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History
The Royal Canadian Regiment
Prepared by: Capt Michael O'Leary, CD (2011, updated 2013)
The Royal Canadian Regiment (The RCR) was authorized as a unit of Canada’s Permanent Force, now known as the Regular Force, on 21 December 1883. Created for the purpose of instructing the Canadian Militia, the Regiment was originally known as the Infantry School Corps. The Regiment’s first garrisons, each occupied by a company plus the supported Instructional Cadre, were at Fredericton, St Jean (PQ) and Toronto. A fourth Company was established in London, Ontario, in 1888.
Shortly after its formation, “C” Company of the Regiment saw action in the North-West Rebellion of 1885. In 1898, the Regiment provided men to the Yukon Field Force, which assisted with the policing of the Yukon Territory during the gold rush.
During the 1890s, the Regiment saw three changes to its title:
In November 1901, the Regiment changed its name one more time, becoming “The Royal Canadian Regiment.”
At the outbreak of the First World War, The RCR was assembled at Halifax where Regimental Headquarters and six of the Regiment’s ten companies had been located since 1905, having replaced the last British Army garrison in Canada. The RCR was brought up to wartime strength in late 1914 as it started its first task which was to serve for a year as the garrison battalion in Bermuda until August 1915. The RCR then proceeded to England and onward to France as a battalion of the 7th Canadian Infantry Brigade in the 3rd Canadian Infantry Division.
The RCR was awarded 16 battle honours for its actions during the First World War, including the Somme 1916, Vimy Ridge and the Pursuit to Mons. One member of The RCR, Lieutenant Milton Fowler Gregg, was awarded the Victoria Cross.
In 1919, the Regiment received a singular honour when King George V granted the Regiment the right to wear Queen Victoria’s cypher – “VRI” – on its buttons and badges in perpetuity in recognition of its service in the First World War. This made the RCR the only Commonwealth regiment to wear a deceased sovereign’s cypher with no requirement to change cyphers following the coronation of a new King or Queen.
The RCR sailed for England shortly after the start of the Second World War where it trained for three years as a battalion of the 1st Canadian Infantry Brigade of the 1st Canadian Infantry Division. The Regiment entered combat when it landed on the beaches of Sicily on 10 July 1943 – a date still commemorated within the Regiment as “Pachino Day.” The RCR fought their way through Sicily and Italy over almost 18 months including participation in the battles at Ortona, the Hitler Line at Pontecorvo and the Gothic Line on the Adriatic coast.
In February, 1945, The RCR joined the final push to liberate Northwest Europe, fighting their last battle at Apeldoorn, Holland. In the closing days of the war, a second battalion of the Regiment was created in Canada, its planned employment being in the Pacific Force. With the capitulation of Japan, this requirement disappeared and, following the return and disbandment of the overseas battalion, the newly created 2nd Battalion became the single battalion of The Royal Canadian Regiment in the post-war Canadian Army.
On the outbreak of the Korean War, The RCR still consisted of a single Regular Force battalion. During the three years of the war, two new battalions would be formed for the Special Force which fought in Korea, and all three battalions would serve in Korea in turn. The 2nd Battalion deployed in 1951, the 1st Battalion in 1952 and the 3rd Battalion in 1953. Following the Korean War, the 3rd Battalion was disbanded and the 2nd Battalion remained a unit of the Regular Force.
In July 1954, The Royal Canadian Regiment gained a Reserve Force battalion, formed by the amalgamation of The Canadian Fusiliers (City of London Regiment) (Machine Gun) and The Oxford Rifles. This new unit was designated the London and Oxford Fusiliers (3rd Battalion, The Royal Canadian Regiment).
The Oxford Rifles
The Oxford Rifles originated in Woodstock, Ontario, on 14 August 1863, when the '"Twenty-second Battalion Volunteer Militia Rifles, Canada" or "The Oxford Rifles"' was authorized. In its early years, the unit was called out for service on the St Clair frontier during the Fenian Raids in 1866. The unit also provided some soldiers to the Canadian Contingents for South Africa.
From 1920 until 1936, the unit briefly had a two-battalion structure, with one battalion part of the Non-Permanent Active Militia and the second battalion on the Reserve establishment (i.e, without personnel). During the Second World War, the 1st Battalion, The Oxford Rifles, CASF, was mobilized for active service in March 1942. It served in Canada in a home defence role until January 1945 when it embarked for Britain where it was disbanded in England later that month.
Having undergone several changes in naming, the regiment was redesignated The Oxford Rifles on 1 June 1945. On 1 October 1954, it was amalgamated with 'The Canadian Fusiliers (City of London Regiment) (Machine Gun) and redesignated 'The London and Oxford Fusiliers (3rd Battalion, The Royal Canadian Regiment)'.
The Oxford Rifles perpetuated the 71st and 168th Canadian Infantry Battalions of the Canadian Expeditionary Force and carried the honours, awards and accomplishments of those units into the regimental history of The RCR.
The Canadian Fusiliers (City of London Regiment) (Machine Gun)
The Canadian Fusiliers (City of London Regiment) (Machine Gun) originated in London, Ontario on 27 April 1866 as the 7th Battalion Infantry, "Prince Arthur's Own". During the regiment’s early years, two companies were called out on active service in April 1870 during the Fenian Raids, serving on the St. Clair frontier. The unit also mobilized in 1885, serving in the Alberta column of the North West Field Force and provided troops to the Canadian Contingents in the South African War.
Undergoing several changes of name, including a brief period as a three-battalion regiment titled the Western Ontario Regiment during the early 1920s, the unit was designated The Canadian Fusiliers (City of London Regiment) on 1 August 1924.21 On 15 December 1936 it was amalgamated with the 'Headquarters' and 'A Company' of the 2nd Machine Gun Battalion, CMGC, and redesignated The Canadian Fusiliers (City of London Regiment) (Machine Gun). During the Second World War, the regiment formed a second battalion; the 1st Battalion served as part of the Canadian Active Service Force (CASF) and the 2nd Battalion remained in the Reserve establishment.
The 1st Battalion, The Canadian Fusiliers (City of London Regiment), CASF, was mobilized in 1942 and served on home defence duties as part of Pacific Command, taking part in the August 1943 expedition to Kiska, Alaska, with the 13th Canadian Infantry Brigade Group. The unit arrived in Britain in May 1944 where it was redesignated the 2nd Canadian Infantry Training Battalion, Type A (Canadian Fusiliers), CASF, and remained so until being disbanded in August 1945.
Following the Second World War, the Reserve battalion of the Canadian Fusiliers regained its single-battalion designation: The Canadian Fusiliers (City of London Regiment) (Machine Gun). On 1 October 1954, it was amalgamated with 'The Oxford Rifles.
The Canadian Fusiliers perpetuated the 1st, 33rd and 142nd Canadian Infantry Battalions of the Canadian Expeditionary Force and carried the honours, awards and accomplishments of those units into the regimental history of The RCR.
2nd Machine Gun Battalion, Canadian Machine Gun Corps (CMGC)
The 2nd Machine Gun Battalion, CMGC, of the Canadian Militia originated when the 2nd Machine Gun Brigade, CMGC was authorized on 1 June 1919. The battalion was disbanded on 14 December 1936 with its HQ and companies amalgamating with a number of Militia units.
The 2nd Machine Gun Battalion, CMGC, of the Canadian Militia perpetuated the 2nd Machine Gun Battalion, CMGC, of the Canadian Expeditionary Force and carried the honours, awards and accomplishments of this unit into the regimental history of The RCR.
CEF Perpetuations
Through the amalgamations with The Canadian Fusiliers and The Oxford Rifles, the following units of the Canadian Expeditionary Force (1914-1919) are perpetuated by The Royal Canadian Regiment:
One of the most significant effects these perpetuations had on The RCR was to increase the list of battle honours carried by the Regiment for the First World War. The combined awards of First World War battle honours for The Royal Canadian Regiment, the 1st Canadian Infantry Battalion and the 2nd Battalion, CMGC, represent 49 separate unit battlefield actions and are represented by the 25 battle honour names carried today by The RCR for the Great War. (Additionally, The Oxford Rifles were awarded eight Great War battle honours in 1930. These, however, are not related directly to the perpetuated CEF battalions and likely based on the total number of soldiers from the perpetuated units who were known to be at these battles, though possibly dispersed between a number of units.)
One member of the 1st Canadian Infantry Battalion, Lieutenant Frederick William Campbell, was awarded the Victoria Cross. Although chronologically earlier than Milton Gregg’s award, it was through the amalgamation of Regiments in 1954 that this became the second such award to be commemorated with the history of The RCR. In addition to the recognition of Campbell’s VC by The RCR, the Regiment maintains an equal responsibility to recognize all other honours and awards received by members of the perpetuated units.
The 3rd Battalion, The Royal Canadian Regiment (London and Oxford Fusiliers) was established in 1954 with garrisons in London and Woodstock. A third location in Stratford was established in 1965, followed five years later with the close of the Woodstock garrison in 1970. In 1970, with a major reorganization of the Army, the Reserve battalion was re-designated as the 4th Battalion, The RCR, when a new 3rd Battalion was created in the Regular Force establishment. Since 1970, the Reserve Battalion has maintained its garrisons in London and Stratford, Ontario.
Throughout the 1960s, 70s and 80s, and into the 1990s, the Regular Force battalions of The Royal Canadian Regiment served in Canada, Germany and on 13 separate unit rotations in Cyprus. Between 1977 and 1995, the 3rd Commando of the Canadian Airborne Regiment was also a regimental unit of The RCR. As well, a regimental Battle School which trained new infantry soldiers for the Regular Force battalions existed as a separate CF unit between 1978 and 1997.
In 1983, the Regiment marked its centenary with events in all battalions and a major reunion gathering in London, Ontario. In July of that year the Colonel-in-Chief, His Royal Highness The Prince Philip, reviewed and addressed the Regiment on parade in London during a trooping of the colours from all four battalions and the affiliated 3 (Airborne) Commando.
The Royal Canadian Regiment has served Canada at home and abroad; including domestic operations ranging from assistance to civil authority during the FLQ Crisis (1970), Akwesasne (1990) and Oka (1990) to emergency response at the Manitoba Floods (1997), the Ice Storm (1998), and Hurricane Juan in Halifax (2003). It was for Op RECUPERATION, the response to the Ice Storm in 1998, that formed elements of all four battalions of the Regiment were deployed simultaneously on a single operation.
Since the 1990s, the Regular Force battalions of The RCR have provided formed units and sub-units to Canada’s missions in the first Gulf War, the Former Yugoslavia, Africa and Afghanistan. All four battalions and the Regiment’s extra-regimentally employed (ERE) personnel have provided individual augmentation to many of Canada’s UN and NATO missions. The Afghanistan mission has included the deployment of formed battle groups based on each of the three Regular Force battalions, and the 4th Battalion has seen the deployment of up to 30 of its officers, NCOs and soldiers at a time depending on available tasks in each operational cycle.
The Royal Canadian Regiment is Canada’s senior Regular Force infantry regiment. Through its amalgamated regiments, the regimental lineage of The RCR dates from 14 August 1863; although 21 December 1883, the creation of the Infantry School Corps, is celebrated as the regimental birthday by regimental tradition.
In 2012, the Canadian Government decided to create battle honours for the War of 1812 and award perpetuations of the recipient War of 1812 units to current units of the Canadian Army. Federal Government announcements identifying awards and the units receiving the perpetuations were made in August and September 2012. As a result of these ammouncements, The Royal canadian Regiment added the Battle Honours “Detroit” and Niagara”, as well as the Honorary Disticntion “Fefence of Canada 181-1815” to its list of honours. These honours represent the perpetuations of the following units of that conflict:
The four battalions of The Royal Canadian Regiment continue to serve Canada, with regimental garrisons at ASU London (Home Station and 4RCR), CFB Petawawa (Regimental HQ, 1RCR and 3RCR) and CFB Gagetown (2RCR). Extra-Regimentally Employed Royal Canadians serve in units, training establishments and headquarters across the Canadian Forces, both in Canada and abroad.
Pro Patria
Prepared by: Capt Michael O’Leary, CD (2011, updated 2013)
"An eight-pointed diamond cut star; upon the star a raised circle surmounted by the crown; within the raised circle, the block letters "VRI", the Imperial Cypher of Queen Victoria."
Regimental Affiliation:
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| Wars and Operations | Battle Honour | Date |
| War of 1812 |
Detroit Niagara Defence of Canada – 1812-1815 Défense de Canada |
15 Aug 1812 19 Dec 1813 to Sept 1814 |
| North-West Rebellion |
Saskatchewan North West Canada 1885 | |
| South African War |
Paardeberg South Africa 1899-1900 | |
| First World War | ||
| Summer Operations, 1915. (March-October) |
Ypres, 1915 Gravenstafel Ridge St Julien Festubert, 1915 |
22 April – 25 May 1915 22-23 April 1915 24 April – 4 May 1915 15-25 May 1915 |
| Local Operations, 1916. (Previous to the Allied Offensive) |
Mount Sorrel |
2-13 June 1916 |
| Operations on the Somme. (1 July – 18 November, 1916) |
Somme, 1916 Pozieres Ridge Flers-Courcelette Ancre Heights |
1 July – 18 November 1916 23 July – 3 September 1916 15-22 September 1916 1 October – 11 November 1916 |
| The Arras Offensive (9 April – 15 May, 1917 |
Arras, 1917 Vimy, 1917 Arleux Scarpe, 1917 Hill 70 |
9 April – 4 May 1917 9-14 April 1917 28-29 April 1917 3-4 May 1917 15-25 August 1917 |
| The Flanders Offensive (7 June – 10 November, 1917) |
Ypres, 1917 Passchendaele |
31 July – 10 Nov. 1917 12 October 1917 and/or 26 October – 10 November 1917 |
| The Advance in Picardy (8 August – 3 September, 1918) |
Amiens Arras, 1918 Scarpe, 1918 |
8-11 August 1918 26 August – 3 September 1918 26-30 August 1918 |
| The Breaking of the Hindenburg Line (26 August – 12 October, 1918) |
Drocourt-Quéant Line Hindenburg Line, Battles of Canal du Nord Cambrai, 1918 |
2-3 September 1918 12 September – 9 October 1918 27 September – 2 October 1918 8-9 October 1918 | Picardy (17 October – 11 November). | Pursuit to Mons | 11 November 1918 | FRANCE AND FLANDERS, 1914-18 | FRANCE AND FLANDERS, 1914-18 |
| Second World War | ||
| LANDING IN SICILY | LANDING IN SICILY | 9-12 Jul 43 |
| Agira | 24-28 Jul 43 | |
| ADRANO |
ADRANO Regalbuto |
29 Jul – 7 Aug 43 29 Jul - 3 Aug 43 |
| SICILY 1943 |
SICILY 1943 Landing at Reggio Motta Montecorvino Campobasso Torella San Leonardo The Gully Ortona |
9 Jul 43 – 17 Aug 43 3 Sep 43 1-3 Oct 43 11-14 Oct 43 24-27 Oct 43 8-9 Dec 43 10-19 Dec 43 20-28 Dec 43 |
| CASSINO II | CASSINO II Gustav Line |
11-18 May 44 11-18 May 44 |
| LIRI VALLEY |
LIRI VALLEY Hitler Line |
18-30 May 44 18-24 May 44 |
| GOTHIC LINE |
GOTHIC LINE Misano Ridge |
25 Aug-22 Sep 44 3-5 Sep 44 |
| RIMINI LINE |
RIMINI LINE San Martino – San Lorenzo Pisciatello |
14-21 Sep 44 14-18 Sep 44 16-19 Sep 44 |
| LAMONE CROSSING |
LAMONE CROSSING Fosso Vecchio |
2-13 Dec 44 16-18 Dec 44 |
| ITALY 1943-45 | ITALY 1943-45 Apeldoorn | 3 Sep 43 – 22 Apr 45 11-17 Apr 45 |
| NORTH-WEST EUROPE 1945 | ||
| Korean War | ||
| United Nations Operations - Korea, 1950-1953 | KOREA, 1951-1953 | |
| Afghanistan War | Pashmul, - 2006 |
Why Does Canada Celebrate Victoria Day?By Gwyn Evans - May 22, 2022 / 4:00 am | Story: 369589 (Gwyn Evans is the research and communications co-ordinator with the Museum and Archives of Vernon.)The Victoria Day Long Weekend is long-standing tribute to Queen Victoria and has been celebrated in Vernon for decades LONG LIVE THE QUEEN
Although many of us now think of the May Long Weekend as the beginning of camping season in B.C., the history of Victoria Day is a bit more complicated. In 1845, the Legislative Assembly of the Province of Canada decided to officially recognize the birthday of Queen Victoria on May 24 with public celebrations. But it wasn’t until 1901, following the Queen’s death, that May 24 became officially known as “Victoria Day” in her memory. At the turn of the 20th century, the settler population in Vernon eagerly celebrated Queen Victoria’s birthday, as well as her reign in general. On June 22, 1897, Vernon celebrated the Diamond Jubilee with a series of sporting events, including baseball, lacrosse, trap shootings and tug-of-war. Other outlying communities, including Enderby, came to compete in the day’s activities, and it is noted that Vernon won all events except the tug-of-war. May Long Weekends in Vernon were also marked with sporting events and special activities in celebration of the queen’s birthday. On May 24, 1895, a cricket match was held between Kelowna and Vernon, with the SS Fairview offering special trips between the two cities for individuals who wished to attend. In 1900, Enderby hosted Vernon and other nearby communities for a series of foot, horse and canoe races. A football match was also held between the community of Lumby and employees of the Coldstream Ranch, followed by a grand ball in Morand’s Hall. Queen Victoria’s passing in 1901 was announced in large font on the front page of the January 24th edition of the Vernon News, as the City mourned the loss of its “Most Respected Sovereign.” Later that year, Vernon officially celebrated “Victoria Day” for the first time, with — you guessed it — sporting events, including three-legged and ladies races.Queen Victoria: The woman who redefined Britain’s monarchyA headstrong head of stateQueen Victoria restored the reputation of a monarchy tarnished by the extravagance of her royal uncles. She also shaped a new role for the Royal Family, reconnecting it with the public through civic duties. At just 4ft 11in tall, Victoria was a towering presence as a symbol of her Empire. She and her husband Albert and their nine children came to symbolise a new, confident age. Read more |
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4RCR COUNCIL
Terms of Reference
Overview
Prior to 2014 it was known as the 4 RCR Board of Governors.
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4RCR COUNCIL
Membership List
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| Last Name | First Name | Rank | Phone | Posn | |
| Anderson | Martin | LCol | martin_anderson@rogers.com | Member | |
| Bassarab | Rusty | LCol | rbassarab@cogeco.ca | Member | |
| Bell | Dave | Capt | davidbell@tcc.on.ca | Webmaster | |
| Boon | Art | CWO | 190 Queen St, Stratford, ON,N5A 4N7 | Member | |
| Burke | Jeff | CWO | burkeja54@outlook.com | Member | |
| Campbell | Mark | BGen | mcamp@rogers.com | Member | |
| Cook | John | Lcol | John_cook_9@yahoo.ca | 519-668-7595 | Member |
| Denne | Don | Col | djdenne@msn.com | Assn Rep | |
| Ellyatt | David | CWO | dellyatt@police.london.ca | Member | |
| Graham | Barry | Lcol | barrygraham533@hotmail.com | Member | |
| Griffin | Declan | Lcol | dgriffin@wightman.ca | Member | |
| Hutton | Geoff | Maj | geoff.hutton@sympatico.ca | Member | |
| Klausnitzer | Henry | CWO | hklaosni@london.ca | Member | |
| Lucas | Curtis | MWO | curtis_is@rogers.com | Member | |
| Mombourquette | John | Capt | fj3@rogers.com | Secretary | |
| O'Brien | Gary | Bgen | gary.obrien@hotmail.com | Chairperson | |
| O'Leary | Mike | Capt | m.m.oleary@gmail.com | Museum rep | |
| Ogelsby | John | Lcol | Member | ||
| O'Quinn | John | Maj | johnandglad@rogers.com | Cadet rep | |
| Prince | Matt | Maj | matt.a.prince@gmail.com | Member | |
| Rennie | Bob | CWO | bobandninaare@gmail.com | Member | |
| Reintjes | Pete | LCol | peter.reintjes@forces.gc.ca | CO | |
| Robinson | Joseph | Lcol | jwrobins2@gmail.com | Member | |
| St. George | Gary | CWO | 519-453-5321 | Member | |
| Stapleton | Mike | MWO | mstaple362@rogers.com | Member | |
| Talach | Rob | CWO | rtalach@ledroitbeckett.com | Member | |
| Weldon | Doug | Lcol | doug.weldon@yahoo.ca | Member | |
| Willaert | Gary | Lcol | rcrgary@yahoo.ca | Member |
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Former Serving Members
4RCR Council is continually updating its former members database to provide former serving members with social events, re-unions, mailings and to provide a means for former members to keep in contact with each other.
NEW FORMER SERVING MEMBERS:
All former members who have served with The London and Oxford Fusiliers, 3RCR(M) or 4RCR are invited to REGISTER for publication in the Former Serving Members List.
Only your Name, Rank and E-mail Address and phone number (if supplied) will be published on our Former Serving Members List. You will be sent a password to enter the Former Serving Members List once your application has been approved. CURRENT FORMER SERVING MEMBERS:
For The 4RCR Council to keep you updated on coming events such as The RCR Reunion events and newsletters it is important that you verify
your Email address annually to keep our records up to date.
Please send us the following by clicking on the link below:
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Former Serving Members List
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New Commander-in-Chief: King Charles III
 Photo by Mishall Rehman Canadian Military Family Magazine With the grandeur that is to be expected, King Charles III was officially proclaimed sovereign of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland in a ceremony that dates back hundreds of years. The ceremony, which took place Saturday, Sept. 10, 2022, at St. James’s Palace in London, called upon the Accession Council to acknowledge the new monarch on behalf of the British government, a process carried out according to the constitution.
With this declaration, King Charles is now not only the sovereign of the United Kingdom but also the head of the Commonwealth, which comprises 2.4 billion people and 54 countries. |
| RCR Regimental News |
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4RCR Council Report
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4RCR CO's Report
NTR |
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The RCR Regimental Museum
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The RCR Association
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MEMBERSHIP CARDS - BATCH FOUR2023-03-20For some time we have been promising that membership cards for those who joined after the previous cards were distributed would be forthcoming. The list of those we believe do not yet have a card is available for review HERE. Preparing this list was time consuming and onerous. Due to the process, its accuracy can not be assured. I would ask each of you to review it in accordance with the instructions on page 1. If we missed your name or have lost your card, let us know and it will be added.
This is the card that will be used. Pro Patria Alexander (Sandy) McQuarrie |
CALL FOR BURSARY APLICATIONS2023-03-14Fellow Royal Canadians, Applications for bursaries under the Royal Canadian Regiment Association’s Bursary program are now being accepted and to be considered, must be received at RHQ by 15 Aug 2023. The following persons are eligible and may apply for the bursary: a child, grandchild, or partner of a member of the Regimental Family (serving, former-serving or deceased); and a cadet enrolled in an affiliated cadet corp. Here is the link to the program: https://thercr.ca/the-association/the-bursary-program/ The complete application can be mailed to:
Regimental Adjutant Or scanned and emailed to Scott.Robinson2@forces.gc.ca or regt.adjt@gmail.com Bursaries are applicable to any higher learning institute including trade schools Alexander (Sandy) McQuarrie |
ASSOCIATION NEWSLETTER FOR MARCH 2023REUNION UPDATEThe Ides of March are upon us!Usually taken as threatening, but the Ides of March actually has a non-threatening history. Kalends, Nones and Ides were ancient markers used to reference dates concerning lunar phases. Ides simply referred to the first new moon of a given month, which usually fell between the 13th and 15th. In fact, the Ides of March once signified the new year, which meant celebrations and rejoicing. I mention this because the Regiment is in its 140th year, and later on, we will be celebrating (and, I hope, rejoicing) at our upcoming reunion. As of today, we have 85 folks registered for the event. We will need many more attendees to ensure it will happen. (In fact, the planning figure is 500 or more.) You can register HERE. There, you will find details on the schedule, accommodations, golf tournament and a list of Royal Canadians who have already registered. Be aware that registration closes in 146 days. REUNION FUNDRAISINGSo far, the fundraising team has realized an amount of $27,620 towards the costs of the reunion. The bulk is from The RCR Trust ($25k) with donations of $1k from an individual member and the Home Station Branch. The Ottawa Branch has added $500 and our one member from New Zealand has kicked in $120.A formal request for $21k has been submitted to the Royal Canadian Legion's Dominion Command and an answer is expected soon. Other "asks" will be going out soon! If you know of an organization you believe will be responsive to a request, let us know. MISSION AFGHANISTAN TRAVELLING EXHIBITIONDue to the excellent work of Dr. Georgianna Stanciu, (our Museum's curator) the exhibition is going to be in London, ON at Fanshawe's School of Aviation during the reunion. Developed by the Directorate of History and Heritage (Department of National Defence) and the Military Museums of Calgary, this exhibition features the Canadian Forces' participation in the international coalition against terrorism (2001 to 2014). Visiting hours are 12 pm to 7 pm between 3 and 18 August.We will add this important exhibition to the events at the reunion. SURVEY ON THE REGIMENTAL COLOURSAs you know, a decision by The RCR Senate on new Regimental Colours is pending. At their request, wide consultation on the preferences of both serving and former-serving members is ongoing.Members of the Association were asked, via a survey, for their opinion - the new King's cypher, (option 1), Queen Victoria's cypher (VRI) (Option 2) or the hat badge (Option 3). So far, 386 replies were submitted with 146 providing comments in addition to selecting an option. While the decision by the Senate will depend upon the rolled-up responses from all Royal Canadians, the Association's opinions are shown below. 
This matter is one on which we all have strong opinions. While I have my own, as a voting member of The RCR Senate, I will be representing you all. The final decision will be made soon as two Colours need to be replaced. A BIT OF HUMOURWe’ll never forget that beautiful smile...and now this.I (a British Army soldier) was part of a Guard of Honour, waiting for the King of Saudi Arabia on Horse Guards. On the right flank: Scots Guard (100 guardsmen) a gap, HM The Queen, mounted in uniform; alongside her, the CO Colonel Gerald, also mounted, another gap, then on the left flank, the Queen’s Company Grenadier Guards (100 guardsmen). We stood at ease waiting. Suddenly the silence was broken by Colonel Gerald’s charger erupting with horse farts at full volume for two minutes. Embarrassed and staring straight ahead, Colonel Gerald says, “Sorry about that, Your Majesty!” In a wonderfully loud voice, she replies, “That’s alright, Gerald; I thought it was your horse!” Two hundred guardsmen silently cried with laughter and tapped their rifle butts on the gravel. From that moment, every man there adored her! Thanks to Lew Evans for providing this! SOME OTHER BUMPHThe List of Departed on the website has been updated to include Royal Canadians SOS (Struck Off Strength) in 2022. You can access the List HERE. We Will Remember Them!Some of you have been asking, "When do I get my membership card?" Later this month, a list of members who have yet to receive their new membership card will be prepared and published. Once this list is confirmed, we will make a new run. Reminders to keep your information up-to-date are no longer being sent out by our membership app. If your contact details (name, email address, phone number and address) have changed, make sure you log in and update them. For members of the Association, who are still serving, please don't use your Forces' email address, (the DWAN strips out all links), instead use a civilian one. Pro Patria Alexander (Sandy) McQuarrie |
CommuniqueRegt Exec Ctee - Record of DecisionsFor those of you who may be interested, RHQ has produced a set of minutes from the latest Regimental Executive Committee held on 23 February. You can access the document HERELet me know if you have any comments or queries. Pro Patria Alexander (Sandy) McQuarrie |
Replacement of Regimental ColourGiven the title of this email, as you might suspect, we now need feedback from members of the Association on this significant topic. As background, the topic was raised at a Regimental Executive meeting this week. The outcome of the discussion was that input would be sought from both serving and former-serving Royal Canadians before a recommendation was presented to The RCR Senate in April for a final decision. There are three options for the new Regimental Colour as described HERE. Your opinion counts! I would ask that you review the choices and then select one of the three options by the end of March. To do so, take the survey. You can access the survey HERE Pro PatriaAlexander (Sandy) McQuarrie |
CommuniqueMiscalculation of Disability Pensions Class Action NotificationThis communique will be of interest to those of you who are receiving (or have received) a disability pension from VAC. (Eligibility also includes families of deceased veterans.) Thanks to Michael Norris for bringing this information to us. Each year, as required by the Pension Act, Veterans Affairs Canada (VAC) calculates annual increases in monthly disability benefits to account for inflation. Through this certified class proceeding, Class Counsel has identified several errors in VAC’s calculations. These alleged errors date back to 2002.Many to whom this may apply believe that they will automatically receive compensation. Regrettably, this is not correct. The good news is that VAC has settled in favour of the complainants; the bad news is that the claimant registration process closes on 31 Mar 23. To read the details, go to this SITE. To register, go HERE. Pro Patria Alexander (Sandy) McQuarrie |
NEWSLETTER FEBRUARY 2023REUNION REGISTRATION WEBSITE OPENRegistration for the 140th Reunion of The Royal Canadian Regiment is now available!Before you begin, here is some background information that should help guide you during the process. Everyone attending has to register as an individual. This means if you are coming with someone else, you will need to complete the registration twice - once for yourself and once for that other person. The main reason for this is that we need to indicate each person's meal choice for the Saturday night dinner. If you elect to use the residence at Fanshawe for your stay, you only need to book the suite once - ideally during your registration entry. One drawback to this process is that you will have to pay by credit card twice - once for your registration and once for the second one. (We realize that this is not ideal, but just accept it a software problem.) For meal choices on Saturday, on the website, go to the FAQ tab, look at question 2, and click on the "Click here to view the menu " choice. You can also see them on The RCR website at https://thercr.ca/reunion-140/. The fee to attend the Reunion has been set at $120 per person. The actual cost is closer to $350 per person, if we get 500 Royal Canadians attending. To offset the reunion costs, the Association has launched a fundraising campaign called "120 for 120." If we can raise $120k, then the attendance fee can be set at $120. For now, we are confident that we can raise the money to set the fee to that. If you are aware of an organization we can ask for donations, please contact us. The registration website is Home | RCR 140th Reunion - August 4, 2023 (pheedloop.com Should you have questions, or need help, send an email to theassociation@thercr.ca YOUR CONTACT INFORMATION If your email, phone number or home address has changed, make sure you update your profile. It takes a few moment to login and provide the new information. THE ASSOCIATION'S BOARD OF DIRECTORS There are 12 Directors. Five positions are reserved for Branch Presidents. If you are interested in joining this governance group, contact us. Pro Patria |
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Coming Events |
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Pictorial |
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31 Canadian Brigade Group - 31e Groupe-Brigade Du Canada, Meaford, On,
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31 Canadian Brigade Group - 31e Groupe-Brigade Du Canada is feeling ready at Camp Grayling.
Grayling, MI, United States ·
4th Bataillon, The Royal Canadian Regiment conducted Exercise ROYAL SHOOTER at Camp Grayling, Michigan, from March 11-13, 2022.
The exercise included small arms and medium support weapons live-fire ranges, including 84mm Carl Gustaf anti-tank shoots.
PRO PATRIA! |
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 31 Canadian Brigade Group - 31e Groupe-Brigade Du Canada is feeling proud at 4 CDTC - CI 4 Div C.
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 .jpg) .jpg) 31 Canadian Brigade Group - 31e Groupe-Brigade Du Canada is feeling strong in Cedar Springs.
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4th Battalion, The Royal Canadian Regiment (#4RCR) held Exercise ROYAL LANDING at Cedar Springs Range & Training Area on July 16, 2022.
Ex ROYAL LANDING was this year’s iteration of an annual unit event celebrating Pachino Day, which recognizes the RCR’s battle honour earned as the first unit to capture an airfield in Sicily during the Second World War.
The event consisted of a four-team timed competition combining a Kim’s game, 4km march, confidence course, falling-target shoot, and an evening BBQ for members to bond and celebrate their history.
The troops also had an opportunity to say hello to neighbours in the area, as the ruck march route travelled through the local community.
Thanks to the residents of Cedar Springs, Ontario for the warm welcome, and BZ to the troops who participated in the competition!
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 Military inspections are a family affair
Note: The CO at the front, the troops in column of two and the Sergeant Major bringing up the rear in true military fashion.
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Retirements
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From: SCOTT.ROBINSON2@forces.gc.ca
Sent: Thursday, March 23, 2023 1:13 PM
Retirement of Capt RK Arsenault MSM, CDFellow Royal Canadians,Capt Arsenault’s DWD details as follows: Russell and his family would like to extend an invitation to all CAF members to join with family and friends in celebrate this momentous milestone with food and drink at their family home in Meaford, ON. Come share the stories, the jokes and reminisce about the good (and not so good) times, as we send Russell on his way to see if the grass is real greener on the other side.
Date: April 29, 2023 After 36 years of loyal and dedicated service to Canada, the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF), we cordially announce that Captain Russell Arsenault, MSM, CD will retire from the CAF on 17 April 2023. Hailing from Duvar, PEI, Russell joined the CAF in April 1987 and became a proud member of the CAF and The Royal Canadian Regiment (RCR). Russell’s first posting as a newly trained Infanteer was Winnipeg in fall of 1987 with The 3rd Battalion, The Royal Canadian Regiment (3 RCR). In the summer of 1988, 3 RCR was rotated into Baden, West Germany, and an opportunity of a lifetime. While serving in Europe, Russell served in the 1st Gulf War (1990) with M Coy and then the 1st UNPORFOR (1992) with N Coy. By the end of 1992, Russell was posted to 2 RCR in Gagetown, NB. With 2 RCR, Russell was deployed on Op Alliance (IFOR -1996), Op Persistence (Swiss Air - 1998), Op Palladium (SFOR -1999), Op Athena (Camp Mirage -2003), and Op Halo (Haiti -2004), before transferring back to 3 RCR in 2006. As a freshly minted WO, Russell deployed with 3 RCR on Task Force Afghanistan on roto 3/08 as a Rifle Platoon 2IC with N Coy in FOB Wilson. It was during this tour of duty that Russell was awarded the Meritorious Service Medal. Russell spent his time in 3 RCR moving from a Pl WO to CQMS to CSM, all in N Coy. The posting to Petawawa was six great years, and by 2013, now MWO Arsenault, was on his way back to 2 RCR in Gagetown as CSM L Coy. After a year at the Infantry School, he returned back to 2 RCR as DSM. In 2017, Russell was promoted to CWO and appointed as the CACSOR for 4 Division in Ontario. In July 2020, Russell was commissioned to his current rank of Captain and appointed as 4 Division Chief Standards Officer to finish off his career in beautiful Meaford. Upon retiring Russell and his wife Sandra plan on living in Prince Edward Island and spending time with family and friends. Russell’s DWD will take place at a future date at the 4 Canadian Division Training Center’s Officers and Senior NCMs mess. If you would like to a share message, stories, photos and anecdotes about Russell, please send such returns to Captain Jason Gresel at jason.gresel@forces.gc.ca |
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Fellow Royal Canadians,
Chief Warrant Officer (CWO) Jack Durnford enrolled in the Canadian Armed Forces on 3 January 1991. After completing recruit and basic training at The Royal Canadian Regiment Battle School in Garrison Petawawa, he was posted to Wolseley Barracks in London Ontario and assigned to the 1st Battalion, of the Royal Canadian Regiment. During his 32 years of service, he has served in the 1st and 3rd Battalions of The Royal Canadian Regiment, the Canadian Special Operations Regiment (CSOR), Directorate of Personnel Generation Requirements (DPGR), and with the Directorate of Military Careers (DMILC). Some of his qualifications include Basic Para, Military Freefall, Patrol Pathfinder and Joint Terminal Attack Controller. Chief Warrant Officer Durnford has seven operational deployments overseas. From 1992-1993, he deployed with the 2nd Battalion The Royal Canadian Regiment to Bosnia. In 1994-1995 he deployed to Bosnia with the 1st Battalion The Royal Canadian Regiment. In 2001 he deployed to Croatia with the 3rd Battalion The Royal Canadian Regiment. In 2003-2004 he deployed to Afghanistan with the 3rd Battalion The Royal Canadian Regiment. In 2005 he deployed to Afghanistan with The Royal Canadian Dragoons Battle Group. In 2007-2008 he deployed to Afghanistan with the Canadian Special Operations Regiment. His latest tour was in 2017 to Ukraine (Op Unifier) as the Task Force Sergeant Major. In 2017 CWO Durnford was appointed as the Regimental Sergeant Major of the 3rd Battalion The Royal Canadian Regiment in Petawawa. In June of 2020 CWO Durnford was appointed as the Formation Sergeant Major of the 4th Canadian Division Support (4CDSG) and Base Chief in Petawawa, Ontario. In June of 2022 CWO Durnford started his Vocational Rehab with OSISS as a Peer Support Coordinator, and is happy to be continuing to work alongside our fine men and women in uniform, as a Public Servant.
Jack and his beautiful wife Tina, look forward to enjoying their beautiful home in Petawawa, and spending quality time with their adult children Jackie and Marcus and their grandkids Harmony and Novah.
Regimental Adjutant, The Royal Canadian Regiment Canadian Armed Forces Scott.Robinson2@forces.gc.ca /Tel: 613-687-5511 ext 5086 / Cell: 613-281-6714 |
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Fellow Royal Canadians,
After more than 32 years of loyal service with the Canadian Armed Forces and the Royal Canadian Regiment, Master Warrant Officer Stephen Estey has officially retired on 26 Jan 22. A DWD was not previous possible last year.
MWO Estey joined the CAF on the 24th of February 1990 and completed basic training at CFLRS Cornwallis, NS. MWO Estey then completing Battle School at CFB Petawawa in May 1990 was first posted to H-Coy 2RCR. He participated in the last RV 1992 in Wainwright, AB. Stephen married his wife Edna in June 1992, and then deployed that same year to Bosina. He was promoted to Cpl in 1994, and deployed to Bosnia as a member of AAP that year. He was posted as a store man to the INF Sch in 1998. In 2002 he was appointed to MCpl and posted back to 2RCR where he deployed to Haiti in 2004 with H-Coy. MWO Estey was promoted to Sgt in 2006 and deployed to Afghanistan with I-Coy on Task Force 1-07. Upon return from Afghanistan in 2007, MWO Estey was posted to LFCA Meaford to instruct on DP1 Inf Courses and was posted to LFAA Gagetown, NB in 2009 to instruct on PLQ and Officer Trg. He was posted to 2RCR in 2010 and promoted to WO. He then completed his year long French Course and was posted to CFLRS St. Jean, PQ in 2013. He returned to the INF Sch in 2016 as CQ B-Coy. MWO Etsey was posted back to 2RCR in 2017 as CQMS G-Coy and L-Coy and was promoted to MWO 2019 and served as CSM K-Coy and CSM Rear Party when the BN deployed to Latvia.
MWO Estey completed multiple courses to include TOW, Basic Demo, MG, and Urban Ops Inst. He deployed in support of several domestic operations to include the OKA crisis, the Swiss Air flight 111, the Ice Storms in Quebec, and the floods in Manitoba.
Stephen would like to thank everyone he soldiered with and trained over his career. He and his wife Edna have retired in Beaver Bank, N.B. to be close by to their son Patrick and his fiancé Robyn.
A Depart with dignity will be taking place 30 Mar at the 2RCR Bldg. D-57 in the Drift @ 1500hrs.
Please send stories and messages to MWO Gerry Killam Gerald.killam@forces.gc.ca
Capt Scott Robinson, MMM, CD
Regimental Adjutant, The Royal Canadian Regiment Canadian Armed Forces Scott.Robinson2@forces.gc.ca /Tel: 613-687-5511 ext 5086 / Cell: 613-281-6714 |
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In Hospital
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Recent Passings
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A Soldier Died Todayby A. Lawrence Vaincourt
He was getting old and paunchy and his hair was falling fast,
And tho' sometimes, to his neighbors, his tales became a joke,
He will not be mourned by many, just his children and his wife,
When politicians leave this earth, their bodies lie in state,
Is the greatest contribution to the welfare of our land
A politician's stipend and the style in which he lives
It's so easy to forget them for it was so long ago,
Should you find yourself in danger, with your enemies at hand,
He was just a common soldier and his ranks are growing thin,
If we cannot do him honor while he's here to hear the praise, © 1987 A. Lawrence Vaincourt
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Soldier down -CWO (Ret'd) Art Boon, MMM,CD
From Rick Boon Hello everyone, I have quickly created this email to contact each of you in one bulk email to save time, so forgive me for not writing to each of you individually.
My father, CWO A.H. Boon (retired) passed away today at 3:25 pm at Stratford General Hospital at the age of 98. He led a very full life and represented his country,
community, and family with pride, honour, and love. His articulate stories about his WWII experiences, post war involvement with the Perth Regiment, 3RCR, and 4RCR
have informed so many generations of people and students for years to come. Funeral arrangements will be made tomorrow, but most likely will be next Sunday. Thank
you to all of the love and interest you have given my father over the years, as it did not go unnoticed by he or I. |
Soldier down - Lorne Haycock
From: Mike Stapleton
Here is the obit for Haycock, he was a 2Lt. in 4RCR in the early 70’s. Pro Patria, Michael P. J. Stapleton CDPresident Home Station London District Branch The RCR Association |
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In Memorium
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CWO(Ret'd) Art Boon,MMM,CD From: Rick Boon It is with profound sadness that I am announcing the passing of my father, CWO A. H. Boon on March 12, 2023, at the age of 98. He served his country, community, and his family with honour, pride, and love. His military accomplishments over close to 41 years are unmatched and well deserved in this community. From his landing on June 6/44 at D Day, to completing a double term as the Chief warrant Officer of 4RCR (1980), he was more than willing to share his thoughts and experiences to those who wanted to know and to those students to whom I taught over my 30 year teaching career. His hockey skills allowed him to play for the Military All-Star team that travelled though Holland and later for try-outs with the Detroit Red Wings and a career in New Hamburg Sr. A. hockey. He left the Detroit system to help support his ailing father who was wounded in WWI and the rest of his family, rather than being sent to Adirondack (Detroit’s farm team). Dad played with the Stratford Nationals baseball in the Inter County League until a broken ankle at National stadium ended his career, but he later played 20 years of Slo-Pitch. Dad moulded many young men during his coaching of hockey and baseball, along with the soldiers who many have gone on to protect this country as he did. The world we live in is a better place having been a part of it with my father. God Bless you Dad and stand at ease…stand easy. Love you. Rick. Stratford Second World War veteran Art Boon
STRATFORD, Ont. – Arrangements have been made to honour local hero and Second World War
veteran Art Boon this weekend, with opportunities for the general public to pay their respects to the
man whose service to his country, his family and his community was exemplary.
Arthur Boon, 98, died Sunday March 12, 2023.
There will be two public visitations at the Young Funeral Home, 430 Huron Street, on Saturday
from 2:00 to 4:00 and from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m.
On Sunday morning Mr. Boon will be moved to the Stratford Armoury, 80 Waterloo St. S., where
he will lay in state for military viewing from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Members of the general public
are also welcome.
Then at 1:30 p.m. Sunday, with a military escort, Mr. Boon will be moved to the Stratford Rotary
Complex, 353 McCarthy Rd., for a public funeral service from 2:00 to 3:00 p.m. Local resident and
well-known artist Loreena McKennitt will sing at the service. In addition to being the Honorary
Colonel of the Royal Canadian Air Force, Ms. McKennitt also worked for many years with Mr.
Boon and his son Rick Boon to help organize local Remembrance Day ceremonies and other events
honouring veterans.
Art Boon was a champion of Canadian war veterans and a well-known fixture of the local
community. At age 19, his first encounter with battle was the invasion of Normandy on D-Day June
6, 1944. Once he returned from the war in 1946, he attended and helped to organize every single
Remembrance Day Ceremony at the Cenotaph. He knew all too well the tolls war took on people
and spent much of his life trying to ensure successive generations would remember and respect the
sacrifices made by the men and women who went to war to defend our freedom.
For more information, please contact |
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Member Submissions
We Are Canadian
The following link takes you to the song We Are Canadian recently composed by Ellis Craig, an 83-year-old resident of a retirement home in Perth, Ontario. Note From Webmaster:
This is YOUR page to keep informed on members health, welfare and happenings. |
DND strikes again ... CFB Esquimalt spouses decry families effectively seeing pay cuts with new structureSubmitted by Don McAvee/Barry Graham2023-03-28 (unconfirmed source) CFB Esquimalt military families are discouraged by pay structure changes announced this week for the Canadian Armed Forces that are meant to solely support high housing costs. While the measure is seen as a way to support those lower in the ranks and be an incentive for new members amid the military’s recruitment struggles, CFB Esquimalt families say the change is effectively a pay cut during already tough financial times. “The first reaction was panic,” said Kay Judas, an administrator of a Greater Victoria military spouse group. Military families are dependent on monthly payments through the Post Living Differential (PLD) policy, Judas said. That program also helped with offsetting the costs of things like housing, fuel, groceries and childcare. The military on March 21 said it was going through with a long-awaited replacement of the PLD with the Canadian Forces Housing Differential (CFHD) on July 1. That new system only supports housing by keeping rent and mortgage costs of military housing to 25 per cent of a family’s gross monthly income. The Department of National Defence says CAF salaries have largely enabled them to afford housing in most posting locations. The new program is tied to a member’s wages and the housing costs in their place of duty, and will be adjusted annually unlike PLD. “It is crucial to understand that CFHD prioritizes those who require assistance the most in order that all CAF members are able to afford housing, regardless of where they are posted,” Brigadier-General Virginia Tattersall, CAF director general of compensation and benefits, said in announcing the change. The move hopes to help lower-ranked members struggling with housing costs as it’s tiered so that those in smaller income brackets get more. The DND also noted that some military communities across Canada – like Comox – were ineligible for PLD. “We recognize that the replacement of PLD with CFHD may take some time to adjust to, both mentally and financially,” Tattersall said. “Given the implications on your personal circumstances, it is important for you to also note that the CAF will also see an economic increase – or pay raise – which you will see on your mid-July pay.” But those raises are not in line with inflation, Judas said, and after they’re set to lose roughly $430 in PLD funds every month, it would likely be years until their family breaks even through the pay increases. “The military is notorious for not caring about the impact of its decisions on families,” Judas said, noting the Greater Victoria base is also now seeing members on the verge of homelessness. Judas is also concerned the new structure will disproportionately impact Navy families as members lose the CFHD benefit after staying in the same place for seven years. While that’s common for a Navy member, it’s unlikely other CAF branches would remain at one posting for more than six years. She also questions how the new system will help beleaguered military recruitment levels as the CFHD benefit significantly drops off after a few promotions that typically come in the first three years of service. A DND chart shows an Esquimalt member’s 2023 CFHD amount would fall from $1,850 for the first pay level to $1,050 by the third. As of Friday, the group of CFB Esquimalt partners was working on organizing a protest over the pay changes as they want their voices heard, despite Judas saying the military has been intimidating for spouses looking to speak out. “I’m proud of them for being strong enough and wanting to do this.” READ: New recruits at CFB Esquimalt struggle to find housing after training completed Comments:
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Poland Might Be Prepared to Do What the US and NATO Will NotSource: KyivPost . com
This is an OPINION article from KyivPost by Hans Peter Midltun, former Defence Attaché of Norway to Ukraine, and Officer (R) of the Norwegian Armed Forces - here excerpts While the U.S. stands firm on its policy of “no boots on the ground,” Eastern Europe is discussing doing just that. Whereas President Joe Biden stressed that the U.S. will not supply combat aircraft (F-16), President Andrzej Duda is donating combat aircraft (MiG-29) to Ukraine. When Eastern Europe asked NATO to do more (according to its strategic concept), NATO decided to do less. And when the EU highlights that its member states – most of which are also NATO members – are exposed to a Russian hybrid war, NATO limits itself to admitting that the Euro-Atlantic area is not at peace. “It is not NATO, Poland or Slovakia that are mounting ever more pressure, but Russia, which has invaded Ukraine. Russia, which is seizing its territories. Russia, which is killing its people. And Russia, which is abducting Ukrainian children. Therefore, either Ukraine will defend its independence today, or we will have to enter this conflict. Because our main values, which were the basis of our civilization and our culture will be threatened. Therefore, we will have no choice but to enter the conflict,” the Polish Ambassador to France, Jan Emeryk Rosciszewski, stated in an interview on March 18. There is nothing alarming or extraordinary about the statement except its level of clarity. Eastern European countries do not support the Ukrainian fight for its right to exist – its sovereignty and independence – out of kindness alone, but primarily as a defense of their own country. They are doing their uttermost to avoid the dramatic consequences of a potential Ukrainian defeat that would result in Russian forces being deployed along their borders; Russian military power moving 1,000 kilometers closer to Warsaw, Berlin, Paris, Brussels and London; Russian air defense systems covering a greater part of Central Europe; the Black Sea turning into a Russian lake. It would create a belt of constant instability along the border of the EU and NATO. Equally important, it would give Russia access to an immense wealth of rare minerals, gas, oil and coal resources, as well as the “breadbasket of Europe.” It would gain control over the Ukrainian defense industry helping it to restore its military power. Perhaps more importantly, a hypothetical Russian victory in Ukraine would be seen as a victory over NATO. The statement by Rosciszewski is also in line with Polish security and defense policy. Polish actions reflect its statements. NATO declared that “the Euro-Atlantic area is not at peace. The Russian Federation’s brutal war of aggression against Ukraine has shattered peace in Europe… and poses the most significant and direct threat to Allies’ security and to peace and stability in the Euro-Atlantic area.” Eastern Europe is acting accordingly. Ukraine is fighting for its right to exist. And yet, 20 out of 30 NATO members are still not meeting their commitment to invest 2% of their GDP in defense. Polish arms build-up Poland was allocating 2.42% of its GDP to its defense budget before the Russian full-scale invasion of Ukraine began. Only Greece and the U.S. were spending more. In January, Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki declared that Poland will increase its defense spending to 4% of GDP. Poland’s army has 170,000 soldiers presently. On par with Germany today, it plans to build “the largest land army in Europe” with 300,000 men and women comprising 250,000 professional soldiers and 50,000 civil defense personnel. Last year, it bought 250 Abrams tanks, expected to be delivered in late 2024. In January, Poland approved the purchase of further 116 Abrams tanks due to arrive later this year. Additionally, it has announced plans to procure 180 South Korean “K2 Black Panther” tanks. It plans to acquire more than 800 of the K2PL variant of the tank, many of which will be produced in Poland from 2026. It has already received the first shipment of tanks that it bought from South Korea in December. The country has also bought four dozen K9 howitzers, with the planned procurement of a further 600 to start in 2024. Domestic production is expected to begin in 2026. In February, the U.S. State Department approved the sale of up to $10 billion worth of 18 HIMARS rocket launchers and almost 500 launcher loader module kits along with ammunition to Poland. In 2020, Poland signed a contract to acquire 32 F-35s from the U.S. It is also buying 48 FA-50 light combat fighter jets from South Korea. The first 12 jets are to be delivered in 2023 and a further 36 aircraft from 2025 to 2028. Poland is not only building the strongest Armed Forces in Europe (after Ukraine), but it is also building the defense industry needed to sustain it. It is also diversifying the suppliers, increasing the speed of delivery, and reducing its dependency on the U.S. Eastern Europe knows Russia better The bottom line is that Poland is thinking, planning, and acting according to NATO’s late strategic concept. It is building military power to do – if needed – what the U.S. and NATO will not: i.e., fight alongside the Armed Forces of Ukrainian to stop a war that threatens European security and stability. |
VIEWPOINTSA MUST READSen. David Richards: Battles Are Won Before They Are FoughtCommentary By: Sen David Richards -The Epoch Timessubmitted by: Brian Colgate/Barry Graham 2023-03-22 You fight the enemy where he’s not, said Sun Tzu a few millennia ago. The Chinese general and philosopher should be listened to, for this is what China is doing in their relations with United States. Don’t worry about Canada. I don’t mean to be impolite, but it seems our government doesn’t, so why should we? Nor am I blaming this government alone. I have lived long enough to know this downward spiral into modern complacency has existed for quite a while through multiple governments, from the time of the Avro Arrow on, and is now almost a state of officious policy. It was American pilots in F-22’s who shot that impertinent balloon and UFOs out of the sky. The signal is implicit—Canada cannot act on its own behalf—and this is no one’s fault but its own. I sometimes think Canada is being led not by those I knew in school—who suffered and loved and studied on their own, worked peeling pulp and lent a hand to the forsaken, and with the little money they earned bought coats for their brothers rather than presents for themselves, and cared when no one else did—but by those fine fellows I remember who once joined the glee club, and ran to the principal to tattle if anything in their attire was amiss. Who knows what leader will bring us forward, turn around like Avril Lavigne and simply tell someone to get the blank off the stage. Chinese police stations intimidate our citizens, and we who mention this are called anti-Asian. That is not true. In fact, it is Asians we might be trying to protect. China is mapping out the Arctic and meddling in our elections, and instead of being outraged at this, we attack ourselves in order to look fair-minded. The self-doubting family is always the one to blame themselves, or point fingers at their own, so those outside the family will approve.
Sun Tzu said that battles are often won before they are fought.
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Ottawa must ‘recapitalize’ the Canadian Armed Forces, Anand says ahead of budgetStory by Aaron D'Andrea • Global News Submitted by: David Bell The federal government must “recapitalize” the Canadian Armed Forces amid “this changing world,” National Defence Minister Anita Anand says. Her comments Tuesday came after she announced $1.4-billion in funding to upgrade the Dwyer Hill Training Centre in Ottawa, a military base used by Canada’s special operations forces unit, Joint Task Force 2 (JTF2). This 10-year construction project, which will begin in May, will provide more than 100,000 square metres of space for JTF2 training and high-readiness operational needs. The work will include replacing more than 89 aging structures with 23 new facilities, renovating seven buildings and upgrading the site’s utilities. The Canadian government has been under pressure from its allies to increase its defence spending, and Anand said that Tuesday’s announcement is evidence that “there is an upward trajectory in our defence spending.” “We see the increasing need to make investments of this sort and we see the need to continue to recapitalize the Canadian Armed Forces,” she said.
“We are moving forward on a number of fronts, including enhancing infrastructure here at home for JTF2, but also in international theatres, be it Latvia, be it the Indo-Pacific. We need to continue to do
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Canada on sidelines as U.S., Britain, Australia move ahead on new security dealStory by: The Canadian Press •Submitted by: David Bell 2023-03-13
OTTAWA — Canada's omission from a military pact involving three of its closest allies is symptomatic of a larger problem in how this country is perceived by its friends, experts are warning, as the U.S., Britain and Australia move ahead on their deal. Canada on sidelines as U.S., Britain, Australia move ahead on new security deal © Provided by The Canadian Press U.S. President Joe Biden, British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak and Australian leader Anthony Albanese were at a naval base in San Diego on Monday to confirm the next steps of the trilateral agreement, known as "AUKUS" after the three countries involved. That includes formalizing American and British plans to help Australia develop a fleet of nuclear-powered submarines in response to growing concerns about China's actions in the Indo-Pacific region. The Trudeau government has downplayed the importance of AUKUS to Canada, saying Ottawa is not in the market for nuclear-powered submarines, even as others have lamented its absence. Those include a senior Canadian Armed Forces commander, Vice-Admiral Bob Auchterlonie, who worried in a recent interview with The Canadian Press about Canada not having to the same cutting-edge technology as three of its closest allies.
The head of the association representing Canada's defence industry, who criticized Prime Minister Justin Trudeau for dismissing AUKUS as simply a "nuclear-submarine deal," has also warned about the potential impact on Canadian military exports.
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Bravery-in-Arms
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Australia to receive 'highest quality' submarines, not 'clunkers', US congressman Joe Courtney says
US will give Australia high-quality nuclear subs, not 'clunkers', congressman says
By: abc.net.au
Ed. note: Isn't it amazing how Australia (with a population of 25.69 Million-2021) can see the need for, and afford state of the art nuclear subs
but Canada (with a population of 38.63 million-2023) living next door to Russia, can only afford second hand, old, leaky screen door diesel subs.
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Commentary from the National Post's Jamie Sarkonak
NP Platformed: Liberals impose a culture of wokeism on the Canadian Armed ForcesJeff McIntosh/The Canadian Press
By: Jamie Sarkonak The purpose of the military is to protect Canada. This is a key detail that seems to be lost on Defence Minister Anita Anand, who has led the Canadian Armed Forces into a “culture change” that looks more like a Marxist cultural revolution focused on identity rather than class. This point was made obvious with the publication of the Department of National Defence’s “Anti-racism toolkit.” The toolkit contains propaganda intended to be used to instruct Canadian servicemembers about diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI). It is the latest of a number of radical “culture change” measures taken by the department: in December, it hosted a talk by a social justice studies professor who claimed that Canada was “completely infected” by white supremacy; and in January, it gave a grant to a political science professor and fellow in Black excellence to study white supremacy in the military. It’s impossible that everyone in the military is a good egg, but I don’t buy the idea that a total cultural overhaul is needed just because a couple DEI activists said so. The toolkit was the latest make-work project produced by the Department of National Defence’s director of anti-racism implementation. To get a sense of the values of the people who staff these roles, look no further than the LinkedIn page of the current interim director. Recent activity includes the promotion of an “e-binder” containing profiles of Black public servants to help hiring managers find people to promote (diversity targets are mandated in the federal government). That is the essence of anti-racism: positive discrimination towards one group to level out the supposed advantage held by other groups. The anti-racism director is tasked with supporting “organizational culture evolution by elevating the defence team members’ awareness and understanding of racial equity issues through strategic communication tactics, resources, training and tools.” In other words, the role is that of a propagandist. You can find that propaganda in the department’s anti-racism toolkit, starting with the lexicon guide. It lists 122 terms relating to gender, race and DEI — all cast with a heavy social justice spin. It’s more appropriate for an undergraduate seminar on critical race theory than the military. For example, it incorrectly defines "equality" as the treatment of people that “brings about an equality of results” (that is the definition of “equity”); it adds elsewhere that believing in equality but not equity is racist. It states that decolonization “requires non-Indigenous individuals, governments, institutions and organizations to (help) Indigenous peoples to reclaim all that was taken from them.” Allyship is defined as an “active, consistent and arduous practice of unlearning and re evaluating, in which a person in a position of privilege and power seeks to operate in solidarity with a marginalized group.” Colour-blindness, or refusing to see race, according to the lexicon, can “foster the systematic denial of racial subordination.” White is a “social colour” that comes with “unearned power, benefits, advantages.” It’s hard to see why any of this would be relevant to the Armed Forces, which should be focused on defending all Canadians equally. Like biologists describing how animals behave in the wild, the writers even describe “white fragility” as “a state in which even a minimum amount of racial stress becomes intolerable (for white people), triggering a range of defensive moves … such as anger, fear and guilt, and behaviours such as argumentation, silence and leaving the stress-inducing situation.” It’s a social science-fiction phenomenon that can’t be quantified in the real world. The toolkit’s “Guide to courageous conversations on racism and discrimination” sets out a series of instructions for members of the military to preach to each other about DEI and anti-racism (i.e., the practice of discrimination against groups that are considered “privileged” in the eyes of critical race theorists). It instructs servicemembers to use the “BRAVE Framework,” which is essentially a formula for holding racial struggle sessions. Likewise, the toolkit's “Anti-racism tips and tools” includes a section that politically spins the Employment Equity Act — the federal diversity target (quota) law that requires every federal department, and any company that wishes to bid on big federal contracts, to have diversity targets for the workplace. The act has led to white and/or male applicants to the military being de-prioritized in hiring, as well as race-and-gender-specific job postings in other federal departments. The toolkit dismisses valid criticism of the law as a “myth” (the “fake news” defence). The Defence Department also launched an anti-racism learning hub, which links to a number of resources that preach ideology and direct defence staff to DEI training materials, including the Harvard Implicit Association Test, adiscredited type of test that supposedly measures subconscious bias. Unfortunately, this kind of thing is becoming common in the federal public service: similar ideological instruction has been imported into the Canada School of Public Service, which provides a "standardized curriculum" for public servants. It’s a problem everywhere, but it’s especially insidious when the military is concerned. The men and women serving in the military shouldn’t have to undergo social justice conditioning. They serve a supposedly apolitical body tasked with protecting the realm. Worse, the military is currently undergoing a recruitment and retention crisis — thousands of positions are unfilled — and about 4,500 members can’t even find housing. It’s obvious that a good part of the Canadian Armed Forces’ culture problems stem from the fact that it can’t hold onto good people. The last thing the remaining servicemembers need is a toolkit that promotes divisive identity politics — what they need a unifying purpose and fair compensation. We'd like member feedback. Write to us at Editor/4RCR Newsletter.Here is some feedback already:
"A sad and rather frightening pass-along from another sewing circle.
“I was going to wait until after the dinner hour before I pressed “send” on this one - just to give you more to barf up after (or during) reading it. Anyhooo, here it is, wither meritocracy, and enjoy some dry heaves. Unbelievable, some of these bits.
"Cudo's to Jamie Sarkonak for her indepth research and hitting the nail on the head. It's disgusting when you realize the direction our political framework
is taking. It appeatrs to me that they are pandering to the elitist crackpots but not listening to the grass roots of the military."
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Policy New Retention Process Launched to Retain Personnelby: CMF Magazine2023-03-04 Submitted by: David Bell 2023-03-04 In an effort to retain talented individuals and visible minorities, the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) is now employing the Adaptive Unit Retention Process (AURP). The goal of the AURP is not only retain CAF members and especially women, Indigenous People, and people with disabilities but also to reduce “unhealthy attrition in stressed occupations.” The hope is that the CAF can better understand how to retain members. The AURP falls under the CAF Retention Strategy and has been in effect since April 1, 2022. One of the first initiatives under the AURP is implementing changes to the Commanding Officer Release interview. This will now include the Unit Retention Interview (URI) CAF-wide. Unit Retention InterviewAccording to CANFORGEN 175/22, one of the first initiatives under the AURP is implementing changes to the Commanding Officer Release interview. This will now include the Unit Retention Interview (URI) CAF-wide.The URI began with Regular Force members on April 1, 2022, and will be extended to Primary Reserve members at a later date. According to the CANFORGEN, the URI was implemented to address shortcomings in the Commanding Officer interview and to standardize and formalize a process. Standardizing the Unit Retention Interview will help the CAF not only discuss retention options with members but also find “optimal retention options to keep members within the unit and/or occupation,” according to the CANFORGEN. Another important goal of the URI is to collect data so that the CAF can better understand the military’s retention efforts while highlighting areas for improvement. Trial phaseThe URI is currently in a trial phase from April 11, 2022, to March 31, 2023. The trial phase will allow the DGMP to fine-tune the AURP and the URI. It is expected to be operationally capable by April of this year.Initiating the URIThe URI will be initiated when a member chooses to release voluntarily. Upon initiating the URI, commanding officers should contact their Human Resources Manager to obtain access to the Canadian Armed Forces Release Administration. The URI has been available in the CAFRA since Oct. 12, 2022.Continued... |
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Policy Logistik Unicorp Set to Assume Charge Canadian Forces Supply Depotby: CMF Magazine2023-03-04 Submitted by: David Bell 2023-03-04 Logistik Unicorp is set to assume charge of the Canadian Forces Supply Depot to supply Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) members with operational clothing and footwear. “Building on the success of the previous non-operational clothing experience, OCFC2 (Operational Clothing and Footwear Contract) and Logistik Unicorp will assume Canadian Forces Supply Depot function in support of regular clothing operations and supply,” CANFORGEN 174/22 noted. The change would apply to all CAF members, reservists, rangers, search and rescue, firefighters and cadets. In addition, Logistik will not only supply operational clothing and footwear but also selected equipment.
Online Catalogue In the WorksPlans are in the works to make an online ordering catalogue available to CAF members in Fall 2024. Items will then be available to order for direct delivery to their home address.The exact items that will be part of this catalogue have not been revealed yet. “With this convenient and modern service, OCFC2 will see a significant improvement of wait times in clothing stores across Canada,” promised the CAF in the CANFORGEN. In-person service at clothing stores will continue even with the supplementation of an online catalogue. Questions can be directed to +DSSPMclothing-vetementsdapes@adm dsspm@ottawa-hull.
The change will take place entirely in fall 2023. |
Canadian Military, Veteran and Family Connected Campus Consortium (CMVF3C)EXCITING NEWS shared by CAF Transition Group today!!!Submitted by: Brian Colgate/Barry Graham2023-02-28  Commodore Daniel Bouchard, Commander of CAF Transition Group “On 21 February, the Canadian Military, Veteran and Family Connected Campus Consortium (CMVF3C) was officially launched! ?????? CAF members, Veterans and their families will now have easier access to information about post-secondary educational supports, thanks to this new “connected campus” group. The CMVF3C will help facilitate a coordinated approach to obtain college and university educations for four key groups:
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Lesson of The Month
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Famous Quotes of the Month
Submitted by: Brian Colgate 2023-02-20 (Ed. note: This sounds like the Russian rabble attempting to invade Ukraine.) |
Humour in Uniform |
Rumour has it that Canada is sending 5,000 Super Pigs to Ukraine to chase down Russian soldiers. President Zelenski says 'God bless Canada and their Super Weapon. I figure the Russian invasion will be over in a week'. |
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Poetry Corner
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Submissions to Poetry Corner
We are eagerly seeking submissions of a military nature to our Poetry Corner. Send submissions to: |
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4RCR Recruiting
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 Wolseley Barracks, London |
 Stratford Armoury, Stratford |
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Join Our Team
Looking for full-time or part-time work? We are hiring and provide excellent career opportunities. Please do not hesitate to call or email our recruiter who will be pleased to answer any questions you may have and provide direction on how to apply to our Regiment. Our Team Recruiter
Name: London Reserve Recruiting Garrison Or contact
Phone: 1-800-856-8488 When We Train September to June:
Thursday evenings |
Trades In Our Unit
Infantry Soldier Equipment Weapons: Browning 9-mm Pistol C6 7.62-mm Medium Machine Gun C7A2 5.56-mm Automatic Rifle C9A2 Light Machine Gun Carl Gustav 84mm Short Range Anti-armour Weapon (Medium) Grenade Vehicles:
Medium Support Vehicle System (MSVS)
Militarized Commercial Off-The-Shelf (MilCOTS)
Light Support Vehicle Wheel (LSVW)
See a list of Canadian Army weapons and vehicles.
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Who We Are 4th Battalion, The Royal Canadian Regiment (4 RCR) is a Primary Reserve Infantry unit based in London and Stratford, ON. The RCR was founded on 21 December 1883 as Canada's first truly-professional regiment of infantry and has fought gallantly in every conflict Canada has been involved in. 4 RCR, specifically, has drawn its soldiers from the London, Woodstock and Stratford area for more than 150 years. Today, 4 RCR is a proud and active unit that strives to set the example in all matters of leadership and soldiering. 4 RCR’s role is to rigourously train its soldiers and officers, as part of 31 Canadian Brigade Group, to be ready for operations both domestically and around the world. The unit, in the past, committed more than 20% of its strength to Canadian operations in Afghanistan and nowadays actively augments operations domestically and in Europe. The role of the infantry is to close-with and destroy the enemy: often under challenging conditions. While the job of an infantryman is a demanding one, it is also a highly rewarding, exciting and fun career and the battalion offers a highly supportive and close-knit family network to all its members. Benefits of Joining When you join our unit, you will receive competitive pay for your part time or full time work as well as be eligible for on the job training that could benefit you in civilian life. Also, there are medical, dental and educational benefits available to Army Reservists. Here are all the details:
London
4th Battalion, The Royal Canadian Regiment
Telephone: 519-660-5275, Ext. 5259 Stratford
4th Battalion, The Royal Canadian Regiment
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4RCR Contacts London
4th Battalion, The Royal Canadian Regiment
Telephone: 519-660-5275, Ext. 5259 Stratford
4th Battalion, The Royal Canadian Regiment |
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Contact 4RCR Council
BGen (ret'd) O'Brien, GJP, Chairperson,
Capt (Ret'd) Mombourquette, JV, Secretary,
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Contact Webmaster
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Regimental Contacts
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The RCR Regimental Site
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The RCR Association
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The RCR Regimental Warehouse 
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The RCR Museum 
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