Check out the latest YouTube video from Yorke Island in July 2025 as Blaine and Janis step ashore for their first visit.
Blaine and Janis July 2025
And no, they are not live projectiles. They're simply concrete props.

The PNE hosted an official unveiling of two of the artefacts which were covered by several of the media outlets. Unfortunately, the PNE became fixated on the Seaforth Highlanders of Canada portion of the story and neglected to include the Artillery side. They also only brought the British 9 pounders to the display (ignoring the German 105 howitzer) and called them war trophies (which they aren't).
The Seaforth Museum remains the lead with the artefacts as they have sufficient resources to handle them. 

​The future of the artefacts remains uncertain at this time. The 15th Field Artillery Regiment Museum does have a 9 pounder on display at the Armoury although it's history does not tie into the history of The Royal Regiment of Canadian Artillery as determined by the RCA Museum back in 1956. (see attached letter).
One idea is that the actual war trophies should remain with the Seaforth Highlanders of Canada (keep our fingers crossed that the 205mm gun can be found) as they are part of their history while the 9 pounders should be kept by the 15th Field Artillery Regiment Museum. What would we do with them? How expensive would it be to refurbish them and start up a two gun mounted troop?

It's been a busy Iltis month. The museum Iltis move with the tarp setup took quite a bit of time. Unfortunately, my personal Iltis decided to blow a head gasket which I was forced to research and replace. However, that was not the end of the Iltis saga! I'm not sure why, but the temperature microswitches decided to stop working after the head gasket was replaced (or maybe they stopped working prior to the head gasket issue or maybe they caused the head gasket issue) Whatever the cause, my Iltis couldn't drive without the radiator fans operating to keep the engine temperature down. With some research I devised a toggle switch system to turn on the fans. while the switches worked, it was rather annoying to continually keep an eye on the temperature gauge while driving.
Additional research led me to the Bombardier Iltis Canada Facebook page which provides a considerable library of information and member stories. In no time, new switches were ordered from the Iltis shop in Belgium and the toggle switches have been removed!
Which bring me to the next Iltis story....

That's the Museum Iltis on the left and my Iltis on the right. Mine's rather sad looking and definitely in need of a paint job. In my mind that involves spray paint, spray paint booths, technical skills and knowledge about industrial grade paints. All of which I'm sadly lacking. It's rather difficult to even find the correct paint as the original paint was CARC (Chemical Agent Resistant Coating) compliant with a high degree of safety processes required when applying. Did I really require CARC on my Iltis? Not really. I just want it to look good. Fortunately, my research lead me to an Iltis restorer that used simple household paint available at Home Depot! It's lasted him through 3 winters and I thought I would conduct an experiment on my Iltis in the West Coast rain forest. 

Wow! Big improvement over the top photo. I won't mind if I have to repaint every year. It looks sharp and only took a day with a pait sprayer and an unskilled painter.

​Free admission at the gate for veterans and active service members with valid ID. Special ceremony at 12:30PM on the Freedom Mobile Stage, commemorating recent military artifact discoveries on site. Earlier this year the building contractor uncovered some WWI German equipment (howitzer and machine guns) plus 2 British 9 pounders.  Hope to see you at the ceremony.

​Annual Mess Dinner 6 September 2025
And Dining Out of:
WO James Palmer MMM, CD 
​Sgt Susan Penner, CD
Sgt Dan Scott, CD
Sgt Jayson Wong, CD

About two years ago we started a fundraiser to get the Museum Iltis on the road. We ran into some bureaucratic roadblocks on the way but now that we've overcome those, its time to upgrade the Iltis!. Would you care to donate to the fund? You'll receive a charitable tax receipt. If you donate $500.00 we'll give you the Vancouver Coastal Artillery tour! Check out the Quartermaster's Stores here or simply send an e-transfer to [email protected].

​Lieutenant-Colonel Gary James Bailey CD
July 27, 1934 - July 19, 2025
Gratefully, we were each able to express our deep love for Gary when he passed at LGH.
Gary was born in Portage la Prairie, Manitoba, and lived in BC since 1960. A resilient man, he had a few careers, laterly as an instructor at BCIT. Always active, he would change his sport in response to his change in abilities. He was a member of the West Van Tennis Club. Gary was a longtime member of the Militia and a LCol CD of the 15th Field Regiment.
Gary was a warm, loving man with an endearing sense of humour. He is survived by his wife, Sigrid, son, Brent, and daughter Kristen (William). Cheerful, despite struggles due to cancer treatment, he had the joy of knowing his granddaughters, Mayla (3) and Riley (1).
If you wish, a donation to the SPCA.
Lieutenant-Colonel Gary Bailey CD was taken on strength as a Gunner with the 13th Battery, 26th Field Regiment, RCA in 1952. After attaining the rank of Sergeant, he was commissioned as an Officer Cadet. A subsequent relocation to Vancouver resulted in his joining the 15th Field Artillery Regiment in 1959 where he eventually took command in 1972.
North Shore News obituary.