Cabar Feidh

Honourary Colonel
HCol Michael Shields, CD
I welcome Lt Col Ursich’s
return to command of the Battalion.
His previous term included the
most successful presentation of
new Colours during the celebration
of our centenary. He will continue
our good fortune in having a series
of outstanding CO’s. There is
considerable extra pressure placed
upon the CO running the battalion
in temporary lines away from our
Armoury. Hopefully we will have
returned to the Armoury by this
time next year.
My wife and I, along with
Honorary Lt Colonel Hoffmeister and
Mrs. Hoffmeister, represented the
Regiment at the 70’s anniversary
celebrations of the liberation of
4
Holland ending the
European part of
WW II. We attended
the ceremony on
May 4th at the
Holten Canadian
War Cemetery, and
the following day
at Wageningen for
the church service
and Parade. Our
participation,
at these various
functions, and
being looked after
in between times,
was arranged, and
led by Honorary
Lieutenant Frank
van Hattum of the
Seaforth Pipes &
Drums of Holland.
His service to the
Regiment, with
the Pipes & Drums of Holland is
invaluable.
At Holten we were the only
Regiment laying a recognized wreath.
Prior to the official ceremonies at
Wageningen I had the privilege
of presenting a regimental scroll
stating the Seaforth Highlanders
of Holland Pipes and Drums were
part of our regimental family. This
was given to Colonel Hogan, RCAF,
Canada’s Military attaché for the
Netherlands. The original is with
the Canadian embassy and a copy
is with our Holland Pipes & drums.
The presentation was in front of
the band. Overall the Dutch more
than any other country continue
to appreciate the service of Canada
in the restoration of their freedom.
The care of our war graves by
Dutch children is a small example
of the remembrance service that
continues.
Later in London I had the
pleasure of reestablishing the
protocol of calling at Buckingham
Palace when there. It is to pay
our respect to our Colonel-in-
Chief. HRH Prince Philip, The Duke
of Edinburgh. I met with HRH’s
principle Secretary Brigadier
Millar-Bakewell. We discuss the
regiment, and how best to keep his
Royal Highness informed of our
regimental activities. The Brigadier
was most helpful, and I enjoyed an
informative, and very enjoyable
experience.
Cabar Feidh,
Mike
R. M. (Michael) Shields, CD
Honorary Colonel