15th Field Artillery Regiment
The Royal Regiment of Canadian Artillery
2026
The Royal Regiment of Canadian Artillery
2026
as at 10 August 2026
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
Canada Day Salute
Another gorgeous day in Vancouver to celebrate Canada's birthday. The salute was fired at 1200 hours at Hallelujah Point in Stanley Park. See more photos here.
Another gorgeous day in Vancouver to celebrate Canada's birthday. The salute was fired at 1200 hours at Hallelujah Point in Stanley Park. See more photos here.
Kitsilano Showboat
On 25 June, the 15th Field Artillery Regiment Band took the stage at the Kitsilano Showboat! , entertaining audiences with a diverse musical performance while representing the Canadian Armed Forces and strengthening community connections. See more photos here.
On 25 June, the 15th Field Artillery Regiment Band took the stage at the Kitsilano Showboat! , entertaining audiences with a diverse musical performance while representing the Canadian Armed Forces and strengthening community connections. See more photos here.
New Year's Day Breakfast
There were a few hardy souls out for an early morning New Year's Eve Breakfast. We did here back from a few others that had contracted the flu and did not wish to share that with the remainder. Mark the event on your calendar for next year! Its a great way to start the year.
There were a few hardy souls out for an early morning New Year's Eve Breakfast. We did here back from a few others that had contracted the flu and did not wish to share that with the remainder. Mark the event on your calendar for next year! Its a great way to start the year.
New Year's Day Levee
The Warrant Officers' and Sergeants' Mess were the main event at Bessborough Armoury. The Moose Milk was great! Unfortunately there was too much talk and not enough photographs taken. Have you got any to share?
The Warrant Officers' and Sergeants' Mess were the main event at Bessborough Armoury. The Moose Milk was great! Unfortunately there was too much talk and not enough photographs taken. Have you got any to share?
Army Hockey
Canada vs US military hockey tournament 18 Jan weekend in in North Vancouver and Langley, B.C. Well done to Sgt Dean Ahmelich for all his hard work in networking with the US Army down in Joint Base Lewis McChord and hosting them up here in Canada along with the British Columbia Regiment. The American team had some former college hockey down in and it showed. However, the Canadian team prevailed in the all star game with an exciting 3 to 2 win. Well done to all those involved. See more photos here.
Canada vs US military hockey tournament 18 Jan weekend in in North Vancouver and Langley, B.C. Well done to Sgt Dean Ahmelich for all his hard work in networking with the US Army down in Joint Base Lewis McChord and hosting them up here in Canada along with the British Columbia Regiment. The American team had some former college hockey down in and it showed. However, the Canadian team prevailed in the all star game with an exciting 3 to 2 win. Well done to all those involved. See more photos here.
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15th Field Artillery Honours Arctic Legacy, Reflects on Spiritual Resilience
Members of 15th Field Artillery Regiment, Royal Canadian Artillery, 39 Signals Regiment, and Canadian Scottish Regiment, gathered this week to commemorate a lesser-known chapter of Canadian military history: The deployment of Canadian artillerymen to northern Russia in 1918–1919. See the complete story here. |
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Abbotsford Air Show
The 15th Field Artillery Museum participated at the Abbotsford Air Show with the M37 3/4 Ton and the Iltis alongside the M109 and other vehicles from Major (ret'd) Ian Newby's Western Museum of the Armed Forces. A big shout out to Ian Smith, Darren Kostinuk, Terry Stratton and Ken Shaw plus the guys from IMS for the time they devoted to getting the M109 show ready. It was really impressive and brought back a lot of memories for visitors that had served on that particular gun. Also need to thank the guys from Western Command for allowing us to join them.
The weather was sunny and hot throughout the weekend and we counted 1,167 people that came through the Western Command gate in the first hour from 1000 hrs until 1100 hours on Sunday morning, which was apparently the quiet time. We also tracked the number of times that the "15th Field Artillery Regiment Museum" was mentioned by Bog Mugford and Fraser Leith on Friday and Saturday - that came out to 95. Add in our "Instagram Photo Opportunity" and I would say that we received a very fair return on our investment of a lot of personal time, a few litres of gas and the yearly insurance costs. Check out some additional photos here.
The 15th Field Artillery Museum participated at the Abbotsford Air Show with the M37 3/4 Ton and the Iltis alongside the M109 and other vehicles from Major (ret'd) Ian Newby's Western Museum of the Armed Forces. A big shout out to Ian Smith, Darren Kostinuk, Terry Stratton and Ken Shaw plus the guys from IMS for the time they devoted to getting the M109 show ready. It was really impressive and brought back a lot of memories for visitors that had served on that particular gun. Also need to thank the guys from Western Command for allowing us to join them.
The weather was sunny and hot throughout the weekend and we counted 1,167 people that came through the Western Command gate in the first hour from 1000 hrs until 1100 hours on Sunday morning, which was apparently the quiet time. We also tracked the number of times that the "15th Field Artillery Regiment Museum" was mentioned by Bog Mugford and Fraser Leith on Friday and Saturday - that came out to 95. Add in our "Instagram Photo Opportunity" and I would say that we received a very fair return on our investment of a lot of personal time, a few litres of gas and the yearly insurance costs. Check out some additional photos here.
Aldergrove Fair
The 15th Field Artillery Museum participated at the Aldergrove Fair with their 1953 M37 3/4 Ton and 1985 Bombardier Iltis. Thanks to Western Museum of the Armed Forces and Western Command for inviting us along. Check out the other photos here.
The 15th Field Artillery Museum participated at the Aldergrove Fair with their 1953 M37 3/4 Ton and 1985 Bombardier Iltis. Thanks to Western Museum of the Armed Forces and Western Command for inviting us along. Check out the other photos here.
Rogers Pass
Photos
Photos
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Bessborough Armoury Video Tour
Trying our hand at providing an informative video tour of the Armoury. |
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15th Field Regiment Drone Club
The Drone Club has forwarded a couple of videos of their activities. The third video involves a crash during training. No damage to the drone. |
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Hyack Festival Parade
The Field Artillery Tractor was entered in the Hyack Festival Parade in New Westminster with Bob Mugford driving accompanied by Doug Loney and Andrew MacRae as co-drivers. More photos here.
The Field Artillery Tractor was entered in the Hyack Festival Parade in New Westminster with Bob Mugford driving accompanied by Doug Loney and Andrew MacRae as co-drivers. More photos here.
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Museum Upgrade - Archivist Office
The wobbly library shelving in the archivist's office has been replaced with a workbench and wire shelving. Thanks to Kent Wickens and Eric Halstead for their work in a very hot environment. Felt like we should have included air conditioning in the museum plans! |
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Museum Upgrade - Vehicle Shelters
The museum stores some of our artefacts at the Western Museum of the Armed Forces in Aldergrove which is managed by Ian Newby. Our recent grant has allowed us to purchase 3 vehicle shelters and the first one was assembled on 9 May by Darren Kostinuk, Doug Butler and Leon Jensen. I would have included a picture of the three of us in front of the structure but apparently my camera skills were deficient.
On Sunday the second vehicle shelter was 2/3 assembled. Not bad for one person! I can complete the assembly of the roof by myself but the next step, lifting it and placing the posts takes 3-4 people. Anybody available? The second shelter is now standing due to the assistance of Thomas at IMS. Additional photos here.
The museum stores some of our artefacts at the Western Museum of the Armed Forces in Aldergrove which is managed by Ian Newby. Our recent grant has allowed us to purchase 3 vehicle shelters and the first one was assembled on 9 May by Darren Kostinuk, Doug Butler and Leon Jensen. I would have included a picture of the three of us in front of the structure but apparently my camera skills were deficient.
On Sunday the second vehicle shelter was 2/3 assembled. Not bad for one person! I can complete the assembly of the roof by myself but the next step, lifting it and placing the posts takes 3-4 people. Anybody available? The second shelter is now standing due to the assistance of Thomas at IMS. Additional photos here.
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Canada’s Unusual Use of the 25-Pounder in World War II
A YouTube documentary from Canadian WW2 Tales. |
Yorke Island
Meanwhile, over in Campbell River, a small Contingent of 85VICS (Volunteer Interpretation and Cleaning Squad) spent Sunday 15 Feb 2026 building an outhouse for York Island. We have one at the Fort and this one is intended to be installed closer to where the dock used to be. Once assembled, we'll break it down into large sections to minimize the work required on the island. More photos here.
Meanwhile, over in Campbell River, a small Contingent of 85VICS (Volunteer Interpretation and Cleaning Squad) spent Sunday 15 Feb 2026 building an outhouse for York Island. We have one at the Fort and this one is intended to be installed closer to where the dock used to be. Once assembled, we'll break it down into large sections to minimize the work required on the island. More photos here.
Yorke Island Li-DAR
Brenden Gansner from the 85VICS passed along some great Li-DAR images from Yorke Island. On image 2 you can find the road and buildings which have been highlighted in image 3 and also in the close up pf the fort are in image 4. Is this where we zoom into every part of the island and look for structures that we have yet to discover?
Brenden Gansner from the 85VICS passed along some great Li-DAR images from Yorke Island. On image 2 you can find the road and buildings which have been highlighted in image 3 and also in the close up pf the fort are in image 4. Is this where we zoom into every part of the island and look for structures that we have yet to discover?
4th Annual 15th Fd Campout
The 68 (Valley) Battery gang held their 4th Annual Campout at Weaver Creek Group Site https://www.westharrisonreservations.com/.../weaver.../
from 3:00 PM on Friday, May 22 until 12:00 PM on Sunday, May 24.
Cost for participation was $100 for a complete weekend stay or $10 cash if you just dropped by for the day.
Here's some photos from the weekend (send more photos to [email protected] and they'll be added to the page.
A writeup from the weekend would also be appreciated! Check out the other photos here.
The 68 (Valley) Battery gang held their 4th Annual Campout at Weaver Creek Group Site https://www.westharrisonreservations.com/.../weaver.../
from 3:00 PM on Friday, May 22 until 12:00 PM on Sunday, May 24.
Cost for participation was $100 for a complete weekend stay or $10 cash if you just dropped by for the day.
Here's some photos from the weekend (send more photos to [email protected] and they'll be added to the page.
A writeup from the weekend would also be appreciated! Check out the other photos here.
Former Member
After co-founding the Limber Gunners over 3 decades ago, Chief Warrant Officer (ret'd) Ron Paterson MMM CD has decided to pass the torch to new leaders. Ron was a member of the 15th Field Artillery Regiment RCA for a number of years from 1981 onwards. His company had moved him to Vancouver for a few years and on his return to Toronto he was promoted Chief Warrant Officer and appointed Regimental Sergeant Major of the 7th Toronto Regiment RCA.
After co-founding the Limber Gunners over 3 decades ago, Chief Warrant Officer (ret'd) Ron Paterson MMM CD has decided to pass the torch to new leaders. Ron was a member of the 15th Field Artillery Regiment RCA for a number of years from 1981 onwards. His company had moved him to Vancouver for a few years and on his return to Toronto he was promoted Chief Warrant Officer and appointed Regimental Sergeant Major of the 7th Toronto Regiment RCA.
Obituary
Master Warrant Officer James Allan Willett
April 16, 1937 – October 13, 2025
In loving memory of James Allan Willett
James was born in Vancouver on April 16, 1937. As a boy he grew up in Mount Pleasant and attended the Fairview School of Commerce at Broadway and Granville, where he met Ellen Farley. In 1960 James and Ellen were married and started their life together.
James was in the Army (15th Field Artillery Regiment of The Royal Regiment of Canadian Artillery) from the mid 1960’s to 1970’s and achieved the rank of Sergeant Major. During this time, he met his lifelong friends Heinz and Bev Winter, enjoying with them many happy family occasions over the years.
James was a long-time member of the Floor Layers Union Local 1541, working as an installer and shop owner. He took great pride in his work and sharing his knowledge and skills to the next generations of installers in the trade.
James and Ellen loved to travel and took many trips abroad, vacationing in Hawaii, California, England, Scotland, and on several cruises that included trips to South America.
James revelled in adventure whether it be with the Military, flying airplanes, or riding motorcycles. And at the end of a day enjoyed relaxing with a nice cold beer.
James is survived by his daughter Nancy (Stuart), and grandson Rowan.
James is predeceased by his loving wife Ellen Irene Willett, parents John and Mary Willett, brothers John Willett and Harry Bone.
He will be fondly remembered and dearly missed by all.
Memorial Service Friday, March 06, 2026
2:00 pm - 4:00 pm
Mount Pleasant Universal Funeral Home
306 East 11th Avenue
Vancouver, British Columbia
April 16, 1937 – October 13, 2025
In loving memory of James Allan Willett
James was born in Vancouver on April 16, 1937. As a boy he grew up in Mount Pleasant and attended the Fairview School of Commerce at Broadway and Granville, where he met Ellen Farley. In 1960 James and Ellen were married and started their life together.
James was in the Army (15th Field Artillery Regiment of The Royal Regiment of Canadian Artillery) from the mid 1960’s to 1970’s and achieved the rank of Sergeant Major. During this time, he met his lifelong friends Heinz and Bev Winter, enjoying with them many happy family occasions over the years.
James was a long-time member of the Floor Layers Union Local 1541, working as an installer and shop owner. He took great pride in his work and sharing his knowledge and skills to the next generations of installers in the trade.
James and Ellen loved to travel and took many trips abroad, vacationing in Hawaii, California, England, Scotland, and on several cruises that included trips to South America.
James revelled in adventure whether it be with the Military, flying airplanes, or riding motorcycles. And at the end of a day enjoyed relaxing with a nice cold beer.
James is survived by his daughter Nancy (Stuart), and grandson Rowan.
James is predeceased by his loving wife Ellen Irene Willett, parents John and Mary Willett, brothers John Willett and Harry Bone.
He will be fondly remembered and dearly missed by all.
Memorial Service Friday, March 06, 2026
2:00 pm - 4:00 pm
Mount Pleasant Universal Funeral Home
306 East 11th Avenue
Vancouver, British Columbia