Yakima 1979
The route down is always an adventure. Sergeant Joe Phelan's POL vehicle always comes in handy to ensure that we don't run out on the way. Here we have Bombardier Richard Fowler refueling with Captain 'Doc' Forbes supervising. We also have a bit of a group shot at the Rechalus Lake rest stop with the RSM Chief Warrant Officer Eric Tyldesley-Gore, Bombardier Richard Fowler and three other unknown members. It appears that UN caps and camouflage jackets were the LCF (Look Cool Factor) dress for that period.
We can just see Yakima Firing centre in the distance and as we get closer we have the geographic feature 'Squaw's Tit'.
We can just see Yakima Firing centre in the distance and as we get closer we have the geographic feature 'Squaw's Tit'.
Once in camp it's always a great feel to wash up and partake of a cool beverage. Captain Ian Newby is sporting a fine corncob pipe and enjoying a cool Olympia beer. After all, as the label says, "It's the Water!". Captain John Carter looks like he's already picked up a deep tan. Alas, on this exercise the Officers' Mess is closed for renovations. It certainly looks parched as a desert when you view the entire camp. Only green space is around the quarters where Lieutenants Leo Kung and Russ Ford are preparing for the day's field deployment. Captain Ian Newby and Lieutenant John Carter back to camp after two days in the field, hot, exhausted, and covered in dust. Lieutenant Carter had the charming habit of setting up a primus stove on the barracks' floor to make tea - a salute to his English origins. Lieutenant Peter Moogk's shadow is in the lower right hand.
The Forward Observation Officer's appear to have given up on any vestige of camouflage. By all appearances we are strictly on a technical shoot, having left personal weapons and camouflage nets behind. Here we have a Lieutenant Peter Moogk, Bombardier Brad Barton, Captain John Carter, Warrant Officer Leon Jensen and Bombardier Barry Cotter waiting to observe the fall of shot. Well.....it appears that Warrant Officer Jensen is not eagerly awaiting the incoming rounds. And we won't mention the Cookie Monster.
Master Warrant Officer Don Friedsam has come up to watch the action.
Speaking of action, here's Lieutenant Peter Moogk, Captain John Hawthorne and Captain Paul Roberts all waiting for the excitement to stop! Just Kidding! You can see that there are some rounds going down range and we can see Captain John Carter viewing the splash with his Technician, Bombardier Richard Fowler before passing the information to the Command Post via Gunner Sawatsky. I see Cookie Monster is still part of the team while Warrant Officer Leon Jensen is still enjoying forty winks. He must be preparing for the night shift (or recovering from last night's night shift!).
Master Warrant Officer Don Friedsam has come up to watch the action.
Speaking of action, here's Lieutenant Peter Moogk, Captain John Hawthorne and Captain Paul Roberts all waiting for the excitement to stop! Just Kidding! You can see that there are some rounds going down range and we can see Captain John Carter viewing the splash with his Technician, Bombardier Richard Fowler before passing the information to the Command Post via Gunner Sawatsky. I see Cookie Monster is still part of the team while Warrant Officer Leon Jensen is still enjoying forty winks. He must be preparing for the night shift (or recovering from last night's night shift!).
The weather is just as hot and dusty down at the Gun Line. Actually, it appears rather cloudy and it's hard to see if the wetness on the clothing is from a light sprinkling of rain or if everyone is melting away in the heat. Sergeant Doug Johnston's detachment is firing rounds down range and then moving off to the next position. I do believe I see Bombardier Cliff John holding onto the charge bags in one of the photos.
The last five photos may actually be the 5th (BC) Regiment, RCA from Victoria. They seem to be wearing desert cam on the helmets and it appears to be WO? Jim Simpson sitting at the rear of one of the guns.
The last five photos may actually be the 5th (BC) Regiment, RCA from Victoria. They seem to be wearing desert cam on the helmets and it appears to be WO? Jim Simpson sitting at the rear of one of the guns.
A couple of group shots here. An American Warrant Officer with the Regimental Sergeant Major Chief Warrant Officer Eric Tyldesly-Gore and Captain Paul Roberts with Master Warrant Officer George Wood in the distance. I do believe that the RSM is drinking milk while the Captain is having an Olympia Beer. That's rather odd.....
The second photo has our American with Captain Paul Roberts, Captain D.B. (Red) Harrison, Captain John Hawthorne and Lieutenant-Colonel Stuart T. McDonald.
The second photo has our American with Captain Paul Roberts, Captain D.B. (Red) Harrison, Captain John Hawthorne and Lieutenant-Colonel Stuart T. McDonald.
One can never turn down a helicopter ride, especially when the scenery is this spectacular! That's Sergeant Darlene Amos, Major Robert Foulis, Sergeant Gord Wright, unknown Major, Chief Warrant Officer Eric Tyldesley-Gore getting ready for the ride. Hmmm, wonder if the Cobra is available?
