15th Field Artillery Regiment
The Royal Regiment of Canadian Artillery
1981
The Royal Regiment of Canadian Artillery
1981
as at 14 July 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
Change of Command Parade
The outgoing Commanding Officer Lieutenant-Colonel Stuart T. McDonald, CD signs over the Regiment to the Vancouver District Commander, Colonel Les Deane who provides the incoming Commanding Officer Lieutenant-Colonel John G MacGregor, CD with the task of commanding the Regiment. The outgoing Commanding Officer Lieutenant-Colonel Stuart T. McDonald, CD addresses the formed up regiment. See more...
The outgoing Commanding Officer Lieutenant-Colonel Stuart T. McDonald, CD signs over the Regiment to the Vancouver District Commander, Colonel Les Deane who provides the incoming Commanding Officer Lieutenant-Colonel John G MacGregor, CD with the task of commanding the Regiment. The outgoing Commanding Officer Lieutenant-Colonel Stuart T. McDonald, CD addresses the formed up regiment. See more...
13 Sep 1981 Chief Warrant Officer Eric C Tyldesley-Gore appointed Regimental Sergeant Major.
IMPORTANT NOTICE TO ALL OTHER RANKS OF THE
15 FIELD REGIMENT OF ROYAL CANADIAN ARTILLERY
THERE WILL BE A REGIMENTAL SERGEANT MAJORS PARADE SATURDAY
OCTOBER 3 rd AT 0900 hrs, BESSB0ROUGH ARMOURY. See more...
IMPORTANT NOTICE TO ALL OTHER RANKS OF THE
15 FIELD REGIMENT OF ROYAL CANADIAN ARTILLERY
THERE WILL BE A REGIMENTAL SERGEANT MAJORS PARADE SATURDAY
OCTOBER 3 rd AT 0900 hrs, BESSB0ROUGH ARMOURY. See more...
Members deployed on Operations
UN Disengagement Observer Force (UNDOF)
September 1981 Gunner Steve Darragh
September 1981 Bombardier Graeme Mutton
UN Disengagement Observer Force (UNDOF)
September 1981 Gunner Steve Darragh
September 1981 Bombardier Graeme Mutton
New Members
Dean Drysdale enrolled as an Officer Cadet in the unit.
Master Warrant Officer John Brownlee-Baker with previous service Royal Artillery.
Kevin Anderson
Malcolm Anderson
Harold Andrews
Dean Drysdale enrolled as an Officer Cadet in the unit.
Master Warrant Officer John Brownlee-Baker with previous service Royal Artillery.
Kevin Anderson
Malcolm Anderson
Harold Andrews
Sniping Gun Trophy
This trophy is awarded annually to the most proficient gun detachment firing in the sniping gun role or in another role determined by the regular force support staff. It was originally created and presented by the current detachment: Captain DB Harrison, Master Warrant Officer Fred H Rossi, Sergeant JYD Thiebert and Master Bombardier C McGinley. This year’s winner was AC gun detachment commanded by Master Bombardier Noel RR Dykes. |
Most Proficient Detachment Commander of the Year
The BC Ex Artillery Sergeants Association provided this trophy for the Regiment to recognize their most proficient Detachment Commander for the year. This trophy is to be awarded annually by the firing battery’s leadership in consultation with the Regular Force support staff. This year’s winner was Sergeant Noel RR Dykes. |
Master Warrant Officer John Brownlee-Baker
Master Warrant Officer John Brownlee-Baker joined the unit, having transferred from the British Army. After leaving school in 1958 Master Warrant Officer Brownlee-Baker enlisted in the Royal Artillery as a Boy soldier. He mustered to the colours from the Junior Leaders Regiment as Junior Regimental Sergeant Major in 1960 when he was posted to 3rd Regiment Royal Horse Artillery as a gun number. The next 14 years saw his rapid promotion through the ranks until, in 1974, he was promoted to Warrant Officer 1 and appointed Regimental Sergeant Major of 19 Field Regiment, Royal Artillery at 32, becoming the youngest Gunner Regimental Sergeant Major since World War 2. Two years later he was posted to the Royal School of Artillery as Garrison Sergeant-Major. In 1978 he left the British Army.
During his 20 years with the Royal Horse Artillery and the Royal Artillery he saw service in North and East Africa, Middle and Far East, Rhine Army, both southern and northern flanks of NATO, and in the UK. He was awarded his Long Service Medal in 1976 and holds bars to the General Service Medal for Radfan, South Arabia and Northern Ireland. He was awarded the Commander in Chief’s Commendation during operations in the Radfan Mountains in 1964. Throughout his military career he has completed numerous courses at the following military establishments: Royal School of Artillery; School of Infantry; Jungle Warfare School, Singapore; British and German Airborne Schools and CTC Royal Marines.
On leaving the British Army, Master Warrant Officer Brownlee-Baker returned to college and obtained his diploma in Industrial Engineering. He emigrated to Canada in 1979 and, after a short break from soldiering, he joined the 15th Field Regiment RCA as an MWO in 1981. A move to Ontario saw him transfer to 10 Field Battery in St. Catharines, and his commission to the rank of Captain as a Troop Commander.
Master Warrant Officer John Brownlee-Baker joined the unit, having transferred from the British Army. After leaving school in 1958 Master Warrant Officer Brownlee-Baker enlisted in the Royal Artillery as a Boy soldier. He mustered to the colours from the Junior Leaders Regiment as Junior Regimental Sergeant Major in 1960 when he was posted to 3rd Regiment Royal Horse Artillery as a gun number. The next 14 years saw his rapid promotion through the ranks until, in 1974, he was promoted to Warrant Officer 1 and appointed Regimental Sergeant Major of 19 Field Regiment, Royal Artillery at 32, becoming the youngest Gunner Regimental Sergeant Major since World War 2. Two years later he was posted to the Royal School of Artillery as Garrison Sergeant-Major. In 1978 he left the British Army.
During his 20 years with the Royal Horse Artillery and the Royal Artillery he saw service in North and East Africa, Middle and Far East, Rhine Army, both southern and northern flanks of NATO, and in the UK. He was awarded his Long Service Medal in 1976 and holds bars to the General Service Medal for Radfan, South Arabia and Northern Ireland. He was awarded the Commander in Chief’s Commendation during operations in the Radfan Mountains in 1964. Throughout his military career he has completed numerous courses at the following military establishments: Royal School of Artillery; School of Infantry; Jungle Warfare School, Singapore; British and German Airborne Schools and CTC Royal Marines.
On leaving the British Army, Master Warrant Officer Brownlee-Baker returned to college and obtained his diploma in Industrial Engineering. He emigrated to Canada in 1979 and, after a short break from soldiering, he joined the 15th Field Regiment RCA as an MWO in 1981. A move to Ontario saw him transfer to 10 Field Battery in St. Catharines, and his commission to the rank of Captain as a Troop Commander.
Operational Evaluation, Fort Lewis
Fort Lewis, spring time Ex Shellburst Valley, the annual evaluation/competition for all Reserve artillery units in Canada. Rating is based on manning levels and competency of each detachment.
Fort Lewis always brings surprises such as the airborne drop in the middle of the ex. "All Stations This is Range Control, Check Firing, Check Firing, Over." Last photo is Master Bombardier Keith Laing's detachment which was manned 50% by cadets. A detachment commander had to be at the top of his game when you realize the responsibility of having half a detachment that has never been on a howitzer before. Good job, Keith!
Fort Lewis, spring time Ex Shellburst Valley, the annual evaluation/competition for all Reserve artillery units in Canada. Rating is based on manning levels and competency of each detachment.
Fort Lewis always brings surprises such as the airborne drop in the middle of the ex. "All Stations This is Range Control, Check Firing, Check Firing, Over." Last photo is Master Bombardier Keith Laing's detachment which was manned 50% by cadets. A detachment commander had to be at the top of his game when you realize the responsibility of having half a detachment that has never been on a howitzer before. Good job, Keith!
These archival photos are labelled 1981 - which it could be - and Yakima - which it surely isn't. Can anyone shed some light on who, where and when?
We do however know that this is Sergeant Clif John producing gun data with the Hewlett Packard 41-C Calculator.
Sgt Layne Yoshimaru gun detachment with American safety officer.
We do however know that this is Sergeant Clif John producing gun data with the Hewlett Packard 41-C Calculator.
Sgt Layne Yoshimaru gun detachment with American safety officer.
MILCON 1981 - Yakima
Captain Peter Moogk, our Transport Officer, took this video of the exercise. It provides a great view of the exercise. In addition, we have a few photographs. Were you there? Care to share some of your pictures with the rest of us? See more... |
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Ex Black Bear, Shilo Manitoba
The German Army Training Establishment Shilo (GATES) had a requirement for artillery in support of their battle run at the end of their training cycle. This became a task available for the Reserve artillery units in Canada and 15th Field Artillery Regiment gamely volunteered: the rationale being the firing of someone else's ammunition allocation; additional class A pay added to the budget; a great commute to work via Herc - leave Friday night, back home by Sunday night; FOO parties equipped with M113 APCs; joining an Armoured Battlegroup assault with Leopard 1s and Marders!; and last...but most certainly not least, just wait for that Monday morning coffee break at work or school when the question comes up - How was your weekend? See more...
The German Army Training Establishment Shilo (GATES) had a requirement for artillery in support of their battle run at the end of their training cycle. This became a task available for the Reserve artillery units in Canada and 15th Field Artillery Regiment gamely volunteered: the rationale being the firing of someone else's ammunition allocation; additional class A pay added to the budget; a great commute to work via Herc - leave Friday night, back home by Sunday night; FOO parties equipped with M113 APCs; joining an Armoured Battlegroup assault with Leopard 1s and Marders!; and last...but most certainly not least, just wait for that Monday morning coffee break at work or school when the question comes up - How was your weekend? See more...
Members Extra-Regimentally Employed
Members employed with other Reserve units
8 September 1981 Brigadier-General William (Bill) T. Wickett, CD retirement as Area Commander
Chief Warrant Officer Eric C Tyldesley-Gore CD Vancouver Militia District Sergeant Major.
Former Members now in the Regular Force
Captain EE Johnson member of 76 Communications Group Headquarters Ottawa.
Sergeant Colin V. Norris member of E" Battery (Para) 2nd Regiment Royal Canadian Horse Artillery.
Captain Gary S Woloski posted to Regular Force Support Staff London, ON.
Members employed with other Reserve units
8 September 1981 Brigadier-General William (Bill) T. Wickett, CD retirement as Area Commander
Chief Warrant Officer Eric C Tyldesley-Gore CD Vancouver Militia District Sergeant Major.
Former Members now in the Regular Force
Captain EE Johnson member of 76 Communications Group Headquarters Ottawa.
Sergeant Colin V. Norris member of E" Battery (Para) 2nd Regiment Royal Canadian Horse Artillery.
Captain Gary S Woloski posted to Regular Force Support Staff London, ON.
Artillery Detachment Commanders Course – Spring 1981
Instructor Warrant Officer Mark J Jackson.
Students Master Bombardier Noel RR Dykes – Top Candidate.
Master Bombardier Paul Stewart
Master Bombardier Keith Laing
There was a total of seven students.
Instructor Warrant Officer Mark J Jackson.
Students Master Bombardier Noel RR Dykes – Top Candidate.
Master Bombardier Paul Stewart
Master Bombardier Keith Laing
There was a total of seven students.
Remembrance Day
Salute Troop Commander:
Salute Troop Asst Troop Commander:
Salute Troop Sergeant Major:
Can you tell me the names of the detachment members? Have you got better pictures?
See more...
Salute Troop Commander:
Salute Troop Asst Troop Commander:
Salute Troop Sergeant Major:
Can you tell me the names of the detachment members? Have you got better pictures?
See more...
Winter Warfare Training - February
The problem: the location was Vancouver and there was no snow, just rain. The solution: use the sandy beach at Spanish Banks as a substitute for snow. Lieutenant Dave Anderson and two others on the beach trying out their snowshoes. Instructions on how to wear snowshoes is the key, even if its raining! Are you in the photo? 1,2, Bombardier Colin Parkinson, 4, 5, Gunner Mike Imada, 7, Master Bombardier Jim Jacobson, Corporal Yoohni Lim 10, 11, 12 |
Lieuteant Dave Anderson, Gunner Mike Imada, 3,4,5,Gunner Doug McCall, 7,8,9,1, Bombardier Colin Parkinson, 12, Sergeant Mike Meehan, 14, Master Bombardier John McClelland, 16, 17, 18, Master Bombardier Jim Jacobson, 20, 21, Bombardier Layne Yoshimau
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Gastown Recruiting Display
The Regiment provides a display at Gastwon with Master Bombardier Paul Stewart; Lieutenant Dave Anderson and Second Lieutenant Chris Wightwick, an army cadet officer. The crowd seems attracted by some noise in the foreground while Captain Gord Croucher from the Public Affairs can be seen bottom right. |
Student Youth Employment Program (SYEP) Graduation Parade – August 1981
Course Officer was Captain Ian Newby. Private (Recruit) Geoff Wilkie leads the parade with Private (Recruit) James Christensen as right marker. Directly behind James, in the second rank is Private (Recruit) Barry Chafe.
Commanding Officer, Lieutenant-Colonel Stuart MacDonald presenting graduation certificate to Recruit James Christensen. Recruit Geoff Wilkie as parade commander. Captain Ian Newby to Commanding Officer’s right.
Course Officer was Captain Ian Newby. Private (Recruit) Geoff Wilkie leads the parade with Private (Recruit) James Christensen as right marker. Directly behind James, in the second rank is Private (Recruit) Barry Chafe.
Commanding Officer, Lieutenant-Colonel Stuart MacDonald presenting graduation certificate to Recruit James Christensen. Recruit Geoff Wilkie as parade commander. Captain Ian Newby to Commanding Officer’s right.
Yorke Island Adventure
A contingent of Officers went "Yorkey" on 12 August 1981. Under the maritime guidance of Captain Ian Newby the gang set out in his trusty vessel to meet up with the bus group at Kelsey Bay. How does that tune go? "A three hour cruise".
The mate was a mighty sailing man,
The skipper brave and sure.
Five passengers set sail that day
For a three hour tour, a three hour tour See more...
A contingent of Officers went "Yorkey" on 12 August 1981. Under the maritime guidance of Captain Ian Newby the gang set out in his trusty vessel to meet up with the bus group at Kelsey Bay. How does that tune go? "A three hour cruise".
The mate was a mighty sailing man,
The skipper brave and sure.
Five passengers set sail that day
For a three hour tour, a three hour tour See more...
Officers' Mess
Officers at Lunch
Training days at the Bessborough Armoury were also an opportunity for the officers to dine together in the Officers' Mess. We have a few photos from January showing Major John Jessop, Major John MacGregor, 3, Lieutenant Leo Kung, Lieutenant-Colonel Stuart McDonald, Captain John Hawthorne, Captain (ret'd) Bill Chilton, 8, Major Bob Mugford, Lieutenant Dave Anderson |
Officers' Mess dinner
I'm not sure what the dress code for the dinner was (your choice of attire?) but we can see quite the selection around the table. Bob Mugford in Battle Dress, Peter Faliszewski and John Jessop in Combat, Mess Dress Option with Peter Moogk and Ted Hoskinson in Battle Dress. Major John MacGregor is presented with a miniature parachute by Lieutenant Tony Jewells to honour his many years as an Air OP pilot as Ian Newby looks on. Peter Moogk inducted into the Honourable Order of Gentlemen Gunners by Lieutenant-Colonel Stu McDonald. Lieutenants Ci Young, Peter Moogk, Peter Faliszewski, David Anderson and Dean Drysdale.
I'm not sure what the dress code for the dinner was (your choice of attire?) but we can see quite the selection around the table. Bob Mugford in Battle Dress, Peter Faliszewski and John Jessop in Combat, Mess Dress Option with Peter Moogk and Ted Hoskinson in Battle Dress. Major John MacGregor is presented with a miniature parachute by Lieutenant Tony Jewells to honour his many years as an Air OP pilot as Ian Newby looks on. Peter Moogk inducted into the Honourable Order of Gentlemen Gunners by Lieutenant-Colonel Stu McDonald. Lieutenants Ci Young, Peter Moogk, Peter Faliszewski, David Anderson and Dean Drysdale.
St. Barbara's Dining In
Captain Ian Newby posing by "Teddy" the replacement for the Officers' Mess Bengal Tiger. The Commanding Officer Lieutenant-Colonel John MacGregor makes a presentation to the previous Commanding officer, Lieutenant-Colonel Stuart McDonald. Captain Charles Young and Captain Ian Newby present an award to a visiting American Artillery Officer. This may possibly have been as an inductee in to The Honourable Order of Gentleman Gunners.
Captain Ian Newby posing by "Teddy" the replacement for the Officers' Mess Bengal Tiger. The Commanding Officer Lieutenant-Colonel John MacGregor makes a presentation to the previous Commanding officer, Lieutenant-Colonel Stuart McDonald. Captain Charles Young and Captain Ian Newby present an award to a visiting American Artillery Officer. This may possibly have been as an inductee in to The Honourable Order of Gentleman Gunners.
Warrant Officers’ and Sergeants’ Mess
Annual Mess Dinner
The presentations this evening featured many to Sergeant “Scotty” McGinley, CD as he launched his retirement. Sergeant McGinley was certainly the man of the hour. See more...
The presentations this evening featured many to Sergeant “Scotty” McGinley, CD as he launched his retirement. Sergeant McGinley was certainly the man of the hour. See more...
Bessborough Armoury
Pacific Militia Area Headquarters
The photograph is undated but it appears to be a Commanders' Conference at Pacific Militia Area Headquarters in Jericho. Lieutenant-Colonel John MacGregor is in attendance which places the date in either 81, 82 or 83. Other Regimental members in the photo include John Hawthorne, Stuart McDonald, DB Harrison and Peter Erwin. |
Obituaries
Driver Milfred Jasper Daly
A resident of Benman Road, Cassidy, B.C. passed away in Nanaimo Hospital, Monday morning, December 28th, 1981. Born at Kenora, Ontario, Mr. Daly had been a resident of Cassidy for over 30 years and was 83 years of age. He was a vetrean of World War One and is survived by his wife Edith, at home, his daughter Margaret and husband Richard Bellhouse, Winnipeg, 6 grandchildren and 5 great-grandchildren. Graveside Services were held in the Field of Honor, Cedar Valley Memorial Gardens, Cedar, B.C. Thursday morning December 31st at 11:00 A.M. Arrangements by Mount Benson Funeral Directors, 125 Wallace Street, Nanaimo, B.C. Mount Benson Chapel.
A resident of Benman Road, Cassidy, B.C. passed away in Nanaimo Hospital, Monday morning, December 28th, 1981. Born at Kenora, Ontario, Mr. Daly had been a resident of Cassidy for over 30 years and was 83 years of age. He was a vetrean of World War One and is survived by his wife Edith, at home, his daughter Margaret and husband Richard Bellhouse, Winnipeg, 6 grandchildren and 5 great-grandchildren. Graveside Services were held in the Field of Honor, Cedar Valley Memorial Gardens, Cedar, B.C. Thursday morning December 31st at 11:00 A.M. Arrangements by Mount Benson Funeral Directors, 125 Wallace Street, Nanaimo, B.C. Mount Benson Chapel.
Gunner Norman Wilson Morgan
29 October 1895 - 18 April 1981
Born in Aberdeen, Scotland, Gunner Morgan was a Vancouver printer when he enlisted with the 68th Overseas Depot Battery, Canadian Field Artillery on 17 Apr 1916. He was transferred to the 62nd Battery, 15th Brigade on 15 May 1916 and embarked Halifax on 11 September 1916 onboard the S.S. Cameronia bound for Liverpool, England. On the dissolution of the 15th Brigade, he was transferred to the 4th Canadian Division Ammunition Column and, once in France, posted to 1st Canadian Division Ammunition Column. He arrived home and was discharged 14 May 1918. He was interred in Mountain View Cemetery, Vancouver, BC.
29 October 1895 - 18 April 1981
Born in Aberdeen, Scotland, Gunner Morgan was a Vancouver printer when he enlisted with the 68th Overseas Depot Battery, Canadian Field Artillery on 17 Apr 1916. He was transferred to the 62nd Battery, 15th Brigade on 15 May 1916 and embarked Halifax on 11 September 1916 onboard the S.S. Cameronia bound for Liverpool, England. On the dissolution of the 15th Brigade, he was transferred to the 4th Canadian Division Ammunition Column and, once in France, posted to 1st Canadian Division Ammunition Column. He arrived home and was discharged 14 May 1918. He was interred in Mountain View Cemetery, Vancouver, BC.
Gunner Alfred Adamson Copping
17 Mar 1981
82 years of age, died March, 17, 1981 in California. First World War Veteran. Shiney Third. Former Secretary of the Board of Works. Mile Champion of Canada. Beloved father of Gloria McClean, Mission Hills, CA, and June Parker, Victoria, B.C. Super grandfather to Wayne and Debby McClean and Carol Kuluva. Steve, Scott, Spencer Parker and Stephanie Law. Remembrances may be sent to: Morris Animal Foundation, 45 Inverness Dr. East, Englewood, Colorado 80112 for Equine Research. Private service, North Hollywood, California.
Enrolled with the 68th Overseas Depot Battery, Canadian Field Artillery in Vancouver.
17 Mar 1981
82 years of age, died March, 17, 1981 in California. First World War Veteran. Shiney Third. Former Secretary of the Board of Works. Mile Champion of Canada. Beloved father of Gloria McClean, Mission Hills, CA, and June Parker, Victoria, B.C. Super grandfather to Wayne and Debby McClean and Carol Kuluva. Steve, Scott, Spencer Parker and Stephanie Law. Remembrances may be sent to: Morris Animal Foundation, 45 Inverness Dr. East, Englewood, Colorado 80112 for Equine Research. Private service, North Hollywood, California.
Enrolled with the 68th Overseas Depot Battery, Canadian Field Artillery in Vancouver.
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