15th Field Artillery Regiment
The Royal Regiment of Canadian Artillery
1969
The Royal Regiment of Canadian Artillery
1969
as at 12 March 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
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 H.A. Sparling, CBE, DSO, CD
Chief of Artillery
Colonel D.W. Francis, CD
Captain-General, Royal Regiment of Canadian Artillery
Her Majesty The Queen
Colonel Commandant, Royal Regiment of Canadian Artillery
Major-General H.A. Sparling, CBE, DSO, CD
Chief of Artillery
Colonel D.W. Francis, CD
Key Appointments
Back Row - 1,2, Heinz Winter, MWO Eric Tyldesly-Gore, WO Al Yelland, 6,MWO Gary Angell, 8,
Third Row - 9, 10,11,12, Bdr Ray Wilson, 16, Gnr Bill Amos, 18,19,20,21,22,23,24,25,26,27,28
Second Row - CWO Dave Penman, 30, 31, Sgt WAJ Wadden, 33,34, Sgt Gordie Wright, Joe Phelan, Gnr Mike Meehan,38,39,40,41,42, 43,44,45,46,47,48,49,50, Sgt Ted Johnson, 52, 53, 54, 55, 56, 57, 58, 59, 60, 61, 62, 63, 64, 65, 66, 67, 68, 79, 70, 71, 72, 73, 74
Front Row - 75, 76, 77, 78, 79, Maj GJ Bailey, Capt WT (Bill) Wickett CD, 82, CO Lt Col BA Clemons CD, RSM CWO Ray Guttridge CD, 85, Maj Vic Stevenson CD, Capt Steven Burridge, 88, 89, Capt Porter, 91
Third Row - 9, 10,11,12, Bdr Ray Wilson, 16, Gnr Bill Amos, 18,19,20,21,22,23,24,25,26,27,28
Second Row - CWO Dave Penman, 30, 31, Sgt WAJ Wadden, 33,34, Sgt Gordie Wright, Joe Phelan, Gnr Mike Meehan,38,39,40,41,42, 43,44,45,46,47,48,49,50, Sgt Ted Johnson, 52, 53, 54, 55, 56, 57, 58, 59, 60, 61, 62, 63, 64, 65, 66, 67, 68, 79, 70, 71, 72, 73, 74
Front Row - 75, 76, 77, 78, 79, Maj GJ Bailey, Capt WT (Bill) Wickett CD, 82, CO Lt Col BA Clemons CD, RSM CWO Ray Guttridge CD, 85, Maj Vic Stevenson CD, Capt Steven Burridge, 88, 89, Capt Porter, 91
Promotions and Appointments
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February 1969 - Major BA Clemons CD promoted to Lieutenant-Colonel and appointed Commanding Officer.
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Warrant Officer Class II Raymond Guttridge CD promoted to Chief Warrant Officer and appointed Regimental Sergeant Major.
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Maj R.S. Abbott CD appointed second-in-command.
Major Gary J Bailey appointed Battery Commander 158 Battery.
Major Gary J Bailey appointed Battery Commander 158 Battery.
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31 October 1969 - Captain William (Bill) T. Wickett promoted Major. |
Second Lieutenant Robert (Bob) E Mugford promoted Lieutenant. |
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Nominal Roll
Command Team
Commanding Officer: Lieutenant-Colonel GM Platt EM CD
Regimental Sergeant Major: Warrant Officer 1 Patrick H Smith CD
Second in Command: Major RS Abbott
Honoraries
Honorary Colonel: Brigadier AE McB Bell-Irving OBE ED
Honorary Lieutenant-Colonel: Lieutenant-Colonel WS Jackson CD
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Command Team
Commanding Officer: Lieutenant-Colonel GM Platt EM CD
Regimental Sergeant Major: Warrant Officer 1 Patrick H Smith CD
Second in Command: Major RS Abbott
Honoraries
Honorary Colonel: Brigadier AE McB Bell-Irving OBE ED
Honorary Lieutenant-Colonel: Lieutenant-Colonel WS Jackson CD
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Change of Command Parade
Lieutenant-Colonel Barry Clemons receives the Commanding Officer's sword from Colonel Freeman and addresses the parade. Colonel Freeman inspects the new recruits on the Change of Command Parade. Lieutenant-Colonel Gordon Platt already wears the tabs of a staff officer. See more...
Lieutenant-Colonel Barry Clemons receives the Commanding Officer's sword from Colonel Freeman and addresses the parade. Colonel Freeman inspects the new recruits on the Change of Command Parade. Lieutenant-Colonel Gordon Platt already wears the tabs of a staff officer. See more...
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Remembrance Day
No mention of the regiment in the newspaper. |
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Members Extra-Regimentally Employed
Lieutenant-Colonel G. M. Platt, CD, promoted in rank to Colonel, with the new appointment of Militia Advisor (Lower Mainland).
Warrant Officer DM McCloy attached to The Rocky Mountain Rangers
General Military Training (GMT) Course
Student Private Richard Van Slyke
Basic Artillery Communicator Course
Student Private Richard Van Slyke
Junior NCO Course
Student Private Richard Van Slyke
Lieutenant-Colonel G. M. Platt, CD, promoted in rank to Colonel, with the new appointment of Militia Advisor (Lower Mainland).
Warrant Officer DM McCloy attached to The Rocky Mountain Rangers
General Military Training (GMT) Course
Student Private Richard Van Slyke
Basic Artillery Communicator Course
Student Private Richard Van Slyke
Junior NCO Course
Student Private Richard Van Slyke
CWO Albert Bramwell Sweet, CD — one of the most well-known Bandmasters in the Lower Mainland, retired from the Regiment after many years service. The 15th Field Regimental Band, under the guidance of Mr. Sweet, has gained an enviable reputation throughout BC. This has placed many commitments on the Band throughout the year, including being the official Military Band at many events and summer tours. The Band has also been the Orchestra Band for the Vancouver Military Ball for several years. Mr. Sweet’s retirement will be a loss for the Band and the Regiment as a whole. Mr. Sweet has seen to it however that the Band was left in capable hands (WOs Hamilton and Irwin).
RCAA Annual Report 1968-1969
RCAA Annual Report 1968-1969
Shilo Live Fire Ex - 23 February 1969
The uniforms worn are a mix of battle dress and bush. There's also the odd piece of combat that someone has picked up at a surplus store as the Militia was not entitled to be issued with the fancy new field uniform.
Good thing the parkas were issued for the exercise. Not much snow but it does look cold.
The Command Post is the back of a 3/4 ton truck with a C42 radio mounted. The techs work off of the tailgate.
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The uniforms worn are a mix of battle dress and bush. There's also the odd piece of combat that someone has picked up at a surplus store as the Militia was not entitled to be issued with the fancy new field uniform.
Good thing the parkas were issued for the exercise. Not much snow but it does look cold.
The Command Post is the back of a 3/4 ton truck with a C42 radio mounted. The techs work off of the tailgate.
See more...
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Oakridge Mall Annual Inspection Parade
The Regiment conducted their annual inspection with a roll past at the Oakridge Mall. The event drew several hundred spectators. |
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Albert Head - Easter Gun Camp
The Regiment may have been a little lax in their camouflage and there is no record on how successful the camp was. |
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School Support
Major Ron Abbott receives support from the Regiment for his school's fundraiser. |
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Civilian Career
Major Gary Bailey advertises in the Vancouver Sun. |
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Colonel Alfred Hood
A former Commanding Officer, Colonel Alfred Ogilvie Hood, CD, 15th (Vancouver) Coast Regiment, RCA CASF (1942 - 1943) is featured in a Vancouver Sun article. |
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MESSAGE FROM THE COLONEL COMMANDANT
From The Canadian Gunner 1969
From the reports on our Militia artillery firing practices, it is apparent that the local headquarters training of the Militia Gunner met the test of practical gunnery. Our Militia regiments and independent batteries together with those Regular Gunners who assisted in this training are to be congratulated on the standard achieved, and the continuing evidence that, as in the past, they can be counted on to fulfill their role in the defence of our country.
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From The Canadian Gunner 1969
From the reports on our Militia artillery firing practices, it is apparent that the local headquarters training of the Militia Gunner met the test of practical gunnery. Our Militia regiments and independent batteries together with those Regular Gunners who assisted in this training are to be congratulated on the standard achieved, and the continuing evidence that, as in the past, they can be counted on to fulfill their role in the defence of our country.
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Recruiting Handout
Undated recruiting handout from some time in the 60s. Unknown artist. Print reads as follows: If You Can’t - Go active – go reserve The Regiment is always looking for good men. In this age of science and technology, we have a demand for good men with the capacity to be trained in these fields. For the right applicants, we offer a great deal. New friends. Opportunities for new skills and experience. A choice of training in gunnery, signals, driving, rifle and machine gun and many other specialized trades. See more... |
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Regimental Memories
Sergeant John Forsyth recalls that Danny Davidson, Dan Wheeler, Jeff Ho and John Forsyth were posted to the Vernon Cadet Training Centre as instructors under the watchful eye of Chief Warrant Officer William (Bill) Chilton from the 3rd Regiment Royal Canadian Horse Artillery from June to August 1969. The memory is clear as he remembers being a 19 year old sergeant having a Gin Collins in the mess, where the drinking age was 21, watching Neil Armstrong walk on the moon.
Sergeant John Forsyth recalls that Danny Davidson, Dan Wheeler, Jeff Ho and John Forsyth were posted to the Vernon Cadet Training Centre as instructors under the watchful eye of Chief Warrant Officer William (Bill) Chilton from the 3rd Regiment Royal Canadian Horse Artillery from June to August 1969. The memory is clear as he remembers being a 19 year old sergeant having a Gin Collins in the mess, where the drinking age was 21, watching Neil Armstrong walk on the moon.
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Commanding Officer's Committee
The Commanding Officer forms a committee of ex-Commanding officers and senior ex-officers. It's objectives include fundraising and promoting interest in the Gunner family and others. |
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Former Member
Private First Class Malinowski drops by for a visit with his former buddies from 15th Field Regiment RCA. He is reported to have been killed in Vietnam the following year but we have been unable to confirm his death. Bombardier George Wood, Sergeant Jeff Ho, Malinowski, Sergeant John Forsyth, Unknown |
Officers' Mess
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Commanding Officer's Christmas Tea
The Officers' Mess holds their annual Christmas Tea. |
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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. Warrant Officer Al Yelland was presented the trophy at the Sergeants Mess’ Annual Dinner for his performance during 1968. |
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Sergeants' Mess Dinner
The annual dinner on 21 March 1969 featured the presentation of the Brigadier Dumoulin and the Lt Col Jackson trophies as well as the Mobcom Cup. |
Regimental Museum
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The start of the 15th Field Artillery Regiment Museum & Archives was announced by Lieutenant-Colonel Clemons with Major Vic Stevenson appointed as curator.
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Strings and Things*
A young, enthusiastic officer was finally given the opportunity to attend the course of his dreams: “Management.” One of the exercises was to carry out an organization and management survey of a group which he was not normally familiar and submit recommendations as to how their efficiency could be increased. He selected as his target a symphony orchestra and having read up on the tools of the trade, he attended his first concert and submitted the following analysis:
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A young, enthusiastic officer was finally given the opportunity to attend the course of his dreams: “Management.” One of the exercises was to carry out an organization and management survey of a group which he was not normally familiar and submit recommendations as to how their efficiency could be increased. He selected as his target a symphony orchestra and having read up on the tools of the trade, he attended his first concert and submitted the following analysis:
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Regular Force Artillery
The state of the Regular Force Artillery was given in the Canadian Gunner 1969 issue as follows:
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The state of the Regular Force Artillery was given in the Canadian Gunner 1969 issue as follows:
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MESSAGE FROM THE CHIEF OF ARTILLERY
From The Canadian Gunner 1969
Last summer it was my privilege to take over the appointment of Chief of Artillery from Colonel J.P. Beer whose well known devotion to the Regiment was immediately apparent from the healthy state of affairs which I inherited.
Alas, this situation was destined to be short-lived; indeed it had already begun to deteriorate with the rumours of impending reductions and these rumours soon proved to be well-founded. In September the new force structure was announced, and the resulting effect on the Royal Regiment became clear. On the surface, a loss of one unit seemed not unreasonable, but in terms of manpower the Regiment suffered a loss of approximately one-third of its strength. I would like to outline some of the consequences as I see them:
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From The Canadian Gunner 1969
Last summer it was my privilege to take over the appointment of Chief of Artillery from Colonel J.P. Beer whose well known devotion to the Regiment was immediately apparent from the healthy state of affairs which I inherited.
Alas, this situation was destined to be short-lived; indeed it had already begun to deteriorate with the rumours of impending reductions and these rumours soon proved to be well-founded. In September the new force structure was announced, and the resulting effect on the Royal Regiment became clear. On the surface, a loss of one unit seemed not unreasonable, but in terms of manpower the Regiment suffered a loss of approximately one-third of its strength. I would like to outline some of the consequences as I see them:
See more...
Obituaries
Sergeant William Arthur Laird Armstrong
20 December 1888 - 19 Feb 1969 Served as a Gunner in Headquarters 15th Brigade, Canadian Field Artillery 9 May 1916, regimental number 332864, and subsequently reorganized as 14th Brigade Canadian Field Artillery on 22 January 1917. Proceeded overseas 21 August 1917 and was promoted Sergeant on 19 September 1917. Wounded on 10 November 1917 and invalided to England. Returned to Canada on 15 March 1919 and discharged 31 March 1919. Married Archenn M Connor on 10 Jul 1923 and was employed as Canadian National Railway agent, deceased 19 Feb 1969.
20 December 1888 - 19 Feb 1969 Served as a Gunner in Headquarters 15th Brigade, Canadian Field Artillery 9 May 1916, regimental number 332864, and subsequently reorganized as 14th Brigade Canadian Field Artillery on 22 January 1917. Proceeded overseas 21 August 1917 and was promoted Sergeant on 19 September 1917. Wounded on 10 November 1917 and invalided to England. Returned to Canada on 15 March 1919 and discharged 31 March 1919. Married Archenn M Connor on 10 Jul 1923 and was employed as Canadian National Railway agent, deceased 19 Feb 1969.
Bombardier Roy Walter Barr
On May 13, 1969, Roy Walter Barr, late of 4196 Gladstone St., beloved husband of Kate M. Barr, also survived by 2 daughters, Mrs. R.W. (Joan) Robertson, Aldergrve, and Mrs. Wm. (Patricia) Ironmonger, Powell River; 6 grandchildren; 1 sister and 1 brother, nephews and nieces. Deceased served with the 60th Battery C.F.A. First World War. Private funeral service was conducted by Rev. W. Valentine in Mount Pleasant Chapel, Kingsway, at 11th Ave., followed by cremation. Flowers gratefully declined.
On May 13, 1969, Roy Walter Barr, late of 4196 Gladstone St., beloved husband of Kate M. Barr, also survived by 2 daughters, Mrs. R.W. (Joan) Robertson, Aldergrve, and Mrs. Wm. (Patricia) Ironmonger, Powell River; 6 grandchildren; 1 sister and 1 brother, nephews and nieces. Deceased served with the 60th Battery C.F.A. First World War. Private funeral service was conducted by Rev. W. Valentine in Mount Pleasant Chapel, Kingsway, at 11th Ave., followed by cremation. Flowers gratefully declined.
Driver Thomas Dalton Chapman
Passed away in his sleep, February 19, 1969 at 373 North Glynde, North Burnaby, in his 73rd year. Survived by his loving wife, Janet; 1 daughter, Mrs. Gordon (Dolores) Brown; 1 son, Dalton; 1 brother, Harry, White Rock; 6 grandchildren. Funeral service Saturday, February 22, at 1 p.m. at Forest Lawn Chapel. Cremation. Flowers gratefully declined.
Driver Chapman enlisted with the 68th Overseas Field Depot Battery, Canadian Field Artillery 23 Feb 1916 and served in France and Belgium with the 54th Battery, Canadian Field Artillery and the 1st Canadian Divisional Ammunition Column.
Passed away in his sleep, February 19, 1969 at 373 North Glynde, North Burnaby, in his 73rd year. Survived by his loving wife, Janet; 1 daughter, Mrs. Gordon (Dolores) Brown; 1 son, Dalton; 1 brother, Harry, White Rock; 6 grandchildren. Funeral service Saturday, February 22, at 1 p.m. at Forest Lawn Chapel. Cremation. Flowers gratefully declined.
Driver Chapman enlisted with the 68th Overseas Field Depot Battery, Canadian Field Artillery 23 Feb 1916 and served in France and Belgium with the 54th Battery, Canadian Field Artillery and the 1st Canadian Divisional Ammunition Column.
Driver Evelyn James Dickinson
Of Galiano, B.C., in Shaughnessy Hospital on December 1, 1969, in his 87th year. Survived by 3 daughters, Mrs. T.L. (Evelyn) Chignell, Williams Lake; Mrs. A.A. (Dorothy) Estabrook, Vancouver; and Mrs. W.R. (Joyce) Graham, Tatia Lake, B.C. ; 8 grandchildren and 5 great – grandchildren. Deceased served overseas in the First World War. Funeral service Wednesday, December 3, at 10 a.m. in the Boal Memorial Chapel, 1505 Lillooet Rd., North Vancouver, Rev Canon A. H. Cummings officiating. Flowers gratefully declined. Donations may be sent to the B.C. Cancer Institute. Interment Capilano View Cemetery. Arrangements through the Memorial Society of B.C. and First Memorial Services.
Driver Dickinson enrolled in the Canadian Overseas Expeditionary Force with the 68th Overseas Depot Battery in Vancouver, B.C.
Of Galiano, B.C., in Shaughnessy Hospital on December 1, 1969, in his 87th year. Survived by 3 daughters, Mrs. T.L. (Evelyn) Chignell, Williams Lake; Mrs. A.A. (Dorothy) Estabrook, Vancouver; and Mrs. W.R. (Joyce) Graham, Tatia Lake, B.C. ; 8 grandchildren and 5 great – grandchildren. Deceased served overseas in the First World War. Funeral service Wednesday, December 3, at 10 a.m. in the Boal Memorial Chapel, 1505 Lillooet Rd., North Vancouver, Rev Canon A. H. Cummings officiating. Flowers gratefully declined. Donations may be sent to the B.C. Cancer Institute. Interment Capilano View Cemetery. Arrangements through the Memorial Society of B.C. and First Memorial Services.
Driver Dickinson enrolled in the Canadian Overseas Expeditionary Force with the 68th Overseas Depot Battery in Vancouver, B.C.
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Sergeant Harold Percival Eldridge
Passed away March 30, 1969, Harold Percival Eldridge, of 1949 Beach Ave., in his 90th year. Survived by his loving wife, Madge; 2 daughters, Mrs. William (Clara) Hitchcock Duncan, B.C.; Mrs. Gilbert P. (Daphne) Mullins, West Vancouver; 3 grandchildren in Vancouver and Duncan; 1 brother and 1 sister in England. The deceased served in the First World War with the R.C. Artillery and was a member of the Grandview Lodge No. 96 A.F. & A.M. Private funeral service was held Wednesday in St. Paul’s Church, Jervis and Pendrell St., Rev. J.W. Ellis officiated. Cremation, Garden Chapel, Ocean View. T. Edwards directors. Sergeant Eldridge enrolled with the Vancouver Volunteer Reserve, Boorman's Battery on 5 July 1915. |
Wing Commander Horace Hollingum
Funeral has been held for Horace (Hap) Holingum, 70, veteran of two world wars and a printer and businessman. He recently retired as president of The Letter Shop, a firm he headed for 47 years.
Born in England and educated in Canada, Mr. Hollingum went overseas with the Canadian Artillery in the First World War. He won his wings while training in Egypt but never had an opportunity to fly in the Royal Flying Corps.
He joined the RCAF in the Second World War and retired with the rank of wing commander.
Mr Hollingum was a member of the Royal Canadian Legion, several other veterans’ organizations and the Terminal City Club.
FAMILY: a son, Victor; a daughter, Mrs. H.A. Beck, and five grandchildren.
The Province 21 February 1969
Wing Commander Hollingum enlisted in the 68th Overseas Depot Battery on 21 February 1916 and served with the 5th Canadian Divisional Ammunition Column, reaching the rank of Sergeant, before transferring to the Royal Flying Corps as a Cadet.
Funeral has been held for Horace (Hap) Holingum, 70, veteran of two world wars and a printer and businessman. He recently retired as president of The Letter Shop, a firm he headed for 47 years.
Born in England and educated in Canada, Mr. Hollingum went overseas with the Canadian Artillery in the First World War. He won his wings while training in Egypt but never had an opportunity to fly in the Royal Flying Corps.
He joined the RCAF in the Second World War and retired with the rank of wing commander.
Mr Hollingum was a member of the Royal Canadian Legion, several other veterans’ organizations and the Terminal City Club.
FAMILY: a son, Victor; a daughter, Mrs. H.A. Beck, and five grandchildren.
The Province 21 February 1969
Wing Commander Hollingum enlisted in the 68th Overseas Depot Battery on 21 February 1916 and served with the 5th Canadian Divisional Ammunition Column, reaching the rank of Sergeant, before transferring to the Royal Flying Corps as a Cadet.
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Warrant Officer Class I Charles Edward Minter
On February 10, 1969, Charles Edward Minter of 2953 East 28th Ave., aged 84 years. Survived by his loving wife, Amanda; 4 daughters and 1 son, several grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Mr. Minter was a sergeant-major in the First World War. Padre E.J. Dossett will conduct the funeral service in the Mount Pleasant Chapel, Kingsway at 11th Ave., on Thursday, February 13, at 1 p.m. Cremation. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the CNIB, 350 West 36th Ave. Warrant Officer Class 1 Minter was the first Brigade Sergeant Major of the 15th Brigade, Canadian Field Artillery. |
Staff Sergeant James (Jimmy) Henry Walker
On April 13, 1969 Staff Sgt. James Henry Walker of 28 E. 40th Ave., aged 70 years. Survived by many friends. Served in First World War, and in Second World War, with 43rd Medium Anti-Aircraft Regiment Band later affiliated with 15th Field Regt. R.C.A. Funeral Service Saturday, April 19th at 9:30 a.m. in the CHAPEL OF CHIMES, Harron Bros. Ltd. on 10th Ave., 2 blocks west of Main St. Maj Rev. Canon J.W. Robinson CD, CCA, Ch. C. (Retired). Internment Field of Honour, Forest Lawn Memorial Park.
On April 13, 1969 Staff Sgt. James Henry Walker of 28 E. 40th Ave., aged 70 years. Survived by many friends. Served in First World War, and in Second World War, with 43rd Medium Anti-Aircraft Regiment Band later affiliated with 15th Field Regt. R.C.A. Funeral Service Saturday, April 19th at 9:30 a.m. in the CHAPEL OF CHIMES, Harron Bros. Ltd. on 10th Ave., 2 blocks west of Main St. Maj Rev. Canon J.W. Robinson CD, CCA, Ch. C. (Retired). Internment Field of Honour, Forest Lawn Memorial Park.
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