Canadian Gunner 1972
FOREWORD BY THE DIRECTOR OF ARTILLERY
THE CANADIAN GUNNER 1972
In his foreword to the 1971 edition of The Canadian Gunner, Colonel D.W. Francis said good-bye to the Regiment as Director of Artillery. As his successor I would like to take the opportunity, in the foreword to this edition, to thank him, for all Gunners, for his service to the Regiment. In his three years as Director, he ably represented us during a period when such a dedication was very much needed.
I take over the appointment of Directory of Artillery at an interesting time. Although we cannot see into the future, especially these days, things do seem to be brightening. The drastic artillery reductions of recent years are hopefully at an end and, as established force levels are reached, we should again be seeing a reasonable promotion flow and an influx of new soldiers into Regular units of the Regiment.
I have been concerned about an apparent tendency for units of the Regiment to grow apart not only between units in Germany and Canada but there also seems to be divisive pressures on Gunner units in the various Combat Groups within Canada. However, I was heartened at the recent Artillery Training Conference, attended by all Commanding officers and Operations Officers, where it became clear that we are really still “on net” on key issues and that the importance of a common Artillery approach is still appreciated. We must be ever mindful of this traditional source of Gunner strength.
In my other appointment, as Director of Land Requirements, I have been impressed by the technical advances which are being made in gunnery. The Gun Alignment Control System, second generation field artillery computers, laser range finders, extended range projectiles, and other exciting developments will be providing a new challenge to the skills of Gunners in the near future. Indeed, even old skills, expensively gained, may be required to meet a possible air defence role.
Although this past year has seen little change in Regular Force organizations, roles or tasking, this does not mean that units were not busy. The activities of the units tell their own story in this magazine and aptly show why “Ubique” is one of the mottos of the Regiment.
The Militia also had a very active training program. With competitions generally rescheduled for other times in the year, all members of units were able to train together during practice camp. The effectiveness and level of fire-planning increased markedly during the summer culminating in fire-plans at the regimental level at one location. Assistance to the Militia by the Regular Force was provided in even greater measure than before, and such assistance was returned in kind by Militia personnel who participated with Regular Gunners in exercises in Canada and Germany.
The year saw the retirement of BGen. J.L. Drewry and BGen. E.M.D. Leslie. We wish them health and happy years ahead. BGen. G.R. Coffin, Chief of Staff Support Services, Air Transport Command Headquarters, is welcomed as the new Senior Regular Gunner (and, incidentally, the only serving Regular Gunner of General rank).
Finally, I would like to thank Colonel D.R. Baker, Commander CFB Shilo, and Lieutenant-Colonel W.D. Wellsman, CO 3 RCHA, for their excellent efforts in producing this year’s Canadian Gunner. This publication continues to play an important role in maintaining Regimental spirit and unity, and acts as a valuable record of the accomplishments of the Royal regiment of Canadian Artillery.
The Canadian Gunner, 1972, Volume 8, December 1972, page vi
THE CANADIAN GUNNER 1972
In his foreword to the 1971 edition of The Canadian Gunner, Colonel D.W. Francis said good-bye to the Regiment as Director of Artillery. As his successor I would like to take the opportunity, in the foreword to this edition, to thank him, for all Gunners, for his service to the Regiment. In his three years as Director, he ably represented us during a period when such a dedication was very much needed.
I take over the appointment of Directory of Artillery at an interesting time. Although we cannot see into the future, especially these days, things do seem to be brightening. The drastic artillery reductions of recent years are hopefully at an end and, as established force levels are reached, we should again be seeing a reasonable promotion flow and an influx of new soldiers into Regular units of the Regiment.
I have been concerned about an apparent tendency for units of the Regiment to grow apart not only between units in Germany and Canada but there also seems to be divisive pressures on Gunner units in the various Combat Groups within Canada. However, I was heartened at the recent Artillery Training Conference, attended by all Commanding officers and Operations Officers, where it became clear that we are really still “on net” on key issues and that the importance of a common Artillery approach is still appreciated. We must be ever mindful of this traditional source of Gunner strength.
In my other appointment, as Director of Land Requirements, I have been impressed by the technical advances which are being made in gunnery. The Gun Alignment Control System, second generation field artillery computers, laser range finders, extended range projectiles, and other exciting developments will be providing a new challenge to the skills of Gunners in the near future. Indeed, even old skills, expensively gained, may be required to meet a possible air defence role.
Although this past year has seen little change in Regular Force organizations, roles or tasking, this does not mean that units were not busy. The activities of the units tell their own story in this magazine and aptly show why “Ubique” is one of the mottos of the Regiment.
The Militia also had a very active training program. With competitions generally rescheduled for other times in the year, all members of units were able to train together during practice camp. The effectiveness and level of fire-planning increased markedly during the summer culminating in fire-plans at the regimental level at one location. Assistance to the Militia by the Regular Force was provided in even greater measure than before, and such assistance was returned in kind by Militia personnel who participated with Regular Gunners in exercises in Canada and Germany.
The year saw the retirement of BGen. J.L. Drewry and BGen. E.M.D. Leslie. We wish them health and happy years ahead. BGen. G.R. Coffin, Chief of Staff Support Services, Air Transport Command Headquarters, is welcomed as the new Senior Regular Gunner (and, incidentally, the only serving Regular Gunner of General rank).
Finally, I would like to thank Colonel D.R. Baker, Commander CFB Shilo, and Lieutenant-Colonel W.D. Wellsman, CO 3 RCHA, for their excellent efforts in producing this year’s Canadian Gunner. This publication continues to play an important role in maintaining Regimental spirit and unity, and acts as a valuable record of the accomplishments of the Royal regiment of Canadian Artillery.
The Canadian Gunner, 1972, Volume 8, December 1972, page vi