15th Field Artillery Regiment
The Royal Regiment of Canadian Artillery
2023
The Royal Regiment of Canadian Artillery
2023
as at 28 May 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
Commanding Officer - Lieutenant-Colonel Andrew Grieve CD
Regimental Sergeant Major - Chief Warrant Officer Heath Porritt CD
Honorary Colonel - Honorary Colonel Al DeGenova
Honorary Lieutenant-Colonel - Honorary Lieutenant-Colonel Don Foster
Second in Command - Major Alex Haussman CD
Commanding Officer - Lieutenant-Colonel Andrew Grieve CD
Regimental Sergeant Major - Chief Warrant Officer Heath Porritt CD
Honorary Colonel - Honorary Colonel Al DeGenova
Honorary Lieutenant-Colonel - Honorary Lieutenant-Colonel Don Foster
Second in Command - Major Alex Haussman CD
Change of Command Parade
Lieutenant-Colonel Nick Watts, CD handed over command of the 15th Field Artillery Regiment, RCA to Lieutenant-Colonel Andrew Grieve, CD on 27 May 2023. Check out the photos here.
Lieutenant-Colonel Nick Watts, CD handed over command of the 15th Field Artillery Regiment, RCA to Lieutenant-Colonel Andrew Grieve, CD on 27 May 2023. Check out the photos here.
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Human Resources Administrator Occupational Coin
Congratulations to Sergeant Starr Switzer! She was recognized as being "the epitome of the perfect HRA trade representation!" |
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The Colonel Geoffrey Brooks Memorial Essay Competition
Congratulations to Lieutenant Leiland Lloyd for winning top prize with his submission to the Colonel Geoffrey Brooks Memorial Essay Competition. You can download his article, Towed Artillery in the Modern Battle Space from The Royal Regiment of Canadian Artillery website rca-arc.org
Congratulations to Lieutenant Leiland Lloyd for winning top prize with his submission to the Colonel Geoffrey Brooks Memorial Essay Competition. You can download his article, Towed Artillery in the Modern Battle Space from The Royal Regiment of Canadian Artillery website rca-arc.org
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Command Post Technician Course
Great to see the unit running a CP Tech Course. |
Exercise Claymore Steel
Soldiers from 15th Field and 5th (BC) Field Regiments participated in Exercise Claymore Steel during March. The Gunners worked well together demonstrating their technical and tactical abilities in the field. The weather was good and the shooting was excellent. Over 900 Rounds expended.
Soldiers from 15th Field and 5th (BC) Field Regiments participated in Exercise Claymore Steel during March. The Gunners worked well together demonstrating their technical and tactical abilities in the field. The weather was good and the shooting was excellent. Over 900 Rounds expended.
Band Practice
Practice night at the Colonel Hoffmeister Building.
Practice night at the Colonel Hoffmeister Building.
OP PALACI
38th Canadian Brigade Group was tasked with standing up OP PALACI for the 2022-2023 winter season. The augmentation for the op involved Gunners from across Canada. Three Members of 15th Field were on Roto 2 - Troop Commander - Lieutenant Lloyd; Detachment Commander - Master Bombardier Massicotte ; and Detachment Member - Bombardier Mishchenko. Photos were taken during visit of Brigade Commanders from the three reserve western brigades. See more photos here.
38th Canadian Brigade Group was tasked with standing up OP PALACI for the 2022-2023 winter season. The augmentation for the op involved Gunners from across Canada. Three Members of 15th Field were on Roto 2 - Troop Commander - Lieutenant Lloyd; Detachment Commander - Master Bombardier Massicotte ; and Detachment Member - Bombardier Mishchenko. Photos were taken during visit of Brigade Commanders from the three reserve western brigades. See more photos here.
Artillery Communications Course
Several members of 15th Field Artillery Regiment were students on the course run by 5th Field Artillery Regiment at Bay Street Armoury in Victoria. From 15th Field: Bdr Alikhani, Bdr LaHaye.....
Several members of 15th Field Artillery Regiment were students on the course run by 5th Field Artillery Regiment at Bay Street Armoury in Victoria. From 15th Field: Bdr Alikhani, Bdr LaHaye.....
Regimental Birthday
On 2 February 2023, 15th Field Artillery Regiment, RCA celebrated its 103 year anniversary! The night before, members of the Regiment gathered to celebrate with an overview of the Regiment's history and concluded with a barbecue provided by the Regiment's Honorary Colonels with music from the 15th Field Regiment Band. Other anniversary dates to remember in the future include:
31st Field Battery, Canadian Field Artillery, CEF - 1 April 1912 - 111 years old in 2023
5th Siege Battery, Canadian Garrison Artillery, CEF - 16 June 1916 - 107 years old in 2023
68th Depot Battery, Canadian Field Artillery, CEF - 15 Jul 1916 - 107 years old in 2023
68th Field Battery, 16th Brigade, Canadian Field Artillery, NREF - August 1918 - 105 years old in 2023
On 2 February 2023, 15th Field Artillery Regiment, RCA celebrated its 103 year anniversary! The night before, members of the Regiment gathered to celebrate with an overview of the Regiment's history and concluded with a barbecue provided by the Regiment's Honorary Colonels with music from the 15th Field Regiment Band. Other anniversary dates to remember in the future include:
31st Field Battery, Canadian Field Artillery, CEF - 1 April 1912 - 111 years old in 2023
5th Siege Battery, Canadian Garrison Artillery, CEF - 16 June 1916 - 107 years old in 2023
68th Depot Battery, Canadian Field Artillery, CEF - 15 Jul 1916 - 107 years old in 2023
68th Field Battery, 16th Brigade, Canadian Field Artillery, NREF - August 1918 - 105 years old in 2023
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Winter Warfare Exercise
From 20-22 January, 2023 members of 15th Field Regiment, Royal Canadian Artillery took part in Ex ARCHANGEL GUNNER at Honour Ranch to maintain their winter warfare skills in austere conditions. |
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Honorary Lieutenant-Colonel Don Foster
HLCol Foster was featured in a recent 39CBG Facebook post.
Meet Honorary Lieutenant-Colonel (HLCol.) Donald Foster from the 15th Field Artillery Regiment. HLCol. Foster is a Senior Investment Advisor with BMO Nesbitt Burns.
HLCol. Foster has been actively involved in several initiatives that have preserved both Veterans’ and military heritage. He was responsible for launching the Juno Beach Centre Legacy of Honour Veteran Video program to tell the story of Canadians at war and to preserve their legacy for future generations. Some of his initiatives to date have been assisting with the 75th anniversary of D-Day, the 100th anniversary of the 15th Field Artillery Regiment, Veterans Affairs Canada Veteran poster unveilings and local historian book launches.
HLCol. Foster initiated and guided the historical research required to locate a "missing in action" World War 2 Canadian Scottish Regiment soldier, Private Ernest David Harrison. The research ultimately resulted in the creation of the Private Ernest David Harrison Monument in Leuth, Netherlands. The monument is dedicated to Pte. Ernest David Harrison’s memory and provides a formal marker for his final resting place.
HLCol. Foster’s notable contributions to Veterans’ well-being include coordinating information sessions regarding the Canadian Defence Community Banking Program, hosting 39 Brigade members and their families to movie nights, hockey games and mess dinners.
1. Who inspires you?
All volunteers especially our members of the Canadian Armed Forces, both past and present. Their "can do" attitude is inspiring.
2. When you were approached to be an Honorary Colonel, what were the reasons that made you want to accept the position?
I have several family members that have served and are currently serving with the Canadian Armed Forces. I welcomed the opportunity to learn more about what my family members experienced. I have been fortunate to have been surrounded by Veterans my entire life and they have set a high standard for character and leadership. Getting to wear the same 3rd Division patch as my D Day Veteran father is a proud connection for me.
3. How did you imagine military life before you joined? How did your perceptions change after?
Prior to joining, I understood that there is a significant tradition and honour in the role, but the responsibility of the role became real when I started wearing the Canadian Armed Forces uniform.
Once I joined the Regiment, I gained an appreciation for Reserve Force members time management requirements managing family, work and military responsibilities.
4. Are there any similarities between the civilian and military roles you have held?
I have experienced the same “can do” attitude among volunteers in both civilian and military roles. I believe that determined attitude represents the best of our Canadian values.
5. What would you like to accomplish as the Honorary Colonel for your unit?
I look forward to continuing to support the 15th Field Regiment military family with community liaison, maintaining traditions and being actively involved in promoting the wellbeing of past and present members.
6. Do you have advice for Canadians interested in joining the military?
I have been impressed with the training and opportunities available to members of our Canadian Armed Forces. I encourage them to contact a recruiter to explore all the options.
7. If members of your unit have career questions for you, where should they send them?
Our recruiters have specialized knowledge of military careers and I am confident their advice will be both timely and thorough. If they are looking for external career advice our Honorary Colonel network is an excellent group of individuals that are fully committed to assisting our members.
8. What have you learned from your CAF experience so far that you would like our members to know?
I would like our members to know that the Canadian public is tremendously supportive of our Canadian Armed Force members. As an example, I reached out to a local hockey team administration to discuss the opportunity to secure a few hockey tickets for CAF members working during the 2021 floods in the Lower Mainland. The response was “bring them all”. We have a volunteer force that is well trained and extremely capable. It has been a great honour to serve as an honorary lieutenant-colonel.
HLCol Foster was featured in a recent 39CBG Facebook post.
Meet Honorary Lieutenant-Colonel (HLCol.) Donald Foster from the 15th Field Artillery Regiment. HLCol. Foster is a Senior Investment Advisor with BMO Nesbitt Burns.
HLCol. Foster has been actively involved in several initiatives that have preserved both Veterans’ and military heritage. He was responsible for launching the Juno Beach Centre Legacy of Honour Veteran Video program to tell the story of Canadians at war and to preserve their legacy for future generations. Some of his initiatives to date have been assisting with the 75th anniversary of D-Day, the 100th anniversary of the 15th Field Artillery Regiment, Veterans Affairs Canada Veteran poster unveilings and local historian book launches.
HLCol. Foster initiated and guided the historical research required to locate a "missing in action" World War 2 Canadian Scottish Regiment soldier, Private Ernest David Harrison. The research ultimately resulted in the creation of the Private Ernest David Harrison Monument in Leuth, Netherlands. The monument is dedicated to Pte. Ernest David Harrison’s memory and provides a formal marker for his final resting place.
HLCol. Foster’s notable contributions to Veterans’ well-being include coordinating information sessions regarding the Canadian Defence Community Banking Program, hosting 39 Brigade members and their families to movie nights, hockey games and mess dinners.
1. Who inspires you?
All volunteers especially our members of the Canadian Armed Forces, both past and present. Their "can do" attitude is inspiring.
2. When you were approached to be an Honorary Colonel, what were the reasons that made you want to accept the position?
I have several family members that have served and are currently serving with the Canadian Armed Forces. I welcomed the opportunity to learn more about what my family members experienced. I have been fortunate to have been surrounded by Veterans my entire life and they have set a high standard for character and leadership. Getting to wear the same 3rd Division patch as my D Day Veteran father is a proud connection for me.
3. How did you imagine military life before you joined? How did your perceptions change after?
Prior to joining, I understood that there is a significant tradition and honour in the role, but the responsibility of the role became real when I started wearing the Canadian Armed Forces uniform.
Once I joined the Regiment, I gained an appreciation for Reserve Force members time management requirements managing family, work and military responsibilities.
4. Are there any similarities between the civilian and military roles you have held?
I have experienced the same “can do” attitude among volunteers in both civilian and military roles. I believe that determined attitude represents the best of our Canadian values.
5. What would you like to accomplish as the Honorary Colonel for your unit?
I look forward to continuing to support the 15th Field Regiment military family with community liaison, maintaining traditions and being actively involved in promoting the wellbeing of past and present members.
6. Do you have advice for Canadians interested in joining the military?
I have been impressed with the training and opportunities available to members of our Canadian Armed Forces. I encourage them to contact a recruiter to explore all the options.
7. If members of your unit have career questions for you, where should they send them?
Our recruiters have specialized knowledge of military careers and I am confident their advice will be both timely and thorough. If they are looking for external career advice our Honorary Colonel network is an excellent group of individuals that are fully committed to assisting our members.
8. What have you learned from your CAF experience so far that you would like our members to know?
I would like our members to know that the Canadian public is tremendously supportive of our Canadian Armed Force members. As an example, I reached out to a local hockey team administration to discuss the opportunity to secure a few hockey tickets for CAF members working during the 2021 floods in the Lower Mainland. The response was “bring them all”. We have a volunteer force that is well trained and extremely capable. It has been a great honour to serve as an honorary lieutenant-colonel.
The Army Tactical Basic Mounted Communicator (ATBMC) course
The course is designed to teach non-signal trades, like infantry and artillery, how to use their units’ in-house communication equipment. 39 Signal Regiment coached infanteers and gunners on battlefield communications for the first time at the Nanaimo Military Camp (NMC). Bombardier Lee Empey and Units taking advantage of the communications training along with 15th Field Artillery Regiment included Vancouver Island-based regiments 5th (British Columbia) Field Artillery Regiment and the Canadian Scottish Regiment (Princess Mary’s).
The course is designed to teach non-signal trades, like infantry and artillery, how to use their units’ in-house communication equipment. 39 Signal Regiment coached infanteers and gunners on battlefield communications for the first time at the Nanaimo Military Camp (NMC). Bombardier Lee Empey and Units taking advantage of the communications training along with 15th Field Artillery Regiment included Vancouver Island-based regiments 5th (British Columbia) Field Artillery Regiment and the Canadian Scottish Regiment (Princess Mary’s).
LUSAR Training - Arctic Eagle
Check out the video! fb.watch/ixiKvqc1Qn/
Check out the video! fb.watch/ixiKvqc1Qn/
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Honorary Conference
Honorary Colonel Al DeGenova and Honorary Lieutenant Don Foster met with the other Honoraries from 39 Canadian Brigade Group. |
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HMCS Winnipeg
The brigade honoraries enjoyed a tour of HMCS Winnipeg at CFB Esquimalt provided by Commander Annick Fortin and her command team.
The brigade honoraries enjoyed a tour of HMCS Winnipeg at CFB Esquimalt provided by Commander Annick Fortin and her command team.
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39 CBG Deputy Commander
LCol Brent Purcell is still on the job as the 39 CBG Deputy Commander. He was recently in Calgary, AB as the OC Headquarters Company, The Rocky Mountain Rangers, Lieutenant Commander Des MacMillan was promoted. |
Vimy Commemoration 8 Apr 2023
For the first time since Vimy Day in 2019 (due to the pandemic restrictions on public activities), a very memorable parade was held at Mountain View Cemetery, CWG Section, to mark the 106th Anniversary of the Battle of Vimy Ridge. Former Commanding Officer Jim Barrett was the MC with Honorary Lieutenant-Colonel Don Foster, and former Honorary Colonel Bill Rodgers in attendance. 15th Field Artillery Regiment perpetuates 31 Field Battery, Canadian Field Artillery, CEF and No. 5 Canadian Siege Battery, Canadian Garrison Artillery, CEF which participated in the battle.
For the first time since Vimy Day in 2019 (due to the pandemic restrictions on public activities), a very memorable parade was held at Mountain View Cemetery, CWG Section, to mark the 106th Anniversary of the Battle of Vimy Ridge. Former Commanding Officer Jim Barrett was the MC with Honorary Lieutenant-Colonel Don Foster, and former Honorary Colonel Bill Rodgers in attendance. 15th Field Artillery Regiment perpetuates 31 Field Battery, Canadian Field Artillery, CEF and No. 5 Canadian Siege Battery, Canadian Garrison Artillery, CEF which participated in the battle.
Former Unit Members
Lieutenant-Colonel Ian C Watt, CD, a former member of 15th Field Artillery Regiment, RCA and 116th Independant Field Battery, RCA is promoted to his present rank and appointed Commanding Officer 5th (BC) Field Regiment, RCA Apr 2023.
Officers' Mess
Wednesday Lunch - 18 May 2023
Royal United Services Institute, Vancouver held another fine lunch at the Officers’ Mess. Organized by Honorary Lieutenant-Colonel Don Foster, the lunch was part of the RUSI Speakers Series and featured Roddy Mackenzie, author of “Bomber Command, Churchill’s Greatest Triumph”
Royal United Services Institute, Vancouver held another fine lunch at the Officers’ Mess. Organized by Honorary Lieutenant-Colonel Don Foster, the lunch was part of the RUSI Speakers Series and featured Roddy Mackenzie, author of “Bomber Command, Churchill’s Greatest Triumph”
Wednesday Lunch - 5 April 2023
Honourary Lieutenant-Colonel Don Foster organized another exceptional lunch in the Officers' Mess. The Guest Speaker was Commander Bryan Price and the occasion was used to extend a farewll thank you to Mrs Lum for her many years of catering the Officers' Mess. Eleven Commanding Officers! Mrs Lum worked with Bob Healey
and his wife, catering the Officer’s Mess lunches after the Maskovic’s retired in 1988. Mrs. Lum took over all Mess function catering from 1990 to 2020, when COVID shut everything down. A remarkable achievement and a much appreciated contribution to the 15th Field Artillery Regimental family. See more photos here.
Honourary Lieutenant-Colonel Don Foster organized another exceptional lunch in the Officers' Mess. The Guest Speaker was Commander Bryan Price and the occasion was used to extend a farewll thank you to Mrs Lum for her many years of catering the Officers' Mess. Eleven Commanding Officers! Mrs Lum worked with Bob Healey
and his wife, catering the Officer’s Mess lunches after the Maskovic’s retired in 1988. Mrs. Lum took over all Mess function catering from 1990 to 2020, when COVID shut everything down. A remarkable achievement and a much appreciated contribution to the 15th Field Artillery Regimental family. See more photos here.
RUSI Vancouver Presentation – 18 January 2023
The Royal United Services Institute (RUSI) Vancouver held it’s first event since the start of the pandemic. A catered lunch started at noon, followed by a presentation at 1330hrs. RUSI President, Keith Maxwell, provided a presentation on the history of NORAD including plans for a major upgrade of NORAD's sensors, communications and weapons systems to maintain its capabilities for another generation. Lunch consisted of Roast Beef (Sirloin Tip), mashed potatoes (with gravy), mixed carrots and peppers with a small selection of desserts for $25.00 and the bar was open as usual. Lunch was restricted to 30 attendees and all seats were quickly sold.
The Royal United Services Institute (RUSI) Vancouver held it’s first event since the start of the pandemic. A catered lunch started at noon, followed by a presentation at 1330hrs. RUSI President, Keith Maxwell, provided a presentation on the history of NORAD including plans for a major upgrade of NORAD's sensors, communications and weapons systems to maintain its capabilities for another generation. Lunch consisted of Roast Beef (Sirloin Tip), mashed potatoes (with gravy), mixed carrots and peppers with a small selection of desserts for $25.00 and the bar was open as usual. Lunch was restricted to 30 attendees and all seats were quickly sold.
15th Field Artillery Regiment Museum and Archives
Sovereign’s Medal for Volunteers
Major (Ret'd) Peter Moogk CD was presented with the Sovereign’s Medal for Volunteers by the Minister of Fisheries, The Honourable Joyce Murray, at a brief ceremony in the WOs’ & Sgts’ Mess held prior to the RUSI luncheon.
Major (Ret'd) Peter Moogk CD was presented with the Sovereign’s Medal for Volunteers by the Minister of Fisheries, The Honourable Joyce Murray, at a brief ceremony in the WOs’ & Sgts’ Mess held prior to the RUSI luncheon.
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Museum Vehicle Maintenance Day
The FAT is cleared for running. It was a little reluctant to start but adding fresh gas should solve that. The ¾ ton requires a bit more work. It did start briefly and then refused all further efforts to start again. Many thanks to Doug Loney, Andrew McRae, Sean Black, Cameron Black and Harry Moon. |
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FAT Oil Change
It's time for the Field Artillery Tractor to receive an oil change. I wonder if the good fellows at Mr Lube found the specifications online? |
Vancouver Artillery Association
68 Bty 30'ish Year Campout Reunion
May 26 at 4 PM – May 28 at 12 PM
Harrison West - Camp Cove Campgrove
Anne Nikodem (former Bombardier Anne Edwards) and Terry Stratton (former Bombardier Terry Stratton) organized a great 30th year reunion for the 68 Valley Battery Gunners. Check out the rest of the story here.
May 26 at 4 PM – May 28 at 12 PM
Harrison West - Camp Cove Campgrove
Anne Nikodem (former Bombardier Anne Edwards) and Terry Stratton (former Bombardier Terry Stratton) organized a great 30th year reunion for the 68 Valley Battery Gunners. Check out the rest of the story here.
A bit of a poor weather start to the weekend that included ferry cancellations, strong waves coming across the strait and snow past Campbell River. However, the sun did come out on Sunday and Monday morning. Check out the photos here.
