MILCON 72
The sudden flurry of activity around the “Q” lines did not herald the imminent arrival of the Germans. It did however represent a major success for both 3 RCHA and the Artillery Militia units of Western Canada. It was a success in many ways. First, from the Regiment’s point of view, was the fact that the Artillery Militia Concentration (Arty Milcon 72) was held in Shilo where personnel were able to get home, if only for short intervals. This allowed for better administrative support and much better training facilities for the artillery units involved. Secondly and more important, was the intensive training and the positive results shown by the Militia units. Undeniably, the calibre of the Artillery Militia units in the last few years has improved and Milcon 72 has been largely responsible for the continued progress of militia units from Kenora to Victoria.
Units from five provinces were in Shilo that week. The 116th Field Battery from Kenora was Ontario’s representative, while the 13th Field Battery from Portage and the 26th Field regiment from Brandon were Manitoba’s contribution. From Regina, the 10th Field regiment and its subsidiary battery, from Yorkton (the 54th Field Battery) augmented the prairie’s contribution. The 20th Field regiment from Edmonton, the 78th Field Battery from Red Deer and the 20th Independent Field Battery from Lethbridge carried Alberta’s colours. From beautiful BC the 15th Field Regiment and the 5th (BC) Field Battery travelled the farthest to attend this very worthwhile Artillery Milcon 72.
Training for the 252 Militia men attending (2 were females from Saskatchewan) included two days of refresher training on Sunday, 2 July and Monday 3 July, capped with a competition of individual skills which resulted in a very close victory for the BC units. Tuesday and Wednesday were filled with battery firing exercises designed to bring the units to the proficiency required for the complicated Regimental exercise, which began Wednesday evening. The exercise ended Friday at noon and was followed by clean-up and battery smokers. Saturday was filled with aspirin and administration as the units left for home.
In addition, for several officers, there was a tactics course which resulted in the officers attending Milcon 72 in Wainwright, Alberta. There they were employed as Battery Commanders on this 1 Cbt Gp Militia exercise.
Many visitors were in Shilo for Milcon, BGen Summers who was Commander for Militia Prairie Area was there from Saskatoon. Several Honourary Colonels attended, including H/Col Munro (20th Fd), H/Col Playfair (116th Bty), and H/Col Magnacca (26th Fd). Also visiting was Maj NW Johnstone, formerly BC G Battery 3 RCHA, who is now part of Operational Evaluations in FMC. He was here to evaluate the Militia units for Mobile Command.
Arty Milcon 72 was a tremendous success not only from a training view-point, but also from the closer working arrangement which resulted between Regular Force and Militia personnel. 3 RCHA sincerely hopes this type of training can be continued and possibly expanded in Shilo where so much can be gained by everyone.
The Canadian Gunner, 1972, Volume 8, December 1972, page 44
Units from five provinces were in Shilo that week. The 116th Field Battery from Kenora was Ontario’s representative, while the 13th Field Battery from Portage and the 26th Field regiment from Brandon were Manitoba’s contribution. From Regina, the 10th Field regiment and its subsidiary battery, from Yorkton (the 54th Field Battery) augmented the prairie’s contribution. The 20th Field regiment from Edmonton, the 78th Field Battery from Red Deer and the 20th Independent Field Battery from Lethbridge carried Alberta’s colours. From beautiful BC the 15th Field Regiment and the 5th (BC) Field Battery travelled the farthest to attend this very worthwhile Artillery Milcon 72.
Training for the 252 Militia men attending (2 were females from Saskatchewan) included two days of refresher training on Sunday, 2 July and Monday 3 July, capped with a competition of individual skills which resulted in a very close victory for the BC units. Tuesday and Wednesday were filled with battery firing exercises designed to bring the units to the proficiency required for the complicated Regimental exercise, which began Wednesday evening. The exercise ended Friday at noon and was followed by clean-up and battery smokers. Saturday was filled with aspirin and administration as the units left for home.
In addition, for several officers, there was a tactics course which resulted in the officers attending Milcon 72 in Wainwright, Alberta. There they were employed as Battery Commanders on this 1 Cbt Gp Militia exercise.
Many visitors were in Shilo for Milcon, BGen Summers who was Commander for Militia Prairie Area was there from Saskatoon. Several Honourary Colonels attended, including H/Col Munro (20th Fd), H/Col Playfair (116th Bty), and H/Col Magnacca (26th Fd). Also visiting was Maj NW Johnstone, formerly BC G Battery 3 RCHA, who is now part of Operational Evaluations in FMC. He was here to evaluate the Militia units for Mobile Command.
Arty Milcon 72 was a tremendous success not only from a training view-point, but also from the closer working arrangement which resulted between Regular Force and Militia personnel. 3 RCHA sincerely hopes this type of training can be continued and possibly expanded in Shilo where so much can be gained by everyone.
The Canadian Gunner, 1972, Volume 8, December 1972, page 44