1976

1974

15th Field Artillery Regiment
The Royal Regiment of Canadian Artillery
1975

as at 30 May 2023

Sub-units
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
                Brigadier-General E.M.D. Leslie, DSO, CD

Senior Regular Gunner
Brigadier-General R.G.J. Heitshu CD
​​
Director of Artillery
Colonel J.A. Cotter, CD

Key Appointments

Regular Support Staff Officer: Captain DB Harrison
Regular Support Staff Warrant: Warrant Officer Fred H Rossi

Promotions

​1975            Captain Robert (Bob) E Mugford, CD promoted Major.

New Members
Bombardier Keith Laing rejoins as Gunner
Samuel Abimael Andrade
Donna-May Ankersen

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) Harry T. Harsch.

Gunner Douglas Corsor Jr. Memorial Trophy
​This trophy was created by his close friends in the Regiment, Gunner Noel RR Dykes, Gunner Joseph C. Gauthier, Gunner Reginald Gerard, Gunner Harry Harsch and Gunner Vivian Hughes after his untimely death in a vehicle accident in 1974. It is presented to the Gunner that most exemplifies the best characteristics of being a Gunner. In this year’s inaugural award, it is presented to the late Gunner Douglas Corsor Junior.

Members Extra-Regimentally Employed
Former Member now in the Regular Force
 Gunner Colin V Norris member of 1 Airborne Battery, RCA.

Members Qualifications
Qualification Level 4 (QL4) Artillery Driver Wheeled Course – Spring 1975
Instructor            Sergeant Mike Meehan
Students              Gunner Noel RR Dykes
                               Gunner Joseph C. Gauthier
                               Gunner Ernie Kovacs
 
Qualification Level 4 (QL4) Artillery Basic Arty Communications – Winter 1975
Instructor           
Students              Gunner Noel RR Dykes
 
Basic Parachutist Course
Sgt Richard Van Slyke
 
QL6B Musician Course
Sgt Richard Van Slyke ​

Retirements
Sergeant Glenn Patterson retires

Blair Competition, Chilliwack, BC 
7-8 Jun 1975                       
Sgt Leon Jensen

Milcon 75, Fort Lewis, WA     22 Jun–5 Jul 1975
​Not the best camouflage net in the world. More like a fishing net. But it did cut down a bit on the sun. The good part is the WP on the position. Wonder what the burn index is for today?
The RQMS building where everyone seems to gather! That could be Warrant Officer? Bill  Amos and Sergeant Leon Jensen (blue t-shirt) with their backs to the camera. Beside them are Master Warrant Officer Eric Tyldesley-Gore and the Regimental Sergeant Major, Chief Warrant Officer  Brian Cormier.   See more...

And here's the smoker photo. At least there was no Teddy Bear! There are some blank names in the photo though. Please send them to president.vcrgunners@gmail.com

Back Row - RSM CWO Brian Cormier, MWO Eric Tyldesley-Gore, Pte Nancy Olson, Sgt Leon Jensen, Sgt Mike Meehan, Bdr Clive Watson, 7, Capt Peter Erwin, 9, WO John Wright, Sgt Brian Hill, 12, 13, Sgt Richard Van Slyke, 15, Gnr Gary Tylee, Gnr Joey Gauthier, 18, 19, Bdr Mark Jackson, 21, Gnr Graeme Mutton, 23, Sgt Dave Levien, 25, 26, 27, WO Fred Rossi, Bdr Al Edward
Front Row - Sgt Joe Phelan, Cpl Darlene Willing, WO Don Friedsam, WO Bill Amos, Sgt Brian Harmon, MWO Jim Hamilton, Sgt Gordie Wright, Gnr Dave Warner, 38, Gnr Dawne Belcher, Gnr Marie Thibeault, Gnr Doug Johnston, Gnr Don Booth, Bdr Bill Loiselle, Cpl Wendy Wright, Cpl Diane Grant, Bdr Doug Loney, Bdr Claude Elezam, Cpl Jackie Revell

Massed Bands Concentration
1st of July Sunset Ceremony with invited guests Lieutenant-Governor of British Columbia, Walter Stuart Owen (Honorary Colonel of the 5th (BC) Field Artillery Battery, RCA)  and a crowd of about 5,000 Americans.
​The 4th of July performance included massed pipes and drums of the Seaforth Highlanders of Canada and the Canadian Scottish Regiment (Princess Mary's Own). The Regimental Bands of the 15th Field Artillery Regiment, RCA, 5th (BC) Field Battery and the Royal Westminster Regiment were also in the programme. Drum Major Jimmy Hamilton leads the massed bands.   See more...

Unit Live Firing, Fort Lewis, WA​  10-13 Oct 1975 
Signals Sergeant - Sergeant Leon Jensen
Detachment Commander - Sergeant Brian H Hill
Bombardier Claude Elezam
Gunner Noel RR Dykes
Bombardier Lorne Gilmour      See more...

Range Exercise - Chilliwack  22 Mar 1975  
The bivouac set up by the Chilliwack Ranges. The advantages of having your own cooks is knowing that your troops are well taken care of. Gordie Wright and Joe Phelan provide an exceptional level of culinary expertise to the Regiment's soldiers. Looks like there are happy faces all around the food line up! Sergeant Joe Phelan and Gordie Wright dish out a great roast beef dinner to Gunner Hyldtoft, Gunner Gerard and Gunner Tylee.

Remembrance Day
Salute Troop Commander - 
Assistant Troop Commander - 
Salute Troop Sergeant Major - Warrant Officer Don Friedsam
#1 Detachment Commander – Bombardier Brian Hill
See more...

Recruiting Brochure
15TH FIELD ARTILLERY REGIMENT
R0YAL REGIMENT 0F CANADIAN ARTILLERY
PHONE: 733-5010
THANKS
(for taking time out to read me)
Within these few pages we hope to introduce and tell you just a little about ourselves and what we do. We are an organization which needs you but we also feel you need us too.
See more...

Recruiting Handout
​We're not sure on the date that this handout was published. It lists  the 733 phone exchange and it talks about opportunities to "train in Germany and in the Middle East." I've placed it in 1975 until someone corrects me.

Pacific National Exhibition Canadian Forces Display
The unit participated in the display by providing their Deuce and a half Command Post and a 105mm C1 howitzer.

Soldiers' Christmas Dinner
​Second Lieutenant George Laschuk, Second Lieutenant John Carter and Second Lieutenant Charles I Young prepare to serve the troops joined by the more senior Honorary Colonels.
Warrant Officer Al Yelland calls for more wine, sitting at the table with Warrant Officer Bill Amos, Sergeant Richard Van Slyke, Brian Harmon, Mike Meehan, Claude Elezam. The Commanding Officer serves the youngest soldier, Private Steve Darragh.
The youngest soldier, Private Steve Daragh, with the Honorary Lieutenant-Colonel Griffiths, the Commanding Officer Lieutenant-Colonel Bill Wickett and the Honorary Colonel Graham Blyth.

​Area Commanders’ Special Dining In

The Area Commander invited all female members of the Pacific Militia Area to a Special Dining-In at the Jericho Officers’ Mess.
Chief Clerk Sergeant Lee Siemens, Dawne Belcher, 2, Thibault, Wendy Wright, Private Nancy Olson, Corporal Jackie Revell, Corporal Darlene Willing.

Fashion Shoot at Bessborough Armoury
The Province fashion writer crafted an article on military styled fashions with photos by military photographer Gord Croucher. The quality of the scanned newspaper articles leave a lot to be desired, however we did find some proofs tucked away in the archives. Fashion from 50 years ago in the 70s. See more...

​​Officers' Mess

New Year's Day Levee
There's a lot of posed photos from this year's Levee! The first one must be the early crew that's just starting to recover from the night before. Captain Bob Mugford, Major Barrie Hamilton, Second Lieutenant George Laschuck, Captain Wayne Davidson, Lieutenant Brian Gray, Lieutenant-Colonel Bill Wickett and Major Stuart McDonald. The arrival of the Honorary Colonel Graham Blyth seems to have added some decorum to the group.
The more formal poses with the Honoraries followed by the Area and District Commander​
See more...

St Barbara's Day Dinner
Gifts are exchanged and speeches are made. As customary with the Royal Regiment of Canadian Artillery, this takes place before dinner. A great tradition that ensures that speeches do not drag out the time sitting at the dining table.
After dinner we have the playing of Regimental Marches. With a twist. You might get selected to conduct the band playing your regimental march. I trust that you've learned that skill somewhere in your Junior Officer's training career....
See more...

Dining In

Sergeants' Mess

Annual Mess Dinner
Sergeant Leon Jensen successfully recites the Battle of Nery at the Sergeants’ annual Mess Dinner for his indiscretion as a junior Sergeant.
The following is an account of the action on the morning of August 31st, 1914, from the book "The First Seven Divisions" by Captain Ernest W. Hamilton, 11th Hussars, and on the staff of Sir John French: "The same morning witnessed a very heroic little action at Nery.   See more...

​The Brigadier DuMoulin Trophy
This trophy is awarded to the most efficient member of the Sergeants’ Mess as determined by the displayed rating system.
Sergeant WJ (Bill) Amos was presented the trophy at the Warrant Officers’ and Sergeants Mess’ Annual Dinner for his performance during 1974.

Other  Dinners 1975

Junior Ranks Club

A couple of items from the past. Does anyone have memories of the Standdown Party? Who organized it? and what's meant by Group "Muffen"?

Coast Defence in British Columbia, 1939-1941: Attitudes and Realities 
T. Murray Hunter wrote an article for BC Studies, no. 28, Winter 1975-76 that dealt with the creation of the coast defence systems in British Columbia during the Second World War.

Coast Defence in BC.pdf
File Size:	2928 kb
File Type:	pdf

Download File

---

15th Coast Brigade and 1st Searchlight Regiment Reunion - 11 April 1975
The first four slides were marked as the Yorke Island Reunion but they did not include a date. It now appears that they were part of this larger reunion. Thanks to Peter Moogk, we've got a few names from the group photo.  From L-R in the back row are Len Cuddeford, Jerry Hatton, Doug Moore, Nelson Longeuay (holding enlargement of press photo of 6" gun), K.M "Ken" Bonnett, St. Clair McPherson, (also holding photo), Ross Johnson (partially obscured), and A. "Gus" Clarke.  In the front row are F.C. "Bud" Garrett, Nelson Darling, R.T. "Theo" Dumoulin, and Ted Cuddeford. 

​Sergeant Bernie Whistling Smith
Whistling Smith was a former member of 85 Battery , 15th {Vancouver} Coast Regiment RCA and spent some time stationed at Yorke Island. 

Canadian Gunner 1975
MESSAGE FROM THE COLONEL COMMANDANT
From The Canadian Gunner 1975
I am delighted to have the opportunity to wish all comrades of the Royal Regiment of Canadian Artillery and their loved ones all the best in 1976.
Because the Gunner case was well presented by the Director and his devoted staff, many of our most serious problems were resolved last year. Having achieved so much that is so essential in 1975, it is now incumbent upon all of us to honour the support of the Chief of Defence Staff by making sure his plans are implemented with maximum efficiency and economy in 1976.   See more...

Royal Canadian Artillery Association Annual Meeting
​The 1975 annual meeting of the RCAA was held at CFB Valcartier during 25 to 27 September. It marked the Association’s first meeting at Valcartier, and LCol Pete Bouvette and his officers ensured that our stay was indeed memorable.
We were most fortunate in having an excellent representation of regular force gunners. These included: Cols Cotter, Calnan, Wellsman, Doucet and Beudry; LCols Ward, Hurley, Stothers and Bouvette; Majs Thompson, Kennedy and Greenizan. BGen Heitshu and Maj Walton were unfortunately hung up at the last minute and therefore unable to join us. Those present, however, took very active and constructive roles in all the proceedings.  See more...

Obituaries

Gunner Reuben Charles Ayre
Former resident of Regina dies 
Reuben Charles Ayre, a longtime employee of the Regina public school system, died May 9 in Victoria, B.C. at age 95.
Mr. Ayre came to Regina from his native England in 1903 and worked with the school board until he moved to Victoria in 1949. He is survived by his wife Rhoda and several nieces and nephews in England and Canada
The funeral service was in Cunningham Funeral Chapel in Victoria, with burial in Royal Oak Burial Park.
Gunner Ayre was a member of 15th Brigade, Canadian Field Artillery in 1916.

---

Gunner John William Blogg
The death of John Blogg age 81 years, of 660 Franklin Street, occurred in the city on Jan. 1, 1975. Private funeral services were held on Friday, Jan 3, 1975. Interment was in the family plot, Brandon cemetery. The Very Rev. John F.S. Conlin of St. Matthew’s Cathedral officiated. Arrangements were with Brockie Donovan.​
Gunner Blogg was taken on strength Ammunition Column, 15th Brigade, Canadian Field Artillery 15 May 1916.

---

Gunner Frederick William Coldwell
At his daughter’s residence, 1080 Slugett Road, Brentwood Bay, B.C., on October 18th, 1975, Mr. Frederick William Coldwell, age 74 years. Born in Victoria, B.C., late residence, 4030 Quadra Street. He leaves his sons, George and Fred in U.S.A., daughter, Mrs. P. (Gloria) Williams, Brentwood Bay, B.C., five grandchildren, four sisters and two brothers.
Service will be held in the Sands Mortuary Limited “Memorial of Chimes” on Wednesday, October 22, 1975 at 3 p.m. Rev. R. D. Holmes officiating. Flowers gratefully declined. Those so desiring may contribute to the Gideons International in Canada, 402-2626 Cook St., Victoria, B.C.
Gunner Coldwell was taken on strength with  Headquarters, 15th Brigade, Canadian Field Artillery in 1916.

---

Gunner David Cecil Mines Davies
At Royal Jubilee Hospital, April 24, 1975, born in London, England 83 years ago. Has resided in Victoria for the past 28 years following 35 years as a civil engineer with the Provincial Dept. of Highways at Regina. Survived by his wife Elizabeth and daughter-in-law Joyce and grandchildren Kim and Michelle of Vancouver. Also a brother Victor of Vancouver. Served overseas with the 60th Battery, World War I. He was a member of the Victoria Lawn Bowling Club. A private family service will be held at Cunningham Funeral Chapel on Monday, April 28, 1975 with the Rev. W.E. Greenheigh officiating followed by cremation. Flowers gratefully declined.
Gunner Davies served with the 60th Battery, 15th Brigade, Canadian Field Artillery during World War I.

---

Gunner Joseph Graydon
On June 16, 1975, Joseph Graydon of Vancouver in his 89 year. Survived by his wife, Clara; son, Maurice; 2 daughters, Mrs. Eileen Coulson, and Mrs. Kathleen Myers; brother, Thomas; sister, Mrs. Ray Pennock. Deceased was a member of Branch No. 142 R.C. Legion. Funeral service Thursday, June 19 at 1 p.m. in the chapel of Hamilton Mortuary, Fraser St. at 38th Ave., Rev, Maj. E.J. Dossett officiating, cremation. Donations to the charity of your choice appreciated in lieu of flowers.
Gunner Graydon enlisted with the 68th Overseas Depot Battery on 21 February 1916 and served in France and Belgium.

---

Sergeant William Renfrew
Following a lengthy illness at Shaughnessy Hospital in Vancouver on December 25, 1975, Mr. William Renfrew, aged 79 years, late of 3361 Doncaster Dr., Victoria, B.C. Mr. Renfrew of a pioneer family was delivered by Dr. J.D. Helmcken at the family residence on September 11, 1896. His father, John Crawford Renfrew, came from Paisley, Scotland, in 1891 and with two partners opened the first dry cleaners in Victoria. It was originally known as B.C. Dye Works, and later when his three sons Thomas, William and Robert joined the firm it became known as Renfrew Bros., Cleaners, 1012 Yates St., In 1966 they sold the firm. An ardent sports fisherman, he was a life member of the Royal Canadian Legion, Pro Patria Branch. He served with the Artillery 68th Battery C.F.A. in the First World War, also a Sergeant Infantry (R.F) during the Second World War.

---

Gunner Walter Nicholas Wright
On September 20, 1975, Walter Nicholas Wright in his 92nd year, of suite 312, Glacier Apartments, Powell River. Survived by 2 nephews, Vancouver; and 3 nieces, Chelmsford, England. A member of Triune Masonic Lodge No. 81, Powell River. Veteran of First World War. Memorial Service to be held at St. David’s Church, 4447 Joyce Ave., Powell River, at 7:30 p.m., Sunday, September 28. Very Rev. Archdeacon R.S. Foulkes officiating. In lieu of flowers donations to the charity of your choice. Arrangements through The Memorial Society of B.C. and First Memorial Services Ltd.
Gunner Wright enlisted with the Vancouver Volunteer Reserve, Boorman's Battery on 27 January 1916 and served overseas with 2nd Brigade, Canadian Field Artillery.

---

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