15th Field Artillery Regiment
The Royal Regiment of Canadian Artillery
2021
The Royal Regiment of Canadian Artillery
2021
as at 22 October 2023
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
Promotions
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Sergeant Brenda Woods promoted Warrant Officer.
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20 January 2021 - Bombardier Andy Chan promoted Master Bombardier.
20 January 2021 - Bombardier Anders Grasdal promoted Master Bombardier. |
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20 January 2021 - Gunner Ryan Van Turen promoted Bombardier.
30 June 2021 - Gunner Kyle San Juan promoted Bombardier. |
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16 September - Private Justin De Genova qualified Gunner.
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Promotion Parade
Following individuals were promoted! Master Bombardier Andy Chan, Master Bombardier Anders Grasdal and Bombardier Ryan Van Tunen. Gunner Justin De Genova. |
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Order of Military Merit
Founded on July 1, 1972, the Order of Military Merit recognizes distinctive merit and exceptional service displayed by the men and women of the Canadian Forces, both Regular and Reserve. Many have demonstrated dedication and devotion beyond the call of duty, and the Order honours them for their commitment to Canada. 2 November 2021 Warrant Officer Nathaniel Senff MMM CD invested as a Member of the Order of Military Merit. See more... |
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End of Year Photo
The Regiment's latest group photo under COVID protocols.
The Regiment's latest group photo under COVID protocols.
Top Row - Bdr Steven Hoogendoorn, Bdr Justin Leung, Bdr Andy Law, Pte Wayne Ablitt, Pte Filip Bresan, Pte Brent Bennett, Bdr Coleraine Steele, Pte Tyler Gorovenko
Fourth Row - Bdr Calvin Wong, Pte Kelly Cornelis, Gnr Verones, Pte Manville Wong, MBdr Evan Huang, Bdr Milton Fu, Gnr Samuel Blake,Gnr Dean Ahmelich, 2Lt Leslie Zhang
Third Row - Sgt Jayson Wong, Sgt Michael Wong, MBdr Anders Grasdal, Bdr Mark Magtibay, Bdr Bojan Aleksic, Gnr Justin de Genova, Gnr Erik Iversen, Bdr Joshua Langan, Bdr Joseph Guan, Bdr Guillaume Lahaye, Bdr Oswin Kramer, Bdr Robbie Cavanagh, Bdr Bryce Pugh, Sgt Yuriy Bolgak, Sgt Starr Switzer
Second Row - Lt Jiyeon Lee, Sgt Melissa Sumpton, Cpl Priscilla Wong, Bdr Craig Drew, Bdr Jennifer Wong, MBdr Joseph Rozario, Pte Balakshan Sidhu, Bdr Karis Mishchenko, Bdr Brad Wong, Bdr Kyle San Juan, Bdr Chris Tse, Gnr Jacob Findlay, Bdr Robin Chan, Bdr Thomas Antrim, Bdr Maxwell Massicotte, Bdr Olivier Couturier, Bdr William Martinez, MWO Angus Brady, Sgt Donato Calogero
Front Row – PO2 Mary McGregor, Capt Chris Purdon, Sgt Kyle Hodgson, Capt Rob Wishnicki, WO Nathaniel Senff, HLCol Don Foster, CWO Rob Garrett, LCol Nick Watts, HCol Allan de Genova, Capt Conway Hui, MWO Heath Porritt, Capt Kevin Walker, WO Conrad Skuce, Sgt Clark Mikkola, Lt Daniel Heydenrych, Lt Leiland Lloyd, OCdt Michael Francis
Fourth Row - Bdr Calvin Wong, Pte Kelly Cornelis, Gnr Verones, Pte Manville Wong, MBdr Evan Huang, Bdr Milton Fu, Gnr Samuel Blake,Gnr Dean Ahmelich, 2Lt Leslie Zhang
Third Row - Sgt Jayson Wong, Sgt Michael Wong, MBdr Anders Grasdal, Bdr Mark Magtibay, Bdr Bojan Aleksic, Gnr Justin de Genova, Gnr Erik Iversen, Bdr Joshua Langan, Bdr Joseph Guan, Bdr Guillaume Lahaye, Bdr Oswin Kramer, Bdr Robbie Cavanagh, Bdr Bryce Pugh, Sgt Yuriy Bolgak, Sgt Starr Switzer
Second Row - Lt Jiyeon Lee, Sgt Melissa Sumpton, Cpl Priscilla Wong, Bdr Craig Drew, Bdr Jennifer Wong, MBdr Joseph Rozario, Pte Balakshan Sidhu, Bdr Karis Mishchenko, Bdr Brad Wong, Bdr Kyle San Juan, Bdr Chris Tse, Gnr Jacob Findlay, Bdr Robin Chan, Bdr Thomas Antrim, Bdr Maxwell Massicotte, Bdr Olivier Couturier, Bdr William Martinez, MWO Angus Brady, Sgt Donato Calogero
Front Row – PO2 Mary McGregor, Capt Chris Purdon, Sgt Kyle Hodgson, Capt Rob Wishnicki, WO Nathaniel Senff, HLCol Don Foster, CWO Rob Garrett, LCol Nick Watts, HCol Allan de Genova, Capt Conway Hui, MWO Heath Porritt, Capt Kevin Walker, WO Conrad Skuce, Sgt Clark Mikkola, Lt Daniel Heydenrych, Lt Leiland Lloyd, OCdt Michael Francis
OPERATION LENTUS
Operation LENTUS is the Canadian Armed Forces response to natural disasters in Canada. 15th Field Artillery members provide support to the operation along with other members of 39 Canadian Brigade Group. Master Bombardier Rozario, Bombardier Degenova, Bombardier Martin, and Bombardier Magtibay are shown as they assist in the flood relief to Abbotsford and Sumas Praire, in particular the community of Huntingdon. See more...
Operation LENTUS is the Canadian Armed Forces response to natural disasters in Canada. 15th Field Artillery members provide support to the operation along with other members of 39 Canadian Brigade Group. Master Bombardier Rozario, Bombardier Degenova, Bombardier Martin, and Bombardier Magtibay are shown as they assist in the flood relief to Abbotsford and Sumas Praire, in particular the community of Huntingdon. See more...
Freedom of the City of Vancouver
The Regiment exercises their freedom of the City of Vancouver which was originally granted in 1977. The event was originally planned for our centennial year in 2020 but COVID restrictions forced its posponement until 2 October 2021. Even in 2021, the parade needed to be trimmed down to keep within Public Health orders and spectators were kept to a minimum. Despite the restrictions, the soldiers can be proud of the way they looked on parade! See more...
The Regiment exercises their freedom of the City of Vancouver which was originally granted in 1977. The event was originally planned for our centennial year in 2020 but COVID restrictions forced its posponement until 2 October 2021. Even in 2021, the parade needed to be trimmed down to keep within Public Health orders and spectators were kept to a minimum. Despite the restrictions, the soldiers can be proud of the way they looked on parade! See more...
Remembrance Day
The Regiment fires the salute from HMCS Discovery at Stanley Park. In attendance with the guns, is the band of the 15th Field ARtillery Regiment, the Vancouver Fire Department Band and the choir. Meanwhile, at the Cenotaph in Victory Square, Captain Rob Wishnicki and Leon Jensen, the President Vancouver Artillery Association, lay the wreath on behalf of the Veterans of the Canadian Army. The pair went to Malones for lunch (which was paid for by a kind genleman who wanted to show his support) and then headed out to the Afghanistan Memorial at Langley's Eric Doubleday Arboretum. See more here...
The Regiment fires the salute from HMCS Discovery at Stanley Park. In attendance with the guns, is the band of the 15th Field ARtillery Regiment, the Vancouver Fire Department Band and the choir. Meanwhile, at the Cenotaph in Victory Square, Captain Rob Wishnicki and Leon Jensen, the President Vancouver Artillery Association, lay the wreath on behalf of the Veterans of the Canadian Army. The pair went to Malones for lunch (which was paid for by a kind genleman who wanted to show his support) and then headed out to the Afghanistan Memorial at Langley's Eric Doubleday Arboretum. See more here...
Canada Day
The Regiment fired their annual 21 gun salute but were, unfortunately, restricted to firing from Deadman's Island with a limit to the amount of personnel available to attend. The memory of Warrant Officer Class II George Chow CD, who passed away in 2020, was honoured with the firing of the first round shown in the video.
The Regiment fired their annual 21 gun salute but were, unfortunately, restricted to firing from Deadman's Island with a limit to the amount of personnel available to attend. The memory of Warrant Officer Class II George Chow CD, who passed away in 2020, was honoured with the firing of the first round shown in the video.
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The Vancouver Artillery Association assisted with the Aldergrove Canada Day parade by providing the ILTIS and additional drivers for the Western Museum of the Armed Forces. In attendance were Doug Loney and his son, Amnon Lichtmann, wife and son, Darren Kostinuk, Ian Smith, Doug Butler, Ian Newby and Leon Jensen. See more here...
Structural Collapse Level 2 - Concrete Breaching Day
The unit conducts Level 2 LUSAR Training. Photos are from a day spent on conrete breaching techniques. 1. Bdr Chan drills out a core for a search camera to be inserted to look for "victims". 2. - 3. The first relief cut is made. 4. - 5. Pte Charles from 12 FD Ambulance places the second relief cut. See more...
The unit conducts Level 2 LUSAR Training. Photos are from a day spent on conrete breaching techniques. 1. Bdr Chan drills out a core for a search camera to be inserted to look for "victims". 2. - 3. The first relief cut is made. 4. - 5. Pte Charles from 12 FD Ambulance places the second relief cut. See more...
Military Appreciation Events
Both the Vancouver Canucks and the BC Lions hosted members of 39 Canadian Brigade Group for military appreciation events. Thank you for the support!
Both the Vancouver Canucks and the BC Lions hosted members of 39 Canadian Brigade Group for military appreciation events. Thank you for the support!
Funeral of Warrant Officer Class II George Chow CD
The 15th Field Artillery Regiment, RCA assisted in the funeral of Warrant Officer Class II George Chow on Monday, 16 August 2021. George passed away last November 6, the day after his 99th birthday. He had joined the Canadian Army in August 1940, as an 18-year-old at the Bay Street Armoury recruiting centre in Victoria. After basic training at the Seaforth Armoury in Vancouver, he was transferred to the 16th Light Anti-Aircraft Battery. He landed with his Battery on Juno Beach in Normandy, France in early July 1944, a month after the D-Day invasion. They moved inland where they saw action at Caen and other regions of France during the Battle of Normandy before heading into Belgium, the Netherlands and finally Germany. In 1953, George joined the 43rd Heavy Anti-Aircraft Regiment, RCA which was later absorbed by the 15th Field Artillery Regiment, RCA. He remained with the unit until 1963 .
Rounds Complete, Stand Easy, George. See more...
The 15th Field Artillery Regiment, RCA assisted in the funeral of Warrant Officer Class II George Chow on Monday, 16 August 2021. George passed away last November 6, the day after his 99th birthday. He had joined the Canadian Army in August 1940, as an 18-year-old at the Bay Street Armoury recruiting centre in Victoria. After basic training at the Seaforth Armoury in Vancouver, he was transferred to the 16th Light Anti-Aircraft Battery. He landed with his Battery on Juno Beach in Normandy, France in early July 1944, a month after the D-Day invasion. They moved inland where they saw action at Caen and other regions of France during the Battle of Normandy before heading into Belgium, the Netherlands and finally Germany. In 1953, George joined the 43rd Heavy Anti-Aircraft Regiment, RCA which was later absorbed by the 15th Field Artillery Regiment, RCA. He remained with the unit until 1963 .
Rounds Complete, Stand Easy, George. See more...
Ubique 150 Video Contest
Congratulations to our two contestant teams in the Ubique 150 Video contest! Both of the videos were mentioned to me as outstanding work that the unit can be proud of. Thank you for taking the time and putting in the effort to make a lasting contribution to The Royal Regiment of Canadian Artillery's Ubique 150 celebration.
Congratulations to our two contestant teams in the Ubique 150 Video contest! Both of the videos were mentioned to me as outstanding work that the unit can be proud of. Thank you for taking the time and putting in the effort to make a lasting contribution to The Royal Regiment of Canadian Artillery's Ubique 150 celebration.
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Lethbridge
Sergeant Bolgak, Master Bombardier Figueroa, Master Corporal Tam, Gunner Wong and Gunner Feng travel to Lethbridge to train with 20th Independent Battery, RCA |
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Wainwright Exercise
15th Field Artillery Regiment, RCA and 5th (BC) Field Regiment, RCA deploy to Wainwright for a live firing exercise. The weather is a bit chillier than Vancouver! Thanks to Gunner Aumont-Forcade, Master Corporal Tam of the Medical Corps and Gunner McCalister from Lethbridge for the great pictures. See more...
15th Field Artillery Regiment, RCA and 5th (BC) Field Regiment, RCA deploy to Wainwright for a live firing exercise. The weather is a bit chillier than Vancouver! Thanks to Gunner Aumont-Forcade, Master Corporal Tam of the Medical Corps and Gunner McCalister from Lethbridge for the great pictures. See more...
Yorke Island - LUSAR Exercise
It's a new adventure for Yorke Island! 15th Field Artillery Regiment has returned to it's World War II roots as a coastal artillery unit in order to conduct Light Urban Search and Rescue (LUSAR) training for members of its LUSAR team. The current condition of the buildings on the island and the fallen timber presented a realistic scenarios for the soldiers to practice their hazard assessments and their chainsaw skills.
The 85VICS were invaluable as the local knowledge team on the ground having considerable contacts with the members of the community. See more...
It's a new adventure for Yorke Island! 15th Field Artillery Regiment has returned to it's World War II roots as a coastal artillery unit in order to conduct Light Urban Search and Rescue (LUSAR) training for members of its LUSAR team. The current condition of the buildings on the island and the fallen timber presented a realistic scenarios for the soldiers to practice their hazard assessments and their chainsaw skills.
The 85VICS were invaluable as the local knowledge team on the ground having considerable contacts with the members of the community. See more...
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Regimental History
Sergeant Donato Calogero provides a history lesson for the members of the Regiment at the Armoury and virtually on Webex. |
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New Year's Day Levée
The Covid situation has certainly changed many of our traditions. The annual levée was conducted from the safety of our own homes. Great to see everyone that was there and looking forward to an eventful year ahead! |
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British Columbia Regiment Honorary Colonel Commendation
Honorary Lieutenant-Colonel Don Foster receives a British Columbia Regiment Honorary Colonel Commendation and Regimental Coin in recognition of his leadership, dedication, commitment and service to his Regiment and for his tireless efforts in supporting his Regimental Family, the Juno Beach Association and the community. |
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Canadian Forces Liaison Council
Former Commanding Officer, Lieutenant-Colonel Brent Purcell has been engaged with presentations to supportive employers in British Columbia. Have you heard of the CFLC? Is your employer aware of the support they provide?
Recognized companies include the Keg Restaurant and Bar, StemCell Technologies, University Landscapers, Major Appliance Recycling Roundtable (MARR) ,Forward Care Medical Clinic and Ledcor Construction Ltd.
Former Commanding Officer, Lieutenant-Colonel Brent Purcell has been engaged with presentations to supportive employers in British Columbia. Have you heard of the CFLC? Is your employer aware of the support they provide?
Recognized companies include the Keg Restaurant and Bar, StemCell Technologies, University Landscapers, Major Appliance Recycling Roundtable (MARR) ,Forward Care Medical Clinic and Ledcor Construction Ltd.
North Langley Library Branch Renamed for Active Local Resident.
The Walnut Grove branch has been rechristened in honour of Dean Drysdale.
The Walnut Grove branch of the Fraser Valley Regional Library will be renamed to honour a lifelong Langley man. The branch is located inside the Walnut Grove Community Centre will be called the Dean Drysdale Library in honour of the long-time Langley resident, elected official, professor, military officer, aspiring parliamentarian, and successful venture capitalist. After he passed away on Aug. 11, 2019, from amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), Township council discussed options to recognize and honour the many contributions he made to his community, province, and country and referred it to staff for naming options. See more...
The Walnut Grove branch has been rechristened in honour of Dean Drysdale.
The Walnut Grove branch of the Fraser Valley Regional Library will be renamed to honour a lifelong Langley man. The branch is located inside the Walnut Grove Community Centre will be called the Dean Drysdale Library in honour of the long-time Langley resident, elected official, professor, military officer, aspiring parliamentarian, and successful venture capitalist. After he passed away on Aug. 11, 2019, from amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), Township council discussed options to recognize and honour the many contributions he made to his community, province, and country and referred it to staff for naming options. See more...
Change of Command Seaforth Highlanders of Canada
Lieutenant Colonel Kent Wickens takes command of The Seaforth Highlanders of Canada. His experience as a former Commanding Officer of 15th Field Artillery Regiment, RCA and the 39 Communications Regiment provides considerable experience in his new role. Well done, Kent! See more ...
Lieutenant Colonel Kent Wickens takes command of The Seaforth Highlanders of Canada. His experience as a former Commanding Officer of 15th Field Artillery Regiment, RCA and the 39 Communications Regiment provides considerable experience in his new role. Well done, Kent! See more ...
15th Field Artillery Regiment Museum
Strategic Planning Session
The 15th Field Artillery Regiment Museum and Archives Society will be conducting a Strategic Planning Session on Wednesday. 10 February 2021 from 1300 hours to 1500 hours.
All members of the Regimental family are invited to attend.
The session will be focused on developing a future vision for the Museum to assist the 5 year planning committee (Brian Cormier, Leon Jensen and Bob Mugford). Check out the details here.
The 15th Field Artillery Regiment Museum and Archives Society will be conducting a Strategic Planning Session on Wednesday. 10 February 2021 from 1300 hours to 1500 hours.
All members of the Regimental family are invited to attend.
The session will be focused on developing a future vision for the Museum to assist the 5 year planning committee (Brian Cormier, Leon Jensen and Bob Mugford). Check out the details here.
Trench Art
The following trench art photos were recently provided to our museum. Trench art is a term used to describe objects made from the debris and by-products of modern warfare. We've got a few actual samples in our collection and are always looking for additional items that releate to our history. 68th Battery, 16th Brigade, Canadian Field Artillery was part of the North Russia Expeditionary Force. You can read their story here.
The following trench art photos were recently provided to our museum. Trench art is a term used to describe objects made from the debris and by-products of modern warfare. We've got a few actual samples in our collection and are always looking for additional items that releate to our history. 68th Battery, 16th Brigade, Canadian Field Artillery was part of the North Russia Expeditionary Force. You can read their story here.
Vancouver Artillery Association
Point Grey Fort Mini Clean Up Part II
We were back at it on Sunday, 3 October from 1000 until 1430 for another round of maintenance. Stu McDonald, Peter Moogk, Robert Chown and Leon Jensen used up some WD-40 and got all the Ammunition Recess doors swinging! (Except for one that is welded shut). We also discovered that one of our members has an affinity for locks and we managed to open up the Gun Stores Room. Newspapers in the romm are dated 1999. Has it really been that long? Apologies for the quality of the photos. Check out the other photos here...
We were back at it on Sunday, 3 October from 1000 until 1430 for another round of maintenance. Stu McDonald, Peter Moogk, Robert Chown and Leon Jensen used up some WD-40 and got all the Ammunition Recess doors swinging! (Except for one that is welded shut). We also discovered that one of our members has an affinity for locks and we managed to open up the Gun Stores Room. Newspapers in the romm are dated 1999. Has it really been that long? Apologies for the quality of the photos. Check out the other photos here...
Point Grey Fort Mini Clean Up
Your Vancouver Artillery Association president had a meeting on 20 September with the Facilities Manager of the Museum of Anthropology to discuss some of the ideas for the Point Grey Fort maintenance. They seem quite enthusiastic to have us take a greater interest in the site and we are quite happy to play a bigger role. The involvement comes with a few rules that we need to observe. Safety is of course paramount. We need to ensure that we do not have members working on their own and we have to advise Facilities Management that we are on site. Bob Chown was available for some maintenance work so we decided to put in some moss removal work. Thanks Bob! We also found a large puddle in front of the War Shelter doors and, unfortunately, did not know where the drain was,. Plus we forgot our rubber boots. A quick call to our Curator Emiritus and shortly afterwards we had Peter Moogk searching the shallows. Alas, we still did not find the drain.
PS - you will have to ask Bob why that young lady is treating him like a rock star!
Your Vancouver Artillery Association president had a meeting on 20 September with the Facilities Manager of the Museum of Anthropology to discuss some of the ideas for the Point Grey Fort maintenance. They seem quite enthusiastic to have us take a greater interest in the site and we are quite happy to play a bigger role. The involvement comes with a few rules that we need to observe. Safety is of course paramount. We need to ensure that we do not have members working on their own and we have to advise Facilities Management that we are on site. Bob Chown was available for some maintenance work so we decided to put in some moss removal work. Thanks Bob! We also found a large puddle in front of the War Shelter doors and, unfortunately, did not know where the drain was,. Plus we forgot our rubber boots. A quick call to our Curator Emiritus and shortly afterwards we had Peter Moogk searching the shallows. Alas, we still did not find the drain.
PS - you will have to ask Bob why that young lady is treating him like a rock star!
Tour the Fort! Point Grey Fort - 5 September 2021
A great day to Tour the Fort! A dozen of us braved the chance of rain (Not a drop!) and met up at the Point Grey Fort by the Museum of Anthropology (MOA) at the University of British Columbia. We had the COVID information brief, checked out the Docent Volunteer Guide, opened up one of the ammunition recesses and the War Shelter. At 12:00, the MOA staff and security showed up to open the tunnel door leading into the ammunition magazines. Wow! Check out the photos! A final stop at Koerner's Pub for a burger, fries and a beer and we were good to go. See more...
A great day to Tour the Fort! A dozen of us braved the chance of rain (Not a drop!) and met up at the Point Grey Fort by the Museum of Anthropology (MOA) at the University of British Columbia. We had the COVID information brief, checked out the Docent Volunteer Guide, opened up one of the ammunition recesses and the War Shelter. At 12:00, the MOA staff and security showed up to open the tunnel door leading into the ammunition magazines. Wow! Check out the photos! A final stop at Koerner's Pub for a burger, fries and a beer and we were good to go. See more...
192 Construction Engineering Flight - Yorke Island
The 192 is on the Island! A local Royal Canadian Air Force Reserve unit from Aldergrove, the 192 Construction Engineering Flight, viewed Yorke Island as an opportunity to practise their skills while also benefitting the local community. They've focused on restoring some of the rusted support columns in the overhead shelter and installing some guard rails in dangerous areas. See more...
The 192 is on the Island! A local Royal Canadian Air Force Reserve unit from Aldergrove, the 192 Construction Engineering Flight, viewed Yorke Island as an opportunity to practise their skills while also benefitting the local community. They've focused on restoring some of the rusted support columns in the overhead shelter and installing some guard rails in dangerous areas. See more...
Aldergrove Fair
The Vancouver Artillery Association was not in attendance at the Aldergrove Fair this year. It might have been the COVID setback or simply that we need a few more people interested in the reenactment role. However, that did not stop one of our former members, Ian Newby from being a big supporter of the local fair. He brought out a half dozen vehicles from his business, International Movie Services and joined a few of the club members from Western Command. Well done! See more....
The Vancouver Artillery Association was not in attendance at the Aldergrove Fair this year. It might have been the COVID setback or simply that we need a few more people interested in the reenactment role. However, that did not stop one of our former members, Ian Newby from being a big supporter of the local fair. He brought out a half dozen vehicles from his business, International Movie Services and joined a few of the club members from Western Command. Well done! See more....
Sergeant John Swityk
Stu McDonald and Ian Newby brought a 6 pounder and a crew of re-enactors from IMS to help Royal Regina Rifleman, Sergeant Swityk celebrate his 100th birthday on 3 August 2021. Sergeant Swityk commanded two 6 pounder anti-tank guns which by the end of the day were the furthest inland of all the Allies that had landed on 6 June 1944. His Company Commander was Stu McDonald's uncle. Sadly, Sergeant Swityk passed away on 15 August, 2021. Stand Easy, Sergeant Swityk.
Stu McDonald and Ian Newby brought a 6 pounder and a crew of re-enactors from IMS to help Royal Regina Rifleman, Sergeant Swityk celebrate his 100th birthday on 3 August 2021. Sergeant Swityk commanded two 6 pounder anti-tank guns which by the end of the day were the furthest inland of all the Allies that had landed on 6 June 1944. His Company Commander was Stu McDonald's uncle. Sadly, Sergeant Swityk passed away on 15 August, 2021. Stand Easy, Sergeant Swityk.
Yorke Island 15-18 July 2021
Stu McDonald, Leon Jensen, Eric Halstead and Ross Keller had an exceptional weekend on Yorke Island.. This was the first trip for Stu and Eric and they received the full tour of the emplacements, battery observation post, powerhouse, Sunderland Post and the searchlight emplacements. The main focus of trip was assessment of rock facade with focused photographs of damage, creation of photographs depicting today's view of historic Yorke Island photos (a collection of then and now pictures), production of Yorke Island video, and confirmation photos of overhead cover columns.
See more here....
Stu McDonald, Leon Jensen, Eric Halstead and Ross Keller had an exceptional weekend on Yorke Island.. This was the first trip for Stu and Eric and they received the full tour of the emplacements, battery observation post, powerhouse, Sunderland Post and the searchlight emplacements. The main focus of trip was assessment of rock facade with focused photographs of damage, creation of photographs depicting today's view of historic Yorke Island photos (a collection of then and now pictures), production of Yorke Island video, and confirmation photos of overhead cover columns.
See more here....
85VICS Yearly Clean up and Assessment, April 16-19 2021
The 85Vics conducted their first visit to Yorke Island over the weekend in order to conduct their annual post-winter clean up and assessment. Check out their story and additional pictures here.
The 85Vics conducted their first visit to Yorke Island over the weekend in order to conduct their annual post-winter clean up and assessment. Check out their story and additional pictures here.
Yorke Island 1-2 Sep 2021
Wonderful photos by Max from Salted Fish Studio. More photos here.
Wonderful photos by Max from Salted Fish Studio. More photos here.
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Yorke Island
Dustin Porter from Destination Adventure has "discovered" Yorke Island! For additional information on Yorke Island check out the page here. |
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Gunner Wallace Reece Brunt
Paul Rochler, the Danish collector who parted with his Gunner Brunt memorabilia, has received his regimental coin and button as a gesture of our appreciation. Thanks Paul! And thanks to Ross Keller for his devotion to all things Yorke! |
New Westminster's 24-pounder 12-cwt Smoothbore Muzzleloading Howitzers
The Vancouver Artillery Association has reached out to several organizations regarding the current condition of the two howitzers in front of New Westminster City Hall. Check out this page for the unfolding story.
The Vancouver Artillery Association has reached out to several organizations regarding the current condition of the two howitzers in front of New Westminster City Hall. Check out this page for the unfolding story.
Yorke Island Project Display
A display on the Yorke Island Project has been set up in the upstairs lecture room. COVID restrictions prevent outsiders from from viewing the exhibit however, unit soldiers will be able to view some of the great work that Heritageworks did for us on the island. Check out more details here.
A display on the Yorke Island Project has been set up in the upstairs lecture room. COVID restrictions prevent outsiders from from viewing the exhibit however, unit soldiers will be able to view some of the great work that Heritageworks did for us on the island. Check out more details here.
ILTIS #2
I thought it would be best to advise all members of the Association and the Museum Society that the Iltis that you see parked in front of the Armoury on occasion is not the Iltis from our Museum collection. I had such fun driving our Museum Iltis to its various maintenance and safety checks that I decided to purchase one of my own! I have still to determine its service history but there are certain hieroglyphics on the inside of the doors that may provide a clue. Job #1 is to source material to recover the top.
I thought it would be best to advise all members of the Association and the Museum Society that the Iltis that you see parked in front of the Armoury on occasion is not the Iltis from our Museum collection. I had such fun driving our Museum Iltis to its various maintenance and safety checks that I decided to purchase one of my own! I have still to determine its service history but there are certain hieroglyphics on the inside of the doors that may provide a clue. Job #1 is to source material to recover the top.
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Titled "Abandoned WWII Buildings: Point Grey Battery," youtuber Graham Bradley gives us a tour of the Point Grey Fort with commentary on its history. Check out the story on the "Vancouver is Awesome" site here.
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Obituaries
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Gloria Jane McGinley
April 22, 1936 - March 6, 2021 It is with great sadness that I announce my mother's passing on March 6, 2021 at her home in Bedford, NS. Gloria was born on April 22, 1936 in Lockeport, NS, the daughter of the late Clinton and Blanche Harding, whose roots go back to 1783 in Shelburne County. She was predeceased by her loving husband, Charles ("Scotty") McGinley on December 5, 2000. She will be deeply missed by her loving daughter, Elizabeth, and by her friends and relatives in Canada. See more... |
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Sergeant Glenn Michael Patterson
August 11, 1947 - June 16, 2021 Glenn passed away of heart failure after a long pulmonary illness. He was the devoted and much loved husband to Lesley. His children Steve, Sean, Dawn and Cindy are devastated by his sudden passing. Glenn was an avid model train buff and often went train watching with his good friend Pat, he enjoyed darts, good food, travel (his three week trip to Portugal was a particular favorite), and after his move to Paris he became a school bus driver with Sharp Bus Lines. He was so proud of doing that job and was surprised at how much he enjoyed the children he drove. Glenn will be missed by his many friends in Paris and the Lower Mainland of British Columbia where he lived for forty plus years. Breathe easy my love your suffering is over, we will be fine but will miss you forever. Sergeant Patterson served in the 15th Field Artillery Regiment from 1971 until 1976. See more... |
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Captain Robert Harry Spring
Born in Vancouver on September 29, 1935, and died on June 30, 2021. Bob lived in the Dunbar and Kerrisdale suburbs of the city until 2001 when he and Janice moved to "the farm", their retirement home in Maple Ridge. Predeceased by the love of his life, and remembered every day, his spouse, Janice (nee Gibson), in 2005. Survived by his loving children, Steven, (Susan), Bruce, and Janene, (Pierre). Also survived by his four wonderful grandchildren, Gordon, Sarah, Greg and Allison. Captain Spring was a member of 15 Field Artillery Regiment from 1959 until 1962 and from 1964 until 1967. He was a long time Associate Member of the Mess, a Director and an active volunteer with the Regimental Museum Society and a member of the Vancouver Artillery Association. See more... |