15th Field Artillery Regiment
The Royal Regiment of Canadian Artillery
2025
The Royal Regiment of Canadian Artillery
2025
as at 13 November 2025
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 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 Don Foster
Second in Command - Major Alex Haussman CD
Five New Gunners and a New Trained Private
Congratulations to Gunner Lu, Gunner Guppy, Gunner August-McIvor, Gunner Nardi, Gunner Jaynes and Private(T) Le.
Congratulations to Gunner Lu, Gunner Guppy, Gunner August-McIvor, Gunner Nardi, Gunner Jaynes and Private(T) Le.
Promotions to Master Bombardier
Congratulations to Master Bombardiers Gary Tse, Wayne Ablitt, and Tiffany Drew
Congratulations to Master Bombardiers Gary Tse, Wayne Ablitt, and Tiffany Drew
Remembrance Day Salute
The unit fired the Remembrance Day salute at Hallelujah Point, Stanley Park, Vancouver. It was a sunny day, rather unusual for November. Even without the overcast sky, one could hear the rounds echo across the Vancouver highrises. The Band was coordinated with the salute troop and added to the solemnity of the day. See the other photos here.
The unit fired the Remembrance Day salute at Hallelujah Point, Stanley Park, Vancouver. It was a sunny day, rather unusual for November. Even without the overcast sky, one could hear the rounds echo across the Vancouver highrises. The Band was coordinated with the salute troop and added to the solemnity of the day. See the other photos here.
Canada Day
The Regiment fired the 21 Gun Salute at Hallelujah Point with the Band in attendance and retired Gunners were showcasing some military gear at the Aldergrove Legion. See more photos here.
The Regiment fired the 21 Gun Salute at Hallelujah Point with the Band in attendance and retired Gunners were showcasing some military gear at the Aldergrove Legion. See more photos here.
Concert for the Padre
The Band performed at Christ Church Cathedral with the BC Regiment Pipes and Drums with proceeds going to support the Dean's pastoral work with the men and women of the military.
The Band performed at Christ Church Cathedral with the BC Regiment Pipes and Drums with proceeds going to support the Dean's pastoral work with the men and women of the military.
Invictus Games 2025
Some of the Gunners were involved at the Games! Bombardier De Genova, Bombardier Wong B and Sergeant Patch were participants in the opening ceremonies while the Band had a significant role performing with Katy Perry! Well done everyone!
Some of the Gunners were involved at the Games! Bombardier De Genova, Bombardier Wong B and Sergeant Patch were participants in the opening ceremonies while the Band had a significant role performing with Katy Perry! Well done everyone!
105th Birthday!
The unit celebrated the event with a history moment from Sgt Calogero, cake, a new Officer Cadet and the presentation of a CD.
The unit celebrated the event with a history moment from Sgt Calogero, cake, a new Officer Cadet and the presentation of a CD.
Depart with Dignity 11 October 2025
Following members were commemorated at their Depart with Dignity (DWD) event held on 11 Oct 2025:
Lieutenant-Colonel Brent Purcell;
Lieutenant-Colonel (ret’d) Nick Watts;
Lieutenant-Colonel (ret’d) Kent A Wickens;
Lieutenant-Colonel (ret’d) Pierre Lajoie;
Chief Warrant Officer (ret’d) Rob Garrett; and
Warrant Officer (ret’d) Goran Kurtagic.
Following members were commemorated at their Depart with Dignity (DWD) event held on 11 Oct 2025:
Lieutenant-Colonel Brent Purcell;
Lieutenant-Colonel (ret’d) Nick Watts;
Lieutenant-Colonel (ret’d) Kent A Wickens;
Lieutenant-Colonel (ret’d) Pierre Lajoie;
Chief Warrant Officer (ret’d) Rob Garrett; and
Warrant Officer (ret’d) Goran Kurtagic.
Officers' Mess
Warrant Officers and Sergeants Mess
Happy New Year!
On New Year's Day, the Warrant Officers' and Sergeants' Mess held their traditional New Year's Levee breakfast which was a great success! Eight serving members, former members, associates and spouses attended. From left to right: Warrant Officer Brenda Woods, Ms. Catherine Gagnon, Colonel (ret'd) Leon Jensen, Captain (ret'd) Richard Van Slyke, Warrant Officer Kyle Hodgson, Captain Ken Keene, Bombardier (ret'd) Doug Butler, Sergeant Donato Calogero.
On New Year's Day, the Warrant Officers' and Sergeants' Mess held their traditional New Year's Levee breakfast which was a great success! Eight serving members, former members, associates and spouses attended. From left to right: Warrant Officer Brenda Woods, Ms. Catherine Gagnon, Colonel (ret'd) Leon Jensen, Captain (ret'd) Richard Van Slyke, Warrant Officer Kyle Hodgson, Captain Ken Keene, Bombardier (ret'd) Doug Butler, Sergeant Donato Calogero.
New Year's Day Levee
The Warrant Officers' and Sergeants' Mess held their traditional New Year's Day Levee with a fair crowd in attendance. It was a great opportunity to chat about last year and to make plans for the New Year.
The Warrant Officers' and Sergeants' Mess held their traditional New Year's Day Levee with a fair crowd in attendance. It was a great opportunity to chat about last year and to make plans for the New Year.
|
Annual Mess Dinner 6 September 2025
And Dining Out of: WO James Palmer MMM, CD Sgt Susan Penner, CD Sgt Dan Scott, CD Sgt Jayson Wong, CD Check out the additional photos here. |
|
15th Field Artillery Regiment Museum
On the side of the parade square we have an 18 pounder and a 25 pounder as part of the Museum collection. The following video provides an interesting insight into the transition between the two guns. |
|
Vancouver Artillery Association
RCA Regimental Leaders Course
I was recently invited to address the Regimental Leaders Course to inform them on the Royal Canadian Artillery Association. One of the great things about accepting the invite is the opportunity of meeting up with fellow Gunners from across the country. The photo here highlights those with 15th Field Artillery Regiment connections. They include Major Mark Staples, currently with 1st Regiment RCHA; Captain Life, currently with 5th (BC) Field Regiment RCA; Sergeant (ret'd) Paul Dolomont, currently retired; Bombardier Gary Gale, currently on callout with the RCA Band.
I'm currently creating a page to archive some of the material from the RLC, including my presentation. You can find that page here.
I was recently invited to address the Regimental Leaders Course to inform them on the Royal Canadian Artillery Association. One of the great things about accepting the invite is the opportunity of meeting up with fellow Gunners from across the country. The photo here highlights those with 15th Field Artillery Regiment connections. They include Major Mark Staples, currently with 1st Regiment RCHA; Captain Life, currently with 5th (BC) Field Regiment RCA; Sergeant (ret'd) Paul Dolomont, currently retired; Bombardier Gary Gale, currently on callout with the RCA Band.
I'm currently creating a page to archive some of the material from the RLC, including my presentation. You can find that page here.
Museum Iltis
After going through the proper channels, the 15th Field Artillery Regiment Museum and Archives Society was able to secure a donation from the Department of National Defence of the Iltis and trailer. This donation enables the Iltis to be registered and licensed in BC. The Vintage licence allows for it's use in special occasions such as exhibitions, parades, club activities, community events, weddings and graduations. The Ilitis and trailer have been moved from Bessborough Armoury to Aldergrove to allow for easier access to events which seem to be run often in the Fraser Valley. Would you like to be part of the volunteer display team? Send me an email at [email protected]
After going through the proper channels, the 15th Field Artillery Regiment Museum and Archives Society was able to secure a donation from the Department of National Defence of the Iltis and trailer. This donation enables the Iltis to be registered and licensed in BC. The Vintage licence allows for it's use in special occasions such as exhibitions, parades, club activities, community events, weddings and graduations. The Ilitis and trailer have been moved from Bessborough Armoury to Aldergrove to allow for easier access to events which seem to be run often in the Fraser Valley. Would you like to be part of the volunteer display team? Send me an email at [email protected]
Yorke Island
The 85 Vics performed another annual weekend clean up at Yorke Island. Check out the Global News report.
An update to the clean up weekend has been posted here.
The 85 Vics performed another annual weekend clean up at Yorke Island. Check out the Global News report.
An update to the clean up weekend has been posted here.
New Westminster Hyack Parade
The Field Artillery Tractor and 25 pounder participated in the Hyack parade.
The Field Artillery Tractor and 25 pounder participated in the Hyack parade.
Customs, Traditions and Memorabilia
The Customs, Traditions and Memorabilia booklet been posted online for review. Please send your comments to [email protected]
The Customs, Traditions and Memorabilia booklet been posted online for review. Please send your comments to [email protected]
Former Members
Captain (ret'd) Rob Wishnicki contacted Master Bombardier (ret'd) Bob Healey on a recent trip to Winnipeg. Always appreciated his great work with the Regimental Kitchen! Bob and his wife ran the Officer's Mess for a while after his retirement. Started in 1987 and passed the duties onto Mrs Lum.
Captain (ret'd) Rob Wishnicki contacted Master Bombardier (ret'd) Bob Healey on a recent trip to Winnipeg. Always appreciated his great work with the Regimental Kitchen! Bob and his wife ran the Officer's Mess for a while after his retirement. Started in 1987 and passed the duties onto Mrs Lum.
Cloverdale Legion Veterans Week
The 25 Pounder and detachment made it out to the Cloverdale Legion for the start of their Veterans' Week. We even managed to get Andrew in the turret similar to the role of the FOO in 15th Field Regiment RCA CASF (Although their tank was a Sherman with a wooden barrel)
The 25 Pounder and detachment made it out to the Cloverdale Legion for the start of their Veterans' Week. We even managed to get Andrew in the turret similar to the role of the FOO in 15th Field Regiment RCA CASF (Although their tank was a Sherman with a wooden barrel)
68 Battery Reunion 2025
Anne Nikodem (former Bombardier Anne Edwards) and Terry Stratton (former Bombardier Terry Stratton) organized another great 68 Battery camping reunion.
See more photos here. Still room for more pictures (and even a story or two?)
Anne Nikodem (former Bombardier Anne Edwards) and Terry Stratton (former Bombardier Terry Stratton) organized another great 68 Battery camping reunion.
See more photos here. Still room for more pictures (and even a story or two?)
War Trophies
A construction project at the Pacific National Exhibition has uncovered a bit of a mystery. While excavating some ground, the operator uncovered pieces of a rusty gun. Click here for more of the story
A construction project at the Pacific National Exhibition has uncovered a bit of a mystery. While excavating some ground, the operator uncovered pieces of a rusty gun. Click here for more of the story
Faces of Freedom Banner Exhibit - 80th Anniversary of the Liberation of the Netherland
Veterans Affairs Canada (VAC) is displaying the banner of our former member, Warrant Officer Class II George Chow, again this year until the end of May. It is currently on display at the Faces of Freedom exhibit in commemoration of the 80th Anniversary of the Netherlands at the Visitor Education Centre of Canadian National Vimy Memorial in France. Photo Courtesy of Veterans Affairs Canada
Veterans Affairs Canada (VAC) is displaying the banner of our former member, Warrant Officer Class II George Chow, again this year until the end of May. It is currently on display at the Faces of Freedom exhibit in commemoration of the 80th Anniversary of the Netherlands at the Visitor Education Centre of Canadian National Vimy Memorial in France. Photo Courtesy of Veterans Affairs Canada
International Movie Services
Major (ret'd) Ian Newby has added some new items to his inventory. Next time you see the skies light up at night, it just might be Ian's new searchlights!
Major (ret'd) Ian Newby has added some new items to his inventory. Next time you see the skies light up at night, it just might be Ian's new searchlights!
Narvik War Museum
Fascinating history told in the Museum about the Battle of Narvik. Here's a few photos of the exhibitions. (They wouldn't let me take the generator or the searchlight home - wouldn't have made very good carry on....) See more photos here.
Fascinating history told in the Museum about the Battle of Narvik. Here's a few photos of the exhibitions. (They wouldn't let me take the generator or the searchlight home - wouldn't have made very good carry on....) See more photos here.
Obituaries
Lieutenant-Colonel John Thomas Carter CD
It has been reported that Lieutenant-Colonel John Thomas Carter CD passed away on the 2nd of October 2025. John was the Commanding Officer of the 15th Field Artillery Regiment, RCA from 1988 until 1991.
We are currently reviewing our website for any photos that he may be featured in and moving them to the page header.
Rest in Peace John
It has been reported that Lieutenant-Colonel John Thomas Carter CD passed away on the 2nd of October 2025. John was the Commanding Officer of the 15th Field Artillery Regiment, RCA from 1988 until 1991.
We are currently reviewing our website for any photos that he may be featured in and moving them to the page header.
Rest in Peace John
Lieutenant-Colonel Gary James Bailey CD
July 27, 1934 - July 19, 2025
Gratefully, we were each able to express our deep love for Gary when he passed at LGH.
Gary was born in Portage la Prairie, Manitoba, and lived in BC since 1960. A resilient man, he had a few careers, laterly as an instructor at BCIT. Always active, he would change his sport in response to his change in abilities. He was a member of the West Van Tennis Club. Gary was a longtime member of the Militia and a LCol CD of the 15th Field Regiment.
Gary was a warm, loving man with an endearing sense of humour. He is survived by his wife, Sigrid, son, Brent, and daughter Kristen (William). Cheerful, despite struggles due to cancer treatment, he had the joy of knowing his granddaughters, Mayla (3) and Riley (1).
If you wish, a donation to the SPCA.
Lieutenant-Colonel Gary Bailey CD was taken on strength as a Gunner with the 13th Battery, 26th Field Regiment, RCA in 1952. After attaining the rank of Sergeant, he was commissioned as an Officer Cadet. A subsequent relocation to Vancouver resulted in his joining the 15th Field Artillery Regiment in 1959 where he eventually took command in 1972.
North Shore News obituary.
July 27, 1934 - July 19, 2025
Gratefully, we were each able to express our deep love for Gary when he passed at LGH.
Gary was born in Portage la Prairie, Manitoba, and lived in BC since 1960. A resilient man, he had a few careers, laterly as an instructor at BCIT. Always active, he would change his sport in response to his change in abilities. He was a member of the West Van Tennis Club. Gary was a longtime member of the Militia and a LCol CD of the 15th Field Regiment.
Gary was a warm, loving man with an endearing sense of humour. He is survived by his wife, Sigrid, son, Brent, and daughter Kristen (William). Cheerful, despite struggles due to cancer treatment, he had the joy of knowing his granddaughters, Mayla (3) and Riley (1).
If you wish, a donation to the SPCA.
Lieutenant-Colonel Gary Bailey CD was taken on strength as a Gunner with the 13th Battery, 26th Field Regiment, RCA in 1952. After attaining the rank of Sergeant, he was commissioned as an Officer Cadet. A subsequent relocation to Vancouver resulted in his joining the 15th Field Artillery Regiment in 1959 where he eventually took command in 1972.
North Shore News obituary.
Brigadier-General William (Bill) Thomas Wickett CD
It is with deep sorrow that we announce the passing of William Thomas Wickett, who died peacefully at the age of 87. William was surrounded by his loved ones at the time of his passing. He was a man whose kindness, humour, and generosity will be missed by all who knew him.
Born in Vancouver, William was a loving husband to Shirley and a caring father and grandfather to his family. His greatest treasure was his family, and the time he spent with them —at Birch Bay, dining together around the table, vacationing in Palm Springs, or watching his True Crime shows and Jeopardy.
William also dedicated his life to his country, having served in the military for over 30 years. He retired from military service as a Brigadier General, commanding all reserve soldiers in BC. Following his military career, he became an insurance underwriter, broker, and financial consultant. He served as president of both the New Westminster Life Underwriter's Association and CAIFA. William loved golf, gardening, and enjoying a glass of wine in his favourite recliner at his home in Birch Bay.
We are forever grateful for the life we shared with William, and though we will miss him dearly, his memory will live on in the hearts of his family and friends who love him.
A celebration of life will begin at 1:00 PM on February 24th, 2025 at 15th Field Artillery Regiment at the Bessborough Armoury, 2025 W 11th, Vancouver.
See more here.
It is with deep sorrow that we announce the passing of William Thomas Wickett, who died peacefully at the age of 87. William was surrounded by his loved ones at the time of his passing. He was a man whose kindness, humour, and generosity will be missed by all who knew him.
Born in Vancouver, William was a loving husband to Shirley and a caring father and grandfather to his family. His greatest treasure was his family, and the time he spent with them —at Birch Bay, dining together around the table, vacationing in Palm Springs, or watching his True Crime shows and Jeopardy.
William also dedicated his life to his country, having served in the military for over 30 years. He retired from military service as a Brigadier General, commanding all reserve soldiers in BC. Following his military career, he became an insurance underwriter, broker, and financial consultant. He served as president of both the New Westminster Life Underwriter's Association and CAIFA. William loved golf, gardening, and enjoying a glass of wine in his favourite recliner at his home in Birch Bay.
We are forever grateful for the life we shared with William, and though we will miss him dearly, his memory will live on in the hearts of his family and friends who love him.
A celebration of life will begin at 1:00 PM on February 24th, 2025 at 15th Field Artillery Regiment at the Bessborough Armoury, 2025 W 11th, Vancouver.
See more here.