15th Field Artillery Regiment
The Royal Regiment of Canadian Artillery
1966
The Royal Regiment of Canadian Artillery
1966
as at 13 October 2021
Sub-units
5th (BC) Field Battery
31st Field Battery, RCA
85th Field Battery, RCA
158th Field Battery, RCA
209th Field Battery, RCA
Band of the 15th Field Regiment, RCA
5th (BC) Field Battery
31st Field Battery, RCA
85th Field Battery, RCA
158th Field Battery, RCA
209th Field Battery, RCA
Band of the 15th Field Regiment, RCA
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
Chief of Artillery
Colonel JP Beer MBE 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
Chief of Artillery
Colonel JP Beer MBE CD
Key Appointments
Promotions and Appointments
New Members
Sergeant Brian Philip Cormier transferred into the Regiment after moving to Vancouver from Montreal. Brian was born 4 May 1943, joined 80th Field Battery, RCA of the 6th Field Artillery Regiment, RCA located in Montmagny, Quebec. In 1960 he had transferred to 7th Field Battery, 34th Field Artillery Regiment. He has been posted into 158 Battery as of September 1966.
Members Extra-Regimentally Employed
Lance Bombardier Avery joins the Regular Force.
Sergeant Brian Philip Cormier transferred into the Regiment after moving to Vancouver from Montreal. Brian was born 4 May 1943, joined 80th Field Battery, RCA of the 6th Field Artillery Regiment, RCA located in Montmagny, Quebec. In 1960 he had transferred to 7th Field Battery, 34th Field Artillery Regiment. He has been posted into 158 Battery as of September 1966.
Members Extra-Regimentally Employed
Lance Bombardier Avery joins the Regular Force.
Ferguson Point Plaque
The plaque at Ferguson Point in Stanley Park is unveiled on 16 October 1966 by the Colonel Commandant Major General Albert Bruce Matthews, CBE DSO ED. Warrant Officer Class II Ray Guttridge, 2,3,4,5,6, Brigadier Theo Dumoulin, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, Major General Albert Bruce Matthews, Lieutenant-Colonel Graham Frederick Blyth, 16, 17, 18, Sergeant Ruth Thompson, 20, 21, RSM Warrant Officer Class I Pat Smith. |
Wainwright Alberta
Captain Bob Spring in his OP. The cam net and a few tree branches provides some camouflage protection.
The field of view from the OP in Wainwright leaves much to be desired. A few higher hills would certainly be a benefit.
Of course the OP attracts mosquitoes, blackflies and a host of VIPs to see what the "sharp" end looks like.
Meanwhile, back at camp.....Border Lake makes it look so inviting. See more...
Captain Bob Spring in his OP. The cam net and a few tree branches provides some camouflage protection.
The field of view from the OP in Wainwright leaves much to be desired. A few higher hills would certainly be a benefit.
Of course the OP attracts mosquitoes, blackflies and a host of VIPs to see what the "sharp" end looks like.
Meanwhile, back at camp.....Border Lake makes it look so inviting. See more...
Summer Wainwright Exercise
Back Row: Sergeant Al Yelland, Sergeant LD (Bud) Taylor, Sergeant Eric Tyldesley-Gore; Sergeant Peter Erwin; Sergeant Gordie Wright; Sergeant Rollie Weibe, Sergeant Doug McCloy; Sergeant Heinz Winter. Front Row: Warrant Officer Class II Ray Guttridge, Reg Force member, Warrant Officer Class I Dave Penman, Warrant Officer Class II Pat Smith. ?, Warrant Officer Class II Ray Guttridge, ?, Sergeant Heinz Winter, Sergeant Eric Tyldesley-Gore, ? |
Salutes
The Queen's accesion to the throne was marked by a salute. The 158 Battery fires a salute for Dominion Day in Vancouver while the 5th (BC) Battery fires one for Canada Day in Victoria. The Regiment fires a 21 gun salute for the visiting US Guided Missile Cruiser Providence followed by a 15 gun salute for Vice-Admiral BF Roeder Commander of the US First Fleet. See more...
The Queen's accesion to the throne was marked by a salute. The 158 Battery fires a salute for Dominion Day in Vancouver while the 5th (BC) Battery fires one for Canada Day in Victoria. The Regiment fires a 21 gun salute for the visiting US Guided Missile Cruiser Providence followed by a 15 gun salute for Vice-Admiral BF Roeder Commander of the US First Fleet. See more...
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. |
Commanding Officer's Parade
The CO, Lieutenant-Colonel Gordon Platt leads the reviewing party inspecting the troops on parade. Behind him is the Batter Commander Major Ron Abbott, the Second in Command Major Barry Clemons and the Adjutant, Captain Bob Spring. The Assistant Adjutant Captain Jane Best is out front. Having their photos taken in the Warrant Officers' and Sergeants' Mess are Warrant Officer Class II Dwillies, Eric Tyldesley-Gore, RSM Warrant Officer Class I Pat Smith, Warrant Officer Class II Ray Guttridge, Major Ron Abbot, Major Barrie Clemons, CO Lieutenant-Colonel Gordon Platt, Adjutant Captain Bob Spring and Major Al Langmuir. |
District Commanders Armed Forces Day Parade
The Commanding Officer leads the 15th Field Regiment RCA marching into the Empire Stadium. He is followed by the Adjutant and Second in Command with the Acting RSM. The first Battery Commander is followed by his Battery Sergeant Major, Ray Guttridge.
The Commanding Officer leads the 15th Field Regiment RCA marching into the Empire Stadium. He is followed by the Adjutant and Second in Command with the Acting RSM. The first Battery Commander is followed by his Battery Sergeant Major, Ray Guttridge.
Regimental Recruitment
The Band is looking for new members and placed the following ad in the Musical Instruments section of the Vancouver Sun. I wonder if it attracted any new Bandsmen? Meanwhile, the 5th (BC) Field Battery was employing a more standard recruiting approach. Of course the units are also looking for artillerymen as well. Plus you can't forget the value of a good storesman.
The Band is looking for new members and placed the following ad in the Musical Instruments section of the Vancouver Sun. I wonder if it attracted any new Bandsmen? Meanwhile, the 5th (BC) Field Battery was employing a more standard recruiting approach. Of course the units are also looking for artillerymen as well. Plus you can't forget the value of a good storesman.
RCA History
Volume 1 of The Gunners of Canada will be published by McClelland and Stewart, Ltd., early in the summer of 1967. This official history of The Royal Regiment of Canadian Artillery, written by Colonel GWL Nicholson, former Director of the Army Historical Section, has been commissioned by the Royal Canadian Artillery Association. See more... |
Officers’ Mess
Sergeants’ Mess
Ramsay's Guns
The widow of Sir Michael W.S. Bruce presented the Mess with a water colour of Norman Ramsay's Guns at Fuentes d’Onor in Spain. This picture had been presented to him by the Officers of I Battery (Bull's Troop) Royal Horse Artillery in memory of his service with that troop during the 1914 - 1918 War. It is interesting to note that Sir Michael Bruce until his death in the late 1960's was a well-known writer of children’s’ books and also wrote a column for the Vancouver Sun. See more... |
Regimental Wedding
Sergeant Al Yelland married Sylvia Henderson on 23 April 1966. It was a truly Regimental wedding with the Commanding Officer, Lieutenant-Colonel G.M. Platt giving the bridal party the run of the armouries. The reception was held in the Sergeants’ Mess, the receiving line in the Officers’ Mess, the dinner in the lecture room and the dancing in the Junior Ranks Mess. The best man was Sergeant Eric Tyldesley-Gore and the ushers were Sergeant Bob Mugford and Sergeant Jim Willett. The sword party consisted of Warrant Officer Class II Peter Dwillies, Staff Sergeant Gary Angell, Staff Sergeant Lorne Bamford, Sergeant Heinz Winter, Sergeant Bud Taylor, Sergeant Dag Gruban, Sergeant Ralph Cowan, and Sergeant Doug McCloy. The Regimental Sergeant Major, Warrant Officer Class I Dave Penman gave the toast to the bride and the cake was cut with the Comanding Officer's sword.
Sylvia worked across the street at Jones Tent and Awning where flags were made; she donated the Canadian Maple Leaf Flag on the mantel piece in the Sergeants’ Mess to replace the Canadian Red Ensign in 1965.
Sergeant Al Yelland married Sylvia Henderson on 23 April 1966. It was a truly Regimental wedding with the Commanding Officer, Lieutenant-Colonel G.M. Platt giving the bridal party the run of the armouries. The reception was held in the Sergeants’ Mess, the receiving line in the Officers’ Mess, the dinner in the lecture room and the dancing in the Junior Ranks Mess. The best man was Sergeant Eric Tyldesley-Gore and the ushers were Sergeant Bob Mugford and Sergeant Jim Willett. The sword party consisted of Warrant Officer Class II Peter Dwillies, Staff Sergeant Gary Angell, Staff Sergeant Lorne Bamford, Sergeant Heinz Winter, Sergeant Bud Taylor, Sergeant Dag Gruban, Sergeant Ralph Cowan, and Sergeant Doug McCloy. The Regimental Sergeant Major, Warrant Officer Class I Dave Penman gave the toast to the bride and the cake was cut with the Comanding Officer's sword.
Sylvia worked across the street at Jones Tent and Awning where flags were made; she donated the Canadian Maple Leaf Flag on the mantel piece in the Sergeants’ Mess to replace the Canadian Red Ensign in 1965.
Other Artillery News
Royal Canadian Artillery Association
MINUTES OF THE 81st GENERAL MEETING OF THE RCAA[i]
HELD AT CFB SHILO, MAN, 29-30 SEPTEMBER 1966
The eighty-first Annual Meeting opened at 2:00 PM, September 29, 1966, with the President, Lt. Col. E.R. Clemis, MBE, ED, CD, in the Chair.
The president called on Col. J.S. Orton, MBE, MC, CD, Commandant, Royal Canadian School of Artillery, who welcomed the delegates to the Home Mess of the Regiment and expressed the wish that their stay would be an enjoyable one.
See more...
MINUTES OF THE 81st GENERAL MEETING OF THE RCAA[i]
HELD AT CFB SHILO, MAN, 29-30 SEPTEMBER 1966
The eighty-first Annual Meeting opened at 2:00 PM, September 29, 1966, with the President, Lt. Col. E.R. Clemis, MBE, ED, CD, in the Chair.
The president called on Col. J.S. Orton, MBE, MC, CD, Commandant, Royal Canadian School of Artillery, who welcomed the delegates to the Home Mess of the Regiment and expressed the wish that their stay would be an enjoyable one.
See more...
Regular Force Artillery
2nd Regiment Royal Canadian Horse Artillery, in Germany, is outfitted with the new M-557A1 armoured personnel carrier for use as command posts.
2nd Regiment Royal Canadian Horse Artillery, in Germany, is outfitted with the new M-557A1 armoured personnel carrier for use as command posts.
The Canadian Gunner
15th Field Artillery Regiment advertises in The Canadian Gunner, Volume 2, 1966
US Field Artillery - Weapons of the Field Artillery
Features, use and capabilities of field artillery weaponry in the cannon type artillery category, rocket and missile category. |
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Fort Rodd Hill
Searching for a good, used barrel? Wonder if they were succesful?
Searching for a good, used barrel? Wonder if they were succesful?
Obituaries
Lieutenant George Victor Atkins, MC
Passed away in hospital, on February 17, 1966, in his 71st year. Late of 150 24 Street, West Vancouver. Survived by his wife, Kay, at home; 1 son, Richard L. Atkins of Vancouver; 4 grandchildren; 1 brother, R. Roy Atkins of Salt Spring Island; 1 sister, Mrs. C.S. Russell of Victoria. Mr. Atkins was a member of Terminal City Club, King David Lodge No. 93 A.F. & A.M., Gizah Temple, Rajah Shrine Club, North Shore Shrine Club, and Canadian Legion Branch 60.
Lieutenant Atkins served in the 11th (Reserve) Anti-Aircraft Regiment, RCA during the Second World War.
Passed away in hospital, on February 17, 1966, in his 71st year. Late of 150 24 Street, West Vancouver. Survived by his wife, Kay, at home; 1 son, Richard L. Atkins of Vancouver; 4 grandchildren; 1 brother, R. Roy Atkins of Salt Spring Island; 1 sister, Mrs. C.S. Russell of Victoria. Mr. Atkins was a member of Terminal City Club, King David Lodge No. 93 A.F. & A.M., Gizah Temple, Rajah Shrine Club, North Shore Shrine Club, and Canadian Legion Branch 60.
Lieutenant Atkins served in the 11th (Reserve) Anti-Aircraft Regiment, RCA during the Second World War.
Lieutenant Edward Noel Bagshawe
25 December 1894 - 1 June 1966. Served with the 88th Victoria Fusiliers, 30th Battalion Canadian Expeditionary Force and 7th Battalion Canadian Expeditionary Force before transferring to the 2/1st Hartfordshire Battery 4th East Anglian Brigade Royal Field Artillery on 14 October 1915. After the war he served with the 5th Medium Battery from 1925 to 1928. Interred at Ross Bay Cemetery Victoria BC.
25 December 1894 - 1 June 1966. Served with the 88th Victoria Fusiliers, 30th Battalion Canadian Expeditionary Force and 7th Battalion Canadian Expeditionary Force before transferring to the 2/1st Hartfordshire Battery 4th East Anglian Brigade Royal Field Artillery on 14 October 1915. After the war he served with the 5th Medium Battery from 1925 to 1928. Interred at Ross Bay Cemetery Victoria BC.
Honorary Colonel (Brigadier ret'd) Aeneas E. McBean Bell-Irving OBE ED
Brigadier Bell-Irving served in the Artillery as a Second Lieutenant in World War I and as the Commanding Officer of the 2nd Heavy Anti-Aircraft Regiment RCA in the World War II. He was the Honorary Colonel 43rd Heavy Anti-Aircraft Regiment RCA from 1949 to 1954 and the Honorary Colonel of the 15th Field Artillery Regiment RCA from 1957 to 1959. After the war he became an influential business man and was elected City of Vancouver Councillor from 1962 to 1966. He passed away 20 November 1966. See more... |
Gunner John Towers Burnett
Passed away in hospital, February 2, 1966, John Towers Burnett of 421 Westminster Highway, Richmond, B.C., aged 59 years. Survived by his loving wife, Jessie; son, John T., New York; brothers, George R. and William J., both of Vancouver. Mr. Burnett served in the 15th Coast Artillery during World War Two and was a member of the B.C. Philatelic Society and member of Acacia Lodge No. 22, A.F. & A.M. Funeral Service will be held Friday, February 4 at 1:30 p.m. in Nunn and Thomson’s Chapel, 10th Avenue and Cambie Street, the Rev. Canon F.A. Ramsey officiating. Internment Masonic Cemetery.
Passed away in hospital, February 2, 1966, John Towers Burnett of 421 Westminster Highway, Richmond, B.C., aged 59 years. Survived by his loving wife, Jessie; son, John T., New York; brothers, George R. and William J., both of Vancouver. Mr. Burnett served in the 15th Coast Artillery during World War Two and was a member of the B.C. Philatelic Society and member of Acacia Lodge No. 22, A.F. & A.M. Funeral Service will be held Friday, February 4 at 1:30 p.m. in Nunn and Thomson’s Chapel, 10th Avenue and Cambie Street, the Rev. Canon F.A. Ramsey officiating. Internment Masonic Cemetery.
Sergeant Charles William Friend
In hospital April 16, 1966 aged 93 years, formerly of Langley, B.C., beloved father of Charles W. , North Vancouver; Thomas H., Huntington Park, Calif., Mrs. J.J. (Grace) Szlater, Trenton, Ont. Survived also by 7 grandchildren. Funeral service Wednesday, 3 p.m., in the Kearney Funeral Chapel, 1096 West Broadway, Rev. G.E. Mitchell officiating. Internment Veteran’s Field of Honour, Mountain View Cemetery.
Sergeant Friend enlisted with the Vancouver Voluntary Reserve, Boorman's Battery on 6 October 1915
In hospital April 16, 1966 aged 93 years, formerly of Langley, B.C., beloved father of Charles W. , North Vancouver; Thomas H., Huntington Park, Calif., Mrs. J.J. (Grace) Szlater, Trenton, Ont. Survived also by 7 grandchildren. Funeral service Wednesday, 3 p.m., in the Kearney Funeral Chapel, 1096 West Broadway, Rev. G.E. Mitchell officiating. Internment Veteran’s Field of Honour, Mountain View Cemetery.
Sergeant Friend enlisted with the Vancouver Voluntary Reserve, Boorman's Battery on 6 October 1915
Bombardier Allen Erastus Hager, MM
In Walnut Creek, Dec. 12, 1966, Allen Erastus Hager, of 71 El Caminito Rd., Walnut Creek, beloved husband of Florence E. Hager of Walnut Creek; loving father of of Mrs. Barbara E. Hastings and loving father-in-law of R.V. Hastings, both of Berkeley. A veteran of the Canadian army during World War I, and a manufacturer’s representative in 11 western states for over 36 years. A native of Toronto, Canada; aged 74 years.
Services for the family were held Tuesday, December 13, 1966, at the Civic Center Chapel of Wilson & Kratzer, Richmond. Committal follows at the Canadian Legion Plot, Greenlawn Memorial Park, Colma. The family prefers that any expression of remembrance be made to Father Flanagan Boys’ Tow, Nebraska.
Bombardier Hager served with the 68th Battery, 16th Brigade, Canadian Field Artillery in North Russia.
In Walnut Creek, Dec. 12, 1966, Allen Erastus Hager, of 71 El Caminito Rd., Walnut Creek, beloved husband of Florence E. Hager of Walnut Creek; loving father of of Mrs. Barbara E. Hastings and loving father-in-law of R.V. Hastings, both of Berkeley. A veteran of the Canadian army during World War I, and a manufacturer’s representative in 11 western states for over 36 years. A native of Toronto, Canada; aged 74 years.
Services for the family were held Tuesday, December 13, 1966, at the Civic Center Chapel of Wilson & Kratzer, Richmond. Committal follows at the Canadian Legion Plot, Greenlawn Memorial Park, Colma. The family prefers that any expression of remembrance be made to Father Flanagan Boys’ Tow, Nebraska.
Bombardier Hager served with the 68th Battery, 16th Brigade, Canadian Field Artillery in North Russia.
Gunner George Darwin Hunt
On June 17, 1966, George Darwin Hunt of 3520 West 37th Avenue at the age of 75 years. Survived by his loving wife, Mabel, and a daughter, Mrs. L.L. Gallazin, of North Vancouver; 2 grand-daughters; 2 sisters, Mrs. L. Head, and Miss M. Hunt. Of Vancouver. Rev. H.A. Watts will conduct the funeral service in the Mount Pleasant Chapel, Kingsway at 11th Avenue, on Tuesday, June 21, at 1 p.m. Cremation. Gunner Hunt enlisted with the 68th Overseas Depot Battery on 22 February 1916 and served in France and Belgium with the 5th Canadian Division Ammunition Column. In the Second World War he was a member of the 201st Battery, 11th (Reserve) Anti-Aircraft Regiment, RCA
On June 17, 1966, George Darwin Hunt of 3520 West 37th Avenue at the age of 75 years. Survived by his loving wife, Mabel, and a daughter, Mrs. L.L. Gallazin, of North Vancouver; 2 grand-daughters; 2 sisters, Mrs. L. Head, and Miss M. Hunt. Of Vancouver. Rev. H.A. Watts will conduct the funeral service in the Mount Pleasant Chapel, Kingsway at 11th Avenue, on Tuesday, June 21, at 1 p.m. Cremation. Gunner Hunt enlisted with the 68th Overseas Depot Battery on 22 February 1916 and served in France and Belgium with the 5th Canadian Division Ammunition Column. In the Second World War he was a member of the 201st Battery, 11th (Reserve) Anti-Aircraft Regiment, RCA
Lieutenant-Colonel William Turner Lockhart
Funeral Tuesday - Grand old Man of Island Dies
Ganges – Funeral service will be held in Vancouver for Dr. W.T. Lockhart, 96, known locally as the Grand Old Man of Salt Spring Island. He died Saturday.
Dr. Lockhart, who would have celebrated his 99th birthday in February, was a familiar sight on Island roads as he walked miles from home on his daily outings. Lieutenant-Colonel Lockhart was taken on strength 15th Field Brigade Canadian Artillery in 1920 and served as the Medical Officer.
See more...
Funeral Tuesday - Grand old Man of Island Dies
Ganges – Funeral service will be held in Vancouver for Dr. W.T. Lockhart, 96, known locally as the Grand Old Man of Salt Spring Island. He died Saturday.
Dr. Lockhart, who would have celebrated his 99th birthday in February, was a familiar sight on Island roads as he walked miles from home on his daily outings. Lieutenant-Colonel Lockhart was taken on strength 15th Field Brigade Canadian Artillery in 1920 and served as the Medical Officer.
See more...
Lieutenant John Stewart McRae
Sportsmen, war vet, John S. McRae buried Funeral was held for John Stewart McRae, M.C., 73 a pioneer lacrosse player in Vancouver and decorated veteran of the First World War. McRae was a member of the VAC lacrosse team which brought the championship to Vancouver in 1914. He enlisted as a Gunner in the Royal Canadian Artillery, received a commission in the field and served in Europe and Russia. His decorations include the Military Cross, the Belgian Crois De Guerre and the Russian Cross of Saint Stanislaus, whish he received while serving with the Russian Expeditionary Force. Lieutenant McRae served with the 68th Battery, 16th Brigade, Canadian Field Artillery in North Russia. See more... |
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