15th Field Artillery Regiment
The Royal Regiment of Canadian Artillery
1998
The Royal Regiment of Canadian Artillery
1998
as at 13 December 2022
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
Key Appointments
Christmas Group Photo 1998
Christmas Dinner 1998
Back Row - Sgt Donato Calogero, Sgt George Lenis, Sgt Chris Delorme, Sgt Ken Chiu, Sgt Brian Holt, Sgt Dave Urquhart, WO Benson Lum, Sgt Kevin Walker, Rob Wishnicki, MBdr Tony Gee
Third Row - MBdr Rick Tennant, Cpl Jennifer Cruikshank, Bdr William Martinez, Bdr Rob Stone, 15, 16, MBdr Oliver Young, Bdr Craig Burridge, 20, Gnr Tym Spruston, 22, Gnr Conway Hui, Bdr Lisa Abbott, Bdr Barry Macleod, Bdr Conrad Skuce, MBdr Rob Garrett, MBdr John Meszaros, MBdr Bron Mach, Bdr Lyle Erickson, WO Don Labossiere, Sgt Ian Smith
Second Row - Bdr Glen Campbell, Capt Steve Watkins, Lt Isaak Skuce, Capt Nick Watts, Capt Grayson McCready, Lt Don Lamb, Capt David Montrose, Lt Iska Scholl, 2Lt Elizabeth Colling, Lt Doug Gayton, Lt David Scott
Front Row - Gnr Shannon Lukiv, Pte Wing Tsang, Gnr David Dendoff, Cpl Liane Louangxay, Gnr Jessica Dajko, LCol Leon Jensen, HLCol Vic Stevenson, MWO John McClelland, 51, 52, 53, 54, 55, 56
Back Row - Sgt Donato Calogero, Sgt George Lenis, Sgt Chris Delorme, Sgt Ken Chiu, Sgt Brian Holt, Sgt Dave Urquhart, WO Benson Lum, Sgt Kevin Walker, Rob Wishnicki, MBdr Tony Gee
Third Row - MBdr Rick Tennant, Cpl Jennifer Cruikshank, Bdr William Martinez, Bdr Rob Stone, 15, 16, MBdr Oliver Young, Bdr Craig Burridge, 20, Gnr Tym Spruston, 22, Gnr Conway Hui, Bdr Lisa Abbott, Bdr Barry Macleod, Bdr Conrad Skuce, MBdr Rob Garrett, MBdr John Meszaros, MBdr Bron Mach, Bdr Lyle Erickson, WO Don Labossiere, Sgt Ian Smith
Second Row - Bdr Glen Campbell, Capt Steve Watkins, Lt Isaak Skuce, Capt Nick Watts, Capt Grayson McCready, Lt Don Lamb, Capt David Montrose, Lt Iska Scholl, 2Lt Elizabeth Colling, Lt Doug Gayton, Lt David Scott
Front Row - Gnr Shannon Lukiv, Pte Wing Tsang, Gnr David Dendoff, Cpl Liane Louangxay, Gnr Jessica Dajko, LCol Leon Jensen, HLCol Vic Stevenson, MWO John McClelland, 51, 52, 53, 54, 55, 56
Nominal Roll 1998
Second in Command: Major Dean Drysdale
Adjutant: Captain David J Montrose
Regimental Command Post Officer: Lieutenant Doug P Gayton
Regular Support Staff: Captain Chris DM Byrne
Unit Training Assistant: Warrant Officer Don Labossiere
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Second in Command: Major Dean Drysdale
Adjutant: Captain David J Montrose
Regimental Command Post Officer: Lieutenant Doug P Gayton
Regular Support Staff: Captain Chris DM Byrne
Unit Training Assistant: Warrant Officer Don Labossiere
See more...
Promotions
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24 Oct 1998 Major Leon Jensen CD promoted Lieutenant-Colonel and appointed Commanding Officer |
New Members
Warrant Officer Don Labossiere was posted to the unit as the Unit Training Assistant from the Militia Training Detachment at 39 Canadian Brigade Group in Vancouver. Prior to this he had been with the 2nd Regiment Royal Canadian Horse Artillery in Petawawa, ON from 1990 until 1993. From 1986 until 1988 he was with the Royal Canadian Artillery Battle School in Shilo, MB before being posted to the Field Artillery School in Gagetown, NB. He was promoted Warrant Officer in 1987. Prior to Shilo he had been with the 2nd Regiment Royal Canadian Horse Artillery where he had been promoted to Sergeant in 1983. He had originally joined the Militia in 1977 before component transferring to the Regular Force artillery in 1980. During his career, he has deployed to both Cyprus and Somalia.
Warrant Officer Don Labossiere was posted to the unit as the Unit Training Assistant from the Militia Training Detachment at 39 Canadian Brigade Group in Vancouver. Prior to this he had been with the 2nd Regiment Royal Canadian Horse Artillery in Petawawa, ON from 1990 until 1993. From 1986 until 1988 he was with the Royal Canadian Artillery Battle School in Shilo, MB before being posted to the Field Artillery School in Gagetown, NB. He was promoted Warrant Officer in 1987. Prior to Shilo he had been with the 2nd Regiment Royal Canadian Horse Artillery where he had been promoted to Sergeant in 1983. He had originally joined the Militia in 1977 before component transferring to the Regular Force artillery in 1980. During his career, he has deployed to both Cyprus and Somalia.
Members Qualifications
30 Apr 1998 Major Leon Jensen CD attends US Army Reserve Pre-Command Course, Seattle, WA.
30 Apr 1998 Major Leon Jensen CD attends US Army Reserve Pre-Command Course, Seattle, WA.
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Gunner Douglas Corsor Jr. Memorial Trophy
The Gunner Douglas Corsor Jr. memorial trophy was created by his close friends in the Regiment, Gunner Noel RR Dykes, Gunner Joseph C. Gauthier, Gunner R. Gerard, Gunner H. Harsch and Gunner V. 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. This year’s award is presented to Gunner JM Dajko. |
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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) C Davis. |
Change of Command Parade
Lieutenant-Colonel Jack Mortlock signs over command of the 15th Field Artillery Regiment RCA to Lieutenant-Colonel Leon Jensen with the 39 Brigade Commander, Colonel Bill White in attendance. See more...
Lieutenant-Colonel Jack Mortlock signs over command of the 15th Field Artillery Regiment RCA to Lieutenant-Colonel Leon Jensen with the 39 Brigade Commander, Colonel Bill White in attendance. See more...
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Remembrance Day
The Regiment fires a 21 gun salute at Portside Park. |
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Police Memorial Day
The Regiment provides a Minute Gun to mark the beginning of the two minute silence for the fallen. It appears that Sergeant Ken Chiu's detachment required additional assistance by Lieutenant Doug Gayton.
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The Regiment provides a Minute Gun to mark the beginning of the two minute silence for the fallen. It appears that Sergeant Ken Chiu's detachment required additional assistance by Lieutenant Doug Gayton.
See more...
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15th Field Regiment RCA Rifle Range Challenge Cup
Dec 1998 Awarded to Master Bombardier Erickson and Master Bombardier Rick Tennant. |
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Ex Snake Bite 14 May 1998
Yakima Firing Centre in May - The weather could go either way - hot or cold. |
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Fort Lewis, Washington - October 1998
A great Autumn weekend for a live fire exercise. There's some clouds in the sky but it looks like we stayed dry. The faces are hard to make out in the photo. Were you there? Let me know where you're standing in the group shot, on the gun line or at the OP. Is this Sergeant George Lenis with his back to the camera? Master Bombardier Rob Garrett's gun detachment. Bombardier Rob Stone in the stand easy with Ken Chiu. Bombardier Barry MacLeod as number three. In the OP there's Bombardier Rick Tennant and Captain Kent Wickens. See more...
A great Autumn weekend for a live fire exercise. There's some clouds in the sky but it looks like we stayed dry. The faces are hard to make out in the photo. Were you there? Let me know where you're standing in the group shot, on the gun line or at the OP. Is this Sergeant George Lenis with his back to the camera? Master Bombardier Rob Garrett's gun detachment. Bombardier Rob Stone in the stand easy with Ken Chiu. Bombardier Barry MacLeod as number three. In the OP there's Bombardier Rick Tennant and Captain Kent Wickens. See more...
Bessborough Armoury
The struggle continues to retain the Bessborough and Beatty Street Armouries. The British Columbia Regiment forges ahead with their public campaign, the 15th Field Artillery Regiment, RCA in support. See more...
The struggle continues to retain the Bessborough and Beatty Street Armouries. The British Columbia Regiment forges ahead with their public campaign, the 15th Field Artillery Regiment, RCA in support. See more...
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Patrol Squadron 40 Change of Command
…one of the most memorable highlights of our Change of Command. As usual, your group was the highlight of the day…..execution …was superlative and drew rave reviews…outstanding performance…CO |
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2nd Annual Twilight Tattoo, Fort DeRussy, Hawaii
…your musicians perform exceptionally well…pass to your band our fondest gratitude Dep Dir for Ops ...sincere appreciation for the 15 RCA Band’s participation … professionalism … exemplary performance … Comd 25th Inf Div (Light) Band |
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Support Squadron Five Seven 20th Anniversary Celebration
…appreciated the band’s participation …made the weekend a rousing success … appreciated your professionalism and musical skill … you can be very proud of your unit … Commanding Officer |
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Carrier Air Wing Two Change of Command
…personal appreciation and gratitude … world’s finest military band … performance was spectacular … Thanks again, good friend… Comd Carrier Air Wing Two |
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Sunkings Change of Command
… express my most sincere thanks for the outstanding musical support … wonderful music and inspiring Canadian protocol … an event I will never forget … honorary Sunkings … impeccable professionalism … Commander |
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Carrier Airborne Early Warning Squadron One Hundred Sixteen
Your performance was truly the highlight of our ceremony … wonderful and breathtaking Commanding Officer |
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Jericho Garrison Community Fun Day
…Band put on a wonderful display of entertainment…musicians did an excellent and professional job, as always…helped make this event such a success. Garrison Comd |
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Patrol Squadron 91 Change of Command
… spirited performance … truly memorable … outstanding appearance and professionalism … great group of Canadian musicians … treasure for the rest of our lives …. Commanding Officer |
Regimental Christmas Card 1998
Regimental Boat Cruise
Members Extra-Regimentally Employed
Members in other units
Major-General Stuart T McDonald, CD Chief of Reserves and Cadets at National Defence Headquarters in Ottawa, ON.
Captain Kent A Wickens, CD to 61 Battery, 20th Field Artillery Regiment RCA in Edmonton, AB.
Former Members now in Regular Force
Captain Rob J Bower Canadian Forces Base Shilo, MB.
Captain Noel RR Dykes CD Recruiting Zone West Headquarters, Edmonton AB employed as Recruiting Zone (W) Headquarters Operations and Liaison Officer; Jun 98 posted to Recruiting Detachment, Edmonton AB; Employed as Military Career Counsellor.
Captain John P Pulchny Land Force Atlantic Area Headquarters, Halifax, NS.
Captain Glen R Hamilton-Brown 2nd Regiment Royal Canadian Horse Artillery, Petawawa, ON.
Captain Dennis Rintjema Royal Canadian Artillery School, Gagetown, NB.
Master Warrant Officer Colin Norris Regular Support Staff Prairie at 78th Field Battery, 20th Field Artillery Regiment, RCA in Red Deer, AB.
Warrant Officer Paul A Stewart Royal Canadian Artillery School, Gagetown, NB.
Warrant Officer Randy L Sedgwick PPCLI Battle School.
Warrant Officer Don B Gatward Western Area Training Centre, Wainwright, AB.
Sergeant George M Dempsey Fox Bty, 2nd Regiment Royal Canadian Horse Artillery, Petawawa, ON.
Master Bombardier PG Dolomont 1st Regiment Royal Canadian Horse Artillery, Shilo MB.
Members in other units
Major-General Stuart T McDonald, CD Chief of Reserves and Cadets at National Defence Headquarters in Ottawa, ON.
Captain Kent A Wickens, CD to 61 Battery, 20th Field Artillery Regiment RCA in Edmonton, AB.
Former Members now in Regular Force
Captain Rob J Bower Canadian Forces Base Shilo, MB.
Captain Noel RR Dykes CD Recruiting Zone West Headquarters, Edmonton AB employed as Recruiting Zone (W) Headquarters Operations and Liaison Officer; Jun 98 posted to Recruiting Detachment, Edmonton AB; Employed as Military Career Counsellor.
Captain John P Pulchny Land Force Atlantic Area Headquarters, Halifax, NS.
Captain Glen R Hamilton-Brown 2nd Regiment Royal Canadian Horse Artillery, Petawawa, ON.
Captain Dennis Rintjema Royal Canadian Artillery School, Gagetown, NB.
Master Warrant Officer Colin Norris Regular Support Staff Prairie at 78th Field Battery, 20th Field Artillery Regiment, RCA in Red Deer, AB.
Warrant Officer Paul A Stewart Royal Canadian Artillery School, Gagetown, NB.
Warrant Officer Randy L Sedgwick PPCLI Battle School.
Warrant Officer Don B Gatward Western Area Training Centre, Wainwright, AB.
Sergeant George M Dempsey Fox Bty, 2nd Regiment Royal Canadian Horse Artillery, Petawawa, ON.
Master Bombardier PG Dolomont 1st Regiment Royal Canadian Horse Artillery, Shilo MB.
Officers' Mess
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A pair of fine gunner gentlemen, the Honorary Lieutenant-Colonel R. Vic Stevenson, CD and Lieutenant-Colonel Douglas Gayton, CD after Wednesday lunch at Christmas time.
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13 Feb 1998 - Steve Minnie hired on as Mess Steward.
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Warrant Officers' and Sergeants' Mess
Annual Dinner
The Warrant Officers' and Sergeants' Annual Dinner is an excellent vehicle to recognize those that were leaving the military. At this dinner, Warrant Officer Rene Bischof is retiring after many years serving as an Administrative Clerk at the Headquarters of Pacific Militia Area. Rene started out his Canadian career in 15th Field Regiment in the 1970s after several years in the Swiss military.
The Regimental Sergeant Major, Master Warrant officer John McClelland presents a casing to Rene after Master Warrant Officer Dave Levien's presentation of his departure scroll. PMC for the dinner is Warrant Officer Rob Wishnicki. The Second in Command of the Regiment, Major Alfred Woo is seated by the RSM.
The Warrant Officers' and Sergeants' Annual Dinner is an excellent vehicle to recognize those that were leaving the military. At this dinner, Warrant Officer Rene Bischof is retiring after many years serving as an Administrative Clerk at the Headquarters of Pacific Militia Area. Rene started out his Canadian career in 15th Field Regiment in the 1970s after several years in the Swiss military.
The Regimental Sergeant Major, Master Warrant officer John McClelland presents a casing to Rene after Master Warrant Officer Dave Levien's presentation of his departure scroll. PMC for the dinner is Warrant Officer Rob Wishnicki. The Second in Command of the Regiment, Major Alfred Woo is seated by the RSM.
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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. It is awarded at the Warrant Officers' and Sergeants’ Mess Annual Mess Dinner for their activities in the previous year. The winner for his service in 1997 is Sergeant Donato Calogero. |
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Regimental Museum
Summer Intern
The museum’s summer intern, Taryn Gunter amassed a great deal of information on Bessborough Armoury from as far afield as National Archives in Ottawa. Her summer work produced the first draft of Vancouver’s Bessborough Armoury, A History, and a comprehensive body of material on the Armoury.
The museum’s summer intern, Taryn Gunter amassed a great deal of information on Bessborough Armoury from as far afield as National Archives in Ottawa. Her summer work produced the first draft of Vancouver’s Bessborough Armoury, A History, and a comprehensive body of material on the Armoury.
Bessborough Armoury Cannons
In 1977, Major Ian Newby of 15th Artillery Field Regiment was visiting Woolwich, England when a number of old cannon barrels were uncovered during the excavation for a housing project on the site of an old ordnance factory. The London County Council offered the barrels to the Royal Artillery at Woolwich. Major Newby made a request for two of the barrels to be donated to the 15th Field Artillery Regiment and after a bit of paper work, the barrels were ours. Now the problem was how to get them to Vancouver. See more...
In 1977, Major Ian Newby of 15th Artillery Field Regiment was visiting Woolwich, England when a number of old cannon barrels were uncovered during the excavation for a housing project on the site of an old ordnance factory. The London County Council offered the barrels to the Royal Artillery at Woolwich. Major Newby made a request for two of the barrels to be donated to the 15th Field Artillery Regiment and after a bit of paper work, the barrels were ours. Now the problem was how to get them to Vancouver. See more...
Obituaries
Major Kenneth Melbourne Bonnett CD
Major Bonnett was taken on strength with the 15th Coast Regiment RCA on 1 April 1946 as a Lieutenant. He was promoted Captain on 2 June 1949 and appointed Adjutant on 16 September 1954. On 1 January 1957 he relinquished the appointment of Adjutant and was attached to 24 Militia Group Headquarters. On 2 September 1957 he was promoted Major and appointed Battery Commander 158 Battery. Major Bonnett was awarded the Canadian Forces Decoration on 17 February 1958. He was predeceased by his wife Rachel Erskine Nimmo Carson and leaves behind two daughters. Major Bonnett was interred at the Masonic Cemetery of British Columbia in Burnaby BC.
Major Bonnett was taken on strength with the 15th Coast Regiment RCA on 1 April 1946 as a Lieutenant. He was promoted Captain on 2 June 1949 and appointed Adjutant on 16 September 1954. On 1 January 1957 he relinquished the appointment of Adjutant and was attached to 24 Militia Group Headquarters. On 2 September 1957 he was promoted Major and appointed Battery Commander 158 Battery. Major Bonnett was awarded the Canadian Forces Decoration on 17 February 1958. He was predeceased by his wife Rachel Erskine Nimmo Carson and leaves behind two daughters. Major Bonnett was interred at the Masonic Cemetery of British Columbia in Burnaby BC.
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Gunner Nelson Edward Longeuay
Died at home October 31, 1998. He served with the Royal Canadian Artillery from 1939-1945, taken prisoner at Dieppe August 19, 1942, liberated April 1945, returned to England, married Joy, June 1945. He is survived by Joy; his daughters, Linda and Jill (Ron); sons, Edward and Robert (Brenda); five fine grandsons, John and Jeffrey Miguez, Jared, Austin and Warren Longeuay; niece, Janis (Mike); sisters -in-law, Lucile and Vera. Gunner Longeuay was a member of the 1st Searchlight Regiment, RCA before transferring to the 16th Light Anti-Aircraft Regiment, RCA for overseas service. See more... |
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Battery Sergeant Major Harry Mangles
Harry (Gump) Mangles passed away peacefully at Kelowna General Hospital on March 31st, 1998 at the age of 83 years. Harry was sadly predeceased by his wife Agnes Mangles in 1991. Survived by his loving family BSM Mangles was a member of the 15th Brigade, Canadian Field Artillery before the Second World War and served with the 15th (Vancouver) Coast Brigade, RCA during the war. See more... |
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Bombardier Liam James O'Neill
Liam James, aged 28 years, died in Southern California October 28th 1998. he was the beloved first born to Elizabeth and Paschal O'Neill. He is survived by brother Sean Patrick, sister-in-law Christine and his son Dylan James who is aged 5. Representing the extended family in Eire and the United Kingdom are Aunt and Uncle, Mr. and Mrs. Malcolm Burton of Southampton, England and cousin Mr. Eammo Drohan of Rome, Italy. See more... Bombardier O'Neill was a member of the 15th Field Artillery Regiment from 1987 to 1993. |
Gunner Lindsay Ellen Sansome
Passed away suddenly on Friday, December 11, 1998 at the age of 21 years. She will be sadly missed and lovingly remembered by her parents; Deborah and Les, her brother Myles; Fiancé Mike McLean, and her grandparents David and Mary Sansome, also many extended family members and all other lives she touched. A memorial service will be held at Victory Memorial Park Funeral Centre, 14831 – 28 Ave, Surrey, BC on Wednesday, December 16, 1998 at 4:00 pm. Gunner Sansome was a member of the 15th Field Artillery Regiment, RCA from 1994 to 1996. See more...
Passed away suddenly on Friday, December 11, 1998 at the age of 21 years. She will be sadly missed and lovingly remembered by her parents; Deborah and Les, her brother Myles; Fiancé Mike McLean, and her grandparents David and Mary Sansome, also many extended family members and all other lives she touched. A memorial service will be held at Victory Memorial Park Funeral Centre, 14831 – 28 Ave, Surrey, BC on Wednesday, December 16, 1998 at 4:00 pm. Gunner Sansome was a member of the 15th Field Artillery Regiment, RCA from 1994 to 1996. See more...
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
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