Strathcona Mounted Troop Report - Lord Strathcona's Horse

LORD STRATHCONA’S HORSE (ROYAL CANADIANS)LdSH (RC) Society4520 Crowchild Trail SWCalgary, ABT2T 5J4Volume 16, No. 2 Newsletter Editor: ‘Mucker’ Al Langan Fall, 2001Strathcona Mounted Troop ReportThe 2001 season proved to be as dynamicand exciting as ever for the members ofStrathcona’s Mounted Troop. After a verybusy Regimental centenary year, mountedtroopers were glad to get back into the “routine”of a normal Musical Ride season.This season kicked off May 20th with aride for the Taber and Area “RodeoDaze.” This was a great opportunity for theboys to work the bugs out and get used toperforming in public with their new mount.Upon return from Taber the Troop diligentlypracticed for our first big show at theSpruce Meadows National Tournament.Again the Troop was able to prove itselfas a valuable member of Spruce MeadowsColour Guard. The major tournaments atSpruce Meadows always prove to be verybusy and challenging for the Troop. Thisyear’s National was no different. Fromadding colour to the grounds of SpruceMeadows to escorting the winners of thedifferent events during the playing of theRadetsky March, Strathcona’s MountedTroop is a regular, valued fixture at anySpruce Meadows event.After being re-deployed from SpruceMeadows the Troops’ pace of operationswas slowed as Larry, our favourite farrier,was in for his first scheduled visit. Larry hasbecome quite a fixture around the Troop ashis interest in the Regiment coupled withhis sense of humour and his gentle way withour horses, not to mention the break hegives us on his fees, have made him a fanfavourite.Mid-June also saw the departure of WOChris Seefried, a valued member of theTroop for over 5 years. His “colourful” waywith the horses and riders was alwaysappreciated, as well as his nurturing way ofdelivering constructive criticism to new ridersand junior officers. His expertise will bemissed. As any one in Regimental Transportcan attest he still keeps the Troop close tohis heart, as his old saddle is in his newoffice as the Regimental Transport WarrantOfficer.With freshly trimmed and shod hooves,the Troop ventured back to Spruce Meadowsfor the Canada 1 Tournament. This isthe smallest of the major tournaments heldat Spruce Meadows and consequently inorder to raise the profile of the event theStrathcona’s NewsletterTroop was invited to participate for the firsttime this year.Canada Day saw the Troop performing atFort Edmonton Park. The show was highlightedby the expert equestrian skills ofCorporal Ron Sampert, as he was able topick up five of five pegs during the tent-peggingportion of the ride. For the remainderof July the Troop was all over Alberta performingat numerous events. The Troopappeared in both the Calgary Stampedeand Edmonton Klondike Days parades,winning best mounted colour-guard in bothevents.The highlight of the season came in mid-August with a 20-hour road trip toNanaimo, British Columbia for five daysof performances at the Vancouver IslandExhibition. The people of Nanaimo are bigfans of the Musical Ride and offered severalcompliments on the quality of our ride incomparison to the RCMP’s ride. The lastperformance during this weekend representedthe change of command date as outgoingTroop Leader Captain Chris Hunthand over the reigns (pun intended) toincoming Troop Leader Lieutenant RossProkopy. After a busy summer most membersof the Troop were glad to welcomeSeptember as the schedule for the Troopclassically slows at this time. This is not tosay that the Troop was “slacking” off as duringthis month the Troop had repeat performancesat Spruce Meadows for the MastersTournament and at Fort EdmontonPark for Labour Day. This coupled withrides in Edson, Alberta for the 75thAnniversary of the Royal CanadianLegion and at the Crystal Kids YouthFoundation’s Street Festival proved thisSeptember was not as relaxed as manywould have liked.As the leaves begin to fall and the calendarflips to October Strathcona MountedTroop is finally winding down after a verybusy summer season. The Troop will beginits block leave period after Thanksgivingand then begin preparations for next yearsride season, including the procurement ofnew horses and the exchange of personnel.The Troop has already received many bookingsfor the 2002 ride season and is evennow looking forward to these performances.Lt. Ross ProkopyTroop LeaderMessage from theColonel of the RegimentAs this is being written the full implicationsof the events on 11 September are notclear at all. As the Commanding Officernotes, the attacks create uncertainty in theRegiment as they have in many facets of lifein North America and around the world. Ashe also notes, if called to respond in someway, the Regiment will do so as it alwayshas, with professionalism and to its usualhigh standards. All Strathconas will sharethis view.To this point, however, 2001 has been amore traditional year for the Regiment anda welcome one. The many UN tasks inKosovo and Bosnia following so closelyafter the move to Edmonton made it difficultto ensure that both individual and collectivetraining were being done to the levelsnecessary. This essential classicarmoured and all arms training provide thefoundation to professionalism. They are thetraining that has permitted the Regiment torespond so successfully to its many variedtasking over the years and to perform sowell in its deployments. Having allsquadrons here in Canada and under commandfor a period also help to ensure highstandards are uniform across the Regiment.The benefits to the family life of all ranksare obvious.The trip to Ottawa to meet His RoyalHighness the Prince of Wales and toreceive his trophy presented for Squadronannual competition was excellent. It isregrettable that more Strathconas couldnot have had the opportunity to meet himeither in Ottawa or as part of Celebration2000. The presentation of the Prince of–continued on page 3Page one

Letters Letters Letters Letters LettersGreetings from the left coast. Sorry it’staken so long to write but when one isretired other things happen. In any eventI’m in my fifth year as NPFAO at Vernonand working as hard as I have to. Stoppedby Vic Binnie’s for a beer and a couple ofhour’s visit. Sgts Bruce Montrose and StanPiorier were here from the Regiment astraining advisers so we get together forbeer and story time in the Mess. I savedsome clippings from B.C. papers and amsending them along with some obits that Ihad intended to send when they were current.The item on Harry Watson (RCD) isincluded because he was a member of ourlittle band that gathers annually for a luncheonand will be known by many of theblack hatters. Bruce Andrews was a subalternin the Regiment and joins us time totime at these luncheons. This is kind oframbling but, Bill Prouse’s brother Rogerhas been a Company Commander in Vernonfor some time and I usually get to see Billand Mary when they come out for thegraduation parade. General’s Jack Dangerfieldand Pat Carew come at about thesame time, so when George Barr and BillTurner show up, we have a mini reunionon the side of the Parade Square. Ed andMike Pushkarenko are in the LegionColour Party, so will be able to say hellosometime during the summer. Hope to getdown around OK Falls to see Gerry Reid,‘Westy’ Westergard, Gord Pohlman, VicChilds, Bob ‘Mouse’ Davis, Jim Kelso,Louis Keltika, Bill Midwinter, AlCrook, Hal Johnson, Clarence McKenna,Tom Herlihey. Thought I’d throw afew names from the 50’s early 60’s. Anyoneknow where they are?Would appreciate you adding two namesto the Strathcona Family list; big brotherBob Anderson and Harreson Garner.Most will remember Garner as RockyGagne who transferred to the Postal Serviceand ended up serving with us again inEurope in the mid 60’s.Well enough for now and I’ll try not toprocrastinate and write more often.Perseverance.Bill AndersonSooke, BC(Thanks for the clippings etc. they arenow in the Regimental Museum’sarchives. Most of the names you listedare on the Family Roll and will sendaddresses of those we do have with thisissue of the Newsletter. Thanks for yourgenerous donation. Ed)Thank you for the spring copy of yourNewsletter. I always look forward to readingthe Regimental news, and findingnames of people we’ve known through theyears.Will never forget the thrill of your 100thbirthday reunion May 2000. My father was aBoer War veteran, so I was raised onmelodies like “Soldiers of the Queen”,“Goodbye Dolly Gray” etc. I never thoughtI’d see such a magnificent parade to thetune of my favorite march! A real privilege.Enclosed is a cheque to cover postageetc. With best wishes.Vera F. BallVictoria, BC(Glad you enjoy the Strathconas FamilyNewsletter. Thank you for your donation.Ed)I am enclosing funeral information forObie. It will be self-explanatory. On Obie’sbehalf please accept small donationtowards the Strathcona Society. If possible,I would like to continue to receive theNewsletter. Thank you in advance.Johanna BartlettCalgary, AB(Our condolences go out to you onyour loss. Thank you for the donationand you most certainly will receivefuture editions of this Newsletter. Ed.)Received the recent Spring Newsletter ingrand order. I thoroughly enjoy the “Letters”section; the comments and anecdoteswritten bring one a little closer and reviveold memories. Their addresses certainlyshow the worldly dispersion of the StrathconaFamily and their eagerness to keepin touch. I recently had a phone call fromEarl Sutley, brought back memories ofMeaford. Earl has fallen on hard times(health wise) but was in good spirits. SorryI was unable to attend, what I understandwas a first class reunion. Sometimes otherdevelopments occur which are beyond control.Fortunately many attendees called me.I appreciated their taking time from thebusy activities. Enclosed is George Towell’scurrent address.Sincerely.E.A. BrownEdmonton, AB(Thanks for your donation. Sorry youmissed the reunion but glad you felt partof it by those who called on you. Ed)Enclosed is obituary notice that I cut outof the Vancouver Sun newspaper. Iattended the funeral mass for John Waldiebut due to a previous commitment wasunable to attend the gathering after theservice, so did not meet with any otherStrathconas that may have been in attendance.Just received the Newsletter and notedthe passing of Roy Brough. We havepassed this info on to a mutual friend inOwen Sound, ON. Joan the widow ofRobbie Robson a former Strath, whotransferred to RCEME, had passed awaysome years ago in Montreal QC. Joan hassince remarried and her husband has invitedme to go fishing for a B.C. salmon inLake Huron. Sure going to try and makeit. The last time there I caught a 17pounder.I may be in Calgary this summer and ifso I will give you a call.Perseverance.Bob BurvillSurrey, BC(Thanks for the update. You didn’tmention who the mutual friend in OwenSound was. Ed).In early Fall until late Spring, my wifeand I spend the winter months along theColorado River in Southern Arizona.This year, on returning to Calgary,amongst a huge stack of mail, was the falland spring edition of the Newsletter. Turningeach page, the way one does, lookingfor some name, person or incident of thedistant past, for this information I commendthe newsletter, but all too often now,the Last Trumpet Call brings a deep sadnessas so many of my old comrades, andassociates depart. May they rest in peace.At Reunion 2000, my lovely wife AnneMarie, and I, with my son-in-law, R.S.M.Doug Gardner and my lovely daughterAlannah mingled amongst those very specialpeople indeed.A great but difficult task was the Orilliaproject. Mr. Shadbolt, we made an honestattempt to visit there enroute to Kingston,however, unforeseen circumstances causedus to alter our plans.On another sad occasion, I attended, inCalgary, the funeral of another departedcomrade, it was at this gathering I met andtalked with Mr. and Mrs. Bellfountaine,and I’m delighted to say Ken is doing justfine as is his lovely wife Wanda. I wasdeeply saddened to learn again of stillanother fallen Warrior, Col. W.R.C. (Bill)Little.I had the unique experience of servingwith the Fort Garry and Strathcona’swith Signals Troop at Fort Beausejour inGermany 1964 to 67. I was on parade whenthe Guidon was presented to the FortGarry’s, by Earl Alexander of Tunis.Many years later I paraded with the OldGuard of the Strathconas in Edmontonwhen their old Guidon was laid to rest, andnow proudly displayed in the legislativebuilding in Edmonton.Now, perhaps some humor to conclude.The following is a paused moment in mytime, so many years ago, and of the warriorCol ‘Wild’ Bill Little. We were on an exerciseQUICK TRAIN; the tanks were allloaded on the flat cars. We were off on atwenty-one day exercise in the North West–continued on page 4Page twoStrathcona’s Newsletter

Letters Letters continuedsituation, I would be most grateful.All the best and keep up the good work.Please pass my best wishes to Nic Nicolayand the other Strathcona’s “soldiering on”in Calgary.Perseverance.Sean HenryOttawa, ON(Your involvement and counsel withinthe Society have been appreciated. I’msure our Korean vets can assist you withthe info needed for your project. Thankyou for your donation. Ed.)I must once again express my appreciationof a reunion well done. Last May was awonderful chance to see old friends again.I made it to the dedication ceremony atthe Sam Steele Memorial. It was a treat towatch the poop troop do their thing. A goodtime was had by all.I’m sending a donation to help with theNewsletter. Use it well. It is great to get itand keep up with the family as it were.Kelvin J. HillNew Lowell, ON(Glad you were able to attend andenjoyed the Orillia annual gathering.Thanks for the donation. Ed)Thanks for sending me the Newsletter itwas nice to read all the news from theStrathcona’s and to see the name of myfather in the Last Trumpet. I would like toask you that you send me the Newslettereverytime it comes out. I have enclosed adonation for the postage.I am proud of my dad and to know thathe was a Strathcona. Thanks for all yourhelp to me.I am looking forward to hearing from you.Sincerely.Nel HoogvlietHolland(You most certainly will continue toreceive the Newsletter as long as youwish. Thank you for the donation. Ed)As our respective governments have leftme with a bit of discretionary income againthis year I am happy to enclose a cheque toassist you in carrying out your commendablejob of publishing the Newsletter.I assume that you have been informed ofthe recent death of Jack Waldie. His “obit”appeared in the Vancouver Sun last week.I remember Jack serving in the Regimentin 1952-53. Unfortunately I do not have acopy of the “obit” to forward to you.Keep up the good work and all the best.Sincerely.Frank KarwandySouth Surrey, BC(As always Frank a greatful thanks foryour donation. Jack’s obit was sent in byBob Burville. Ed)Thank you very much for sending theNewsletter, I enjoy reading it very much,although I don’t know too many of thenames anymore. Keep up the good work.Am enclosing a small contribution for thecosts involved and wish all the Best to AllStrathconas.Sincerely.Dodie LuloffHuntsville, ON(Thanks Dodie for your donation. Ed)I have just received the spring Newsletterand the Strathconian Magazine andenjoyed reading them both. It was sad tohear that they had to stand down “A”Squadron.I was wondering if it was possible to get acouple of copies of the photo of the centuriontank that appeared on page 45 of theStrathconian 2000 edition.Could you let me know what I wouldhave to do to get two 8x10” copies.Perseverance.Norman LyngMississauga, ON(Cpl Ramsden the Museum Archivisthas responded to your request for photocopies. Ed)I received my 18 year Long Service andGood Conduct medal (LS&GD) in 1955.The reason I remember it so well is that Iwas informed at that time I had gone downin the annuals of the RCASC and perhapsthe Canadian Army as the only officer cadetto receive the award. In the last NewsletterSam Hall stated he had the 18 year(LS&GD) as well as the 12 year CanadianDecoration (CD), and asked if any otherStrathconas had the same. They are veryfew. I know of four of us (for sure) whohave both medals, Sam Hall, HughieMackie, Bill May and Gordon Mackay. Ialso believe Jack Fallas is included. Havetried to contact several others who mayhave both medals, to no avail. With the helpof ol’ Mucker, this is the best I can do. Ofthe approximate 220 of us old PFs (prewar), there are some who received theircommissions during the war and continuedwith their officer’s rank until their releasefrom the Service. They were not eligible tothe, LS&GD, but if they were in the NonActive Militia prior to joining the Strathconasbefore the war would be entitled tothe 12 year Efficiency Medal (EM) andRosette. I do know that was the case for theOther Ranks as wartime service counteddouble. Jock Burton was one these whoreceived the EM even though he was not aPFr. The officers, if not in the pre war Militia,they would claim the CD and Rosettes.I know a few who received their (LS&CD)but not the CD. There were two or threewho had the EM with Rosette and the CD.In order for an officer to receive the LS&CDmedal, he had to serve at least 12 years ofhis 18 year service as an OR (Other Rank).There are a few others who may have bothbut I’m not certain, such as Mance Powell,Bill McCullough George Kendall, BertStallard, Joe Lank and Ralph Scott.After reading this, perhaps some willcome forward either to confirm or correctany of the names and items mentionedabove.PerseveranceGordon MacKayPerth, ON(Gord this should get some action orinterest from our Vets. May even helpyou to finalize your PF project. Ed)I just finished reading the LdSH (RC)Newsletter. What a great read! I couldn’tput it down until I had read it cover tocover. I enjoyed reading about all theStrathconas, then and now, and I felt a feelingof “family” from reading the letters tothe Editor and comments at the end ofeach. The historical content is very informativeas well. Thank you.Russ and I are posted to Gagetown inJuly. He says that we can continue to enjoythe Newsletter there as well.I’ve enclosed a small first time donation,but more importantly, I have enclosed ournew address in Oromocto.Thanks again, sincerely.Angie EllsOromocto, NB(Thank you for your kind words. TheNewsletter will reach you no matterwhere you and your husband are posted.All Strathconas serving with or awayfrom the Regiment’s Home Station aresent each edition. Have a good postinguntil your return. Ed)Strathcona’s NewsletterPage five

Comments from the Commanding Officer’s HatchSince the printing of the last Newsletterthere have been many activities both trainingand social, here at the Regiment. Theupcoming training plan is full and will seeus all in the field more often, training at ahigher level than in the past few years.Normally, when the training plan is set, acertain amount of stability can be achievedwithin Regimental lines as we look forwardto, and plan for these training events.Unfortunately, the events of 11 Septemberin the United States, have added adegree of uncertainty for all of us here. Asalways, the Regiment will handle anythingthat comes our way.Over the past few months the Regimentwas heavily involved with an urban operationexercise series called ORTONA RAMand URBAN RAM. These exercisescaused us to relearn many of the lessonslearnt during WW2. Although a successfulseries of exercises, we proved again howvulnerable a tank is in close urban terrain.In May a small group of us travelled toOttawa to meet with His Royal HighnessPrince Charles. He presented the Regimentwith the Prince of Wales Trophyto be presented each Moreuil Wood, tothe top Squadron in the Regiment. Thefirst presentation will be made March2002.As the posting season approached thissummer, we said good-bye to old friends,both officers and soldiers. I would beremise not to mention the outstanding supportand hard work provided to me and ColCraig Hilton by the outgoing Second-in-Command, Major John Stuckart. Afterthree years of dedicated service to boththe Regiment and the Society, John is off toa “hardship” posting in Naples, Italy. Welook forward to seeing him back again if hedecides to return home to Canada.With the end of summer and a muchneededleave period for all, the Regiment isnow geared up for what will be a busy falland winter period. Each of the Squadronswill conduct its own field exercises thisfall, followed by a Regimental gun campand live fire field exercise this November inSuffield. I can only hope the heater in mytank is working.Following the Christmas break we willcontinue training Leopard and Coyote gunnersand drivers. This year’s training willculminate in a live fire Battle Group exercisesin April in Suffield. This exercise mayalso involve a large number of AmericanM1 tanks with us. Once this is all completewe will begin another operational cyclewith Recce Squadron heading back toBosnia September 02 to March 03. “B”Squadron will follow them from April toSeptember 03. For many of our soldiersthis will mark four tours of Bosnia in lessthan ten years. There continues however,to be no shortage of volunteers for thesemissions.In closing, soldiering at the Regimentcontinues to be great fun, with many exercisesand activities on the horizon. It willbe great to have us all together for the nextyear.Perseverance,LCol WJ Ellis CDOnce Upon A Time There Was A Subaltern(The following is the fifth of a series ofreflections penned by a Strathcona (whofor now shall be anonymous) regardinghis service during what he consideredwere the “Golden” years with the Regiment.Ed)Springtime in wild rose country – time togive birth to a Recce Sqn for service withthe BAOR in West Germany. The majoritywould come from “C” Sqn with the usualcross-postings from other Sqns andreturnees from the RCAC School, CampBorden. Expectations were high andrumours were rampant, the daily rationflowed freely and revisions flourished inCurrie Barracks that spring.Recce Sqn was to be the first since 1945.As an independent Sqn, organized for Bdetasks, it could be a unique experience.With the traditional Canadian political-militaryflair, the Sqn would get equipment“left-overs” from WWII – Ferret scout carsw/ brens as main weapons. These ‘cars’together with GMC 2 1 ⁄2T’s, Dodge 3 ⁄4T’s w/winches, Jeeps (for the high-priced help),and made-over vans for the Battle Captainand SQMS – these were the Sqn wheels.(Staff vehicles: Volkswagens and Kleinebuseswere acquired after arrival at FortChambly.)An Aside: Colby Yeomans, who was tobecome 1st Sgt, 1 Troop, notes that a realnucleus of senior NCO’s were Korean veterans,most with “C” Sqn (’51). Major Vic(‘Pappy’) Jewkes old Sqn. (When thesewere added to the OC, 2 1/c, and BC withtheir experiences from WW II and Korea,the Sqn was off to a solid start.)An Aside: ‘Pat’ Patterson, 2nd Sgt, 2Troop, remembers the first meeting of theSqn in the Men’s Mess Hall. It was here thatwe finally knew who would be in Part II’s.(The swapping/dumping/stealing of OR’swas complete.)An Aside: The actual allocation of personnelwas accomplished with input fromSubalterns and Sergeants. The result was awell-balanced Sqn, where the 3 RecceTroops each contained their fair share ofexceptional Jnr NCO’s and Tprs. An immediatecompetitiveness to excel as a troopresulted. Combined with the pride of placein RECCE, we were off to an exciting start.The tank Sqns chuckled, as our trainingcommenced without vehicles. The Ferretswere ‘hopefully’ enroute – from the cornersof armouries across Canada, where theyhad often resided with lacquered tires(rotten) and painted bodies (for showonly). Time wasn’t wasted though: intenserefreshers on wireless/reporting, weapons(especially the bren – which replaced the20-pdr we’d left w/Centurions), and mapreading were now avidly pursued.An Aside: The Engineers sent personnelfrom Esquimalt to initiate many of us tomines, booby-traps, and demolitions. Theadrenalin really flowed as you walked awayfrom the charges you’d set to destroyrocks, roads, trees, steel rails – then lookedup to hopefully see what debris would beraining down on you.The transition from the “Cadillac” oftanks to a “Kiddy-Car” was challenging.The D&M (W) course led us into the worldof inner & outer tracta-joints, fluid couplings,and a pre-select gearbox (whichproved hilarious in amateur hands – andcould wipe out a crew commander…).An Aside: The instructors warned usnot to wrap our thumbs around the wheelwhen travelling cross-country. The wheelcould really twist - and I learned the hardway how much thumbs could hurt. Eventoday I curl my thumbs beside my fingerson my van, and chuckle at the memories.We fell in love with these cars evenbefore Wainwright ’57. They were easilymaintained, handled easily on/off roads,had range, ran quickly and quietly, with alow silhouette.An Aside: Colby Yeomans recalls that–continued on page 8Page 6Strathcona’s Newsletter

I’M ASENIOR CITIZENI’m the life of the party… even if itlasts until 8 p.m.I’m very good at opening childproofcaps with a hammer.I’m usually interested in going homebefore I get where I’m going.I’m good on trips for at least an hourwithout my aspirin, beans, andantacid….I’m the first one to find the bathroomwherever I go.I’m awake for many hours beforemy body allows me to get up.I’m smiling all the time because Ican’t hear a word you’re saying.I’m very good at telling stories…over and over and over and over.I’m aware that other people’s grandchildrenare not as bright as mine are.I’m so cared for: long term care, eyecare, private care, dental care.I’m not grouchy, I just don’t liketraffic, waiting, crowds, politicians.I’m sure everything that I can’t findis in a secure place.I’m wrinkled, saggy, lumpy, andthat’s just my left leg.I’m having trouble rememberingsimple words like…..I’m realizing that aging is not forsissies.I’m anti everything now, anti-fat,anti-smoke, anti-noise, anti-inflammatory.I’m walking more (to the bathroom)and enjoying it less.I’m going to reveal what goes onbehind closed doors… absolutelynothing.I’m sure they are making adultsmuch younger these days.I’m wondering, if you’re only as oldas you feel, how could I be alive at150?I’m supporting all movementsnow… by eating bran, prunes andraisins.I’m a walking storeroom of facts…I’ve just lost the storeroom.I’m a SENIOR CITIZEN and I think Iam having the time of my life! ! !The RSM’s cornerAs I approach my first year in the RSM’schair, I think I can say that things have beenvery busy (A guy can hardly find time tohave a coffee around here). Although wehave not been doing a lot of field training asa Unit, the calendar always seems to be full.I always say, you can never have enoughdogs and ponies, quarter guards, or taskings!Seems to be no ends to the Garrisonmadness, as we stare at our computerscreens, answer e-mail queries and drivemountains of paper from one office to thenext. The good news is that we are finallygetting out the door in the September andNovember period. We will have GunCamp and do some CBT Team Trainingwhere we can test the new Leopard turrets,communicate on our new radios, andhopefully launch a few rounds down range.In fact, the tempo before and after Christmasshould pick up considerably, as westeer towards two possible Coyote Sqnrotations to Bosnia (back to back startingin Sept 02).The troops have been busy doing extratasking with things like Spruce Meadows,Halifax Tattoo, Gagetown and Vernon,Federal Liberal Caucus visits; Includethe annual PCF, IRU, Mountain Man,Soccer, Baseball, and Adventure trainingin Kananaskis. A few used their afterduty time restoring and repairing old vehiclesand the list goes on and on! It’s a wonderwe get any vehicle maintenance done!Add to all that the fact that the Army andthe Forces in general continues to changethe way we do business as a Regiment on adaily basis and you can see that time getseaten up rather quickly. Not to worrythough, we will persevere, and in trueStrathcona fashion attempt to keep all theballs in the air at the same time.At this year’s dinner and dance, to commemoratethe battle of Melfa River, theregiment invited a few local Vets, who hadtaken part in this battle, to join in the celebrationwith us here in Edmonton. Thosewho were able to attend were Billy May,Bud McLean, Father Robert Greene(Calgary) and Al Swinton (Edmonton)I must mention the fact that we have hada rather active posting season this summer,(no I didn’t do this on purpose) with manyof our best soldiers going out the door toplaces like Gagetown, Wainwright, Winnipeg,Borden, Yellowknife, MedicineHat, Calgary, Kelowna, and even Regina!To all those soldiers and their familieswho have moved this summer, we wish youwell. Please know that we have a largereturn spring on you and we want you back.To those of you who are either returning foranother tour, or are serving with the Regimentfor the first time welcome. You havejoined a proud and distinguished Regimentmake it yours!(CWO) RSM D.M. Biener, CDNow if I could only remember whosent this to me, I would send it tomany more. You didn’t, did you???Cheers,Jim JefferiesL to R: CWO (RSM) D.M. Biener, Mr. Al Swinton, Mr. Billy May, WO Dave Procter,MWO Chris Kitchen, WO Brian Talty, Father Robert Greene, Commanding OfficerLCol Jim Ellis.Strathcona’s Newsletter Page 7

Once Upon A Time There Was A Subaltern continuedeven early on we became aware of thevehicle being “somewhat treacherous,especially with our relatively inexperienceddrivers.” (When descending/ascendingslopes, the car felt ‘tippy’ and the allwheeldrive could pull or push the vehiclewheel off the ground – crew commandershad to stay alert….)By the time for concentration at Wainwrightthe Sqn was pretty well ‘shakenout’. The time had come to put the piecestogether and function tactically. Anotheradvantage in being RECCE: no tanks tomove and no tank trains – we moved w/ourkit with us at 40-60 mph. (As we oftenreminded each other, we were being paidfor ‘tripping’ and camping).An Aside: We cleared the Main Gate,Currie Barracks, and were escorted inTroops (packets) by “Calgary’s Finest”,on motorcycles, at 30-50 mph through thecity and deposited on the north edge of theCity. One unfortunate civilian driverentered an intersection somewhere inNorth Calgary, and our police ‘outrider’kicked out his headlight without stopping.Apparently a following cruiser would stopand give him a ticket for the violation. Anexample of a population emerges from thediscipline of war, when conformity andobedience were expected.An Aside: ‘Pat’ Patterson recalls a “provisioningrun” prior to departure. Sgts‘Pat’ Searle, ‘Scotty’ Miller, and hecalled on Helen Searle to collect thehome made beer to be transported to theSgts’ Mess, Wainwright. (I also recall therumour re: ‘Pat’ Patterson’s efforts the previousyear to produce “cocoanut rum” inhis PMQ basement. Apparently the fermentationwas too successful. TheOTTAWA – A dozen MPs have enlistedin a pilot project designed to educate themabout the military. Roger Gallaway, the MPfor Sarnia-Lambton, Ont., went to bootcamp and was almost shot during a simulatedexercise. Bev Desjarlais, the NDP MPfor Churchill, Man., who is afraid ofheights, joined the air force for a week andended up being dropped deep into anOntario forest, and having to be airliftedinto a Labrador helicopter. David Price,the Liberal MP for Compton-Stanstead,Que, who reported for duty on Sept. 11,the day of the terrorist attacks in the UnitedStates, found himself the following dayin the cockpit of a Hercules aircraft speedingtoward Halifax, with cots and blanketsfor the thousands of passengers strandedwhen their U.S.-bound flights were forcedto land in Canada.The three MPs are among 12 to volunteerfor the Canadian Forces ParliamentaryProgram. In total, 39 MPs havePage 8cocoanuts exploded and the stench in hisbasement was intense.)Never a topic for discussions – yet fullyunderstood by all – was the certain knowledgethat our craft as professional soldierscould put us in harm’s way, even death(hopefully sudden). It was injury or deathby accident which occasioned bitter anger.L/Cpl Giroux was a “Charlie-Charlie” in 1Tp, enroute to Wainwright near the HardistyGate when his vehicle left the road,entered the left ditch, ran along that ditch,attempted to rejoin the road – then tippedand rolled completely over. L/Cpl Giroux,married less than a month earlier to aWetaskiwin girl, was killed. The remainderof the Sqn aged that day.An Aside: I was detailed as investigatingofficer. The file was over 1” thick beforeI signed the final report. The least I coulddo was to attempt to fully explore theevent as to causes. A final act was to returnthe cap badge and belt buckle to his widow– the rest of his clothing (supposed to bereturned) I took into a refuse pit, soaked itin gasoline, and burned the lot. It wasreported “mislaid”.An Anecdotal Aside: Colby Yeomansrecalls being detailed w/ Ben Burgoyne toprepare the Firing Party for the burial inWetaskiwin. “We had this new SSM. Wecalled him “Billy” but not to his face. Weknew he was not to be taken lightly.” Colbyrecalls training in the harbour: slow march,volleys w/ blank cartridges, load, etc. “Webecame pretty good”. The RSM (WO1 R.Gaunt) and “Billy” gave us a final inspectionand it was off to Wetaskiwin with me incommand of the whole shebang. We dideverything right: liased w/ the RCMP,escort and traffic control, carried out aMPs ENLISTexpressed interest in the program, whichmay be expanded to include Senators. Mr.Price and Ms. Desjarlais opted for the airforce. Other MPs have gone to sea. Mr.Gallaway chose the army, and ended upwith the Royal 22nd Regiment, known asthe Van Doos, in Val Cartier, Que. Now Mr.Gallaway, who takes more than half anhour to put on his uniform, is armed withan automatic rifle and is preparing to go toBosnia next month for peacekeepingduties. For that trip, which includesthree other MPs, Mr. Gallaway has beenissued a backpack and sleeping bag.Though he was a pretty good shot on therange, he will not be expected to carry arifle.The idea of the program is not to killMPs, though Rachel Kersys and AndréLevesque, who operate the program forthe Department of National Defence,insist the politicians receive no favours.There is no VIP treatment beyond beingRecce of all locations, spoke to familymembers, even the Padre. Everythingwent great: the service, movement of thecortege to the cemetery, the volleys witheveryone crying (Giroux had married intoan Italian family) they were right out oftheir trees…all was going just great ‘tillthey invited us to the Legion for refreshmentsafter the service. Within an houreveryone is well on his way except for thetruck driver, Benny, and myself, althoughwe’d had a few. We had to move them outand the locals didn’t appreciate that. Ittook what seemed forever to extract ourselvesfrom the Legion, mount-up (the 21/2T), and move out. By now, some are inbad shape. Benny and I rode in the backwith them so there would be no moremishaps. I can remember saying to Burgoyne,“wait ‘till “Billy” sees this gaggle. MyRecce career will come to an abrupt halt”.God bless “Billy” May – because he waswaiting as we arrived in harbour. The truckcame to a halt and we jumped out and loweredthe tailgate. We had this guy,P______, who had come over from Ireland,doesn’t he tumble out of the truck and landat “Billy’s” feet. “Billy” took one look andshouted, “Get your feet under you and quitacting smart!” Not losing a beat he lookedat me and said, And how did the funeral go,Sergeant?” “Everything went well, sir.” I’llnever forget his reply: “Goooood”, andaway he went into the harbour. I turned toBenny and winked. “That was our freeone.” By the way, the sober truck driverwho had remained w/ the truck and guardedthe rifles was Tpr Mogg.In this manner the Sqn arrived in Wainwright,entered harbour, and prepared forthe exercises to come in ’57.treated as if they have the rank of Major.Their uniforms are on loan and must bereturned. Only the special arm patch,bearing the House of Commons crest, wasmade especially for the program. Costs areminimal, says Ms. Kersys, since the MPssleep in a barracks (a two-room suite forMr. Gallaway), eat in the mess halls andshadow the soldiers. They are allowed tospeak to anyone about any topic.The program is modeled on one that hasoperated in the United Kingdom for morethan a decade. Research showed onlyeight of Canada’s 301 MPs had any exposureto the Armed Forces. “It’s actuallyquite sad when you look at it,” Ms. Kersyssaid. During one simulation, a crowd ofabout 15 people surrounded Mr. Gallaway.He failed to react when a woman in thecrowd pulled out a gun from under hercoat. A fellow patrol member noticed thewoman immediately and “shot her.” “I did-–continued on page 12Strathcona’s Newsletter

Birchaven Invitational Golf TournamentWe met for our Moreuil Wood Luncheonon Saturday, 31 March, at thePrincess Mary restaurant in Victoria.There was a good, strong turnout for ourgathering. Some of the group had to travelfrom distant locations. Pete Sybrandycomes from Washington State, and thereis always a group who comes over on theferry from the Lower Mainland. JohnDutton has been a regular participant formore than 20 years and makes the crossingevery year. It is always a special pleasure tosee our RCEME comrades joining us regularly.Sam Schnaar and Ben Barnhartwere there to meet with old friends andusually we can expect to see Fred Legg.Ben and I go back to service in UK in 1941.Doug DunsmoreGreat weather, good friends and awesomegolf marked the 10th playing of theBirchaven Invitational Golf Tournament,held again this year 7-9 September at thebeautiful Owen Sound Golf and CountryClub. Host Bruce Rutherford and his wifeDawn had everything organized andsquared away as usual, beginning with ameet greet eat and drink session thatallowed everyone time to catch up on eachothers activities whilst getting acquaintedwith the latest additions to the Rutherfordmenagerie, namely six or seven raccoonsand a couple of shy possums.Again this year a demanding businessschedule prevented Dave Keddie fromattending, but he was able to provide hisusual company sponsored prizes, for whichwe were all grateful. Bruce was able to getfor his replacement however, none otherthan Owen Sounds star cross country skier,roller skater and golfer Bill Georgas. Billwas a great addition to the group as he wasable to relate stories of both Bruce andbrother Bob of events before our time.As it was two well-balanced foursomeslaunched forth into the early morning sunfor a day of memorable golf. In spite of alengthy lay off Judge Bob and his partnerBill led the charge with Dennis Hopkinsand Clive Milner making up the foursome,all grateful for the best ball format. The followingquartet, Bob Billings, BruceRutherford, Bob Sear and Al Diggins,were so close at times it resembled tacticstraining at Meaford with two and three-up“T”s, and the odd blind corner drill thrownin for good measure!At the end of the day the Best Golfer trophywent to host Bruce and his cart driverBob Billings. Al Diggins won the Gorftrophy for longest drive. The Judge Bobagain walked off with the Golden GolferTrophy again as well as the lunch tab, forwhich we all showed our usual appreciation.Bob Sear was chosen as Best CrewCommander for not once having to reverse(i.e., never hitting the ball backward), andDennis and Clive tied for the neatestscorecard. Par golf? Not a problem.A new trophy this year, the TrooperWyatt Mannequin Piss for the closest-tothe-holewas not awarded as nobody was.The rules committee guarantees that it willbe awarded next year even if we are rainedout.A major activity this year was the presentationof the Canadian Peacekeepingmedal by Bruce to Bob Sear, BobBillings and Dennis as well as the NATOVancouver Island Reportcame down fromL to R: Bob Rutherford, Clive Milner, Bruce Rutherford, Bob Sear, Dennis Hopkins,Bob Billings.Comox to present me with the PeacekeepingService Medal. It’s a traditionwith us. He was the Chief Scribe in ourUNEF tour in 1961 and I know he gave memy UNEF medal at Rafah, Egypt. I thinkhe also presented me with my CD.We lost one of our comrades this summer.Brian Baker died in Victoria on 20July at age 73. He had been in extendedcare at the Gorge Road Hospital for morethan a year. Brian served in Korea andretired in, I think, 1970.I would appreciate help in getting intouch with Bob Bird’s family inSaskatchewan. Early last year I contactedhis son, Richard who was living in Balgonie,SK., I had promised to write a memorialletter about his father, for him. I alsoService Medal to Bob Billings. Bob Searwho was the career manager who sentthem in the first place most ably narratedthe event.The tournament was climaxed, asalways, with the awards banquet preparedby master chef R. Stanley ably assisted byDawn. The following morning, after ahearty breakfast cooked by the host, alldeparted much the better for the timespent together and being so well cared forby Bruce and Dawn.Cheers.MGen (Retd) C. MilnerCol. Comdt. RCAChad some telephone calls with Teresa,Bob’s widow. Unfortunately, during thesummer of 2000 my computer crashed andI lost their phone numbers. I have tried tofind them through Canada 411 withoutsuccess. If anyone can help me make contactagain with the Bird family it would bemuch appreciated. I can be reached at(250) 479-8019, or by e-mail at .I want to tell you about a book that BillWest gave me. It’s about the Italian Campaign.It is a fascinating personal recollectionof the experiences of 18 Platoon “D”Company of the Perth Regiment.The Perths were an infantry battalion of11th Infantry Brigade in the 5th–continued on page 10Strathcona’s Newsletter Page 9

PERAMBULATIONS OF THE PERIPATETIC PADREThe year 2001 has given me the opportunityof visiting Strathcona’s and their widowsin five different provinces. Starting inlate May, I had a great visit with Lloyd andDella Spilde in Provost, Alberta. Lloydwho is permanently confined to hospitalwas having his best day in two years and wehad fun barking out tank commands. Lloydwho was affectionately known in “B”Squadron as “Jock” was my driver throughpart of Italy and all of Holland. I was hisbow gunner and the crew commander wasnone other than Major “Billie the Kid”Milroy who later rose to be a LieutenantGeneral while I dropped from Lance Corporalto Trooper, but this was only after mytrue ability was discovered! Della who visitsJock faithfully every day prepared us awonderful roast beef dinner and bedded myfriend and I down for the night in theSpilde’s lovely home. The next morning wetook off for Jimmy and MargerySpencer’s home in Mervin, Saskatchewan,about 100 miles north east of Provost.Jimmy was my driver in Italy where on thefirst day in the Gothic Line (August 31,1944) I almost shot off his head. We weregoing down a hill and hit a ditch, whichcaused my foot to bounce on the turretfloor and onto the firing pedal which firedthe 30-mm co-axial mounted just over thedriver’s head. Jimmy thought we had beenhit by an ‘88 and proceeded to goose theSherman. I think he has forgiven me, possiblyremembering that I was the one whohelped him to the Regimental Aid Postafter he was wounded at Torrice Crossroads,earlier in May. In June my wife Marionand I journeyed to Brandon Manitobaspending two nights visiting Rae MacDiarmidin Moose Jaw. Rae is the widow ofIan who was one of “B” Squadron’s reallysuper crew commanders. Later in JuneMarion and I drove to a theological conferencein Langley, B.C. and while their wewere the guests of Jack and Valerie Somersetwho treated us royally. On the wayhome we stopped in to visit ScrammyScramstad my crew commander at TorriceCrossroads who was just about to celebratehis 80th birthday in Penticton. After spendingthe night with Irene Kennedy in Pentictonwe headed north to call on Vic Binniein Vernon. Vic is something else!Despite the fact that he is partially blind, hehas a computer, which creates large fontcharacters that, produces a larger print ofletters he receives. With this machine hehas made hard discs of the 2000 reunion inEdmonton. Vic was most hospitable servingus cold drinks on a hot day.When he is not on his computer hespends his time trying to evade the host ofladies who populate his seniors’ residence.Keep running Vic. He is also in constantcontact with “Fighting” Jock Burton, mycrew commander in England and who latergained fame in Italy by shooting up half theGerman Army on Highway 16 near TorriceCrossroads. In July Marion and I drove eaststopping in Winnipeg to visit with ChumMacey in the Deer Lodge Hospital. Chum isnot in good shape, but when I mentionedthe name “Vic Binnie”, he seemed to perkup. In Winnipeg we phoned RogerPtosnick and Carol Ellerbeck (daughterof Bob) but both were out. After arriving inToronto we called on Frank Clifford, whoin his late 80’s is still doing some part timework in his old law firm where he was a longtime office manager. By the time this hitsprint, Frank will probably have moved toLondon, Ontario where he joins his son.Around the corner from Frank live Len“Alley” Katz and Lee. Len was in “B”Squadron in the winter of 1943-44 in theOrtona - Orsogna Line where he managedto consume most of the contents of a VinoBarn and lived to tell the story. Len drove ahack for many years in Toronto, havingsuch famed customers as Prime MinisterJohn Diefenbaker. On our way to Montrealwe dropped in to see Gordie andGladys MacKay in Perth, Ontario. Gordiethe old trumpeter has a room in his basementall fixed up with Strathcona memorabilia.This was a great treat to see andbrought back many memories as I gazed ata really super collection of old Strath photos.Back at home in Calgary I try to keep intouch with as many WW II Straths and theirwidows as possible. These include DonLake, Alex Ozirny in the Belcher Hospital,and his wife Jean, Billie and MollyMay, Nick Budner’s widow Alice, HerbMcCreary’s widow Millie, FrankThiessen, Marilyn Blanch, and widow ofRon. We “Once a Strathcona, always aStrathcona” and this has proved so true inrecent days. The Regiment invited BillieMay, Bud McLean and myself from Calgaryand Ron ??????? from Edmonton, tothe Moreuil Wood dinner at the Snr NCOsMess in the barracks, we were the only fourWorld War II vets at the dinner. Here in Calgary,the Association (Alberta Branch)most generously presented me with aplaque, making me an Honorary Member oftheir Branch. You could have knocked meover with a Sherman! One last word -Straths I have been trying to dig up are L.J.“Duffy” Dufresne “B” Squadron fromNovember 1943 to November 1945. Livedon the St. Lawrence near Iroquois, Ontario,but when I inquired their last July no traceof him. I am pursuing this one. Well as themomma spider said to the poppa spider - “Igotta fly!”POOSH ON STRATHCONA’S.Father R.S.H. GreeneL/Cpl (Retired)Vancouver Island Report continuedArmoured Division. The book was writtenby Stanley Scislowski who was thePIAT gunner in the Platoon (the PIAT wasa portable anti-tank rocket launcher.) It is,for me, an honest account of the trials, failuresand stunning successes of his platoon.The title he gave his book “Not All of uswere Brave”. But don’t believe it! Part ofthe story is particularly interesting to usbecause Stanley describes the defense ofthe feature Point 204 on the night 1/2 Sep1944. The Perths and “B” Squadron,Strathconas defended this vital feature.The seizing and holding of the feature wasextremely important to 8th Army, becauseit broke open the Gothic Line defensivesystem. The Germans launched a fiercecounter attack, which failed, causing theenemy to withdraw. Stanley describes theaction as it concerned 18th Platoon. “B”Page 10Squadron tanks are not part of hisaccount. Nevertheless “B” Sqn was verymuch there. Major (LGen (retired)) BillMilroy was awarded the DSO. HaroldBoetttcher received the MM for hiscourage and skill with a .50 Browning.The casualties were Maj Milroy, Capt DonMunro, Lts’ McIlwaine, McKay-Keenan,Vic Gar (who died of his wounds), and TprHarold Boettcher. In this same action,mention is made of one man who was soexhausted that he had fallen asleep in hisslit trench and had slept through theartillery fire which our gunners broughtdown on the feature. I remember someoneshowing me the slit trench on the followingnight and telling me that a Perth hadshared the slit trench with some Germansoldiers during the counter-attack. I knowthe book will bring back many memories ofour time in Italy. I think the book could bea useful training tool in the study of leadership.Stan seldom mentions officers. Theman who led the platoon at most times wasthe platoon sergeant. He was the dominantfigure in combat. Ask your library to get itfor you. If you find you like it, tell your familybefore Christmas.In a few weeks we will get the summonsfrom Bill Anderson for the committee toassemble, for the purpose of carefully consideringall the factors bearing on the annualMoreuil Wood Luncheon. We eat ourFish and chips, wash it down with a coupleof beers (at our own expense), then finally,Bill declares the date for this event and wedisperse. It’s a marvelous ritual.Seasons Greetings from the West Coast.Jock BurtonVictoria. BCStrathcona’s Newsletter

My dad sent the attached article fromthe Kootenay Advertiser last fall, aspart of a Remembrance Day “special”.Dad was Captain QuarterMaster of theRegiment in Italy during WW 2.Rod TomlinsonCalgary, ABA visit to a lost son’s grave makes afitting farewell(Judi Illingworth of Charlottetownsubmitted this story to Veterans Affairsproject. It is a very touching story writtenabout her grandmother).Imagine watching your 14-year-old soncross the train tracks every evening to go tothe Drill Hall. Imagine watching him gooverseas, barely out of high school. Thentry to imagine travelling thousands of milesacross the ocean to visit his grave, 40 yearsafter last seeing him alive.Many people would have difficulty imaginingthis scene but it is a scene my grandmother,Mrs. Charlotte Smith (Nanny),never forgot.Born in Ottawa, on October 4, 1900 shelived her entire life in the Ottawa area,attending Bordon Elementary and CambridgeHigh Schools. Nanny marriedWilliam Smith in 1920 and one year laterKenneth was born. Kenny was the oldest ofsix children.In 1935, at the age of 14, Kenny joinedthe Governor General’s Foot Guards inOttawa. That was quite young but Kennyjust loved it and would come home at nightand shine his buttons and boots. Kenny’sduty with the Foot Guards included reportingnearly every evening to the Drill Hall.And as he crossed the train tracks that ranbehind their house, Nanny proudly sat onthe porch and watched him go. She alwaysworried and she used to sit up and wait forWhere Have Allthe Generals Gone?Photo taken at the Fort FrontenacOfficers’ Mess in Kingston. MajGrodzinski was interviewing GeneralsMilroy, Neatby and Gutnecht for theRegimental Archives, so we used theopportunity to have an informal Regimentalofficer’s luncheon. Thought you might wishto include it in the next newsletter. Backrow, L - R: Col (Retd) Doug Green, ColRay Wlasichuk, Col (Retd) John Roderick,Gen (Retd) Bob LaRose, Gen (Retd)Bill Milroy, Gen (Retd) Phil Neatby, Gen(Retd) Rene Gutnecht, Maj Chris Young.Front row L-R: Capt Zenon Drebolt, MajJohn Grodziski, Maj Mike Froess, MajRalph Kennedy, Maj Rod Babiuk. Presentbut not shown: LCol Rick Bowes.Mike FroessA visit to a lost son’s gravehim to come home across those tracks atnight.Kenny was the first of his group offriends to enlist and then the day came forhim to go overseas with the Lord Strathcona’sHorse (Royal Canadian) 2ndArmoured Regiment. For months after heleft Nanny remembered sitting there atnight picturing him jumping the tracks.Kenny was stationed in North Africa andItaly and he wrote home every week. Hewould often send little souvenirs home andone day a parcel came for a little girl Nanny& Grandpa had adopted. Here in this parcelwas a silk dress that some lady had given toKenny for a Chocolate Bar. He was alwaysdoing things like that. He was a very givingperson.Indeed, Kenny was a giving person, andon September 13, 1944, just two days afterhis 23rd birthday, C40082 Trooper KennethEdgar Smith gave his life in the province ofPesaro, Italy.The unit Kenny was in had been trying toovertake a German stronghold: the Castleof Gradara near the town of Rimini on theAdriatic Sea.Capt. Brown of Kenny’s unit wrote Nannyto describe the events of his death. CaptainBrown saw Kenny’s tanks get hit and thatmade the letter even worse to read. A fewyears after Kenny’s death, Nanny receivedher Silver Cross in the mail. Having thatCross meant more than anything in theworld to her and she was so proud of it. In1988, Nanny was asked to lay the wreath atthe Westboro Legion Cenotaph. I rememberher saying; “To be asked to lay a wreath asthe Silver Cross Mother is the highest honouranybody could give me.”Nanny made a point of attendingRemembrance Day services every year—whether it be at Westboro or at the NationalWar Memorial.In 1982 Nanny, along with my UncleCorky (another son) and his wife visitedher son’s grave in Italy. The trip was anemotional one, and even the prospect ofseeing Kenny’s grave would bring tears toher eyes. I remember her saying she criedmost of the way over but the trip was beautiful.Kenny is buried in the Gradara WarCemetery, directly across from the castlewhere he gave his life. Both Nanny andUncle Corky found the moment very emotionaland sat there in silence crying at theloss of a son, brother, and good friend.Nanny wanted to plant a maple tree on hisgrave and she wished she had broughtsomething. She did have a little red, whiteand blue ribbon on her jacket so sheattached it to a stake and put it in theground. She did bring back a little bottle ofsoil from his grave. She was impressed withthe care that was taken at the cemetery—itwas perfect, not even a weed.There are train tracks beside the roadthat must be crossed to enter the cemetery.Nanny felt it fitting that she used to watchKenny cross the tracks every night on theway to the Drill Hall and here she wascrossing the tracks to see him again.Nanny died on June 5, 1991 and is buriedin Pinecrest Cemetery in Ottawa. Sprinkledover her grave is the soil she brought backfrom Kenny’s grave. Something she hadasked we do.I never met my Uncle Kenny but readingletters and poems he wrote and sent homeand listening to stories told by my Nannyand my mom made me feel like I did. Someday I hope to be able to take my mom overto visit the grave of her brother, somethingI know would make her happy.Strathcona’s Newsletter Page 11

Six years prior to the departure of theRegiment from Calgary, The RegimentalMuseum moved from the BessboroughBuilding in Currie Barracks to its presenthome at the Museum of the Regiments.As such our gallery, collection and archiveshave been part of the largest Military Museumin Western Canada that is second onlyto the Canadian War Museum in Ottawa.For those of you who have had theopportunity to visit our facility, you willagree the quality is second to none. Currentserving and retired members of the foundingunits and a large group of volunteersare largely responsible for this. Withoutthese dedicated people we would not beable to present this world-class facility tothe public. If you wonder whether peopleare interested in the museum and do thetales and history of the Strathconas actuallyget told. The answer is emphaticallyYES!The staff at the museum has developed avariety of programs such as sleepovers,birthday parties and edu-bus however thelargest are the Remembrance Day programs.These outstanding programs recentlyreceived an award from Museums Alberta.These programs cover all aspects of thewars in which Canada has participated.They range from Cubs and Beavers programsto post secondary curriculum. Lastyear the Museum of the Regiments told ourstories to over 16,000 students in schoolsand 4,000 people at the Museum in a sixweekperiod. These programs are everevolving and this year we expect the numbersto rise to well over 18,000 in theschools and up to 4,000 at the Museum asthis the most we can accommodate forthese programs. The Family RemembranceDay Service held at the museumtraditionally hosts 3-6,000 people for theparade on November 11 annually and thisREGIMENTAL MUSEUM REPORTMuseum staff receives the CanadianPeacekeeping Service Medal (CPSM). Lto R: WO D.H. Crowell, MCpl T.W. Giberson,Cpl L.J. Ramsden.number is expected to be even larger,weather permitting.On an average year the Museum of theRegiments averages almost 50,000 visitorsannually and the outreach programs another10,000. As word of the quality of ourfacility spreads we anticipate that this numberwill only increase. With that in mindthere have been some major changes in theworks for the past number of years and thethought has been toward expansion. Thegoal is not only to expand the existing facilitybut also to include the Naval Museum ofAlberta (Tecumseh) in the same location.This should be a win-win situation for bothmuseums and will create the largest andbest military museum complex in WesternCanada and establish a new era of cooperationbetween this new museum and theCanadian War Museum. The expansion isstill a couple years away, however we aregearing up for that time now.Over the past year our museum staff hasbeen busy trying to tie up a number ofareas from the Celebration 2000 activitieswhile attempting to make minor changes inthe gallery. MCpl Todd Giberson hasbeen busily cataloguing the collection toensure all the artifacts are indeed in goodorder. Once this task is completed some ofthe pieces of the collection will be conservedand put away as their current statewill no longer allow handling. One suchitem is the Sudbury flag that is actually heldat the Museum. Its replica, which is displayedin regimental lines, was reproducedby Mr. George Milne and donated to theunit along with the replica King’s Colour.The biggest challenge will be with ourarchives. Cpl Lee Ramsden will be focusingon digitizing the thousands of photosand documents to not only preserve ourhistory for future generations, but by buildinga large database we will be able to betterserve any research requests. Hopefullythis will be close to completion by the timethe expansion of our building is complete.Recent changes at the Museum are timingsand admission charges. The staff hoursremain the same 8-4 weekdays, while thegallery hours are 10-9 Mon to Thurs and 10-4 Fri to Sun. Admission is $5.00 adult, $3.00senior, $2.00 teen. Children under 12 yearsand serving members free.I hope you all get the opportunity to visitour Regimental Museum, if you haven’talready, and take pride in the proud historyof our regiment. I look forward to your thevisit.WO Darryl Crowell, MB, CDCuratorMPs Enlist continuedn’t see her,” admitted Mr. Gallaway, addingthe moment seemed very real.“I’m not saying that the week there [inVal Cartier] or this week in Bosnia is goingto make me an expert on the ArmedForces. But it gives me some exposure toit and some idea of who are the soldiers inour military, how they are treated and howthey feel. And I have to say, I amimpressed.” So was Bev Desjarlais, whodropped markers from the back of a Herculesfor a search and rescue exercisewhile secured to the plane with a safetyharness. “It gives you a good idea of howtough a job it is to be up there,” she said“especially if you are looking for an individual.... It’s not as easy as it appears.”Mr. Gallaway, however, did have onecomplaint. “I wanted to be a colonel.”Page 12Coming January 2002Check us out atwww.strathconas.ca•Send your comments to:Lord Strathcona’s Horse (Royal Canadians)PO Box 10500 Station ForcesEdmonton, AB T5J 4J5Phone: (780) 973-1660Fax: (780) 973-1647Email: kstephan@dnd.caStrathcona’s Newsletter

LdSH(RC) Association (Alberta Branch) ReportLdSH (RC) Association (AlbertaBranch) ReportGreetings from “Wild Rose Country”. Oursummer break is over and your committeeis getting on with the job. There is a slowdown in correspondence as each of us triesto enjoy what is left of summer and finishour vacations. Often no news is good newsand I hope this is the case.PEOPLE-PLACES-THINGSJoe Bishop – Apdo Post #594 C P 45800Chapaia, Jalisco Mexico - come and visit, e-mail to: joe@damron.ca or check out thecondo www.angelfire.com/art/buffy/joe/joemain.htm.Fred Daunais – went through majorsurgery losing a limb and is experiencingmany problems with his recovery. Fred,ALL who know wish you the best.The Beller’s – Wanda and Ken hit theroad in their car and made it to the EastCoast visiting many friends en route.Wanda read the map thus they returnedsafely!Mr. and Mrs. R.B.E. Clarke – haverelocated to Calgary this Sep. Welcomehome you two.Salmon’s – They are heading west to anarea around Blind Bay and should be settlednow. We’ll miss you guys.The Shadbolt’s – took a month and continuedtheir trip to the East Coast that wasinterrupted last year. They attended ColEddy’s daughter’s wedding, and I’m notsure if it was before or after the lobsterfeast. Fred, their son, also lives down thatway. They also had a chance to see MarieMajor and Pusher Bennett.I.D. MacKay’s Famous Luncheons.They are still a very popular event withretired and serving Strathcona’s. The Regimenthas been supportive by sending downmembers of the Regiment when possible.Regular attendees include Red Sturgess,Bob Coll, Jim Remmington, Ron Bancroft,Bill Nastiuk, Dave Cathcart, BobLett, Vic Saver, Joe Cotterall, BillHood, Jerry Salmon, Frank Rowe,Gary Lee, Harry Thompson, BudWheat, Cliff Brown, Ken Bellefountaine,Bill Finch, Jim Dort, Rod Mac-Dougall, Mucker, WO Crowell, Roy Jardine,Joe Dunn, Jerry Cluett, EarlCady, Charles Bashford, Bill May, BobBartlet, John Boudreau, Nic Nicolay,Howie Owen, Spook Spence, and DickMcDonald, and I’m sure I have missed afew. Thanks for your company and war storiesguys.Bensons – Curtis and Jane have decidedto hook up the trailer and head south atthe first sign of frost. Curtis intends to getto Texas and after that go where the feelingtakes them. They did leave a contact phonenumber in Calgary so if the need arises giveme a call.Crossman’s – would like to thank theCalgary crew that traveled to Consul,Sask. to lend their support at our daughter’swedding. Thanks Jim and Nancy, Boband Sharon, Ken and Wanda, Wayne andAnne-Marie, Jim and Sandra also Garyand Gail.Coleman (Red) — writes: I really enjoythe Newsletter please keep it coming. Healso mentioned he was part of the D-DayDodgers who help to distract a number ofGermans keeping them busy in Italy lighteningthe load a bit for the landing inFrance. I met Stuart McLaughlin who iscurrently serving with the Regiment inEdmonton. I keep his family updated onany Strathcona news.CO and RSM – Thanks from all thosewho meet at #285 Legion, for presentingthe Branch with a Regimental plaque,which is now proudly displayed.Bill Penner’s trip East – Left in Maystopping in Petawawa staying withBernie and June Leeder. AttendedRadley-Walters picnic at the yacht clubchatted with many, to name a few – CliveAddy, Charlie Butt, Bill Coupland,Charlie Maybee, Tim Lowerson, TedNurse, and Jim Temp. Further east atGaspe we visited with Rad and Pat Walters,on to Cape Breton, Newfoundland,and over to PEI. Spent an evening withE.J. McDonald and Doreen. In N.S.spent time with Red McIssac, then on toSpringhill stopping at L&S Brown. Visitedwith L&B Smith later making our wayhome arriving on the 7th of Aug. GoodJourney and Good Friends.OK FALLS REUNION 14-16 Sept 01Don, Bob, ID, and Gary attended fromCalgary and the OK COMMITTEE is to becommended on the GOOD ORGANIZA-TION, GOOD FOOD, AND GOOD FRIEND-SHIPS. Betty Reid and Irene Kennedy,ticket seller’s supreme, Bill and PattieWood the registration experts, GOOD JOB!Thanks also goes to Wes and all the Legionstaff for their hard work. It was especiallygood to see Knobby and his family just twoweeks after they had moved back to Calgary.Insider News! Jerry Reid reserved aroom for everyone except Betty? We are alittle curious why one of the guests storedchairs on her bed? Gary’s research showedMajor I.D. MacKay (retired) never had aBATMAN, so Bob Lett was appointed. Juryis still out on its success. (You had to bethere!).George Bar and Bill Turner volunteeredto run next years Reunion inKelowna.Caesar Jordaan (administrator) – youand your committee are to be congratulated.Job Well Done!Reunion 2005 – Mayfield Inn and Suitesis Reunion Central (near the West Ed Mall)for 2005. Association will discuss sponsoringof widows, number and cost at our Sepmeeting. Our pre-plan is a four-day event,Meet & Greet, Reunion Dinner, All RanksFunction, Church Service and Closing Ceremonies.Theme should be decided atMarch 2002 Board of Directors meeting. Itis Alberta’s 100th so you may wish to planearly.Members of the Alberta Branch willnotice a $5.00 increase in the membershipdues for 2002 to help offset the cost ofdoing business. Our e-mail address will bein the Spring issue of the Society Newsletterand will also appear on the Regiment’sWeb Page by Jan 2002. Please continue towrite us about the happenings in your area.May everyone enjoy a Safe and Happy FestiveSeason.PerseveranceDon CrossmanPresidentLdSH(RC) Association(Ottawa Branch)ReportThe Ontario group under the leadershipof Gen Phil Neatby is working to keep thespirit alive in the center of the country. Thegreatest concentration of the family is inthe Ottawa area but there are a number ofareas where there must be a greater effortmade to keep them involved.On a suggestion from Pierre Garneau avisit to Vimy House (the warehouse of theWar Museum) was arranged and wellattended. Four of the family, includingPierre, Walt Conrad, Dave Iley and BillJacobs, are active as guides at Vimy Houseduring the Fall to Spring period when it isopen to visitors on Saturdays, free ofcharge.More events are planned for the comingyear. A greater communication effort isplanned now that so many of us are usingthe Internet. Bill Logan has been workingto get all of the e-mail addresses he can findfor faster distribution of our bulletin.PerseveranceBill JacobsOttawa. ONStrathcona’s Newsletter Page 13

While scanning through “The WesternProducer”, which is a Prairie Publicationpublished in Saskatoon, SK. Winnie Pogmoreof Red Deer, AB, which has letterswritten, compiled the following article by aCpl Spreeman who was a World War IStrathcona and was addressed to his sisterViola. Winnie is Viola’s daughter.I.D. MacKayCalgary, ABLetters homeBy March 1918, Germany had all butwon the war. The French and Britishwere exhausted, the infantry greatlydepleted, the tanks not effective, and theairplanes unable to destroy Germanstrongholds. Bayonets and poison gashad not stopped the onslaught. On March30, 1918, the Cavalry Brigade underLieut. Flowerdew recaptured MoreuilWood. The tide was turned.Herbert Spreeman went one milenorth into Rifle Wood on March 31, 1918,where he was severely wounded.Only 15 Cavalrymen were left whenthe Germans retreated and the Alliesregrouped.Spreeman was born in Ontario in1895 and came west to the Chinook, Alta.Area as a young blacksmith.He served as a constable in the Banffand the Peace River district with theNorth-West Mounted Police, and in 1917,joined the Lord Strathcona’s Horse(Royal Canadians), a unit of enlistedNWMP.The following are excerpts fromwartime letters he sent to his sister Violaof Kitchener, Ont.Jan. 4, 1918Trooper H. Spreeman 2270327Lord Strathcona’s Horse C.R.C.R.Shorncliffe, Kent, EnglandOur Christmas was a great one – fit for aking, so don’t put yourself out sendingboxes, although I do enjoy the good onesyou pack. I have beer: stony broke since mypass. Haven’t had a good bath for an age:costs sixpence to have one here. Did I tellyou I quit smoking? If so, I’ve misinformedyou as I smoke a pipe. Don’t mention this toMother unless you wish. A man, a pipe anda good book builds character, and is a comfortto a soldier. Oh, Viola, your letter hasmade me lonely. I feel as though I wouldlike to be home again. The fleeting vision ofyou at the station in Toronto will never beforgotten. Mother was so brave, I shallnever forget how well she bore up, and ifone of her boys shall fall a victim of Hunnishbrutality, she has still one to comforther in later years.Feb. 14, 1918Before I leave for France on Saturdaymorning I will send you some pins – havethem guilded for broaches. Give one toEffie. Leave to London was wonderful, butone does need to be very careful of thePage 14Letters homegirls. Some are fast and furious, and getmany a fine young fellow in wrong. Peoplehere are eating horseflesh – on base we areclassifying our horses and casting some foreating purposes. Imagine eating our ownhorses.March 18,1918We are rushed at present, and circumstancesnot favorable for correspondence.Paper in short supply. I assure you dearestsister that your letters cheer me awfully. Ienjoy the army more than ever but everynight is a hell. Cold is no name for it. Onenearly perishes, but during the day the suncomes out warm and clear. When I return, Ilong to sleep out under an apple tree or inan old barn. At last we are in active service.No need to tell you about the trenches orholes. I’m glad I’m in the Cavalry – we ridewith a pack on our backs. Sometimes wecan’t believe a war is on – everything dreadfullyquiet, nights clear and black. Then theguns open up, and one is almost deafenedby the roar of the artillery, and airplanescircle in the sky. Search lights shoot up,machine guns chatter, and all is in anuproar. Damage to the country is awful. Willtry to send field cards. Heavy rain makesour horses a fearful state – will need hoursof grooming. Gillette razor blades, writingpaper tobacco and eats are much appreciated.April 7, 1918Canadian General HospitalBasingstroke, EnglandI was hit April 1 in the right thigh – slightlyin the left. We have been through hotfighting since arrival in France. The Germans’offence in the news is not exaggeratedin the least. She is having her last kick.All our draft is dead or wounded. My chumwas shot through the stomach and died 20minutes later, saying “Divide my moneyamong the boys”. Another chum lay for 13hours before dying. We could not get himout – oh it was awful! He continually beggedme to shoot him. Others fell by the swordand others by tossed bombs. Oh, ‘twasdreadful, horses and men lay dying everywhere.The Huns out numbered us 10 toone. I could tell you of the mad dashes orcharges, but they are not pleasant toremember, let alone talk about. We rescuedan officer after dark with a stretcher madefrom a horse blanket, two poles, and fourbayonets – all less than 200 yards from theenemy. For 10 minutes, bullets rainedaround us but as if by a miracle, none of uswas hit. The French soldiers, who I admire,call us the Fighting Devils and are generousto us.April 15, 1918Canadian General HospitalBasingstrokeWe now walk with a stick – wound healingbut badly swollen. Will be sent to a ConvalescentHospital and then have leavebefore going back into active service. Fightingnow is more in the open with more disastrousresults, but we are holding our own,and the U.S. troops are coming in. Our Cavalrysuffered very heavily and many of theboys will never use their limbs again. Nearlyall our fellows were lost and an awfulbunch of horses. It is a pitiful sight to see awounded horse lying helpless or standingon three legs. One horse would not leave itsmaster and stood beside the dead rider forhours until finally a bullet brought himdown. Their screaming is dreadful to hear.You may wonder if I have killed any Germans.Well, yes, I have accounted for a few,and I’ll tell you that when shells are burstingall around and Fritz is firing not 300yards away, you do not stop to consider if itis the right thing to do. All this aside, it’ssimply awful when one gets used to killing.I’ll tell you though, dear sister, good manytimes I wonder just what becomes of thesouls of these men. Men usually die exactlyas they have lived. It’s awful isn’t it? MayGod be merciful is the prayer we shouldhave on our lips. Oh, I ache when I see theold women and children walking along theroad with their few belongings – theirhomes destroyed by war. That is when itcomes home to a fellow. What would Canadiansthink if such would happen to them?Seeing these things, we do not wonder whywe are fighting. Don’t worry, I am in God’shands.April 15,1918You may wonder dear sister why I spokeof the thoughts and words of a dying man.When it comes to die, everyone who hasbelieved in a faith in Christ dies with aprayer on his lips instead of an oath. Formyself, I am not ashamed to admit that Iprayed many times for God to be merciful.June 6, 1918May be operated on again. MD sayssomething seriously wrong.July 12, 1918No. XI Gen. HospitalShorncliffe, Moore BarracksThird operation was a success. The olddead flesh was cut away, and a shell fragmentnext to the bone was extracted. Nowhealing properly.July 25, 1918Dearest sister, please be patient with me,and answer every question. Here goes –what did Effie say about me when you werethere? Did she say, or tell, anything I hadwritten? Tell me everything you canremember. Did she honestly say that shouldI return a cripple that she would not turnme down? I am simply dying to know.Aug.18, 1918Received Effie’s letter. I think it very jealousand selfish of her to be pleased herbrother has been exempted from overseasduty. Think of the families who send two,three, or four sons and they are afraid to–continued on page 15Strathcona’s Newsletter

(The following article and picturewere published in the Cranbrook DailyTownsman and submitted by ColinAnderson.)War veterans from as far away as Eureka,Montana came to Rotary Park to celebrateV.E. Day and commemorate 100years of Cranbrook’s wartime contributions.Members of the Royal CanadianLegion Branch #24 celebrated by unveilingthe Wall of Honour Mural Dedication,a stunning tribute to the differencenearly one thousand local heroes havemade in defense of the free world.The mural captures stunning visualsfrom bygone wars including: the Boer War,WW 1, WW 2 and the Korean War. Eachimage portrays a fascinating history lessonin Canada’s war efforts. Artist Joel Crossspanned the decades with his work.A continuing theme throughout themural is the importance of the LordVeterans commemorate V-E DayStrathcona Horse regiment of which SamSteele was the first commanding officerand which still has an active membership inCranbrook today.One of the many images depicts Sgt.Richardson, a member of StrathconaHorse during the Boer War, riding atop hishorse in the midst of battle, his friend andfellow soldier slung over the horse’s back.The sergeant had penetrated throughenemy fire to retrieve his friend who hadbeen badly injured. Richardson himself waswounded but he persisted and transportedhis friend to safety. The two men survivedbut the horse that carried them collapsedand died minutes after escaping the battlefield,a victim of enemy fire. Richardsonreceived the VC for his brave action.Organizers hope that this and the otherstories featured on the mural will helpyounger generations understand the sacrificesthat were once necessary to securingthe safety of Canada and its allies.“This mural is very important to thepreservation of our history,” said ColinAnderson, a Strathcona member and Vietnampeacekeeping veteran.Anderson explained that the 863 namesfeatured behind the mural represent thebrave Cranbrook area men and women whohave served for their country over theyears.Ninety other names are still waiting to goon the memorial wall but Legion membersadmit that more funding is needed to completethe project.The ceremony was held in conjunctionwith the 55th anniversary of V.E. Day;Germany’s unconditional surrender and thebeginning of the end of World War 2.Japan’s surrender on August 15, 1945 officiallyended the war.Darren McDonaldStaff WriterLetters Home continuedsend one. I want to forget if I can, so obligeme and don’t mention her again.Sept. 9, 1918Gen. HospitalLeaving for Epsom Convalescent Home.Out of bed now after surgery.Oct 30, 1918Have you heard of the dreadful diseasecalled the Flu? Hundreds have died and ourM.O.S. is endeavoring to stamp it out. I’mon duty at the Orderly Room. The way thewar is going, I may not see France. I’ve meta special girl of whom I will be proud tointroduce to my parents and sisters. She isdead anxious to meet you. Dear sister Iknow you will like her.Dec. 30, 1918Married at Mickleham, Surrey.Aug. 4, 1919Givons, Leatherhead, SurreyI’m stopping at Elsie’s home on my finalleave prior to leaving England. I’m anxiousto be away from home, although I am just awee bit sorry to leave old England, as I havebegun to grow fond of this quaint old country.Your loving Bro, BertSpreeman and his war bride camehome to Drumheller, Alta., where heblacksmiths with his father Isaac. Theylater homesteaded in the Millerfield districtnear East Coulee, often referred toas “Poverty Flats” and supplemented thefarm by working in the coal mines duringthe winter. While threshing, hecaught his arm in a belt and was severelyinjured.Spreeman later worked with Regal Oil,Lions Oil and Purity 99.A move to Comox, B.C., brought acareer change as a motel operator. Heand third wife Alice retired in Penticton,where he died in 1982.Wall of Honour Mural – Cranbrook, B.C.Strathcona’s Newsletter Page 15

NOTES FROMTHE EDITORIn addition to those acknowledged withtheir “Letters”, we wish to thank the followingfor their generous donations:George Aitken, Benny Benoit, EdBryant, Harry Davidson, Des Deane-Freeman, Tom Fleming, Ron Howard,Foster Hutchison, Bill Milroy, PeterNichita, Stan Tall, Rod Tomlinson.If I missed anyone who donated money tothe Strathcona Society, my sincere apologyand please let me know. Just areminder that all donations to the Society,which includes the Newsletter, Museum,Mounted Troop, and the Society generally,are eligible for income tax deduction.As your ‘letters’ are what make theNewsletter, I urge you to please drop us anote with your war stories, anecdotes, travels,lies or whatever. We especially are inneed of some humorous anecdotes andpeacekeeping stories.In response to the inquiries for contactaddresses for the Lord Strathcona AssociationBranches, etc:ALBERTALord Strathcona’s Horse(Royal Canadians) AssociationBox 3004, Chinook R.P.O.Calgary, AB. T2H 2V8Phone: (403) 273 -0154 (Until year 2002when Email is established)ONTARIOLord Strathcona’s Horse(Royal Canadians) Association1216 Parkway DriveOttawa, ON. K2C 2W3Phone: (613) 829-6930Email: davidiley@home.comKit Shop:Lord Strathcona’s Horse(Royal Canadians) Kit ShopSteel BarracksPO Box 10500, Stn Forces,Edmonton. AB. T5J 4J5Phone: (780) 974-4011 Local 3012Email: kitshop@telusplanet.netFor the Spring 2002 edition of theNewsletter, please forward your reports,letters, anecdotes, articles, photos, etc bythe 25 February 2002. Adding a subtlenote, Donations can be sent anytime ormany times.‘Mucker’ LanganLAST TRUMPET CALL“May They Rest in Peace”ADAIR, J.D. (James) WW 2, age 82, Jun 01, Barrhead, ABBAKER, B.L. (Brian) Korea, Regular, age 73, 20 Jul 01, Victoria, BCBARTLETT, N.A. (Obie) WW 2, age 86, 08 Jul 01, Calgary, ABDAVIDSON, Harry. (HE) WW2, age 77, 17 Sep 01, Winnipeg. MBELLERBECK, R.W. (Bob) WW2, age 82, 17 Oct 01, Winnipeg. MBGRAND, E.H. (Ted) WW 2, age 79, 20 Jun 01, Tottenham, ONGUMBLEY, H.G. (Harry) WW2, Regular, age 77, Apr 01, Ottawa, ONMcCALLUM, J.H. (John) WW 2, age 80, Mar 01, Toronto, ONMcQUOID, L.F. (Moose) Korea, Regular, age 69 06 Sep 01, Bramela, ONPAXTON, R. (Ron) Korea, Regular, age 73, 14 Apr 01, Dauphin, MBRICHMOND, C.E. (Eldon) WW 2, age 78, 24 Aug 01, Perth, ONROSLER, B. (Bert) WW 2, age 85, 05 Oct 01, Abbotsford, BCTHOMPSON, J.B. (John) WW2, age 94, 02 Sep 01, Edmonton, ABTOBIAS, D. (Dave) WW 2, age 80, 17 Feb 01, St John, NBWALDIE, J.S. (John) WW2, Korea, Regular, age 77, 07 Apr 01, Surrey, BCWENTLAND, R.H. (Stretch) WW2, age 80, 26 Mar 01, Calgary, ABIn Loving Memory of WivesCHRISTENSON, MARGARET (Ken) 29 Sep 01, Calgary, ABWINCHESTER, ALICE (Dudley deceased) 23 Sep 01, Calgary, AB______________________________________________________________(My apologies for lack of details in some cases. Ed)Lost TrailsThe following had their Fall 2001 Newletter returned by Canada Post with thenotation “MOVED”. If any reader knows the current whereabouts of these individualswould you, or have them, notify this office:Frazer Beebe, Agassiz, BC. Peter Carroll, Sardis, BC. Joe Dunn, Kamloops,BC. Jens Hornum, Delta, BC. Lloyd McLean, Parksville, BC. Bob Provencher,Pender Harbour, BC. “Boots” Schuh, Sardis, BC. James Waterton, Victoria, BC.Theresa Bird, Redcliffe, AB. Jeff Duncan, Edmonton, AB. Derrick Hawkins,Calgary, AB. J.F. (Willy) Wilson, Calgary, AB. G.D. Straub, Edmonton, AB. RonThompson, Calgary, AB. Maria Boyce, Winnipeg, MB. Ralph Getz, Elliott Lake,ON. Martha Hjalmarson, Ottawa, ON. Randy Loesch, Angus, ON. Bert Mills,Scarborough, ON. Ray Sims, Petawawa, ON. Roy Payne, Ottawa, ON. Ken Marshall,Ile Bizard, QC. George Fudge, Bridgewater, NS. Don Yule, San Francisco,USA. Robert Marvin, Kingston, Jamaica.Page 16Strathcona’s Newsletter