8th Hussars Sabretache
REGI PATRAEQUE FIDELIS
8th Hussars Sabretache
THE ASSOCIATION OF 8TH CANADIAN HUSSARS (PRINCESS LOUISE’S) INC.
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Wishing you all a Merry Christmas
And a Happy New Year!
The 8th Hussars Sabretache is the official newsletter of the
Association of the 8th Canadian Hussars (Princess Louise's) Inc.
and is published twice yearly
Contact us:
Association Secretary; [email protected] or [email protected]
Sabretache Editor; [email protected]
8 CH (PL) Museum; [email protected]
8 CH (PL) Association; Mail: PO Box 1695, Moncton, NB E1C 9X5
Web page; http://www.8chassociation.com/contact-us.html
Regimental Association and the 8th Hussars Museum; http://www.8chassociation.com/
Facebook; https://www.facebook.com/groups/249320194490/
Museum Blog; http://www.8chassociation.com/blog---museum
Faces to Canadian War Graves Groesbeek; http://www.facestograves.nl/
The Hussars Annual curling Funspiel will be held end Jan or 1st week Feb 2017. The
meet and greet will be held Friday evening at the Milton Gregg Armory from 2000—
2400 hrs. The curling kicks off Saturday morning at the Sussex Golf and Curling Club
at 0800 hrs and will end with a supper at 1700 hrs at the club.
The cost is around $25 per person.
Dates and timings may change slightly due to unforeseen circumstances!
Please call 432-1040 to register teams, or email Bill Nickson; [email protected]
Come on out to see old friends, meet new ones and hopefully win a prize!
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The Association is a family of serving, former serving and retired members of
the regiment with a common purpose; to protect and preserve the history and
heritage of the 8th Hussars, to support and foster the esprit de corp of The
Regiment and to hold and preserve items of historical significance for the
Regiment.
ASSOCIATION EXECUTIVE MEMBERS AND DIRECTORS
Honorary Colonel
President
1st Vice President
2nd Vice President
Honorary L/Col
CO
RSM
Treasurer
Secretary
Secretary RWC
Sabretache Editor
Museum Chairman
Bursary
Directors
Jim Lockyer
Don Bourque
Tom McLaughlan
Jake Douthwaite
Robin Craig
LCol Tom Peppard
CWO Jody Tower
Perry Fullum
Trisha Janssen
Doug Seed
Bruce Montrose
Tom MacLauchlan
Steve Neily
Mac Robinson
Bruce Montrose
Darren Spicer
Frank Smith
Rick Cosman
Byron Ostrom
BURSARY APPLICATIONS
As noted in previous Sabretaches, applications for the two (2) $1000 Hussars Association Bursaries
and one (1) $500.00 LCol McLeod Memorial Bursary close on 30 April annually. Bursary winners
will be contacted directly by the Bursary Chairman, once the selections have been made.
In 2016, 18 applications were received by the posted deadline
The entrance bursary of $1000 was awarded to Madeline Power, a serving member of the Regiment.
The continuing studies bursary was awarded to Ariane Chartrand, another serving member of the
Regiment.
The McLeod Memorial Bursary was awarded to Justin Lochert, grandson of MCpl (Ret) John
Griffiths.
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We remember
Afghanistan war veterans lost to suicide.
At least 70 soldiers and vets died by suicide after serving on the Afghanistan mission – a
growing cohort excluded from official accounts. Dozens of families shared stories of Forces
members who served, then suffered. For many of the soldiers, this is the first public
recognition of their sacrifice
Published on November 4, 2016
Canada pulled out of the Afghanistan conflict in 2014, but the war has not ended. Not there,
where the violence continues. Not here, where battlefield trauma remains indelible and, for
some soldiers, insurmountable.
A continuing Globe and Mail investigation has uncovered that at least 70 military members
and veterans have taken their lives after returning from Canada’s longest military operation –
much higher than the 54 revealed by the newspaper one year ago. Many of their suicides were
connected to the mission, but they are not included in the official toll or honoured in military
memorials. They are Canada’s unknown war dead.
There is no public list of military members who died by suicide in Canada. The tally of the
fallen was a number without names – a count based on military statistics initially obtained
under the access-to-information legislation by The Globe and Mail and nationwide obituary
searches that began in 2014. Through reviews and analysis of death notices and social media,
followed by phone calls, messages and letters to soldiers’ families, The Globe discovered the
names of nearly 80 per cent of the 70 Canadian Forces members and veterans lost to suicide
after returning from Afghanistan. Reporters Renata D’Aliesio, Les Perreaux and Allan Maki
spent several months reaching out to their loved ones to commemorate these forgotten soldiers
and to examine whether the military and Canada did enough to help them heal.
Thirty-one families agreed to participate. Many are speaking publicly about their loss for the
first time. The fallen were proud military members from small towns and big cities. They were
sons, brothers, husbands and fathers who left 40 children behind. These are their stories. To
read them, go to the link below.
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/investigations/remembering-31-canadian-afghanistan-warveterans-lost-to-suicide/article32657290/#fulllist
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The Panzer Battalion 283rd Friendship Rock located outside the Sussex Armoury was recently given a
new face-lift. Thanks to Wayne Fogarty, Casey Vandenheuvel and Bruce Montrose.
Also, the 8CH Cairn located at Fox Hill, just outside Sussex NB is in the process of getting a face-lift
thanks to Darren Spicers handy work.
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The Honorary Colonel
It has been a busy time since being named Honorary Colonel in May. I am humbled by the appointment and want to
thank all members of the Regiment, the Association and the Regimental Council for their confidence in me. I understand
the role of the Honorary Colonel and I intend to work closely with the new CO LCol Tom Peppard, RSM Jodie Tower,
the Regiment, the Association and all members of the regimental family to promote the interests, and strengths of the
8CH (PL).
I also want to thank HCol Elizabeth Rybak and recognize her commitment to the Regiment during her tenure as HCol.
She worked tirelessly and always had the Regiment at heart. I also wish to commend the Honorary LCol Robin Craig
and Honorary RSM, Eugene Stairs for the work they have done promoting the well-being of the Regiment which they
continue to do.
But it was right to work for me. Along with Association President Everett Lavoie and Past President Tom McLaughlin, I
had the privilege of attending the annual reunion of the Radley-Walters Chapter of the Association held in Petawawa on
May 27th - 28th, 2016. What a great event it was! The weekend was an outstanding success and well organized by a great
committee. A large number of Hussars and guests attended the Friday night “Meet and Greet” with over 150 attending at
the Saturday night banquet. The golf tournament, organized by Charlie Butts, was a thoroughly enjoyable time spent on
a scenic golf course, on a warm sunny day overlooking the beautiful Ottawa River. It was a wonderful weekend and I
met a great number of Hussars and saw others I had not seen in years. Bob Lescombe, Frank and Donna Smith, Judy
Rutledge and their entire team are to be commended for the dedication and commitment to this event and to maintaining
the Hussar family in the Petawawa area.
I also want to mention the dedication and commitment of Past President, Maj (ret’d) Tom McLaughlin on that weekend.
Tom drove to Petawawa, took a carload of museum artifacts with him to spread out on a banquet table for all to see and
then spent the entire weekend interviewing ten former Hussars in order to make a record of what it was like to be a
Hussar during the time of their service. His ongoing contribution to the development of the 8CH Museum and its living
history is remarkable. Tom, we salute you.
On Sunday June 12th, I had the pleasure to participate in the 8CH Change of Command Parade in front of the 8th Hussar
Leopard tank in the parking lot of the 4Plex Centre in Moncton. LCol Mike Bech closed out his command and spoke
very well as he said goodbye to the Regiment with LCol Tom Peppard standing by to take command. We congratulate
LCol Bech on his accomplishments and we welcome LCol Peppard as he takes command of a very vibrant regiment,
now in its 169th year. It was great to see a number of former COs and retired members of the Hussar family, some who
had travelled a long distance, attend this change of command. Everyone was interested in renewing their ties with the
regiment. We need and want more of that.
I attended the 37 Brigade Change of Command on September 11th in Moncton. The guard for the parade was
commanded by a Hussar. It was a good event and people spoke well of the Regiment. I had a very good discussion with
the incoming Brigade Commander Colonel Brennan on his vision for his mandate and the future of the units under his
command. Things look good.
Friday, September 16th and Saturday, September 17th, saw an Association AGM and Reunion weekend which included
a regimental weekend exercise based in Sussex. I had the opportunity to visit with the troops on patrol in and around the
Town of Sussex as they deployed to contain a possible terrorist threat on the streets and at civic installations. I was
impressed with the dedication and the seriousness these young men and women displayed as they went about their
training. They did a great job. Our troops are committed to the Regiment and its mission.
The annual meeting went very well. The highlights included a number of bylaw modifications designed to facilitate the
amalgamation of last year and to create new membership categories which will help in the recruitment and retention of
members. Also discussed and adopted was the new Coriano Investment Policy put together by Col (ret,d) Mac
Robinson, MGen (ret'd) Mike Ward, MGen (ret'd) Bruce Jeffries, Col (ret'd) Bill Fulton, LCol Mike Bech and HLCol
Robin Craig. We thank the committee for their work and the stewardship they have brought to the Coriano Fund.
LCol Tom Peppard provided an update on unit training and stated that he wished to draw the Regiment and the
Association closer together. His comments were supported and backed up by a delegation of soldiers who came off their
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training to attend the meeting and resumed training right after the meeting. We appreciate LCol Peppard's wish to draw
the Association and the Regiment together. We are a regimental family.
The meeting also saw the end of the Association presidency of Everett Lavoie. Everett has done an outstanding job for
more than two years navigating the association through an onerous amalgamation and numerous other complicated
issues. He did this with calm steerage and commitment to the objective. He is to be thanked for an outstanding job and
commended for the professional and accomplished way he achieved these goals. Even though he is now the past
president of the Association, we will not let him get too far away.
Following the meeting, the annual Memorial Service was conducted at the 8CH Museum with MLA Bruce Northrup,
MP Alayna Lockhart and Sussex Mayor Mike Thorne attending as well as a number of other dignitaries. The service
was conducted by Tom McLaughlin with devotions presented by Padre Chris VanBuskirk. Wreaths were laid at the
cenotaph by Colonel Tom Peppard and RSM Jodie Tower accompanied by past honorary LCol Dave Henderson. It was
a moving ceremony.
As a Regiment, we acknowledge the fallen, and it is always with sadness that we learn of the passing of members of our
regimental family who have passed on recently. Of particular note was the recent passing of Patricia Radley-Walters, the
wife of General Rad. We extend our sympathies to her family and the families of all other Hussars who have recently
left us.
It is great to see the Regiment moving forward and effectively dealing with its objectives and challenges in such a
positive way. The future looks good.
J Lockyer
Jim Lockyer
HCol, 8 CH (PL)
Regi Patriaeque Fidelis
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The Commanding Officer
Greetings Sabretache readers
The Regiment has been very busy since the last publication of Sabretache. Many of you were able to see your
soldiers in action in Sussex during the 8CH Association Annual General Meeting. We were able to combine an urban
dismounted patrolling exercise with the AGM thanks to the skilful planning of Major Andre Royer, OC B Sqn. That was
Major Royer's last exercise as he has now retired and passed Command of B Sqn in Sussex to Captain Chris Marshall.
The Regiment conducted a handover also of A Sqn in Moncton at the end of September. Major Dan Hone handed
command over to Captain Dave Warren. Majors Royer and Hone did an outstanding job of commanding their
respective squadrons and I have just as much faith in Captains Marshall and Warren.
I would be remiss if I didn't mention the change of Appointment of Regimental Sergeants Major. CWO Thom
Halfkenny handed the position of 8CH RSM over to CWO Jody Tower in early September. CWO Halfkenny has taken
a position with the North Shore (NB) Regiment.
The Hussars have been busy this fall in the Gagetown training area, honing mounted tactical skills including a very
successful combined exercise with the other two Atlantic Armoured Regiments: Prince Edward Island Regiment and
Halifax Rifles. We will team-up with the other two units again to conduct a gun camp at the end of November in
Gagetown.
The annual Soldiers Appreciation Dinner will be held in Sussex at the Gregg Armouries this year on 10
December. Dinner will be served at 1500 hours. All old guard are welcome and encouraged to attend.
A reminder of a special event that includes all members of the regimental family: the annual Regimental
Ball will be held at the Crown Plaza in Moncton on Saturday 8 April 17. This is a semi-formal, sit-down
dinner and dance. It has become a favourite occasion for many of the troops as they take advantage of the
event to treat a date to a nice dinner in a formal setting. Tickets cost $35 each and are available from the
unit. Your troops would be thrilled to see association members and old guard come out to this event.
Please mark this date in your calendars and join us.
One of the best pieces of news that I have is the recent announcement that the 8CH will receive 18 new Tactical
Armoured Patrol Vehicles (TAPV). These vehicles will be a quantum leap over the G-Wagon which we currently use.
The Regiment should receive the first of these, next fall. Some will be housed in Sussex, some in Moncton and the
remainder in Gagetown. This is a huge boost for the morale of the unit and will be a big recruiting draw.
Lieutenant-Colonel Tom Peppard
Commanding Officer
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The Regimental Sergeant Major
Hussars
It’s an honour for me to be your Regimental Sergeant Major. I am proud to represent you and will endeavor to
continue moving the Regiment forward with all your help and support. I know I can count on you to grow and
strengthen our Regimental family, which includes cadets, old guard and association members past and present.
As soldiers, we are constantly solicited to help, assist and lend a hand to the ones in need. We do so with pride and
selflessness because this is at the core of our values. However, we also need to remember to take care of our own; this
means looking after yourself and your family, take your civilian work / school seriously while not losing sight of your
responsibilities as a member of the Canadian Armed Forces.
Despite all of the challenges that are thrown our way, I know that we can succeed if we support each other and keep the
lines of communication open, both up and down the chain of command. Respect and commitment are also essential
elements to ensuring a strong family.
These past few months have seen significant changes in our command teams. While change can be unsettling, it also
comes with opportunities. I believe our Regiment is well equipped with talent, motivation and passion to thrive in a
complex and challenging environment.
In closing, I look forward to working with all the excellent NCO’s and Officers of the Regiment, past and present
members and the men and women who are associated with our long history.
Regi Patriaeque Fidelis
RSM 8 CH (PL)
CWO J. (Jody) D. Tower, MMM, CD
The Association President
It’s been a few years since I’ve addressed you all and, when I last did, I never thought I’d be doing so as the new
President of this Association. It is both humbling and an honour to be selected to serve you all and it is at your service
that I am called. Everett has set a course for the Association, along with the Executive, to strengthen us through
compliance with the Government of Canada’s regulations for charitable organizations, and by fostering our rich history
through the museum and outreach programmes. Words of gratitude fall short of what I owe.
I have yet to do much since taking office. Everett and I will have completed our handover by the time you read this. I
have, though, attended a meeting of our museum committee and can tell you these volunteers make me very proud. I
look forward to visiting other Association events and Chapters during my term. It’s great work that we do to promote
the Regiment.
Again, thank you all for your confidence.
D A Bourque
Don Bourque
Association President
8 CH (PL)
Regi Patriaeque Fidelis
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Regi Patriaeque Fidelis.
Radley Walters Chapter 2016
I want to extend best wishes to all members, of the Regiment and the 8th Canadian Hussar Association as we enter the
final months of 2016. The chapter has had a fairly successful year.
Our reunion 2016 was excellent, mixed with the regular attendees were some new faces in attendance. We were most
pleased to welcome 10 new members to the Chapter, because of the tireless effort of our membership chairman, Frank
Smith. Thanks so much Frank, certainly most appreciated. Our attendance numbers were probably the best in many
years for both our meet and greet and the dinner. The weather was great and everyone enjoyed the boat cruise, the golf
tournament and the bus tour to the Diefenbaker Bunker.
It was also great to have Grant Radley-Walters (Gen Rad's son pictured on right in the red shirt) join us for the golf
tournament and to present the trophy for top golfers. Other distinguished guests were our new HCOL Jim Lockyer and
Association President Everett Lavoie.
It was our 4th Annual golf tournament
and a great time was had by all
participants as they competed for the
Radley-Walters Cup. The winners were
1st place Jamie Kendall and Norm Wall.
(Also pictured on the right)
Second place Doug Seed and Dave
Gowers and winner of the longest put
was Dan Lynch. Our two guests Jim
Lockyer and Everett Lavoie were given a
prize for the golfers having the most fun.
The successful tournament was
conducted by our chapter golf pro
Charlie Butt who always does a superb
job of conducting the tournament.
Our HCol Jim Lockyer cuts the Reunion
cake as Chapter President Bob Lescombe
looks on. HCol Lockyer also spoke during
the evening. Our sincere thanks for your
participation; we were delighted you and
Association president Everett Lavoie could
attend. The Birthday Cake was most
graciously donated by Arnie Jantz. Arnie
has made the cake donation for several
years and we are truly grateful to Arnie for
this kind and continued gesture.
The chapter has always tried to maintain
contact with the Association and its
members through articles like this. We will
use this article to congratulate Hon Col
James E. Lockyer, on his recent
appointment.
The regiment welcomed their new CO,
LCol W. T. Peppard CD in Jun 2016 and Sep brought about a change in RSM’s. CWO Jody Tower replaced CWO
Halfkenny as RSM. We offer our sincere congratulations to both, CO on your command and RSM on your appointment.
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We do hope that you will one day join us for a reunion in Petawawa. As a reminder our next reunion is 26-28 May 2017
in Petawawa and we will distribute further details in our Feb. 2017 Newsletter.
President of the 8th Canadian Hussar Association, Everett Lavoie (on Left) presents Chapter member Gary Barling with
a Certificate of appreciation. Gary has been actively
working with the 8CH Museum creating historically
accurate scale models, which he has presented to them
on several occasions. Gary the chapter offers our
thanks for all that you do.
Everett, we offer our sincere thanks to you for your
participation while you served as the Association
President. We would also like to take this opportunity
to welcome our new Association President Don
Bourque.
My parting thought is the Radley-Walter Chapter is
your chapter and its success is only possible with your
support. The Chapter continues to flourish due to your
participation, dues and donations, without them the
chapter would struggle to survive. As always we
offer our sincere thanks.
Regi Patriaeque Fidelis
Doug Seed
Secretary
Radley-Walters Chapter
Please be sure to advise the committee of any changes to your mailing address or email
address, when changes occur. Your assistance in this regard would be truly appreciated.
The cut off for articles for the next issue of the Sabretache will be May 30th 2017. This
should give everyone plenty of time to write their articles. Articles and pictures can be
forwarded to: Bruce Montrose at [email protected]. Or by mail;
Association of 8th Canadian Hussars
PO Box 1695
Moncton NB
E1C 9X5
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Our Fallen Soldiers!
You may have noticed the small table set for one that is off on its own - it is reserved to
honor our fallen comrades. This symbolizes that they are with us, here in spirit. We
should never forget the brave men and women who answered our nation's call to serve.
We are ever mindful that the sweetness of enduring peace has always been tainted by the
bitterness of personal sacrifice. We are compelled to never forget that while we enjoy our
daily pleasures, there are others who have endured the agonies of pain, deprivation and
death.
The table is round to show our everlasting concern for our fallen comrades.
The tablecloth is white symbolizing the purity of their motives when answering the call to duty.
The single red rose displayed in a vase, reminds us of the life of each of our fallen comrades, and
the loved ones and friends of these comrades who keep the faith.
The vase is tied with a red ribbon, symbol of our continued determination to remember our fallen
comrades.
A slice of lemon on the bread plate is to remind us of the bitter fate of those who will never return.
A pinch of salt symbolizes the tears endured by the families of those who have sacrificed all.
The Holy Book represents the strength gained through faith to sustain those lost from our country.
The glass is inverted, they cannot toast with us at this time.
The chair is empty because they are no longer with us.
Lest We Forget
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Minister of Veterans Affairs Commendation
Since serving in uniform, many of Canada’s Veterans continue to provide outstanding service to
their country, their communities and their fellow Veterans. To formally recognize the contributions
of these outstanding Canadians, the Governor General authorized the creation of the Minister of
Veterans Affairs Commendation.
The Commendation is awarded annually to individuals who have contributed in an exemplary
manner to the care and well-being of Veterans or to the remembrance of the contributions, sacrifices
and achievements of Veterans.
Mr. Carl Scovil Brown is a Veteran of the Canadian Armed Forces. Originally a member of the 8th
Canadian Hussars, he became a member of the regimental association upon his retirement and
continues his involvement today. Mr. Brown ensures that sick members are visited, that families of
deceased members are cared for, and that Veterans receive dignified funerals. He is also personally
responsible for the establishment of the 8th Canadian Hussars Museum in Sussex, New Brunswick.
Upon realizing that nothing existed to commemorate the contributions of the regiment, Mr. Brown
developed a plan, recruited like-minded individuals, and established committees and worked to
create a museum. This involved countless hours gathering; cataloguing and insuring memorabilia;
and directing fundraising efforts to acquire a venue to display the regimental history. Thanks to his
efforts, the 8th Canadian Hussars Museum is now well established and was recently named the best
small museum in Canada. Mr. Brown also convinced the association to fund a memorial tablet
depicting the story of “the little colt” Princess Louise, that became the regimental mascot. Mr.
Brown is also a long time member of the Royal Canadian Legion and sat on the board that replaced
the old and crumbling cenotaph in Hampton, New Brunswick. This project required significant
community engagement, fundraising and dedication. Mr. Brown’s financial expertise has been a
huge asset to the Legion, helping them achieve the stability they continue to enjoy today.
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Museum Report - Fall 2016
Four funding grants were received from the NB Heritage Branch which included funding support for our archive
and artefact programs totally $5500, a general support grant for museum operations for $2000 and an Exhibit renewal
grant to upgrade and maintain our exhibits for $3375. These grants in total have allowed us to renew the WW I trench
display and do upgrades to 15 other exhibits in the museum. Due to a large donation from General Ward we were able to
upgrade the museum conference room. The museum kit shop will need to be revamped completely now that the
Regiment has concluded a contract with Canex to supply kit shop items that were currently being sold through the
Association kit shop.
The BMQ members’ first history lesson
Since last year’s Association AGM the museum has been actively involved in outreach programs and numerous groups
visitation. Considerable effort and time was invested in the Lest We Forget Gala. We also did outreach programs at the
Shannex retirement homes, and the Moncton Highland Games. Further outreach programs saw the museum represented
at the Royal United Services Institute of New Brunswick in October and the volunteers will also present the first draft of
the museum’s new presentation on Vimy Ridge to the New Brunswick Historical Society on 29 Nov 16. The final
version of this project will be presented in Sussex at the Royal Canadian Legion on 09 April 2017, one hundred years to
the day of the start of the famous battle. Groups visiting the museum included the Regiments BMQ course, the Sussex
Cadet Corp and 14 school classes.
Our fund raising events this summer were successful. The support from B Sqn and the Regiment has been excellent.
These figures have not been audited yet but the museum will have netted about $11,300 and the three supporting cadet
corps will have netted $14,611 between them.
With the recent announcement of funding from the Province of New Brunswick, this upcoming year will see the
museum supporting the NB Heritage branch in the implementation of a new Museum Collection database which will
perhaps replace the current one which we have been involved with for the past 10 years. We were the first museum in
Atlantic Canada to establish and upload our section of the database. Once the database is completed these programs will
be available across Canada as online heritage information. Funding from CANB will allow the museum to properly
archive information from the regular force period from 1957 to 1998.
The museum was nominated for the national Governor Generals Award for Community planning by the Sussex High
School history staff. Support letters were received from our MP, our MLA, the mayor of Sussex and the University of
New Brunswick Gregg Centre.
In closing I would like to thank all the museum committee members, the volunteer group and all of the volunteers who
worked at the museum and at the parking venues.
Tom McLaughlan
Museum Board Chair
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Ex Tough Hussar 2016
On
the weekend of 16-18 Sep 16, the 8th Canadian Hussars (Princess Louise’s) conducted a training exercise in
Sussex, NB. Ex Tough Hussar was the first weekend exercise of the year and its focus was set on the conduct of stability
operations and scene management, giving the soldiers a full weekend of practice ensuring that these important skills
remain current.
A Hussar G-Wagon fighting through an ambush during Ex TOUGH HUSSAR 16 in Sussex
A total of 39 Hussars started the training on Friday evening with a briefing from the Ex Director, Maj Royer, after which
they were divided into five groups: two dismounted, two mounted and an Enemy Force group. With the first tasks
quickly assigned, the camp was set up by the troops while the Regiment’s junior leaders received orders and shortly
after that, the first patrols stepped off and the Ex was underway. This set the tempo for the weekend as it was a busy,
challenging exercise where down-time was minimized to allow for maximum training.
Hussars patrolling into the town of Sussex during Ex TOUGH HUSSAR 16; rain or shine!
On Saturday morning, thanks to collaboration with 3 Military Police Platoon, there was a special lecture about detainee
search and handling. Hussars had a chance to learn about proper search and immobilisation techniques, skills they
practiced on each other under the MP’s supervision, and later used these skills in one of the training scenarios.
Mounted and dismounted presence patrols, scene management and First Aid, providing security for VIPs or maintaining
security at some key locations were only a few of the tasks our soldiers were given on the two and a half days of
training. Overall, the Hussars rose to the challenge and members of all ranks enjoyed this training opportunity; Trooper
Power said: “I really enjoyed how realistic the exercise seemed, it was my first one with the unit so I wasn’t sure what to
expect but overall I really enjoyed it”. It was, without a doubt an action-packed weekend with demanding missions and
scarce sleep but also some valuable knowledge and new shared experiences and stories for the future!
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The 8th CH association AGM took place in Sussex that weekend too, allowing the young members of the Regiment to
connect with some of the older, more experienced hussars and vice-versa. This also permitted the association bursaries
for this year to be presented to Trooper Chartrand and Trooper Power. The AGM played an essential role in the exercise
as it provided context to many of the scenarios with the realism needed to make the missions more challenging and
appealing to the patrol members.
OCdt M. Portilla-Villalon
Regi Patriaeque Fidelis
AGM 2016 Report
Checkpoints, concertina wire and roving patrols made the AGM the most secure ever!
Security outside the AGM Venue
Association President Everett Lavoie
calls the meeting to order
Thanks to the soldiers of the Regiment who were on exercise at the same time, the Association members were treated to
a secure and welcoming venue for the AGM and Reunion. The Association AGM was held at the Royal Canadian
Legion in Sussex, NB on 17 Sept 2016. Details of the meeting and the minutes are available from the Secretary Trish
Janssen. Members wishing to access this information should contact Trish directly.
The weekend started with an informal meet and greet at the B Sqn mess at the Milton Gregg Armouries in Sussex. Lots
of stories were swapped and more than a few ales were quaffed.
Following the meeting, all members travelled downtown to the museum for the Memorial Service. Again this year our
Regimental padre, Capt Chris Van Buskirk conducted the service and the reading of the Roll of Honour was done by
Arnie Jantz and Dave Henderson who both travelled from Ontario to support us this year. Thank you both for attending
and supporting the Association. Special quests at the Memorial Service included our local MLA; Bruce Northrup who is
the son of the former Regimental RSM, Cliff Northrup and our MP Alaina Lockhart, whose husband Rick is a former
member of the Regiment.
Following the Memorial Service we all moved back to the Legion for a dinner and a chance to hear about the 8 th Hussars
first peacekeeping tour from Arnie Jantz. Arnies bio tells us that he joined the Regiment in 1957 upon establishment of
the Regular Force Regiment and that he almost immediately departed for a peacekeeping tour in Gaza as part of D Sqn.
Following his return, he was posted to Germany twice for tours once with the 8CH Recce Sqn in 1959 and once with the
Fort Gary Horse as a helicopter observer in 1965. Following his release from the military Arnie went into business in
the civilian world and continues to haunt Petawawa in that role even today. However, his attendance and his overview of
one of Canada’s early peacekeeping roles were well worth hearing and were greatly appreciated by the Association.
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Padre Vanbuskirk conducts the Memorial Service
Major Royer and the Sqn on duty
Arnie and Betty are introduced to our MP
Reading the Roll of Honour
The CO and RSM assist in laying the wreaths
The Hon Col meets with our MLA
The following Sunday morning a driver’s training program was held at the B Sqn armouries and members and soldiers
alike got the opportunity to try driving our museum’s Bren gun carrier and a fully restored ferret scout car owned by a
former member of the Regiment, Mike Baxter. Needless to say we had difficulties getting Arnie to let any of the rest of
us in the Ferret but he certainly could prove he knew his way around that vehicle. Lots of fun and joking but great
memories too.
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Arnie and Ev share some stories
Before
EJ and the Hon Col
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Bar Fly’s
After
More stories!
Rest in Peace Mary…
Gordon and Mary Bickerton
Mary Bickerton was born on November 14, 1926 in London, England. She was the daughter of
the late Frank and Florence (Hazell) Deegan. Mary came to Canada as a war bride in 1946,
serving for 16 years postwar in the Canadian Army Militia. She was a lifetime member of the
Royal Canadian Legion, a past President of the Sussex Branch # 20 as well as the 8th
Canadian Hussars (Princess Louise's) Association
Mrs. Frances Mary Bickerton of Sussex passed away on July 12, 2016 at the age of 89.
http://wallace.wallacefuneralhome.com/tribute/details/1815/Mary-Bickerton/obituary.html
The Regimental All Ranks Christmas Dinner will be held in Sussex this year with a complete
day of entertainment on the 10th Dec 2016. Activities start at 09:30 with the CO and RSMs
welcome and the Dinner at 15:00. If any of the “Old Guard” is attending you’ll have to contact
the Reg’t Ops O, WO Rich Larocque NLT the 1st Dec 2016. [email protected]
The LCol Harold Gamblin Christmas Dinner in Hampton, NB 03 Dec 2016. Doors open at
noon with the dinner at 1400hours. Located at the Masonic Hall on Church Street, Hampton.
Please RSVP no later than 26th Nov, 2016 by calling Sharon or Scovil Brown at 1 506 832 0611.
There will be a Regimental Birthday Ball held on Saturday 8th April 2017. The details are
being sorted out for this event. It will be at the Crown Plaza in Moncton with a cost of $35.00 a
plate. All are welcome.
Radley-Walters Chapter reunion is 26-28 May 2017 in Petawawa.
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Change of Honorary RSMs. Hon CWO Eugene Stairs takes over from Hon CWO Don Sears
Honorary Sergeant Major of the Regiment is a distinguished retired NCO in the rank of MWO or above with prior
service in that unit of the regiment. Where applicable, each regiment will have a HRSM, but only one will serve in the
regiment at any given time. No one HRSM can serve for more than one regiment simultaneously. The duties of the
HRSM within the regiment are ceremonial and do not conflict with the chain of command. Attendance at regimental
functions is by invitation, and participation is encouraged. The position offers to the regiment the prestige, stature, and
experience of the noncommissioned officer appointed as HRSM. The HRSM will assist the CO, the RSM and the HCOL
in perpetuating the history of the regiment.
Mrs Roberta Kraft nee Fairweather, Bobs Mom, posing
with a Hussar! This is at the 8CH Reunion in Pet, about
4 years ago. Both Bob and his Dad were Hussars, so that
actually makes his Mom a Hussar also! They go to all
the reunions together. Bob with his 83 yr old Mom and a
picture of his Dad in his pocket. Just so his Dad doesn’t
miss out on anything!
Once a Hussar, always a Hussar.
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1956, Sussex NB. Sterling Mercer, Gordon Bickerton and George...
This story begins 72 years ago, one sweltering hot night on September 15, 1944 in the hills near Coriano, Italy with the
Canadians fighting tooth and nail to gain ground. The civilians hid wherever they could but their farm animals were not
as lucky and before long the fields were littered with dead animals.
On the front lines were the 8th Princess Louise’s (New Brunswick) Hussars. They were mostly farm boys from a
Canadian province known for its seascapes, farms and quiet lifestyle and this corner of Italy must have seemed like the
most hellish place on earth to them all. In a momentary lull, they heard the cries of an animal in distress. They finally
found a young filly of about two or three months old who was hungry, injured and pacing around the dead body of her
mother. The foal was not seriously wounded or anything. There were some bad scratches on the leg and the belly as I
recall. This task fell to the mechanics. They were the ones that took care of the foal, changing her dressings on her
stomach and watching for infection. Gordon Bickerton was one of the mechanics who helped take care of her and he
recalls that she was very kind and easy to care for. In later years he said that during parades she would sometimes fall
asleep and he would have to wake her up by tugging on her ear and saying, “Princess Louise, wake up!”
When it came time to name her they men chose the name Princess Louise, eldest daughter of Queen Victoria, who in
1882 consented to honour the regiment with her name and they became known as 8th Princess Louise’s New Brunswick
Regiment of Yeoman Cavalry. The filly took on star status marching in parades and was saluted by soldiers as she
became four legged royalty while the men of the 8th Canadian Hussars (Princess Louise’s) cared for her. She was
becoming a celebrity mascot. Kelly says that, “Our colonel, especially the second in command of the regiment was
Major Bob Ross at the time. He was originally from Hampton, N.B. In the old days the Hussars was a cavalry – a horse
regiment and this was just the thing. She had to be moved from place to place quietly so a concealed stall was created in
a three-ton truck and in this moving home she went through the countryside of France, Belgium and into Holland. At the
end of the war, although most of the regiment had to stay behind because of a shortage of ships, Princess Louise was
shipped to New York aboard the Dutch liner Leerdam and from the Big Apple she went to St. John, New Brunswick.
She was met with cheering crowds when she arrived on March 27, 1946 and was later reunited with her life savers and
those who had protected her, loved her and made her their mascot during the awful days of the war.
The full story can be found at the Museum in Sussex or on the Museum web page.
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Last Post
With sadness we announce the passing of the following members of
the Corps and Regimental families;
Mrs. Jessie Jonah
MWO (Ret'd) Frank Ainsworth
Michelle Denise Levesque
David A. Emmerson
Cpl (Ret'd) Alice Surette
Mrs. Rowena Lockyer
Reginald Sears
LCol (Ret'd) Bill Weagle
WO (Ret'd) David Smith
MWO (Ret'd) William Mulholland
WO (Ret'd) Mary F. Bickerton
Cpl (Ret'd) Glendon Thorne
Maj (Ret'd) Ralph Keith
Mrs. Emma Beales
Mrs. Jean Bernard
Cpl (Ret'd) James McKee
Mrs. Pat Radley-Walters
Patrick Laroche
Don Sutherland
MCpl (Ret'd) Robert MacDonald
“They shall grow not old, as we who are left grow old. Age shall not weary them,
not the years condemn. At the going down of the sun, and in the morning,
We will remember them.
Donations to the Association General funds and the Museum
We would like to thank the following members who recently made a donation to the
Association General funds and the Museum. It is through their generosity that we are able to
maintain an active Association and operate our museum.
Herman Hirschfeld
Don Rodnzy
Malcolm Robinson
Tom McLaughlan
Marilyn Dawes
Larry Zaporzan
Connoll Keith
Bradford Flemming
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Trina Russell
Stanley Belding
Padre Vanbuskirk
Debra Craig
Scovil Brown
Gail Mackinnon
Raymond MacAuley
Mark Littlewood
Don Anderson
Dave Henderson
Mike Ward
Borden Mclellan
2859 Cadet Corps
Sussex Elementary
Sandra MacAuley
Sharron Steeves
Ron Ewing
Darryl Zinck
Barbara Hughes
Margaret Graham
Keith Estabrooks