VANCOUVER GUNNERS
  • Home
  • What's New
  • Lists
    • The Fallen
    • Memorial Page
    • Honours and Awards >
      • Distinguished Service Order
      • Distinguished Conduct Medal
      • Military Cross
      • Military Medal
      • George Medal
      • Croix de guerre
      • Mentioned in Despatches
      • Canadian Forces Decoration
    • Trophies
    • Commanding Officers
    • Regimental Sergeants Major
    • Honoraries
    • BCs and BSMs
    • Band Appointments
    • Chaplains
    • Uniforms
    • Guns
    • Notable Characters
    • Ubique
    • Cemeteries
    • Pets
  • Yearbook
    • The 2020s
    • 2025
    • 2024
    • 2023
    • 2022
    • 2021
    • 2020
    • The 2010s >
      • 2019
      • 2018
      • 2017
      • 2016
      • 2015
      • 2014
      • 2013
      • 2012
      • 2011
      • 2010
    • The 2000s >
      • 2000
      • 2001
      • 2002
      • 2003
      • 2004
      • 2005
      • 2006
      • 2007
      • 2008
      • 2009
    • The 1990s >
      • 1990
      • 1991
      • 1992
      • 1993
      • 1994
      • 1995
      • 1996
      • 1997
      • 1998
      • 1999
    • The 1980s >
      • 1980
      • 1981
      • 1982
      • 1983
      • 1984
      • 1985
      • 1986
      • 1987
      • 1988
      • 1989
    • The 1970s >
      • 1970
      • 1971
      • 1972
      • 1973
      • 1974
      • 1975
      • 1976
      • 1977
      • 1978
      • 1979
    • The 1960s >
      • 1960
      • 1961
      • 1962
      • 1963
      • 1964
      • 1965
      • 1966
      • 1967
      • 1968
      • 1969
    • The 1950s >
      • 1950 >
        • 1950 - 15th Fd Regt, RCA
        • 1950 - 102nd Coast Regt, RCA
        • 1950 - 43rd HAA Regt, RCA
      • 1951 >
        • 1951 - 15th Fd Regt, RCA
        • 1951 - 102nd Coast Regt, RCA
        • 1951 - 43rd HAA Regt, RCA
      • 1952 >
        • 1952 - 15th Fd Regt, RCA
        • 1952 - 102nd Coast Regt, RCA
        • 1952 - 43rd HAA Regt, RCA
      • 1953 >
        • 1953 - 15th Fd Regt, RCA
        • 1953 - 102nd Coast Regt, RCA
        • 1953 - 43rd HAA Regt, RCA
      • 1954 >
        • 1954 - 15th Fd Regt, RCA
        • 1954 - 102nd Coast Regt, RCA
        • 1954 - 43rd HAA Regt, RCA
      • 1955 >
        • 1955 - 15th Fd Regt, RCA
        • 1955 - 43rd HAA Regt, RCA
      • 1956 >
        • 1956 - 15th Fd Regt, RCA
        • 1956 - 43rd MAA Regt, RCA
      • 1957 >
        • 1957 - 15th Fd Regt, RCA
        • 1957 - 43rd MAA Regt, RCA
      • 1958 >
        • 1958 - 15th Fd Regt, RCA
        • 1958 - 43rd MAA Regt, RCA
      • 1959 >
        • 1959 - 15th Fd Regt, RCA
        • 1959 - 43rd MAA Regt, RCA
    • The 1940s >
      • 1940 >
        • 1940 - 15th (Vcr) Coast Bde, RCA, CASF
        • 1940 - 15th (Vcr) Cst Bde, RCA NPAM
        • 1940 - 1st AA Regt, RCA, CASF
      • 1941 >
        • 1941 - 15th (Vcr) Coast Bde, RCA, CASF
        • 1941 - 15th (Vcr) Cst Bde, RCA NPAM
        • 1941 - 1st (Res) AA Regt, RCA
      • 1942 >
        • 1942 - 15th (Vcr) Coast Bde, RCA, AF
        • 1942 - 15th (Vcr) Cst Bde, RCA RF
        • 1942 - 1st (Res) AA Regt, RCA
      • 1943 >
        • 1943 - 15th (Vcr) Coast Bde, RCA, AF
        • 1943 - 39th (Reserve) Fd Regt, RCA RF
        • 1943 - 1st (Res) AA Regt, RCA
      • 1944 >
        • 1944 - 15th (Vcr) Coast Bde, RCA, AF
        • 1944 - 11th AA Regt, RCA RF
        • 1944 - 1st (Res) AA Regt, RCA
      • 1945 >
        • 1945 - Vancouver Defences
        • 1945 - 11th AA Regt, RCA RF
      • 1946 >
        • 1946 - 15th Coast Regt, RCA
        • 1946 - 11th (Res) AA Regt, RCA
      • 1947 >
        • 1947 - 15th Coast Regt, RCA
        • 1947 - 43rd HAA Regt, RCA
      • 1948 >
        • 1948 - 15th Coast Regt, RCA
        • 1948 - Vancouver Coast Regt, RCA
        • 1948 - 43rd HAA Regt, RCA
      • 1949 >
        • 1949 - 15th Fd Regt, RCA
        • 1949 - Vancouver Coast Regt, RCA
        • 1949 - 43rd HAA Regt, RCA
    • The 1930s >
      • 1930
      • 1931
      • 1932
      • 1933
      • 1934
      • 1935
      • 1936
      • 1937
      • 1938
      • 1939 >
        • 1939 - 15th (Vcr) Coast Bde, RCA, CASF
        • 1939 - 1st AA Regt, RCA, CASF
    • The 1920s >
      • 1920
      • 1921
      • 1922
      • 1923
      • 1924
      • 1925
      • 1926
      • 1927
      • 1928
      • 1929
    • The 1910s >
      • 1915 - 31st Bty, 8th Bde, CFA
      • Vancouver Volunteer Reserve
      • 1916 >
        • 1916 15th Brigade, CFA
        • 1916 - 31st Bty, 8th Bde, CFA
        • 1916 - 68 Depot
      • 1917 >
        • 1917 - 31st Bty, CFA, CEF
        • 1917 - 5th CSB, CGA ,CEF
        • 1917 - 68 Depot >
          • 1917 - Hastings Park
      • 1918 >
        • 68th Depot Battery CFA
        • 85th Battery CFA
        • Obituaries 1918
      • 1919 >
        • 68th Bty, 16th Bde CFA
        • 5th Cdn Siege Bty, CGA
    • The 1890s >
      • 1893 - BC Garrison Artillery
      • 1894 - BC Garrison Artillery
      • 1898- BC Garrison Artillery
  • Nominal Roll
    • Nom Roll Aaa - Ang >
      • Nom Roll Ank - Azz
    • Nom Roll Baa - Bay >
      • Nom Roll Bea - Bil
      • Nom Roll Bin - Boy
      • Nom Roll Bra - Bry
      • Nom Roll Buc- Bzz
    • Nom Roll Caa - Cav >
      • Nom Roll Caz - Chu
      • Nom Roll Cla - Con
      • Nom Roll Coo - Cri
      • Nom Roll Cro- Czz
    • Nom Roll Daa - Den >
      • Nom Roll Der - Dru
      • Nom Roll Dry - Dzz
    • Nom Roll Eaa - Ezz
    • Nom Roll Faa - Foo >
      • Nom Roll For - Fzz
    • Nom Roll Gaa - Gil >
      • Nom Roll Gin - Gra
      • Nom Roll Gre - Gzz
    • Nom Roll Haa - Han >
      • Nom Roll Har - Hei
      • Nom Roll Hel - Hog
      • Nom Roll Hol - Hui
      • Nom Roll Hul - Hzz
    • Nom Roll Iaa - Izz
    • Nom Roll Jaa - Jzz
    • Nom Roll Kaa - Kim >
      • Nom Roll Kin - Kzz
    • Nom Roll Laa - Led >
      • Nom Roll Lee-Log
      • Nom Roll Loh-Lzz
    • Nom Roll Ma - Mal >
      • Nom Roll Man - McB
      • Nom Roll McC - McH
      • Nom Roll McI - Mei
      • Nom Roll Mel - Moo
      • Nom Roll Mor- Mzz
    • Nom Roll Naa - Nzz
    • Nom Roll Oaa - Ozz
    • Nom Roll Paa - Pek >
      • Nom Roll Pel - Pos
      • Nom Roll Pot- Pzz
    • Nom Roll Qaa - Qzz
    • Nom Roll Raa - Rho >
      • Nom Roll Ric - Ror
      • Nom Roll Ros - Rzz
    • Nom Roll Saa - Sey >
      • Nom Roll Sha - Sma
      • Nom Roll Sme - Spr
      • Nom Roll Spy - Sur
      • Nom Roll Sut - Szz
    • Nom Roll Taa - Til >
      • Nom Roll Tim - Tzz
    • Nom Roll Uaa - Uzz
    • Nom Roll Vaa - Vzz
    • Nom Roll Waa - Way >
      • Nom Roll Wea- Wig
      • Nom Roll Wil - Wol
      • Nom Roll Won - Wzz
    • Nom Roll Xaa - Xzz
    • Nom Roll Yaa - Yzz
    • Nom Roll Zaa - Zzz
  • Calendar
  • Support the Troops!
  • Contact
  • Quartermaster Stores
  • Newsletters
    • Newsletters - 2025
    • Newsletters - 2024
    • Newsletters - 2023
    • Newsletters - 2022
    • Newsletters - 2021
    • Newsletters - 2020
    • Newsletters - 2019
    • Newsletters - 2018
    • Newsletters - 2017
    • Newsletters - 2016
    • Newsletters - 2015
    • Newsletters - 2014
    • Newsletters - 2013
    • Newsletters - 2012
    • Newsletters - 2011
    • Newsletters - pre 2011
    • Newsletters - WW1
  • Group Photos
  • Wednesday Lunches
  • References
  • Yorke Island
  • What year was that?
  • Index
  • Artillery Music
  • New Page
  • Regimental Swords
  • 1914 - Vcr Vol Res
Forward Observation Officers Course, Shilo MB
24 Aug 1990
A tale that should be told from the FOO course is that of a commissioned Regimental Sergeant Major taking his first course as a student. Day 1 set the tone as the instructors were gathered at the front of the classroom and identifying the students from the nominal roll. Overhead, amidst their whisperings were the words, “Which one was the RSM?” Never to be one that holds his sarcastic tongue (or should that be – one that is always helpful) I spoke up, “That would be me, is there a problem with that?” Sigh, always good to make friends with the instructors and I am now the class senior,(again!)
                The tale continues as we get into Troop Commanders’ fireplanning. I’m sure that they said a maximum of three targets and then the objective. Unfortunately, I was reading back the fourth target and the Instructor was still not identifying it as the objective. Final outcome was five targets and the objective to be engaged by the battery in the fireplan. Sheesh, it was messy but all targets were on time and on target. (Okay, I admit I did have to request H hour be amended by 15 minutes in order to adjust all targets.) Instructor comment at the end – well, that wasn’t totally successful. Sigh, oh well at least I get another try later.
                The course finished off with an overnight exercise of illumination targets until we got into the next morning when those that had failed their initial attempt were re-tested by another instructor. The Franco student was given an all French crew and passed, one other student was given a second attempt and passed. It was then announced that there was one member of the tech course that required another go and was there a volunteer from the FOO course that would like to shoot again? “Hang on a sec,” I said, “What about my second attempt at a Troop Commanders’ fireplan?” “Well,” he said,” that wasn’t really necessary, you did good enough.” It might have been the I hour of sleep out on the prairie the night before, or it could of just been my usual obstinate self, but I said, “Hang on Buddy (or words to that effect, I don’t like leaving it at ‘not totally successful’ so I want to take another shot at a good one.” “And I want you to be the one to re-assess me as you found the early one at fault.” So there I was, my Bombardier tech was on his last attempt, my instructor gave me six targets plus the objective and the school Commandant came out to watch the last shoot of the course. I passed, the tech didn’t.
                After coming in from the field we were advised that we had been ordered to attend a function in the Officers’ Mess immediately after washing up. The Germans were going to make a presentation, provide an excellent German meal and free German wine. We were needed as we were the largest collection of Officers on the Base (six?). Sometime during the evening Lieutenant Grayson McCready (Basic Tech Course Officer) shows up; one thing leads to another (one bottle of wine leads to another?), and there we were; patio furniture tossed onto the roof of the Officers’ Mess; Grayson and I watching the stars from that excellent vantage point. Grayson comes up with the classic line from his experience as a subaltern when I was the RSM, “Leon, you’re the last f….ing guy I would ever expect to be up here drinking wine with!”  Fortunately, the Adjutant left me a note authorizing our activity (I guess?)
I suppose Grayson was the ‘young gentleman” while I was the “senior staff present.”  Oh, and I only had to pay for one broken plastic patio chair.
As provided by Captain Leon Jensen, CD
Back to 1990

What's New

Copyright © 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022 2023, 2024
Webmaster/editor - Leon Jensen, OMM, CD, Commanding Officer 1998-2001, Regimental Sergeant Major 1986-1988
Additional photos and stories as well as comments regarding errors and omissions would be greatly appreciated. ​
​Have I inadvertently placed personal information of yours on line that you don't approve of?
​Please accept my apologies and contact me at [email protected] and I’ll have it removed.
  • Home
  • What's New
  • Lists
    • The Fallen
    • Memorial Page
    • Honours and Awards >
      • Distinguished Service Order
      • Distinguished Conduct Medal
      • Military Cross
      • Military Medal
      • George Medal
      • Croix de guerre
      • Mentioned in Despatches
      • Canadian Forces Decoration
    • Trophies
    • Commanding Officers
    • Regimental Sergeants Major
    • Honoraries
    • BCs and BSMs
    • Band Appointments
    • Chaplains
    • Uniforms
    • Guns
    • Notable Characters
    • Ubique
    • Cemeteries
    • Pets
  • Yearbook
    • The 2020s
    • 2025
    • 2024
    • 2023
    • 2022
    • 2021
    • 2020
    • The 2010s >
      • 2019
      • 2018
      • 2017
      • 2016
      • 2015
      • 2014
      • 2013
      • 2012
      • 2011
      • 2010
    • The 2000s >
      • 2000
      • 2001
      • 2002
      • 2003
      • 2004
      • 2005
      • 2006
      • 2007
      • 2008
      • 2009
    • The 1990s >
      • 1990
      • 1991
      • 1992
      • 1993
      • 1994
      • 1995
      • 1996
      • 1997
      • 1998
      • 1999
    • The 1980s >
      • 1980
      • 1981
      • 1982
      • 1983
      • 1984
      • 1985
      • 1986
      • 1987
      • 1988
      • 1989
    • The 1970s >
      • 1970
      • 1971
      • 1972
      • 1973
      • 1974
      • 1975
      • 1976
      • 1977
      • 1978
      • 1979
    • The 1960s >
      • 1960
      • 1961
      • 1962
      • 1963
      • 1964
      • 1965
      • 1966
      • 1967
      • 1968
      • 1969
    • The 1950s >
      • 1950 >
        • 1950 - 15th Fd Regt, RCA
        • 1950 - 102nd Coast Regt, RCA
        • 1950 - 43rd HAA Regt, RCA
      • 1951 >
        • 1951 - 15th Fd Regt, RCA
        • 1951 - 102nd Coast Regt, RCA
        • 1951 - 43rd HAA Regt, RCA
      • 1952 >
        • 1952 - 15th Fd Regt, RCA
        • 1952 - 102nd Coast Regt, RCA
        • 1952 - 43rd HAA Regt, RCA
      • 1953 >
        • 1953 - 15th Fd Regt, RCA
        • 1953 - 102nd Coast Regt, RCA
        • 1953 - 43rd HAA Regt, RCA
      • 1954 >
        • 1954 - 15th Fd Regt, RCA
        • 1954 - 102nd Coast Regt, RCA
        • 1954 - 43rd HAA Regt, RCA
      • 1955 >
        • 1955 - 15th Fd Regt, RCA
        • 1955 - 43rd HAA Regt, RCA
      • 1956 >
        • 1956 - 15th Fd Regt, RCA
        • 1956 - 43rd MAA Regt, RCA
      • 1957 >
        • 1957 - 15th Fd Regt, RCA
        • 1957 - 43rd MAA Regt, RCA
      • 1958 >
        • 1958 - 15th Fd Regt, RCA
        • 1958 - 43rd MAA Regt, RCA
      • 1959 >
        • 1959 - 15th Fd Regt, RCA
        • 1959 - 43rd MAA Regt, RCA
    • The 1940s >
      • 1940 >
        • 1940 - 15th (Vcr) Coast Bde, RCA, CASF
        • 1940 - 15th (Vcr) Cst Bde, RCA NPAM
        • 1940 - 1st AA Regt, RCA, CASF
      • 1941 >
        • 1941 - 15th (Vcr) Coast Bde, RCA, CASF
        • 1941 - 15th (Vcr) Cst Bde, RCA NPAM
        • 1941 - 1st (Res) AA Regt, RCA
      • 1942 >
        • 1942 - 15th (Vcr) Coast Bde, RCA, AF
        • 1942 - 15th (Vcr) Cst Bde, RCA RF
        • 1942 - 1st (Res) AA Regt, RCA
      • 1943 >
        • 1943 - 15th (Vcr) Coast Bde, RCA, AF
        • 1943 - 39th (Reserve) Fd Regt, RCA RF
        • 1943 - 1st (Res) AA Regt, RCA
      • 1944 >
        • 1944 - 15th (Vcr) Coast Bde, RCA, AF
        • 1944 - 11th AA Regt, RCA RF
        • 1944 - 1st (Res) AA Regt, RCA
      • 1945 >
        • 1945 - Vancouver Defences
        • 1945 - 11th AA Regt, RCA RF
      • 1946 >
        • 1946 - 15th Coast Regt, RCA
        • 1946 - 11th (Res) AA Regt, RCA
      • 1947 >
        • 1947 - 15th Coast Regt, RCA
        • 1947 - 43rd HAA Regt, RCA
      • 1948 >
        • 1948 - 15th Coast Regt, RCA
        • 1948 - Vancouver Coast Regt, RCA
        • 1948 - 43rd HAA Regt, RCA
      • 1949 >
        • 1949 - 15th Fd Regt, RCA
        • 1949 - Vancouver Coast Regt, RCA
        • 1949 - 43rd HAA Regt, RCA
    • The 1930s >
      • 1930
      • 1931
      • 1932
      • 1933
      • 1934
      • 1935
      • 1936
      • 1937
      • 1938
      • 1939 >
        • 1939 - 15th (Vcr) Coast Bde, RCA, CASF
        • 1939 - 1st AA Regt, RCA, CASF
    • The 1920s >
      • 1920
      • 1921
      • 1922
      • 1923
      • 1924
      • 1925
      • 1926
      • 1927
      • 1928
      • 1929
    • The 1910s >
      • 1915 - 31st Bty, 8th Bde, CFA
      • Vancouver Volunteer Reserve
      • 1916 >
        • 1916 15th Brigade, CFA
        • 1916 - 31st Bty, 8th Bde, CFA
        • 1916 - 68 Depot
      • 1917 >
        • 1917 - 31st Bty, CFA, CEF
        • 1917 - 5th CSB, CGA ,CEF
        • 1917 - 68 Depot >
          • 1917 - Hastings Park
      • 1918 >
        • 68th Depot Battery CFA
        • 85th Battery CFA
        • Obituaries 1918
      • 1919 >
        • 68th Bty, 16th Bde CFA
        • 5th Cdn Siege Bty, CGA
    • The 1890s >
      • 1893 - BC Garrison Artillery
      • 1894 - BC Garrison Artillery
      • 1898- BC Garrison Artillery
  • Nominal Roll
    • Nom Roll Aaa - Ang >
      • Nom Roll Ank - Azz
    • Nom Roll Baa - Bay >
      • Nom Roll Bea - Bil
      • Nom Roll Bin - Boy
      • Nom Roll Bra - Bry
      • Nom Roll Buc- Bzz
    • Nom Roll Caa - Cav >
      • Nom Roll Caz - Chu
      • Nom Roll Cla - Con
      • Nom Roll Coo - Cri
      • Nom Roll Cro- Czz
    • Nom Roll Daa - Den >
      • Nom Roll Der - Dru
      • Nom Roll Dry - Dzz
    • Nom Roll Eaa - Ezz
    • Nom Roll Faa - Foo >
      • Nom Roll For - Fzz
    • Nom Roll Gaa - Gil >
      • Nom Roll Gin - Gra
      • Nom Roll Gre - Gzz
    • Nom Roll Haa - Han >
      • Nom Roll Har - Hei
      • Nom Roll Hel - Hog
      • Nom Roll Hol - Hui
      • Nom Roll Hul - Hzz
    • Nom Roll Iaa - Izz
    • Nom Roll Jaa - Jzz
    • Nom Roll Kaa - Kim >
      • Nom Roll Kin - Kzz
    • Nom Roll Laa - Led >
      • Nom Roll Lee-Log
      • Nom Roll Loh-Lzz
    • Nom Roll Ma - Mal >
      • Nom Roll Man - McB
      • Nom Roll McC - McH
      • Nom Roll McI - Mei
      • Nom Roll Mel - Moo
      • Nom Roll Mor- Mzz
    • Nom Roll Naa - Nzz
    • Nom Roll Oaa - Ozz
    • Nom Roll Paa - Pek >
      • Nom Roll Pel - Pos
      • Nom Roll Pot- Pzz
    • Nom Roll Qaa - Qzz
    • Nom Roll Raa - Rho >
      • Nom Roll Ric - Ror
      • Nom Roll Ros - Rzz
    • Nom Roll Saa - Sey >
      • Nom Roll Sha - Sma
      • Nom Roll Sme - Spr
      • Nom Roll Spy - Sur
      • Nom Roll Sut - Szz
    • Nom Roll Taa - Til >
      • Nom Roll Tim - Tzz
    • Nom Roll Uaa - Uzz
    • Nom Roll Vaa - Vzz
    • Nom Roll Waa - Way >
      • Nom Roll Wea- Wig
      • Nom Roll Wil - Wol
      • Nom Roll Won - Wzz
    • Nom Roll Xaa - Xzz
    • Nom Roll Yaa - Yzz
    • Nom Roll Zaa - Zzz
  • Calendar
  • Support the Troops!
  • Contact
  • Quartermaster Stores
  • Newsletters
    • Newsletters - 2025
    • Newsletters - 2024
    • Newsletters - 2023
    • Newsletters - 2022
    • Newsletters - 2021
    • Newsletters - 2020
    • Newsletters - 2019
    • Newsletters - 2018
    • Newsletters - 2017
    • Newsletters - 2016
    • Newsletters - 2015
    • Newsletters - 2014
    • Newsletters - 2013
    • Newsletters - 2012
    • Newsletters - 2011
    • Newsletters - pre 2011
    • Newsletters - WW1
  • Group Photos
  • Wednesday Lunches
  • References
  • Yorke Island
  • What year was that?
  • Index
  • Artillery Music
  • New Page
  • Regimental Swords
  • 1914 - Vcr Vol Res