The 43rd Anti-Aircraft Puzzle
We have an abundance of photographs from the 43rd Anti-Aircraft Regiment (both Medium & Heavy), however we do not have that much of a corporate memory as to when those pictures were taken. This page is an attempt to bring some order to chaos and see if we can provide an outline so that Brigadier-General Bill Wickett (and others) can tell us if I'm correct or not.
1946
The 1st (Reserve) Anti-Aircraft Regiment, The Royal Canadian Artillery was redesignated the 43rd Heavy Anti-Aircraft Regiment, RCA on 1 April 1946. Lieutenant-Colonel R. Walkem is appointed Commanding Officer 43rd Heavy Anti-Aircraft Regiment, RCA in 1946.
1947
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Macaulay Plains
The Commanding Officer takes a well deserved mid day break. Battery Sergeant Major James Bathurst and Sergeant Tofts doing some gun maintenance. |
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Point Grey
3.7" Anti-Aircraft Gun and detachment on dry deployments in the local area. (Photo notes indicate these might be either 1947 or 1948) |
1948
Brigadier Aeneas McBean E Bell-Irving appointed Honorary Colonel.
The Regiment holds a practice Camp at Macaulay Point.
It is called out for the Fraser Floods. Although we have a separate page for the Fraser Floods, the images may be from any of the Artillery units (43rd, 15th, 102nd)
1949
Lieutenant-Colonel J.D. Overholt is appointed Commanding Officer. Warrant Officer Class I James W Bathurst appointed Regimental Sergeant Major on 1 Oct 1949. Fred B Brown appointed Honorary Lieutenant-Colonel
1950
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The unit provides a demonstration of the 3.7" Anti-Aircraft Gun at Bessborough Armoury.
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1951
1952
Lieutenant-Colonel Allan Morton McGavin is appointed Commanding Officer.
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The black arm band indicates that they were parading to commemorate the funeral of King George VI
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1953
Gnr William (Bill) Wickett taken on strength.
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Warrant Officers' & Sergeants' Mess Dinner (either 1953 0r 1954)
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Unidentified course Apr 1953
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1954
Bill Wickett promoted Bombardier.
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Remembrance Day 1954 (maybe 1955) Sergeant George Chow, Sergeant Beattie, Captain Stewart
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Deployments
Not much detail with theses photos other than the date ('54 or '55). One photo is also annotated 10 tons & 90mm AA Gun. |
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Albert Head - Looks like a chilly day with Bombardier Bill Wickett and others in greatcoats.
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1955
On 18 August 1955 43rd Heavy Anti-Aircraft Regiment RCA was converted to 43rd Medium Anti-Aircraft Regiment RCA. Lieutenant-Colonel Graham Frederick Blyth was appointed Commanding Officer. Bombardier Bill Wickett awarded first service chevron.
Unknown Practice Camp #1
The slide container was marked 43MMA. There were no dates, no location indicated.
Do you recognize any of the faces?
Is that George Chow? What year is it?
See more...
The slide container was marked 43MMA. There were no dates, no location indicated.
Do you recognize any of the faces?
Is that George Chow? What year is it?
See more...
Unknown Practice Camp #2
Another set of mystery photos. The slide holder had 43 HAA 1950s written on them. However, here we have Lieutenant-Colonel Graham Blyth speaking with the RSM? I believe Lieutenant Colonel Blyth was promoted at the same time that the 43rd Heavy Anti-Aircraft Regiment, RCA was renamed the 43rd Medium Anti-Aircraft Regiment, RCA? I'll be checking the Part II orders in the future and will amend the year should I come across some more information.
In the meantime, do you recognize any of the characters in the photos? Can you accurately tell what year it was? See more...
Another set of mystery photos. The slide holder had 43 HAA 1950s written on them. However, here we have Lieutenant-Colonel Graham Blyth speaking with the RSM? I believe Lieutenant Colonel Blyth was promoted at the same time that the 43rd Heavy Anti-Aircraft Regiment, RCA was renamed the 43rd Medium Anti-Aircraft Regiment, RCA? I'll be checking the Part II orders in the future and will amend the year should I come across some more information.
In the meantime, do you recognize any of the characters in the photos? Can you accurately tell what year it was? See more...
A set of black and white appears to be from the same exercise. Are they?
1956
Unknown Practice Camp #3 - Albert Head
The following photos are logged into the Museum Accession Book as 40 Slides - 43 MAA Regt at Albert Head VI '71'. I'm not sure what the VI indicates nor what the '71' entails. They've been placed in the 1956 yearbook due to Graham Blyth having Lieutenant-Colonel rank. The slide order has been based on the activity that appears to be taking place. First we have the anti-aircraft gun being brought into action (someone can correct me if they can see that they are actually bringing the gun out of action) See more...
The following photos are logged into the Museum Accession Book as 40 Slides - 43 MAA Regt at Albert Head VI '71'. I'm not sure what the VI indicates nor what the '71' entails. They've been placed in the 1956 yearbook due to Graham Blyth having Lieutenant-Colonel rank. The slide order has been based on the activity that appears to be taking place. First we have the anti-aircraft gun being brought into action (someone can correct me if they can see that they are actually bringing the gun out of action) See more...
A set of black and white appears to be from the same exercise. Are they?
Dry Deployments
Not much information on the following series of photos. We know that it's 1956 due to the licence plate in one photo and we've grouped all the photos together as there are common faces throughput. Do you recognize anyone? Any idea where No 1 Fire Rally Point might be located?
See more...
Not much information on the following series of photos. We know that it's 1956 due to the licence plate in one photo and we've grouped all the photos together as there are common faces throughput. Do you recognize anyone? Any idea where No 1 Fire Rally Point might be located?
See more...
Victoria Day Salute
The 43rd Medium Anti-Aircraft Regiment, RCA fires the Victoria Day salute using 6 pounder anti-tank weapons.
Any additional information as to the detailed circumstances for the day would be greatly appreciated.
The 43rd Medium Anti-Aircraft Regiment, RCA fires the Victoria Day salute using 6 pounder anti-tank weapons.
Any additional information as to the detailed circumstances for the day would be greatly appreciated.
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Church Parade - Victoria
The 43rd Medium Anti-Aircraft Regiment, RCA band plays for the Regiment during the Church Parade at the Victoria Camp. |
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Church Parade
The 43rd Medium Anti-Aircraft Regiment, RCA band leads the Regiment into the Garrison Church Parade. |
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1957
Bombardier William (Bill) T. Wickett promoted Sergeant.
Summer Camp
The Camp was held in Victoria from 1 to 7 July 1957. Bombardier Bill Wickett attended with Bombardier Jim Mancor. The training was on the Quick Firing 3.7-inch Anti-Aircraft gun. The projectile weighed 12.7 kilograms (28 pounds) with a range of 18,800 meters (20,560 yards). The detachment consisted of 7 gunners.
The Camp was held in Victoria from 1 to 7 July 1957. Bombardier Bill Wickett attended with Bombardier Jim Mancor. The training was on the Quick Firing 3.7-inch Anti-Aircraft gun. The projectile weighed 12.7 kilograms (28 pounds) with a range of 18,800 meters (20,560 yards). The detachment consisted of 7 gunners.
43rd Medium Anti-Aircraft Regiment RCA on Parade
The slides were labelled 43rd MAA Regt RCA however there were no dates attached. I've placed them on this page due to the few clues that are in the photos themselves.
1. The drum belongs to the 43rd Medium Anti-Aircraft Regiment RCA which places the photo between 18 August 1955 and 15 October 1959. (However, this may be the 43rd MAA Regt Band on parade with another unit)
See more...
The slides were labelled 43rd MAA Regt RCA however there were no dates attached. I've placed them on this page due to the few clues that are in the photos themselves.
1. The drum belongs to the 43rd Medium Anti-Aircraft Regiment RCA which places the photo between 18 August 1955 and 15 October 1959. (However, this may be the 43rd MAA Regt Band on parade with another unit)
See more...
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New FN Rifle
First issue of the FN C1A1 at the Blair Range |
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Port Moody Ex
Norm Kincaid?, Harry Mangles? & ? MacWilliams at Port Moody in May '57 |
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These photos appear to be at a training session in an unknown location (could it be the hangar at Jericho where 102nd was stationed?) I've placed it in 1957 as I believe that I can see Sergeant Bill Wickett in 2 of the photos. Am I correct?
12th Annual Regimental Mess Dinner
The event was held downtown Vancouver with such esteemed guests as the Lieutenant-Governor of British Columbia, Frank MacKenzie Ross arrives and reviews the Quarter Guard. The Honorary Colonel, Thomas Ingledow also inspects the Quarter Guard with the unidentified Guard Commander. On completion of the Guard inspection he meets up with the Commanding Officer, Lieutenant Colonel Graham Blythe and Honorary Lieutenant-Colonel F.B. Brown. See more...
The event was held downtown Vancouver with such esteemed guests as the Lieutenant-Governor of British Columbia, Frank MacKenzie Ross arrives and reviews the Quarter Guard. The Honorary Colonel, Thomas Ingledow also inspects the Quarter Guard with the unidentified Guard Commander. On completion of the Guard inspection he meets up with the Commanding Officer, Lieutenant Colonel Graham Blythe and Honorary Lieutenant-Colonel F.B. Brown. See more...
1958
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Dry Deployments Mission
Blair Range Rifle Exercise
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Albert Head
Live fire exercise with the Quick Firing 3.7-inch Anti-Aircraft gun. There's a couple of recognizable faces. Warrant Officer Class 2 George Chow, Windy Wadden, Sergeant Bill Wickett. See more...
Live fire exercise with the Quick Firing 3.7-inch Anti-Aircraft gun. There's a couple of recognizable faces. Warrant Officer Class 2 George Chow, Windy Wadden, Sergeant Bill Wickett. See more...
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HMCS Discovery
Civil Defence Course
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Quarter Guard Competition
New Westminster hosted the Quarter Guard competition in Queen's Park from 8-14 June 1958. I haven't come across the standings but it appears that Sergeant Bill Wickett is doing a fine job! See more...
New Westminster hosted the Quarter Guard competition in Queen's Park from 8-14 June 1958. I haven't come across the standings but it appears that Sergeant Bill Wickett is doing a fine job! See more...
1959
On 15 October 1959, the 43rd Medium Anti-Aircraft Regiment, The Royal Regiment of Canadian Artillery
Canadian Army (Militia) was amalgamated with the 15th Field Regiment, The Royal Regiment of Canadian Artillery Canadian Army (Militia). The 43rd Medium Anti-Aircraft Regiment, The Royal Regiment of Canadian Artillery Canadian Army (Militia) Military Band is redesignated the 15th Field Regiment, The Royal Regiment of Canadian Artillery Canadian Army (Militia) Military Band.
Canadian Army (Militia) was amalgamated with the 15th Field Regiment, The Royal Regiment of Canadian Artillery Canadian Army (Militia). The 43rd Medium Anti-Aircraft Regiment, The Royal Regiment of Canadian Artillery Canadian Army (Militia) Military Band is redesignated the 15th Field Regiment, The Royal Regiment of Canadian Artillery Canadian Army (Militia) Military Band.
National Survival
The following information comes from the Historical Section (G.S) Report No. 96 The Canadian Army's Role in Survival Operation that was prepared on 29 October 1962. It was classified Top Secret and declassified in 1986.
51. Following the meeting of the Minister of National Defence with the Conference of Defence Associations, the Chief of the General Staff advised the several General Officers Commanding on 29 January 1959 that the training of the Militia would be designed to make it effective in Survival Operations rather than in field operations. Detailed instructions would be issued later.
See more...
The following information comes from the Historical Section (G.S) Report No. 96 The Canadian Army's Role in Survival Operation that was prepared on 29 October 1962. It was classified Top Secret and declassified in 1986.
51. Following the meeting of the Minister of National Defence with the Conference of Defence Associations, the Chief of the General Staff advised the several General Officers Commanding on 29 January 1959 that the training of the Militia would be designed to make it effective in Survival Operations rather than in field operations. Detailed instructions would be issued later.
See more...
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Vancouver Sun
6 May 1959 - Len Norris was a longtime editorial cartoonist for the Canadian newspaper Vancouver Sun from 1950 to 1988 and often used the Beatty Street Drill Hall as a back drop for many of his military themed cartoons. The news of the disbandment of the Militia anti-aircraft units across Canada is featured in this cartoon. |
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