I've done a recent update to the Quartermaster page highlighting some of the projects that we're working on. Would you like to help us by financing the projects listed? Most donations are provided a charitable tax receipt and your name wil recorded as one that has assisted us in creating a lasting legacy. ALl donations also receive some of our NEW collectable cards! We also have a stock of glassware and t-shirts still available for sale. Delivery may be somewhat difficult but we have shipped out quite a few products through Canada Post. And, if you scroll down to the bottom of the Quartermaster page, you will find some information regarding bequests that can be made to the Regimental Society and/or the Museum and Archives Society. A lasting legacy. Colin Parkinson shared a photo he recently discovered on the Vancouver Pubic Library Historical Photos page. It features soldiers from the 68th Depot Battery, Candian Field Artillery (or is it the 85th Battery, Siberian Expeditionary Force?). You can find the photo on the 1918 yearbook page. Have you got any new photos to share? Contact me at president.vcrgunners@gmail.com The battle of Cambrai. We worked hard a few nights before, preparing the position. The Infantry say the barrage was perfect …at 4:20 AM an aeroplane dropped a flare and every gun on the Front roared together. As the barrage would lift every 4 minutes, the Infantry would advance, and they say every gun seemed to have lifted together. The Hun retaliated heavily on our position. Shrapnel was flying past in all directions, but we were busily giving him his ration, and had no time to think about it. One piece hit me on the chest, but it was too far spent to go through. I can assure you it has been no picnic from that date to this. Constantly on the move. Digging gun pits, digging funk pits, digging holes in the ground to sleep in. Just get them finished, then another move. Check out the complete letter here... Have you wondered what ever happened to that old gun tractor that you drove when you were a young Gunner or Bombardier?
Paul Spurrell, a former member of the Lanark and Refrew Scottish before transferring to the Canadian Forces Communications Command and now retired in Alberta, is the proud owner of a former 15th Field Artillery Regiment Gun Tractor 52-50351. As you can see by the photos, Paul has taken great care of the vehicle. It looks immaculate. Even better than it was one of ours! Thanks Paul, for taking care of our heritage! Check out the other photos here. New Powder Master The North Shore News featured an article, 5 May 2021, on the current powder master of the 9 o'clock gun. Meet the man who loads Vancouver's historic 9 o'clock gun (VIDEO) Find out more about 15th Field's connection with the 9 o'clock gun here. Congratulations to Lieutenant-Colonel Kent Wickens on the announcement by the Acting Commander of the Canadian Army that he will be assuming command of The Seaforth Highlanders of Canada later this year. Lieutenant-Colonel Wickens started his career in the Canadian Army with the 15th Field Artillery Regiment RCA on 25 March 1982 as a Gunner. After attaining the rank of Master Bombardier, he commissioned as an Officer Cadet in 1985. An operational tour with UNFICYP-1992/1993 preceded his promotion to Captain in 1993, Major in 2005 and his appointment as Commanding Officer 15th Field Artillery Regiment from 2011 to 2014. After a stint at 39 Canadian Brigade Headquarters 2014 he was appointed Commanding Officer 39 Signal Regiment on 30 May 2017. We look forward to hearing of his future exploits as he leads the renowned Seaforth Highlanders of Canada. A few more photos of the red flash worn by members of the 102nd Coast Regiment, 43rd Heavy Anti-Aircraft Regiment and 43rd Medium Anti-Aircraft Regiments. Should we bring that back as standard wear for association members?
Wednesday, 5 May No luck with piston #5. Applied some additional rust free spray and placed a jack under the #6 piston. With the weight of the front end, I'm hoping the penetrant will lossen it enough for it to pop up #6 which should drive down #5. I've been told to be patient and give it time. Another option is to look into super cooling the piston so that the metal contracts and allows increased space between the piston and cylinder. Either that or heat up the engine block. Any other ideas out there? Tuesday, 4 May THEY MOVED! All of the connecting rods were loosened and found to be free of rust. The two suspect pistons (#5 and #6) were disconnected and the crankshaft moved the other four! (#1 to #4). #6 was reconnected and moved. That leaves #5 as the only piston that is stuck. Next work session will focus on that one! Check out the complete story here.... Lieutenant-Colonel (Ret'd) John Dick has written a summary regarding the red flash worn behind the artillery cap badge on some of the 1950's photos of the 43rd Medium Anti-Aircraft Regiment, RCA. The Canadian Army (Overseas) authorized the red flash in April 1945. All artillery units other than the airborne were authorized the flash in the post war army for wear on the khaki and blue berets and the bush and winter peaked caps. The flash was a separate piece of red cloth cut to the outline of the cap badge. The flash disappeared gradually from wear in the late 1950s and 1960s as the Army changed its garrison and ceremonial headdress. During its twenty or so years of wear, the red flash added colour to otherwise drab khaki uniforms, improved the appearance and visibility of the RCA cap badge and enhanced Regimental esprit de corps. You can find the article in our reference section here.
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