Canada Day 2017
Canada Day 2017
With some help from the younger members of the Regiment, the 25 pounder is hooked up to the limber which is already attached to the Field Artillery Tractor (FAT) parked in the doorway. A discussion naturally ensured on comparisons between the 25 pounder gun/howitzer and the 105mm howitzer C3. Leon Jensen, Bob Mugford, Doug Loney with four of the current Bombardiers/Gunners are shown.
And off we go! Bob Mugford navigates the FAT through the Vancouver traffic. We're talking some serious double clutching as we make our way downtown. If you think it's an easy job, just take a look a the photo that shows where the gas pedal is located! It's between the clutch and the brake. If you're wearing combat boots there wouldn't be room for your two feet. Throw in the fact that the FAT is right hand drive and that the gearshift lever may not be the correct length and shape. You put all these factors together and you realize that Bob Mugford is doing a great job!!
Once at the park, the FAT is a magnet for tourists looking to get their picture taken. It will be even better once we get our Khaki Drill uniforms.
The Salute Troop arrives well ahead of their Time To Be Ready. Once they're set up they get the opportunity of meeting many of the people that gather to watch the Canada Day salute.
About 11:30 the Band of the 15th Field Artillery Regiment marches from Deadman's Island to Hallelujah Point. They show some excellent placement by the Bandmaster, Cheryl McHugh, in the shade under the tree giving them some relief in their hot ceremonial uniforms.
There was quite the retired crowd: Gary Bailey, Leon Jensen, Bob Mugford, Doug Loney, Peter Moogk, Keith Laing, Eric Halstead, Dominic DaAssuncao, Doug Butler. Did I miss your name? Drop me a line!
The Guns fire at 12:00 noon precisely. A regimental tradition has recently been started where we commemorate some of our recently departed during the salute. The first round is in remembrance of Honorary Colonel Ron Webster, CD. The second round is for a former Regimental Sergeant Major, Captain Bill Amos, CD. Rest in Peace.
The crowd is very large this year. At one time we even had the Prime Minister of Italy wander by the gun line with a large entourage.
The Honoraries pose with Don Foster, a Director with the Juno Beach Centre. Afterwards it's back to Bessborough Armoury to clean the guns and have a great box lunch or a burger cooked up by our two volunteers Mandy and Catherine.
Oh, and a Canada Day beer, of course!
Meanwhile, out at Fort Langley, Ian Newby is showing the artillery flag with his collection that included an M109 and a host of retired Gunners that included Ian Smith, Darren Kostinuk and Colin Parkinson.
With some help from the younger members of the Regiment, the 25 pounder is hooked up to the limber which is already attached to the Field Artillery Tractor (FAT) parked in the doorway. A discussion naturally ensured on comparisons between the 25 pounder gun/howitzer and the 105mm howitzer C3. Leon Jensen, Bob Mugford, Doug Loney with four of the current Bombardiers/Gunners are shown.
And off we go! Bob Mugford navigates the FAT through the Vancouver traffic. We're talking some serious double clutching as we make our way downtown. If you think it's an easy job, just take a look a the photo that shows where the gas pedal is located! It's between the clutch and the brake. If you're wearing combat boots there wouldn't be room for your two feet. Throw in the fact that the FAT is right hand drive and that the gearshift lever may not be the correct length and shape. You put all these factors together and you realize that Bob Mugford is doing a great job!!
Once at the park, the FAT is a magnet for tourists looking to get their picture taken. It will be even better once we get our Khaki Drill uniforms.
The Salute Troop arrives well ahead of their Time To Be Ready. Once they're set up they get the opportunity of meeting many of the people that gather to watch the Canada Day salute.
About 11:30 the Band of the 15th Field Artillery Regiment marches from Deadman's Island to Hallelujah Point. They show some excellent placement by the Bandmaster, Cheryl McHugh, in the shade under the tree giving them some relief in their hot ceremonial uniforms.
There was quite the retired crowd: Gary Bailey, Leon Jensen, Bob Mugford, Doug Loney, Peter Moogk, Keith Laing, Eric Halstead, Dominic DaAssuncao, Doug Butler. Did I miss your name? Drop me a line!
The Guns fire at 12:00 noon precisely. A regimental tradition has recently been started where we commemorate some of our recently departed during the salute. The first round is in remembrance of Honorary Colonel Ron Webster, CD. The second round is for a former Regimental Sergeant Major, Captain Bill Amos, CD. Rest in Peace.
The crowd is very large this year. At one time we even had the Prime Minister of Italy wander by the gun line with a large entourage.
The Honoraries pose with Don Foster, a Director with the Juno Beach Centre. Afterwards it's back to Bessborough Armoury to clean the guns and have a great box lunch or a burger cooked up by our two volunteers Mandy and Catherine.
Oh, and a Canada Day beer, of course!
Meanwhile, out at Fort Langley, Ian Newby is showing the artillery flag with his collection that included an M109 and a host of retired Gunners that included Ian Smith, Darren Kostinuk and Colin Parkinson.
