|
|
Regimental
Christmas Activities
Children's Christmas Party - December 13, 2009
Mrs. Ottilie Kelly, President of the Calgary
Highlanders Family Association, sent the following photos of
the annual 2009 regimental Children's Christmas Party; this
year's festivities included face painting, crafts, and of
course a visit from a special guest.
All photos
are thumbnailed, click to enlarge
All Ranks Christmas Dinner -
December 12, 2009
The traditional Christmas Dinner for the troops
was held on Saturday, 12 December 2009.
All photos
are thumbnailed, click to enlarge
Final Report
Corporal Dave Jaeger
Hello everyone (not G'Day anymore, since I am now back in
Canada),
It has almost been a month since coming back to fridge
Canada, but since getting back my civilian work has put me
to work right away with a lot of clients trying to get the
testing done before the end of the year not giving me much
time to report on my final competitions in Australia.
I have had a long (too long) fun and adventurous time in
Australia traveling around, competing, and seeing the
sights; but it is now good to be back here in Canada. Yes
it is a little colder here; but it is not far different
then the place I left, which is Sydney which never got
above 20 and sometimes got down to 0 at night; but I also
like the cold and winter.
My last week of races after two days off after a poor
running performance was interesting. On Wednesday was my
heat in the Critium Bike Race with 24 others including
ex-Olympian Alexander Torlachenko (RUS), which I was going
into the race not expecting much because a lot of the
riders were international class riders. Critiums are fun
but they scare the hell out of me; so I stayed at the back
which is the worst place to be but the safest.
Surprisingly I was able to stay with the lead group for 12
minutes before being dropped, and I was lapped and pulled
with 18:16 minutes left in the 20 minute Crit placing 18th
out of 24, which I need to place in the top 7 to make the
final, but not bad considering I thought I would be pulled
after 10 minutes with the riders I was riding against,
overall I was 51st out of 95.
The next day was the Individual Time Trial (ITT) Bike
Race, which consisted of hilly two 9.5km laps of the
Eastern Creek Grand Auto Race Way (consisted of the race
way, drag strip, connector roads, and some parking lots)
with 32 (with some sharp 90 degree corners). I was able
to completed the 19km ITT (large Crit) course in a
30:14.81 in strong winds, placing 20th in my age class
(Men 40-44) out of 51. The next day I had a little of an
advantage because the 70.4km Road Bike Race is on the same
course as yesterday's ITT, but with 122 racers in my age
class, it was going to be interesting. After the start I
was able to stay with the Peloton for two out of the seven
and a half laps, but with Alexander and the Russians
pushing the pace I was dropped with a lot of others, so I
formed a group with seven Aussies which was the third
chase group for the rest of the race, during the race I
was a lot stronger than the Aussies in my group and kept
dropping them on the up and down hills which gave me an
advantage with the last two up hills and a downhill to the
finish, put they were expecting that and I finished 3rd in
my group of eight with a good sprint to the finish,
overall I finished 63rd (but I think it was better because
there was a lot of riders behind us and they might
have crossed the finish line a lap short after being
lapped by the leaders.
The last day of my Australia competitions was Saturday's
3km Open Water Swim in Sydney Harbor which I was looking
forward to and my last chance for a metal, but after a
delay the race officials officially canceled the race
upsetting the 600 swimmers there because the water was too
cold (about 16 degrees) and with FINA rules of no open
water races below 18 degrees (no wet suits allowed in open
water swim competitions), so most of us protested by doing
the swim anyways which wasn't bad and we all had fun, also
I wouldn't had a chance for a metal with two Olympic Gold
medalist in my age class and a dozen that swam under a 9
minute 800m five days ago. On Sunday was the
closing ceremonies, which was just as good as the opening
ceremonies just with a lot more drinking and partying.
Overall I had a fun time in Australia, but in my races I
failed in my goal of winning at least one metal in the 8
races at three international competitions (6th at the
Kangaroo Hoppet (Race #1 of the World Loppet Series), 31st
at the ITU World Aquathlon Championships, 106th at the ITU
World Olympic Distance Triathlon Championships, 35th at
the World Masters 10km Road Running Race, 51st at
the World Masters Critium Bike Race, 20th at the World
Masters Individual Time Trial Bike Race, 63rd at the World
Masters Road Bike Race, and finally get the World Masters
Open Water Swim Race cancelled); but considering all the
races had international competitors and me being sick or
injured for one of my races, I am happy with what I
did. I am also considering officially retiring from
triathlons and running races for at least five years to
give my bad knees and ankles a rest. I will be staying
with Nordic skiing, road biking, and swimming, and I may
even get back into kayaking.
You can check out some videos of the Kangaroo Hoppet on
http://www.hoppet.com.au/ for
which I was interviewed.
That is all for now, it is time to get back to work.
Dave Jaeger
Reporting In
Warrant Officer H
As before, Operational Security precludes the disclosure of
names of personnel on assignment in Afghanistan; but this
report comes from a Calgary Highlander currently serving on
operations:
Highlanders,
Having completed the first few weeks here in the sandbox, I
find myself in a different role. The job I am performing
affords me a perspective of the battlespace that I have not
seen before. It is a job which opens my eyes to the bigger
picture. I see and hear more this time. Last time, my world
was what was around me, the few feet in front of my face.
This time, it's a bit more than a few feet. I cannot go into
too much detail, as those who have been here understand the
OPSEC rules. If you don't know what I am referring to, ask
one of the SNR NCO's on the next parade night. The country
has not changed a whole lot. The smell is still there. The
dust still gets everywhere. The heat will come. At the
moment, it is dropping down to 0 at night, about 15 during
the day. Winter here is different than back home. The sounds
of the comings and goings of aircraft are not far from
anyone's mind. The routine will mostly be the same.
Operations go on and people come and go. I do get "outside
the wire", but not as frequently as last tour. It's about
50/50. I am glad for my secondary job. It's fun. I do see a
few other Highlanders on base. They are all busy getting
things squared away. We usually get a few minutes to quickly
chat. Its good to see familiar faces from the unit.
My handover from the
French was fairly quick and the language made it
interesting. They had a decent group. Funny thing is, we
will hand back over to them when we are done here. At some
point, I hope to get photos back to you all. Take care
and keep training hard. Have a few beers for me during
the Christmas dinner. I will think of the unit at Christmas.
OPS WO
TF Freedom
CHF(A)
Observed
Remembrance Week
A week of activities around Remembrance Day
were observed by Calgary Highlanders in Europe and Calgary. A
separate article is available
here which
details these functions. The main
Regimental event was the ceremony at the civic cenotaph at
Central Memorial Park on November 11th to which the Regiment
paraded.
Captain Davidson, Adjutant, and soldiers of The
Calgary Highlanders on parade on November 11th at the
cenotaph.
Renamed
Calgary Highlanders Ladies Auxiliary now Calgary
Highlanders Family Association
From Ottilie Kelly, the President of the Ladies
Auxiliary:
We have
changed our name to The Calgary Highlanders Family
Association.
On
1 November 2009 we are holding a Potluck Brunch for the
families of the deploying troops between 1000-1300 hrs in the
WO's & SGT's mess.
For the
2010 we will be handing out three scholarships; one $1000.00
and two $500.00 scholarships. The deadline for submissions is
March 31, 2010.
The C hildren's
Christmas party is scheduled for 13 December 2009 @ 1300-1500
hrs.
Promoted
Walcheren Causeway Parade Sunday 25 October 2009
Congratulations to, from left, Major Simon Cox,
Major Kyle Clapperton, and Master Warrant Officer Gerald Downey. The
reviewing officer was Colonel Thomas E. Putt, MSM, CD
commander of 41 Canadian Brigade Group.
Competed
Corporal Dave Jaeger
Another update from Corporal Jaeger:
G'Day Mates,
Well I am now in Sydney for the World
Master Games after six weeks and over 7000km of traveling
throughout Australia. After arriving at the World Master
Games on Friday, it is just like the Olympics with 29,000
other athletes (making it the largest sporting event in the
world and the largest Master Games ever) from 95 countries
here to compete and Canada is the second largest contingent
(and the loudest) of over 2,200 behind Australia. Last night
we had the opening ceremonies in the 2000 Olympic Stadium with
all the fanfare of the Olympics where Canada was the loudest
again.
Yesterday morning was the first of my
events, which was the 10km Road Run Race. The race was a
little disorganised with a delay in the start with 700
runners; all of us had chips but it only records at the
finished, so I lost 7 seconds to cross the start line and it
was 2km before I could reach full stride passing a lot of
runners that I thought were faster than me. After doing two
loops of a 5km course in Olympic Park on the same route as the
2000 Olympic Games, I finished off in the Athletics Stadium
with a 45:24.11 in 35th place in my age category out of 65 and
231 overall; which was a slow time for me but with all the
traveling and injury and sickness I can't be too mad, and I
also heard the course was longer than 10km.
I now have two days off to travel Sydney
before my Wednesday Critium Bike Race which is the third of
four heats of 20 minutes + 3 laps and I have to place in the
top 7 out of 30 to qualify for the final on Sunday of 40
minutes + 3 laps. Then on Thursday is the Individual Time
Trial Bike Race on a 9.5km race car track for 19km. Then on
Friday is the 70.4km Road Bike Race with 138 racers in my age
class. Finally on Saturday is the 3km Open Water Swim in
Sydney Harbour; and maybe the Critium Final on Sunday.
Well less than a week to go before I fly
home, which I will be glad to get back to Canada.
Well I have to go, but I will see you
back home in a week mates, have a G'day.
Cpl 'Crazy' Dave
Jaeger
Fired
Ranges
Soldiers of the Calgary Highlanders
travelled once again to the ranges in Edmonton, this time with
soldiers from across 41 Canadian Brigade Group, to continue
qualification firing on the C7 rifle and 9mm pistol.
Promoted
Sergeant Mark Nussbaumer
Lieutenant Colonel
Mike Vernon promotes Mark Nussbaumer to Sergeant at Mewata Armouries
on 30 September.
Fired
Exercise OATMEAL SAVAGE
Soldiers
of The Calgary Highlanders deployed to Edmonton on the weekend of
11-13 September 2009 for a range shoot. This was a joint exercise
with The Loyal Edmonton Regiment (4th Battalion, Princess Patricia's
Canadian Light Infantry). Approximately 50 troops from Calgary
travelled north for the weekend. Range practices included:
-
C7 rifle
marksmanship practice
-
C7 Personal
Weapons Test
-
C9 Light Machine
Gun Personal Weapons Test
-
Pistol shoot
-
Shotgun Range
(the highlight for many who attended)
Photos and captions by Regimental
Sergeant Major Emmett Kelly, click to enlarge
 |
C9 LMG Practice
Corporal Russell
checks his earplugs |
 |
|
 |
Corporal Russell
on Shotgun |
 |
 |
Corporal Wasilewski is Assistant
Range Safety Officer
Corporal Waye on shotgun |
 |
 |
Lieutenant Matthews and Sergeant
Klein brief a relay
Master Corporal Hutchison conducts
Tests of Elementary Training (TOETs) on the 9mm pistol |
 |
 |
Regimental Quarter Master
Sergeant, Warrant Officer Fedoruk, with shotgun in Anti-Aircraft
position
Company Sergeant Major, Warrant Officer MacDonald, dispensing
wisdom |
 |
 |
Lieutenant Colonel Vernon and
Corporal Savage do shotgun TOETs
Warrant Officer Tucker supervises
shotgun TOETs |
 |
Accepted
Calgary Highlanders Ladies Auxiliary
Leadership Positions
Mrs. Ottilie Kelly has accepted the position of President of the
Ladies Auxiliary, and Darlene Deguzman-Tucker has taken over as the
Vice President. The Auxiliary is pleased to announce that the kitchen
outside the Warrant Officers & Sergeants' Mess will be reopening for
parade nights on 9 September 2009.
Competed
Regimental Pipes and Drums
As is normal for the Labour Day weekend,
the Regimental Pipes and Drums competed in back to back competitions.
On Saturday, 5 September, the band played in the Medley Competition at
the Calgary Highland Games, placing second in their grade. On Sunday,
6 September, they competed in the Grade III March, Strathspey & Reel
competition at the Canmore Highland Games, finishing second in a field
of four. They were also rated top band of all grades in the Dress and
Deportment category in Canmore.
Photos courtesy Captain Peter Boyle
Competed
Corporal Dave Jaeger
Master Corporal
Avelino passes on the following correspondence from a Calgary
Highlander Down Under. Corporal Dave Jaeger is competing in 8
international races:
Kangaroo Hoppet (Race #1 of the World Loppet Series) August 29th,
ITU World Aquathlon Championships September 9th, ITU World
Triathlon Championships September 12th, World Master Games October
10th-18th (10K Running Road Race, Individual Time Trial Bike Race,
Critium Bike Race, Road Bike Race, and Open Water Swimming Race).
It has been
about a week here in Australia now and I am still suffering a
bit of jet lag (falling asleep at 8:00pm and waking up at
5:00am). I spent a four days at a resort in Yarrawonga, which
had an excellent training facility for only $199AU for the
whole week since it is winter and it is mainly a summer resort
like Sylvan Lake. Then moved to South Tawonga to be close to
my cross-country ski race a couple days ago.
My
cross-country ski race was interesting to say the least. I
came out to the Falls Creek ski resort on Wednesday to
practice skiing after a 6 month absence and ski the course,
but it was -3C with fog and blowing snow at 50km/hr, so I
spent most of the time socializing with some other Canadians
and Norwegians and Aussies. On race Saturday's race day it
was even worse with +5C, heavy fog, and rain (first in 19
years race); so I started the race good in the second line
behind the pros, but the snow was hard to ski on from the rain
and zero visibility losing sight of skiers 50 meters ahead, so
you can't tuck the downhill because you do not know where you
are going. But I finished the race with the time of 1:30:05.1
for 25km (changed from 42 to 31 to 21 to 25, because of the
changing conditions in the past couple days), and finished 5th
out of 39 in my age class (Men 40-44) and of course Aussies
that beat me and the other internationals since they knew the
course and have skied in the past 6 months, and I finished
84th overall out of about 800.
Well one
race down seven to go, I am off to the Gold Coast to compete
at the ITU World Aquathlon and Triathlon Championships.
Have a G'Day
Mates, and talk to you next time,
Dave Jaeger
Corporal Jaeger
tells Master Corporal Avelino: "I have just finished
packing today for my big trip, which includes my two bikes,
Nordic skis, and all the equipment that goes along with it
for all my races (see photo, believe it or not all this can
fit in my car)." Photo courtesy Corporal Dave Jaeger
Trained
Summer Training Graduations
Commanding Officer Lieutenant Colonel Mike Vernon and Regimental
Sergeant Major Emmett Kelly have returned from the Western Area
Training Centre at Wainwright where several Calgary Highlanders have
graduated from summer courses.
Basic
Infantry Qualification Course Serial 0234 produced three soldiers
qualified in the infantry trade (over the course of the summer, 18
Calgary Highlanders have become BIQ qualified). Congratulations to
Private Vitug (formerly Corporal Vitug who served in the Regiment
previously), Private Russell and Private Wilson, the latter of whom
also claimed Top Shot honours for the course. The summer has also seen
five soldiers graduate from Soldier Qualification courses; "SQ" is the
second half of basic military training.
Two
soldiers graduated from PLQ Infantry Serial 0099, newly appointed
Master Corporals Hutchinson and Gaisford. Master Corporal McDermott
also graduated from his PLQ training this summer.
One
junior officer successfully completed his CAP training;
congratulations to 2nd Lieutenant Tremblay, who reportedly is fighting
fit having shed 30 lbs during the summer's activities.
Last Post
Corporal Dan Bednash
While the Regiment originally received word of
the tragic loss of Corporal Bednash in June 2009, his friend George
McGeachie, also a former Highlander, has recently favoured the
webmaster by assembling the following tribute and photographs; thank
you to George for these fitting words and pictures:
It is with deep sadness that we announce
the unexpected passing of Corporal Daniel Keith Bednash, who was
born December 16, 1975, and passed away suddenly June 5, 2009. Dan
grew up and went to school in Brooks and High River, Alberta, where
he made many life long friends. He moved to Exshaw, Alberta, in 2005
to further his career with Fortis Alberta. While in Exshaw, Dan met
the love of his life, Alexandra Freed, and they were married October
25, 2008. Daniel is survived by his loving wife Alexandra Bednash
and their puppy Sequoia, his mother Janice (Robin) Tudor, his father
Mickey (Donna) Bednash, his brother Tyler (Rae) Bednash, his nephew
Jax Bednash, his grandmother Marjorie Broadfoot, and his uncle Scott
Broadfoot. Dan is also survived by Paul and Kathleen Freed, Tannis
Clarke and Ralph Brown.
Corporal Dan
Bednash was a member of the Calgary Highlanders from 1994-2000. Dan
loved the Army and he loved the Regiment. His dedication, work
ethic, and positive friendly nature earned him many life long
friends within the Regiment and the Brigade.
Farewell brother. Strength and Honour.
Dan Bednash and his ubiquitous Jeep
(above - click to enlarge each)
and on the day of his wedding (below) with several other
Highlanders.
Promotion
Warrant Officer Mike Johnston
Congratulations to Sergeant Mike
Johnston, currently attached to Area Standards Detachment Calgary, who
has been promoted to Warrant Officer.
Transferred
CSM Turnbull
Master Warrant Officer Dave Turnbull,
CD, will be returning to The Royal Regiment of Canada in Toronto
effective 17 August 2009. Arriving in Calgary as a warrant officer in
2002, he is described by his peers as a "solid and reliable member of
the NCO corps since then." In his time as a Calgary Highlander, he has
performed the duties of Platoon Warrant Officer, Company Quartermaster
Sergeant, and Company Sergeant Major. He deployed overseas for a tour
of duty in Afghanistan with Task Force 1-08 as a warrant officer. The
Regiment
wishes MWO Turnbull
all the best in his future endeavours as well as congratulations on
his recent wedding with his long time partner, Kimberly Corrigan.
Posted
Regular Support Staff
Warrant Officer Pat Tower, SMV, CD,
after a long period of service as Regular Support Staff to the Regiment,
has been posted to the Regimental Museum of his home unit, Princess
Patricia's Canadian Light Infantry, effective 27 July 2009. The Calgary
Highlanders wish him well in his future endeavours.
Graduated
DP1 Infantry
Congratulations to the
graduates of course DP 1 Infantry 0233, which passed out at the Western
Area Training Centre at Wainwright on 31 July 2009. The course,
combining soldiers of both The Calgary Highlanders and The Loyal
Edmonton Regiment (4th Battalion, PPCLI), provided fifteen Calgary
Highlanders with their initial training in the Infantry trade. Special
congratulations go to Calgary Highlanders Private R.J. Cramphorn, the
Top Candidate, and Private A.J. Massart, the Top Shot on the course.
Last Post
Corporal Dan Decorby
It is with deep regret
that the Regiment reports the loss of Corporal Dan Decorby after a
courageous battle with brain cancer on 16 July 2009. Corporal Dan
Decorby was a veteran of multiple overseas tours to Afghanistan and the
Balkans. The Regiment offers sincere condolences to his family,
friends, and comrades, in Calgary, Edmonton and afield.
A funeral service is
scheduled for on Wednesday 22 July 09 at 1300 hrs in Edmonton at the
Connelly and McKinley Funeral Home. On Tuesday 21 July 2009 there is a
viewing from 1900-2100hrs also at the funeral home.
10011 – 114 Street
Edmonton, Alberta
T5K 1R5, Canada
(780) 422-2222
Update 21 July 2009 - the
following is courtesy 3rd Battalion, Princess Patricia's Canadian Light
Infantry:
 Corporal
Decorby was born on 17 July 1974 in Calgary, Alberta and joined the
Reserve force in June, 2000, with the Calgary Highlanders. Dan was an
outstanding soldier who held himself to a high standard. He deployed
on three operational tours of duty including Bosnia in 2003,
Afghanistan 2006, and again to Afghanistan in 2008. In January of 2009
Corporal Decorby transferred to the Regular force and joined the 3rd
Battalion, Princess Patricia’s Canadian Light Infantry, where he was
training to deploy on his fourth operational tour to Afghanistan 2011.
He is remembered as a soldier who conducted himself
in a professional manner. Soldiers who served with him knew him as a
“well of knowledge”. He was the type of soldier who liked to pass his
knowledge onto others and always be there when needed. In very short
order Dan was slated to be Section second in command and Section
commander. Friends who knew him, knew him as a “down to earth guy”. He
loved to travel and when he did, he would always pack light taking
only what was needed. In addition to his colourful military history,
Dan while in the Reserves always wanted to work for a private security
company. Prior to the 1-08 tour, he traveled to Africa where he worked
as close protection. Friends recall how much Dan would talk about his
spouse Brianne while on tour. Dan was praised as a brave soldier and a
good fighter. Dan was motivated and always determined to get the job
done, he would always have “terrible shin splints” but it would never
slow him down.
Corporal Decorby is survived by his spouse, Brianne
Lenore Wilson, his father, Keith Decorby, his mother, Jeanette Decorby,
and his siblings, Darren Keith Decorby, and Darrel Emile Decorby.
Funeral services and visitation will be held in
Connelly McKinley 10011 – 114 Street downtown Edmonton. Visitation
will be held on Tuesday, 21 July 2009 between 1900 hours and 2100
hours. Funeral services will be held on Wednesday, 22 July 2009 at
1300 hours. Corporal Decorby will then be interred in the National
Military Cemetery at Beechwood, Ottawa.
Recognized
Task Force Commander's Commendation - Corporal
Malone
|
On Wednesday, 15 July
2009, Lieutenant Colonel J.J. Martin, the Deputy Commander of 41
Canadian Brigade Group, paid The Calgary Highlanders a visit to
present Corporal R.W. Malone with a certificate recognizing
outstanding service during an incident in Afghanistan. The citation,
signed by Lieutenant General Gauthier, read:
On 22 March
2008, the Afghan National Police brought two critically wounded
local nationals to one of the gates at Kandahar airfield in
Afghanistan in an attempt to get medical attention. Corporal
Malone provided the initial on-scene assessment and clear
direction to all personnel involved. Cognizant of the significant
security threat during this vulnerable period, he maintained
vigilant security that enabled the provision of effective first
aid outside the gate. Corporal Malone's immediate and decisive
actions helped save the life of one of the locals, thereby
enhancing Canada's reputation in the region.
|
 |
Welcomed
Soldiers' Night at Calgary Stampede Rodeo
From Renato Gandia, The
Calgary Sun:
With thundering
applause, thousands of rodeo watchers hail a special Canadian soldier
every night before the cowboys take centre stage. Calgary Highlanders
adjutant Captain Andrew Beauchamp, who spent a full tour of duty in
Afghanistan, was one of the honourees. Beauchamp's platoon kept
Kandahar airfield secure.
"It's good to see
hometown support after coming home from Afghanistan in the fall," said
Beauchamp, adding being at the rodeo reminded him when he was a young
boy riding a chuckwagon.
Canadian Forces
spokesman Captain Peter Fuerbringer said it's difficult to pick who
will be honoured. "Gosh, everybody is deserving because they're making
sacrifices by being away from their families for an extended period."
Nominees are not limited to those who had been deployed to
Afghanistan. "We choose someone who is really committed to the Forces
and shows that burning desire to serve," said Fuerbringer.
Last night's special
soldier was Warrant Officer Patrick Tower, a Star of Military Valour
recipient, an award second only to the Victoria Cross.
Warrant Officer Tower,
attached to the Calgary Highlanders as Regimental Support Staff,
received his decoration for bravery under fire in Afghanistan and is a
full time soldier of Princess Patricia's Canadian Light Infantry.
Trained
Exercise BLACK BEAR
A full weekend of training
April 17-19 tested soldiers of the Calgary Highlanders, in conjunction
with troops of all units in 41 Canadian Brigade Group, in a variety of
situations. On Saturday 18 April, a simulated IED explosion required
Calgary Highlanders to secure a "marketplace" set up at 41 CBG
headquarters. Vehicles of the King's Own Calgary Regiment provided
security for the Quick Reaction Force while medics and engineers
attended to their tasks. On Sunday 19 April, training moved to the Fire
Training Academy for cordon and search activities.
Trained
Exercise KHYBER PASS
The Calgary Highlanders
conducted cordon and search training at British Army Training Unit
Suffield (BATUS) on the weekend of 6-8 February 2009. Members of the
four Royal Canadian Army Cadet Corps affiliated with The Calgary
Highlanders (2137 RCACC in Calgary, 3125 RCACC in Chestermere, 3016
RCACC in Airdrie and 2383 RCACC in Turner Valley) also assisted soldiers
of The King's Own Calgary Regiment and 14 (Calgary) Service Battalion
during the exercise, pitching arctic tents and playing the role of
Afghan villagers during the training.
Returned
Missing Letter
 Captain
Peter Boyle, recently returned from Afghanistan, has helped return a
letter sent to a soldier of The Royal Regiment of Canada in 1942.
Details of the story were printed in the Toronto Star (photograph at
right by Carlos Osorio, Toronto Star):
http://www.thestar.com/News/GTA/article/568985
Captain Boyle has most recently served
with The Calgary Highlanders for several years and just returned from
a tour of duty in Afghanistan. In addition to his current employment
within the regiment he has taken on extra duties planning historical
research and commemorative functions to be associated with the
centennial events marking the 100th anniversary of the raising of the
Highlanders, scheduled for 2010.
Dieppe veteran gets missing letter
(by
Louise Brown)
It was a
message from the past, a letter penned 67 years ago by a beloved aunt
now gone, mailed three days after the young Canadian soldier was
captured at Dieppe and sent to a faraway prison for the most traumatic
three years of his life.
Yesterday,
that long-lost letter – still sealed – found its way at last to Ron
Beal through the kindness of someone who saw it on eBay, where it was
being sold for its 1942 stamp. Nearly seven decades ago it had been
returned to sender marked "missing," with no hint that Beal had
survived the military disaster. But at a ceremony yesterday morning to
present him with the letter at the Royal Regiment of Canada's mess at
Toronto's Fort York Armoury, the 87-year-old grandfather couldn't
bring himself to open the faded envelope. "I'd like to open it in
private when I get home; it's very emotional," said the frail veteran,
his medals on his chest, surrounded by friends and family at the
Armoury's officers' mess. "To hold this letter in my hand feels a
little like holding my aunt's hand. She was like a mother to me and I
loved her."
It was
Capt. Peter Boyle, a former member of Beal's Royal Canadian Regiment
who recently returned from Afghanistan, who spotted the letter in
November on eBay, at the same time fellow Dieppe buff James Scott also
spotted the item. Both men knew of Beal and decided to bid on the
letter so they could return it to the veteran. But neither knew about
the other, so they ended up in a bidding war that drove the price up
until finally Boyle won – at a cost he will not disclose, and for
which he will not accept repayment.
"There is
no charge; we're all part of the regimental family," he said yesterday
to Beal after handing him the envelope postmarked Aug. 22, 1942. "I
knew I had to get the letter back to him."
Even
unopened, the letter took Beal on a trip through time. He recalled how
lucky he felt to have been stationed first in England where he got to
meet relatives his father had left behind when he emigrated to Canada
in 1908. His father's sister Ivy Cordeaux lived in London with her
family and welcomed the young soldier whenever on leave; she would
cook up a big "joint" of meat and he would bring extra ration cards in
thanks.
Yesterday,
Beal held the room spellbound with stories of the humiliation of life
at Stalag 8B in Lamsdorf, Germany, where he was tied at the wrist from
dawn to dusk for nearly three years, first with rope and then with
shackles. "To this day I can't put a watch on my wrist – as soon as I
do, my mind says I'm being shackled," said Beal, who carries his watch
in his pocket. His son Sidney recalled not all letters were good news
from home. "He got a Dear John letter delivered to the prison camp
from the girl who was his fiancée."
Beal's
wife of 62 years, Marjorie, was with him later yesterday afternoon
when he finally decided, six hours after taking hold of the envelope,
to pluck up his nerve, pour himself a rum and coke, take a little sip
and open it. "It was so wonderful to read her letter – she knew my
regiment had been involved in the invasion – and she hoped I was safe
and would get back unscathed," said an emotional Beal last night. "To
see her handwriting and be reading her letter after she's gone, well,
it feels like she's finally here again."
|
|
|
