THE FALCON PARADE STATE

Transcription

1 THE FALCON PARADE STATE Keeping Highlanders Informed! A COMMANDING OFFICER S FAREWELL The Regiment: noun. Definition - A unit of ground forces, consisting of one or more battalions or battle groups, a headquarters unit, and certain supporting units. To manage or treat in a rigid, uniform manner; subject to strict discipline. To most of the Falcon s readers, the Regiment means the 48th Highlanders of Canada and represents the only home many of us have ever known in the Army. On the surface, it is a blended, military organization, undertaking assigned operational and training tasks as dictated by the chain of command. Underneath, however, it is a human engine, driven by a cohesion and character that few modern organizations outside the profession of arms can emulate. It is a beautiful beast, rough around the edges, yet burning with pride at its core. For twenty-two years, the Regiment has been my home, the past four as your Commanding Officer. Like the Regiment, the word Command is a uniquely military definition, enshrining the responsibility of leading soldiers in the planning and execution of lawful orders with unlimited liability. In plain English, this means being entrusted with leading the Nation s sons and daughters, to fight and survive in combat. In order to achieve this, the modern Regiment spends the bulk of its time training, while supporting its home city with various outreach and ceremonial tasks. When I first took over the Regiment, in the Fall of 2011, the Unit s senior leadership was handed two very difficult constraints: a reduction in the operating budget, and a restriction on recruiting numbers. What this meant was that the Unit had to do more with less. Since we were not allowed to recruit, the Unit had to deliver cost effective and engaging training designed to not only excite, but keep or retain soldiers in the Army. As many of us have served on operations overseas, it became our focus to re-engage our Scottish Alliances, while establishing new affiliations with US and other Units. The logic was that as Canada only deploys soldiers on operations in a Coalition context, we should strive to emulate these same experiences and conditions in our training. In the years since, a strong bond has been fostered with the Royal Regiment of Scotland (specifically 4th and 7th Battalions), and an on-going training relationship with the US Army, 48 Infantry CO addressing CA & US troops Ex SG 14 JUNE 2015 COs Farewell PAGE 2 The Regiment Remembers its Fallen PAGE 3 Association Updates and Notices PAGE 9 Calendar PAGE 13 This issue of THE PARADE STATE is published by the FALCON staff: Capt (Ret) Steve Gilbert Editor Sgt (Ret) Al Kowalenko Assistant Editor Sgt (Ret) Adam Bernard Layout & Graphic Design The Falcon Parade State is published by authority of the Commanding Officer, 48th Highlanders of Canada, and through the ongoing financial support of the Regimental Trust Fund.

2 48 HIGHRS - CC-117 Ex HIGHLAND THRASHER - Alabama Brigade Combat Team, Georgia National Guard. The plan seemed to work, with the 48 HIGHRS achieving the highest overall attendance of any Infantry Unit in 32 CBG during 18 of the past 24 Field Training Exercises; this despite having the lowest authorized strength in the Brigade. It must be stressed, that these successes were the direct result of all levels of the Unit, from Battalion and Company leadership, to the keen troops that consistently showed up to soldier. It is not fair to call this achievement a legacy, but CO & RSM Joseph with Her Majesty 10 Aug 12 it has been a main effort that hopefully bares fruit as the next generation of soldiers deploys overseas, the latest example being MWO Paul Caswell in the Middle East. It has been a true privilege to Command the Regiment, through both good times and bad. There are a few key individuals that do need special mention. As a CO, an aspect of ones duties that few soldiers witness, is the on-going support and outreach that takes place with the larger Regimental Family. In this effort, the Command Team was greatly assisted by HCol John Newman and HCol Geordie Elms respectively. In addition, no CO can function without the advice and support of the RSM, of which CWO s Ray Joseph and Derek Murphy were consistently by my side. Mention too is needed for the FTUC and Reg F cadre staff who kept the Unit functioning on a daily basis; a special note going to the Adjt, Capt Alexander Gawel and our Ops NCO, WO Sean Bechard. To my fellow Officers, thank you for your loyalty and support, while to the NCOs of the Unit, keep leading your soldiers the way you always have; by example. There are so many key individuals to acknowledge, that it cannot be done in a few short paragraphs. Ultimately, you all know who you are, and I thank you for your candor, advice, and friendship. The final note goes to the young men and women of the Regiment who so ably did what they were asked, with conviction, drive, and a keen sense of humour. To the JRs, remember to lead from below and fight through the administrative friction at every turn. You are the Nation s future, the absolute best. Zero, this is Niner leaving the Net, out. Dileas! Allan Best Lieutenant-Colonel Commanding Officer 48th Highlanders of Canada CO & RSM - Ex STALWART GUARDIAN 15 2 CO gives an Eyes Right

3 THE REGIMENT REMEMBERS AND HONOURS ITS FALLEN QUEEN S PARK 24 APRIL 2015 n a cold Toronto evening, Friday, April 24, 2015, the 100th OAnniversary of the Battle and Gas Attack known to History as 2 nd Ypres, members and associates of four famous Canadian units The 48 th Highlanders, Queen s Own Rifles, Royal Regiment and Governor General s Horse Guards gathered at our Queen s Park Monument. Then, under the leadership of BGEN (Ret) Greg Young, Chairman of the 15 th Battalion Memorial Project and other Members of that Project Team, they took part in a sunset Memorial Ceremony to honour those who fought for Canada, as soldiers in those Regiments, and died in that long ago Battle. 3 4

4 THE REGIMENT REMEMBERS AND HONOURS ITS FALLEN BELGIUM APRIL 2015 On the 100tth Anniversary of the Battle of St Julien, HCol Geordie and Shirley Elms along with the Flett family attended ceremonies of commemoration at St Julien and at the Menin Gate, where Mrs Elms placed a wreath on behalf of the 48th Chapter IODE. Colonel Elms also presented a 15th Bn (48th Highlanders) pipe banner to be carried by the Field Marshal Haig s Own Pipe Band that attends and support the Regiment in commemorative ceremonies at the nine 15th Battalion memorials located in France and Belgium. THE REGIMENT REMEMBERS AND HONOURS ITS FALLEN BELGIUM APRIL 2015 THREE ORILLIA SCHOOLS PARTICIPATE IN MENIN GATE CEREMONY ON TUESDAY MAY 12, R. Kooy, Teacher, Twin Lakes Secondary School, Orillia. Remembering the past is the key to understanding the present. One of the main goals of the annual Dutch Exchange Trip of the three Orillia high schools is to deepen student awareness of this important and universal truth. This year, ODPark, Twin Lakes, and Patrick Fogarty students first hosted their Dutch siblings in February. Then from May 8-18 the group went to The Netherlands, Belgium, and France, to experience these cultures first hand, and to broaden their horizons by visiting many Canadian WWI and WWII battle and commemoration sites. When you stand on the same soil that your country s soldiers fought for and died defending, it changes you. One of the major highlights for the students was participating in the daily Menin Gate Memorial wreath laying ceremony, made possible through a generous travel subsidy from the 48th Highlanders: 15th, 92nd, and 134th Batallions. This wreath was laid to honour the 4000 First Nations soldiers who fought for Canada during WWI. Three students in particular helped to lay the wreath at the Gate: First Nation students Austin Fournier and Noelani Cline-Kitchener from Twin Lakes Secondary School accompanied by Maggie Brown from ODPark Secondary School. On behalf of our group, and colleagues Mike Jackson and Carol Tudhope, I would like to extend our deepest gratitude to the 48th Highlanders, for helping to make this wreath placement a reality for our students. Reflecting on his participation in the ceremony, Austin Fournier summed up the experience best: As a First Nation student, it was an honour to represent all of the Aboriginal soldiers, and show the world that we will never forget their sacrifice to help make the world a better place. Funding for the 15th Battlion First Nations Menin Gate Wreath Project was partially provided by Matt Richardson, Mike Scott, Bill Stark, Julian Chapman, Dwayne Hobbs, Con Di Nino, Pat Bryden, Jean Miso, Bob Douglas, Jim Cassie and John Newman. NOW AVAILABLE: The 15th Bn (48th Highlanders) statuette in bronze. $ (taxes included) Available through the P&D Kitshop outlet and at 15thbncef@gmail.com Orillia students Maggie Brown, Austin Fournier, and Noelani Cline-Kitchener at the Menin Gate, Ypres, Belgium 5 6

5 THE REGIMENT REMEMBERS AND HONOURS ITS FALLEN HOLLAND APRIL/MAY 2015 THE 70TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE DEATH, IN ACTION, LCOL DONALD MACKENZIE On April 12, 1945, the 48th Highlanders of Canada lost its Commanding Officer, LCol Donald Mackenzie, when he was killed by artillery shrapnel near Wilp, Holland. This tragic event happened only a few weeks before WWII ended and is an important part of the memory of every Highlander who served during the War. In recognition of LCol Mackenzie, a special article on his life and times will be printed in the next Falcon yearbook scheduled for December, The photo above features LCol Alan Best recently visiting the gravesite of LCol Mackenzie at the Holten Canadian War Cemetery, Apeldoorn... a Commanding Officer of one era paying respects to a CO of another era. 7 8

6 RSM Murphy on parade ASSOCIATION UPDATES AND ACTIVITIES RSM S REVIEW By: RSM (CWO) Derek Murphy, CD We are at a time when the Regiment is beginning to grow and our troops are fully engaged within our community. This is evident by our recent successful event commemorating the 15th Battalion participation in the Battle of 2nd Ypres, followed by the annual Regimental Church Parade in April. While the active unit has been heavily involved in a training year that has gone by extremely fast, these events allow us all to come together in celebration and recognition with a view to keeping the Regimental Family involved and together. For those that are not aware, MWO Paul Carswell is currently deployed on Operation Impact, which is the Canadian Forces support of the coalition against ISIS. He is doing well and if you want to send him a note or reminder from home, please contact the WO and Sergeants Mess. We will forward any wishes or items along. This is a clear reminder that the 48th Highlanders of Canada are still training and preparing for any operation that we are required to support. While the rest of 2015 continues to be challenging, it will launch us into 2016 and the Regiment s 125th Anniversary celebrations. To all out there that may have unused Regimental kit items, please remember that Regimental kit is put to its best use when being worn by an active soldier. I look forward to a year of hard work as we move toward 125 while serving with all members of the Regiment. 48TH OLD COMRADES ASSOCIATION By: MWO (Ret) Mark McVety, CD, OCA President We are currently in a very busy period of time for our Association and April was a big month for special events. On April 24th, at our Regimental Memorial in Queen s Park, we had the St. Julien Day Commemoration honoring the 2nd Battle of Ypres fought 100 years ago in As well, we had our Regimental Church Parade on Sunday, April 26th. The OCA Drill Team participated in both events and was well turned out. Congratulations to all! Three members of our Drill Team Gord Smith, John Perkins, and John Stephens were in Holland taking in the festivities celebrating the 70 Anniversary of the end of World War II. We also saw our OCA members Herb Pike, Don Antoine, Norm Gogo, John Newman and Jim Cassie on the news coverage from The Netherlands. The 48th Highlanders of Holland Pipes and Drums did a wonderful job and made us proud. The next couple of months will be busy as we have lots of opportunity for our members to participate in Regimental functions. On Sunday, June 7th, there will be the Change of Command from LCol Alan Best to LCol Harry Pedwell at St. Andrew s College in Aurora. I want to personally thank LCol Alan Best for his support to the Association but also to me. The OCA will gladly accept your membership dues, Colonel! Good luck in your future endeavours.it has been a pleasure serving with you. Friday, June 12th is an evening that will feature two events. The OCA will hold its Annual General Meeting at 1900 hours in the 48th Sergeant s Mess. After the meeting, we will co-host the Regimental BBQ on the floor of Moss Park Armory. These two events are for all members and their families. I hope to see as many former serving members attend this evening. July will bring us to Pachino Day where the 48th Highlanders will be the command group for the parade. This year the parade is on Friday, July 10th, 1030 hours, at the Belleville Armory. There will be a spaghetti lunch and the red wine is free. Let s have a great turnout! The focus in August is the Warriors Day Parade which takes place on the 22nd at the CNE grounds in Toronto. We need as large a turnout as possible from all members of the OCA. A large contingent from the 48th OCA will show that we deserve the lead spot in 2016 as it will be our Regiment s 125th Anniversary. Let s have a great turnout to remind the City of Toronto that we are still a large part of the community! Get Ready for the 125 th Reunion May 2016 Friday 27 May - The Highlander Ball at the Liberty Grand Saturday 28 May 125 th Ceremonial Commemoration at Fort York and Ceilidh and more!!!!! Watch the Regimental Website and the Dileas th Highlanders Page on Facebook for further info from your 125 th Organizing Team ASSOCIATION UPDATES AND ACTIVITIES INTRODUCING: THE 48 TH REGIMENTAL STORES NETWORK WHAT IS IT? The 48th Regimental Stores network concept is a new initiative being implemented by the 48th Highlanders Trust. It has been designed to allow serving Highlanders and members of the Regimental Family access to authorized 48th merchandise without having to come to Moss Park to see what s in stock (or what isn t). We are pleased to announce that we have entered into an arrangement with Burnett & Struth to manage our online regimental store/ kitshop. Watch their website in coming weeks for the new Burnett s 48th Store page. The aim is to provide online access with an outlet in the unit lines that will be managed by the Pipes and Drums. If you have an idea for something that one of our partners should carry but don t know who you should talk to about it? If you are a member of the serving unit speak to the DCO or RSM. Members of the Regimental Family should contact the HCol or HLCol. WATCH THE REGIMENTAL WEBSITE AND FACEBOOK PAGES FOR FUTHER INFORMATION! OUR CURRENT PARTNERS: TH CONTINUING SERGEANTS ASSOCIATION UPDATE By: MWO (Ret) Larry Fullerton, CD, CSA Chairman We are at the end of an active season for the Continuing Sergeants Association and have added to, and strengthened, the Executive Committee during the past year. Sgt Alex Mackinnon has joined us as a general Commitee member and with his background as a historian has led the initiatives for greater inclusion of WWI material in the Sgts Mess. WO Dianne Love has returned to the Committee and has taken up the difficult task of coordinating our membership drive as well as managing the overall membership database. Sgt Gord Holmes has also joined as a general Committee member and has brought some interesting approaches through his wide experience with outside organizations. As well, our veteran CSA Committee members MWO Mark McVety, WO Ron Denham, Sgt Guy Bowie and Sgt Al Kowalenko have made valuable contributions this past year to our various key events and projects. They help keep the CSA a solid and well-run machine! RSM (CWO) Derek Murphy has been instrumental in providing us with the timings and workings of the active Regiment. He has presented us with new ideas for the design of the Sgts Mess and has been active in contacting suppliers to get the job done. By September, 2015, we hope to begin décor changes to the Mess, including the addition of a mounted Ross Rifle over the bar area. Our goal is to transform the décor of the Sgts Mess as part of our CSA contribution to the Regiment s 125th Anniversary in Mark your calendars for some important CSA functions this Fall, 2015: **TUES. SEPTEMBER 8TH (1900 HRS) - EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE MEETING OF THE CSA. As always, any CSA member may attend and participate as a non-voting guest. **FRI., SEPTEMBER 11TH (1930 HRS) - CHILI NIGHT for all active and continuing members of the Sgts Mess. This meal is provided complimentary. It s an excellent opportunity to meet the active members of the Mess and try out some of Mark s and Peter s amazing chili. **SAT., SEPTEMBER 26TH ( HRS) - ANNUAL CSA WINE, BEER & CHEESE BASH in the Sgts Mess. This must attend event is run by Guy and the ExecCom team and has been growing in popularity since starting three years ago. This year will feature the wines of Italy and the beers of Belgium areas of great familiarity to the Regiment. The event is open to all ranks, and all family and friends of the Regimental Family. Contact any member of the ExecCom for tickets. **SAT., OCTOBER 17TH (1800 HRS) ANNUAL WO & SERGEANTS MESS DINNER a 48th tradition that is always memorable. For active and retired Mess members.tariff TBA. Have a happy and safe Summer see you in the Fall! 48 TH VETERAN SERVICES The Old Comrades Association is able to assist 48th veterans of any era with their questions or concerns regarding health benefits or injury claims related to previous service. Claims are normally submitted either directly to Veterans Affairs Canada, or through the Royal Canadian Legion branch system to VAC. There is no charge for this service. Sgt (Ret) Al Kowalenko is available as an OCA Veterans Services representative and will be pleased to assist 48th veterans with their requirements. He can be reached at ursa77@rogers. com or telephone ( ).

7 ASSOCIATION UPDATES AND ACTIVITIES ASSOCIATION UPDATES AND ACTIVITIES 48TH HIGHLANDERS CHAPTER IODE By Beth Crook In April at the IODE Provincial Annual Meeting we received recognition for installing the most new members in Also Karen Barker s term as Provincial President was completed. We are proud of her accomplishments at the local, provincial and national levels. In April, Shirley Elms placed wreaths at St. Julien and at the Menin Gate on behalf of our chapter. May 3rd was our birthday luncheon. Karen Barker led us in sewing kit bags to give to each Cadet of the 48th (Army) Cadet Corps at their Annual Inspection on May 26th, where we also presented a trophy to the best cadet. A work party filled the bags with items donated by the chapter and by Canadian Tire and Scotia Bank. IODE Wreath at St Julien Memorial HLCol Mike Scott in his first official duty since being appointed in January - Reviewing Officer - Regimental Church Parade CO, Capt Ashley Bonnell, presents award pins to members of the 48th Cadets Shooting Team Cadet Camp Kit Items The Commanding Officer and All Ranks of the 48th Highlanders of Canada Request the Pleasure of your company at a Change of Command Parade from Lieutenant-Colonel A.R. Best, CD to Lieutenant-Colonel H.S. Pedwell, CD To be held at St. Andrew s College Yonge Street, Aurora, Ontario, Canada At 1400 hour on June 7th, 2015 Dress DEU 1A (Military) Business Attire (Civilians) 142 St Andrew`s College Army Cadets at their Annual Headmasters Parade - 28 April,

8 July 2015 MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY FRIDAY SATURDAY SUNDAY MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY FRIDAY SATURDAY SUNDAY CHANGE OF COMMAND ST. ANDREWS CLLG OCA ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING & RGMT BBQ PACHINO DAY BELLEVILLE ARMRY BLACK WATCH BBQ PACHINO DAY 1 st Canadian Infantry Division Landing in Sicily JULY 10 TH BELLEVILLE ARMOURY 187 Pinnacle St. Come and support this momentous event. Parade starts at August Civic Holiday th Highlanders command this year s parade. Bus Transportation may be available. For More Information Contact: Phil Richmond (Special Event Coordinator) Phone: pbrichmond@rogers.com You need to respond by 25 June so we can order a bus if there is a large enough response WARRIORS DAY - CNE Ex STALWART GUARDIAN Ex STALWART GUARDIAN 15

9 48 48 th th HIGHLANDERS OF OF CANADA TRAINING && EVENTS CALENDAR SEP SEP 2015 AUG 2016 Revision Revision 0 Dated 0 Dated 15 Apr 15 Apr September November Labour Day October Regt Stand-Down (Thanksgiving) Thanksgiving Day CSA EX CMT MTG Comd 32 CBG Coord CO Coord Conf Leadership AAG (MCpl & Up) CSA Chili Ngt Sgt Mess Ex HIGHLAND WARRIOR II (IBTS) CFB BORDEN 32 CBG PD Trg Start of 125 Anniversary Year Regt Stand-to / AAG (Bn Trg Event) Comd 32 CBG Coord CO Coord Conf H&A Committee Mtg Ex HIGHLAND WARRIOR I (IBTS) CFB BORDEN CSA Wine, Beer & Cheese Bash Sgts Mess WO & Sgt Mess Dnr Ex TARTAN CABER I (FTX) CFB BORDEN (Bn Trg Event) Comd 32 CBG Coord CO Coord Conf SAB Practice SAB Practice Remembrance Day RWF Pde December 2015 Mt Pleasant Cem. OCA Dinner Ex TARTAN CABER II (FTX) With QOR CFB BORDEN St Andrew s Ball Remembrance Day Parade Comd 32 CBG Coord CO Coord Conf Regt Christmas Dinner (Bn Trg Event) Regt Kid s Christmas Party H&A Comm. Mtg Offr Cocktail Party Christmas Day 32 TBG CAX (TBC) Boxing Day