THE QUEEN’S OWN CAMERON HIGHLANDERS OF CANADA
THE CAMERON ASSOCIATION IN CANADA
THE QUEEN’S OWN CAMERON HIGHLANDERS OF CANADA
MINTO ARMOURY, 969 ST. MATTHEWS AVE WPG, MB R3G 0J7
STILL WINNIPEG’S ONLY HIGHLAND REGIMENT !
2021-22 ASSOCIATION OFFICERS
| PRESIDENT | Steve MacMillan | 351 Ainslie St Wpg, MB R3J 2Z7 | [email protected] | 204-831-0542 |
| VICE-PRES | Fred Westphal | [email protected] m | 204-296-7656 | |
| SECRETARY | Hugh O’Donnell | 713 Cambridge St Wpg,
MB R3M 3G2 |
[email protected] | 204-285-7222 |
| TREASURER | Dave Gibson | 104 William Gibson Bay Wpg, MB R2C 5L7 | [email protected] | 204-222-9509 |
2021-22 ASSOCIATION EXECUTIVE BOARD
| Past Pres | Bill Worden | 47 Flett Ave
Wpg, MB, R2K 3N3 |
[email protected] | 204-291-4881 |
| Special Projects and Recruiting
Director |
Don Steenson | TBC | TBC | TBC |
| Sick, Visiting,
and Last Post Director |
Len Johnson | 1094 Bay Rd St. Andrews, MB
R1A 3L1 |
204-757-2023 | |
| Foundation Trustee/
Conscript |
Marc Gautron (2020-2022) |
LAST POST
H6985 SGT. T. J. OGDEN 23 OCT 1944
KIA IN THE FIGHTING AT WOENSDRECHT, NL
He died that we might live May he rest in peace
Remembered by his loving wife Frances
JOAN DOROTHY ANDERSON (SOUTHGATE)
April 9, 1947 – October 20, 2021
My wife and best friend for over 44 years passed away on Wednesday October 20, 2021 after having suffered a severe stroke on October 18, 2021. Joan leaves to mourn her loving husband Duncan, daughter Storm, grandchildren and great grandchildren, as well as step-grandchildren and great-step-grandchildren as well. Joan’s sister Doreen and her partner Orest, Doreens children and grandchildren, and many extended family and friends.
Joan was very active in all aspects of life and here is a glimpse of her many interests:
Sports- Hockey the Jets except when HER Penguins were playing, Football the Blue Bombers, Baseball the Goldeyes & Blue Jays plus Curling at all levels. Arts – MTC, WSO plus any music
especially Barbershop but no RAP. Hobbies- reading, crosswords, puzzles, sewing, knitting, crocheting, needlepoint & Calligraphy. TV -Sports of course, Hallmark Channel, Murder Mysteries, North of 60 & English Comedy.
Joan was an active member of St Vital EMC where she had many friends like Pastor Jerry and her very close friend Mary Buechert plus her Bible study group. Joan was a member of ANAVETS Rockwood Unit #303 who volunteered at the drop of a hat and ran the Sick & Visiting with her dear friend Mary Dewick. She also supported me 100 % at both the Unit & MNWO Command level where again she made many great friends many of whom have sent condolences and said they would miss her.
For the past few years especially after Joan retired from the Winnipeg School Division, where she worked for over 21 years as an EA we travelled a lot. Besides these vacation trips we went to Fargo & Grand Forks (yep for the shopping) and added to this were trips to Thunder Bay, Penticton, Brandon, Saskatoon etc… for ANAVETS meetings &, conventions.
Joan will be sadly missed by her families immediate, ANAVETS, St Vital EMC and her neighbors on Queenston St Wpg and in Belair MB plus the untold people she met over the years.
I would like to thank the Winnipeg Fire Paramedic Service for the quick response and superb treatment provided to Joan and their courtesy to me during this crisis. Further thanks also goes to the HSC Emergency and 7H Doctors & staff for the care provided Joan plus their advice, patience and understating with myself and the family.
Cremation has taken place and a Celebration of Life will be held Spring 2022 and her ashes will be scattered at Joan’s favorite place her cottage in Belair MB. In lieu of flowers, as per Joan’s request, donations may be made in her name to Siloam Mission or a charity of your choice.
We would like to thank Eirik & Brittany of the Neil Bardal Funeral Centre for all their support and help during this trying time.
For full obit see the link above.
AGNES COMACK (BARDAL)
August 23rd, 1921 – Friday, October 15th, 2021
Agnes Bardal Comack led an exceptional life. Her story is remarkable not simply because she lived for a century but also because it is a testament to a woman who dedicated her life to the service of others.
Born in Winnipeg on August 23, 1921 to Arinbjorn and Margrét Bardal, Agnes was the second-
youngest of 12 children. She grew up in a home she cherished on the bank of the Red River in North Kildonan and spent her childhood getting into mischief with her sister Margrét Stefania while her father ran the Bardal Funeral Home and her mother took care of the family. Perhaps because she was one of the youngest siblings and thus many of her older brothers and sisters were out of the house by the time she was born, Agnes had a very close relationship with both her Mamma and Pabbi. As a child, she was encouraged to study piano and take up embroidery and knitting, which she continued throughout her life. Every member of her large family can attest to her incredible skill with their own collection of her knitted hats, socks, mitts, and sweaters – often made of Icelandic wool.
After finishing high school, and with few options for women at that time, Agnes registered in the nursing program at the Winnipeg General Hospital. Anyone who knows Agnes has heard of the mustard plasters and aseptic techniques she used at the time, far superior to those used today (she would gladly remind you of how few infections they had back in her day). From her telling, her nurse’s uniform was so immaculately starched you could hear it rustling from down the hallway as she made her rounds on the ward. Agnes graduated as a Registered Nurse in 1943 alongside her dear friend Ruthie Thompson and worked in military hospitals across the country. One of her many letters home told of her experiences nursing POWs and TB patients in Quebec. It was in 1945, while working at the Deer Lodge Hospital in Winnipeg, that she met Hugh Comack, back from the war and recovering from surgery. They were married just a year later — a marriage that lasted 67 years, 48 of which were spent in their home on Valley View Drive. Agnes and Hugh had four children – Margrét (Mitchell), Donald (Jude), Elizabeth (Wayne), and Alyson (Scott). Their family grew to include ten grandchildren and eleven great- grandchildren.
Agnes was not one to sit idly by while life happened around her. In 1957, she and Hugh leased a plot of land on Caddy Lake. Agnes, the kids, and the dog lived in a one-room shack on the lakefront as Hugh worked in the city during the week. They eventually built their cottage, which became a gathering place for the entire family as it grew larger over the years. She taught herself to use a sewing machine and made the children’s clothes, bedspreads, and drapes from upcycled material. Always active, Agnes firmly believed that exercising your body and mind was key to a good life. As she’d say, “You have to train for old age,” which she did regularly through stretch and strength or Pilates classes. Even well into her 90s, Agnes would never hesitate to get down on the floor and demonstrate a plank. At age 50, she took classes in painting, drawing, and calligraphy, eventually showing her award-winning paintings at various shows and festivals around the province and even selling several of them to the City of Winnipeg. She began designing her own Christmas cards in 1982 and amassed a Christmas card list of over 400 recipients. If you were lucky enough to be on her list, you’ll know that she took the time to write everyone a note, as signing her name simply wasn’t enough – “What’s the sense? All you’re telling me is that you’re still alive.” For Agnes, writing was a means of not only staying connected to her wide circle of family and friends, but of recording her history. She wrote and kept letters throughout her life – many of which have survived to this day – as well as essays about her experiences growing up as the daughter of Icelandic immigrants in
North Kildonan. Agnes has had over 20 articles and two books of her writings published, preserving a history that would have otherwise been forgotten.
The true matriarch of our family, Agnes Bardal Comack – often referred to as “Angel Ammie, love of my life” by her little boosies (at her suggestion, of course) – was ultimately a woman who held family and relationships in the highest regard. She lived her life from a place of connection, never letting life’s challenges inform how she showed up in the world. From bubbly child to caring nurse to impeccable hostess to the social butterfly of the Wellington Retirement Residence, Agnes lived her father’s adage: “You’ve got to know your connections.”
Agnes left this world on October 15, 2021, knowing that she had been well loved by so many and that she had fulfilled her duty in making sure her family appreciates the depth of their roots.
It was Agnes’ wish that donations in her memory be made to the Neil Bardal Scholarship fund of the Jon Sigurdsson Chapter IODE fund c/o 111-132 Marrington Road, Winnipeg, MB R3T 5Y5
For full obit see the link above.
“TAFFY” TERENCE FRANCIS GRAY
June 26, 1943 – July 19, 2021
https://www.dignitymemorial.com/obituaries/winnipeg-mb/terrance-gray-10274164
Terry passed away suddenly at home. Born in Toronto and raised in Winnipeg, Terry started his military career at a young age – first with PPCLI for 24 years then with the Commissionaire’s and the Queen’s Own Cameron Highlanders of Canada.
Terry was a drummer with the PPCLI and also many dance groups over the years. He was also an avid collector of military memorabilia.
Through his military connections he was fortunate to make and maintain numerous close lifelong friendships.
He is survived by Betty his wife of 50 years, and his brother-in-law Jack Turner (Sandra). Terry dealt with Pulmonary Fibrosis for the past eight years. Many thanks to Dr. Homik and Debbie for their care and support and to Steve, Dale and Connie for always being there.
Cremation has taken place, there will be no service.
In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to a charity of your choice.
Editor’s note: For all that Taff’s obit may be short, Taff’s legend will live on for many, many, years to come – and possibly even grow in the telling. Everything from his unforgettable tirade of “WHERE’S MY !#@&*%$ CUP ???” to his quieter sermons to various characters of the regiment in the RSM’s office, will be remembered ’til our dying days (yes Dave, that’s you and I among many others). God bless Taff, you were one of a kind.
WILLIAM JAMES THOMSON
January 16, 1926 – September 30, 2021
https://www.dignitymemorial.com/obituaries/winnipeg-mb/william-thomson-10383630
On September 30, 2021, William James (Bill) Thomson, passed peacefully. Bill was redeceased in 2018 by his loving wife of 70 years, Daphne. He was also predeceased by siblings, Jack Thomson (Phyllis), Walt Thomson (Wilma), Mary Taylor (Charlie), Jean McLeod (Tom) and Peggy Pinkerton (Ken).
He was father to W. Bruce Thomson, Peggy Dopheide (Peter) and K.A. (Sandy) Thomson. He was the proud Grandpa (Gramps) to 6 grandchildren and the proud Great-Grandpa to 11 great-grandchildren.
Bill was born in Winnipeg, the youngest of six siblings and was raised during the Depression by a single mom, after his father passed when he was only nine. Dad had a strong work ethic, developed as a young man to help support the family. During his childhood and early teens, he was active in the Cameron Highlander Cadets, where he first developed his clear sense of discipline, punctuality and civility. He was a graduate of Gordon Bell High School and it was here while performing in Gilbert & Sullivan musicals, where Dad first met and fell in love with Daphne MacLean, the future love of his life. After high school, Dad subsequently attended the University of Toronto for engineering. After completing his first year of university, he enlisted in the Canadian Army. He went through basic training and was two weeks away from shipping out when the Second World War ended.
Being a proud Scot, Dad was a member of the St. Andrew’s Society and regularly attended the St. Andrew’s Day dinner for haggis and ‘neeps’ and a few drams of scotch. Later in life, Dad became a more regular curler with weekly games at the Granite Curling Club Senator Seniors Men’s League, remarkably curling up to age 90.
Dad will be remembered for his great sense of humour and he was a huge Monty Python fan. Gregarious and outgoing by nature, he was generous of spirit and was always there for friends and family whenever they needed help. His love of laughter, good food, good drink and good company, whether with family or friends, the sparkle in his eyes reflected his joie de vivre. If you are so inclined, please feel free to raise a toast to his memory – a ‘wee dram,’ single malt preferred.
Thank you to the Victoria General Hospital 4 North nurses, health care aids and doctors who looked after Dad and a special thank you to Maggie Clarke and her staff from ExecuCare who provided support and companionship in Dad’s end of life journey.
A private family service will take place at a later date. Those wishing to commemorate Dad may consider donations to the Salvation Army Harbour Light, the Heart & Stroke Foundation, or a charity of your choice.
Condolences may be sent to www.thomsoninthepark.com THOMSON “IN THE PARK” 204-925-1120
SICK & VISITING
Mavis Coutts (Gord’s widow) – Good days, bad days. If you’re interested in visiting her please get in touch with her daughter Brenda first. Hugh can put you in touch if you don’t have her contact info.
PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE
I hope everyone is well and making strides to get back to some semblance of normal. It has been a quiet year for the association with all the restrictions and shutdowns. We were not able to hold our annual reunion but we did manage to hold the golf tournament at the Assiniboine golf club and it was a great success with 28 golfers and a further 20 Camerons joining in on the dinner afterwards. Our thanks go to Don MacDonald for his efforts to ensure that the golf and dinner are a success.
We look forward to the Burns dinner in January and finally being able to dedicate our monument sometime in 2022. We have wanted to wait until all members of the Cameron family are available to attend.
One last point to pass along that is to acknowledge the efforts of our very own Hugh O’Donnell to put together each and every issue of the Oatmeal Rag. This is something he has been doing for years and I would not want him to think that we take for granted all the hard work and many hours he spends doing it for our enjoyment. What he does is greatly appreciated by all of us. Thank you Hugh.
Steve MacMillan
VICE-PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE
Our VP is still very busy boy but sends his regards. Keep up the good work Fred !
RECONNECT WITH FORMER CAMERONS
This is an important thing to do for the health of the Association. There are still lots of former Camerons out there that we don’t know about for various reasons. Just because you or they weren’t Second World War or Korea veterans doesn’t make anyone less important to the Cameron Association. Please help us locate them and bring them back into the fold.
Also, there are still families of First and Second War Camerons asking for more information about their kin. If anyone can help out please send the Oatmeal Rag editor what you have or ask to be put in touch directly and he’ll do so.
Thanks very much to those fine souls who have donated some of their hard earned dollars to keep hard copies of this newsletter going out to the guys and the widows of our guys without computers. A few were Second War men but some are younger former Camerons who live in areas with poor internet service, dial up, or are just plain happy to be off of the grid.
Subject: photo of WW I soldier
Hello, I am trying to locate a photograph of my Great-great Uncle. He was Private Thomas Raymond Andrews, DCM, 43 Bn. Inf., from Winnipeg. He died in the Battle of Bourlon Wood, in October 1918.
I have photos of his grave in France, & have visited it. I would like a photo of him to pass on to young family members.
Do you have a photo of him that you could share with me? Thank you for looking into this.
Warm regards, Wendy Noel Victoria, BC
Editor’s note: Wendy’s request has been passed along our Museum staff to see what they may be able to do for her. We truly wish that we could point her to one or more specific pictures on the Cameron web site but many pictures from those days have no captions, or names on . If you are in the same situation as Wendy you may have some luck going through some of the old pictures online here: Formation, The Great War 1914-1919, and the 1920’s
Another place you can try is the old Winnipeg Tribune Archives. A gentleman sent me a bunch of obits some time ago now, but I haven’t had enough hours in the day to get to most of them. If you can access those archives you may have some luck.
Subject: James M. O’Brien
Sat, 25 Sep 2021
Hello, I am writing in the hopes you can help me out. My father (Sergeant James M. O’Brien) was a member of the QOCH pipe band from 1957 till 1987. He passed away in February (Oat- meal Rag #37), out in BC, and we are finally able to have a burial and service for him back in Winnipeg. I was hoping a piper could come to the graveside service.
Also is there a pastor or someone that could do the service ? It is scheduled for Friday October 8 at 3pm, Chapel Lawn.
Looking forward to hearing from you, Thanks
Rob O’Brien
Editor’s note: The piper for Sgt. O’Brien’s service was Cpl. Cameron Dawson of the regiment.
Subject: Liberation Netherlands/Sgt. Andy “Ry”, Cameron Scouts & Snipers Platoon
06/23/2021
Hello Cameron Association, a few weeks ago I met the family who were the hosts (near Groningen) of Leroy Legrand (SWW Cameron sniper, picture of 4 Cameron snipers on our web site) in 1985, since several decades for the first time. In 1985 Leroy revisited the Netherlands for the first time since the war. Leroy was visiting that year the Holten Canadian cemetery, when I started talking to him, as I recognized his cap badge as one of a regiment that was in action for the liberation of Holten in April 1945.
Leroy mentioned that he wanted to visit the ceremony at the Holten Cemetery, however, he also wished to find in Holten the farm where one of his friends of scout platoon was born!
I immediately understood which friend he meant and it also was a subject I wanted to ask him about. It was Pleun Rijlaarsdam, born in Holten in 1918 and who emigrated with his family to Canada in 1925. Earlier I did research on this subject of this liberator of his place of birth. I traced the family in Canada but it was sad to understand that Andy had died in 1971. However the family provided me with information and I met a sister who revisited the Netherlands.
Also I received information of his former platoon commanders, Mr. D.C.M Elliott and Mr.
W.C. (Bill) Pearson. Further I also talked to a few former neighbours who recalled that Pleun visited them the day after the liberation of Holten.
In 1985 the host family mentioned me that Leroy was invited by the municipality of the village of Ten Boer. They regretted that they had no possibility to accompany him and asked me if it was possible for me. I agreed and went with Leroy to Ten Boer. Also in 1990 I met Leroy again when he revisited as a veteran.
I was amazed reading the name “Andy Ry” in the text on your website. Earlier I understood that Dutch “Pleun” became “Andy” in Canada (probably because of his middle name which was Adriaan). That his family name was abbreviated to “Ry” I had not understood earlier.
I add a picture of Leroy, on the Holten Canadian cemetery in 1985, while he is taken a picture of the grave of Pte Howard J. Linnell (Cams of Can). He earlier had a field grave in Holten, along with several members of the South Saskatchewan Regiment.
I still do research on several topics related to the liberation of the Netherlands. Not always easy to have results. Also did research on complications with a grave of a Sergeant Finch of the Fort Garry Horse, also from the Winnipeg area, like your regiment.
Well, again thanks for your information. Hope I maybe can contact you again when I have a further question.
Kind regards, Martin Hols
WHERE ARE THEY NOW ?
CWO Jeremy Abrahamse – Our former RSM is now back at his other home in CFB Shilo as the Base RSM of Shilo. Read more in the Shilo Stag here: Shilo Stag.
Duncan M. Anderson (Cold War Camerons) – Duncan and former Sgt-Maj Ron Williams continue to try to keep the ANAF functioning in MB. They would like us to know that Unit #303 Rockwood (a block north of Grant Park on Wilton) is as open as it can be while observing the rules. Be sure to check out their latest events and status re masks and so on at:
Gord Fonstad (Cold War Camerons) – Hi guys !
I received, today, my Association Lifetime Membership card, and lapel pin that you sent to me. Thank you very much. I’ll wear the pin proudly !
Speaking of the “Oatmeal Rag” … I’ve noticed that you have a stylized representation of the 79th’s cap badge on page 1, and a photograph of an actual cap badge for the 43rd. Would you like me to send you a photograph of the 79th’s cap badge that I have? I’m pretty sure that I have one, and if not … now that my daughter brow-beat me into getting an iPhone … I have the ability (though not necessarily the skill) to take a photo of the 79th’s cap badge that I have and send it to you.
Further – A number of years ago I had the War Museum in Ottawa sell me photographs of the cap badges of all of the Cameron Battalions from WW 1, as well as the post-war version of the cap badge – the ‘Lion Rampant’ without the Battalion numbers between his hind-legs – and I have all of the Cameron cap badges from the 79th’s through the current (my own one) together pasted into a Word Document. Would you like me to send that to you as well ?
Editor’s note: We’ve taken Gord up on his kind offer. See below for a sample or two.
Cameron Highlanders of Canada
79th Battalion 1910 – 1920
First World War
43rd Battalion
174th Battalion
179th Battalion
Cameron Highlanders of Canada 1920 – 1930
Editor’s Note: These badges were frequently produced by the simple expedient of cutting the “79” our of the other cap badges.
Queen’s Own Cameron Highlanders of Canada 1930 – Present
Matt Lane (Cold War) – Matt is back in touch. He’s running a hotel now and has a part in a think tank. He’s also a dab hand at building Anti-Pict doors and dry-walling. Who knew?
Matt Lumsden (Cold War, ISAF) – Matt is still busy with the WPS and keeping an eye out for wayward Camerons. His shifts “are what they are” as the saying goes, which means he doesn’t get a lot of time for Association stuff. Pity.
Ken Smith (SWW & Cold War Camerons) – B.C. Pipers Dave Wilson & Bill Sneddon (in the blue-ish kilt playing Former Cameron P/M Bill MacKay’s set of Henderson pipes from 1917) at Major Ken Smith’s 101st birthday party. Ken is the oldest surviving member of the regiment. He went off to the Second World War as a Private and came out as a Major. Ken served in the defence of the UK, the Dieppe Raid, the last bit of Normandy, then most of the rest of the way to the finish.
Ken would like all of you to know that he’s just about done blowing out all of those damned candles, and next year please go easy on him!
As always, Happy Belated Ken, and all the best from all of the Cameron regimental family!
CAMERON ASSOCIATION REPORT
*** Reminder you too can become a LIFE MEMBER of The Association ***
Short version, any member in good standing of at least 65 years of age will be allowed to buy a Life Membership in the Cameron Association in Canada for $250 Cdn as of our last AGM. This money is restricted to being spent on an “as earned” basis, which is to say The Association cannot have a grand party one year and be broke the next. We can only add the $20 per year of the $250 to each succeeding year’s budget. We have 2 such members at this time.
THE CAMERON FALLEN COMRADES MEMORIAL DEDICATION CEREMONY : HAS BEEN HELD OVER UNTIL MAY 2022
The call has been made. The original call was that this ceremony would be for the whole Cameron family: the Unit, Advisory Board, Association, Cadets, and the regimental family writ large, by which we mean the surviving families and friends of the Camerons and our Fallen Comrades.
2021-2022 DUES ($20) COMING RIGHT UP !
The annual Cameron Reunion Renewal Plan is back, and you can still pay online.
On 18 Sept 2021 we were able to run the Cameron Golf & BBQ on the Sat at the Assiniboine Golf Club ! That means any time now you can connect with Association Treasurer David Gibson (per the cover page of the Oatmeal Rag) who will take your payment.
If you are not sure of your status please contact Dave and he’ll either be happy to take your
$20.00 payment or be most unhappy that he doesn’t get to take any money from you – yet – this year.
You can use interact e-Transfer to pay your dues to our Treasurer, Dave Gibson. It works rather like Pay Pal for those of you familiar with that service. Here’s link to one of the the web page options:
http://interac.ca/en/interac-e-transfer-consumer.html
* CAMERON REUNION 17-18 SEPT 2021 *
The CO graciously supported our plan for the Cameron Regimental Weekend 17-18 Sept. Due to Covid concerns and the Messes not really being stocked to Reunion standards we ended up taking a pass on the Friday pm – but the Golf & BBQ went ahead at the usual venue, The Assiniboine GC on Ness. There was a good turnout from both the Unit and the regimental family and fun was had by all.
Ullamh !
REGIMENTAL WEB SITES
The old Unit web site is still up running but as previously mentioned it is still undergoing a long overdue updating and upgrading. The new version is up, we’re just fine tuning it. Have a look at https://cameronsofcanada.ca/ and let us know what you think.
The unit web site continues to be a point of contact between ourselves, the families of those who served in the Camerons, and those who become interested in the Camerons for one reason
or another. We continue to have requests through the unit web site for information from families about former Camerons. If anybody can help out with them please feel free to do so. You can find the web site at:
http://thequeensowncameronhighlandersofcanada.net/
Link current to 02 Sept 2021
Speaking of the Unit web site, the photos from the old Cameron Picasa web site can be found again by going to the Photo Gallery link on the Regiment part of our web site. The new one is up now, so be sure to take a look !
Links current to 02 Sept 2021
UNIT EVENTS
REGIMENT: The time has come to say goodbye to HCol Nick Logan, whose term as HCol of the Camerons has come to a close. Thank you for all that have done for the Camerons as our HCol sir, and thank you for your continued efforts on our behalf as we go forward.
It is also time to welcome as HCol Camerons our former CO LCol, Cameron Buchanan. Thank you for stepping up to the plate for us sir.
It is a special honour to welcome our new HLCol, HLCol Angela Cassie. HLCol Cassie is new to the regiment but she’s brings a vast amount of expertise, skills, and connections that are important to the Cameron family. The modernization of the CAF involves many aspects outside of new kit purchases, and cultural transformation is a key piece that she will be particularly suited to help us with. Make no mistake, if the people of Canada are not with us a lot more than another “Dark Decade” awaits us.
HLCol Cassie has attended her first Senior Leader’s Seminar, had a one on one with Comd 38 CBG, and is bringing herself up to speed on all matters military. Some of the members of the Battalion have briefly met her at her installation parade as HLCol Camerons, and the rest of us will get our chance as time and Covid permit.
BATTALION & “A” COMPANY UPDATE: We’ll start with a little something the CO wishes to be shared to all ranks. It’s from the current A/CDS to BGen Bill Fletcher of 3rd Cdn Div.
“Subject: JTFW Note of Appreciation Bill,
I hope this note find you, your family and your team in good spirits. I wanted to reach out with a quick note of thanks for the incredible work conducted by the Army of the West and the entire Joint Task Force West Team over the past several months. I’m briefed regularly on all of our expeditionary and domestic operations – and it struck me the other day – as I was provided with an update on the drawdown of firefighting assets in British Columbia – just how impressive and disproportionately demanding these efforts have truly been, and recently out of the spotlight as we focused on Op AEGIS, to which you contributed forces as well with your 3 Div hat on.
For months, while dealing with the challenges and complexity that the pandemic created for the conduct of our operations, your team stepped up to sustain multiple lines of effort – without hesitation.
Beginning in the Fall of 2020, as part of Op LASER, your soldiers, sailors, aviators and Rangers supported multiple deployments and assisted more than 60 First Nations communities. Ranger patrols played a key role, acting as sentinels, increasing awareness of public health measures, and identifying emerging community needs. And your team deployed multiple MMATs throughout the region – most notably to support the province of Manitoba during the province’s third wave. JTFW also supported the Public Health Agency of Canada with the Land Port of Entry reopening program, enhancing the capacity of our civilian partners.
Your team quickly answered the call when personnel were required to support Op VECTOR, by contributing air support and medical personnel to assist with vaccination programs in several Manitoba First Nations communities. In total, JTFW personnel made a difference in close to 40 First Nation communities throughout your area of responsibility.
Planning teams also assisted our civilian counterparts in Alberta and Manitoba – delivering effects while renewing and building important personal and professional relationships.
Between Ops LASER and VECTOR, JTFW responded to 77 RFAs in the fight against COVID 19.
Nor, can I speak highly enough of the work conducted by your JTFW and 3 Div team as part of Op LENTUS. They made a difference, batting daunting fires and floods across the West and North. And the efforts of our air crews to assist with transportation and evacuations was truly impressive.
None of this would have been possible without strong leadership and initiative at all levels – and an unwavering commitment to help Canadians – here at home. These are just a few examples of the outstanding work conducted by the JTFW team. I’d be remiss if I also didn’t send along a heartfelt thank you to all the families that endured time away from their loved ones to make all of this incredible work possible. Please pass along my sincere thanks to everyone involved for their outstanding dedication, commitment and support.
Looking forward to finding an opportunity to connect with you and the team in the near future. All my very best,
WDE
General/Général Wayne Eyre
Acting Chief of the Defence Staff Canadian Armed Forces”
The unit has been working every weekend – four in a row – since Stand To. They have done the Support weapons trg as well as Pairs & Section live fire. Platoon Dry attacks are coming Oct. 15-17, and due to various limitations currently existing the CO will get to return to his Gunner roots for a bit as the Platoon / Company’s Forward Observer.
The planned Oct 05 visit by the A/CDS to Minto went out the window when he was called back to Ottawa on very short notice. This sort of thing is why Cultural change is Priority 1 to the CAF as part of its latest round of modernization.
As such, the nominations for two CDS coins which had been submitted and approved were not issued – yet. The Comd 38 CBG took the reins and stood in as R.O. for the parade which featured the installation of our new HLCol, Angela Cassie. The Senior Ranks Mess, the only one open at this time, was open to all ranks to host the event and will remain open for now, but non-essential visitors are still banned from the Armoury.
The first CIMIC Trg event is coming on Oct. 23-24. The Camerons will host our first Civil- Military Cooperation (CIMIC) training weekend in more than year. This is a significant step in rebuilding capacity for our unit’s assigned mission task soon.
On a more direct note, 38 CBG, the Camerons were tasked to assist with the Re-Dedication of the Altona War Memorial ceremony, earning Sgt-Maj James Clark kudos from the HQ. Another Cameron earning kudos and a 39 CBG Commendation is WO Mladjenovic for his excellent performance as CSM to a 39 CBG firefighting company while under-ranked.
Spectators will not be permitted at the annual 11 Nov parade at Minto as this is being written. Probably for the best to plan to attend some other venue in case Minto and the other usual parades remain Out of Bounds despite various efforts to get it opened up, just like a sports venue.
Recruiting is going slowly of course, but will be picking up steam as we are now in the process of replacing Sgt. Munoz-Perez as Recruiting NCO.
There is to be no military run Soldier’s Appreciation Dinner (aka in the past as The Men’s Christmas Dinner. That title has gone by the board as we have had female soldiers in the unit as fighting troops for years now) this year. Other options are being reviewed – as are the related price tags.
The Camerons had a number of soldiers who wore orange t-shirts under their tunics on Sep. 28th to show their support for the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. A picture of us was posted on the Brigade Facebook page which seems to have gone over well.
Pipes & Drums Update: All quiet on the Pipes and Drums Front. Here’s what has been doing Cpl Summerton finished his PLQ this summer;
Sgt Hunter and I were instructors on the Pipes & Drums courses run online by the music school at CFB Borden, and we’ll be teaching again this fall;
Cpl Tingskou left the regiment for a Regular Force position and he’ll be taking over as the Pipe Major at CFB Gagetown. Congrats P/M Tingskou !
The band attended the Prairie Pipe Band Association of Manitoba’s Picnic & Pipes in the Park on Labour Day weekend, which was our first public engagement in quite a while.
P/M MWO Dan Locke
Cameron Kit Shop:
Still in a bit of a state of flux at last report while the Camerons get it sorted out with Post- WITG kit items and so on.
CO’S REGIMENTAL ADVISORY BOARD NOTES
The Advisory Board has continued to provide excellent support to the Regiment as a whole from financial support for in house programs and events to assistance with recruiting and retention. The Board has also made several recommendations for funding Kit Shop, Cadet, and other projects like the Monument to the Cameron Foundation.
Thanks to all who serve with the Board !
REGIMENTAL FOUNDATION 2020-21 NOTES
The Regimental Foundation has been far more than merely very helpful with the Cameron Monument and continues to help the Association with the funding and project supervision.
And driving force too. Most of you wouldn’t begin to believe just how much energy and effort the retired version of Bob Vandewater has put into this project, and those of you who do would still probably be stunned at his site inspections of the project. They’re a thing of beauty to be- hold, trust me.
There have been some large bills at this point and only a few more big ones will be coming soon. You can still help if you are so inclined.
Cheque to the Cameron Foundation: This can be done by sending your donation of $25 Cdn or more (because while lesser amounts are welcome, to get a tax receipt it MUST be $25 CDN or more) to:
The Cameron Foundation 180 Kingsway Ave
Wpg, MB R3M 0H2
Thank you to all of those who have contributed to the Foundation. Every dollar helps !
CAMERON CADETS
The Cameron cadets are doing OK at last report from the new Cadet CO, Capt. Ian Aastrom. The number are 5 Officers and 1 CI staff are looking after 63 cadets, with 2 new recruits in- bound. The Corps is currently labelled “Green”, which means it’s viable with limited or no out- side support or management required to keep them alive.
Much of the current syllabus has to be taught through virtual means these days, but limited field activities are taking place, in particular orienteering at Kildonan Park. The Corps is help- ing out with this year’s Poppy Campaign, supporting Royal Canadian Legion Branches 43 and 90 as best they can. RCSU will have the final word on what they’re actually authorized to do,
but the spirit is willing if the authorization is forthcoming. Information about the corps activities can be found at www.407army.ca
The cadets can also be found on on Facebook and Instagram.
REGIMENTAL REINFORCEMENTS
Nil that the Editor is aware of at this time.
OTHER REGIMENTAL NOTES
Rounds Completed:
Covid Round 3. The usual activities have had to be conducted by other means.
Incoming Rounds:
DELAYED AGAIN –
THE CAMERON FALLEN COMRADES MEMORIAL DEDICATION CEREMONY
Save the Date is now: MAY 2022, specifics to follow.
VETERAN’S LINKS
Before You Go – Information for Reservists to assist their Release from the Canadian Armed Forces This site is set up for guys like us. The P Res guys who are trying to figure out just what in the heck is supposed to happen. It is available to guys who are already releasing, are long out, etc.
http://www.forces.gc.ca/en/caf-community-support-services-for-members-reservists/before-you-go.page
Link current to 02 Sept 2021
Registered Disability Savings plan (RDSP)
If you have left the military with a disability that qualifies you may wish to look into this plan:
Link current to 02 Sept 2021
LIGHT READING
Lessons for UAV employment in Nagorno-Karabakh region
https://theprinciplesofwar.com/uav/lessons-for-uav-employment-in-nagorno-karabakh-region/
The 44 day long conflict in 2020 between Armenia and Azerbaijan has highlighted a signifi- cant increase in the utility of low cost Unmanned Aerial Vehicles with strike capability….
In particular, the Turkish built Bayraktar TB2, coupled with the Turkish Roketsan MAM-L (smart micro munition-thermobaric) GPS/INS guided munitions proved highly effective.
Armenia, a nation of just 3,000,000 people and a GDP of $33 billion suffered crippling losses during the conflict, with at least 102 T-72s destroyed by TB-2 UAS alone out of a total of 245 T-72s lost.
The development and employment of UCAV (unmanned combat aerial vehicle – UAS with weapons onboard) technology and capabilities as employed by the Azerbaijanis is an excellent example of how new technology is changing the nature of conflict as we attempt to anticipate how warfighting will be conducted over the next 20 years…..
Editor’s Notes: First, UCAV Drones are the newest game changer in warfare. The Armenian air defences were found to be utterly inadequate, and they paid the price this time. We need to be thinking about how to protect ourselves from threat drones, and how to utilize our own.
Secondly, James Eeling is an Australian Reservist, much like ourselves in many ways, and his site is billed as being “Professional Military Education with 30 minute podcasts.” I recom- mend that you make a bit of time to visit it.
Technology, Tactics, And Turkish Advice Lead Azerbaijan To Victory In Nagorno-
Karabakh
It took Azerbaijan just 43 days to win back its territory around the breakaway region of Nagorno-Karabakh — seven districts of mountains and foothills that had been occupied by Ar- menian separatists since Baku’s humiliating battlefield failures of the early 1990s.
Analysts say three factors explain why Azerbaijan was so successful in the battlefield this time: technology, tactics, and Turkey…..
Editor’s Note: This article also speaks about new tactics used by the Azerbaijani army that bear watching.
HISTORICAL NOTES
Remembering The Dieppe Raid 2021
To mark the anniversary of the Raid there was an informal gathering of about 40 former and serving Camerons along with a few family members and friends of the Regiment by the new Cameron Monument at Vimy Ridge Memorial Park on Wed, 18 August 2021.
The Dieppe Raid, which took place on 19 Aug, 1942, cost The Queen’s Own Cameron High- landers of Canada 346 of the 503 officers and men who took part. 60 Camerons were killed in ac- tion on the beach and in the surrounding area of Pourville, France that day. Of the 268 who re- turned to England some 103 were wounded, and 8 of them died of wounds back in England.
167 went into the bag as Prisoners of War, and yet another 8 of those Camerons also died of their wounds. A point of pride on an otherwise disastrous day was that the of all the regiments landed the Camerons made it farthest inland.
LCol Jon Baker, CO of the Camerons, addresses the gathering.
In keeping with the old tradition of the senior Cameron present muckling on to the more junior ones and taking time to remember the Raid, Sgt-Maj. Clark muckled on to mem- bers of the Regiment on IDCCC to stop to remember our Fallen Comrades on this an- niversary of the Dieppe Raid. Ullamh!
Manitoba Provincial Police Constable Gateson, aka Lt. Norman Gateson.
He’s featured as the Guard Commander of the 1940 Trooping of the Cameron Colours. This story is featured in the book Pioneer Policemen: The History of the Manitoba Pro- vincial Police, Vol. 2
Verification of Former Service DS Solution: You can check the FAQ at this site for more information but here are the basics:
“28. I used to be a CAF member. How do I get my file? Service records of retired or released CAF members are kept at DND for only a few years before they are sent to Library and Archives Canada.
So if you recently retired or have recently been released from the CAF, and suspect your re- cords might not yet be held at Library and Archives Canada, you may contact the DND Direct- orate of Military Careers Administration to obtain your records by dialing
1-866-240-6726. However, most military records may be obtained through Library and Archives Canada, including at the following Library and Archives sub-site:
Check topics 28-32 in particular under the heading “Service information”
Link current to 02 Sept 2021
How to Order Military Records from the Personnel Records Unit
https://thediscoverblog.com/2011/12/20/how-to-order-military-records-from-the-personnel-records-unit
Links current to 02 Sept 2021
You may call Library and Archives by dialing 1-866-578-7777 for assistance. Library and Archives Canada is the federal government department that preserves and makes accessible the documentary heritage of Canada. It also serves as the continuing memory of the Government of Canada and its institutions. As such, Library and Archives Canada holds extensive collections of military records.”
“IT WOULDN’T BE AN OATMEAL RAG WITHOUT A WEE JOKE”- RUSS MILLER (SWW VET, FORMER RSM, AND OATMEAL RAG EDITOR)
I got myself a seniors’ GPS. Not only does it tell me how to get to my destination, it tells me why I wanted to go there.
Don’t let them take your temperature on your forehead as you enter the supermarket because it erases your memory. I went for macaroni and cheese and came home with two cases of beer.
Dining in the field tips brought to us by LCol Don Steenson
Support
We are always seeking sponsors or advertisers to help defray the cost of this publication. If anyone is interested or has any suggestions as to whom to contact please let us know and we’ll be happy to do the follow up.
Sponsors to date are: Mr. Max Katz, our very first sponsor, of the Oatmeal Rag and the Jewish War Vets; Mr. Greg Flom, a former Cameron; Maj. Bill Gray, Cameron Advisory Board; Sgt Tim Seeley, Drum Sgt Extraordinaire; MCpl (Ret’d) Mark Silver, our “Eastern Branch” contact; Sgt (Ret’d) Roy Taylor, the Cameron WO’s & Sgt’s #1 choice for reading “Rab” Burn’s poetry; Maj. Ken Smith, who also has so kindly donated prizes for the Reunion Golf; Col. Bob Darling, Past President of the Cameron Advisory Board; Mr. W L (Lloyd) Jones, SWW Cameron; P/M Donald Morrison Cold War; Ken Smith and Lloyd Jones yet again God bless them; Sgt. Bill Douglas, Dieppe Raid; Former Cameron Lt. ( later Major 8 Fd Engineer Regt) Gordon Fonstad.
Gentlemen, we thank you !
Around the Unit Lines
Newly promoted – Dan Locke to MWO 13 July 21CO & RSM
Newly promoted – WO Snidal, on 13 July 2021, CO & RSM
“I attended a Gas Course at Ft. Osborne Barracks in Spring 1936. These are scenes from the demonstration outside.”
Picture #224 – Students in protective clothing.
Both from the Maj. J.E. Mavins Collection, with special thanks to the Mavins Family
Cpl Cameron Dawson receives the 3rd Canadian Division coin from BGen Fletcher 19 Aug 2021
Maj. S.B. Anema, Capt. F.W.G. Carsted, Capt. J.A.K. McQuaig, and Maj. G.D. Fonstad rebadged as an Engineer
Major Jon Baker’s re-enrolment on Feb 19 2021
The new CO, LCol Baker, completes the Army run half marathon in true Cameron style.
This year’s Army run was virtual instead of in Ottawa due to COVID. Ullamh!
As always our special thanks to
The Commissionaires for their continued support !
They shall grow not old, as we that are left grow old: Age shall not weary them, nor the years condemn. At the going down of the sun and in the morning
We will remember them.
https://www.poetryfoundation.org/poems/57322/for-the-fallen