15th Field Artillery Regiment
The Royal Regiment of Canadian Artillery
1971
The Royal Regiment of Canadian Artillery
1971
as at 15 November 2020
Sub-units
31st Field Battery, RCA
68th Field Battery, RCA
Band of the 15th Field Artillery Regiment, RCA
31st Field Battery, RCA
68th Field Battery, RCA
Band of the 15th Field Artillery 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
Senior Regular Gunner
Brigadier-General E.M.D. Leslie, 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
Senior Regular Gunner
Brigadier-General E.M.D. Leslie, DSO, CD
Chief of Artillery
Colonel D.W. Francis, CD
Key Appointments
Promotions
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1 Feb 1971 Gunner Keith Laing promoted Bombardier. |
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1 Nov 1971 Bombardier Richard J Van Slyke promoted Lance Sergeant. |
New Members
24 March 1971 Colin V Norris enrolls as Private Recruit.
24 March 1971 Colin V Norris enrolls as Private Recruit.
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Autumn 1971 Gunner Glenn Patterson joins the unit after retiring from 3rd Regiment Royal Canadian Horse Artillery with four years service. First unit tasking was in the Signals Troop as an instructor.
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Courses
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QL3 Basic Artilleryman Course Bombardier Richard Van Slyke |
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QL4 Musician Course Bombardier Richard Van Slyke |
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Most Efficient Recruit 15th Field Regiment RCA
This award is presented to the most efficient recruit from the start of the training period in September of the previous year. This year’s winner of the trophy is: Private (Recruit) D.B. Callaghan. |
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Artillery Captain Qualifying Course
Course was conducted at CFB Petawawa, Ontario. Four members of the Regiment attended: Rear rank, right – Lieutenant Gary Woloski and Lieutenant Steven Burridge. Centre rank, right – Lieutenant John Yu and Lieutenant Bob Mugford. |
Remembrance Day
With one Battery tasked to fire the salute, the remainder of the Regiment marches in the parade at Victory Square. Familiar faces in the ranks: Gunners Leo Kung, David Kachel, Leon Jensen, Craig Stewart, Bill Barlow, Greg James; Bombardiers Dave Strebe, Keith Laing, Mike Meehan; Second Lieutenant Art Gee, Lieutenants Bob Mugford, Gary Woloski, Martin Casey; Captains Stuart McDonald, Steve Burridge; Majors Bill Wickett, Vic Stevenson, Ian Whitelaw and Lieutenant-Colonel Barrie Clemons.
With one Battery tasked to fire the salute, the remainder of the Regiment marches in the parade at Victory Square. Familiar faces in the ranks: Gunners Leo Kung, David Kachel, Leon Jensen, Craig Stewart, Bill Barlow, Greg James; Bombardiers Dave Strebe, Keith Laing, Mike Meehan; Second Lieutenant Art Gee, Lieutenants Bob Mugford, Gary Woloski, Martin Casey; Captains Stuart McDonald, Steve Burridge; Majors Bill Wickett, Vic Stevenson, Ian Whitelaw and Lieutenant-Colonel Barrie Clemons.
Fort Lewis, Washington
The Second in Command, Major Ian Whitelaw and the Battery Commander, Major Gary Bailey at the OP. Entertaining the entourage with another skilfully placed correction.
I believe that is Captain Stuart McDonald, with his FOO Tech and communicator, taking a bearing with his prismatic compass.
The Second in Command, Major Ian Whitelaw and the Battery Commander, Major Gary Bailey at the OP. Entertaining the entourage with another skilfully placed correction.
I believe that is Captain Stuart McDonald, with his FOO Tech and communicator, taking a bearing with his prismatic compass.
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Members deployed on Operations - Sergeant George Wood
Sgt George R Wood is attached posted to B Battery, 1st Regiment Royal Canadian Horse Artillery in Lahr, Germany as part of the reserve augmentation force to units of 4 Canadian Mechanized Battle Group. During his attachment, the regiment conducted their first ever live firing exercise in Mourmelon, France. This exercise was conducted with the 1 R22eR Combat Team and featured the usual dry manoeuvre training. See more... |
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Members deployed on Operations - Bombardier Richard J Van Slyke
15th Field Artillery Regiment had a second member on augmentation to the 1st Regiment, Royal Canadian Horse Artillery. Bombardier Richard J Van Slyke was attached to A Battery as a gun number with callsign 15F. Both Sergeant George Wood and Bombardier Van Slyke can be seen on parade formed up with the 1st Regiment Royal Canadian Horse Artillery. Bombardier Richard Van Slyke is possibly indicating the size of fish caught off the coast of BC or describing his trumpet? See more...
15th Field Artillery Regiment had a second member on augmentation to the 1st Regiment, Royal Canadian Horse Artillery. Bombardier Richard J Van Slyke was attached to A Battery as a gun number with callsign 15F. Both Sergeant George Wood and Bombardier Van Slyke can be seen on parade formed up with the 1st Regiment Royal Canadian Horse Artillery. Bombardier Richard Van Slyke is possibly indicating the size of fish caught off the coast of BC or describing his trumpet? See more...
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Recruiting Campaign 1971
Training with pay plus a ride into Bessborough Armoury in the back of a deuce and a half! This is where the action is, according to the ad in the the Province on 9 Feb 1971. |
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Recruit Course #1
On the parade square at Chilliwack. "Tallest on the right, Shortest on the left!" Warrant Officer Heinz Winter provides the drill lesson. 1, Doug Storey, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, Prokop, 9, 10, Roy McCracken, Claude Elezam, Alan Edward
A few of the qualified Gunners join the parade. Colin Norris, Graeme Mutton.
On the parade square at Chilliwack. "Tallest on the right, Shortest on the left!" Warrant Officer Heinz Winter provides the drill lesson. 1, Doug Storey, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, Prokop, 9, 10, Roy McCracken, Claude Elezam, Alan Edward
A few of the qualified Gunners join the parade. Colin Norris, Graeme Mutton.
Recruit Course #2
Battery Sergeant Major Master Warrant Officer Eric Tyldesley-Gore, Corporal Tony Lawrence and Sergeant Bill Amos inspect the course. Doug Loney and Prokop are two of the faces I recognize.
Battery Sergeant Major Master Warrant Officer Eric Tyldesley-Gore, Corporal Tony Lawrence and Sergeant Bill Amos inspect the course. Doug Loney and Prokop are two of the faces I recognize.
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Gun Exercise – Shilo MB
Standard format for an exercise was that a recce party would set out by civilian flight the week prior while the main body would board a Hercules on Friday night after work / school. Arrive Brandon, MB 0400 in the morning, breakfast, sign out equipment, deploy, lunch in field, deploy, overnight in barracks, breakfast deploy, return to camp by lunch, maintenance until 1500, depart for airport, arrive Vancouver 2000 hrs, get home, sleep, go to work in the AM. Where did that weekend go? |
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Shilo Gun Exercise
The slides were not marked so the date might be off by a year or two (or the photos might actually be from several different exercises, sigh). We do have some personalities that we can pick out in the crowd.
I was actually going to call the first photos, "the arrival of the Herc to pick us up," but it appears that the the individuals are actually walking away from the plane. I'm also not sure why the ramp isn't lowered completely. It does look like Stu McDonald and Padre Foulis standing at the back of the plane. See more...
The slides were not marked so the date might be off by a year or two (or the photos might actually be from several different exercises, sigh). We do have some personalities that we can pick out in the crowd.
I was actually going to call the first photos, "the arrival of the Herc to pick us up," but it appears that the the individuals are actually walking away from the plane. I'm also not sure why the ramp isn't lowered completely. It does look like Stu McDonald and Padre Foulis standing at the back of the plane. See more...
OKTOBERFEST '71 - Saturday, 23 October 1971
Wasn't that a party?
Hundreds of Regimental members and guests. There's a lot of work to do in order to get Bessborough Armoury ready fro the big party! Speakers to be hung from the rafters. Sergeant Ted Johnson works on some of the many signs to be hung. Gunner Brian Brooks works with Dave Strebe and Gunner Doug Loney stapling the paper tablecloths .
See more...
Wasn't that a party?
Hundreds of Regimental members and guests. There's a lot of work to do in order to get Bessborough Armoury ready fro the big party! Speakers to be hung from the rafters. Sergeant Ted Johnson works on some of the many signs to be hung. Gunner Brian Brooks works with Dave Strebe and Gunner Doug Loney stapling the paper tablecloths .
See more...
Canada Day Salute – 1 July 1971
Gunner Greg James standing watch. Gunner Leon Jensen, 2, Gunner Tom McCaskill, Gunner Greg James.
Detachment Commander Sergeant Keith Kasper. Sentry on right of picture – Bombardier Bill Amos. The Band of The 15th Field Artillery Regiment RCA. Drum Major - WO Jim Hamilton
Coming into Action! Barrels level, waiting for orders. See more...
Gunner Greg James standing watch. Gunner Leon Jensen, 2, Gunner Tom McCaskill, Gunner Greg James.
Detachment Commander Sergeant Keith Kasper. Sentry on right of picture – Bombardier Bill Amos. The Band of The 15th Field Artillery Regiment RCA. Drum Major - WO Jim Hamilton
Coming into Action! Barrels level, waiting for orders. See more...
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Armoury Life
31 Battery office in Bessborough Armoury. The Battery Sergeant Major. Master Warrant Officer Heinz Winters is talking to Bombardier Greg James. Behind them is Captain Art Gee discussing a document that the Battery Clerk, Private Jackie Revel is typing out. To the right is Major VW Barrie Hamilton, the Battery Commander, and Captain Wayne Davidson. |
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Christmas 1971
The Band of the 15th Field Artillery Regiment RCA comes visiting the Commanding Officer for a Christmas concert. |
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New Equipment - CF Greens
introduced in 1967 to the Canadian Armed Forces, the new CF Greens uniforms slowly makes its way through to the militia. Full production appears to have started in 1969 and the first appearance in our history is in photos from REFORGER 1971 where both Sergeant George Wood and Bombardier Richard Van Slyke are wearing the uniform on parade with the 1st Regiment Royal Canadian Horse Artillery. Other Militia augmentees on parade are still wearing Battle Dress. In 1973 the uniformed members of The Royal Canadian Artillery Association are all in the new Greens and in 1974 the regiment forms a quarter guard in CF Greens. Battle Dress is relegated to the Cadet movement.
introduced in 1967 to the Canadian Armed Forces, the new CF Greens uniforms slowly makes its way through to the militia. Full production appears to have started in 1969 and the first appearance in our history is in photos from REFORGER 1971 where both Sergeant George Wood and Bombardier Richard Van Slyke are wearing the uniform on parade with the 1st Regiment Royal Canadian Horse Artillery. Other Militia augmentees on parade are still wearing Battle Dress. In 1973 the uniformed members of The Royal Canadian Artillery Association are all in the new Greens and in 1974 the regiment forms a quarter guard in CF Greens. Battle Dress is relegated to the Cadet movement.
209th Battery Party
Master Warrant Officer Eric Tyldesley-Gore hosted a 209th Battery reunion party at his house. Unfortunately, it's hard to get organized for a party when people show up early! Especially when the likes of Bombardier Doug Brown start showing you how to start your lawnmower. At least they eventually sat on the front stairs and critiqued from there! 1,2,3,4,5,6, Bombardier Doug Brown, Sylvia Tyldesley-Gore, Don Friedsam.
See more...
Master Warrant Officer Eric Tyldesley-Gore hosted a 209th Battery reunion party at his house. Unfortunately, it's hard to get organized for a party when people show up early! Especially when the likes of Bombardier Doug Brown start showing you how to start your lawnmower. At least they eventually sat on the front stairs and critiqued from there! 1,2,3,4,5,6, Bombardier Doug Brown, Sylvia Tyldesley-Gore, Don Friedsam.
See more...
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Equipment News - THE ODIN COMPUTER SYSTEM
In March 1971 2 RCHA conducted firing trials on the Odin Computer System which includes a general purpose computer, a laser range finder and a muzzle velocity analyser. Members of the Regiment were very impressed with all three pieces of equipment and in general consider the Odin System to be superior to contemporary British and US designs. See more... |
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Message from the Colonel Commandant
With the passing of 1971, our Regular Gunners have entered into their second century of service. Much has been written during the past year about this centennial and I do not want to unduly belabour the event particularly as the Regiment as a whole celebrated its centennial some 16 years earlier. 100 years after the Militia Act authorized a small Voluntary active Militia and several of our batteries of that day became a part of this force. It was in fact from these Militia Batteries that the majority of the personnel were found to get “A” and “B” Batteries “on the road”.
See more...
With the passing of 1971, our Regular Gunners have entered into their second century of service. Much has been written during the past year about this centennial and I do not want to unduly belabour the event particularly as the Regiment as a whole celebrated its centennial some 16 years earlier. 100 years after the Militia Act authorized a small Voluntary active Militia and several of our batteries of that day became a part of this force. It was in fact from these Militia Batteries that the majority of the personnel were found to get “A” and “B” Batteries “on the road”.
See more...
ARTS 71 AND RSS
Captain R.J. Beardmore
Wainwright, Combat Group Concentration and formation exercise, Militia Concentration. SSEP (5B). Civilians, students, long hours, and irregular holidays. These are some of the thoughts that summer 1971 brings to the minds of 3 RCHA personnel. To six people, it brings to mind something else, something which made me keenly aware of two seemingly insignificant entries in the base telephone directory - - aware also of two small offices tucked away in the large headquarters building. ARTS was held at Wainwright during the summer of ’71. ARTS is not an extension faculty of the University of Alberta. However, it does involve education – even co-education.
See more...
Captain R.J. Beardmore
Wainwright, Combat Group Concentration and formation exercise, Militia Concentration. SSEP (5B). Civilians, students, long hours, and irregular holidays. These are some of the thoughts that summer 1971 brings to the minds of 3 RCHA personnel. To six people, it brings to mind something else, something which made me keenly aware of two seemingly insignificant entries in the base telephone directory - - aware also of two small offices tucked away in the large headquarters building. ARTS was held at Wainwright during the summer of ’71. ARTS is not an extension faculty of the University of Alberta. However, it does involve education – even co-education.
See more...
CANADIAN ARTILLERY: 1869
With regard to Field batteries of Artillery, (ten in number) they are in a perfectly serviceable and effective condition, and this satisfactory result reflects great credit, not only on the officers in command of these Batteries, but on the individual officers and men composing them.
The guns, 42 in number, and 441 horses (with the exception of the 6 pounder Armstrong battery in Halifax, which is not horsed) consist of muzzle loading, smooth bored 9 pounders, and twenty-four pounder howitzers, in the proportion of 3 nine pounder guns, and one 24 pounder howitzer to each battery, these are a good description of gun for field batteries, from the former, the projectiles fired are solid shot, shrapnel shells, and case and from the latter, common and shrapnell shell case – shot, and carcasses.
See more...
With regard to Field batteries of Artillery, (ten in number) they are in a perfectly serviceable and effective condition, and this satisfactory result reflects great credit, not only on the officers in command of these Batteries, but on the individual officers and men composing them.
The guns, 42 in number, and 441 horses (with the exception of the 6 pounder Armstrong battery in Halifax, which is not horsed) consist of muzzle loading, smooth bored 9 pounders, and twenty-four pounder howitzers, in the proportion of 3 nine pounder guns, and one 24 pounder howitzer to each battery, these are a good description of gun for field batteries, from the former, the projectiles fired are solid shot, shrapnel shells, and case and from the latter, common and shrapnell shell case – shot, and carcasses.
See more...
Officers' Mess
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St Barbara's Day Dinner
The menu for the dinner looked very impressive. It appears to be a great dinner with an excellent musical score put together by Acting CWO Peter Erwin. |
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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 LD Taylor was presented the trophy at the Sergeants Mess’ Annual Dinner for his performance during 1970. |
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Sergeants' Mess Dinner - 6 April 1971
It would be great to get some pictures from this event! |
Obituaries
Gunner John William Auton
On November 18, 1971, John William Auton, aged 76 years, formerly of 2685 E. 2nd Ave. Survived by 3 brothers, Edward, Jabez, and George, all of Vancouver; 2 sisters, Mary, Burnaby; Ellen, Vancouver; also several nieces and nephews. Served in First World War with 51st Howitzer Batt. Funeral service Tuesday, November 23 at 1 p.m. in the Chapel of Chimes, Harron Bros. Ltd., on 10th Ave., 2 blocks West of Main. St. Padre J.K. Goldie D.F.C C.D. officiating. Internment Ocean View Burial Park. Flowers gratefully declined, donations to Ladies Auxiliary Hospital, would be appreciated.
Gunner Auton enlisted in the 68th Depot Battery 4 April 1916.
On November 18, 1971, John William Auton, aged 76 years, formerly of 2685 E. 2nd Ave. Survived by 3 brothers, Edward, Jabez, and George, all of Vancouver; 2 sisters, Mary, Burnaby; Ellen, Vancouver; also several nieces and nephews. Served in First World War with 51st Howitzer Batt. Funeral service Tuesday, November 23 at 1 p.m. in the Chapel of Chimes, Harron Bros. Ltd., on 10th Ave., 2 blocks West of Main. St. Padre J.K. Goldie D.F.C C.D. officiating. Internment Ocean View Burial Park. Flowers gratefully declined, donations to Ladies Auxiliary Hospital, would be appreciated.
Gunner Auton enlisted in the 68th Depot Battery 4 April 1916.
Lieutenant William Archibald Beecroft
At Sunnybrook Hospital on Monday April 12, 1971, Doctor William Archibald Beecroft of 306 Finch Avenue East, Willowdale, beloved husband of Jessie Reed, and dear father of Harvey and Bill. Funeral service was held at the Humphrey Funeral Home, Toronto on Wednesday evening. Cremation. A memorial service will be held at Forest Grove United Church, 43 Forest Grove Drive, Willowdale on April 25 at 4 p.m.
Lieutenant Beecroft was a member of the 5th Canadian Siege Battery, Canadian Garrison Artillery during the First World War.
At Sunnybrook Hospital on Monday April 12, 1971, Doctor William Archibald Beecroft of 306 Finch Avenue East, Willowdale, beloved husband of Jessie Reed, and dear father of Harvey and Bill. Funeral service was held at the Humphrey Funeral Home, Toronto on Wednesday evening. Cremation. A memorial service will be held at Forest Grove United Church, 43 Forest Grove Drive, Willowdale on April 25 at 4 p.m.
Lieutenant Beecroft was a member of the 5th Canadian Siege Battery, Canadian Garrison Artillery during the First World War.
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Captain Cyril Walter Bell
Passed into the presence of his Lord. On July 10, 1971. Walter Bell, of 2494 Cornwall Ave., aged 80 years. Survived by his loving wife, Mary; 2 brothers, Isaac, Northern Ireland; Samuel, Calgary; many nieces and nephews in Canada, Ireland, U.S.A., and Australia. Mr. Albert Lackie will conduct the funeral service in the Mount Pleasant Chapel, Kingsway at 11th Ave., on Wednesday, July 14, at 2 p.m. Internment, Ocean View. |
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