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Ian Newby supported the "Sky's No Limit - Girls Fly Too" event in Abbotsford on 11/12 March with the loan of his M109 howitzer. Darren Kostinuk and Ian Smith came out and lent him a hand explaining the workings to a large audience. Thanks for supporting a great cause! I stand corrected! Lieutenant-Colonel (ret) Gary Bailey has just sent me in some information from the 1983 reunion at Bessborough Armoury. His copy of the programme and the group shot clears up some confusion on my part. I had originally had many of the photos in 1980 thinking it was for the 60th anniversary of the Regiment. I also had some other photos in 1983 not knowing what event they represented. However, his programme clearly identifies the event and all of the pictures have now been moved into the 1983 Yearbook. I'm still missing some names! Your travelling webpage editor had a quick tour of the National World War II Museum in New Orleans, Louisiana, (a three hour quick tour!). A very impressive museum that started with two fellows talking over a beer one day in 2002. Sixteen years later and it's a national treasure. Very impressive presentations focused on the US involvement in the war with impressive displays. Of course, I'm always drawn to the artillery side and invariably a 105 Howitzer (M1 or M2) is on display. I did not realize that the US also had an M2 version with muzzle swell as per our C1s! I also enjoy the wheel rims, a design we went back to after the failure of the split rings. Enjoy the photos and mark the National World War II Museum on your list of things to see the next time you're in New Orleans! Lieutenant-Colonel (ret) Gary Bailey sent along some clippings from a Vancouver Sun article. Check out the other pictures in the 1973 yearbook! Mary Hill Exercise Routledge, Major Ames, Officer Cadet Barry Hicklenton and Officer Cadet Hallett enjoying their lunch. Lieutenant Vic Stevenson enjoys the view. Salute in Stanley Park The licence plates indicate 1955. the location at Hallelujah Point in Stanley Park. The occasion unknown. Dominion Day? The troop composition? Two guns as it appears that 12 blanks have been prepared on the one gun and there are two FATs on the position. The slide holder stated 1975 but there are some doubts as to the exact date. Gunner Lorne Gilmour qualified Artilleryman on 11 Jan 1976 and was promoted Bombardier on 1 Nov 1976. Gunner Noel Dykes deployed to UNEF ME in Aug 1976. The gun nets are of the newer plastic types while the 1975 gun ex feature older 'fishnet' cam nets. Check out the other Yearbook 1976 pictures and tell me if that's a correct choice! Texan Coastal Artillery positions The adventure for today was looking into the Coastal Artillery in Galveston, Texas. First, I had to check with the lovely concierges at the San Luis Resort. I had discovered that the resort is built on the top of the Fort Crockett installation and wanted to ensure that they were okay with some old guy snooping around taking pictures. The #1 emplacement is visible behind the resort Helipad. It has been cemented over to prevent unauthorized access and the rear access door has been boarded over. Peering through the cracks in the door appears to show a large cavernous opening but it was too dark to see if any of the artillery mechanisms were still in place. The ladies informed me, to their knowledge, that tours have never been conducted of the actual emplacement. Locals have dropped by from time to time to regale them with tales of parties in the abandoned emplacements before the construction of the resort. A lookout with telescope has been installed on top of the #1 emplacement with a children’s’ slide into the upscale pool. The Gunners never had it this good in their day! The #2 emplacement is buried deep in the villa area of the resort. It must be a great place to stay for old gunners as you can walk by the position every morning on your way to breakfast! The rear door is also accessible to this emplacement but half buried and with no sign of an access point. Student Youth Employment Plan - Summer 82 From the top left - Dan Szabo, Niall Fraser, 3, Bill Bragg,5,6,7,8,9 10,11, Stuart Haggerty, Parks, Kent Wickens, Garnet Durham, 16,17, Russell Merrifield, Jonathan Gregory 20, Navruz Engineer , Vince Hands, 23,24,25,26, Jay McCallum, Barry Chafe Thanks for all the help with the names. We've almost got half of them!  Hollywood North Through the efforts of Major Ian Newby, the Regiment has had a strong connection with the film industry in the Lower Mainland. It started with First Blood in 1982 and has been strong ever since. This photo is from Indestructible Man circa 1984 and many unit members can be seen outfitted in National Guard uniforms. 1,2,3, Bob Sutherland, 5,6,7,8,9,10, CI Young, 12, 13, Colin Parkinson, 15, 16, 17, Barry MacLeod, 19, 20, 21, 22, Ian Newby Did I miss you in the photo?  |
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