Regimental Society Newsletter S s - Lord Strathcona's Horse

Lord Strathcona’s Horse (Royal Canadians)Regimental Society NewsletterVOLUME 23, NO. 1 WINTER/SPRING 2009Lord Strathcona’s Horse (Royal Canadians) Regimental Society, PO Box 10500 Station Forces Edmonton, AB T5J 4J5Message fromthe Colonel of theRegimentBy Colonel J.E.N. RoderickOnce again, Newsletter time is uponus and Kathy Batty (most of youknew her as Kathy Stephen) hasher ridingcrop out andis orderingus to heatup ourkeyboardsand getour articlessubmitted.Actually,this is mysecondattempt at drafting a few words.My initial article started off witha plea for more involvement fromthe Old Guard and ERE, as myconcern was that the Newsletterwas becoming a mini-Strathconianand losing its purpose as a means ofcommunication within the family.Now that I’ve had a chance to lookover the submissions that Kathyhas received from far and wide,I’m breathing a little easier and feelwe are back on the track plan thatNic Nicolay and Mucker Langanestablished for us. Thanks to allof our contributors and keep themessages coming.I wish that I could report in thisedition that our Regiment has beenable to slow down and enjoy lifebut I can’t. Our soldiers are stillworking, training, and fightingat the same furious pace with noimmediate relief on the horizon. ASqn is approaching the end of anothersuccessful tour in Afghanistan andC Sqn is at “Pack up” and soonwill be at “Saddles”. I note that ASqn has waived any notice to moveto come home – just the executive“Move Now” will do. This, ofcourse, means B Sqn has started toget ready to follow the now familiartraining program in preparation forits third tour. I’ll just leave it at thatas I’m sure others will provide moredetail on life in the Regiment in thisNewsletter. It should surprise no onethat I have heard from several seniorofficers that we have the busiest unitin the Army. They also expressedadmiration for the way our soldiersare performing under this stress.Despite the Regiment’s life on thetreadmill, I am delighted to report thatwe are maintaining our traditions inevery aspect. In addition to prowesson the battlefield, the Regimenthas continued to lead the way is itspublic duties as well. The MountedTroop had another great year, theHistorical Vehicle Troop continuesto attract more attention, and thesmallest troop in the Regiment, theFamily Support Troop, is providinglevels of support that are second tonone. As busy as all that was, therewas the steady stream of officialvisitors, drawn not only by ourtanks and horses but also by ourreputation for treating every visitorwith pomp and ceremony unknownanywhere else in the Forces. Onevisitor of note this summer wasLGen Waldemar Skrzypczak, theContinued On Page 3Contents1 Message from theColonel of theRegiment2 Commanding Officer2 Regimental Sergeant-Major3 Strathcona’s Awarded CFUnit Commendation4 Reunion 20104 Regimental AssociationAlberta Branch5 The Annual StrathconaAssociation Family GolfTournament6 One of our Own6 Where are they now?7 Regimental Connections:The Never Ending Story11 BC Interior Reunion12 Your Dispatches16 Last Post - From LegionMagazine17 Nostalgia18 Nobby Clarke’s “AngloBoer War, Lord Strathcona’sHorse”19 Lost Trails20 Last Trumpet CallStrathconas NewsletterPage 1www.strathconas.ca

Commanding OfficerBy Lieutenant-Colonel D.A. MacaulayOver the past months the RSMand I have had the opportunity totravel. Whether we were visitingthe tumbleweeds of Wainwright, theswamps of Gagetown, the sands ofAfghanistan or tasting the bratwurstof Germany, the ales of London, orthe hearty soups of Poland, I havebeen consistently been ask onequestion, “what has changed in theRegiment?” My response to thisquestion may surprise people.In the six months I have been incommand, I argue that not much haschanged since many of you served inthe Regiment. The Regiment is busy.We have squadrons continually atwar or training on the long roadto war, while supporting nationaland area tasks. Coupled with therequirement to conduct professionaldevelopment courses, soldiers findthemselves challenged everyday.But if I was to ask many of you aboutyour experiences while you were atthe Regiment, I think you would beable to tell me you were also busy.Perhaps you were not focusing onthe new volatile, uncertain, chaotic,and ambiguous (VUCA) operatingenvironment facing Strathconastoday, but you were perhaps facedwith the “cold” facts of the Sovietbear or the “ethnic” wars of theformer Yugoslavia.So, in my opinion, when the RSMand I accepted the Chief of Defence’s(CDS) Unit Commendation as aresult of the Regiment being ableto provide, in September 2006, thedirect fire tank capability for JointTask Force Afghanistan, I felt thatthis was an award that all Strathconasshould take pride in.I have been, and continue to be, aproud Strathcona for the past 19years. During this short period, Ihave witnessed many extraordinarythings. The Regiment has alwaysbeen able to respond quickly to therequirements of the Canadian Forcesdomestically and internationally.Whether it was MGen Grant (thenCommanding Officer) redirectingthe Regiment to Manitoba tofight floods or Col Hilton (thenCommanding Officer) preparingReconnaissance Squadron, on shortnotice to lead North Atlantic TreatyOrganization (NATO) troops intoKosovo, the soldiers of the Regimenthave always risen and conquered thechallenges put forth by the CanadianForces.So, as you enter the Harveybuilding and see the CDS UnitCommendation flag flying proudlyunder the Strathcona camp flag, Iask you to take a minute and reflect.Whether serving in the Regimenttoday or years past, a piece of thiscommendation belongs to you. Itrepresents something that will neverchange, “Once a Strathcona, alwaysa Strathcona.”Nevertheless, this is my opinion,and I look forward to hearing youropinions in the next newsletter.PerseveranceThe Army Run, Fall 2008RegimentalSergeant-MajorBy Chief Warrant Offi cer J. RamsayAs I pen this article, I am forcedto contemplate the happeningsover the past six months. It wouldbe an understatement to say theywent by quickly. The one steadfastfact within the unit lines is that thesoldiers continue without pauseto represent the Strathcona’s in atruly fine manner. This is not just aproud RSM talking; this is reflectedin statements by LGen Skrzyczak,Chief of Land Staff with the PolishForces. Although his visit to the unitwas a short one, he was so impressedby the professionalism of the youngsoldier’s he met he requested theStrathcona’s be affiliated with hisbest unit.Of course, almost everyone is awarehow very busy we are and havebeen for some time now. So whenStrong Contender, the annual sportscompetition, was in the planning,I was concerned that it may provedifficult to field teams to representthe unit. The soldiers within theunit did not want to give up anopportunity to represent us in everysport. There were some soldierswho played for more than one team,at times playing up to three differentgames involving two differentsports in one day. We may have notcome away with first place; but wedid come away with pride becausethose who were willing to representus gave their all.I would be remiss in not recognizingthe fantastic support from thefamilies of all these fine soldiers. Weall know without their support, noneof these feats would be possible.I hope you all had a wonderfulChristmas break (as cold as it was)and wish you all the very best in2009. PerseveranceStrathconas NewsletterPage 2www.strathconas.ca

Continued from Page 1Colonel of the RegimentChief of Land Staff in the PolishForces. LGen Skrzyczak was soimpressed with his visit that onhis return to Poland he wrote toLGen Andrew Leslie, our CLS,proposing an affiliation between“my best unit,” 10th ArmouredCavalry Brigade (10 BrygadyKawalerii Pancernej), and theStrathcona’s. Things moved quicklyand on 29 November a contingentof us arrived in Warsaw to begin aweek of familiarization, socializing,touring, and determining the wayahead for this new affiliation – onefor which I have high hopes. Thisis not only because of my previousservice in Poland but because I seegreat potential for mutual supportand strong friendships between twoallied armies. The Poles, especially,have not forgotten their close ties tothe Canadian Army in WW II. Thedetails on this visit are well coveredon our Regimental web site.A second major event was therepatriation of Sir Sam Steele’spersonal archives and artefacts toCanada. Through the foresight andperseverance of the University ofAlberta, these archives were rescuedfrom public auction in Englandand the eighty-five or so boxes arenow being archived and will go ondisplay in 2010 at the University inEdmonton and the Glenbow Museumin Calgary. In thanks for our supportto the handover of the documents atthe Canadian High Commission inLondon and the ceremony to receivethem in Edmonton, we have beenpromised full access to these and theloan of items for our own displaypurposes. My only concern is thataccess to Sir Sam’s personal lettersand diaries may mean that we willhave to do a major “book burning”in the Kit Shop and commission anew and ‘accurate’ history.Just to end the year on a high note,the CO, RSM, and I were invited toLondon to meet with our Colonelin-Chiefand finally present the printwe commissioned to mark the 30thanniversary of His Royal Highness’appointment. We met with himprivately at Clarence House and lefttotally impressed with his interestin and awareness of our Regiment’sactivities, especially in Afghanistan.There is no doubt that he keepsinformed and has a very specialinterest in the physical and mentalcasualties coming out of theatre. Incase you are not aware, the Colonelin-Chiefstays involved by sendingpersonal letters to the families ofour war dead, the seriously injured,and all who receive decorations andcommendations in theatre. He alsosends letters to each Sqn Comd onrotation to Afghanistan and a specialChristmas parcel to each squadronin theatre at Christmas time. On thepersonal side, the CO, RSM, and Ithoroughly enjoyed the frank andcandid conversation we were able tohave with him. Of course, the RSMand I, being young boys from smalltowns in Northern Ontario, werealready over-awed by the time weentered Clarence House.See you all at Moreuil Wood 2009,I hope, or at least at the 2010Reunion!Summer 2009 EditionThe deadline for submissions for theSummer/Fall 2009 Strathcona Newsletter is4 September 2009.Submissions should be forwarded tonewsletter@strathconas.caor mailed to:Lord Strathcona’s Horse(Royal Canadians)PO Box 10500 Station ForcesEdmonton, AB T5J 4J5Attention: Kathy BattyStrathcona’sAwarded CF UnitCommendationIn recognition of the tremendousefforts of all ranks of LordStrathcona’s Horse (RoyalCanadians) the Chief of the DefenseStaff, General Walter Natynczyk,and the Chief of the Land Staff,Lieutenant-General AndrewLeslie, presented the Regimentwith a Canadian Forces UnitCommendation on 4 December,2008. The honour was officiallyannounced 29 August, 2008 in aVCDS CANFORGEN.The Commendation was presentedby the CDS to formally acknowledgethe efforts of LdSH(RC) with regardsto the short notice deployment oftank support to Joint Task ForceAfghanistan in September 2006.Acting in a manner befitting theRegimental motto of “Perseverance”the Regiment as a wholedemonstrated an outstanding levelof commitment. This ensured thatthe soldiers of the CF in Afghanistanhave access to the most powerfulelements of the Canadian Army insupport of the mission there.Although dated for a specificincident, all members of the Unitcan be proud of the effort thatthey have put forth and continueto put forth. The CommandingOfficer, Lieutenant-Colonel DerekMacaulay, reinforced the fact thatStrathcona’s remain the busiestregiment in the CF and that allmembers of LdSH(RC) share inthis highly respected honour as theycontinue to persevere in this periodof demanding operational tempo.Strathconas NewsletterPage 3www.strathconas.ca

The text of the commendationfollows:LDSH (RC) EDMONTON-FOR OUTSTANDINGPROFESSIONALISM ANDDEDICATION DEMONSTRATEDBY ALL RANKS IN RESPONSETO THE AUG 06 SHORTNOTICE CDN GOVT DECISIONTO ADD A TANK CAPABILITYTO JOINT TASK FORCEAFGHANISTANReunion 2010With the rapid approach of the year2010, thoughts have begun to turntowards the organizing of anotherlarge-scale reunion in Edmonton.This will give all members ofthe extended Regimental Familythe opportunity to come togetherin camaraderie and share ourdistinguished history.The intent is to schedule the 2010Reunion in the last week of Juneto coincide with the change-ofcommandparade that will alsobe taking place. This will allowmembers to share in the excitementof the change-of-command event,while also reminiscing with friends.The old and the new will becelebrated during this joint ceremony.Coupled with the command team’schangeover, the appointment ofColonel of the Regiment will alsobe handed over.Regimental Association Alberta BranchBy Bob LettFirst, I would like to acknowledge the support we have received from themembership, the Regiment, the Society, and all their business units. Thissupport has gone a long way to help us have a very successful yearWe are coming off a very busy year for the Association. I feel that theAssociation is truly a great vehicle for the Strathcona veterans to stay incontact with the rest of the Regimental family. We have had our highsand lows over the year but we’re strong in that we’ve handled both welland we remain sound going into 2009. We are particularly happy that ourmembership numbers are up over last year. Unfortunately, we have had toadd more names our list of widows but that too is part of getting on in life.We have noticed the use of snail mail is the preferred way to communicatewith our group. Because emails and faxes are very much the secondarymode, lead times are more necessary if any questions come up.We held our Annual General Meeting on January 13th. It is my pleasure toinform you that the full executive committee has agreed to stay on in theirsame positions. I feel very grateful for this as each member is doing a greatjob. (see photo).There was some interesting motions brought forward andpassed at this meeting. One was that we would fund each of the LdSH (RC)cadet Corps (7) in the amount of $100.00 per year, for the next five (5)years. Also, there is a second $100.00 per Corps, per year, for any specificprogram or initiative they might have. We hope this will help with theirfuture plans and add to each Corps’ success. The Association can afford thisand it is what our constitution calls for us to do. Specifically, we are to “Helpperpetuate the Strathcona Family.”The coming year will be very busy and, I believe, important for us. We aregetting closer to R2010 and things will begin to shape up for this importantoccasion. We are going to try to emphasizing the Annual Golf Tournamentthis year to hopefully include more family members and their childreneven if they do not golf so they can come out for the social event after theReunion 2010 will be similar toReunion 2000 and will providean excellent opportunity for theRegimental Family to come togetherto celebrate our heritage. Allmembers, past and currently servingare invited to attend.Ron Howard, Howie Owen, Keith Welch, Bob Lett and Clair LaneStrathconas NewsletterPage 4www.strathconas.ca

golfers return for the presentations.The BC group is also planning theirBBQ reunion in the summer. This isalways a great time and they reallyput on an excellent show. If youattend any of these I‘m sure youwill have a memorable time. Then,there are the famous or infamous IDMcKay Lunches (5). This is wherethe lies get better each time youhear them but it’s a good time to seeother groups of Strathcona veterans.The Edmonton Chapter is showingsigns they’re getting things rolling.They have held a few meetings,and a couple of lunches. If you canattend any of these functions, I knowyou would be made welcome. Theplanning for R2010 is moving alongas well, but I’ll pass this one to DaveBiener who is the main man on thetotal program.I’m looking forward to going toEdmonton to celebrate MoreuilWood with the Regiment. It willbe my pleasure to represent theAssociation again this year at theBoard of Directors meeting as wellat the Regimental Society meeting,both of which are held the sameweekend. I find them interesting inthat you can see how the differentbusiness units of the Regimentalfamily fit together and just how welleach are being run.We are excited about this comingyear and I’m sure with our combinedeffort it will be the best year we’vehad for a long time.In closing and as always, if you haveany questions or comments, Pleasecontact any one of the Association‘sExec. Committee.The AnnualStrathconaAssociation FamilyGolf TournamentBy Howie OwnnIt was Saturday the 26th of July2008, the sun was shining with allits might and not a rain cloud couldbe seen. At exactly 0900 hrs, thefirst of eleven teams of four (4)hit the Tee Box to start the FourthAnnual Strathcona Family Best BallGolf Tournament at Buffalo Run inCalgary. The last team tee off wasat 1015hrs and during play manywords of encouragement were heardup and down the fairway like “Havea miserable game Howie”, “Spookyou suck” and “No Jim, you can’tuse your hockey stick as a putter.”All in all, it was a very enjoyablemorning of golf with some veryimpressive under par score sheetsbeing turned into the official scorer.We had golfers not only fromCalgary but also from the Regimentin Edmonton Garrison and fromthe Edmonton Chapter of theAssociation. Curtis Benson andhis team came from Pine Lake,Lenore and Darcy Spence camefrom Toronto, Jerry Cluett andRosa came from Nanton Alta, KenYoxall from Oliver BC, and Grady,Landon and Dallas from my team(Owen) were from Red Deer. Afterthe golf was completed, we gatheredat 285 Legion for a bit of food, fun,and the presentation of the prizesand trophies. Oh yes, I almost forgot;some even had a few bubbles.The overall winning team was theBob Evans’ team who came in at5 under par, followed by the Owenteam at 4 under. During the socialevent, we had Slider Welsh andhis wife Mary selling 50/50 drawtickets and we were able to give over$400.00 to a young corporal who washaving a rough road financially andwho had health problems. He alsowanted to take his young daughterto Disneyland. So with that moneyand contributions from other kindpeople and businesses, he was ableto do that. We, as a small group ofthe Regimental Family, are proud ofbeing a small part of the corporal’sdream.In closing, I again would like tothank everyone for their support ofthis Golf Day and to say that it willhappen again in July or August thisyear.Strathconas NewsletterPage 5www.strathconas.ca

One of our OwnBy Bob LettThis is somewhat of an unusual submission to the newsletter but I thought it appropriate to recognize one of ourown.Tpr (retired) Mr. Val Rimer served with regiment during WW II and is a veteran of Melfa River. What is notknown is that Val is an extremely active leader in the veterans’ circle; specifically, he holds the position of PostCommander Western Area of the Jewish War Veterans of Canada. Valhas for years organized and officiated at the Remembrance Day Serviceat his synagogue in Calgary. The invited guests include the RegimentalAssociation President, veterans, police and fire fighter representatives,City Council representatives, MLA’s, MPs, senators, DVA representatives,cadets corps groups, plus many more. The ceremony is very important to allof us and the Association looked forward to it each year. A representativefrom Regiment has always been in attendance.Under Val’s leadership, the Jewish War Veterans group have beeninstrumental in fund raising for many humanitarian organisations acrossthe country, e.g. national and local food banks, veteran’s food banks, localhospitals, and the military museums in Calgary and Ottawa.Val has been a strong supporter of the Strathcona’s and the RegimentalFamily in general; he attends all or most of our functions and takes particularpride in celebrating the Regiment’s annual Melfa River activities.Please join me in congratulating Val on the award from the B’nai B’rithrecognizing his work. The CDS, then General Rick Hillier, presented this award to Val last year in Calgary.Where are they now?Moreuil Wood Dinner 1976Front Row (LtoR): Darrell Prosser, Bill Fox, Dick MacDonald, Jim Ellard, Bill Milroy, Ian Barnes, Walt Reid, Rowley KeithSecond Row: Protestant Padre Harry Rose, Doug Dobson, Sterling Kierstead, Rick Bell, Brian Simmons, Hugh Egener,Cam Ross, Mike Snell, Bob Black, RC Chaplin Luke Roy, Bob Keating, Steven Cobb, Bernie RichardBack Row: Hank Reid, Norm Speak, Jim Grey, Roy Clark, Dennis David, Dave Scandrett, Greg Hug, Pete Furnell,Larry Found, Joe Donnelly, Craig LeClair, Chuck Cadick, Steve MoffatMissing: Terry MayneStrathconas NewsletterPage 6www.strathconas.ca

Regimental Connections: The Never Ending StoryBy John BoileauAfter retiring in 1999 and settling in Nova Scotia—far from the Regiment’s traditional stomping grounds—I did notexpect there would be many occasions when I would make Strathcona connections. In fact, just the opposite hashappened. I thought I would share a few of these from 2008 with fellow Strathcona’s, especially since the Colonelof the Regiment, John Roderick, has exhorted the “old and bold” to make more contributions to the NewsletterJohn Doble (right), the last 17th/21stLancers exchange offi cer in Germanystands beside Patrick Harvey (left),Brig Fred Harvey’s great nephew,at the Moreuil Wood memorial to theCanadian Cavalry Brigade.When the Regiment was stationed in Iserlohn 1965-1970, our last 17th/21st Lancers’exchange officer there was John Doble, in many ways the epitome of an eccentricBrit. John, a single officer at the time, was the 2IC of C Squadron, where I was firsta troop leader and then Sqn LO. When he asked my future wife—a nursing sister inQueen Alexandria’s Royal Army Nursing Corps at British Military Hospital Iserlohnat the time—what he could do about the dirt on his sweater, Miriam told him to washit. Clearly astonished, he asked, “You mean you can wash these?”After his exchange tour, John left the British Army and joined the Foreign Service. Heworked as a diplomat in many places, especially sub-Saharan Africa, including SouthAfrica and Mozambique, before finishing his career as the British High Commissionerto Swaziland. John and I have maintained contact over the years, a connection thatwas reinforced during my time as CO in Calgary when John was the British Consul-General in Edmonton, responsible for most of Western and Northern Canada. He hassince visited us twice in Nova Scotia.On March 29-30, 2008, John visited Moreuil Wood as part of a battlefield tourconducted by Brough Scott, an old Oxford chum of his. Brough is the grandson ofBrigadier Jack Seely, who commanded the Canadian Cavalry Brigade at MoreuilWood. In 2003, Brough wrote a biography of Seely, entitled Galloper Jack: AGrandson’s Search for a Forgotten Hero. I highly recommend this book to all Strathcona’s; it is a well-written studyof a fascinating character.The tour traced the 120-mile route of the Canadian Cavalry Brigade from its camp at Ennemain to Moreuil. Itincluded Brig Fred Harvey’s great nephew, Patrick Harvey, a Church of Ireland clergyman, who presided overprayers in the thick of Moreuil Wood in the pouring rain. The previous week, Britain’s Sunday Telegraph hadpublished Brough’s account of the battle, which focussed on Seely’s horse, Warrior (on the actual 90th anniversaryof the battle, the Halifax Chronicle Herald published my story about the battle).Although Brough is very passionate about his grandfather, he is perhaps even more passionate about horses. Aftercollege, he was a professional jockey (with about 150 winners), and a horseracing commentator for TV. He is nowa sports writer. Brough supported a campaign to have Seely’s charger, Warrior, presented with the Dickin Medal,which is often referred to as the “animals’ Victoria Cross” and is awarded by the PDSA, Britain’s leading veterinarycharity.On October 6, I received a phone call out of the blue from Britain from a lady at the PDSA who was trying to gatherdocumentary support for such a nomination on very short notice. As Seely’s grandson, Brough was reluctant to beone of the signatories. John Doble would have been a natural, but he was out of touch on one his many treks intothe Himalayas. Brough had suggested the society contact me to provide a nomination for Warrior, confirming hewas at the Battle of Moreuil Wood and that he deserved the medal.I was delighted to provide such a nomination and quickly sent off the following by email:“As a former Commanding Officer of Lord Strathcona’s Horse (Royal Canadians), a Canadian cavalry regiment thatwas part of the Canadian Cavalry Brigade commanded by Brigadier-General Jack Seely during the First WorldContinued On Page 8Strathconas NewsletterPage 7www.strathconas.ca

Continued from Page 7Regimental ConnectionsWar, and an historian with several published articles and books about that war, I amhonoured to support the nomination of Warrior, Seely’s charger, for the PDSA DickinMedal.Warrior was present at the most famous action of the Canadian Cavalry Brigade, theBattle of Moreuil Wood on March 30, 1918, and is clearly worthy and deserving of thisrare recognition.I can think of no more fitting occasion that the 90th anniversary of the First WorldWar to award this high honour to Warrior, in particular as a symbol of the hundredsof thousands of animals that served alongside their human masters during that epicconflict.”On October 28, I received an email from the same lady informing me of the results ofthe PDSA Council’s deliberations:“Thank you so very much for your recent email supporting the idea of a PDSA DickinMedal to be awarded to the horse Warrior as representative of all animals who servedand those who gave their life in the First World War.The new memorial at MoreuilWood pays tribute to the CanadianCavalry Brigade.PDSA was very fortunate to have the support of Brough Scott, the Canadian regiments that General Seelycommanded throughout the war, Warrior being his constant companion in battle. The Royal Veterinary College,the Imperial War Museum in London and Jilly Cooper were equally supportive of the idea, especially in this, the90th anniversary of the Armistice. However, the ultimate decision on all PDSA awards never rests with the awardsteam. Our job is simply to provide evidence to support a nomination and then pass all to the PDSA Council. Thisparticular submission was unique in that it was for an animal that served in WWI when of course the PDSA DickinMedal was not, as you know, instituted until 1943. It was the first time the Council had been presented with thissituation. After a meeting here at PDSA Head Office, it was decided, at the highest level, that although Warrior wasobviously an exceptional horse and a fine representative of all his animal companions during the Great War, it wouldnot be possible to award the PDSA Dickin Medal on the basis that the horse’s actions took place in a conflict thatpre-dated the institution of the Medal. It was felt that, on principle, the award couldnot be made to any animal whose bravery pre-dates the Second World War.Although we have this decision on Warrior, PDSA will still take the opportunity ofthe Remembrance Day commemoration this year to put out stories of the animalsthat received the PDSA Dickin Medal for bravery in World War II and contemporaryconflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan.”Despite this decision, perhaps the way has been opened for a change to the regulationsfor the award of the Dickin Medal and future submissions of this type, including are-submission of Warrior’s nomination.The headstone marking CaptGordon Muriel Flowerdew’s graveis inscribed--like those of all VCrecipients--with the outline of thefamous medal.The next month, I was invited to address the students and staff at the Halifax GrammarSchool, a local private school, on the subject of democracy and war during theirRemembrance Day ceremonies. Because my latest book, The Peaceful Revolution:250 Years of Democracy in Nova Scotia, had just been published in September andin it I had referred to the debt owed to our veterans in defending democracy, theHeadmaster thought I might be able to make a few appropriate comments on thesubject.At a small reception before assembly, I met a few of the students and was surprised to hear one student introduceStrathconas NewsletterPage 8www.strathconas.ca

himself as Mark Flowerdew. Since Flowerdew is not a name I had ever encountered before in Atlantic Canada,my interest was immediately piqued. I asked the young man if he was aware of Gordon Flowerdew, a Strathconawho had been awarded a posthumous Victoria Cross for his actions at Moreuil Wood in March 1918. “Oh, yes,” hereplied. “He was my great uncle.”Namps-au-Val Cemetery, where GordonFlowerdew is buried, contains 425 Allied burials.“Dear Mother,When I recovered from my shock, I learned that Mark’s father was also namedGordon Flowerdew. Gordon is an associate professor at the Department ofCommunity Health and Epidemiology at Dalhousie University. He was bornand raised in England and when his father retired from the Royal Engineers asa colonel in 1958, the family settled in Crowborough, Sussex. The only contactthat Gordon has had with the Regiment was a few years ago when he sent theMuseum in Calgary the original of the letter that Gordon wrote to his motheron the night before the Battle of Moreuil Wood, delivered posthumously. Itwas eventually passed down to him since he has the same first name. To hissurprise, the curator of the Museum sent him “a handsome tax receipt.” Inview of what transpired over the next two days—Flowerdew’s courageousactions, which led to the award of the VC and also to his death—the text of theletter is particularly poignant:Have been a bit busy lately, so haven’t been able to write. I managed to borrow this card. Haven’t had any mail forsome days, so we are very keen to see the papers. The weather is still very good, but very keen at night. Have hadthe most wonderful experiences lately & wouldn’t have missed it for anything. Best love to all.Your affectionate SonGordon”As Gordon had never visited his namesake’s grave, I was able to send him a photo of it and the cemetery it is inwhich I had taken on a visit a couple of years ago. I also included photos of the Flowerdew painting that I hadcommissioned Joan Wanklyn (the British artist who did our centennial printseries) to do for me which I presented to the Officers’ Mess in Calgary in 1992,on the occasion of the 75th anniversary of the battle Duncan Crockford’smore ethereal version (for which I was the model—but that’s a story foranother issue!).I didn’t expect to make any Strathcona connections during my month-longcruise to the Caribbean and the Amazon in November-December but, in fact,two more fascinating connections occurred. Miriam and I were travelling aspart of a 17-person group made up of people from across Canada, none ofwhom we had met before. After we made our introductions on the first dayat sea, a delightful lady in the group named Anne Sheppard approached meand told me of her Strathcona links. Although she had been born in China in1930, where her parents were medical missionaries, her Canadian roots wereNamps-au-Val Cemetery, like all CommonwealthWar Graves Commission cemeteries, isdominated by the Cross of Sacrifi ce.in Winnipeg. She is the niece of S.H. Williams, author of Stand to Your Horses, the story of the Regiment duringthe First World War.The final connection was made on our return trip from the Amazon, when we docked at Bridgetown, Barbados, forthe day. Miriam and I were exploring the island’s capital on foot when we came to a statue of Admiral HoratioNelson at National Heroes Square. Behind the statue was a war memorial commemorating the Barbadian dead oftwo world wars. We were struck by the number that had served in Canadian units but nothing prepared us for whatContinued On Page 10Strathconas NewsletterPage 9www.strathconas.ca

Continued from Page 9Regimental Connectionswe read on a brass tablet under the heading:1939-1945To The Enduring Memory OfThose Barbadians Who Gave TheirLives In The Second World WarThe fifth name was “Clarke, G.L.A. Captain, LD. S.H. (R.C.)”When I mentioned this to Mike Snell, he pointed out that Jim McAvity’s book, A Record of Achievement, statedthat Captain George Lawrence Alleyne Clarke of Bridgetown had taken over command of a fighting squadronon May 24, 1944, after heavy personnel losses at the battle of the Melfa River. He was killed the next day whenthe Regiment (in McAvity’s words) “suffered what is undoubtedlythe greatest tragedy in its history” at the hands of a heavy Germanartillery concentration while it was recovering in a regimentalharbour area from the earlier battle.McAvity went on to note that “‘Nig’ Clarke came to the Regimentfrom the R.C.R. in 1941; proficient in everything that he undertook,gifted with a keen wit, sincere, generous and conscientious, he wasone of those who seemed destined to succeed in life. On that daythe regiment lost a true Strathcona and Barbados a fine citizen.”The 24-year old captain and another officer were originally “laidto rest on the east bank of the Melfa, beside their comrades whohad fallen the day before.” Today his remains are in the CassinoWar Cemetery, overlooked by the monastery that so many Alliedsoldiers gave their lives trying to capture.The name of Capt George Lawrence Alleyne, a Barbadian whowas killed at the Melfa River, is inscribed on the war memorialin Bridgetown, Barbados.So, far from being out of touch with matters connected to the Strathconas down here in Nova Scotia, these are a fewexamples from last year. I look forward to whatever connections 2009 will bring.In closing, I would be remiss if I did not pay tribute to Walt Reid, my Second-in-Command during my first yearas CO, 1985-86. I first met Walt at the Royal Canadian Armoured Corps School at Camp Borden in the summer of1964. Walt was a Lt on the staff and I was an OCdt undergoing Phase I armour training. One day, the block anddetailed syllabus called for us to present ourselves at the Officers’ Mess for a lecture on mess etiquette.I seem to recall it was the very first time we had been allowed to report somewhere without one of our NCOsaccompanying us. So we marched over from E-110 to the mess led by Tammy Richardson playing his bagpipes.A very proper Walt met us, impeccably turned out in his bush uniform. For the next hour he took us through theintricacies of proper dining room behavior, from which utensil to use to how to remove a fish bone or a cherrypit unobtrusively from one’s mouth at the dining table. This last point cracked us up and we could not stifle ourlaughter. Needless to say, Walt was not quite as amused as we were and he chewed us out. I, for one, never forgothow to remove fish bones or cherry pits—unobtrusively!Over the next 20 years, Walt and I never served together but we did see each other at various meetings andconferences. As well, we spent an enjoyable time together in Germany in 1978 as umpires for the annual FALLEXdeployment. Then, Walt got married shortly afterwards—when we were all long convinced he was a confirmedbachelor—and came to Calgary from Ottawa for a regimental wedding. I was proud to be one of his ushers.When I arrived in Calgary to take command of the regiment from Dave Rogers in 1985, I was delighted to haveWalt as my 2IC. He was exactly the type of mature, steady officer that was needed in the job. He oversaw the manyparts of the growing regimental family, especially their financial aspects. Always the gracious gentleman, Walt wasStrathconas NewsletterPage 10www.strathconas.ca

a loyal, trusted, dependable officer and a proud Strathcona. His timely and thoughtful advice made my first year incommand much easier.It was one of the proudest moments in my life when Walt and I were called to BGen Clive Milner’s office one day.Although I knew what was about to happen, Walt had no idea. It came as a complete—and pleasant—surprise tohim when the Brigadier and I put LCol’s rank on his shoulders. He truly deserved the promotion, although it meanthe had to leave regimental duty. Fortunately for the Strathcona’s, he only moved a short distance away to CFBSuffield where he continued to look after his Regiment’s best interests in any way he could.“Rest in peace soldier, your duty’s done.”Well , after many years of successful BC Interior Reunions, that were originally organized by Vic Binnie in theOkanagan, the Strathcona BC Reunion moved west this past year. In those years, when there were no nationalreunions, Strathcona’s from Kelowna, Penticton, Vernon’ and Okanagan Falls organized and ran very successfulRegimental get-togethers. These were well attended by former Strathconas, who were from the BC Interior andalso from the Lower Mainland, the Island, and Calgary and other Alberta locations. Of course, there were alsoStrathconas from elsewhere, and on occasion we enjoyed the participation of our Colonel of the Regiment.This past year though, the torch was passed to Bernie McNicholl and Rollie Keith of Chilliwack, who, with theable assistance of Dick Thody, Carl Cole and Fred Schuh, hosted the 2008 BC Reunion.Some 60 participants, along with their ladies, gathered in Chilliwack from 5 to7 September to renew acquaintances and enjoy Strathcona fellowship, as wellas to tell a few “war stories”. They also participated in several weekend events.Carl and Lois Cole organized and manned the registration desk; Dick Thodyled those who wished to participate in Chilliwack golfing and Pam Keith andPat McNicholl guided those who spent the afternoon at Chilliwack’s MinterGardens. Rollie Keith facilitated a visit to the Canadian Military EducationCentre (CMEC) on the former Camp/Base Chilliwack, and Bernie McNichollmost ably took care of our finances -- along with helping out with everythingelse . As an aside, CMEC is a non profit military museum, consisting of a number of well restored military vehiclesand numerous military weapons, kit and other artifacts. Prominent among the vehicles is Chilliwack’s Shermantank “Caroline”, which is currently on loan to the museum.As usual at these Regimental gatherings, there were 6 “desert rats” in attendance including our two co-chairs alongwith Chuck McBride, Ron Ransom, Roy Cooper, and Ernie McDuff, all Strathcona veterans of 56 CanadianReconnaissance Squadron. They conducted their personal mini 51-year reunion on and about the Ferret Scout Carprovided by the CMEC which was on display at the reunion ASU site!The reunion was held at the Area Support Unit building which is all that is left of the former base. It commencedwith the Friday Meet and Greet, followed by the Saturday breakfast and activities A catered dinner with Strathconawine followed in the evening, and was accompanied by the delightful musicalentertainment of Fred and Madeleine Schuh.We plan to hold a Chilliwack, BC Reunion again this year on the 11 to12 September so please mark your calendar as we hope to see even moreStrathconas then.On behalf of the committee,PerseveranceBC Interior ReunionBy Rollie KeithStrathconas NewsletterPage 11www.strathconas.ca

I thank you for forwarding the recentRegimental Newsletter. I did changemy e-mail address as I was fed upsitting waiting and watching grassgrow. I am now on satellite andthings have improved. This is not asfast as cable or wireless but it surebeats dial up.I served as a proud Strathcona fora sharp period (1953-1956). I wastransferred to the 8th CanadianHussars when the unit was activatedin 1956. That was my initial militiaunit, as my home was in Sussex NB.I continued to wear the 8 CH badgesuntil I retired in 1980, a total of 32years.Regardless of where one served andin what unit the fact remains, I amvery proud of our armoured units. Itappeared that armour was relegatedto the back burner until the situationin Afghanistan required heavyequipment. The tank is back and theStrathcona are leading the parade.I spoke to Col Roderick this pastweekend at a dinner party incelebration of the 160 th anniversaryof the 8th Canadian Hussars.The dinner party was held at theFort Frontenac Offi cers Mess inKingston. He was relating now busythe Regiment is and has been withits commitments to Afghanistan. Ican well appreciate the work load,however I know the Strathconas aredefi nitely up to the challenge.Thanks Again Bob SearThanks, Bob. We passed this on to theColonel of the Regiment and he wassurprised that you had remembered thedinner! Ed.Strathconas NewsletterYour DispatchesThe News Letter via email was agreat step forward and hopefully acost saving step for the Regiment. Abonus for me, was to see my “A” SqnLAD CO Lt Bill Svab rememberingour “Johnny Come Lately “ arrivalto replace “B” Sqn.Sincerely Ken PirtGlad you like the “cost saving step”. Itdoes save a bundle. We were glad to hearfrom Bill too and hope to hear from moreStrathconas who just happened to wear theRCEME/LORE/EME badge. Ed.Greetings,I wish everyone a safe and prosperousNew Year. I also have something thatcame up in a meeting at the RoyalCanadian Legion, of which I am amember.The idea that we had is that ourbranch would like to “adopt”aregiment. As a past Strathcona,I said that I would run the ideathrough the regiment.In essence, the branch of the Legionwould like to dedicate acorner/section of the Legion to provide adisplay for the regiment, outliningthe history of the regiment and keepcurrent on the happenings withinthe regiment. We also envision asign-in book for ANY members, pastor present.If something like this can be workedout, with regimental permission,please let me know and we can workout further details.ThanksPERSERVERANCEJeff MartellSounds like a great idea, Jeff. We passedthis on to RHQ and understand they haveasked you for more info. Hopefully you willget the “Quick March” soon. EdPage 12Hello :I was with the Straths from 1957to 1966,and am making a trip toCalgary in May of this year. But Ihave lost track of all the guys, I oncewas in touch with.Was just wondering if there is anyplace I can go to fi nd any addressesof guys that might be in Calgary asI would love to see any of the oldguys, if they still around.I just played the Video of the historyof the Strathconas, boy did I getchoked up,when they played soldiersof the Queen. And when it cameto the part once a Strath always aStrath, I have kept that in my heartall my life, they did a good job inteaching me as a soldier. And I knowthey will keep up the good work andteachings.My title was Trooper RonaldMacFarlane SC137803 B Sqnronald015@sympaatico.caRon. We are not allowed to give outaddresses but since you have providedyour E-mail address we’ll pass it to theAssociation in Calgary and ask them toget in touch and help you out. Hopefullysome of our readers will remember you andcontact you by e-mail as well. EdJust after Phil A Daniel left the 8thHussars appointment on “I”Staff inOwen Sound in 1969 he came to theRoyal Canadian Dragoons and wasto attend a function in the Sgts’ Messand did not have the proper trousersbecause the Hussars and Dragoonsdiffered in dress. Phil the excellentscrounger approached Bert Divetowho was working as curator ofMuseum and asked him for loana pair of trousers. Bert being ofdifferent size to Phil decided to helphim so he took the trousers off amanequin and loaned them to Phil.To make a long story short ...it waswww.strathconas.ca

Your Dispatches...continuedin May of 2008 that Phil fi nallysaved enough money to get them drycleaned and decided to return themto Bert who was attending BlackHatters gathering in Borden. At atank hangar Capt Terry Shaw ofLdSH called for Bert Diveto andPhil Daniel to come forward and atthat time Phil made a presentationto Bert of the same trousers whichhad been worn by Major GeneralChurchill Mann, Col of the RegtRCD before they were displayedin the RCAC Museum 38 yearsbefore............ I’m hoping that on 8May 09 at Black Hatters in BordenPhil remembers that he borrowedNorm Wood’s Mess tins and JimMcGimpseys cooks Whites in 1946at Fort Churchill and I will forgetabout the Aunt Jemima episode inthe fl ats with C A Robinson..Norm WoodGreat story, Norm. The Colonel of theRegiment told some of us you were histroop sgt when he was fi rst commissioned.Not very good at training offi cers, are you?EdHi Kathy or to whom this mightconcern!I’m Bob Bartlett & must fi rst offapologize for the lateness of the formregarding my status in the Assn. Ihad fi lled it out sometime ago - &just recently found it still here undera bundle of papers etc on my desk& will forward same under separatecover, (mail).I noted in last edition of theNewsletter under “Lost Trails” aMr AN Kazimer - Fauquier BC.I’ve taken the liberty to fi ll out hisMembership renewal & paymentof same for 2009 which I sent on toour Calgary Assn. about 2 wks ago.‘Tho I gave military particulars onwhat info I know of him - briefl y:He was not a Strath - served w/25Bde Seaforths (Nato) & RCAF (total25 yrs). My interst in renewing hismembership is thus: He is my bro-inlaw& my sister Pat is most interestedin Strathcona events as our dad & Ihave a combined service from WW1thru WW2 & until I left in 1970 - of56 yrs. Sister Pat has attended everyreunion in the Okanaghan areaexcept this yr in Chilliwack. Whenliving in Calgary - through me shegot to know many Straths I palledwith as tpr when the Regt camewest from Borden after the war (inJun ‘46) & as the yrs have gone on,enjoys the company of those folks!!So hence the interest..Re: Deceased Straths - I took asmall task outside the Newsletter in2005 scanning the Last Post pagesof the Legion magazine for namesof deceased Straths who have neverappeared in our Newsletters. &compiled same & no doubt I couldgo back a lot further. When I wasSec/Treas of Assn I made up thenewsletter for a number of yrs & inclnames from the Legion. After my/our “Hungry 30s” survival - OurNewsletter murfed in to somethingof quality with 2 greats - Nic &Mucker! Now - again - I havegone thru Legion Last Posts fi rst& then checked names off againstthose in “Last Trumpet Call” oversame period. I then put asteriskbeside names that have appeared inNewsletters.I will send the lists off to you - somenames maybe missing if the Legiondidn’t list their unit . All namesstate LSH (not LdSH) - for brevityI guess..Anyway to some it is quiteOK as when they enlisted it was LSHuntil changed in Great Britain afterKing George VI made “a particularremark about the abbreviation forLord!! as I’m sure that’s not news!Are you interested in “Longago photos?” - Have 3 or 4 of aHallowe’en do In the Sgts’ mess inBorden wi short story - circa ‘54? of3 of us (still around). Also Change ofSSMs of HQ Sqn in 1960 when -onpromotion - I took over from SSMVic Binnie ( a little history behindthat) as my father took over from hisfather some 30 yrs earlier in 1930 atMewata Armoury in Calgary (whereRHQ & B Sqn were quartered at thetime) This event made the CalgaryHerald (Might say that-well knownVic in last obit - last name is Binnie- not w/y). There are a number ofphotos I have of Regt’l & socialactivities over the yrs. Some oldphotos of both Sqns (B in Calgary& A in Wpg) Sqn training “Drill inthe rough” “Action Front!” etc inthe hills & bush of Camp Hughes in1926 later to become (A bit furthersouth of the railway tracks) - CampShilo & now CFB Shilo ( taken,w/ Ithink from one of those ol’ accodiantype cameras!Thanks many for taking over thetask of newsletter - Well done!Incl a few $ to help “you all”Meanwhile - Compliments of theSeason - May the Perseverance ofThe Strathconas continue in to theNew Year of 2009 with nothing butSuccess and Good News from allfronts!Merry Christmas -- Bob BartlettThanks, Bob, you continue to be one ofthe stalwarts of the Regiment- the epitomeof “Always a Strathcona”. We’d love toreprint some of your old photos in theNewsletter- none showing the Newsletterstaff of course. Many thanks for thedonation as well. Ed.Strathconas NewsletterPage 13www.strathconas.ca

Your Dispatches...continuedI am a Dutch warbride, an associatemember with the Royal CanadianLegion Branch 50, Tisdale SK. My3 daughters and their husbandsare also Legion members. Two ofmy daughters and myself were inEdmonton in 2005 for the LdSH 105year celebrations and are lookingforward to the next one in 2010. Myhusband passed away in 2002. Wehave kept in touch with the LdSHfor several years and enjoy theNewsletter.My Husband was a trooper, L100870and served with LdSH 2nd Regiment,5th Div Regimental Headquarterstank driver. We were married inHolland 20 Oct 1945. We had twinsborn in Holland as Bob came backto Canada in fall 1945. I cane inNov 1946 with our 2 babies.At the last reunion I brought a coupleof pictures of Bob’s tank regimentand they were taken to the Calgarymuseum. With all the names of themen on the back.I have a membership and have forseveral years and will keep it up.Canada has been very good to me.Sincerely yours,Joukje WillThanks for the letter Joukje. We’d love toprint some of your recollections of yourarrival and fi rst years in Canada as oneof the many Strathcona war brides, if youwould care to send them to us. See you atthe 2010 Reunion. EdSo sorry we haven’t been keeping intouch with everyone who has beendiligent in keeping all of us old“lads & lassies” up to date.At the 2005 reunion my husbandJacob got very ill at the base andwas taken to hospital by ambulancewhere he stayed for 8 long days.We missed the rest of our lovelygathering - not to worry though heis much better, now 87 and goingstrong. We had our 60th anniversaryand it was lovely. Sorry to hear aboutthe boys that have passed away, butthe old guard is passing away also,so each day is a blessing. Acceptour donation and will try and add toit off and on as you will need everypenny for 2010.Blessings and good health to all,Ruby TroudtThanks for the kind words and donation,Ruby. We are pleased to hear Jacob isdoing well and we hope you’ll make it toReunion 2010. We’ll ask the Associationif they will give Jacob a discount since hemissed a lot of the 2005 Reunion. EdMy affi liation with the StrathconaFamily comes from my father, FredCooper, who was a WWI trooperalong with his brother, Edward(Ted) Cooper, and his two uncles,Albert and Wally Maytum. Hisregistration number of 2519 wasvery close to that of Fred Cade,who was instrumental in gettingthese young men to join the Stratsin 1914.My dad was wounded in the Battle ofFestubert, May 24, 1915 and was nolonger able to serve in the war. Iddidn’t change his faithful devotionto the Regiment and his brothersTed and Uncle Albert continued toserve. Ted ended his service whenthe war ended, but Albert waskilled in October shortly before theArmistice in November 1918.My mother and dad attended manyof the Strathcona reunions. In 1985,my husband Les and I brought mydad, and in 1990 my daughterjoined us fl ying to Calgary withher granddad. That year he washonored by the Regiment to be on thereviewing stand for the ceremony.It was a thrill for all of us. It washis last reunion as he received thelast trumpet call in April 1992. Lesand I attended the 1995 reunionin Calgary with Bob and BeverlyOwens, good friends of our family.The 2000 reunion was the veryspecial Centennial Reunion, andwe came with our daughter andher husband. It was great to see theCade family, a devoted Strathconafamily. In 2005, I returned to spendsome special moments with Muckerat the Museum in Calgary. What aspecial man and how dedicated!Sorely missed, I am sure. This visit Iwas joined with my son and his wife,Buzz and Kathy Beauchamp, as myhusband Les passed in 2003.Don Crossman, Dave Cathcartand many of the Calgary memberswere so helpful and gave up specialattention. We enjoyed visiting withReverend Greene, who knew myparents from the “olden days”. Itwas a wonderful experience andsounded out the message, “Once aStrathcona, always a Strathcona.”Thank you for allowing me to bendyour “ear” on this two-page letter.It tries to explain where I fi t into theStrathcona Family Roll.Sincerely and Perseverance,Dorothy (Dodie) BeauchampThanks for writing, Dorothy, there is nodoubt about your place on the “FamilyRoll” and we hope you and your familywill join us at Reunion 2010. What acoincidence you mentioned the Cadefamily. Take a look at the last letter. Ed.Strathconas NewsletterPage 14www.strathconas.ca

Your Dispatches...continuedI joined the 61 Battery Edmontonon 13 Sept 1939 and received mydischarge 13 Jun 1945 in Calgary.My regiment was made up fromall four western provinces, 107Battery, Cranbrook BC, 61 Battery,Edmonton AB, 71 Battery, ReginaSK, 113 Battery, Brandon MB. Myregiment supported the Strathconasall through the Italian campaign.My father’s cousin, Major GeneralErnest Dunlop Swinton was theinventor of the tank in World WarOne. I met him in Oxford Englandin 1943. He was 75 years old andstill teaching military history atOxford University in 1943.I have given a collection of 12fully dressed manniquins and 120pictures to the Vimy Ridge Academyin Edmonton and thought that theStrathconas might be interested.SincerelyHA (Al) SwintonGood to hear from you, Al. Your donationto the Vimy Ridge Academy was verygenerous and no doubt greatly appreciated.Thank heavens there are people like youwho foster the preservation of militaryartifacts. Did Major General Swintonforgive you for not being a ‘tanker’? Orperhaps he was still favoring the RoyalEngineers? Anyway, you have a heritage tobe proud of. Ed.I would like to write a letter, but myhands just don’t do what I want themto do.Thanks for keeping up the good workof publishing the newsletter which Ialways look forward to receiving.Thank you againBill McCullochYour hands did very well, Bill. We lovecompliments!! EdStrathconas NewsletterWhat a great newsletter !I know very few of the peoplementioned; my service ended inthe mid-60’s, but I still appreciateknowing “what’s going on”. AndI loved the Bas Collett / DickGreen article..........they were mycontemporaries.Thanks so much.Charles LowThanks for the compliment. It is good tohear from you and we look forward toreceiving some of your stories. Ed.My name is Phillop TomothyDerksen. I served in Korea as aTrooper with the Lord StrathconaHorse from January 29, 1951 toFebruary 26, 1954. I would like tosend all of you at the RegimentalAssociation my sincere appreciationfor your newsletters and magazines.As a part of the Lord Strathconafamily I appreciate keeping up onthe current deployment and situationof our troops. I also enjoy readingthe stories and history of the oldStrathcona Members and wherethey are now.Keep up the good work.PerseverancePhilip DerksenPage 15Phil, thanks for your vote of confi dence.How about sharing some of your storiesfrom the 50s? Ed.I would like to continue to receiveyour Newsletter each time it comesout. Although I have not been amember of the Strathconas, I havemany in the family that were asshown below:Name In Date Out Date RelationWalter CCadeHerbert SCadeFrederickH CadeFrederickH Cade JrJohn DCadeJamiesonCadeSept 81905Feb 21916Jan 141907Nov 27,1911Aug 101914Aug 231939Sept 31939May 111984Jun 61908Nov 18,1917Dec 41909Jul 311914Mar 251919Dec 121945Apr 241972StillServingUncleUncleFatherBrotherBrotherNephewThank youCharles W. CadeCharles, your surname certainly qualifi esyou to receive the Newsletter. Fred andJack were great Strathconas and Jamieis coming along not too badly. No doubtyou have seen him on the TV news asthe Deputy Commander of the troops inKandahar, Afghanistan. EdI have just received the RegimentalSociety Newsletter and am muchimpressed by the professionalism inits production. It brings back to memany fond recollections of the fi nedays in the company of your offi cersint he good old days of the BML’sin Harvey Barracks in Calgary. Ican assure you that I miss thoseoccations greatly.Back about 25 years ago I wasaccorded the honour of being askedwww.strathconas.ca

Your Dispatches...continuedto become an Honourary Memberof your Regiment and, with alacrity,I accepted. The kindness may haveresulted from my efforts to tend tothe affairs of Mrs. Winnie Harvey,widow of Brig. Fred Harvey. SinceI had nothing but fondness for bothof them it was a pleasure to serveher during those days when she wasa resident of Trinity Lodge. She wasa great lady.My father was, in the thirties, theCO of the 15th Alberta Light HorseUnit which engaged in various wargames with your unit and I wasprivileged to ride out with Dad ona number of exercises. I fear that Iwas a bit of a fi fth column on one ofthem. I remember well the Brigadierwho was also a good friend of Dadand it was he who asked Dad to takeover the Calgary Highlanders whenwas was looming. I will never forgetthe stark message delivered downfrom the railway station as we werecamping at Gull Lake which simplysaid:”Mobilize. Pearkes”. So wentour holiday camping as Dad headedto Calgary leaving us to pack up ourtents.I recall when I was with the CalgHighrs working on the incorporationof a foundation that your currentCO was kind enough to send downa copy of your incorporationdocuments to assist us. Since Ihave always believed in the validityof foundations, I enclose a smallcontribution to your foundation.I wish you and your regiment wellin the future. From what I hearand read, the unit is serving wellin Afghanistan and I expect willcontinue to do so.Do you by chance have a list of theCO’s in the period 1964 to 1995, theperiod when I was involved in oneway or another with your regiment?I remember so many faces of fi nechaps but their names elude me. Ofcourse, most of them will have longsince retired from the army but thereare several of them that I would liketo locate if I can. I will appreciateany advice you can supply to me.SincerelyFred L. ScottFred, a lot of us miss the comradeshipof those BMLs in Calgary as well. Youand your father are well remembered foryour contributions to the Calgary militarycommunity. There is a list of all formerCOs on our web page www.strathconas.ca.Click on Regimental History at the bottomof the page and then on “Former COs”at the top of the History page. If you sendus a list of those you wish to contact we’llask them to get in touch with you – we arenot permitted to give out addresses. Stay intouch. EdLast Post - From Legion MagazineCompiled by Bob BartlettMARCH/APRIL 2005MARCH/APRIL 2006BROWN Robert H - Age 87 Portage La Prairie, MB BETCHER Wilfred - Age 81 Calgary, ABCHAISSON George W - Age 83 Kelowna, BC GUNDERSON Rolf - Age 74MOLLER Jack - Calgary, ABPORTER Darrell - Age 85 NSSIMPSON Robert J - Age 80 Sooke, BCRANOSTAY Carl - Age 80 Edmonton, ABSAUNDERS Lloyd - Age 74 Long Branch, ONNOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2005A’HEARN Hubert J - North Bay, ONEPPS Reginald - Age 87 London, ONFOLLAND G. Nelson - Age 84 Kensington, PEIMITCHELL Russell J - Age 84 Toronto, ONNEWCOMB Carl W - Age 70 Amherst, NSNOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2006AUSTIN Dan - Age 99, Chesley Br, ONCOLE Frank - Age 79 Sussex, NBCOPELAND Glen - Age 83 Calgary, ABCRAIG Rob T - Age 85 Fort Saskatchewan, ABFORBES Hugh - Mission City, BCFORTIER Sigmn G - Age 85 Timmins, ONStrathconas NewsletterPage 16www.strathconas.ca

Last Post - From Legion Magazine...continuedKEELING Howard - Age 83 Owen Sound, ONLITTLE Warren R - Age 75 Penticton, BCROBERTSON John A - Montreal PQTETRAULT Leo A - Age 76 Port Alberni, BCVAN VEEN William C - Age 69 London, ONVIPOND Arthur E - Age 89 Kelowna, BCMAY/JUNE 2007BUTLER Wesley B - Age 74 Cranbrook, BCFORSTER Clarence M - North Burnaby, BCFORSYTHE Rob T - Age 77 St. Thomas, ONHIND Terrance - Age 86 Winnipeg, MBJAMES William - Age 86 Sault Ste Marie, ONMORTON Joseph R - Age 91 Lantzville, BCTRINCA JL - Age 85 Veoder Crossing, BCNOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2007HAMMOND Stan - Age 87 Boissevain, MBLLOYD Frank R - Elmvale, ONREYNOLDS FE - Age 86 Calgary, ABWATT Alexander - Age 75 St. Boniface, MBTHEISSEN Frank - Calgary, ABStrathcona Message Boardwww.strathconas.ca/boardSomeone is interested in how you are doing. Have youchecked out the Strathcona Message Board lately? Someof the Old Guard and not so Old Guard are invokingsome interesting reading, while others are looking toconnect with old friends. With over 10000 posts and 750members, you are sure to come across a familiar name.Check it out today.NostalgiaBy Major General P.A. NeatbyWhen I think back to our youth and the wonderful characters that shared our military life, I have to include in thefront rank Browne DH, ‘Slewfoot’. He was the ideal companion in the field as he was eternally cheerful and busy.My first contact with DH was in 1950 in Borden. I was the new Transport Officer and DH was a new arrival fromThe RCD (I think). In the first week, I was standing at the hangar door, admiring my four-hangar empire, when aHoney tank burst through the closed door of the tank hangar.I rushed over and a frightened DH looked back at me. He said that Cpl Davis JJ had told him to move the tank.He had never driven one, but thought it couldn’t be that hard. He claimed that he didn’t realize that its drive washydramatic and his stamping on the clutch was really pushing the accelerator! He did feel that he should get somecredit for steering in such a way as to take only one of the two doors (his friends were convinced that the real causewas that his over-sized boots were caught in the accelerator space).DH was Bob Gross’ driver in Korea. The Ordnance inspection teams descended on us as we prepared to leaveKorea. The Strathcona penchant for over-insuring and for grabbing whatever might be useful was viewed as aterrible crime by the RCOC albeit an important talent to the troopers. Among other things, A Sqn had an extra tank!We didn’t mention the ¾ ton weapons carrier and some other vehicles that had gone to the RTR.The Inspection Team was The Enemy as far as the troopers were concerned and no good would come from it.The team was particularly critical of Bob Gross as his tank had at least three sets of track jacks, two more thanauthorized. Two were imperiously confiscated. DH whispered to Bob as they disappeared, “Don’t worry, Sir. I havetwo more sets just over the hill!”Strathconas NewsletterPage 17www.strathconas.ca

Nobby Clarke’s “Anglo Boer War, Lord Strathcona’s Horse”Submitted By Murray CayleyIn our previous installment we concluded with: “Three days later Steele’s regiment reached Zandspruit, havingmarched through Ingogo, past Majuba Hill and Laing’s Nek, made famous by previous conflicts, and was taken onstrength.”After all the difficulties of travel and settling into South Africa, the Strathcona’s were finally in the field at the sceneof impending action. Important questions now became: what kind of leadership would they be serving under? Andwho was the enemy?The Regiment became part of the Natal Field Force commanded by General Sir Redvers H. Buller, V.C., attachedto the Earl of Dundonald’s Third Brigade. Strathcona’s Horse would provide scouting tasks for the brigade, at theinsistence of Steele.Sir Redvers Buller, VC was a very controversial General, described by some as a procrastinator, overly cautious,reluctant to commit his soldiers to battle and indecisive on strategy. On the other hand, Lord Salisbury, the PrimeMinister, said: “My confidence in the British soldier is only equaled by my confidence in Redvers Buller.” SirEvelyn Wood says: Buller was “Careful of his men’s lives, reckless of his own; untiring and unflinching in hisperformance of his duty.” By his own self assessment he was most comfortable as chief-of-staff, a position, he said,“involving all the responsibilities for execution without those of invention and preliminary organization”. “I havenever credited myself with much ability on the inventive side; all mine, if I have any, is on the executive side.” “Ihave always considered that I was better as second-in-command in a complex military affair than as an officer-incharge.”The consensus is, however, that Buller’s battle plans and achievements as he moved the Natal Force Northfrom Newcastle to the North Drakensberg range were, in fact, quite brilliant.No stranger to Canada, Buller had taken part in the Red River expedition in 1869-1870 under command of GeneralWorsley. The Canadian experience was the common thread for Buller, Lord Strathcona, and Colonel Sam Steele.Steele held Buller in high esteem as a soldier and as a gentleman.From Sandspruit the Brigade was moved to Perdekop (horse’s head); about 10 miles north - east; where theydeployed in small battle groups in preparation for the march on Standerton. From the outset, Steele had insistedthat his soldiers were superbly trained and suited for tasks as Scouts: “doing any important work that experiencedhorsemen and good shots can do in the advance: screens, flank protection. patrols, outposts and general scoutingduties”. While this would relieve the Regiment of some of the menial garrison duties it also placed them in avulnerable -battle disposition.Approaching Standerton, loud explosions were heard from the vicinity of the town; the retreating Boers had blownthe railway bridge over the River Vaal. Entering the town, the Strathconas were singled out with loud shouts andapplause of “Welcome Canadians” by a predominately British crowd. It was also learned that the Boers had simplywithdrawn to the hills and Kopjes north and west of Standerton where they were able to dispatch raiding parties andpersistent snipers.(Nobby, a personal aside while visiting South Africa): “While overlooking the battle fields in Standerton I couldn’thelp feeling the uncanny similarity of the Boers and the Strathcona “cowboys”.“I know the Afrikaner! My grandmother was… who nursed my grandfather, a British prisoner-of-war, back tohealth. They were wed after the war. ““The Afrikaner lived a compassionate existence, basing the family unit and God above all else. They kept theirfamily values through an iron discipline administered by the head of the family, often the grandfather, or the father.It was not uncommon to see three generations of Boers in one fighting unit known as “The Commando”. TheContinued on Page 19Strathconas NewsletterPage 18www.strathconas.ca

Continued from Page 18Anglo Boer Warcommando units were, in fact, a citizen force without uniforms, pay, or formal training, although they had goodfighting experience protecting their widely scattered farms against marauding native tribesmen. They were superbhorsemen and deadly shots with a rifle. They grew up where horse and rifle were synonymous from early childhood.They knew the country well’ and made good use of reconnaissance, deploying their scouts well in advance of theirunits. They would attack in extended line and quickly disperse to strike again. They were masters of camouflage andconcealment. They soon gained the respect and even admiration from the British soldier. ““And what of our own Strathcona’s Horse? I think Fraser, in his book: “Always a Strathcona” describes them well.And so I quote Fraser’s reflections of the Strathcona’s Horse verbatim:”“They joined for their own reasons, but, with only a few exceptions, all were western outdoors men who could rideand shoot and fend for themselves without requiring the amenities of civilized life. According to Colonel Steele:“The men enlisted are composed of the very pick of the cowboy, cowpuncher, ranger, policeman, ex-policeman ofthe Territories and British Columbia. . . . .”“It would be wrong to imagine that most joined the Regiment primarily for patriotic reasons; even though many wereonly a few years removed from the British Isles, the Empire was not threatened and Canada had no direct interestsin South Africa. A few might have been influenced by the jingoism of the times, but the majority were searchingadventure--after all, many had come to western Canada seeking a challenge and a different sort of experience. Herewas an opportunity to find something new with an element of danger attached, the company of kindred spirits andthe chance to serve under officers drawn from a force that had built aninternational reputation.”“Quite a number of the volunteers knew Colonel Steele personally; mostknew him by reputation. The majority knew the NCO’s and officers theywere serving under as they so often came from the same district or locality.Friends and neighbours joined together with the understanding that theywould serve together in the same troop. Whatever their reason for enlisting,they signed on for a minimum of six months and a maximum of one year,at rates of pay of 75¢ per day for privates, 85¢ for corporals, $1.00 forsergeants, and $1.50 for sergeant-majors.”Standerton was occupied on the 22nd of June 1900 by the Third Brigadeof the Natal Force under Command of the Earl of Dundonald. Theyremained in Standerton till the 29th of June while the railway was beingrepaired in order to establish a communication through to Heidelberg andJohannesburg. During this time, the Regiment was gainfully employedproviding patrols and general reconnaissance duties for the force.On the 30th of June the Regiment ‘provided the advance and flank guardsfor Lieutenant General Clery’s 2nd Division’s march to Greylingstad on itsway to Heidelberg.It was on the 1st of July, 1900, the second day out, that the patrol ran into asituation that remains controversial to this day. We will look into the WhiteFlag incident in our next installment.Lost TrailsSummer/Fall 2008 Newsletterswhich have been returnedJordaan MC - OliverHerdman WJO - Medicine HatBaker MJ - CochraneMurray M - SookeGarner RH - CalgaryLuttyck A - CalgaryRanostay CP - EdmontonAlley RG - West VancouverStevenson RC - CalgaryHarreson H - CalgaryBillingsley JF - AirdrieMontrose BD - EdmontonTurner WD - KelownaRoss MA - Black DiamondMaclean AB - EdmontonFraser IE - EdmontonStrathconas NewsletterPage 19www.strathconas.ca

Last Trumpet CallBEAVER, Cliff Age 87, 2 Apr 08, London, ONBOLDING, Fred Age 86, 30 Jan 08, Swift Current, SKBREYIG, Ingolf (Bert) Age 87, Strasbourg, SKBURNETT, Richard H Age 85, 1 Jan 08, Carman, MBCHAFFIN, George (Bud) 18 Jan 09, Calgary, ABCOLWILL, Harvey London, ONFALLAS, Jack Age 88, 8 Dec 08, Saskatoon, SKHENDERSON, Robert (Bev) Age 76, 21 Oct 08, High River, ABKAUFMAN, Lawrence Oct 06, Windsor ONKYLE, Alexander Age 83, 23 Jun 08, Orillia, ONLAMHA, Robert 27 Oct 08, Barrhead, ABMCAULEY, Matthew Age 61, 1 Feb 08, Selkirk, MBMCGRAIL, Joseph A Age 69, 5 Mar 08, Millbrook, ONMORDEN, Joseph A 16 Feb 08, McCreary, MBPAINTER, JC Age 83, 22 Nov 08, Provost, ABPENNEY, William (Ed) Age 81, 21 Jan 09, Calgary, ABREID, Walter A Age 68, 29 Nov 08, Edmonton, ABROWLAND, George Age 85, 5 Jan 09, St. Albert, ABWARD, William E 26 May 07, Calgary, ABWILSON, Bud 4 Jan 09, Mayerthorpe, ABIn Loving Memory of WivesRYAN, Verna (David Ryan), 3 Dec 2007, Regina, SKWARD, Eleanor (Maj WE Ward), 12 Dec 2007, Calgary, ABOur apologizes for lack of details in some casesEditorStrathconas NewsletterPage 20www.strathconas.ca