Last Post
Major Donald "Donnie" Munro

The Regimental Museum and Archives has passed on news that Second World War veteran and long time museum archivist and volunteer "Donnie" Munro, who rose to the rank of Major in the post-war Calgary Highlanders, passed away this month at the age of 91. His obituary read as follows:

MUNRO, Donald Donald Munro passed away peacefully at the Colonel Belcher on Saturday, October 2, 2010 at the age of 91 years. He is lovingly remembered by his sons John (Frances) and Robert, three grandchildren, two great-grandchildren and his sisters Isabel and Christine. Donald was predeceased by his wife Margaret ""Jean"". At Dad's request, no formal Service will be held.

Archivist Mike Henry of the Regimental Museum and Archives passes on the following photograph, taken during the 50th Anniversary of VE-Day commemoration in Calgary, and a biography:

 

Message From Afghanistan
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Warrant Officer H.
21 June 2010

Highlanders!

My return to work is complete. The temperature is climbing and the sand has stopped blowing, at least for now. The water has difficulty staying cold unless you are lucky enough to have a fridge nearby. My tedious routine is upon me and I endeavor to tackle new problems with an open mind. Yes, returning to work is always difficult.

The Battlefield tour was a lot of fun. It was great to see everyone who attended and see them again after such a long absence. Seeing our veteran place those wreaths certainly lifted my spirits. Visiting all the locations where so many are laid to rest gave me moments of thought. Enjoying drinks and dinners with everyone really helped me re-establish regimental connections. (Sorry if I didn't get to everyone...) To all those who were on the fence and decided no to go, you missed a good time. Start saving now and try to make it for the next one. You'll really enjoy it. (Ask the troops who did go, they will no doubt have some good stories to tell you all...)

My time here is definitely winding to a close. Its always the hardest part of a tour. The last leg till the finish line. Having seen friends go and return from their last leave somehow gives me the energy to deal with the silliness. I have certainly enjoyed learning all that I have so far, and look forward to what is left to come, but I am ready to come home. Its been a long time so far and just a little bit left to go. A few people still need to go on leave and you can tell they need it. Some people were just not meant to go away from families for so long. I think its been a wake up for a lot of people. Some people understand what they got themselves into, while some did not. Being in my role and position, I find myself talking to some of the younger people to help them understand how to deal with these types of situations. Just a part of the job.

My primary role (the role in which I have learned so much) is what I am doing mostly now. I have been briefed into what has happened in my absence and have jumped back into the rotation. Its good to get back into it again as I feel refreshed. Some things have been changed to streamline work. Its a good thing. Sometimes it just takes someone else's eye to see what we have been missing. Again, a good thing. The next rotation should have no issues with taking over for us, provided they keep improving the situation. Seeing what I see and being able to provide advice is exciting. I am definitely not in Kansas anymore...

My "fun" role may not be something I get to do, as time is short and hand overs need to be conducted. I am not too concerned with this, as I did get to do it a fair amount. Yes, its the fun job, but not my primary job. It was just nice to have the opportunity to do a couple different things while deployed.

I should have time for a couple more updates prior to departing this part of the world. If anyone has access and wants to get hold of me, look me up on the military net. I will always get back to you in a timely fashion. (keeping in mind, I'm on the other side of the world...)

In closing, keep your heads up and chins held high.

WO H
 

Centennial Battlefield Pilgrimage
1 June 2010 to 13 June 2010

The Calgary Highlanders wrapped up a successful Battlefield Pilgrimage on 13 June 2010 when 70+ Highlanders, former Highlanders, and friends of the Regiment returned to Calgary on Air Canada flight 845 from Frankfurt-am-Main. Commanding Officer Lieutenant Colonel Mike Vernon and Regimental Sergeant Major Emmett Kelly led a contingent of 84 pilgrims through Normandy, northern France, Flanders, the Scheldt, and The Netherlands. Recognition of those who assisted the Regiment in this massive undertaking, both in Canada and abroad, will be posted to the site, but for now, a taste of what the trip was like. The ambitious itinerary below indicates the modified, final list of sites actually visited:

Itinerary 2 -3 June 2010 Paris, individual tours, Seine river tour 4 June 2010 Dieppe - Puys, Main Beach, West Headland, Dieppe Cemetery, Pourville 5 June 2010 Beny-Sur-Mur Cemetery, Juno Beach, tour of "D-Day House", Mesnil Bavant (1 Canadian Parachute Battalion Memorial), lunch in community of Sannerville, Ranville Longues Battery, Omaha Beach 6 June 2010 Plaque dedication at Clair Tison, reception at Clair Tison, plaque dedication at Hill 67 (Verrierres Ridge), Juno Beach Centre - dedication of Royal Canadian Artillery monument, Bretteville-sur-Laize Cemetery, Michael Sampson's Farm (tank museum in Cintheaux) 7 June 2010 Thiepval Memorial, Courcellette Memorial, Tommy Cafe & Museum, Beaumont Hamel/Newfoundland Park 8 June 2010 Vimy Ridge tunnel and battlefield tour/Vimy Monument visit, St. Julien Monument (Brooding Soldier), Noeux-les-Mines Communal Cemetery (resting place of Harry Brown, VC) parade at Menin Gate, Last Post Ceremony 9 June 2010 Optional tours included Essex Farm, Vancouver Corner, Langemark German Cemetery, Passchendaele, Tyne Cot Cemetery, PPCLI Memorial at Frezenberg, Poperinge Cemetery, Poperinge town square with monument to executed deserters and preserved prison cells; Brandhoek Cemetery 10 June 2010 Walcheren Causeway march, visit to memorial; Pipes and Drums performance in Middleburg marketplace; Bergen-Op-Zoom Cemetery 11 June 2010 Groesbeek Cemetery, Groesbeek National Liberation Museum, Arnhem Bridge visit, Airborne Museum visit (Oosterbeek), Arnhem Cemetery, Canadian Engineer Memorial near Driel 12 June 2010 Holten Cemetery, Groningen Liberation Wood, bus tour of regimental battle sites in Groningen A full photo essay can be found at this link.

Pipes and Drums play at Ieper (Ypres) town square near the Cloth Hall.

Serving soldiers on the tour pose for a group photo at St. Julien.

Centennial Weekend
Meet and Greet - Mewata Armouries - Friday 28 May 2010

The Centennial Weekend, kicking off three days of activities commemorating the 100th anniversary of the King's Own Calgary Regiment, The Calgary Highlanders, and 41 Service Battalion, began in earnest on Friday, May 28th, with a "Meet and Greet" on the parade square at Mewata Armouries. Big Rock Breweries graciously agreed to re-label two of their signature ales for the event, with histories of the three units on the back of the bottles. Click the images below to enlarge.

"Centennial Over the Top"	"Armoury Traditional"

Centennial Parade - Currie Barracks Parade Square - Saturday 29 May 2010

The King's Own Calgary Regiment, The Calgary Highlanders, and 41 Service Battalion held a Centennial Parade in honour of their 100th anniversary at Currie Barracks on the afternoon of Saturday, May 29th. The afternoon also marked the very last time the parade square at Currie would be used for a military event before the land would be redeveloped for civilian use.

The reviewing officer was newly appointed Lieutenant Governor of Alberta, His Honour Donald S. Ethell, OC, OMM, AOE, MSC, CD. He congratulated the units on their achievements in 100 years and fondly remembered his time at Currie Barracks as a young soldier; he is well known in the military community as a former colonel in the Canadian Forces, and Canada's most decorated peacekeeper having served on over a dozen missions in his lengthy military career.

The parade, conducted in a day-long snow storm, was changed from DEU dress uniform to CADPAT combat dress with rain gear to accommodate the unseasonable Calgary weather, but retained the planned format which included a roll-past of the KOCR and 41 Service Battalion and march-past of the Highlanders. The combined Old Guard of the three units also marched past, with a vintage armoured scout car and M4A2E8 Sherman tank bringing up the rear courtesy of the historical troop of the Lord Strathcona's Horse (Royal Canadians). Three guns of the Royal Regiment of Canadian Artillery were also on hand to provide the requisite 15-gun salute for the arrival of the Lieutenant Governor.

	Photos from the Calgary Herald (clockwise from top): Sergeant Klein guards the Colours. Commanding Officer Lieutenant Colonel Mike Vernon, the Lieutenant Governor Don Ethell, and 41 Canadian Brigade Group Commander Colonel Thomas Putt inspect the Guard. The Calgary Highlanders march past. All photos are thumbnailed; click to enlarge.

Centennial Ball - The Military Museums - Saturday 29 May 2010

Information and photos to follow.

Farewell Barbecue - Mewata Armouries - Sunday 30 May 2010

Information and photos to follow.

Message From Afghanistan
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Warrant Officer H.
17 May 2010

Highlanders!

I have had the opportunity to see quite a few of the boys on their way through here en route to their decompression center and BEER!
It is a good feeling to see them leave, but sad to see them leave. My way of saying, "one less person to worry about."

I have run into our highland brother who arrived the other day. We had a Timmy's and spoke for a few hours. It was good to see him. I am excited for his tour. I'm sure he'll be busy enough to enjoy himself and get to the gym.  With only a few of us left here, I am getting ever closer to my return date. I look forward to seeing the unit once again. I am excited to wear the kilt on a "more regular" basis and turn in these tans.... My gym schedule is ongoing nicely and both my jobs keep me busy. The temperature this summer is a bit cooler than the last time I was here. I recall 50 degrees this time last tour. Lately its been hovering around 30+ (but not by much...) The scenery has not changed much, other than the faces of the new guys whom have arrived in strength. The dust still blows and the "pond" still reeks. Having a westerly wind doesn't help much either. I do believe I will rid myself of the clothes which I have brought here as I doubt I can wash out the stench! We'll see.

I have seen the regiment's website. I saw there was an exercise in Drumheller. It looked like it was fun. (If that's possible.) I do hope
everyone who attended had a good experience. I also saw the parade at the museum. Everyone looked like they were in the right dress in the right place at the right time. Hopefully the drill reflected it too......

My wife has returned to the city with plans to get our house back up and running after her tour finished. She was in places that I was very familiar with for her duties. She can tell you about it if you see her.  I have been in touch with a few of you through emails and such. May the summer bring you good golfing weather and plenty of shade to enjoy those yummy drinks on a patio or porch. Please remember though, enjoy responsibly, because some of us only get a couple a month, once in a while, occasionally, maybe. For those who enjoy a summer holiday, let yourself relax and enjoy the time off. For those who are off to instruct or do something military, train hard and work hard.  To those who are scholastically inclined, study your brains out! It'll pay off in the end.

I will close this update out with saying that I will see some of you soon and the rest of you later. Take care and keep your head held high.

Airaghardt!
WO H

St. Julien's Day Weekend
22-24 April 2010

As is traditional, the Battle of Kitcheners' Wood was once again commemorated with a full slate of regimental activities, with several distinguished guests joining the Regiment in this Centennial year's edition of the St. Julien Day weekend.

The senior guest was Lieutenant General A.J.N. Graham, CBE of the British Army, Late Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders (Princess Louise's). He was appointed Colonel of the Regiment of the Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders (Princess Louise’s) in July 2000 (and Representative Colonel of the Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders, 5th Battalion, The Royal Regiment of Scotland on its formation on 28th March 2006).  He took over as Colonel of the Royal Regiment of Scotland as a whole on 31 March 2007. Despite a long and accomplished career in the British Army, this is his first visit to Canada.

Educated at Eton College and Trinity College Cambridge, he commissioned into the Argylls and served as platoon and company commander in the U.K., Hong Kong, Northern Ireland, Cyprus, South Georgia and Germany before commanding the 1st Battalion from 1995 – 1997. Extra-regimental duties included aide-de-camp to GOC Scotland, a 2 year tour in the Ministry of Defence as Assistant MA to the Adjutant General, studies at the Staff College at Camberley in 1988, a further tour in the Ministry of Defence and two years as a member of the Directing Staff at the Staff College from 1992-94.

Staff duties followed, with command of 3 Infantry Brigade in Northern Ireland after that before taking over as Director Army RP (Resources and Plans) in the Ministry of Defence in Dec 2001.  On promotion to Major General deployed as Deputy Commanding General Multi-National Corps Iraq in 2004 before taking over as Director General Army Training & Recruiting Agency (now the Army Recruiting & Training Division) in October 2004.  Lieutenant General Graham assumed the appointment of Director General of the Defence Academy of the United Kingdom in May 2008.

Major General D.C. Tabbernor, CMM, CD is the current Chief of Reserves and Cadets. Having served in the ranks of The Royal Winnipeg Rifles, where he was commissioned, he transferred to the Regular Force in the early 1970s and served in The Royal Canadian Regiment and The Canadian Airborne Regiment, before assuming command of The Lake Superior Scottish. After transfer back to the Reserves in 1993, he performed staff duties and eventually commanded The Royal Winnipeg Rifles, then Manitoba-Lakehead District and 38 Canadian Brigade Group in succession. More senior staff appointments followed with Land Force Western Area and Stabilization Force (SFOR) Bosnia-Herzegovina before accepting command of Canadian Joint Task Force South West Asia in 2003. He was made Director Genera Land Reserve in November of the same year. In 2007, duty in Afghanistan as Deputy Commanding General of the Afghan National Army Development followed. He assumed his rank and post in May 2008.

 

Lieutenant Colonel Kevin McMahan, the Commanding Officer of the 1st Battalion, 161st Infantry Regiment, Washington National Guard, with whom The Calgary Highlanders have a special relationship with, was a special guest of the weekend. Mister Jack Whyte, past Regimental Bard, was another special invitee to the weekend's events as well. Born in Scotland but a long time resident of Canada, Mr. Whyte is a well-known author, poet, and vocalist.

Events of the weekend included the Officers' Mess Dinner on Friday 23 April 2010, and the traditional Freedom of the City parade on Saturday 24 April 2010. As is customary, His Worship Mayor Dave Bronconnier met the Regiment at City Hall, gave a short address to the Regiment and the Old Guard. A wreath was laid at the memorial to those who fell at the Battle of Kitcheners' Wood on 21-22 April 1915, the lament and reveille were played, and the Regiment marched back to Mewata Armouries. The reviewing stand, fittingly for this Centennial year, was located at Century Park just south of 8th and 8th. Lieutenant General Graham took the salute just as a Highland snow storm blew in.

The traditional all-ranks reunion dinner will be held in May in commemoration of the Centennial of the Regiment; the traditional annual awards given at that dinner were instead presented in the Junior Ranks mess.

Details of the Regimental Trophies can be found on this page.

The Ensign's Award, for most proficient junior officer based on performance from April 2009 to March 2010, as selected by the Commanding Officer and assisted by the Deputy Commanding Officer and Officers Commanding the companies, was awarded to 2nd Lieutenant Rysavy.

The Sergeant Miller Trophy, presented to the most proficient Master Warrant Officer, Warrant Officer or Sergeant in the unit, as selected by the C.O., on consultation with the RSM, DCO and OCs, went to Warrant Officer Jim MacDonald.

The Overseas Battalion Award, recognizing the best junior non-commissioned officer in an infantry or combat support role, went to Corporal Li.

The J.V.H. Milvain Award, recognizing the best junior non-commissioned officer in a non-combat role, went to Corporal Beck.

The Lieutenant Colonel Mark Tennant Trophy, awarded to the best rifle shot in the regiment, goes to Sergeant MacDonald for 2009.

The Lieutenant Colonel P.F. Hughes Trophy for Most Proficient Member of the Regimental Pipes and Drums went to Piper Summers.

The Waterhouse Award, presented by the senior non-commissioned soldiers of the regiment to the most deserving junior rank for a broad range of achievements, was accepted by Master Corporal Rob Jackson.

The Lieutenant Colonel Spaan Award given to a "Soldier of Excellence" and chosen by ballot from among his peers; Master Corporal Gaisford was selected for 2009.

The Chief Warrant Officer Marty McCumber Award went to Captain McReynolds for outstanding service to the Regiment and Private Anderson received the Colonel J.Fred Scott Award for outstanding athlete.

Chief Warrant Officer (ret) Flint Walters was given the most improved hockey player award, and Private Fong was named Most Explosive Soldier.

The Regimental hockey team, The Oak Leafs, was also formally presented with the trophy for winning the 2009-2010 inter-unit hockey league championship. Unfortunately, no information on this season has been provided to the webmaster.

Presentations of the Gallant Canadians award were also made. Information on the Gallant Canadians awards, a regimental honour, can be found on this page.

In the rank of Toshach:

Regimental Sergeant Major Emmett Kelly, for service to the Regiment during his tenure as RSM.

In the rank of Chieftain:

Major Craddock, for service as commanding officer of affiliated cadet corps.

Captain Peter Boyle, for exceptional work in coordinating multiple Centennial projects including the Soldier's Memorial, the Battlefield Tour, overseeing the Committee, etc.

Corporal Phil Bialek, for exceptional leadership as a junior rank in the unit and initiative beyond his rank level.

Mrs. Shelley Russell, for dedicated service to the Regimental Funds Foundation.

Lieutenant General Graham also presented Corporal Volochtchik with the General Campaign Star for his service with Task Force 3-09 in Afghanistan.

Regimental Birthday
31 March 2010

On Wednesday, 31 March 2010, the Regiment celebrated its 100th Birthday with a short parade at the Museum of the Regiments. Honorary Colonel Bob Gibson gave a short speech, and presentations were made to Captain Fiona McLean and Master Warrant Officer Gerald Downey, both of whom received the clasp to the Canadian Forces Decoration recognizing 22 years of service in the Canadian Forces. Two promotions to Corporal were also made. After the formal parade, the soldiers and invited guests dismissed to the gallery area of the museum where the traditional oysters and Black Velvet were served. Additionally, the official ribbon cutting of a special exhibit in the Founders Gallery of the museum was conducted by Lieutenant Colonel Mike Vernon, the Commanding Officer, with the Commanding Officer of the King's Own Calgary Regiment. Tanks and Tartan is an overview of the 100 year history of both the King's Own and the Calgary Highlanders and was created through the hard work of both regimental museums.

Message From Afghanistan
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Warrant Officer H.
22 March 2010

Highlanders!

The summer is upon us with a fury that only those who have experienced can recall. The temps have risen steadily to the mid-30's. Needless to say, those who are new to the environment are feeling the effects. With the sun comes other "unpleasantness". Not only is it hot, but it's "heating" up too.

Life for me has taken a turn for the "uber busy-ness"....if thats even a word. I have been going flat out since returning from my leave some time ago. I have days where I rise long before the sun shows itself over the dusty Afghan plains. I have days when I left work long after the sun went to bed. Sometimes, it starts and ends with no sun at all. I am enjoying the tempo as it makes time go by fairly fast. I do enjoy the odd day when we do maintenance and "have a day off", but it really isn't a day off.

I have been concentrating on my "fun" job for some time now as we are into the leave schedule full time and require some adjusting of personnel. I am not complaining in any way at all, just enjoying it while I can.

The landscape has changed from the drab brown with a spattering of....more brown. It is now a filled with isolated pockets of green and other colors. There are actually quite a variation of colors which I did not notice on my last tour as I was vigilant in watching my arcs. In my "fun" job, I now see more. This different perspective allows me to take it all in and see more. Afghanistan is quite colorful.

The flood waters of last month have subsided and it has certainly re-arranged the ground near any body of flowing water. (i.e. rivers...) We saw a lot of damage to infrastructure and stranded locals. The Bedouins are the ones mostly affected by such things, as they are nomadic people and do not have homes in permanent locations. Mostly these homes are near water and therefore have the most risk.

I have had the opportunity to speak with the occasional Highlander in their passage through this camp. Tim Horton's is usually the method of meeting with them. It is good to see them when they come through. I find that we have a bit more time to chat while standing in line for Timmy's.

With the full force of summer still to come, I am confident that every Calgary Highlander will be involved in some manner. Again, my pride in the regiment is boosted.

Without going into too much detail, as OPSEC prohibits, I must say that I am sure I will "see" quite a bit of it, if not be involved with some of it.

For those embarking on training, train hard, and those who have time off, enjoy the summer. (Hit a few golf balls for me too...)

Take care,

WO H
 

Open House and Pipe Band Auditions
Mewata Armouries - Saturday, 6 March 2010 to Sunday 7 March 2010

A semi-regular series of events conducted within 41 Canadian Brigade Group has been recruiting drives, job fairs and open houses. This year, the addition of open auditions for the brigade's musical bands - including the Regimental Pipes and Drums - was added, in order to welcome more paid musical talent into the fold. As usual, soldiers of the various units of the brigade were on hand to display skills, weapons and equipment to prospective recruits.

Infantry soldiers show off their snazzy new tablecloths.	A mini-band of the Regimental Pipes and Drums strut their stuff.

Calgary Soldiers' Memorial
Ground Breaking - Saturday, 6 March 2010

The sod has officially turned on the Calgary Soldiers' Memorial. Information on the proposed memorial can be found on the Centennial page by clicking here.

Concept art of finalized memorial design. Click to enlarge.
	The Calgary Soldiers' Memorial is one of several Centennial projects marking the 100th Anniversary of the King's Own Calgary Regiment, The Calgary Highlanders and 14th (Calgary) Service Battalion. The memorial has been made possible by generous contributions by the City of Calgary, which has provided the land on which the memorial is being built, as well as financial subsidization of half the project. The other half of the funding is being raised through private donations and fund raising, such as through Michael Hornburg's Loops for the Troops event. The memorial is part of a Landscape of Memory renovation scheme incorporating a 9-kilometre stretch of Memorial Drive, a project begun in 2004.
The Calgary Soldiers’ Memorial was initiated by The Calgary Highlanders as a Centennial project, and was expanded to include all Army Reserve units in Calgary, including The King’s Own Calgary Regiment; 41 Combat Engineer Regiment; 746 (Calgary) Communications Squadron; The Calgary Highlanders; 14 (Calgary) Service Battalion; 15 Field Ambulance, Detachment Calgary. The memorial will consist of stone tablets bearing the names of over 3,000 Calgarians who gave their lives in the service of Canada, including combat in the First World War, Second World War, up to the present day and the war in Afghanistan. The final design was created by the Marc Boutin Architectural Collaborative.
The Landscape of Memory project’s vision statement notes that: The Memorial Drive corridor is both a Major Street in Calgary’s road network, and a unique urban landscape that is shaped by an understanding of its social and physical role, and by a deep respect for its commemorative history. Integral to this vision is a landscape that is supportive, safe, accessible and active, and is enriched by a unifying identity, trees and meaningful places to observe individual and collective memory.	(Above) The trees on Memorial Drive were originally planted after the First World War as "living memorials to men who died for your freedom." Many of the trees, now 80 years old, are dead or dying and some have been removed to facilitate infrastructure construction such as the Bridgeland LRT station. Wooden benches, made from wood salvaged from those memorial trees, with poppies and the legend LEST WE FORGET, were unveiled at the ground-breaking and will be placed at an appropriate venue. (Below) Regimental Museum curator Barry Agnew, at right, does a reconnaissance of the site before the groundbreaking ceremony. The location of the Memorial is due south of the Armouries, just visible across the Bow River. The memorial will face the Armoury when completed.
The Calgary Soldiers’ Memorial is one of the first of several planned interconnected public spaces and is a truly integral component of the overall Landscape of Memory project. The actual location of the Memorial will be on the South side of Memorial Drive approximately 100 metres West of 10th Street. The Memorial will look across the Bow River towards Mewata Armoury where many of the soldiers departed to serve their country. The Memorial is scheduled for unveiling in the fall of 2010 as part of Remembrance Week activities. Further information can be found at www.calgarysoldiersmemorial.ca.

From right to left - Mayor Dave Bronconnier, Colonel Thomas Putt (Commanding Officer, 41 Canadian Brigade Group), Regimental Sergeant Major Emmett Kelly, Pipe Major Michael Giles and Captain Peter Boyle.	Alderman Druh Farrell, Mayor Bronconnier and Colonel Putt break ground for the Memorial with a soldier's entrenching tool.

The Memorial will be unveiled on Remembrance Day, 2010. The structure will include a flagpole, viewing platform facing Mewata Armouries, a wheelchair ramp, and the dates of several regimentally significant battles will be inscribed onto the walls, including that of the Somme, Vimy, Amiens, Dieppe, Normandy, and the Liri Valley. (City of Calgary image)

Centennial Update

The Commanding Officer has issued the following statement regarding activities in the Regiment as we enter our Centennial year:

Operations

Afghanistan. There are currently 26 Highlanders deployed overseas. We expect them to return in May. Two corporals were injured in an IED attack 30 December. Both are back in Canada recuperating.

Olympics. There are currently nine Highlanders serving in support of the winter Olympics in Vancouver.

Territorial Battalion Group. The Calgary Highlanders are now the lead unit for a TBG based out of Calgary.

 

Training Calendar

Ex COYOTE DESTROYER (26-28 Feb). Patrolling exercise near Nordegg with The Loyal Edmonton Regiment (4PPCLI).

Ex DINOSAUR SCOUT (19-21 Mar). Urban operations exercise in Drumheller with King’s Own Calgary Regiment.

Ex SOVEREIGN GRIZZLY (1-9 May). Brigade training event in Yellowknife.

Ex DOMESTIC RAM (9-14 May). Command post exercise based on a domestic operations scenario. (There will be two lead-up exercises prior to this). Calgary Highlanders are tasked to take the lead based on their TBG tasking.

Op NIJMEGEN (Jul). The Regiment is taking the lead in training and sending a team to participate in the annual Nijmegen marches in Holland. (Organizer: Captain Andrew Beauchamp) The intent is for the team to comprise soldiers from all three units celebrating their Centennial in 2010 (Calgary Highlanders, King's Own Calgary Regiment, and 14 (Calgary) Service Battalion)

Social and Ceremonial Events

27 Mar: Mess dinner at Mewata for all former COs, RSMs, and Honoraries. (Organizer: Major Owens)

31 Mar: Regimental birthday at the Military Museums. This will include a formal parade marking the change of appointment for the Regiment’s Honorary Colonel, from Colonel Bob Gibson to current Honorary Lieutenant Colonel Skip McDonald, pending confirmation from Ottawa. Dress will be DEU 1A with medals. The evening will also feature a sneak peek at the Centennial exhibit “Tanks and Tartan” in the Founder’s Gallery. Oysters and black velvet afterwards. (Organizers: Captain McLean, RSM Kelly)

23 Apr: Officers’ St Julien mess dinner at Mewata. Guest of Honour is LGen Andrew Graham, CBE. He is the Director General of the Defence Academy of the United Kingdom and the senior serving Argyll (His formal title is Colonel of the Regiment—The Royal Regiment of Scotland). The evening will also feature the Regimental Bard, novelist Jack Whyte, reciting his St Julien poem. We have also invited the Chief of Defence Staff and other senior officers since they will be in Calgary to attend a conference at U of C that weekend. Cost: $100. (Organizer: Captain Boyle)

24 Apr: 10^th Battalion Calgary Highlanders Association annual general meeting at Mewata. (Organizer: Lieutenant Colonel Moffat)

24 Apr: Freedom of the City of Calgary. The Regiment and its affiliated cadet corps will march to Old City Hall where it will conduct the full ceremony with members of the 10^th Battalion Calgary Highlanders Association and the newly-formed 103^rd Regiment (Calgary Rifles) historical group. Dress DEU 1 with medals. Light refreshments afterwards at Mewata. (Organizer: CWO Kelly)

28 May: Centennial meet and greet at Mewata. A chance to reconnect with old friends in conjunction with the KOCR. All three messes will be open.

29 May: Centennial parade at Currie Barracks in conjunction with KOCR and 14 Service Battalion (soon to be 41 Svc Bn). This will be the last parade ever at Currie. Dress DEU 1 with medals (Organizer: CWO Kelly and KOCR)

29 May: Centennial Dinner and Dance. A formal event at the Military Museums for the entire regimental family in coordination with the KOCR and 14 Svc Bn. (Organizer: Major Owens)

30 May: Regimental BBQ and Highland Games. A casual event for the regimental family. Location TBC (Organizers: 10^th Battalion Calgary Highlanders Association and CH Family Association)

1-13 Jun: Battlefield tour of Normandy, Flanders and Holland. Vacancies still available. Cost is $3500 per person. Subsidization available for junior soldiers on a first-come basis. (Organizer: Captain Boyle - see this page)

3-5 Sep: 161^st Infantry-Highlander Weekend in Calgary. The 58^th annual social exchange for officers and senior NCOs. (Organizer: Captain McLean, CWO Besse)

30 Oct: Walcheren parade and change of command. Dress DEU 1 with medals.

30 Oct: Officers’ Walcheren and change of command mess dinner. (Organizer: Captain Boyle)

6 Nov. Calgary Garrison Ball and fundraiser for TMM and the CHRFF at the Hyatt Hotel (Organizer: James Cox)

Nov. Expected unveiling of the Calgary Soldiers’ Memorial. This memorial, to be constructed adjacent to Memorial Drive, will list the names of every Highlander and member of the 10^th Battalion who died serving Canada. The CSM is being coordinated in conjunction with all the Army Reserve regiments in Calgary. Ground-breaking ceremony expected 6/7 March. (Organizer: Captain Boyle)

Calgary Highlanders Regimental Funds Foundation

Regimental Secretary. Effective 31 January, Lieutenant Colonel Tom Manley replaced Lieutenant Colonel (Retired) Lynn Moffat as the Regimental Secretary.

Regimental Pipes and Drums

Centennial CD. The Regimental Pipes and Drums have recently begun recording a music CD.

10^th Battalion Calgary Highlanders Association

The annual general meeting will be held Saturday, 24 April at Mewata Armouries, prior to the Freedom of the City parade.

Centennial-related items are now for sale in the Kit Shop.
 

Other Centennial Projects

Pictorial History. Corporal Michael Dorosh is compiling a pictorial history of the Regiment to complement the existing histories (Gallant Canadians by Daniel Dancocks and Battalion of Heroes by David Bercuson)

Highlanders in Afghanistan. 2nd Lieutenant Josh Hill and Master Corporal Cody Martin are gathering material for a book commemorating the service of Highlanders in Afghanistan 2006-2010.

Overseas Service Panel. Thanks to the generosity of the 10^th Battalion Calgary Highlanders Association, a panel listing every Highlander who has ever served overseas since the end of the Second World War is now on display at Mewata Armouries. It will be updated to include those soldiers currently serving in Afghanistan.

Regimental Museum

“Tanks and Tartan”, a special Centennial exhibit in conjunction with the KOCR, will open to the public 1 April. Sneak peek 31 March following the Regimental Birthday parade at the Military Museums.
 

Regimental Who’s Who

Battalion Headquarters	Commanding Officer	Lieutenant Colonel Mike Vernon
	Deputy Commanding Officer	Major Mike Owens
	Operations Officer	Major Simon Cox
	Training Officer	Captain Darcy Horman
	Adjutant	Captain Dan Davidson
	Regimental Adjutant, PMC Officers’ Mess	Captain Peter Boyle
	Finance Officer	Captain John Alden
	Padre	Captain Ken Nettleton
	Regimental Sergeant Major	Chief Warrant Officer Emmett Kelly
"A" Company	Officer Commanding	Major Kyle Clapperton
	Second in Command	Captain Drew Beauchamp
	Company Sergeant Major	WO Jim MacDonald
	Company Quartermaster Sergeant	WO Chris Tucker
HQ Company	Officer Commanding	Captain Fiona McLean
	Second in Command	2Lt Gavin Mills
	Regimental Quartermaster Sergeant/CSM	WO Glenn Fedoruk
Honoraries	Honorary Colonel	Bob Gibson
	Honorary Lieutenant-Colonel	Skip McDonald
Regimental Pipes and Drums	Pipe Major	Mike Giles
	Drum Major	Jim Stewart
	Pipe Sergeant	Steve Patterson
	Drum Sergeant	Brian Woodward
Regimental Museum	Curator	Barry Agnew
Affiliated Cadet Corps	CO, 3106 Airdrie Cadet Corps	Captain Tanya Mark
	Cadet Support	Sergeant Denny Russell
	CO, 2137 Calgary Cadet Corps	Captain Julie Sun
	Cadet Support	Master Warrant Officer Gerald Downey
	CO, 3125 Chestermere Cadet Corps	Captain Cheryl Libby
	Cadet Support	Master Corporal McFadden
	CO, 2383 Oilfields Cadet Corps	Captain Les Klapatiuk
Calgary Highlanders Regimental Funds Foundation	Regimental Secretary	Lieutenant Colonel Tom Manley
10th Battalion Calgary Highlanders Association	President	Lieutenant Colonel (Retired) Lynn Moffat
Calgary Highlanders Family Association (formerly the Ladies Auxiliary)	Chair	Mrs. Ottilie Kelly

 

Extra-Regimentally Employed Highlanders

• Army Operations Course-Lieutenant Colonel Lee Villiger, Captain Ryan Palmer

• 14 Service Battalion-CWO Bob Besse

• 4 Canadian Ranger Patrol Group, Victoria-Captain Russ Meades

• 41 CBG HQ-Sergeant Patton, Sergeant Mark Nussbaumer

• 41 CBG Battle School-MWO Gerald Downey, Sergeant Dave Melcher

• Canadian Forces Recruiting Centre-Captain Ryan Palmer, MCpl Cody Martin

• Mewata Area Support Centre-Master Corporal Turner, Cpl Sagastume, Cpl Toussaint

• LFWA Area Reserve Standards Detachment-Warrant Officer Johnston

• Ottawa-Lieutenant Colonel Warren Spaan, Major Ray Ansell

• Dallas, Texas-Major Kyle Dorcas

Transfers

Major Neil MacLaine and MWO Marty Woods have recently rebadged to KOCR in order to assist that proud regiment with its succession plan.

Captain Doug Bondurant has transferred to the Princess of Wales Own Regiment, Kingston

Captain Kyle Easton has transferred to 41 Canadian Engineer Regiment

M.C. Vernon, CD
Lieutenant Colonel
Commanding Officer
The Calgary Highlanders

Upcoming Event Announcement
BATUS Hockey

The BATUS Lions, the hockey team of British Army Training Unit Suffield, have agreed to another exhibition match with the Calgary Highlanders' Oak Leafs. The game is currently scheduled to take place on 3 April 2010 at 2100hrs at South Fish Creek Park. A complete list of events and further details will be provided as they become available. Information on the last game between the two squads can be found here - BATUS webpage.

Message From Afghanistan
Why are there no last names in this article? Click here for information on Operational Security.
Warrant Officer H.
6 February 2010

Highlanders!

My time here so far has been a mixture of heightened excitement and controlled chaos. As you may or may not know, I have a job which is divided into two parts.

One job has me filtering information to send both up and down the Chain of command. It is a new perspective of the battlespace. (All these new catch phrases are sometimes overwhelming...)  I see and hear so much more, and my eyes see so much. I mentioned in a previous update that I was mostly concerned with what I could physically see. This time, I see so much farther. I have SA ("Situational Awareness" for the un-initiated) on almost everything. My other job has me performing duties which directly involves me in the everyday "situation". It certainly keeps me busy. I am afforded the opportunity to go places that I only heard about in previous operations. Having the chance to work with other nations also gives me the chance to see how they operate in this extremely complex country. The diverse terrain, the different personalities (read; local nationals) which you encounter, and the ever changing tactical situation all offer their own challenges.

I have grown used to operating within an environment that is vastly different to what I have been used to for my entire military career. I cannot go into too much detail as operational security (OPSEC) will not allow me to, but let's just say, I am working outside of "the norm". For those who know what I am referring to, please explain to those who may not.  I have returned from my first HLTA and am just getting back to work.  Unfortunately, I am only able to work a certain amount of time as "the rules" dictate when I can and cannot work. Needless to say, my "enthusiasm" has placed me in some awkward moments when my chain of command has asked me to not work. Its weird. Nonetheless, being the good infantry senior NCO, I am able to use my skills to find a way to participate in some degree of work to keep myself busy. Working on this camp, you need to maintain a steady work schedule or you may go crazy. I have been busy going to the gym and thoroughly enjoying it. This camp has expanded so much since "my last visit" here. If anyone who has previously served here and come back, you will definitely be able to tell the difference!

The weather has improved slightly since I left for leave. I did not realize how chilly it can get in the desert. The days were warm, about
20 as a high. The nights got as low as just below the freezing mark. Since returning from leave, I have felt a climb in the overall temperature during the day and nights. Unfortunately, the last 24hrs has seen a lot of rain. And when it rains on this camp, it turns into a muddy bog. The good thing is, a lot of the main roads have been paved. The muddy parts are mostly the side roads.  I have seen a few of the boys from time to time. Whenever I do get the chance to chat with them, it usually a quick "hello" or "what have you been up to?". For the most part, the Highlanders here are doing a good job again. I have had the opportunity to speak to a few people in supervisory roles for Highlanders and they say good things. Again, my pride in the regiment is swelled.  I had the chance to speak to a few senior NCO's just before your Soldiers Christmas dinner and have heard that the regiment is doing well. I recall that the "old dogs" still have the energy to deal out a winning blow in the floor hockey game. To those who participated, well done! I also heard the Burns dinner went well. Again, to those who enjoyed themselves, well done! I plan on being there for the next one to enjoy a few rounds with all of you.

I have been in touch Captain Boyle regarding the Centennial celebration plans. And to those who are going away for the battlefield tour, enjoy yourselves. It'll be an event you only get to do once in a lifetime. That's all for now. Gotta go.

Sincerely,

WO H
 

Olympic Duties
Captain Fiona McLean

Captain Fiona G. McLean, CD recently had the honour of being a 2010 Olympic Torchbearer when she ran a leg of the torch relay route in Golden, British Columbia on 21 January 2010. 

The Olympic Flame was lit at Olympia, Greece in a traditional ceremony using the sun’s rays reflected off of a parabolic mirror and burns continuously, from torchbearer to torchbearer, until the end of the closing ceremonies of the games.  For each leg of the relay, that torchbearer is, for that moment, the only custodian of the Olympic Flame.

Vancouver’s 2010 Olympic Torch Relay is the longest route in the history of the games, covering 45,000 km and engaging Canadians from coast to coast to coast, on a path designed to be within a one-hour drive of 90% of Canada’s population, and involves 12,000 torchbearers selected by public programs.

The Torch, designed and manufactured by Bombardier in collaboration with the Vancouver Organizing Committee for the 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games (VANOC), is a symbol of the 2010 Winter Games and represents Canada’s open land, vast potential and smooth, fluid lines left in the snow and ice from winter sports.

Photos courtesy Captain McLean; click to enlarge.