame and hermetically seal it so that it would not tarnish.
The Mess was presented a German Swastika emblem which was used in Germany during the 1939 - 1945 World War. Major J. Carmichael (Ret'd), along with his Engineer Sergeant, removed the emblem from the side of the locomotive which had pulled Adolph Hitler's personal train. The Mess Committee president, WO2 Gary Angell, had his father frame and hermetically seal it so that it would not tarnish.
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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 Peter Dwillies CD was presented the trophy for his performance during 1964. |
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Mess Break in
An overnight robbery nets the thievs $300.00 |
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HMCS Discovery Chiefs and Petty Officers' Mess
There's always a good party at the HMCS Discovery Chiefs and Petty Officers' Mess when an American ship drops by for a visit. Lance Sergeant Eric Tyldesley-Gore must have been holding the camera, taking pictures of Lance Sergeant Al Yelland, the crowd and the ladies dancing to the latest 60's tunes.
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There's always a good party at the HMCS Discovery Chiefs and Petty Officers' Mess when an American ship drops by for a visit. Lance Sergeant Eric Tyldesley-Gore must have been holding the camera, taking pictures of Lance Sergeant Al Yelland, the crowd and the ladies dancing to the latest 60's tunes.
See more...
Issue 1 of The Canadian Gunner published December 1965
Articles appearing on the pages which follow reflect the activities of a Regiment rich in history and young in outlook. Recognition is given to historical roots which run deep in the substance of Canada. Current activities of Canadian gunners are described so that we may keep abreast of the family gossip. Future developments, insofar as they are discernible, are indicated, if only sketchily by an uncertain hand. We make little claim to profundity and even less to prescience: our task is not envisioned as lying in that direction. The Canadian Gunner seeks to fill a requirement for a medium through which the Regiment can perhaps look at itself, as in a looking glass, and examine at leisure its idiosyncrasies, its foibles, its achievements, its deficiencies. The looking glass inevitably lacks depth; it is not an expensive glass. It is not, we hope, a distorting glass, and if beauty spots are revealed, or ugly blemishes, we can only presume that they must be real else they would not be reflected. If it is true that beauty is in the eye of the beholder, there will be as many different reflections as there are readers. We do hope that our readers will be legion, and most of them will like what they see.
The Canadian Gunner, Issue 1, December 1965
Articles appearing on the pages which follow reflect the activities of a Regiment rich in history and young in outlook. Recognition is given to historical roots which run deep in the substance of Canada. Current activities of Canadian gunners are described so that we may keep abreast of the family gossip. Future developments, insofar as they are discernible, are indicated, if only sketchily by an uncertain hand. We make little claim to profundity and even less to prescience: our task is not envisioned as lying in that direction. The Canadian Gunner seeks to fill a requirement for a medium through which the Regiment can perhaps look at itself, as in a looking glass, and examine at leisure its idiosyncrasies, its foibles, its achievements, its deficiencies. The looking glass inevitably lacks depth; it is not an expensive glass. It is not, we hope, a distorting glass, and if beauty spots are revealed, or ugly blemishes, we can only presume that they must be real else they would not be reflected. If it is true that beauty is in the eye of the beholder, there will be as many different reflections as there are readers. We do hope that our readers will be legion, and most of them will like what they see.
The Canadian Gunner, Issue 1, December 1965
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Royal Canadian Artillery Association
MINUTES OF THE 80th GENERAL MEETING OF THE RCAA HELD AT CAMP PETAWAWA, ONT, 1 OCT 65 Registration of delegates and members commenced at 0830 hours. The General Meeting began at 0900 hours with the President, Lt Col WS Jackson, in the chair. Following the President’s opening address, Lt Col DW Francis, CO 4 RCHA welcomed the delegates and members to Petawawa. Because some members had to leave early to meet commitments at R.M.C., the election of Honorary Life Members was taken up next. The meeting approved unanimously the appointments of Col EW Cormack and Maj Gen HA Sparling.See more... |
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Regular Force Artillery
15 Jul 1965 4th Regiment Royal Canadian Horse Artillery, stationed in Petawawa, ON converts to a Light Artillery Regiment establishment in order to fulfill its support role to the Special Service Force (SSF) and its role within the Ace Mobile Force (Land) - AMF(L). The regiment will now consist of a Regimental Headquarters, an attached Signals Troop, a Garrison Troop and three mortar batteries. See more... |
UNFiCYP - Canadian Guards
Second Lieutenant Jack Mortlock was a member of 4th Regiment Royal Canadian Horse Artillery in 1965 when he deployed to Cyprus with the Canadian Guards. Thirty one years later he would be appointed Commanding Officer 15th Field Artillery Regiment RCA. But first, the Cyrus narrative from the Canadian Guards website...
As fall turned to winter we began receiving indications that the Greek Cypriot Militia was becoming restive, believing that an invasion of the northwestern beaches from the Turkish mainland was imminent. They began agitating for access to our outpost on the mountain ridge overlooking the suspected landing site but the OC Whiskey Battery, Major Don Creighton, insistently refused to permit any movement beyond the mandated areas. The pressure for our withdrawal continued to mount and one night, between Christmas and New Years, the outpost commander reported activity approaching his location. The artillery platoon commander, Second-lieutenant Jack Mortlock, moved to the outpost and tried to negotiate the Greek-Cyp Militia’s withdrawal, to no avail. Rather, 2Lt. Mortlock was told that if he didn’t abandon the post the Militia would take it by force. I was the watch-keeper that night and kept a log of the events, which included a call from the CO to UNFICYP HQ advising them of the situation as it escalated, including the request by 2Lt. Mortlock to be able to return fire, if necessary.
By this time, UNFICYP HQ had contacted UN New York, advising that the situation had deteriorated and the choice would soon become one of either defending the position by fire or withdrawing with the likely result that the Turkish-Cypriots would react militarily. As the hours passed, with no decision from the authorities in New York -- who were, apparently, attending a party and could not be reached -- the radio calls from 2Lt. Mortlock became increasingly frantic as sporadic small arms fire could be heard in the background. Eventually, in utter frustration, the CO ordered 2Lt. Mortlock to not return fire and withdraw from the position. He reluctantly led his men away from the outpost, taking only their personal weapons. When we eventually got the OP back, after the rumors of a Turkish invasion proved to be nine years too early, all of the Gunners’ property had been stolen and was never recovered.
Lt.-Col. Carlson wanted to recommend 2Lt. Mortlock for a valor award but, because the incident happened during ‘peacekeeping’ -- and the Canadian honors and awards systems had yet to be implemented -- none of the criteria were applicable. He did recommend him for a Mentioned in Dispatches but the award was declined by the Commander CANCON, the artillery colonel. Two years later, though, when each infantry battalion was given five Centennial Medals to be awarded to deserving soldiers within the unit, Colonel Carlson awarded one of the 2 Cdn Gds medals to 2Lt. Mortlock of 4RCHA on the grounds that for six months Whiskey Battery had been as much a part of the unit as any of us.
But the CO learned a lesson that night; the UN was a fickle bureaucracy which could not be relied upon to make a decision in a crisis.
Canadian Guards Cyprus website
Second Lieutenant Jack Mortlock was a member of 4th Regiment Royal Canadian Horse Artillery in 1965 when he deployed to Cyprus with the Canadian Guards. Thirty one years later he would be appointed Commanding Officer 15th Field Artillery Regiment RCA. But first, the Cyrus narrative from the Canadian Guards website...
As fall turned to winter we began receiving indications that the Greek Cypriot Militia was becoming restive, believing that an invasion of the northwestern beaches from the Turkish mainland was imminent. They began agitating for access to our outpost on the mountain ridge overlooking the suspected landing site but the OC Whiskey Battery, Major Don Creighton, insistently refused to permit any movement beyond the mandated areas. The pressure for our withdrawal continued to mount and one night, between Christmas and New Years, the outpost commander reported activity approaching his location. The artillery platoon commander, Second-lieutenant Jack Mortlock, moved to the outpost and tried to negotiate the Greek-Cyp Militia’s withdrawal, to no avail. Rather, 2Lt. Mortlock was told that if he didn’t abandon the post the Militia would take it by force. I was the watch-keeper that night and kept a log of the events, which included a call from the CO to UNFICYP HQ advising them of the situation as it escalated, including the request by 2Lt. Mortlock to be able to return fire, if necessary.
By this time, UNFICYP HQ had contacted UN New York, advising that the situation had deteriorated and the choice would soon become one of either defending the position by fire or withdrawing with the likely result that the Turkish-Cypriots would react militarily. As the hours passed, with no decision from the authorities in New York -- who were, apparently, attending a party and could not be reached -- the radio calls from 2Lt. Mortlock became increasingly frantic as sporadic small arms fire could be heard in the background. Eventually, in utter frustration, the CO ordered 2Lt. Mortlock to not return fire and withdraw from the position. He reluctantly led his men away from the outpost, taking only their personal weapons. When we eventually got the OP back, after the rumors of a Turkish invasion proved to be nine years too early, all of the Gunners’ property had been stolen and was never recovered.
Lt.-Col. Carlson wanted to recommend 2Lt. Mortlock for a valor award but, because the incident happened during ‘peacekeeping’ -- and the Canadian honors and awards systems had yet to be implemented -- none of the criteria were applicable. He did recommend him for a Mentioned in Dispatches but the award was declined by the Commander CANCON, the artillery colonel. Two years later, though, when each infantry battalion was given five Centennial Medals to be awarded to deserving soldiers within the unit, Colonel Carlson awarded one of the 2 Cdn Gds medals to 2Lt. Mortlock of 4RCHA on the grounds that for six months Whiskey Battery had been as much a part of the unit as any of us.
But the CO learned a lesson that night; the UN was a fickle bureaucracy which could not be relied upon to make a decision in a crisis.
Canadian Guards Cyprus website
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Bessborough Armoury Events
The 4th Annual Gun Show was held at the Armoury. |
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Padre's Tale
Former Regimental Padre, Captain Bill Garbutt is featured in a story. |
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Obituaries
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Gunner George William Trayton Bush
Passed away May 29, 1965, George William Trayton Bush of 2590 Point Grey Road, in his 77th year. Survived by his loving wife Pearl; 1 son, Patrick G. S.., at home; 2 sisters, Mrs. C. Sparke, London, Eng.; Mrs. S. M. Bursill, Oxford, Eng.; also nieces and nephews. The deceased was a life member Kilwinning Lodge No. 59 A.F. & AM., Vancouver; life member Lodge No. 1 B.P.O.E; member Fourandex of Canada; Men's Canadian Club; Royal Canadian Legion Branch No. 79; Canadian Pacific Pioneers Association; Kitsilano Chamber of Commerce. Funeral service Thursday at 1 p.m. in Simmons & McBride Funeral Chapel, Broadway at Maple St., under the auspices of Kilwinning Lodge No. 59 A.F. & AM. Internment North Vancouver Cemetery. Flowers gratefully declined. |
Gunner Edwin John Jardine
Funeral service was held Monday for Edwin John Jardine, a former Director of W. H. Malkin Co. where he worked for 50 years until his retirement in 1955. He was a past vice-president of the Canadian Wholesale Grocers Association, past president of the B.C. Purchasing Agents Association and a former director of the board of trade.
He served in the First World War with the Canadian Field Artillery.
FAMILY: wife, Lillian; two brothers, Thomas P. and Blair G. Jardine, and a sister, Mrs. Freleight F. Osborne of Quebec City.
Gunner Jardine enlisted with the 68th Overseas Depot Battery on 22 Feb 1916 and served in France and Belgium with the 4th and 5th Canadian Division Ammunition Columns.
Funeral service was held Monday for Edwin John Jardine, a former Director of W. H. Malkin Co. where he worked for 50 years until his retirement in 1955. He was a past vice-president of the Canadian Wholesale Grocers Association, past president of the B.C. Purchasing Agents Association and a former director of the board of trade.
He served in the First World War with the Canadian Field Artillery.
FAMILY: wife, Lillian; two brothers, Thomas P. and Blair G. Jardine, and a sister, Mrs. Freleight F. Osborne of Quebec City.
Gunner Jardine enlisted with the 68th Overseas Depot Battery on 22 Feb 1916 and served in France and Belgium with the 4th and 5th Canadian Division Ammunition Columns.
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Warrant Officer Class 2 Sherwood Douglas "Mac" Mackenzie
February 14, 1937 - August 22, 1965. Taken on strength 15th Field Regiment RCA 2 Oct 1952, promoted Acting Bombardier 15 Feb 1955, qualified Bandsman Group I 3 May 1955, promoted substantive Bombardier 16 May 1955, promoted substantive Sergeant 30 Jan 1956, Battery Sergeant Major 158th Battery 15th Field Artillery Regiment RCA 1962, Warrant Officer Class II from 1962 to 1965, interred Mountain View Cemetery Vancouver BC. See more... |
Bombardier Frederick Charles Pellow
In Victoria on Wednesday, Jan. 13, 1965, Frederick Charles Pellow of 2306 Belmont Ave. He was born in Victoria and served overseas in First World War with the 15th Canadian Field Brigade C.E.F. He leaves one daughter, Mrs. R. (Kathleen Marion) Fitchett of Haney, B.C.; a son, Frederick Charles Pellow of Victoria, and five grandchildren. Funeral services will be conducted on Monday, Jan. 18, at 10:30 a.m., in Chaplin’s Funeral Chapel. Internment in the Veterans’ Cemetery.
In Victoria on Wednesday, Jan. 13, 1965, Frederick Charles Pellow of 2306 Belmont Ave. He was born in Victoria and served overseas in First World War with the 15th Canadian Field Brigade C.E.F. He leaves one daughter, Mrs. R. (Kathleen Marion) Fitchett of Haney, B.C.; a son, Frederick Charles Pellow of Victoria, and five grandchildren. Funeral services will be conducted on Monday, Jan. 18, at 10:30 a.m., in Chaplin’s Funeral Chapel. Internment in the Veterans’ Cemetery.
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Major Thomas Todrick
Thomas Todrick, 80, a practising lawyer until his retirement a year ago and a veteran of two world wars, has died. He saw action with the 15th Field Artillery Regiment during the First World War and attained the rank of Major. He was a legal officer and judge advocate during the Second World War. Mr. Todrick was with the Veterans Land Act before returning to his private practice. He was a member of the Conservative party and a long time member of Chalmers United Church. Family: A daughter, Mrs J.W. (Eileen) Hardy, Portland, Ore.; three brothers, Archie of Langley, Douglas, Vancouver and John, Edmonton; two sisters, Mrs. C.A. Battison, Burnaby and Mrs. T. Laffin, New Westminster; and a grandaughter. Major Todrick was originally a member of the 31st Regiment BC Horse before transferring to the 5th Regiment Canadian Garrison Artillery. At the outbreak of World War I he signed up with the 68th Overseas Depot Battery and posted to 2nd Canadian Siege Artillery in France as a Lieutenant. He rose to Second in Command 15th (Vancouver) Coast Brigade RCA NPAM in 1941 before being alled out on Active Service. |
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