Commemorated
St. Julien's Weekend 2012
The Calgary Highlanders once again commemorated the counter-attack at Kitcheners' Wood on the night of 21-22 April 1915 by the 10th and 16th Battalions, CEF, with the traditional events that have long been a cornerstone of the unit's annual training calendar. The special guest for the weekend was Brigadier-General G.J.P. O'Brien, Director General Land Reserves. Brigadier-General O'Brien began his career as a private soldier in 1 (Montreal) Service Battalion and 3rd Battalion, The Black Watch (Royal Highland Regiment) of Canada, before coming west and serving in the ranks as a Calgary Highlander. His service with the regiment from 1976 to 1979 including a tour of duty on the Golan Heights as a United Nations peacekeeper with the United Nations Disengagement Observer Force (UNDOF). He was commissioned after leaving the regiment to return to the east, where he filled most major appointments of the 4th Battalion, The Royal Canadian Regiment, a reserve battalion of the RCR based in London, Ontario, eventually commanding the battalion. He left the regiment as a Lieutenant-Colonel and went on to hold several appointments with 31 Canadian Brigade Group, including commanding the brigade, from August 2001 to September 2003. In civilian life, he participated in the first Gulf War, providing support to the United States Marine expeditionary forces in Kuwait. His official biography notes that:

He was promoted to his current rank on 19 February 2005 and appointed Deputy Commander Land Force Central Area at that time. In March of 2006 he deployed to Afghanistan where he served as the Deputy Commanding General, Political Military Integration, in the Coalition Headquarters of Combined Security Transition Command – Afghanistan for nine months. While in Afghanistan he was responsible for the Coalition efforts in reform of the Afghan National Police, Political Military Integration and was appointed the senior NATO Liaison Officer for the Command. Upon his return to Canada he was appointed Director General Land Reserve and is now Chief of Staff Land Reserve.

Brigadier-General O'Brien was the guest of honour in the Officers' Mess on Friday, 20 April, for the annual St. Julien's Officers' Mess Dinner. He was joined by Major Ray Ansell, who accompanied the general on his trip from Ottawa.

On Saturday, 21 April, The Calgary Highlanders exercised their right to the Freedom of the City of Calgary and marched with bayonets fixed, colour flying and drums beating to City Hall, led by the Regimental Pipes and Drums. The Old Guard fell in at the Calgary Public Library and the traditional lament and wreath laying were conducted at the regimental plaque on the Old City Hall, erected by surviving members of the 10th Battalion after the First World War.

The Regiment marched back to the Armouries down Stephen Avenue Mall, where the Regimental Association conducted its Annual General Meeting. A brief awards ceremony was conducted, and the regiment adjourned to the annual all-ranks St. Julien's Dinner.

The awards for the 2011 calendar year were bestowed as follows (the complete listing can be found on the awards page):

• The Sergeant Miller Trophy for Most Proficient MWO, WO, or Sgt

  •  MWO C. Tucker, CSM "A" Company

• J.V.H Milvain Trophy for Best Junior NCO in a Non-Combat Arms Role

  • Sergeant M. Arnott, Regimental Quartermaster Sergeant

• Overseas Battalion Award for Best Junior NCO in a Combat Arms Role

  • MCpl L.T. Moore

• LCol PF Hughes Trophy for Most Proficient Member of the Pipes and Drums

  •  Pipe Major George Shears

• CWO Marty McCumber Award for Outstanding Service to the Regiment

  •  Captain K. Nettleton, Regimental Padre

• Col JF Scott Memorial Cup for Outstanding Athlete of the Regiment

  •  Cpl A. Wasilewski

• Most Explosive Soldier Award (A Coy Nomination)

  • MCpl C.D. Wagg

• Top Shot:

  • Cpl A.J. Murdock

• LCol W Spann award (Most deserving Junior Rank, as selected by private ballot from among their peers):

  •  Cpl A. Wasilewski

• The Ensign's Award recognizes the "Most Proficient Junior Officer" in the Regiment

  •  Lieutenant A. Pittet

Two other presentations were also made; RSM Besse presented a pace stick to former RSM Kelly on behalf of the Warrant Officers and Senior NCOs as a parting gift from the regiment. Sergeant Moreau presented a plaque to the commanding officer on behalf of the hockey team, marking the 9th annual hockey game against the BATUS Lions.

Last Post
Leo Edmond Lehman, MM

The regiment has learned of the passing of Leo Lehman, who had served with The Calgary Highlanders in the Second World War. The family passes on the following notice:

LEHMAN, Leo Edmond, MM
1923 - 2012
It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of our beloved husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, friend and mentor, Leo Edmond Lehman. Leo passed away suddenly on March 10, 2012 in Pointe- Claire with his family by his side. Leo was predeceased by his sisters Patricia Archbold and Rita Cain. He will be forever missed by his wife of nearly 64 years, Madeline (née Quirke), his children, Kathleen Pezzarrello (Joe), Kevin (Lynn), Leo (Gisele), Rosaleen Obront (Harry), Ted (Debby) and Betty Lehman-McClung (Neil), his grandchildren, Chris and Gina, Erin and Sean, Tania, Tara and Anthony, Marie-Josée and Patrick, Mary- Anne and Leo, Patrick and Ryan; his great- grandchildren, Alexander, Blake, Jake, Miranda, Jude, Noah, Luca, Luke, Gabriel, Addison and Keko; his siblings, Kenneth, Leonard, Lillian Glover and Clifford. Leo lived an active life, he worked for CP Rail for 42 years, he served in the UK and Continental Europe, during WWII and in 1942 until the cessation of hostilities. He was part of the the Calgary Highlanders of Canada. He earned several medals including the Military Medal, 1939-45 Star, France and Germany Star, Defence medal and the Canadian Volunteer Service medal and clasp. He was also a dedicated member of Our Lady of Fatima Parish in Saint-Laurent. Visitation will take place on Wednesday March 14, 2012 from 2 to 5 p.m. and from 7 to 9 p.m. at Collins Clarke MacGillivray White funeral home in Pointe- Claire. A funeral service will be held on Thursday March 15 at 11 a.m. at Our Lady of Fatima Parish, 875 Marcel-Laurin, Saint- Laurent. In lieu of flowers, donations to the Heart and Stroke Foundation would be appreciated.

As noted, Mr. Lehman served with the 1st Battalion overseas. The family also noted with pride his mention in the March 5, 1945 edition of the Canadian Army's overseas newspaper, The Maple Leaf:

They Discovered He Was Wounded After Courageous Deed Was Done
by Sgt. Ron Poulton
(Staff Writer, Maple Leaf)

WITH FIRST CANADIAN ARMY - Up in this copse dotted sector of Northwestern Germany there is a plowed field, lying quietly under lowering slate grey skies. Three days ago the war passed it by with a sudden rushing sound of shots and falling bodies. And the muddy waters gathered in its furrows and its shell holes. It became just another field, with nothing of violence about it.

But, to the men of the Calgary Highlanders, it is another place to be talked about when the shouting dies and a dime buys a glass of beer.

The field had its baptism of fire at 1630 hours on the afternoon of April 26 when A Company, command by Major F.H. Clarke, of Turner Valley, Alta., broke out of a stretch of woods and led the advance of 1,200 yards of open ground. B Company, under A/Major Sandy Pearson, Edmonton, Alta., followed. Right off the bat, the Westerners ran into very thick cross fire from 20 mm. and heavy machine guns, with an 88 mm. thrown in for good measure.

Their only protection was from artillery support and smoke, and an unfriendly breeze blew most of the smoke away. But, A Company reached its objective - a small wood, containing two or three small buildings.

Baker Company followed through the storm of lead and moved off to a prearranged position to the left of A. When the other two companies went over, the enemy had withdrawn.

In the regiment's record of the action is the name of (Signalman) Leo Lehman, of Montreal, who followed his company commander across the field. When they reached the wood they found that another signaller, who had been carrying the (radio) set, had been wounded. The set lay 200 yards out in the open, and the fire was still coming down as heavy as ever.

Lehman ran back through the cross fire and retrieved the set. Not until he had regained the wood and put the radio back in action did he reveal that the had been hit when he had first crossed the field.

Leo Lehman was awarded the Military Medal; the citation read:

On 26 April 1945, The Calgary Highlanders were attacking an enemy position south of Oldenburg. "B" company was one of the two assault companies and had Private Lehman attached as a Company Signaller.

As the company moved up, it came under heavy fire from a 20-mm cannon and the signaller who was carrying the 18 Wireless Set was badly wounded and dropped the set into the ditch. The company was forced double forward to a bush for cover. When they were under cover, Private Lehman noticed that the wireless set was missing and realizing how important communication was, he immediately ran back through the enemy fire and brought it in.

During the later phase of the attack, the company was advancing over open country when they again came under heavy machine gun and AA fire from both flanks and were forced to double over the remaining eight hundred yards to gain cover. Private Lehman, who was carrying the wireless set, had one of the supporting straps broken by shrapnel, causing the set to flap loose. Instead of dropping it, he gathered it in his arms and followed the company as best he could, although his progress was considerably impeded and the field was swept by most intense fire.

Private Lehman at all times showed courage and devotion to duty of the highest order. Had he not brought in the wireless set, his Company commander would have been unable to call support for the remainder of the attack.

The Regiment offers its deepest condolences to the family and friends of Leo Edmond Lehman on their loss.

Challenged
Heroes Hockey Challenge
15 February 2012

Story by Corporal Kevin Knight

On January 26^th, three lucky members of the Calgary Highlanders had the opportunity to live every man’s dream, playing against the very NHL heroes they grew up watching and idolizing as young players. The first annual Heroes Hockey Challenge, an event started to raise money and awareness for the Wounded Warriors Fund, was held right here in Calgary. Warrant Officer Christopher Tucker, Master Corporal Cody Martin and Corporal Kevin Knight, along with 14 other military members representing units across Western Canada, played in the charity hockey game against the Calgary Flames alumni. The game, held at the Scotiabank Saddledome, was one of six games planned to be played across Canada. With a crowd of 1,000 plus looking on, the Heroes team took to the ice and played in what was to become one of the greatest hockey moments of their lives. As the National anthem played and the opening ceremonies began, the Heroes team was fixated on their opponents, not with a look of intimidation but with a look of amazement . Standing across from them were some of the finest players that have ever played the game, All-Stars, Stanley Cup champions, and superstars who played for many years right here in Calgary. Names such as Joel Otto, Ron Stern, Perry Berezan, Jim Peplinski, Colin Patterson and Tiger Williams, to name a few. The first period got under way with the Flames alumni getting out to a quick start and an early lead. “It was funny to watch a bunch of grown men looking like little kids. Standing there in awe as their idols skated by, only to realize that they were actually playing in same game” said one Hero fan. The second period saw a better performance from the Heroes team, but by game’s end, the Heroes couldn’t manage enough of a come-back and lost in a 10-6 final. However, with smiles on their faces and continuous laughter from every player the teams shook hands in a traditional fashion and posed for a group photo, both teams showing a mutual respect for one another, as opponents on the ice and as individual Heroes who represent the finest traditions this country has to offer, Hockey and the Forces.

Cpl Knight, MCpl Martin and WO Tucker at the 2012 Heroes Hockey Challenge. Photo courtesy of Cpl Knight.

WO Tucker, at left, lines up with the team. Hockey Heroes Challenge website photo.

Jamie Macoun making it look easy. Hockey Heroes Challenge website photo.

Promoted
15 February 2012

On Wednesday, 15 February 2012, two long serving warrant officers were promoted.

Master Warrant Officer Chris Tucker

Chris Tucker has served with The Calgary Highlanders for many years, as a rifleman, section commander, company quartermaster sergeant, and has been the Company Sergeant Major of "A" Company in the rank of Warrant Officer until his formal promotion to MWO.

Master Warrant Officer Glenn Fedoruk

Glenn Fedoruk came to the regiment after service with several western Canadian militia infantry units, and has been active in a number of extra-regimental employments in addition to duties such as company quartermaster sergeant, operations and training NCO, and Small Arms Trainer instructor.

Appointed
18 January 2012

On Wednesday, 18 January, the formal change of appointment ceremony took place in which the appointment of Regimental Sergeant Major of The Calgary Highlanders was passed from Chief Warrant Officer Emmett Kelly, CD to Chief Warrant Officer Robert Besse, CD. The latter has been acting in the capacity of RSM for a period of time, since CWO Kelly left for an overseas mission in Sierra Leone.

The official sign-over and passing of the RSM's pace stick was done on a formal parade, with an inspection by the Deputy Commander of 41 Canadian Brigade Group, Lieutenant Colonel Martin J. Delaney.

 
(Left) CWO Kelly at the head of the Regiment for the last time.
(Right) RSM Besse receives the pace stick from Lieutenant Colonel Mike Owens. Regimental Adjutant Captain Fiona McLean looks on from the podium.
(Below) Signing the official parchment with the C.O.

Lieutenant Colonel Delaney talks to Pipe Major George Shears.

Unit March-Past