Fraser Floods - 1948

A Province file photo of the Fraser River shows the extent of the flooding that took place. In June 1948 Premier Byron Johnson proclaimed that BC was in a “State of Emergency” and requested the use of the military to assist the province in mitigating the damage. There was an evacuation of 16,000 people, the destruction of about 2,000 homes and over $20 million damage ($210 million in 2010$).
Part II Orders 11 Jun 48 - This unit is called out for service during the state of emergency existing in the Province of British Columbia to assist in Flood Control effective 30 May 1948. (Auth. Special Adm. Order No. 2 4/5 Jun 48)
 The 15th Field Regiment was responsible for emergency measures in Sector four – Pitt Meadows area from Stave River to Pitt River. Lt Col Robert Theodore was in command and the Gunners worked on building and maintaining makeshift dykes and assisting with the evacuations of civilians.  Further details are still to be researched regarding the role of the 43rd Heavy Anti-Aircraft and the 102nd Coast Regiments. It is known that many of these photos are a mix of at least 2 of the units.

A key asset that the military provides is that of command and control. 

At times the makeshift dykes were in danger of giving way.

The military also provides the additional manpower resources required in moving large quantities of filled bags to the required area. 

It also helps to have comms with the navy to help move larger quantities to inaccessible areas.

Of course someone has to fill all those sandbags....

Filling, moving, shipping all those sandbags. Somewhere, someone has to actually use them to build the dyke!

Having access to the vehicles in an artillery unit also provides the opportunity of assisting in recovering stranded vehicles and taking care of vehicles damaged during the operation. 

The Regiment also needed to be self-sufficient in setting up its own camp routine.

Part II Orders 30 Jun 48 - Due to the cessation of the state of emergency in the Province of British Columbia, this unit ceases to be called out for service. effective 19 Jun 1948. (Auth: BC/1-6-0 (Ops) d/18 Jun 48)

Return to 15th Cst Regt

Return to 43rd HAA

Lists 
The following pages contain additional information relating to the 15th Field Artillery Regiment, RCA
Honours and Awards
Trophies
Commanding Officers and Regimental Sergeants Major
Honoraries
Battery Commanders and Battery Sergeants Major
Band Appointments
Nominal Roll
Guns of the Regiment
Memorial Page