The RCA Association (RCAA) has been working on a membership card idea that highlights Gunners from the past. If you're a paid up member of the Vancouver Artillery Association you should have received an email explaining the concept and how to take part in a trial that we're currently conducting. If you're not a paid up member, you can still get in by forwarding your membership dues to our treasurer Doug Loney. Remember, that VAA membership also gets you your RCAA membership, preferred rates at TD Meloche home insurance and coverage with the National Firearms Association.

OSINT researchers have released footage of the Ukrainian military using M101 105mm howitzers. The video was published on the Ukraine Weapons Tracker Twitter account. This is the first confirmation of these weapons usage by the Ukrainian military. The M101 howitzers were transferred by Lithuania to Ukraine. Information about the transfer of these howitzers to Ukraine appeared in September 2022. 105mm howitzers were stored in the arsenals of the Armed Forces of Lithuania. М101 is a short-barreled artillery weapon that fires semi-fixed ammunition. High explosive, armor-piercing, cluster fragmentation and smoke shells are used for shooting. The bolt of the howitzer is horizontal wedge, the anti-recoil devices are hydropneumatic, and the weight of the barrel with the bolt is 483 kg. The М101 howitzer has a reliable and convenient carriage, which requires a minimum of effort from the service to bring the weapon into combat position. The carriage has an original shield, and the gun is carried as forward as possible to fire at large elevation angles. The М101 howitzer towed by a truck or artillery tractor. Check out the mil.in.ua website here

​Lieutenant James Boyd MacLachlan, MC has been added to our nominal roll as a former member of 60th Battery, 15th Brigade, Canadian Field Artillery, Canadian Expeditionary Force. He was later transferred to the 1st Heavy Battery, Canadian Garrison Artillery where he was awarded the Military Cross. His citation reads:
​For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty. He established himself in an observation post before an attack and remained there for three and a half days under continual fire. He showed splendid coolness and determination.
Lest we forget.

Acting Bombardier Allen Arthur Thomas has been added to our list of  The Fallen. Bombardier Thomas enlisted with the 31st Battery, 8th Brigade, Canadian Field Artillery at the beginning of World War I. He was wounded 3 November 1917 and died 18 December 1917.  He is buried at St. Sever Cemetery Extension, Rouen, Seine-Maritime, France. Lest we forget.

Both volumes of the Gunners of Canada are now available in a pdf format for members online at The Royal Canadian Artillery Association store for $0.00. Simply log on through www.rca-arc.org and download your copy.

Another gunner that originally enlisted with the 68th Depot Battery in Vancouver has been added to the list of Fallen. Gunner William James Alexander was killed in action on 7 November 1917 while serving with 4th Canadian Siege Battery, Canadian Garrison Artillery and is buried at Potijze Chateau Grounds British Cemetery, Ypres, Belgium. Lest we forget.

Photos have started arriving from the salute and other events on Remembrance Day. You can find them here.

The Regiment supported the True Patriot Love Tribute Dinner through the provision of Bessborough Armoury as a venue with military artefacts on display. The Band provided an excellent dinner show and the Museum was open for guests to tour. Honorary Lieutenant-Colonel Foster coordinated assistance from BMO volunteers. Check out some more photos in our 2022 yearbook.

The 15th Field Artillery Regiment will be firing from HMCS Discovery, Stanley Park at 1100 hours on Remembrance Day. Participation is restricted due to the small size of the island. The Vancouver Artillery Association has been given 10 passes for former members to attend.  Cars are also restricted so we would have to car pool as there is only room for 3 carss. Interested in attending? Send me an email at [email protected]