15th Field Artillery Regiment
The Royal Regiment of Canadian Artillery
2020
The Royal Regiment of Canadian Artillery
2020
as at 10 May 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
Change of Command
Lieutenant-Colonel Pierre Lajoie, CD turned over command of the 15th Field Artillery Regiment, RCA to Lieutenant-Colonel Nick Watts, CD on 23 May 2020. The 39 Canadian Brigade Group Commander, Colonel Paul Ursich, CD supervised the handover. See more...
Lieutenant-Colonel Pierre Lajoie, CD turned over command of the 15th Field Artillery Regiment, RCA to Lieutenant-Colonel Nick Watts, CD on 23 May 2020. The 39 Canadian Brigade Group Commander, Colonel Paul Ursich, CD supervised the handover. See more...
Promotions and Appointments
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14 August 2020 Second Lieutenant Dan Heydenrych promoted Lieutenant |
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16 September 2020 - Master Bombardier Daniel Taylor to Sergeant.
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3 July 2020 - Gunner Christopher Tse promoted Bombardier.
24 September 2020 - Gunner Kendall promoted Bombardier. 30 September 2020 - Private Priscilla Wong promoted Corporal. 11 November 2020 - Gunner Pugh promoted Bombardier. 11 November 2020 - Gunner Steele promoted Bombardier. 1 October 2020 - Gunner Robin Chan promoted Bombardier. |
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14 August 2020 - Private Thomas Antrim qualified Gunner.
14 August 2020 - Private Huessner qualified Gunner. 14 August 2020 - Private Karis Mischenko qualified Gunner. 14 August 2020 - Private Bryce Pugh qualified Gunner. 14 August 2020 - Private Priscilla Wong qualified Human Resources Administrator. 24 September 2020 - Private Fuchs Thorne qualified Gunner. |
Remembrance Day Salute
This year, we commemorated the 75th anniversary of the end of World War II, and the end of the Battle of the Atlantic. This was also the year where we had to remember differently. Because of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, we were unable to gather by the thousands at Victory Square, as we would normally do. Instead, Vancouverites were asked to “remember in place” in their homes, watching a livestream broadcast of a safe and socially-distanced #RemembranceDay service. See more...
This year, we commemorated the 75th anniversary of the end of World War II, and the end of the Battle of the Atlantic. This was also the year where we had to remember differently. Because of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, we were unable to gather by the thousands at Victory Square, as we would normally do. Instead, Vancouverites were asked to “remember in place” in their homes, watching a livestream broadcast of a safe and socially-distanced #RemembranceDay service. See more...
Sovereign’s Medal for Volunteers
Congratulations to a former Commanding Officer of 15th Field Artillery Regiment, RCA who was recently presented the Sovereign’s Medal for Volunteers by the Honorary Colonel of The British Columbia Regiment (DCO). The medal is awarded “In recognition of...significant volunteer contributions”, which aptly describes Major Jim Barrett! Jim took a reduction in rank in order to continue his military service and is currently the Commanding Officer of 3300 BCR (Bhai Kanhaiya) RCACC. Good Shooting!
Congratulations to a former Commanding Officer of 15th Field Artillery Regiment, RCA who was recently presented the Sovereign’s Medal for Volunteers by the Honorary Colonel of The British Columbia Regiment (DCO). The medal is awarded “In recognition of...significant volunteer contributions”, which aptly describes Major Jim Barrett! Jim took a reduction in rank in order to continue his military service and is currently the Commanding Officer of 3300 BCR (Bhai Kanhaiya) RCACC. Good Shooting!
Canadian Force Liaison Council (CFLC)
Lieutenant-Colonel Brent Purcell, Regional Liaison Officer, Employer Support, Pacific Region presents a briefing on Employer Support and the CFLC to the Regiment.
Lieutenant-Colonel Brent Purcell, Regional Liaison Officer, Employer Support, Pacific Region presents a briefing on Employer Support and the CFLC to the Regiment.
A Regimental Coin for Warrant Officer Class II George Chow
On Sunday, Sept 27, a Regimental party consisting of the Commanding Officer, Lieutenant-Colonel Nick Watts, Regimental Sergeant Major, Chief Warrant Officer Rob Garrett, Honorary Lieutenant-Colonel Don Foster and
George’s long-time friend Edmund Wu met George Chow at the hospital where currently he resides, to present him with the Regiment’s 100th Anniversary Coin in honour of his long time service to the Regiment. George recently broke his hip in a fall at home and is remaining in hospital to complete his recovery. George is recovering well and in good spirits and turns 99 in November.
In August 1940, two months before his 19th birthday, George went to the recruiting centre at the Bay Street Armoury in Victoria to sign up. After basic training he was transferred to 16th Light Anti-Aircraft Battery in Windsor, ON, for advanced training. The Battery was then shipped to Halifax to board a vessel for England. In England he was a member of the first all-Canadian crew to shot down the German plane on English soil.
During the Normandy Campaign, the 16 th Light Anti-Aircraft Battery, RCA was part of 2nd Army Group Royal Artillery (AGRA). They were lucky when they came off the Landing Craft Tank (LCT) as the water was only 9” deep during their landing and they continued to move inland to Caen and other regions of France before heading into Belgium, Germany, and the Netherlands. After the victory in Europe, George volunteered to prepare for the Pacific theatre, but his new assignment ended soon after the atomic bomb had been dropped in Japan.
After the Second World War, George joined the 43rd Heavy Anti-Aircraft Regiment, RCA at Bessborough Armoury in Vancouver, BC, in 1953, as a Gunnery instructor. He attained the rank of Warrant Officer 2nd Class (today equivalent to MWO) and was appointed Battery Sergeant Major (BSM) of 210 Battery in 1958. In 1958 the 43rd was amalgamated with the 15th Field and George continued as BSM of 210 Bty. He was honourably discharged in 1963.
On Sunday, Sept 27, a Regimental party consisting of the Commanding Officer, Lieutenant-Colonel Nick Watts, Regimental Sergeant Major, Chief Warrant Officer Rob Garrett, Honorary Lieutenant-Colonel Don Foster and
George’s long-time friend Edmund Wu met George Chow at the hospital where currently he resides, to present him with the Regiment’s 100th Anniversary Coin in honour of his long time service to the Regiment. George recently broke his hip in a fall at home and is remaining in hospital to complete his recovery. George is recovering well and in good spirits and turns 99 in November.
In August 1940, two months before his 19th birthday, George went to the recruiting centre at the Bay Street Armoury in Victoria to sign up. After basic training he was transferred to 16th Light Anti-Aircraft Battery in Windsor, ON, for advanced training. The Battery was then shipped to Halifax to board a vessel for England. In England he was a member of the first all-Canadian crew to shot down the German plane on English soil.
During the Normandy Campaign, the 16 th Light Anti-Aircraft Battery, RCA was part of 2nd Army Group Royal Artillery (AGRA). They were lucky when they came off the Landing Craft Tank (LCT) as the water was only 9” deep during their landing and they continued to move inland to Caen and other regions of France before heading into Belgium, Germany, and the Netherlands. After the victory in Europe, George volunteered to prepare for the Pacific theatre, but his new assignment ended soon after the atomic bomb had been dropped in Japan.
After the Second World War, George joined the 43rd Heavy Anti-Aircraft Regiment, RCA at Bessborough Armoury in Vancouver, BC, in 1953, as a Gunnery instructor. He attained the rank of Warrant Officer 2nd Class (today equivalent to MWO) and was appointed Battery Sergeant Major (BSM) of 210 Battery in 1958. In 1958 the 43rd was amalgamated with the 15th Field and George continued as BSM of 210 Bty. He was honourably discharged in 1963.
Qualified Gunners
Personnel were recognized by the Commanding Officer and Regimental Sergeant Major for their recent qualification.
Personnel were recognized by the Commanding Officer and Regimental Sergeant Major for their recent qualification.
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New Member
Bombardier Davidson transferred in from 42nd Field Artillery Regiment (Lanark & Renfrew Scottish), RCA |
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COVID - 19 Response
Available Reserve members are placed on Class B service in order to ensure a higher state of readiness and to allow for additional training. Unit Sitrep 1 July 2020
15 Fd Regt provided a Pl(+) as part of Land Task Force (LTF) Vancouver Coastal in support of Op LASER. Our soldiers conducted valuable training which included: Tiger Dam, joint training with HMCS Discovery, various DLN crses, pre-PLQ training, etc. In order to maintain social distancing, they conducted section level video conferencing on a daily basic which ensured our soldiers were engaged and ready to support any Op LASER task that was imminent. Once our commitment to Op LASER ceased, 15 Fd Regt transitioned to support the potential for Op LENTUS by providing a Pl to Vernon, BC as part of the Vulnerable Person Response Force (VPRF). Initially the VPRF task was a month in duration, however it was ceased a week into the task and our soldiers returned back to Vancouver. Under the leadership of Capt Wishnicki and Sgt Bolgak, who have been the Pl Comd and Pl 2IC, our soldiers continue to engage themselves by supporting IST and continue to be ready to support the various tasks that lay ahead in summer 2020.See more...
Available Reserve members are placed on Class B service in order to ensure a higher state of readiness and to allow for additional training. Unit Sitrep 1 July 2020
15 Fd Regt provided a Pl(+) as part of Land Task Force (LTF) Vancouver Coastal in support of Op LASER. Our soldiers conducted valuable training which included: Tiger Dam, joint training with HMCS Discovery, various DLN crses, pre-PLQ training, etc. In order to maintain social distancing, they conducted section level video conferencing on a daily basic which ensured our soldiers were engaged and ready to support any Op LASER task that was imminent. Once our commitment to Op LASER ceased, 15 Fd Regt transitioned to support the potential for Op LENTUS by providing a Pl to Vernon, BC as part of the Vulnerable Person Response Force (VPRF). Initially the VPRF task was a month in duration, however it was ceased a week into the task and our soldiers returned back to Vancouver. Under the leadership of Capt Wishnicki and Sgt Bolgak, who have been the Pl Comd and Pl 2IC, our soldiers continue to engage themselves by supporting IST and continue to be ready to support the various tasks that lay ahead in summer 2020.See more...
Summer Training
Captain Rob Wishnicki deployed to Honour Ranch near Ashcroft, BC for a week of training between 4 and 11 August. Training included Light Urban Search and Rescue (LUSAR) techniques, Tiger Dam training, S100 Firefighting and water diversion. See more photos here.
Captain Rob Wishnicki deployed to Honour Ranch near Ashcroft, BC for a week of training between 4 and 11 August. Training included Light Urban Search and Rescue (LUSAR) techniques, Tiger Dam training, S100 Firefighting and water diversion. See more photos here.
Promotions
The Commanding Officer, Lieutenant-Colonel Nick Watts presents Bombardier stripes to Bombardier Christopher Tse and Private Priscilla Wong receives her first stripe. Congratulations to Private Priscilla Wong for her promotion to Corporal!.
The Commanding Officer, Lieutenant-Colonel Nick Watts presents Bombardier stripes to Bombardier Christopher Tse and Private Priscilla Wong receives her first stripe. Congratulations to Private Priscilla Wong for her promotion to Corporal!.
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Promotion
Congratulations to Second Lieutenant Dan Heydenrych on his promotion to Lieutenant. Lieutenant Heydenrych is attached posted from the Royal Artillery while employed in Vancouver. |
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Course completion
Congratulations to Pte Priscilla Wong on completion of her RQ Pte HRA crse today, placing second in the class. |
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75th Anniversary of the Liberation of the Netherlands
The Honorary Lieutenant-Colonel, Don Foster, the Vancouver Artillery Association and the Regimental Museum supported the launch of the poster for the 75th Anniversary of the Liberation of the Netherlands, Victory in Europe (V-E) Day. See more...
The Honorary Lieutenant-Colonel, Don Foster, the Vancouver Artillery Association and the Regimental Museum supported the launch of the poster for the 75th Anniversary of the Liberation of the Netherlands, Victory in Europe (V-E) Day. See more...
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Exercise Mercury Thunder II
A couple of the Gunners helped out 39 Signal Regiment by acting as injured civilians in an earthquake scenario. Thanks for helping the Jimmies, Gunner Maxwell Massicotte and Gunner Jennifer Wong |
The Regimental Centennial Birthday Party
Great to meet old friends and celebrate the 100th anniversary of the 15th Field Artillery Regiment. There was the Band performance at the University of British Columbia, the open Band rehearsal with some old faces sitting with the new, the Friday night Meet and Greet, Saturday's Coastal Artillery tour, equipment displays and the 300 strong birthday party. Awesome. See more...
Great to meet old friends and celebrate the 100th anniversary of the 15th Field Artillery Regiment. There was the Band performance at the University of British Columbia, the open Band rehearsal with some old faces sitting with the new, the Friday night Meet and Greet, Saturday's Coastal Artillery tour, equipment displays and the 300 strong birthday party. Awesome. See more...
Regimental Band Performance
The Band shared the stage with the UBC Concert Winds at the UBC Old Auditorium on 29 January. Initial reports are that it was a stellar performance. Details and photos hopefully to follow!
The Band shared the stage with the UBC Concert Winds at the UBC Old Auditorium on 29 January. Initial reports are that it was a stellar performance. Details and photos hopefully to follow!
Regimental Band Rehearsal
The Regimental Band held an open rehearsal for all past and present members at the Major-General B.M. Hoffmeister Building on 30 January 2020. Downbeat was at 1930 hours. Looking forward to hear the details.
The Regimental Band held an open rehearsal for all past and present members at the Major-General B.M. Hoffmeister Building on 30 January 2020. Downbeat was at 1930 hours. Looking forward to hear the details.
Regimental Birthday Party - Meet and Greet - Beer Call
It was great to see so many faces from the past. The list is too long but we're looking forward to some photos. It was a great start to the weekend.
It was great to see so many faces from the past. The list is too long but we're looking forward to some photos. It was a great start to the weekend.
Regimental Birthday Party - Museum Open House
The Regimental Museum was open for visitors during our Centennial Birthday celebration. Brenden Gansner, from our 85VICS partners, brought along his camera to record some of the exhibits. See more...
The Regimental Museum was open for visitors during our Centennial Birthday celebration. Brenden Gansner, from our 85VICS partners, brought along his camera to record some of the exhibits. See more...
Regimental Birthday Party - Equipment Demonstration
Thanks to the current members for providing an informative session for those that wanted to see the difference between an Arty Board and the current generation of artillery computing devices. There's been quite a few changes between the C1 howitazer that many remembered and the current C3.
Thanks to the current members for providing an informative session for those that wanted to see the difference between an Arty Board and the current generation of artillery computing devices. There's been quite a few changes between the C1 howitazer that many remembered and the current C3.
Coastal Artillery Tour
Ten hearty souls on a rather chilly morning. Good thing the rain stopped! First visit was the Point Grey Fort where our museum curator, Peter Moogk met us and provided some excellent information on the history of the fort and the interaction with the Museum of Anthropology construction. From there it was over to the Hollow Tree in Stanley Park. From this parking lot it's a short 500 meter walk to the Siwash Rock searchlight emplacement and the World War 1 Naval gun emplacement location. Final stop was the Stanley Park Fort location at Ferguson Point. Future plans are to gain access to each of the underground portions. Hopefully on a warmer summer day. See more...
Ten hearty souls on a rather chilly morning. Good thing the rain stopped! First visit was the Point Grey Fort where our museum curator, Peter Moogk met us and provided some excellent information on the history of the fort and the interaction with the Museum of Anthropology construction. From there it was over to the Hollow Tree in Stanley Park. From this parking lot it's a short 500 meter walk to the Siwash Rock searchlight emplacement and the World War 1 Naval gun emplacement location. Final stop was the Stanley Park Fort location at Ferguson Point. Future plans are to gain access to each of the underground portions. Hopefully on a warmer summer day. See more...
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Wedding
Congratulations to Captain James Morrisson and his lovely bride, Rachel Catherina. |
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Canadian Forces Liaison Council
Lieutenant-Colonel Brent Purcell from the Canadian Forces Liaison Council speaks at a presentation recognizing the cooperation and skills Reservists contributed to critical work at Vancouver Coastal Health during the COVID-19 pandemic. This presentation took place on 17 June 2020 on the front steps of Vancouver General Hospital. |
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Captain Benson Lum Retirement
After more than 42 years of service to his country and the Canadian Armed Forces, Captain Benson Lum retired on 28 January 2020. Captain Lum enrolled in the Canadian Armed Forces on 22 February 1977 with the Seaforth Highlanders of Canada. Over the course of his career, he served with The Seaforth Highlanders of Canada (1977-1986), The British Columbia Regiment (1986-1987), 15th Field Artillery Regiment (1988-2001), See more....
After more than 42 years of service to his country and the Canadian Armed Forces, Captain Benson Lum retired on 28 January 2020. Captain Lum enrolled in the Canadian Armed Forces on 22 February 1977 with the Seaforth Highlanders of Canada. Over the course of his career, he served with The Seaforth Highlanders of Canada (1977-1986), The British Columbia Regiment (1986-1987), 15th Field Artillery Regiment (1988-2001), See more....
New Year's Day Levee
The day started with the Warrant Officers' and Sergeants' annual breakfast at Frankies. Great crowd of present members, past members and spouses: Richard Van Slyke, Sam, Sgt Kazue Maruyama, MWO Angus Brady, Ian Smith, Sgt Donato Calogero, 2Lt Ken Keene, Jody, Sgt Kyle Hodgson, Sgt Brenda Woods, Capt Kevin Walker, Catherine Gagnon, Doug Gayton, Leon Jensen. Mark it on your calendar for next year. It was then time for the great Canadian Army Levee tradition with the Officers' Mess hosting the Warrant Officers and Sergeants at 11:00 followed by visitors from other units. Top it off with a super lunch and you're all set for 2020!
The day started with the Warrant Officers' and Sergeants' annual breakfast at Frankies. Great crowd of present members, past members and spouses: Richard Van Slyke, Sam, Sgt Kazue Maruyama, MWO Angus Brady, Ian Smith, Sgt Donato Calogero, 2Lt Ken Keene, Jody, Sgt Kyle Hodgson, Sgt Brenda Woods, Capt Kevin Walker, Catherine Gagnon, Doug Gayton, Leon Jensen. Mark it on your calendar for next year. It was then time for the great Canadian Army Levee tradition with the Officers' Mess hosting the Warrant Officers and Sergeants at 11:00 followed by visitors from other units. Top it off with a super lunch and you're all set for 2020!
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Former Members
Congratulations to newly promoted Chief Warrant Officer Heidi Twellmann on her new appointment as Music Branch CWO. She was a member of the 15th Field Artillery Regiment Band in the early 1990s. |
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Vancouver Artillery Association
BC Parks Partnership Agreement
The VAA has signed a 3 year volunteer partnership agreement to assist BC Parks by carrying out BC Parks approved work to protect, document, monitor and maintain heritage values on Yorke Island. This work includes:
- Applying for funding opportunities related to Yorke Island heritage conservation, restoration and research.
- Assisting or leading on project administration/monitoring associated with successful funding applications such as: carrying out the works, monitoring of groups, contractors, and other agencies that are performing the work associated with those applications.
- Providing opinion/support to BC Parks on how best to protect the historical values of Yorke Island.
- Assisting BC Parks in development of historical artefact archive for material associated with Yorke Island.
A big shout out to the 85VICS gang, the 15th Field Artillery Regiment Museum & Archives and the members of the Regiment that have assisted us on the Yorke Island venture. There's also a host of other organizations and individuals that have been part of the adventure leading up to this point.
Are you ready to for more Yorke adventures? Send me an email and let me know what part you would like to play. We have historical research to do over the winter and we'll be setting up some work parties for the spring. [email protected]
The VAA has signed a 3 year volunteer partnership agreement to assist BC Parks by carrying out BC Parks approved work to protect, document, monitor and maintain heritage values on Yorke Island. This work includes:
- Applying for funding opportunities related to Yorke Island heritage conservation, restoration and research.
- Assisting or leading on project administration/monitoring associated with successful funding applications such as: carrying out the works, monitoring of groups, contractors, and other agencies that are performing the work associated with those applications.
- Providing opinion/support to BC Parks on how best to protect the historical values of Yorke Island.
- Assisting BC Parks in development of historical artefact archive for material associated with Yorke Island.
A big shout out to the 85VICS gang, the 15th Field Artillery Regiment Museum & Archives and the members of the Regiment that have assisted us on the Yorke Island venture. There's also a host of other organizations and individuals that have been part of the adventure leading up to this point.
Are you ready to for more Yorke adventures? Send me an email and let me know what part you would like to play. We have historical research to do over the winter and we'll be setting up some work parties for the spring. [email protected]
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Yorke Island
A few photos of the flora and fauna on Yorke. |
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Conference Room Library
The 15th Field Artillery Museum & Archives agreed to fund the installation of library shelving in the Conference room to a maximum of $1,000.00 for material while the VAA provided the free labour. The library will hold all the books that were in the Officers' Mess as well as some of the Museum's collection. The intent is to set up a process so that these books will become available for loan by the members of the Regiment and the Association. Check out the page here for the latest updates. |
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It's a Small World
Big shout out to Steve Heim and the gang at Brenco Industries! They assisted the Honorary Colonel by providing the fabrication for the gate at Honour Ranch plus the proceeds from a company raffle last year. The small world comes from the fact that Steve was the kid across the street on Monmouth that hung out with your VAA president some 55 years ago! |
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Gibson Legion
Major-General Stu McDonald runs across a couple of other former 15th Field Gunners during a recent visit to the Legion. Ken Young 1959-1961, Bruce Kiloh 1976, Stu McDonald 1967-1981 |
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Governor General's D-Day Message
Warrant Officer Class II George Chow is featured on the Governor General's message. |
Candle Light Dinner
The Vancouver Artillery Association held it's first ever Candle Light Dinner on 23 May 2020. Due to the COVID-19 situation, the dinner was held virtually on the Zoom platform. The turnout of guests was light, possibly due to the easing of the social distancing rules, but those guests that did attend enjoyed the formal aspect of the dinner. It may not quite have run as a well-orchestrated Regimental Dinner, but the trumpet calls and toasts were maintained. The evening was deemed as a success with hopes that we would conduct another in the near future. In the meantime, the Association is looking into a Virtual Barbecue for Canada Day! Check out the details here.
The Vancouver Artillery Association held it's first ever Candle Light Dinner on 23 May 2020. Due to the COVID-19 situation, the dinner was held virtually on the Zoom platform. The turnout of guests was light, possibly due to the easing of the social distancing rules, but those guests that did attend enjoyed the formal aspect of the dinner. It may not quite have run as a well-orchestrated Regimental Dinner, but the trumpet calls and toasts were maintained. The evening was deemed as a success with hopes that we would conduct another in the near future. In the meantime, the Association is looking into a Virtual Barbecue for Canada Day! Check out the details here.
New Westminster 24 Pounders
The two guns in front of New Westminster's City Hall are in terrible condition. The President of the Vancouver Artillery Association intends to write to the mayor with an offer of assistance to restore them to a presentable condition.
The two guns in front of New Westminster's City Hall are in terrible condition. The President of the Vancouver Artillery Association intends to write to the mayor with an offer of assistance to restore them to a presentable condition.
15th Field Artillery Regiment Museum & Archives
Field Artillery Tractor with 25 pounder gun and limber
Bombardier (ret'd) Doug Loney's Brother in law, George Tufnail, did a great recreation of our FAT! Here's the story in his own words, "It is the Tamiya 1/35th scale Quad Gun Tractor with Limber and 25 Pounder Gun. It is a Christmas present for my Brother-in-Law, who gets to drive the real thing for the 15th Field Artillery Regiment, based here in Vancouver, BC. It comes out on special occasions, like Canada Day, Remembrance Day, and even shows up at the Abbotsford International Airshow! The kit went together fairly well, but the gun insisted on being crooked, much to my disappointment. I had to add several extra bits to make the quad look like the real thing. Details will be pointed out in the pictures. Colour is Testors Model Master Faded Olive Drab Enamel, airbrushed over everything, with details picked out with a brush, and both Tamiya Acrylics and Model Master Enamels. Very light highlighting was accomplished with some light dry brushing of Model Master RAF Interior Grey-Green enamel. This is a very pampered museum piece, so there is no extreme weathering allowed. Enjoy the pictures!"
Bombardier (ret'd) Doug Loney's Brother in law, George Tufnail, did a great recreation of our FAT! Here's the story in his own words, "It is the Tamiya 1/35th scale Quad Gun Tractor with Limber and 25 Pounder Gun. It is a Christmas present for my Brother-in-Law, who gets to drive the real thing for the 15th Field Artillery Regiment, based here in Vancouver, BC. It comes out on special occasions, like Canada Day, Remembrance Day, and even shows up at the Abbotsford International Airshow! The kit went together fairly well, but the gun insisted on being crooked, much to my disappointment. I had to add several extra bits to make the quad look like the real thing. Details will be pointed out in the pictures. Colour is Testors Model Master Faded Olive Drab Enamel, airbrushed over everything, with details picked out with a brush, and both Tamiya Acrylics and Model Master Enamels. Very light highlighting was accomplished with some light dry brushing of Model Master RAF Interior Grey-Green enamel. This is a very pampered museum piece, so there is no extreme weathering allowed. Enjoy the pictures!"
Gunner Wallace Reece Brunt
On 20 August 1941 Gunner Wallace Brunt of the 85th Battery, 15th (Vancouver) Coast Brigade RCA drowned while on duty at Yorke Island. Thanks to the work of our Honorary Battery Commander, Ross Keller, in reviving the history of Gunner Brunt we made contact with a military collector in Denmark who had purchased the Memorial Cross presented to Gunner Brunt's wife. Ross has maintained contact with the collector and reached agreement that the collection was more fitting in the 15th Field Artillery Regiment Museum & Archives. They have now arrived!
On 20 August 1941 Gunner Wallace Brunt of the 85th Battery, 15th (Vancouver) Coast Brigade RCA drowned while on duty at Yorke Island. Thanks to the work of our Honorary Battery Commander, Ross Keller, in reviving the history of Gunner Brunt we made contact with a military collector in Denmark who had purchased the Memorial Cross presented to Gunner Brunt's wife. Ross has maintained contact with the collector and reached agreement that the collection was more fitting in the 15th Field Artillery Regiment Museum & Archives. They have now arrived!
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The Vancouver Artillery Association would like to pass on our deep appreciation to Ross Keller for the manner in which he continues to focus on the history of Yorke Island and the Gunners that served there. In addition, we would also like to thank Paul Rochler, the Danish collector, for agreeing to part with these items. A thank you letter and regimental coin have been mailed to Denmark as a sign of our appreciation.
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18 Pounder Tires
The Museum purchase of new tires for the 18 pounder have arrived. Unfortunately, the inner tubes are on back order until April/May. It confirms that these are not common items. |
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Point Grey Fort
The VAA president has purchased a Theta S 360 degree camera and has taken some trial videos at the Point Grey Fort. First impressions are quite good although the picture quality may be improved by only taking videos during optimum light days (Sunny days!). Comments and suggestions are welcome [email protected]
PS - That's a lot of steps!
The VAA president has purchased a Theta S 360 degree camera and has taken some trial videos at the Point Grey Fort. First impressions are quite good although the picture quality may be improved by only taking videos during optimum light days (Sunny days!). Comments and suggestions are welcome [email protected]
PS - That's a lot of steps!
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World War II RCA Sweetheart Pin
Found on Instagram, posted by Parry's Vintage, Innisfil ON. They "would LOVE to know the story behind this this #worldwar2 era Royal Canadian Artillery sweetheart pin! It's certainly unique!" Drop them a line if you know the story. |
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Obituaries
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Warrant Officer Class II George Chow CD
Regret to inform all that Warrant Officer Class II George Chow, CD passed away on the evening of November 6, 2020. He had turned 99 the day before. George Chow served overseas in the Second World War with the 16th Light Anti-Aircraft Battery, RCA. After the war, George joined the 43rd Heavy Anti-Aircraft Regiment, RCA at Bessborough Armoury as a Gunnery instructor. He attained the rank of Warrant Officer 2nd Class and was appointed Battery Sergeant Major of 210 Battery in 1958. In 1958 43rd MAA was absorbed into 15 Field. Good Shooting. End of Mission, George. See More... |
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Major Ronald Mathews CD
One of our friends and colleagues, Major (Ret’d) Ronald Mathews MStJ, CD, MSc, recently passed away from complications due to his four year fight with Cancer. Ron had dedicated his life to the service of others and to his country. Volunteering as a member of the CAF (Reserve Army) in 30th and 15th Field Regiments (RCA), Saint John Ambulance and finally retiring from 12 Service Battalion as the Deputy Commanding Officer in 2015. See more... |
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Bombardier Nick Parrotta
Bombardier Nick Parrotta passed away May 2020. He served in 15th Field Artillery Regiment from 1982 until 1985. He subsequently joined 12th (Vancouver) Medical Company and served there for several years. End of Mission. Stand Easy. |
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Warrant Officer Lester Denis (Bud) Taylor CD
It is with great sadness that we say goodbye to Lester Denis Taylor AKA Bud, who lost his battle with cancer on Friday, July 17, 2020. Bud was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle and friend. He leaves behind Sheila, his loving partner of 56 years, his three children Lynne Taylor of Kamloops, Sherri (Bruno) Valana of Kamloops and Denis (Deanna) Taylor of Victoria. Bud also leaves his three grandchildren Laura (Tyler), Sara (Dylan) and Ethan as well as many cousins, nieces and nephews. Bud is survived by his sister Lois Beasley of Kamloops. He is predeceased by his three brothers Ken, Floyd and Doug. See more... |
In Memoriam
Harry Payne Willoughby
June 6, 1920- August 11,1985
Remembering A Good ManI Remember you Dad , as today would have been your 100th B-day.
At the age of 19, you enlisted in the army on September 23,1939 at York Island, B.C.
You fought overseas in World War 2, and didn't return back to your hometown of Vancouver, B.C. until 1945.
See more...
June 6, 1920- August 11,1985
Remembering A Good ManI Remember you Dad , as today would have been your 100th B-day.
At the age of 19, you enlisted in the army on September 23,1939 at York Island, B.C.
You fought overseas in World War 2, and didn't return back to your hometown of Vancouver, B.C. until 1945.
See more...