Falcon Fall/Winter 2005 RGB.indd - 48th Highlanders of Canada

From the Vaultsof the 48th Museum––––––––––––––––––by WO Anthony PercivalIt is hard to imagine today atime when blind patriotism andeuphoria for war would have drivenwomen on the street to pursue menof military age that were not inuniform with white feathers (asymbol of cowardice). Whatdo you then do when soldiersback from the front are beingharassed in the same way? Theidea to prevent this was theissue of a badge to be wornwhen not in uniform.In Canada these badgeswere first issued to returningsoldiers as early as 1916 bythe Canadian PatrioticFund and St. John’sAmbulance before thescheme was taken over bythe government. In its finalform three badges were issued; to thosewho fought overseas; those who fought andwere discharged due to age, sickness orwounds; and those who served honourablyin Canada.The War Service Badge, Army Class“A” was issued to two groups who foughtoverseas. The first group were Members ofthe C.E.F. who served at the front and hadretired or relinquished their commission,been honourably discharged, or returned toor retained in Canada on duty. Members ofthe Imperial Forces made up the second groupif they served under the same conditions andwere residents of Canada prior to August 4th,1914 and returned after the War.The final design for this badge was abronze button 14/16” in diameter with ascrew-back fitting. On the outside legend arethe words “FOR SERVICE AT THE FRONT”In the centre an enamel Union Jack Tutorshield surmounted by C.E.F. (CanadianExpeditionary Force). On the reverse are thewords “PENALTY FOR MISUSE 500 DOLLARSOR SIX MONTHS IMPRISONMENT”. Eachbadge was engraved with a serial numberin this case “197504” issued to Robert EllisHaldenby.Robert Haldenby joined the 1st CentralOntario Regiment, 1st Depot Battalionon August 17th, 1917 in Camp Borden.Following his training he wassent overseas and joined the 15thBattalion in the field in August1918 after the battle of Amiens. Atthe time Robert's older brother EricHaldenby was Adjutant of theBattalion. During the advanceon the Drocourt-Quéant LineRobert was the only Officer inA Company to make it to thefinal objective. For hisactions he was awardedthe Military Cross.“For conspicuous gallantryand devotion to duty. Thisofficer commanded the lefthalf of a skirmishing lineagainst a railway, reaching itby his able leadership as theflanking units had not comeup, and he only had his ownsupport to rely on. On arrival atthe objective, the officer in chargeof the right half company waswounded, he took command ofthe whole line, which he occupied,although fired at by field guns overopen sights at 80 yards.”War Service Badge, Army Class “A”Few who met Robert on the streetfollowing the war would have knownanything about him except that he served....This is but a taste of what you willdiscover at the 48th Highlanders Museum.Open Tues & Wed 10 to 3 or on the web atwww.48highlanders.com/museum.htmThis issue of the FALCON published by:Col Bill Jensen DirectorSgt Adam Bernard Design & LayoutIf you would like to contribute to futureissues please e-mail your stories andpictures to: falcon48@sympatico.caor call Adam Bernard @ 416-652-6121From the Archives -Events of Decades Past––––––––––––––––––by HLCol Geordie Beal60 Years Ago – On 31 August 1945 the1st Battalion 48th Highlanders of Canadabegan the trip home. The battalion, now870 strong, moved to the Repat Depot inNiemegen, and then on 03 September tookthe evening train to Ostend. The next daythey boarded a channel steamer for Doverto be placed in a transit-to-Canada campnear Whitley. Following a wait that seemedforever to Highlanders who had been awayfrom home for many years, they boardedthe Dutch luxury liner, Nieuw Amsterdamon 25 September for the voyage to Halifax.In a letter home, number 1052 written sincehe left Toronto in 1940, Major Geordie Beal,now 2 I/C of the battalion, wrote: “The soonerI can get out now, the happier I will be. Fiveyears is a long time out of a man’s life and Isuppose it will be difficult at first to readjustmyself. However, it shouldn’t take long.” FromHalifax they boarded a troop train for theride to Toronto. Highlanders who lived in theMaritimes or Quebec were told, in the way ofall governments who seem to value dollarsover one’s service to their country, that ifthey went all the way to Toronto they wouldhave to pay their way home. The answer wasclear. They went to Toronto. On 01 October, inpelting rain, the battalion formed up at UnionStation and marched along Yonge and Queenstreets then north on University Avenue tothe Armouries. Following speeches by MayorSaunders and other dignitaries, ColonelJames Counsell, DSO responded. Finally, inthe simplest of actions he gave the command“Dismiss”. Ranks saluted, made a smart rightturn and returned to families and home.For my mother, letter number 1055 from myfather, which arrived a few days after thebattalion was dismissed, said what many hadbeen feeling: “It will seem funny for me to havea wife again after all these years. You havebeen my source of strength through all my darktimes. I have had so much responsibility for solong that it seems strange to sort of be on one’sown with nothing to worry about. It doesn’tseem right somehow.”- On 31 December 1945, the 1stBattalion was disbanded, over six years sinceit was mobilized on 01 September 1939 as48th Highlanders of Canada C.A.S.F.continued on page 43 THE FALCON, FALL 2005

BRAVO COMPANY ...continued from page 1Leandro, Morrel, Park and Thomson beganthe eye-opening PLQ Course in October.The Course runs until May 2006 and givesthese soldiers the opportunity to developand improve their leadership skills andinstructional techniques and will preparethem for a gruelling Infantry Module whichthey will complete in the summer of 2006. Asecond section of 5 soldiers is busy preparingthemselves for a future PLQ Course. Underthe direction of Sgt Lauder, Cpl’s Markowski,Rukman, Valenzuela and Hldr’s Petrovic andMadill will spend the training year reviewinginfantry skills as well as leadership andinstructional techniques in order to betterprepare them for the PLQ Course. Over thepast few years, the unit has a solid record ofdeveloping junior leaders and our soldiersexcel at the Brigade Battle School as a resultof their preparation.The remaining 2 section sized groupingsare reserved for new recruits to the Regimentand to those (un)fortunate Highlanders whoare employed outside of the unit or who areon operational tour. MCpl Carvahlo, MCplPotapenko, MCpl Young and Cpl Duff areall ready, willing and able to assist any newrecruits who enter the unit. These leaders willhelp new recruits adjust to military life beforethey are loaded on a course. Similarly, thesoldiers who are in development to becomejunior leaders will take on a mentoring role toassist all new recruits. In the absence of theCSM and when his time permits, WO Smintichassumes the job as CSM. He brings a wealth ofexperience, knowledge and leadership skills tothe company. Bravo Company also welcomesback Maj Poles to the Regiment. After a 2year hiatus from the Active Regiment (whichmust seem like an eternity to Maj Poles, asuniforms, equipment, doctrine, training andmost importantly faces have all changed),Maj Poles assumes command of the companywhich was without an officer for the durationof the 2004-05 training. The company is ingood hands and is moving forward in itstraining of leaders and new recruits.The company may be small innumbers, but it makes up for this in itsimportance. Leadership is critical to theeffective functioning of the unit and as suchthe development of leadership cannot beoverlooked. Bravo Company is instrumental indeveloping the future leaders of the Regiment,it also is front line support for the fightingcompany and provides years of professionalexperience to mentor and introduce the new,fresh young recruits into the world of the48th Highlanders of Canada. The Companyis strong and can only get stronger as it seeksto capture a second South Africa Trophy. It’snice to be back in green after a summervacation!!!The Pipes and Drums––––––––––––––––––by MWO Iain LangThe year of 2005 is quickly coming to a closein a few weeks and people will start to lookback over the past year and evaluate theyear’s events. The Pipes and Drums havehad a busy summer season with severalsuccessful appearances across the countryfrom Edmonton to Quebec City. Since the lastreport in August, the Pipes and Drums havebeen quite busy too.In September, the band performed atthe 2nd Beaches Celtic Festival and was thelead organization for the Pipes for ProstateCancer Awareness parade. In October, thePipe and Drums returned to tradition andopened the hockey season at the ACC for theToronto Maple Leafs and ended the monthoff with the 16th Annual Royal CanadianMilitary Institute’s massed band concert atRoy Thomson Hall. In November the bandagain provided the pipe music for the TorontoSt. Andrew’s Ball at the Fairmont Royal YorkHotel.Several members of the Pipe Band havehad mentionable milestones this year. Twolong serving members have attained amilestone worthy of extra attention. DrumMajor MWO Larry Fullerton CD, and PipeMajor CWO Alexander “Sandy” Dewar MMM,CD both received their third bars to theCanadian Forces Decoration (CD) awardedfor 42 years of service with the CanadianForces (the Pipe Major received his almosta year and a half late). While they both haveserved the reserves for more than 42 yearsthey also started playing with the Pipesand Drums as boy pipers a few years beforejoining the Reserves and both have a lengthyfamily connection to the 48th Highlanders.Few members of the Canadian Forces receivea third bar to the CD.Drum Major Fullerton’s association withthe 48th started with his father, Tom, whoserved with the 48th Highlanders during andafter WWII. Drum Major Fullerton startedlearning the pipes at the age of nine, receivinginstruction from Pipe Major Archie Dewar.He developed a high standard of drill andwhen he made any mistakes people wouldcall his father, a CSM, and there would beextra drill practice at home! After joiningthe 48th cadets he was often called uponto augment the 48th Pipes and Drums. Hejoined the Regiment as a Reservist in May of1962. Despite being a piper, he received theappointment of Drum Major in 1971, makinghim the by far longest serving Drum Majorin the history of the Regiment. Drum MajorFullerton’s son, Tom, joined the regiment as apiper in the mid 1990s; Tom has since movedto British Columbia.Pipe Major Dewar’s association withmilitary and the 48th started in the samemanner as Drum Major Fullerton’s. PipeMajor Dewar’s father, Archie, was a piper inthe Regiment starting in 1928. Archie servedin WWII with the Pipe Band, eventuallybecoming the second Pipe Major of the1st Battalion 48th Highlanders. Archie wasalso Regimental Pipe Major from 1952 to1965. The current Pipe Major Dewar has hadseveral uncles, cousins, sons, and a niecewho have played with the 48th Pipes andDrums. He started playing pipes with theband in the 1950s and joined the Regimentas a Reservist on May 8th of 1962. He wasappointed Pipe Major in 1985, making himthe second longest serving Pipe Major, afterPipe Major James Fraser (1913-1952). Thereare five Dewar pipers playing in the Pipe Bandtoday, four (Pipe Major Dewar and his threesons) are active members of the Regiment.For many years now, a debate has been wagedover which family has served the most manyears,the Darlings or the Dewars.Contributing to the lengthy Dewar familytradition in the 48th Highlanders, MCplColin Dewar was promoted to Sergeant atthe Regimental Remembrance Day Parade,November 6th. Colin recently also becameengaged to Hailey Burnett in October.Congratulations Colin and Hailey!In the coming weeks the band willonce again be performing at the SovereignAwards held by the Jockey Club of Canadain December. Also as in past years, the Pipesand Drums will host a New Years Day Leveein the Bands’ Mess at Moss Park Armoury onJanuary 1st , 2006.On behalf of all the members of the Pipesand Drums, have a Merry Christmas and aHappy New Year.Dileas!5 THE FALCON, FALL 2005

Kingswood, SurreyRemembers the 48thHighlanders––––––––––––––––––by Honorary LCol Geordie BealOn Sunday November 14, 2004 the town ofKingswood in Surrey, England dedicateda new tablet added to the Kingswood WarMemorial in memory of the men of theCanadian Armed Forces who were stationedlocally. It states:“In memory of the Men of the Princess LouiseFusiliers & 48th Highlanders of Canada whowere stationed locally and gave their lives forour Freedom. 1939-1945”The1st Battalion of the 48th Highlandersof Canada arrived in the Kingswood areaon October 2, 1940 following training atAldershot in Corunna Barracks wherethey had been stationed since New Year’smorning that year after disembarking in theClyde on 30 December 1939. Our regimentalhistory Dileas records that upon arrivalin Kingswood part of the unit spent thewinter under canvas spread out in the rollingcountry at the edge of the North Downs.In addition to recollections of trainingDileas also records the integration of the48th into the community with dances at theKingswood Press Auditorium,as well as mentions of localpublic houses, The Fox, TheStation, The Dukes Head, TheBricklayers Arms and theBlue Anchor.In 2002, Major RoyS. Willcox, TD, CEng, asPresident of the KingswoodResidents Association led thediscussion of a proposal toincorporate a plaque to thetown’s existing Memorialin recognition of the tworegiments who had beenstationed in Kingswood. In2003 at their Annual GeneralMeeting the proposal wasaccepted and spearheaded by a the localcouncillors they launched a public appeal.Major Willcox recalled how the memorialtablet idea arose. “Some four years ago, inour local primary school, we had explainedto the older children what evacuation fromour homes and away from our families reallyfelt like. We then role-played the event usingthe young people. The label stating our nameand address tied to our lapels, the gas masks,and the bag of clothes we took with us. Thefact that we did not know where we weregoing did not matter, as we all thought thatthis would be a great adventure. ‘What wenton in Kingswood?’ was one of the questions.My reply then was based on what I hadbeen told and pictures that had been seenlocally.”“In the Remembrance Sunday Servicesat St. Andrew’s we had always referred inthe prayers to the two regiments now namedon the Tablet, so we had at least somethingto work from, and we still had residentswho we could ask, whose houses wereTHE FALCON, FALL 2005 6Kingswood Memorial War Memorial at Kingswood, Surrey following the Dedication Ceremony– Sunday 14 November, 2004Tablet placed on the East side of Kingswood War Memorialrequisitioned.”The first phase of the proposal for thememorial was its restoration, and by June2004 it had been cleaned and all the nameshad been re-engraved. The memorial was rededicatedon the anniversary of D-Day, June1st 2004.Following contact with the CanadianDefence Staff in London, Major Willcoxcontacted the Honorary Lieutenant Colonelsof The Princess Louise Fusiliers in Halifaxand the 48th Highlanders of Canada inToronto. Both Honorariesconfirmed formally that theirregiments had been stationedat Kingswood and providedextracts from their histories.Major Willcox recallsthat the Kingswood groupfound that there were manyrestrictions in adding namesof regiments to an existingmemorial but they perservered,looking for alternatives. Thefinal decision was inspired.“The tablet is located onthe East side of the memorialin deference to the words ‘Atthe going down of the Sunand in the morning, we shallremember them.’, a fitting reminder to us allof the contribution made by the CanadianArmy’s sacrifice for freedom, 1939-1945.”

Back Row (L to R): Frank Currie, Ken Wells, Jim Raffin, Phil Ward, Bill DeHarte, Herb Pike, Bob Howell, Sid Redgrave, Morris Tracy, Bud Smith, Norm Gogo, Norm Gray, Al Harris.Front Row (L to R): Bud Leigh, Herb Sershall, Wally Moore, Don Antoine, Gord OuthwaiteNot Shown - Glorien Bergeron, Dave Logan Unable to Attend – Jack Smale, Leo Cassaday

REMEMBRANCE WEEKEND, 4-6 NOVEMBER, 2005Glorien BergeronThe 39ers - Sailed on Reina del Pacifico in December 1939:left to right: Bill DeHarte, Wally Moore, Sid Redgrave, Herb SershallBob Howell and sonMorris Tracy with Mrs. Donna JensenSid and Isabel RedgraveTom White, President of the OCA proposes the toast to the RegimentGeneral Cameron, Gord Outhwaite and Tom Thompson9 THE FALCON, FALL 2005

REMEMBRANCE WEEKEND, 4-6 NOVEMBER, 2005The Old Comrades on route to the CenotaphThe Pipers at the MonumentThe Sentries and the Honoraries and former COs leaving the monumentThe Colours and active unit on route back to the armouriesLCol Beal takes the salute from the VeteransSome familiar faces waiting outside the armouriesTHE FALCON, FALL 2005 10

OLD COMRADES ASSOCIATION––––––––––––––––––by Tom Thompson2005 is rapidly coming to a close. It hasbeen an interesting and busy time for the48th Highlanders Old Comrades Association.The Remembrance Day weekend, the trip toHolland by some veterans and many other O. C.A. members, the barbeque that was ran jointlywith the Continuing Sergeant’s Association,Warriors Day parade, D Day Dodgers Paradeand the Life Members meetings and otherevents have been well attended and enjoyed byeveryone who took the time to attend.Our membership has slipped slightly this yearin spite of efforts by Membership ChairmanJohn “Blackie” Allan. Shortly you will bereceiving a request for dues to cover 2006. Ifyou do not belong to the O. C. A. or are one ofthe Highlanders who did not pay 2005 dues wewould like to hear from you. Please contactJohn “Blackie” Allan at 905-844-4218 or writeto him at 1227 Owen Court, Oakville, Ontario,L6H 1V2. For those who prefer the internetuse tom.thompson@iobject.ca.Our executive currently is:President,Tom WhiteVice President,Harry WignallTreasurer,Ken WalduckWe would like to wish all members of theRegimental Family a Merry Christmas and aHappy New Year.The Tea Pot Caper––––––––––––––––––by Norm CromieLife in war and peacetime can sometimes be filled with miseryand tragedy but sometimes, there are events that happened which canbring us a little humor.In 1940 the battalion moved from the wet muddy fields undercanvas at Newdigate into clean dry buildings in Kingswood. OurPlatoon #11 in B Company was billeted in a new empty two-storytelephone exchange. Our section was placed on the second floor,which consisted of two rooms divided by an entrance to the attic. Itwas here that the company set up the canteen where they promptlysealed it with a large door and a giant lock. This was a wet canteenand other sundries although I am not sure whether the beer kegs partof this was legal. Little did they realize the vulnerability of the lock?While here, I used to go into the town of Reigate each evening,which was only a few miles away. When I would return each night therewas always the same four guys playing cards and in the middle of thetable was an old porcelain teapot which seemed to me to have a neverending supply of liquid. These chaps always seemed to be in a blissfulframe of mind and it seemed to me like they were a little sloshed. Aftera number of these nights my curiosity got the best of me so I calledone of these happy guys aside who I knew quite well and asked himwhat the hell was going on here? He said he would tell me but I hadto take a blood oath never to tell anyone else, to which he added whatwould you like, chocolate, cigarettes or beer. I suggested that he waspissed; in a flash he opened two little doors under our wash sink anddisappeared in a flash. After several minutes he reappeared like a genieout of a bottle and handed me a chocolate bar. This cunning explorerhad found a crawl space behind the wall that led into the canteen.Thus there was a never-ending supply of canteen goodies. Of courseall those involved in this operation after the war made out checks tothe National Canteen Fund. (In a pig’s eye)This brave explorer paid the supreme sacrifice, later in Sicily at thebattle for Nissoria.11 THE FALCON, FALL 2005

A young Bill DeHarteMEMORIESFROM UNDER THE KILT(3RD & FINAL CHAPTER)––––––––––––––––––by Bill DeHarteOn an all-day route march Lt. Fred McLarenwas acting 2i/c marching at the rear of theCoy. From the first break in the morning mystomach and bowels had been rumbling. Atevery break we had been in the middle of agroup of houses. It was easy to slip up a laneand open one’s fly, but not enough privacy formore serious matters. It was afternoon andwe were swinging south toward Kingswood,when I realized that the next stop would bein a built-up area. There was a piece of heathto pass with some bushes, low trees, gorseetc. to give a little privacy. I dropped back toget permission to drop out and run or walkto catch up at the next break. McLaren, wasat his Regimental best. “Are you sure thisis necessary?” - ”Yes, Sir this started thismorning and is getting a little more painfulat every break.” I had used the wrong word.“Painful? Then this is a case for the stretcherbearer.Take my runner’s bicycle and ride tothe front of the Company and get a chit fromthe stretcher-bearer, initialed by the Coy.Commander.”-DeH “Forget it.”McL “You said you are in pain.-Go.”DeH “I’ll get by.”McL “I am giving you a direct order. -Go.”Failing to obey a direct order could be deeptrouble, so I went. Maj.Crawford Brown,and C.S.M. Burdis hated each other. Neithereven smiled if the other was present. Theyboth burst out laughing at my request. DavieDonaldson and Dickie Boyle were just startingup a pipe tune, but they laughed so hard theycouldn’t fill the bags. Doug. Vaughan, the Sr.S.B. just stared. He wrote out a chit, CrawfordBrown initialed it, and I returned to therear and accomplished what I had set out todo. So what?? I have asked over and over inmany places, but I am sure I have an all-timemilitary first. It does not sound too elegant. Ifirmly believe I am the only soldier who hadto “GET WRITTEN PERMISSION TO HAVEA SHIT.”One day on a route march the Coy. C .O.had a map. At about one hour to supper headmitted he had led us wrongly, and by hiscalculation he were a good hour and a halffrom home. “Hell.” said his batman. “My girlfriendlives just over there, if we go down thisgully, and around that building, it's straightacross the field to billets.” It took 20 minutesthat way. There was never anything moredangerous than an officer with a map.By Littlehampton, I was in signals. Ona cold, black, foggy, soggy night a schemewas laid on to test moving troops at nightto make a river crossing, and how long itwould take, etc. The Coy who was suckeredfor it was in full battle dress, tin hats and all.Wandering through all this were “observers”,T.O.? I.O.? Adj.? any subaltern who was on hisCoy C.O. black list, wearing trench coats andbalmorals. Transport and the carriers wereissued coveralls to wear around their engines.They were a dark drab, except for Dick Kenzie,who’s was a light khaki. You could recognizehim across a field or 2 blocks down a street.Five of the signalers under Cpl. Dick Footwere allotted to the scheme but we could notfind what we were to do. Finally Foot said tome “Let’s find out what’s doing,” so away wewent across a plowed field through heavy fog.Out of the fog loomed a light coloured shape.Foot- “There’s an observer/officer- I’ll go getthe score.” He paraded up, saluted and said“ Can you tell me where the control point forthe scheme is?” At this moment he decidedthat this was not an observer/officer, butKenzie in his light outfit. “Oh, you, you stupidS.O.B.-you don’t know sweet @$%@ anyway.”Just then he realized it WAS an observer. Thatwas when Foot broke the divisional record for50 yards across a plowed field is heavy fog.Signals ran the switchboard, with lines tothe C.O., 2 i/c, Adj., Q.M., Transport, R.A.P.,and all the Coy Orderly Rooms. It was a“two plug” system, one end into who wascalling, and the other end to the recipient.There was also a gizmo that allowed us totap the switchboard into the G.P.O. (Ma Bellin Britain). This gave access to all of thecountry. It was our only telephone connectionwith Brigade or Div. Many of the Officers, andSenior NCO.s who had access to Orderly Roomphones discovered this way to make personalcalls all over the country. Signalers wereprivileged to monitor all calls but seldom did.One night when Archie Knight was on theswitchboard, and I was signal clerk, the lightfrom a near-by Coy H.Q. lit up and requesteda “G.P.O. line. Archie plugged it in, and thecaller asked Littlehampton for a Brightonnumber. It was passed on to Arundel, to gothrough it again, then on to Dorking, thento Hove, finally Brighton. I as clerk had anearphone on my head and vaguely keeping intrack. The phone was answered, and a ladyrequested. She had to walk along a long hall,heels going click, click and the caller at ourend was puffing and grunting through allthis process. She said “Hello.” He answered”“Hello dear” and Archie pulled the plugs.I yelled, “What did you do Archie?” “Nopersonal calls allowed.” “Everybody is doingit.” “He isn't.” I phoned the Sgts. Mess for JackPowell the signals sergeant to get over fast.The W.O. concerned made the two blocks toB.H.Q. in about 4 jumps. Archie was adamant.We had a company stationed at Ford airfield as defense, and there were a couple ofsignalers stationed there who were rotatedevery few days. Archie Knight was sent thereto stay until we left Littlehampton. He wouldhave been on charge for even breathing if hewere anywhere around B.H.Q!!!There was a tall, handsome Coy C.O. withthe Coy at Ford. He was reputed to have thebest “little black book” in all 1 Div. In hisO.R. he had the rickety pressel-switch typearmy phone, and another more modern typedirect to the R.A.F. signals office. He muchpreferred the newer type, so called and askedfor a “G.P.O.” line whenever he wanted tomake a call. At the end of the month he hadan “11-Pound” item on his mess bill, courtesythe R.A.F. He found out that they kept timeand charges on all personal calls, and thecaller was expected to pay up. He complained,and said that the Regiment should not billhim, and for quite a while personal use forthe “G.P.O.” line was greatly reduced in theRegiment. In fact it was taboo.There was a head-height stonewallaround the school housing B.H.Q. There wasa side gate that led past the signals office,and into the B.O.R. One day I was standingin the signals doorway with my hands inmy pockets, looking out through the gate.Outside, on the street stood C.S.M. Crossley,cane under his arm, and his HANDS IN HISPOCKETS. He took out the cane, turned andentered the gate. As he passed me he hit bothmy wrists with the cane and said “Take yourhands out of your pockets, or I’ll fill themfull of shit and sew themcontinued on the next page >>THE FALCON, FALL 2005 12

up.”The same C.S.M., inspecting his Coy,stopped behind a man, “Am I hurtin’ ye?”- “Beg pardon, Sir?” - “Am I hurtin’ ye?” “No,Sir”- “Well I should be, I’m standing on yourhair. Get it cut!”Into the bush at Gray’s Wood. We settledin and the Pipe Band took out for some do upin London. So away went the buglers. EddieBeck played a trumpet and carried it withhim. Someone remembered that I knew mostof the bugle calls, so for a couple of days Iwould come out and whistle the necessarycall to Eddie, and he would blow it.At Grays Wood I developed a carbuncle onmy neck. The M.O. put a tight bandage on it,and left it to “ripen”. After a few days he wasready to go ahead, and it was the day afterpayday. Sick parade was larger than usualdue to over zealous celebration of payday.The M.O. lined them all up then moved meout in front with my neck towards them, laida piece of gauze on my shoulder and started toextract the four grey, green, greasy, gruesomecores. There was a sudden rush of feet, bushescrashing, and then the sound of deep stomachwretching. The M.O. was laughing so hard hehad trouble taking the last one out. But thesick parade had been cut by nearly 50%.To Auchinleck, and those nice new huts.We were issued the new weapon, the P.I.A.T-Projectile, Infantry Anti Tank. Althoughit used an explosive charge as well as thevery strong spring combined to fire it, itwas discovered that those larger type beerbottles fitted nicely, and many of those newbeaverboard type walls suddenly had holes inthem.All ordinary ranks love it whenever theknife could be shoved and twisted in a seniorNCO or an Officer, when no retaliatory actioncould take place. On a foggy wet night, down onthe docks at Inverary, a night loading exercisewas on. Standing around were a large numberof “rifle” types watching transport. One 60cwt was cross-wise to everything, blockingall movement, and nearly ready to back intothe Loch, when up roared Sgt. Langford onhis motorcycle, “Who the hell ever gave youa license?” The lorry was buttoned up fromthe weather, but the driver opened the littlespeaking flap and a high-pitched, falsetto,little boy voice said, “You did, Sergeant.”This brought a roar of laughter from thespectators, and Langford roared away. ButI’m sure that driver washed his vehicle moreoften than the others for a long time. In a way,it was worth it.While stationed at Uckfield, we wereinspected by Field Marshall Jan Smutts.B.H.Q. was in town, and the Coys round about.The rifle Coys. came to town, paraded on to alarge grassed area and, properly aligned, werestood at ease, easy. And waited. Not so H.Q.Coy. Crossley kept them on the move, ahead,back again, to the left, the right, etc. The restof us leaned on our rifles and rested. Youcould not blame Crossley, he rarely had a Coyto drill. H.Q. were a bunch of specialists, andas soon as the word “parade” was mentioned,signal wire had to be tested, all Lorries neededtheir oil changed, “I” section had new codesto decipher, everybody got very busy. It wassaid that there were only two parades that gota full turn out. Pay parade, and Short-Arminspection.Bill DeHarte todayBecause of the high importance of thisparade, there was finally a decent sized Coyto drill, and he made the most of it. The highpoint came when they were way out in front,where we could all see. They were “at Ease”and Crossley gave the command “H.Q. Coy,”and a little dog playing around put his headdown and barked and the whole Coy. snappedto “Attention”. We all roared. Crossley fumed.H.Q. Coy was in trouble for weeks to come.Surprisingly, there was little nonsense on thecruise ship trip to Sicily, or when ashore. Wewere too beat at all times to indulge in anynonsense. But Dysentery reared its head.Before the discovery of the Sulpha drugs, theEighth Army in the desert had more deathsfrom dysentery than from enemy action. Igot it good and was invalided out, almosttoo weak to totter. With it you have thedamnedest need to “go” and then you passabout a spoon of blood. I was put in a cotin a civilian hospital, lucky enough to bebeside the washroom door. I lunged the twosteps to the doorpost, swung my body in,and there was a row of cubicle doors beforeme. I reveled at the thought of a proper toiletseat after the length of time missing, lungedacross the room to once again grab a doorpost, Swung my self in, figured where the seatwould be, and let go. It was then I discoveredthat Italian toilet was a tile with two ridgedspots for the feet, and a hole in the middleto squat over. I landed with a crash, to berescued by a loudly laughing medical orderly.You live and learn.One aspect of the liberation or conqueringadvance up Italy that is seldom mentioned isthe vast change in the economics of the area.In a small city, where you could buy 3 loavesof bread for 1 Lira, a Lira was therefore about$1.50, 10 Lira possibly $15. Allied MilitaryGovt. of Occupied Territories, A.M.G.0.T. forshort, pegged currencies at 1 Lira 1 Cent!!Whether true or not, AMGOT very soonbecame simply AMG. The story we got wasthat “AMGOT” was “horseshit” in Turkish,hence the change.“A” - Coy was on a “Jock Column” leavingthe sole of Italy and trying to find where Jerrywas going to stop. “A” Coy of Highlanders,a few Engineers to handle mines, Two Sask.L.I. carriers-one Vickers, one mortar, an antitankgun towed by an l5cwt. At times wewere 25 miles or more ahead of the rest ofthe troops. Came to a town called Matera.The road ran passed the town, but all bridgeshad been blown so it was a wait for bridging.We “firmed” up around the crossing, andCapt. Eardley Wright sent a patrol to searchthe town to be sure there were no enemythere. They were gone a very long time, buteventually returned to report that they hadsearched EVERY building, and there were noenemy. But it was obvious they had met a lotof friends, and were feeling no pain. Aboutan hour later, a riot broke out in the town.We could hear the screaming and yelling.Wright sent me in with a patrol and Pasco asinterpreter, to find out what was up. Pascograbbed one of the shouters, pushed himagainst a wall, and askedcontinued on the next page >>13 THE FALCON, FALL 2005

questions. He turned, sat down and howledwith laughter, “The patrol cut off the tail.” Ithought he meant that one of the drunks hasswung a machete, cut a donkeys tail, and theywere mad. “No, no, they cut off the tail.”It seems the patrol had made a thoroughsearch, including the local bordello (a legalbusiness). After the search and ready toleave - “Quanta Costa?”--10 Liras. Now, nopure minded, red blooded, Church going,honourable Canadian boy would think of only10 cents to get ashes drawn. They scornfullythrew down 50 Lira each - still a whale of abargain and left. The Madame, quick to sensea new economic era had arrived, changed herprices. There wasn’t a man in town who couldafford it!!!. That patrol really cut off the town’stail!!!!While at Torella, “A” Coy. was about 3miles further ahead, at a town called PietraCupa. There was a small hall, and the Padrecame up one day to hold a service. The nextday I decided to luxuriate with a shave bythe town’s barber. All the locals knew wehad had a meeting, but were confused as tothe meaning. I told the barber that it was achurch service. He could not see how, -Norobes, no altar, no incense, etc. I tried toequate with the nearest religion- minister= priest, SI SI- Canon = Monsignor, SiSi-.Bishop = Bishop, Si Si- Archbishop =Cardinal, Si Si- Niente PaPa = No Pope. Hestarted to yell, and wave a six inch straightrazor around my nose, throat, ears, etc.Aspete-wait, and I went through it again up toNo Pope, and all hell broke out again. I sawa fellow passing I had communicated withbetween garbage Italian and his little bit ofFrench, and my Montreal street French. Helaughed, and for the first time that barberlearned that there were other religions in theworld. Torella was about as far as he had beenin his life. I wiped off the suds and got out.I passed the barber on the street later, andmoved over. He glared as though I were theDevil Incarnate. He might have had his razorwith him.The services are wonderful. The Army paybook was in fact a bank passbook run by thearmy. Once a month they were called in, andour pittance, was entered (less fines of anysort). When we drew pay, the £s and shillingswere converted at $4.47 to the Quid. In late‘41, early’42, they withdrew them and issuednew books. The old ones went back to Canadafor audit. January ‘44, we were up in front ofVilla Grande. Word came for me to report toBrigade. I was 4.5 years overseas, so everyonefigured I was being sent home. Congrats allaround, then I crawled for about 50 yards.(We were sort of isolated) walked bent overbehind a hill, got to B.H.Q., Congrats again,put in a jeep to Brigade. The road was underobservation, and the drivers played roulettewith the Jerry mortar-men. Stop. Go like hell.Sit for a while. Crawl. I got to Brigade and wastold to report to the paymaster. Turned overmy pay book. The first pay books had beenaudited, and an error of 4 cents had beenfound in converting from dollars to pounds.So a message had gone from Canada toEngland, to North Africa, to Corps, to Div., toBrigade. The paymaster made the adjustment,and I was returned to the Regiment!!So we came home. Older, and much moremature? Wiser???At one of the early re-unions, a bunchsitting around with their drinks asked theREGIMENTAL HE MAN (remember) howcome he had arrived at his unusual situation?He shrugged, raised his eyebrows, wiggled hishead, smirked and said “I guess I got a littlecareless.”Cliff Evans and Branch 34 of the Legionin Orillia, started “D Day Dodger” re-unions.Goodly numbers of 48th attended. One of ourmore “visible” types, well known in every oneof the various segments of our Regimentalfamily, showed up one year, ready to paradewith the rest of us and forgot to bring his Glenand Gongs!! That same week-end, the samecharacter hit Orillia, checked into his motel,and then roared down to the Legion to buryhis nose in a mug of suds. He kept it thereuntil closing time, and then discovered he hadleft his lights on. Ever tried getting a “jump”at 1 AM?And then there was the trio who decidedto cut expenses by taking a travel-trailer. Thisleft some extra funds, which they used at theL.C.B.O. before even starting out. They were“merry” by the time they reached Orillia,proceeded to park the trailer in one of thevery many camping parks around Orillia, andthen away to the Legion. Came closing time,and the question of “where did we leave it?” At10:30 AM we were getting ready to parade tothe Memorial, and the three sparks were stillwandering around in last-nights clothes. Theyeventually found it. One of them claimed theyused a tank of gas driving from one camp toanother.Bless ‘em all and DileasBill DeHarteCOMING SOON –48th Museum Book SaleThe 48th Highlanders Museum hasaccumulated a large number of books thatare duplicated or not related to our history.A check of the books has been completedand research is being done to establish a fairmarket price. The books will be offered tothe regimental family before being sold onthe open market. Watch for the lists beingcirculated in the near future.For more information contact TommyThompson – 705-722-0250 or e-mailtom.thompson@iobject.caOur Nov 11, 2005 Sentries: Sgt Doucette, Sgt Carswell, RSM Alkema, Sgt Smintich, Sgt KwokTHE FALCON, FALL 2005 14

CONFINED TO BARRACKSWe have eight Highlanders currently in Sunnybrook Hospital.J. CC Jack Hughes Nelson Liston George MasonSunnybrook - K2C Sunnybrook - K3E Sunnybrook - K2WRm. 16 Rm. 21 Rm. 33Norm McMurrich G. Ron Pallett Sgt. Ed CaneSunnybrook - K3W Sunnybrook - K2E Sunnybrook - K2WRm. 33 Rm. 10 Rm. 4Joe PottsSunnybrook - LGSERm. 23, code 4589Naury RosenblathIn hospital, Special Care, Nursing units or confined to home we also have the following:R. E. Kenzie ( in nursing home ) Dave Logan ( at home ) Ed Forest ( at home )The Westmount, 200 Bergsy Dr. 32 Frimette Cres. 54 Walkerville Rd.Kitchener, Ontario Toronto, Ontario Markham, OntarioN2E 3X4 M6N 4W6 416-782-8809W. Carothers ( at home ) G. E. Colton (at home ) Don McCron ( at home )269 Upper Highland Cres 220 Principal St. 318 Sunset Blvd.Willowdale, Ontario Fort Coulonge, Quebec Stouffville, Ontario416-225-2852 819-683-2323 905-642-2312Jack Pickeringnot known, if anyone has any infoabout Jacks condition orwhereabouts please let us knowKeith (K.C.) JacksonLeisure World Care Giving CentreRoom 233, 2005 Lawrence Ave. WestToronto, Phone # 416-247-6612Sgt. Lloyd Tucker (Drummer)Baycrest Hospital, 7 West HospitalRm. 4, 3560 Bathurst St.Please call Mrs Pat Tucker before 10 a.m.before visit at 416-223-7513We also have the following who have health problems but are still able to get out andaround.Don Graham ( on oxygen ) Al Harris ( on oxygen ) Art Johnson ( at home )672 Gordon Ave 102 George St., Apt. 102 37 Winstanley Cres.London, Ontario Cambridge, ON N1S 2N4 Scarborough, Ontario519-686-5214 519-740-2110 416-282-8430e-mail: dileas@aol.comAnother Type of Dedication!––––––––––––––––––by Richard WhittakerI am often accused of living in the past or being bornat least 65 years too late. Monday to Friday, I aman 18-year-old high school student in Kemptville,Ontario. But on weekends and summer vacations, Islip into the 18th, 19th or 20th century as a militaryre-enactor.I am fortunate my parents are active re-enactorswho support my pursuits in the hobby. Together, wehave been as far east as Fortress Louisbourg in NovaScotia and as far south as Colonial Williamsburg,Virginia. For nearly my entire life, I have participatedin re-enacting events from the Seven Years War, theAmerican Revolution, and the War of 1812.However, WW2 is my favourite era. Thispreference and the other time periods commits meto about 20 weekends per year sharing my love ofhistory with the public at historic sites and specialcommemorations.I was especially active through the 60thanniversary events for D-Day last year, and as weprepare to mark the end of the war in Europe, I amgearing up for those activities. Nonetheless, I domake a point of acknowledging the contributions ofthe 48th Highlanders of Canada and other regimentsin the 1st Canadian Division that served in Sicily andItaly.Depending on the event, my display covers thelife of a rifleman in the 48th Highlanders from thebattlefield to a night on the town.I owe a particular thanks to Norm Cromie whohas provided me invaluable insights and anecdotesregarding service in Canada, England, Italy and Sicily.Valuable assistance has also come from Ted Brockand Tom Thompson to whom I am also thankful. Iapologize if I have forgotten anyone, but you are noless important. As I write this, I am in the process ofjoining the reserves with the Cameron Highlanders ofOttawa. I hope to have a full military career, possiblyserving with the military police or remaining with theInfantry and transferring to the 48th Highlanders.No matter what I do with the rest of my life, I am surethe military and military reenacting will play a largepart. I hope to continue my dedication to the historyof the 48th!Dileas Gu Brath!Jack McKennaMax McDougall had a14924 Yonge St, Suite 304 hip operation, is nowAurora, Ontariogetting around905-841-3906December 6 - Herb Pike will be having an operation to repair an aneurism.December 20 - Gord Outhwaite will be having a hip replacement.There may be other Highlanders but we are not aware of them at this time.When we are advised of any others we will advise you.- Tommy Thompson15 THE FALCON, FALL 2005

Tue 06 DecSCHEDULE OF THE 48TH HIGHLANDERS OF CANADA REGIMENTAL FAMILYO.C.A. Life Members Meeting 12:00 noon, Drill Team Meeting 7:30 pm, Sergeant's Mess Moss Park ArmouryFri 09 DecSun 11 DecRegimental Christmas DinnerRegimental Kid’s Christmas Party17 Dec 05 Mess Mixed Christmas DinnerSun 01 Jan 2006Tue 03 JanFri 13 JanTue 07 FebTue 07 MarTue 07 MarSat 27 MayAnnual New Year’s LeveeO.C.A. Life Members Meeting 12:00 noon, Sergeant's Mess Moss Park ArmouryComd 32CBG InspectionO.C.A. Life Members Meeting 12:00 noon, Drill Team Meeting 7:30 pm, Sergeant's Mess Moss Park ArmouryO.C.A. Life Members Meeting 12:00 noon, Drill Team Meeting 7:30 pm, Sergeant's Mess Moss Park ArmouryO.C.A. Life Members Meeting 12:00 noon, Drill Team Meeting 7:30 pm, Sergeant's Mess Moss Park ArmouryAnnual Officers Mess DinnerOur 48th Highlanders Serving in Afghanistan21 November 2005Kandahar, AfghanistanCorporal Eugene Ivens, a reservist from the 48th Highlanders inToronto, Ont., conducts perimeter security while Canadian Forcessoldiers from the Provincial Reconstruction Team (PRT) stop and talkto locals while in a neighbourhood in Kandahar, Afghanistan.Other members of the 48th that are in Afghanistan includeSgt Chin, Cpl McKay, Cpl Marga, Cpl Green and Cpl Frank.Photo By MCpl Robert Bottrill, Canadian Forces Combat CameraLAST POSTThe following Highlanders passed away recently:William ‘Bill’ McCutcheon January 20, 2005 Richmond HillGeorge Simpson February 18, 2005A. E. Bud Hartwell March 5, 2005 OrilliaRobert Arthur Ivory March 24, 2005 TorontoRobert O’Neill April 4, 2005 91 yearsJohn Maxwell McGarey April 19, 2005 LindsayCharles Alexander Lumsden April 19, 2005 TorontoWilliam Albert Henry Church June 16, 2005 CanningtonGeorge Frederick Morley June 19, 2005 Newmarket"Chuck" N. McIlmoye July 2005 TorontoLeonard Mills August 2005 TorontoGord Hornsby August 6, 2005 TorontoTom Kelly October 5, 2005 New BrunswickFelix Caperchione October, 2005 Port ColbourneThere is an offical book launch to be held in the QOR Sergeant’s Mess on Mon 12 Dec 05 starting at 1930hrs. RSM Harry Fox was a member of the Hast& PER and the QOR. He is a D-Day Dodger who has written a book about his experiences in conjunction with Capt Cameron (former Padre of the QOR).All serving and former members, especially fellow D-Day Dodgers are invited to attend the book launch.16