VANCOUVER GUNNERS
  • Home
    • Regimental Sergeants Major Project
  • What's New
  • Lists
    • The Fallen
    • Honours and Awards >
      • Distinguished Service Order
      • Distinguished Conduct Medal
      • Military Cross
      • Military Medal
      • George Medal
      • Croix de guerre
      • Canadian Forces Decoration
    • Trophies
    • Commanding Officers
    • Regimental Sergeants Major
    • Honoraries
    • BCs and BSMs
    • Band Appointments
    • Uniforms
    • Guns
    • Nominal Rolls
    • Memorial Page
    • Notable Characters
    • Ubique
    • Cemeteries
    • Pets
    • Important Dates
  • Yearbook
    • The 1910s >
      • 1915 - 31st Bty, 8th Bde, CFA
      • 1916 >
        • 1916 15th Brigade, CFA
        • 1916 - 31st Bty, 8th Bde, CFA
        • 1916 - 68 Depot
      • 1917 >
        • 1917 - 31st Bty, CFA, CEF
        • 1917 - 5th CSB, CGA ,CEF
        • 1917 - 68 Depot
      • 1918 >
        • 68th Depot Battery CFA
        • 85th Battery CFA
      • 1919 >
        • 68th Bty, 16th Bde CFA
        • 5th Cdn Siege Bty, CGA
    • The 1920s >
      • 1920
      • 1921
      • 1922
      • 1923
      • 1924
      • 1925
      • 1926
      • 1927
      • 1928
      • 1929
    • The 1930s >
      • 1930
      • 1931
      • 1932
      • 1933
      • 1934
      • 1935
      • 1936
      • 1937
      • 1938
      • 1939 >
        • 1939 - 15th (Vcr) Coast Bde, RCA, CASF
        • 1939 - 1st AA Regt, RCA, CASF
    • The 1940s >
      • 1940 >
        • 1940 - 15th (Vcr) Coast Bde, RCA, CASF
        • 1940 - 15th (Vcr) Cst Bde, RCA NPAM
        • 1940 - 1st AA Regt, RCA, CASF
      • 1941 >
        • 1941 - 15th (Vcr) Coast Bde, RCA, CASF
        • 1941 - 15th (Vcr) Cst Bde, RCA NPAM
        • 1941 - 1st (Res) AA Regt, RCA
      • 1942 >
        • 1942 - 15th (Vcr) Coast Bde, RCA, AF
        • 1942 - 15th (Vcr) Cst Bde, RCA RF
        • 1942 - 1st (Res) AA Regt, RCA
      • 1943 >
        • 1943 - 15th (Vcr) Coast Bde, RCA, AF
        • 1943 - 39th (Reserve) Fd Regt, RCA RF
        • 1943 - 1st (Res) AA Regt, RCA
      • 1944 >
        • 1944 - 15th (Vcr) Coast Bde, RCA, AF
        • 1944 - 11th AA Regt, RCA RF
        • 1944 - 1st (Res) AA Regt, RCA
      • 1945 >
        • 1945 - Vancouver Defences
        • 1945 - 11th AA Regt, RCA RF RF
      • 1946 >
        • 1946 - 15th Coast Regt, RCA
        • 1946 - 11th (Res) AA Regt, RCA
      • 1947 >
        • 1947 - 15th Coast Regt, RCA
        • 1947 - 43rd HAA Regt, RCA
      • 1948 >
        • 1948 - 15th Coast Regt, RCA
        • 1948 - Vancouver Coast Regt, RCA
        • 1948 - 43rd HAA Regt, RCA
      • 1949 >
        • 1949 - 15th Fd Regt, RCA
        • 1949 - Vancouver Coast Regt, RCA
        • 1949 - 43rd HAA Regt, RCA
    • The 1950s >
      • 1950 >
        • 1950 - 15th Fd Regt, RCA
        • 1950 - 102nd Coast Regt, RCA
        • 1950 - 43rd HAA Regt, RCA
      • 1951 >
        • 1951 - 15th Fd Regt, RCA
        • 1951 - 102nd Coast Regt, RCA
        • 1951 - 43rd HAA Regt, RCA
      • 1952 >
        • 1952 - 15th Fd Regt, RCA
        • 1952 - 102nd Coast Regt, RCA
        • 1952 - 43rd HAA Regt, RCA
      • 1953 >
        • 1953 - 15th Fd Regt, RCA
        • 1953 - 102nd Coast Regt, RCA
        • 1953 - 43rd HAA Regt, RCA
      • 1954 >
        • 1954 - 15th Fd Regt, RCA
        • 1954 - 102nd Coast Regt, RCA
        • 1954 - 43rd HAA Regt, RCA
      • 1955 >
        • 1955 - 15th Fd Regt, RCA
        • 1955 - 43rd HAA Regt, RCA
      • 1956 >
        • 1956 - 15th Fd Regt, RCA
        • 1956 - 43rd MAA Regt, RCA
      • 1957 >
        • 1957 - 15th Fd Regt, RCA
        • 1957 - 43rd MAA Regt, RCA
      • 1958 >
        • 1958 - 15th Fd Regt, RCA
        • 1958 - 43rd MAA Regt, RCA
      • 1959 >
        • 1959 - 15th Fd Regt, RCA
        • 1959 - 43rd MAA Regt, RCA
    • The 1960s >
      • 1960
      • 1961
      • 1962
      • 1963
      • 1964
      • 1965
      • 1966
      • 1967
      • 1968
      • 1969
    • The 1970s >
      • 1970
      • 1971
      • 1972
      • 1973
      • 1974
      • 1975
      • 1976
      • 1977
      • 1978
      • 1979
    • The 1980s >
      • 1980
      • 1981
      • 1982
      • 1983
      • 1984
      • 1985
      • 1986
      • 1987
      • 1988
      • 1989
    • The 1990s >
      • 1990
      • 1991
      • 1992
      • 1993
      • 1994
      • 1995
      • 1996
      • 1997
      • 1998
      • 1999
    • The 2000s >
      • 2000
      • 2001
      • 2002
      • 2003
      • 2004
      • 2005
      • 2006
      • 2007
      • 2008
      • 2009
    • The 2010s >
      • 2010
      • 2011
      • 2012
      • 2013
      • 2014
      • 2015
      • 2016
      • 2017
      • 2018
      • 2019
  • Nominal Roll
    • Nominal Roll - A
    • Nominal Roll - B
    • Nominal Roll - C
    • Nominal Roll - D
    • Nominal Roll - E
    • Nominal Roll - F
    • Nominal Roll - G
    • Nominal Roll - H
    • Nominal Roll - I,J
    • Nominal Roll - K
    • Nominal Roll - L
    • Nominal Roll - N
    • Nominal Roll - M
    • Nominal Roll - O
    • Nominal Roll - P,Q
    • Nominal Roll - R
    • Nominal Roll - S
    • Nominal Roll - T
    • Nominal Roll - U,V
    • Nominal Roll - W
    • Nominal Roll - X,Y,Z
  • Calendar
    • Battlefield Tour 2020
    • Centennial Page
  • Support the Troops!
  • Contact
  • Quartermaster Stores
  • Group Photos
  • Wednesday Lunches
  • References
  • Newsletters - 2019
    • Newsletters - 2018
    • Newsletters - 2017
    • Newsletters - 2016
    • Newsletters - 2015
    • Newsletters - pre 2015
  • Yorke Island
  • What year was that?
  • Index
  • Artillery Music
Yorke Island Visit 
2Lt Chris Purdon 
 In the late days of August members of the 15th Field Artillery Regiment, RCA ventured northwards up Vancouver Island, taking the path less travelled to Yorke Island to explore artillery history. Conducted over the weekend of 19-21 August, this was the second consecutive year that members of the Regiment have visited the island.    Yorke Island lies just off the coast of Sayward, 75km north of Campbell River, and was an important coastal defense fort during the Second World War. While the island had been home to around 300 soldiers during the war it had been largely forgotten until recently rediscovered by Ross Keller. Ross is now the Honorary Battery Commander (BC) of Yorke Island. Over the past years and through great effort Ross has brought the history of Yorke Island to life and helped preserve the fort. The 15th Field Artillery Regiment, RCA had the pleasure to be led and taught the history by Ross. Coincidentally, the trip coincided with Ross’s 250th expedition to the island.  
The Gunners spent the trip traversing the old fort roads and trails that crisscross the island exploring the remaining buildings, search light bunkers, and the coastal defense battery. While many of the structures have long since been removed or collapsed with age, the remaining structures of the fort are significant. Notably, the entire structure of the battery, observation post tower, and ammunition store rooms remain intact. The Gunners were able to fully explore these structures and appreciate the possible incredible difficult task of defending the island during the war. After exploring the history of Yorke Island, the Gunners returned to Sayward and reinvigorated an old Yorke Island and Sayward relationship. During the war, soldiers stationed on Yorke Island would have gone into Sayward to socialize. Through the owner of the Sayward Valley Resort campground, Terry, and Ross, the 15th Field Artillery Regiment, RCA attended a local pig roast and met with several Sayward locals who were thrilled to host the Gunners.  
 It was truly a memorable weekend of both learning regimental history and taking part in old traditions. The value of such exercises cannot be underestimated.  
Back to 2016

What's New

Copyright © 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019
Webmaster/editor - Leon Jensen, OMM, CD, Commanding Officer 1998-2001, Regimental Sergeant Major 1986-1988
Additional photos and stories as well as comments regarding errors and omissions would be greatly appreciated. ​
​Have I inadvertently placed personal information of yours on line that you don't approve of?
​Please accept my apologies and contact me at president.vcrgunners@gmail.com and I’ll have it removed.
  • Home
    • Regimental Sergeants Major Project
  • What's New
  • Lists
    • The Fallen
    • Honours and Awards >
      • Distinguished Service Order
      • Distinguished Conduct Medal
      • Military Cross
      • Military Medal
      • George Medal
      • Croix de guerre
      • Canadian Forces Decoration
    • Trophies
    • Commanding Officers
    • Regimental Sergeants Major
    • Honoraries
    • BCs and BSMs
    • Band Appointments
    • Uniforms
    • Guns
    • Nominal Rolls
    • Memorial Page
    • Notable Characters
    • Ubique
    • Cemeteries
    • Pets
    • Important Dates
  • Yearbook
    • The 1910s >
      • 1915 - 31st Bty, 8th Bde, CFA
      • 1916 >
        • 1916 15th Brigade, CFA
        • 1916 - 31st Bty, 8th Bde, CFA
        • 1916 - 68 Depot
      • 1917 >
        • 1917 - 31st Bty, CFA, CEF
        • 1917 - 5th CSB, CGA ,CEF
        • 1917 - 68 Depot
      • 1918 >
        • 68th Depot Battery CFA
        • 85th Battery CFA
      • 1919 >
        • 68th Bty, 16th Bde CFA
        • 5th Cdn Siege Bty, CGA
    • The 1920s >
      • 1920
      • 1921
      • 1922
      • 1923
      • 1924
      • 1925
      • 1926
      • 1927
      • 1928
      • 1929
    • The 1930s >
      • 1930
      • 1931
      • 1932
      • 1933
      • 1934
      • 1935
      • 1936
      • 1937
      • 1938
      • 1939 >
        • 1939 - 15th (Vcr) Coast Bde, RCA, CASF
        • 1939 - 1st AA Regt, RCA, CASF
    • The 1940s >
      • 1940 >
        • 1940 - 15th (Vcr) Coast Bde, RCA, CASF
        • 1940 - 15th (Vcr) Cst Bde, RCA NPAM
        • 1940 - 1st AA Regt, RCA, CASF
      • 1941 >
        • 1941 - 15th (Vcr) Coast Bde, RCA, CASF
        • 1941 - 15th (Vcr) Cst Bde, RCA NPAM
        • 1941 - 1st (Res) AA Regt, RCA
      • 1942 >
        • 1942 - 15th (Vcr) Coast Bde, RCA, AF
        • 1942 - 15th (Vcr) Cst Bde, RCA RF
        • 1942 - 1st (Res) AA Regt, RCA
      • 1943 >
        • 1943 - 15th (Vcr) Coast Bde, RCA, AF
        • 1943 - 39th (Reserve) Fd Regt, RCA RF
        • 1943 - 1st (Res) AA Regt, RCA
      • 1944 >
        • 1944 - 15th (Vcr) Coast Bde, RCA, AF
        • 1944 - 11th AA Regt, RCA RF
        • 1944 - 1st (Res) AA Regt, RCA
      • 1945 >
        • 1945 - Vancouver Defences
        • 1945 - 11th AA Regt, RCA RF RF
      • 1946 >
        • 1946 - 15th Coast Regt, RCA
        • 1946 - 11th (Res) AA Regt, RCA
      • 1947 >
        • 1947 - 15th Coast Regt, RCA
        • 1947 - 43rd HAA Regt, RCA
      • 1948 >
        • 1948 - 15th Coast Regt, RCA
        • 1948 - Vancouver Coast Regt, RCA
        • 1948 - 43rd HAA Regt, RCA
      • 1949 >
        • 1949 - 15th Fd Regt, RCA
        • 1949 - Vancouver Coast Regt, RCA
        • 1949 - 43rd HAA Regt, RCA
    • The 1950s >
      • 1950 >
        • 1950 - 15th Fd Regt, RCA
        • 1950 - 102nd Coast Regt, RCA
        • 1950 - 43rd HAA Regt, RCA
      • 1951 >
        • 1951 - 15th Fd Regt, RCA
        • 1951 - 102nd Coast Regt, RCA
        • 1951 - 43rd HAA Regt, RCA
      • 1952 >
        • 1952 - 15th Fd Regt, RCA
        • 1952 - 102nd Coast Regt, RCA
        • 1952 - 43rd HAA Regt, RCA
      • 1953 >
        • 1953 - 15th Fd Regt, RCA
        • 1953 - 102nd Coast Regt, RCA
        • 1953 - 43rd HAA Regt, RCA
      • 1954 >
        • 1954 - 15th Fd Regt, RCA
        • 1954 - 102nd Coast Regt, RCA
        • 1954 - 43rd HAA Regt, RCA
      • 1955 >
        • 1955 - 15th Fd Regt, RCA
        • 1955 - 43rd HAA Regt, RCA
      • 1956 >
        • 1956 - 15th Fd Regt, RCA
        • 1956 - 43rd MAA Regt, RCA
      • 1957 >
        • 1957 - 15th Fd Regt, RCA
        • 1957 - 43rd MAA Regt, RCA
      • 1958 >
        • 1958 - 15th Fd Regt, RCA
        • 1958 - 43rd MAA Regt, RCA
      • 1959 >
        • 1959 - 15th Fd Regt, RCA
        • 1959 - 43rd MAA Regt, RCA
    • The 1960s >
      • 1960
      • 1961
      • 1962
      • 1963
      • 1964
      • 1965
      • 1966
      • 1967
      • 1968
      • 1969
    • The 1970s >
      • 1970
      • 1971
      • 1972
      • 1973
      • 1974
      • 1975
      • 1976
      • 1977
      • 1978
      • 1979
    • The 1980s >
      • 1980
      • 1981
      • 1982
      • 1983
      • 1984
      • 1985
      • 1986
      • 1987
      • 1988
      • 1989
    • The 1990s >
      • 1990
      • 1991
      • 1992
      • 1993
      • 1994
      • 1995
      • 1996
      • 1997
      • 1998
      • 1999
    • The 2000s >
      • 2000
      • 2001
      • 2002
      • 2003
      • 2004
      • 2005
      • 2006
      • 2007
      • 2008
      • 2009
    • The 2010s >
      • 2010
      • 2011
      • 2012
      • 2013
      • 2014
      • 2015
      • 2016
      • 2017
      • 2018
      • 2019
  • Nominal Roll
    • Nominal Roll - A
    • Nominal Roll - B
    • Nominal Roll - C
    • Nominal Roll - D
    • Nominal Roll - E
    • Nominal Roll - F
    • Nominal Roll - G
    • Nominal Roll - H
    • Nominal Roll - I,J
    • Nominal Roll - K
    • Nominal Roll - L
    • Nominal Roll - N
    • Nominal Roll - M
    • Nominal Roll - O
    • Nominal Roll - P,Q
    • Nominal Roll - R
    • Nominal Roll - S
    • Nominal Roll - T
    • Nominal Roll - U,V
    • Nominal Roll - W
    • Nominal Roll - X,Y,Z
  • Calendar
    • Battlefield Tour 2020
    • Centennial Page
  • Support the Troops!
  • Contact
  • Quartermaster Stores
  • Group Photos
  • Wednesday Lunches
  • References
  • Newsletters - 2019
    • Newsletters - 2018
    • Newsletters - 2017
    • Newsletters - 2016
    • Newsletters - 2015
    • Newsletters - pre 2015
  • Yorke Island
  • What year was that?
  • Index
  • Artillery Music