Freedom of the City Parade – 12 June 1977
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On 12 June 1977, the 15th Field Artillery Regiment RCA under the command of Lieutenant-Colonel William T. Wickett was granted the Freedom of the City of Vancouver. This is a tradition that dates back some 300 years in British Army history and provides an opportunity of recognizing military units.
Stevenson, R. Victor; Vancouver’s Bessborough Armoury – A History; Copyright 2010 The 15th Field Artillery Regiment RCA Museum and Archives Society |
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The ceremony begins with the unit marching to City Hall led by the Commanding Officer, Lieutenant-Colonel William (Bill) T. Wickett. The Regimental Band and the Cadets are already in position.
The Commanding Officer knocks three times on the door with the pommel of his sword and was challenged by the City Clerk, “Who comes there?” The CO responded, “15th Field Artillery Regiment, The Royal Regiment of Canadian Artillery, requesting the ancient privilege and right to march through the City of Vancouver with colours present, bands playing, drums beating, and bayonets fixed.”
The Mayor of the city, Jack Volrich, and the City Clerk are provided a General Salute by the Regiment and the Mayor inspects the Regiment. Master Warrant Officer George Wood is on the right flank of the parade. (The Regimental Sergeant Major, Chief Warrant Officer Eric Tyldesley-Gore can be seen at the front of the audience with his crutches)
The Mayor continues his inspection, past Warrant Officer Brian Harmon, Sergeant John Wright and Sergeant Darlene Willing. Major Bob Mugford and the parade Adjutant, Captain Laschuk, leads him past Warrant Officer Leon Jensen and on to Bombardier Brad Shorey and Bombardier Noel Dykes. He then inspects th Regimental Band.
Captain Paul Roberts accompanies the Mayor and the Commanding Officer.
The Commanding Officer knocks three times on the door with the pommel of his sword and was challenged by the City Clerk, “Who comes there?” The CO responded, “15th Field Artillery Regiment, The Royal Regiment of Canadian Artillery, requesting the ancient privilege and right to march through the City of Vancouver with colours present, bands playing, drums beating, and bayonets fixed.”
The Mayor of the city, Jack Volrich, and the City Clerk are provided a General Salute by the Regiment and the Mayor inspects the Regiment. Master Warrant Officer George Wood is on the right flank of the parade. (The Regimental Sergeant Major, Chief Warrant Officer Eric Tyldesley-Gore can be seen at the front of the audience with his crutches)
The Mayor continues his inspection, past Warrant Officer Brian Harmon, Sergeant John Wright and Sergeant Darlene Willing. Major Bob Mugford and the parade Adjutant, Captain Laschuk, leads him past Warrant Officer Leon Jensen and on to Bombardier Brad Shorey and Bombardier Noel Dykes. He then inspects th Regimental Band.
Captain Paul Roberts accompanies the Mayor and the Commanding Officer.
Major Stevenson leads the way through the Cadet ranks. Mayor Jack Volrich, the City Clerk and the Commanding Officer Lieutenant-Colonel Bill Wickett on the steps of Vancouver City Hall as the City Clerk reads out the proclamation to all those that are present. The Commanding Officer presents the Mayor with a memento of the occasion, a miniature cannon. The Regiment marches off, bayonets fixed, band playing.
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City of Vancouver Council Meeting 24 May 1977
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