​The Major Carl Seymour Gonnason MC diary continues with the first half of April 1916. Military instruction has begun for the new officers but there is also the family social life that continues, including tea at the Empress and playing tennis with the Mayor. There is also a tour of the Victoria company that is manufacturing shrapnel shells for the 18 pounder. The inset photo is information from his diary that explains the current war taxes that were in place at the end of 1915.   Check out the latest entries here.

​Major Carl Seymour Gonnason MC was a Lieutenant during his time with the 15th Brigade. He was born in Victoria, BC on 19 February 1893 and was taken on strength with the 5th Regiment, Canadian Garrison Artillery on 9 February 1916. He was transferred to the 62nd Battery, 15th Brigade, Canadian Field Artillery on 28 April, the Ammunition Column on 1 May 1916 and then to the 60th Battery on 3 August 1916.  His diary starts in Victoria.

Mark Truelove of Canada Colours has done a great job placing colour into some of the early photos of the 68th Depot Battery. Take a look at the original back and white photos here. Mark is a local BC artist. Thanks Mark for your awesome job.

The Regiment managed their annual group photo during December under COVID protocols. Hard to identify who's behind the mask. Can you identify anyone? Send me a name and number to [email protected]

Another former member of the 15th Brigade, Canadian Field Artillery has been added  to the list of The Fallen. Driver Archibald Fenton Eaton had been transferred to the 60th Battery, 14th Brigade during the reorganization of the Canadian Field Artillery. During training he was hospitalized with measles and died of bronchial pneumonia. He is interred at the Aldershot Military Cemetery, Hampshire, England, far from his hometown of Victoria, BC. Lest we forget.

Another Military Cross awarded to a member of the 15th Brigade, Canadian Field Artillery has been uploaded to our Honours and Awards page. Lieutenant Carl Seymour Gonnason, MC was taken on strength with the 15th Brigade, Canadian Field Artillery when it was formed in Victoria in 1916. He was subsequently transferred to, and went overseas with, the 1st Brigade, Canadian Field Artillery. His citation for the Military Cross reads:
For conspicuous gallantry and resource during an attack. He was in charge of an officers patrol and went forward with the Infantry. He kept up communications with the rear in spite of heavy shell fire and sent back valuable information. He also put in action two enemy guns, which he turned around and fired over two hundred rounds himself into the retreating enemy. 
Lieutenant Gonnason was originally a member of the 5th Regiment, Canadian Garrison Artillery and returned to that unit after the First World War. He mobilized with the 55th Battery in 1939 but returned to the civilian workforce as his lumber mill was deemed essential to the war effort.
​Lest we forget.

Did you know that we still have Regimental Birthday glasses in stock?
Scotch glasses  $6.00 each
Beer mugs         $8.00 each
Shot glasses       $5.00 each
Do you know a gunner that needs a gift? Do you need to buy yourself a gift? Order via email to [email protected]