Visit by the Master Gunner, St. James Park
The Master Gunner, General Sir Robert Mansergh GCB, KBE, MC included a visit to 15th Field Artillery Regiment, RCA as part of his 25 day cross-Canada tour. His itinerary included visits to the 1st R.C.H.A at Gagetown, the 2nd R.C.H.A in Winnipeg and the the 2nd S.S.M. Battery in Shilo. Other reserve units included the 5th Independent Medium Battery in Victoria, 24th M.A.A regiment in Trail and the 42nd Medium, 29th Field and 1st Locating in Toronto.
The 15th Field Artillery Regiment held a parade in the parking lot at Sunset Beach in Kitsilano.
The 15th Field Artillery Regiment held a parade in the parking lot at Sunset Beach in Kitsilano.
The Regiment is formed up awaiting his inspection. Participants recall that he he was fashionably late and made a very thorough and lengthy inspection. The photo is somewhat blurry when enlarged but Warrant Officer Class II Stan Thompson, in blues, can be seen in the rear rank. Captain Bill Matterson is in front of the right marker with Major Gordon Platt in front of him. To the left of Major Platt is Major Eckford. The officer out front is Lieutenant Colonel Doug Elsdon. The parade is legendary in the regimental Band’s history as they had to play the Artillery Slow March at least twenty times. On this parade the unit fixed bayonets, but with scabbards attached for some unknown reason. It is the custom that the Artillery doesn’t fix bayonets on parade.
The Regimental Band led by Staff Sergeant Jim Hamilton.
The Troop of Guns on parade. The Herald Trumpets (ed note: just as you think you have the stories collated in the proper sequence you notice that the Herald Trumpeters are wearing Busbies in one photograph and Forage Caps in the others. Same Location. Different parade?)
General Sir Robert Mansergh stops to talk with Master Warrant Officer George Chow during the inspection (ed Note: Did the sun set during the parade?). Back in the Officers' Mess, the Master Gunner seems to have been made an Honorary Sergeant Major of the Warrant Officers' and Sergeants' Mess. Who are the two Honorary Staff Sergeants?
The Regimental Band led by Staff Sergeant Jim Hamilton.
The Troop of Guns on parade. The Herald Trumpets (ed note: just as you think you have the stories collated in the proper sequence you notice that the Herald Trumpeters are wearing Busbies in one photograph and Forage Caps in the others. Same Location. Different parade?)
General Sir Robert Mansergh stops to talk with Master Warrant Officer George Chow during the inspection (ed Note: Did the sun set during the parade?). Back in the Officers' Mess, the Master Gunner seems to have been made an Honorary Sergeant Major of the Warrant Officers' and Sergeants' Mess. Who are the two Honorary Staff Sergeants?
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A short clip of the parade
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The preparation for the parade included meetings and invites.
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