15th Field Artillery Regiment
The Royal Regiment of Canadian Artillery
1967
The Royal Regiment of Canadian Artillery
1967
as at 29 December 2021
Sub-units
31st Field Battery, RCA
85th Field Battery, RCA
158th Field Battery, RCA
209th 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
Band of the 15th Field Regiment, RCA
Organizational Changes
1 Sep 1967 5th (BC) Field Battery allotted to Independent Status
1 Sep 1967 5th (BC) Field Battery allotted to Independent Status
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
Senior Regular Gunner
Lieutenant-General WAB Anderson, OBE, 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
Senior Regular Gunner
Lieutenant-General WAB Anderson, OBE, CD
Chief of Artillery
Colonel JP Beer MBE CD
Key Appointments
Appointments and Promotions
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1 May 1967 Lieutenant-Colonel William (Bill) Sydney Jackson CD appointed Honorary Lieutenant-Colonel. Lieutenant Colonel Allan Morton McGavin CD appointed Honorary Colonel. |
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1 December 1967 – Sergeant Al Yelland promoted Warrant Officer. |
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Lance Sergeant John Forsyth qualified as Militia Senior Non-Commissioned Officer.
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The Regimental History
At long last, the Gunners of Canada have a worthy historical record of the entire Royal Regiment of Canadian Artillery and its predecessors with the publication of THE GUNNERS OF CANADA. Commissioned by the Royal Canadian Artillery Association, the history is appearing in two volumes, the first of which is now ready. The Association was fortunate in securing the services of Colonel GWL Nicholson, a writer who combines historical accuracy with a vivid and readable style, and what a magnificent job he has done. See more... |
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Militia Highlights
For the uninitiated, Artillery Regiment Training Headquarters (RTHQ) were formed in 1967. There are three in the artillery – 1 Arty RTHQ in Shilo, 2 in Borden and 3 in Gagetown. Their terms of reference, though generally the same across the country, vary in details between regions. Essentially they are charged with supervising the operational training of the Mobile Command Reserves while the units and I Staffs are responsible for the recruit and trades training. A certain amount of overlapping and confusion was inevitable at the beginning, but this system has now begun to show promising results . . .
The Canadian Gunner, Volume 3, December 1967, page 36
For the uninitiated, Artillery Regiment Training Headquarters (RTHQ) were formed in 1967. There are three in the artillery – 1 Arty RTHQ in Shilo, 2 in Borden and 3 in Gagetown. Their terms of reference, though generally the same across the country, vary in details between regions. Essentially they are charged with supervising the operational training of the Mobile Command Reserves while the units and I Staffs are responsible for the recruit and trades training. A certain amount of overlapping and confusion was inevitable at the beginning, but this system has now begun to show promising results . . .
The Canadian Gunner, Volume 3, December 1967, page 36
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Canadian Centennial Medal
This medal commemorates the Centennial of Canada's Confederation in 1867, and was awarded to people recommended by governments and associations. This commemorative medal program is now closed. This medal is administered by the Chancellery of Honours at Rideau Hall. Canadian Forces members were recommended by the Chief of Defence Staff to the Government of Canada. The following members were awarded the Canadian Centennial medal: Lieutenant-Colonel Gordon Maurice Platt CD, Major Barrie Clemons CD, Lieutenant Doug Gayton, Warrant Officer Class II Ray Guttridge, Staff Sergeant Jim Hamilton CD, Lieutenant Leslie A. Strike, Sergeant Robert (Bob) E. Mugford See more... |
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Stone Frigate Shield
The shield was presented by Colonel JKG Magee MC and was used as a rifle competition trophy between the units in the Armoury. Colonel Magee, MC passed away in White Rock, BC on August 6, 1956. The Stone Frigate Shield is named after Her Majesty’s Canadian Ship Stone Frigate, a dormitory and classroom block of the Royal Military College of Canada in Kingston, Ontario. A former naval storehouse it was converted to its present use in 1876 on the establishment of the College. 31 Battery won the trophy this year with a team consisting of the following members: Major RS Abbott CD, Sergeant Yelland AM, Sergeant Taylor LD, Lance Bombardier Platt RS, and Lance Bombardier Wiens AB. |
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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 31st Battery. |
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New Members
Captain Stuart T McDonald transferred to the unit from 5 (BC) Field Battery, RCA, where he had enrolled while completing his university studies. He has prior experience as he enlisted in the Militia in Ottawa in 1959; serving for two years as a Signalman in 3 Signals Regiment prior to moving to the west coast where he completed two years of artillery training as an Officer Cadet in the Canadian Officers Training Corps before receiving his commission in 1964. He is shown here talking with Staff Sergeant Heinz Winter in Wainwright, Alberta during the summer concentration. |
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Boundary Bay Airport
85 Battery paraded at the Boundary Bay Airport in somewhat spartan accommodation. While they had the complete use of one of the hangers, it was draughty as many of the windows were broken. Pigeons roosted inside the hangar and it was common practice to cover the guns when not in use. Sweeping the parade square prior to parade was a frequent task. The Battery Office with Major Vic Stevenson talking to the Battery Clerk Sergeant as Staff Sergeant Heinz Winter battles the paper war. |
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Eric Tyldesley-Gore was a Staff Sergeant between 1966 and 1969.
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Shilo 1967
The following pictures were taken from a weekend exercise in Shilo, MB. You may well notice the lack of computerized technical equipment and the lack of a field uniform. (n.b. - There may be a discrepancy on the year as one picture has indicated 1968...) See more...
The following pictures were taken from a weekend exercise in Shilo, MB. You may well notice the lack of computerized technical equipment and the lack of a field uniform. (n.b. - There may be a discrepancy on the year as one picture has indicated 1968...) See more...
Shilo 1967
Another set of photos that was labelled 1967. Is it the same exercise as the one above? One seems to be colder than the other. Lieutenant Stuart McDonald discusses the gun layout with Staff Sergeant Heinz Winter. Lieutenant Jim Clarke's highlights the current situation with Captain Barrie Hamilton and Second Lieutenant Mike Bennett. See more...
Another set of photos that was labelled 1967. Is it the same exercise as the one above? One seems to be colder than the other. Lieutenant Stuart McDonald discusses the gun layout with Staff Sergeant Heinz Winter. Lieutenant Jim Clarke's highlights the current situation with Captain Barrie Hamilton and Second Lieutenant Mike Bennett. See more...
Shilo Competition 1967
It's rather chilly in Shilo and the 3rd Regiment Royal Canadian Horse Artillery Regiment provided the unit with vehicles, guns and really nice warm coats! But first the flight, compliments of Transport Command we all pile aboard the CC130 Hercules. Staff Sergeant Heinz Winter is somewhat obscured sitting beside an unidentified officer and then Lieutenant Jerry Gangur and Lieutenant Jim Clarke. Jerry was a member of the Royal Westminster Regiment attached to the unit for the weekend. See more...
It's rather chilly in Shilo and the 3rd Regiment Royal Canadian Horse Artillery Regiment provided the unit with vehicles, guns and really nice warm coats! But first the flight, compliments of Transport Command we all pile aboard the CC130 Hercules. Staff Sergeant Heinz Winter is somewhat obscured sitting beside an unidentified officer and then Lieutenant Jerry Gangur and Lieutenant Jim Clarke. Jerry was a member of the Royal Westminster Regiment attached to the unit for the weekend. See more...
Regimental Memories
During the first live fire exercise in the Chilcotin country north of Williams Lake in 1967 (Expo Year) Jeff Ho, Dan Wheeler, Danny Davidson and John Forsyth were in a ¾ ton in convoy heading back to Williams Lake when the vehicle lost control and rolled 4-5 time down the side of a gorge. It finally stopped rolling when it hit a huge tree stump. Jeff Ho broke his shoulder and the rest of us were just knocked about but still taken to hospital. Jeff returned to Vancouver while the rest of us boarded the train after the exercise for course training in Shilo Manitoba.
During the first live fire exercise in the Chilcotin country north of Williams Lake in 1967 (Expo Year) Jeff Ho, Dan Wheeler, Danny Davidson and John Forsyth were in a ¾ ton in convoy heading back to Williams Lake when the vehicle lost control and rolled 4-5 time down the side of a gorge. It finally stopped rolling when it hit a huge tree stump. Jeff Ho broke his shoulder and the rest of us were just knocked about but still taken to hospital. Jeff returned to Vancouver while the rest of us boarded the train after the exercise for course training in Shilo Manitoba.
Canada Day - 1 July 1967
100 Round salute fired in commemoration of Canada’s Centennial. The program for the 100 round salute outlines the key players; Lieutenant-Colonel G.M. Platt, 158 Battery Commander Major D.W. Lennox, the Salute Troop Commander, Captain I.R. Seymour and the Battery Sergeant Major Warrant Officer Class II R. Gutteridge.
The first photo, on the left, came in from Warrant Officer (ret) Dag Gruban. It shows the state of ear protection provided in those days. "Tilt your head to the left!" See more...
100 Round salute fired in commemoration of Canada’s Centennial. The program for the 100 round salute outlines the key players; Lieutenant-Colonel G.M. Platt, 158 Battery Commander Major D.W. Lennox, the Salute Troop Commander, Captain I.R. Seymour and the Battery Sergeant Major Warrant Officer Class II R. Gutteridge.
The first photo, on the left, came in from Warrant Officer (ret) Dag Gruban. It shows the state of ear protection provided in those days. "Tilt your head to the left!" See more...
Arrival of German cruiser Deutschland
13 April 1967 - Deutschland (A59) was a naval ship of the Bundesmarine, the West German Navy. She was constructed and used as a training cruiser ("Schulschiff") in peacetime and planned for multi-role missions in the event of war: troop ship, hospital ship, minelayer, and escort. For this reason the ship was only lightly armed for its size (no guided missiles), the machinery was rather impractical and diverse, and large teaching rooms were included. Also, civilians served alongside military personnel. See more...
13 April 1967 - Deutschland (A59) was a naval ship of the Bundesmarine, the West German Navy. She was constructed and used as a training cruiser ("Schulschiff") in peacetime and planned for multi-role missions in the event of war: troop ship, hospital ship, minelayer, and escort. For this reason the ship was only lightly armed for its size (no guided missiles), the machinery was rather impractical and diverse, and large teaching rooms were included. Also, civilians served alongside military personnel. See more...
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Arrival of USS Chicago
The missile cruiser's salute was answere by the Regiment. |
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Princess Alexandra Visit
The Regiment greets the Princess on her arrival at the Vancouver Airport. |
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North Vancouver Centennial Festival
The Regimental Band performed at the North Vancouver Festival commemorating Canada's Centennial. |
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Armed Forces Day - Cultus Lake
The Regimental Band performed with other units at a 2 1/2 hour show. |
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Recruiting
Targeted ads are placed in the newspaper throughout the year. |
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Lieutenant-Governor Pearkes Retirement
The 15th Field Artillery Regiment participated in a large military parade in New Westminster to honour the ougoing Lieutenant-Governor. |
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Germany
Chief Warrant Officer Raymond Guttridge and Sergeant Darwin Harmon visit 1st Regiment Royal Canadian Horse Artillery in West Germany.
Chief Warrant Officer Raymond Guttridge and Sergeant Darwin Harmon visit 1st Regiment Royal Canadian Horse Artillery in West Germany.
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Senate Discussion
The firing of celebratory salutes is discussed in Canada's Senate. |
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Equipment News - Artillery on the Modern Battlefield
Experimental work with electronic computing machines in connection with missiles, and later adapted to tube-delivered artillery, has made phenomenal progress. Conventional fire control methods based on graphic and manual calculations are too slow and inaccurate for the desired standard of predicted fire. The inaccuracies are not necessarily based on human error, but are caused by calculations based on firing table and graphical data presentations which are only approximations or generalizations and which, in addition, require interpolation. See more... |
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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
St Barbara's Day Dinner
The Officers' Mess held their Annual St. Barbara's Day Dinner on 21 January 1967 with a menu that was definitely French in inspiration. The guests gather for a bit of a pre-dinner libation. The sliver of a face on the left is believed to be Barrie Clemons (Second in command). Then Colonel Dean-Freeman, Vancouver District Commander, Lieutenant Colonel Doug Anderson (behind, CO SHC), Captain Peter Clegg, Captain Phil Jones, Captain the Honourable Mr Justice Victor Dryer, Major Jim Griffiths, unknown, Major Dave Ames and Captain ‘Oakie’ Toombs.
See more...
The Officers' Mess held their Annual St. Barbara's Day Dinner on 21 January 1967 with a menu that was definitely French in inspiration. The guests gather for a bit of a pre-dinner libation. The sliver of a face on the left is believed to be Barrie Clemons (Second in command). Then Colonel Dean-Freeman, Vancouver District Commander, Lieutenant Colonel Doug Anderson (behind, CO SHC), Captain Peter Clegg, Captain Phil Jones, Captain the Honourable Mr Justice Victor Dryer, Major Jim Griffiths, unknown, Major Dave Ames and Captain ‘Oakie’ Toombs.
See more...
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Dining - In Night
Pictures of that memorable night will surely follow now that I've posted the menu from the event. |
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Centennial Military Ball
Colonel Blyth is the Chairman, Reservations for the ball and sends out a letter outlining the need to reserve tickets and the cost of $20.00 a couple. The organizer also start advising the local media about the upcoming event. |
Military Ball
The event was hailed as another success.
The event was hailed as another success.
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Military Ball
It's late in the year and the organizers are already starting to get the message out about the upcoming Military Ball in May. |
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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. Unfortunately, when the trophy was first introduced, the date beside each recipient was not recorded. We, therefore, have a list of 6 names that may have received the trophy together or separately over 6 years. They are WO II RJ Nichols (1960?), WO II AB Clarke CD&C (1961?), WO II AB Sweet (1962?), WO II WD Cooper CD (1963?), WO II PH Smith CD (1964?), WO II PA Dwillies (1965?), Sgt Peter M Erwin (1966?). |
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Regular Force Artillery
Receipt of new M109s |
On Designations – RCHA and RCA
Prepared in the office of the Chief of Artillery
On 16 Jun 67 an artillery conference was held at Headquarters Mobile Command under the direction of the Senior Regular Gunner, Lt Gen W.A.B. Anderson OBE, CD. The aim of the direction of the conference was to discuss the RCA titling system and on the basis of this discussion to select appropriate titles for all RCA units and, if possible, to establish a titling system that would meet the dictates of the future. The titles and system selected were to meet the following criteria: See more...
Prepared in the office of the Chief of Artillery
On 16 Jun 67 an artillery conference was held at Headquarters Mobile Command under the direction of the Senior Regular Gunner, Lt Gen W.A.B. Anderson OBE, CD. The aim of the direction of the conference was to discuss the RCA titling system and on the basis of this discussion to select appropriate titles for all RCA units and, if possible, to establish a titling system that would meet the dictates of the future. The titles and system selected were to meet the following criteria: See more...
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The Royal Canadian Artillery Association
Lieutenant Colonel Walter Elsdon is elected Vice-President with Lieutenant Colonel Gordon Platt on the executive. |
Obituaries
Gunner Tracey Harley Archer
On June 24, 1967, Tracey Harley Archer, late of 6415 West Boulevard, Vancouver, B.C. Survived by his loving wife Gladys; two sons, Gordon, Saskatoon, Douglas, Santa Barbara, Calif.; one daughter, Mrs. Verna Fletcher, Vancouver, and five grandchildren.
Funeral service was held at the Chapman Funeral Home. Rev. R. Durnford officiated. Cremation followed.
Gunner Archer was a member of 60th Battery, 15th Brigade, Canadian Field Artillery during the First World War.
On June 24, 1967, Tracey Harley Archer, late of 6415 West Boulevard, Vancouver, B.C. Survived by his loving wife Gladys; two sons, Gordon, Saskatoon, Douglas, Santa Barbara, Calif.; one daughter, Mrs. Verna Fletcher, Vancouver, and five grandchildren.
Funeral service was held at the Chapman Funeral Home. Rev. R. Durnford officiated. Cremation followed.
Gunner Archer was a member of 60th Battery, 15th Brigade, Canadian Field Artillery during the First World War.
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Gunner Stewart James Coma
October 4, 1967. Stewart James Coma, in his 26th year, late of 8128 Patterson Ave., Burnaby. In former years served with reserves, 15th Field Regiment, RCA. He is survived by his loving parents, Mr. and Mrs. James R. Coma, Burnaby; 2 brothers, Lynn, Castlegar, B.C.; Allen, Shawinigan, Quebec, also his maternal grandmother, Mrs. Agnes Stewart, Sask.; paternal grandparents, Mr. and Mrs. John Coma, Winnipegosis, Man. Funeral service Tuesday, October 10, at 11 a.m., from All Saints Anglican Church, 7405 Royal Oak Ave., Burnaby, Rev. A.R. Waller, officiating. Interment Ocean View Burial Park. Royal Oak Funeral Chapel in charge. |
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Major Ronald Charles Runge
R.C Runge Dead at 57 Ronald Charles Runge, 57, head of a South Granville fashion house, died Sunday in Vancouver General Hospital. He had entered the hospital three weeks earlier for an operation. He was a Major in the artillery during the Second World War. Major Runge started his military career as a Second Lieutenant in 5th Medium Battery 15th (Vancouver) Coast Brigade RCA in 1939. See more... |
Gunner Albert Basil Wilberforce Tanner
On November 26, 1967, at Mission Hospital, Albert Basil Wilberforce Tanner in his 81st year. Survived by his loving wife, Olive; daughter, Mrs. (Marjorie) Gordon Coghlin, Clarkson, Ontario; 3 grandchildren. Funeral service, Wednesday, November 29, at 3 p.m., from the chapel of the Mission Funeral Home, Mission City, Rev. J.B. Fergusson officiating. Internment Hatzic Cemetery.
Gunner Tanner enlisted as a Gunner in 59th Battery, 15th Brigade, Canadian Field Artillery. He was later transferred to 61st Battery, 14th Brigade, Canadian Field Artillery.
On November 26, 1967, at Mission Hospital, Albert Basil Wilberforce Tanner in his 81st year. Survived by his loving wife, Olive; daughter, Mrs. (Marjorie) Gordon Coghlin, Clarkson, Ontario; 3 grandchildren. Funeral service, Wednesday, November 29, at 3 p.m., from the chapel of the Mission Funeral Home, Mission City, Rev. J.B. Fergusson officiating. Internment Hatzic Cemetery.
Gunner Tanner enlisted as a Gunner in 59th Battery, 15th Brigade, Canadian Field Artillery. He was later transferred to 61st Battery, 14th Brigade, Canadian Field Artillery.
Battery Sergeant Major William Randolph Vaughan
Last rites for lawyer Vaughan
Funeral will be held today for William Randolph Vaughan, 83, an honorary life member of the Vancouver Bar Association. Born at Salt Ste. Marie, Ont., he moved to Victoria in 1902 and began law study at the age of 18. He first practiced at Stewart, on the northern B.C. coast.
Mr. Vaughan joined the artillery in the First World War and served in the 10th Siege Battery. One of his mates was Brooke Claxton, former defence minister.
BSM Vaughan was a member of 11th (Reserve) Anti-Aircraft Regiment, RCA during the Second World War.
See more...
Last rites for lawyer Vaughan
Funeral will be held today for William Randolph Vaughan, 83, an honorary life member of the Vancouver Bar Association. Born at Salt Ste. Marie, Ont., he moved to Victoria in 1902 and began law study at the age of 18. He first practiced at Stewart, on the northern B.C. coast.
Mr. Vaughan joined the artillery in the First World War and served in the 10th Siege Battery. One of his mates was Brooke Claxton, former defence minister.
BSM Vaughan was a member of 11th (Reserve) Anti-Aircraft Regiment, RCA during the Second World War.
See more...
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In Memoriam
Lieutenant John Travers 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