MESSAGE FROM THE COLONEL COMMANDANT
From The Canadian Gunner 1969
From the reports on our Militia artillery firing practices, it is apparent that the local headquarters training of the Militia Gunner met the test of practical gunnery. Our Militia regiments and independent batteries together with those Regular Gunners who assisted in this training are to be congratulated on the standard achieved, and the continuing evidence that, as in the past, they can be counted on to fulfill their role in the defence of our country.
It would be futile to ignore the uneasiness which has been felt in recent months throughout the Royal Regiment of Canadian Artillery, both Militia and Regular, because of the anticipation of unknown reductions forecast by the fight against inflation and a new definition of defence roles. The Regular Gunners now know where they stand but the Militia artillery has yet to learn the actual impact of defence policy on them. It seems apparent, however, that the real value of the Militia Gunner as part of the “forces in being” is recognized in the stated provision that part of his training will continue to be service of the guns.
While changes such as these are always unsettling, it is well to recall that we Gunners have gone through similar experiences. A reading of Gunner history shows the selfless dedication of hosts of our predecessors in carrying on through times such as these. When the call came, they were ready.
The Gunner of today, be he Regular or Militia, is just as dedicated. The Royal Regiment of Canadian Artillery will not forget the lessons of history and will meet the demands of the future.
The Canadian Gunner 1969, Volume 5, December 1969
From the reports on our Militia artillery firing practices, it is apparent that the local headquarters training of the Militia Gunner met the test of practical gunnery. Our Militia regiments and independent batteries together with those Regular Gunners who assisted in this training are to be congratulated on the standard achieved, and the continuing evidence that, as in the past, they can be counted on to fulfill their role in the defence of our country.
It would be futile to ignore the uneasiness which has been felt in recent months throughout the Royal Regiment of Canadian Artillery, both Militia and Regular, because of the anticipation of unknown reductions forecast by the fight against inflation and a new definition of defence roles. The Regular Gunners now know where they stand but the Militia artillery has yet to learn the actual impact of defence policy on them. It seems apparent, however, that the real value of the Militia Gunner as part of the “forces in being” is recognized in the stated provision that part of his training will continue to be service of the guns.
While changes such as these are always unsettling, it is well to recall that we Gunners have gone through similar experiences. A reading of Gunner history shows the selfless dedication of hosts of our predecessors in carrying on through times such as these. When the call came, they were ready.
The Gunner of today, be he Regular or Militia, is just as dedicated. The Royal Regiment of Canadian Artillery will not forget the lessons of history and will meet the demands of the future.
The Canadian Gunner 1969, Volume 5, December 1969