The Fort Garry Horse Regimental Family Newsletter
Facta Non Verba
(Deeds Not Words)
McGregor Armoury
551 Machray Avenue
Winnipeg, Manitoba
R2W 1A8
Ph: 204 - 833-2705
Vol 1 No 52
In This Edition:
Somebody Say Something I think I’m Goin’ Deaf. p1
Congratulations & Commendations. p2
Oak Park High School Historic Battlefields Day. p3
The Presidents Message. p4
Sickbay & Memoriam. p4
FGH Reunions. p5
Somebody Say Something
I Think I’m Goin’ Deaf
By Cliff Bell
I just got off the phone speaking with Gordon Coutts,
the Chairman responsible informing the associations
potential candidates to the Veterans Affair Canada
sponsor-ship program related to the 2005 Netherlands
trip.
The closing date for entries was 26th February and we
were comparing the recipient list received to the closing date. The committee met, drew the first candidates
name which is James Scanland, and the two alternates
in the event of unforeseen circumstance, were Stanley
Maher, 2nd and Danny Norton 3rd place.
Gordon did inform the CO the regiment of this information and he has faxed Ottawa. VAC will be contact
James shortly.
I asked Gordon to relate some of the telephone conversations he had during our period of solicitation, by
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both mail and phone.
He said that Chas Joyce wanted to know if the association was still functioning, he stated that since he has
had no communication from the FGHRA he assumed
that we were now defunct, his valid reason for not
sending in dues for 2005.
The observation is not unfounded and certainly communications require improving to resolve similar
opinions being voiced by other members. We are in
the process of doing just that says the President.
Once observed and stated that our association newsletter was a most important vehicle, the decision
lies with overall membership and the executive,
the quest of “has” or “had” must be re-solved by
both if it is to continue beyond modern technology.
As for the recent informational mailing, since we were
a committee, research revealed that 56 members who
could qualify, we created a hasty draft letter and it was
mailed.
The Committee received the late VAC information
on the 13th February (formally received by an undisclosed source here February 3rd) then relayed to the
association.
Deadline for submission of names was the 2005/02/28.
Gordon phoned VAC requesting an extension, a week
extension was granted.
The result, the job got done in spite of tardiness.
Gordon and I received some 30 phone calls from
across Canada. Thank you Comrades for prompt responses. At times it was difficult conversing due the
“golden years syndrome”.
We are all four score and more with defunct hearing,
sight and other unmentionables.
Both of us realized what a pleasure it was to hear was
to hear and speak to so many, for instance Comrade
“Dinty” Moore, was pleased that his “aka moniker”
was still recognized
And Lou Finlay, the night I called replied quote “ I’m
waiting for the ambulance”, I briefly described reason
for call, Lou apparently fell and the results unknown.
I hung up.
Boots Keddie, Bob O’Neil, Joe Kukura, Cliff Chute,
Joe Pethtybridge, Jim Norton, Bob Grant, Ralph
James, Bill Joyce, Earl Kitching, EdOverholt, John
Perkins, Geo Romanick, Doug Lavoie, Bill Leaman,
Harold Little, Bill Little, Harold Livingstone, Bill McGowan, Stan Maher, Harvey Merritt, Boots Keddie,
Nic Nicolay, Otto Olson, Lloyd Queen, Bill Schmuck,
Terry Shute, Al Thomas, Don Whiteford, Mel Wright,
Al Wyville, Ben Besel, Norm Beaver, Art Brissette,
Ed Brown, Stan Butterworth, Ed Cossentine, Garnet
Coulter, Ted Dupuis, Bill Ebert, Bill Elmes (lost trail)
Vern Erikkson, Bill Gale, Murray Gibbons, Eddie
Goodman.
Some are on the internet as I – [email protected] some
responded in like others phoned or wrote and a few
like Elmes, if you know where Bill is let us know.
Have not heard from Doug Lavoie and Marie for ages
but last time we talked I believe he was out splittin’
wood somewhere around Cochrane, and said the family were all well.
FGH Museum curator Larry Lajeunesse has compiled
a member- ship list from old records and is going to be
our new membership chairmen.
So mail in your dues or contributions to the address
on top of page one – mark attention MEMBERSHIP
Chairman.
I have not attended a number of the monthly meetings
over the past year- however, most recent attended was
last month and prompts this writing. I’m taking a liberty writing this!
Otto Olson says he is the only member of his family
left, brother died recently. Otto stills lives in Keewatin
ON.
Bill Little and his lady will holiday for a month or so
somewhere in the Pacific. Bill Joyce, Benny Goodman,
Bob Grant get together out east now and again. Charlie
Joyce moved, has a new address.
If you feel up to it phone me at 204-772-3898 or on the
internet [email protected] I try to keep in touch and if
you need addresses etc, call or write.
The story of the year 2005- Comrade Al Thomas moved
clear across Canada, now resides in Miramachee, New
Brunswick, and says the fishing is great, just goes to
prove that age is just a number and Al will be or is have
a whale of a time and are an attraction.
That’s it to the moment Comrades, I took the time to
write. Please respond and bring us up to-date.
Best regards and God bless you all.
Cliff & Gordon
An undisclosed number of our comrades have lost their
most loved partner over the past years and experience
a big adjustment.
Harold Little and Fran, are both fine attend exec meetings regularly and visit relatives in Selkirk MB. Harold’s hometown, Stan Butterwoth and Hazel are kept
busy caring after each other ,Hazel will be undergoing
surgery in the near future, we all pray that will be successful. Rose Ogston (Jock’s wife) recently fell and is
hospitalized due to a broken hip, this places a curfew
on what was to be an operation in her near future, Rose
is very optimistic and a real scrapper.
Ian Fyfe former WWII recce vet and retired RSM of
the Garrys is in St. Boniface hospital, been there since
CONGRATULATIONS
last January, has undergone heart surgery. Isabel Hutton ( Paddy’s love) has been extremely busy since the
The FGHRA congratulates Comrade Marie Matherspassing of her loved one.
Ross on her receipt of the Saskatchewan Volunteer
Most recently she journeyed east to attend Peter
Medal. She was awarded the medal on 1 May 2003 at
Dutchy Hildebrands funeral in February, Paddy and
the Legislative Building in Regina. Marie is the mothDutchy were close.
er of 15 children and is well known for her volunteer
Isabel frequents association meetings and is an inspi- work with the Boy Scouts of Canada. She is also inration.
volved as a associated volunteer member of a number
Terry Shute out on the east coast sold his home some
of organizations: St. Joseph Parish, Royal Canadian
time back, he and his lady are tired of the weather etc.
Legion, Federal Superannuates Ass’n Prince Albert
They reside in an apartment block. Terry is our liaison Housing Authority, P.A. Food Bank, the P.A. Multiculman in NS since we still have a few out there.
tural Council, St. John Ambulance, and the Downtown
Irene and I have been together for sixty years, we still Association.
differ in opinion but love is stronger now than ever. - 2 -
COMMENDATION
Oak Park’s Day on Historical Battlefields
by Clay Smorang
Honorary Life member Frank Davidson and his Lady
Izaline have been awarded the Minister of Veterans
Affairs Commendation.
An unfounded rumour suggests that the Commendation presentation may be presented in our City ?.
On March 3rd, the Regiment played host to students
from Oak Park High school. This was to further develop topics that were taught in Mrs Kathy Slovinski’s history class. Part of her focus in teaching history
has been topics in historical war campaigns ranging
from the Napoleonic era to the First World War. She
reached out to Captain James McLellan, who is not
only a member of the Regiment but also a teacher at
Oak Park, to help arrange an open house.
Communications & Corresspondance
March 9,2005 Just been advised by Colonel J. Vadeboncouer Ghost Sqn CO. that six separate GS Parades are slated for this spring and summer. The first
will take place on Mother’s day – VE Day and the
remaining will be held throughout Manitoba and Winnipeg.
As to their involvement related to the forthcoming
“Change of Command Parade” sometime in April.
Information is pending. Members of the FGH and Veterans are encouraged to attend these parades for they
create excellent public relations for our Regiment.
Drivers and passengers who qualify are always welcome.
cb
When the Students arrived, they were met on the
bus by Sergeant – Major Chris Patterson, who did
his greeted them as the course warrant would to new
recruits on the bus. They were then hustled in and
formed up for inspection and introductions.
Throughout the day, groups of the students visited
stands focusing on aspects of classes taken in school.
On the parade square, they were first introduced to
First World War drill and marching, with demonstrations and assistance from staff. Once they were able
to march, they practiced battlefield techniques of the
last 200 years with Napoleonic volley fire, skirmishing, and finally a mock trench scenario complete with
a wire obstacle in the form of metal folding chairs.
LOST TRAIL or RETURNED MAIL
William Elmes – last known address was British Columbia
Students were introduced to historical British and
Canadian weapons by Lieutenant Cam Scott. Shown
were weapons from the Museum collection such as:
Snider-Enfields of 1850’s, Martini-Henry’s of 187080’s; Ross rifles and discussion of its mechanical
problems, Lee Enfields as a Ross rifle replacement,
Enfields in the Second world war; First and Second
World War pistols and Second World War machine
guns and sub-machineguns. The students relished the
opportunity to get hands on with these classic weapons
If you are on the ‘NET
the FGH call sign is:
www.fortgarryhorse.ca
Take look at the New Home Page format!
Please contact us and let us know how you’re doing:
Perkins, John; Pethybridge, Joe; Romanick,
George; Queen, Lloyd; Schecter, Jeff; Schmuck,
Wm; Shute, Terry; Smith, Eve; Smith, Rita;
Shaen, Butch; Thomas, Al; Warner, Ivan; Weibelskircher, R; West, W James; Whiteford, Don; Williamson, Doug ; Wright, Mel ; Hasiuk, Borden
As per usual for open houses the Small Arms Trainer
Range was packed with many willing participants.
They got a chance to wear webbing and helmets while
firing in a modern battlefield scenario.
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Sick Bay and Memoriam- Obituaries
The Regimental Museum gave students the opportunity to look at the history of the Regiment, Lieutenant
Colonel LaJeunesse took many questions about topics
from uniforms to the horses used by the regiment.
For those interested in todays army, Warrant Roger
Coutu had a video presentation on the modern army,
weapons, trades, and recruiting information if students
wanted.
Corporal Todd of 17 Field Ambulance showed historical medical techniques, ranging from bandages to
splints.
TH9928 -Barrett, Wm. Retired and former CO of the
Garrys 1951 – 1965 is undergoing treatment for an illness.
Keep in touch Bill.
H26376 John James Coghill, Cpl, A Sqn FGH Passed
away June 25 2003 at the St. John’s Hospital in Comox
BC, with his wife of 62 ½ years and his beloved son by his
side.
H63503 -Chalmers, James.O FGH. WWII deceased November 1,2004 Penticton BC Home town Miniota MB.
H812642 Dorn, Alvin A. CD Deceased December 9, 2004
services were held at Chapel Lawn Memorial Home, Winnipeg MB
H26727 Hildebrand, Peter (aka Dutchy) Deceased February 13,2005 – Gretna MB –FGH & RA members attended.
Eleanor Chornoboy (niece) read touching eulogy – Peter
seldom smiled, however he enjoyed the occasional joke and
was seen to respond. Once, he donned a mask of a wrinkled
elderly man and the attire synonymous to old men, he stood
outside the window of his sister Doris’s home, she came out
and spoke to him and after numerous questions by Doris as
to his possible needs he revealed his humour and removed
the mask, together they laughed. There were numerous stories relating to Peter and his immediate family, too many to
recite here. Rest assured he was loved and respected, what
greater gift could one ask for. We shall all miss him.
H10192 David Lloyd Hornshaw Peacefully in his sleep 26
August 2003. Winnipeg MB.
H26128 Kapitany, Alexander FGH deceased October
17,2004 St. James, Winnipeg MB. L102369 Gordon McInness - deceased After enjoying an evening of dance at his
local legion returned home and suffered a stroke.
H2510 Forgie, GWM HQ Armourer WWII –deceased
05/01/10 Ian Fyfe –Winnipeg : suffered a stroke and is hospitalized in St. Boniface Hospital
Finally an arctic survival scenario, to make students
think about the issues if stranded with only itmes
pulled from a plane crash.
The class had a student videographer who filmed the
day to show others at Oak Park some of the activities
Mrs Slovinski’s class.
All who participated enjoyed the opportunity and Mrs
Slovinski has begun plans to conduct this activity
again next year.
The President’s Message
Rod Klinck CD
We have been very busy Unit members have been on
courses, tasks and other employments. Much of the
Association Executive comprises of FGH members
and tasks have effected communications.
The unit is organizing a trip to France the in April/
May 2005. The trip will cover battlefields in France
Holland and Belgium and is sure to be unforgettable
individuals who are going.
Fifty-six WWII FGH vets have already been notified
of VAC’s participation etc.
H26468 Lou Finlay –Ontario: recent report he suffered an
injury due to a fall and whether hospitalized or at homeundisclosed.
Rose Ogston – Winnipeg: Suffered serious fall and is hospitalized in Concordia Hospital she was visited by President
05/06/03 says “ She is now off oxygen and lungs are functional w/ devise to assist breathing, looks good, will stay in
hospital will be approximately 3 months. Rose concerns for
others prevails more than her own health
Betty Cox - Passed 18 July 2003. Daughter of FGH CO
LCol. S J Cox VD.
Other who may have interest in joining the Garrys on
these trips should contact the President by mail to the
Association Address.
R Klinck CD.President
[email protected]
FACTA NON VERBA
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Fort Garry Horse Reunions
Upcoming Social Events:
Petawawa, ON
The Bunker Party -25 March 2005 – The JRC’s
yearly bash. Their must not miss event of the year.
Thursday, May 12,2005 (optional) Friday and Saturday May 13th and 14th, 2005.
The RCD will be putting a display on the morning of
May 13th for the members and their families in front
of F16 Camp Petawawa, ON.
Room Rates :
Hotel ( 3 storey Main Bldg, inside corridors $99.95
per night plus 12% tax)
Or
Motel (2 Storey exterior entrance – car access to door)
$899.95 + 12% tax)
35 rooms have been set aside for your group. Each
room will have 1 or 2 beds, assigned by number of
guests in each room.
We look forward to seeing you in May 2005For further information or your intentions.
Chair
Al Dee
14 Adams Court
Acton, Ontario
L7J 2V8
Home: 519-853-3416
Fax: 519-853-1349
[email protected]
Co-Chair
Frank Taylor
[email protected]
The Second Annual Casino Night
9 April 2005, Tickets $10
BlackJack, Roulette and Live Entertainment
Fort Garry Horse Change of Command Parade
16 April 2005. Dinner at the Fort Garry Hotel.
FGHRA Annual General Meeting
at McGregor Armoury
17 April 2005 1300hrs
FGHRA Annual Normandy Dinner
10 June 2005 at the Hilton
(Formerly the Radisson Suites)
1800 Wellington Avenue
Tickets $35
Co-Chair Assistance
Al Nobert
Home: 613-829-0372
Co-Chair Assistance
Frank Potter
Home: 613-473-5421
MEMBERSHIP DUES ARE DUE
JANUARY 1, 2005
Eastern Contact
Doug Taylor
[email protected]
[email protected]
FORT GARRY HORSE
REGIMENTAL ASSOCIATION
MEMBERSHIP APPLICATION
MEMBERSHIP DUES FOR YEAR 2005
January 1st to December 31 st.
Edmonton, AB
LDSH (RC) Reunion
EDMONTON, AB.
May 19, to 22,2005
Meet old comrades from the Garries:
For more information contact Don Crossman
[email protected]
Ordinary Mbr: $20 Associate Mbr. $10
Affliate Organization $ 20
Name: ____________________________________
Address: __________________________________
City: _____________________________________
Prov/State: _________________________________
Country:
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P.O code: