![]() There is a rumour that the Levee will return on New Year's Day. Still awaiting confirmation and timings. Here's a bit of backgrounder from Wikipedia: The word levee (from French, noun use of infinitive lever, "rising", from Latin levāre, "to raise") originated in the levée du soleil (rising of the sun) of King Louis XIV (1643–1715). It was his custom to receive his male subjects in his bedchamber just after arising, a practice that subsequently spread throughout Europe. The first recorded levee in Canada was held on January 1, 1646, in the Chateau St. Louis by Charles Huault de Montmagny, Governor of New France from 1636 to 1648. In addition to wishing a happy new year to the citizens the governor informed guests of significant events in France as well as the state of affairs within the colony. In turn, the settlers were expected to renew their pledges of allegiance to the Crown. In colonial times, when the formalities of the levee had been completed, guests were treated to wine and cheeses from the homeland. Wines did not travel well during the long ocean voyage to Canada. To make the cloudy and somewhat sour wine more palatable it was heated with alcohol and spices. The concoction came to be known as le sang du caribou ("caribou blood"). Under British colonial rule, the wine in le sang du caribou was replaced with whisky (which travelled better). This was then mixed with goat's milk and flavoured with nutmeg and cinnamon to produce an Anglicized version called "moose milk". Today's versions of moose milk, in addition to whisky (or rum) and spices may use a combination of eggnog and ice cream, as well as other alcoholic supplements. The exact recipes used by specific groups may be jealously guarded secrets. ![]() The 15th Field Artillery Regiment Band is excited to present a joyous evening of musical performance which reflects the work they have been busy preparing this season! The Band will be performing many of their favourite Christmas classics while also playing a couple of new arrangements sure to become classics in the future. They're also excited to feature a couple of friends from the Naden Band of the Royal Canadian Navy. This is a FREE concert, and for ample accessibility to all, this concert will be held online, HERE, via Facebook streaming! Watch from the comfort of your home, invite the family, and enjoy a hot mug of cocoa from anywhere in the world as the band performs LIVE for you from their state-of-the-art band room as December arises and the winter holidays set in. Peter Moogk has sent along a few photos from Canada Day 2011 which have been added to our Yearbook page here. Have you got any photos that you would like to share? Send them to [email protected]
![]() Lieutenant-Colonel JG (John) MacGregor CD, RCA, passed away at his home in Langley BC, on 7 Dec 2022. John was 83 years of age and passed away as a direct result of very serious and painful medical issues. Anyone who was ever involved in the world of Canadian Army aviation and later Canadian Forces tactical aviation during the 1960s through to when John retired from the Regular Force in 1978 will know the name MacGregor and hold that name in the highest possible regard, both as a pilot and an Artillery Officer who served the Guns so well. After retirement from the Regular Force, John moved to Vancouver and took command of the 15th Field Artillery Regiment, RCA from 1981 until 1983. May he rest in peace knowing that he will not soon be forgotten by anyone who ever had the privilege of knowing and serving with this fine officer and gentleman. Anyone wishing to send email condolences to the family can do so by using John’s wife Karen’s email address [email protected] Information received from John Dicker, Canadian Army Aviation Website Editorial Board Member ![]() We've just discovered another former member of the 15th Brigade, Canadian Field Artillery who was awarded the Military Cross in World War I. Lieutenant Alexander MacLean, MC enrolled with the 62nd Battery, 15th Brigade, Canadian Field Artillery, CEF in 1916. In France, he was transferred to the 8th Brigade, Canadian Field Artillery, CEF and was awarded the Military Cross. His citation reads: For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty as forward observation officer. Though he was subjected to intense fire and all his party became casualties, with the help of two signallers, he kept his lamp and relay stations in action without a break for twenty four hours. ![]() Peter Moogk has just sent in a photo from the 2012 Canada Day Salute at Stanley Park. It's amazing that this is the only photograph that we've received from that event! Have you got any in your album at home? Please forward any you would like to donate to [email protected] |
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