THE NEWS CENTER

For news items e-mail: va6rq@rac.ca

Korean War Vets

United States and Republic of Korea seek Korean War Veterans for Recognition

The United States Department of Defense and the Republic of Korea are trying to find Korean War Veterans, whether they served in the Canadian Forces or with an allied nation, all veterans of the Korean War are wanted for special recognition.

The United States Department of Defense 60^th Anniversary of the Korean War Commemoration Committee was formed in 2011 to mark the Korean War anniversary.  The committee’s mandate is to honour the service and sacrifice of all Korean War Veterans. One significant endeavor of the committee is to award an official certificate of appreciation to veterans. The certificate bears the veterans name, comes in a blue card folder and is signed by the US Secretary of Defense, Leon Panetta.  

In addition to the United State’s official certificate, the Republic of Korea is also actively seeking all Korean War veterans for the award of the Ambassador for Peace Medal. The medal is very impressive, it     is suspended from a ribbon around the recipient’s neck, has a presentation medal case with miniature medal, and personalized certificate.

To be eligible for the Certificate, the veteran must have served in the Korean War during the period June 25, 1950 to July 27, 1953. The special medal is available to those that served during June 25, 1950 to March 1955.

If you meet the above criteria and like to apply for the certificate and/or Ambassador for Peace Medal, and you have not already received these official awards, please provide the following information,

Full Name, Wartime Rank, Service Number, Date of Birth, Unit or Ship’s Name, Mailing Address, Phone Number, and confirm if you have been on a government revisit tour to Korea and if you are a member of the Korea Veterans Association of Canada.

Please send your information to KW60 Ambassador Guy Black, C/O 944 Dundonald Drive, Port Moody, BC, V3H1B7 or email Korea19501953@yahoo.com

Received from Al Truelove by e-mail - RCOC Corp Ties

Due to the overwhelming response we had to the first order of RCOC ties, the museum now has an in-house supply of

 17 ties for those RCOC vets that may have missed it the first time around.

The ties are $20 ea and may be ordered

 through me at  soldier1@videotron.ca

 Those who wish to order can send me an email and I'll give them my address.

 Many thanks.

 Al Truelove

Received from the RCOC Museum Al Truelove

 Good afternoon Ladies and Gentlemen;

 A while ago, a lady fm the US, accompanied by her son, showed up at the Museum. She said that her GPS has directed her to  the Museum and she wondered if they could have a tour. Andrew Gregory, our Curator, gave them a tour in his usual exemplary fashion and thought nothing else about it.

 It turns out that the lady in question, her husband and her son are world travellers and their forte is 'museums'.  As a result of this tour, the link below has appeared on the Internet.

 I not only send this as an item of interest but also to show you that the Museum is very much 'alive and kicking' and is finding itself 'in the news' as it were.

 I hope in the near future to bring you up to date on the issues we are addressing to bring the Museum into the 21st century.

http://worldwar1worldwar2.blogspot.com/2009/03/ordnance-curator-andrew-gregory-royal.html

Regards

Al

Received this e-mail from Al Truelove - This could be big!

----- Message Forwarded on Wed, 27 May 2009 10:50:59 -0400 -----

From: Kevin.Cotten

To: 

Cc: 

Subject: FW: Query from the UK

Date: Wed, 27 May 2009 16:16:06 +0200

Good day, I was recently contacted by The Royal Army Ordnance Corps Association (RAOC) here in the UK. They have in their possession a platinum diamond brooch shaped in the form of their Corps Badge; it was handed over to them by Princess Anne in 2007. It had formerly been given to the RAOC by Her Majesty some time ago (1994?), then turned back over to Princess Anne. The RAOC believes that it was originally a gift from the Royal Canadian Ordnance Corps (RCOC) to Her Majesty QE II, possibly presented at the opening of the St Lawrence Seaway in 1959. The funds to purchase the brooch are believed to have been raised by the Officers and NCOs of the RCOC.

According to the RAOC, it is valued at approx £25000 today.

The question that the RAOC Association is asking is who should the brooch be given to? One suggestion is your museum in Montreal. Apparently the Director (LCol ret'd Al Truelove) is a long time friend of the President of the RAOC Association council, MGen (ret'd) Burden. They served together in the BAOR.

Based on the fact that the brooch was paid for by the Officers and NCOs of the RCOC, it would seem appropriate that it be returned to the RCOC for safe keeping and display. Both Buckingham Palace and Princess Anne's office are interested in the outcome.

If you have any other suggestions, or wish to consult with the RCOC Association (cc'd), please do so. I would be pleased to communicate your findings / suggestions to the RAOC Association, and then step back to allow the two of you to sort out the details.

I look forward to hearing from you.

Sincerely,

Kevin Cotten

Colonel

Army Adviser| Conseiller de l'armée

CDLS(London) | E-MLFC(Londres)

VCDS Group | GCAE-MD

National Defence | Défense nationale

Ottawa, Canada K1A 0K2

___________________________________________________________

From: Al Truelove:

 Dear Colonel Cotten;

 I'm replying to your very welcome email that the Curator has forwarded to me. I'll try to keep in sequence.

 The brooch in question was presented to HM in 1958 by the Officers and NCOS of the RCOC when HM graciously  accepted the appointment of Colonel in Chief of the Royal Canadian Ordnance Corps. It is the crest of the RCOC.

 We have in the RCOC Museum, an oil painting of HM wearing this brooch, which was painted by Hyndman in Nov 58,  to mark this auspicious occasion. The RCOC Museum is the logical resting place for this valuable possesion.

 Gen Burden was my CO when I served on Exchange with RAOC in HQ 1 ARMD Div BAOR and we are still in contact on this means  today.

 I am a member of RAOConLine in the UK and most of the members of the RAOC Assn are also members.

 Although I do not know who contacted you from the RAOC Assn; I would request you forward the fol to them/him;

 'The Royal Canadian Ordnance Corps Museum accepts with honour and privilege the gift of a personal possesion of

 HM and into its safekeeping. The brooch will be displayed with the dignity and security it deserves.'

 Regards

 LCol Al Truelove (Retd)

 Director

 The RCOC Museum

A base to build memories on

Ken Goudswaard, The Chilliwack Times

Published: Tuesday, November 11, 2008

What does it take to a make a book? It's a question I never would have been able to answer five months ago.

Today, I feel like an expert of sorts having just recently sent Remembering CFB Chilliwack, A Photo Retrospective off to the printers.

It's been a long and rewarding process, and, with any luck, we'll have the book back in our office and ready for you to pick up in early December.

The front cover of Remembering CFB, A Photo Retrospective. The book will be ready for pickup in early December.

We had originally hoped the high-quality hardcover book would be ready for Remembrance Day. As neophytes to the book publishing business, we were slightly over-optimistic about the due date. So much more went into making the book than we could have ever anticipated--a labour of love to be sure.

And while the book is slightly off schedule, we felt it was better to get it right, than to rush. That being said, we realize it won't be perfect. Some submitted photos had very little information provided. Some information was incorrect from the start, some because it was second-hand, some because time simply stole or replaced the correct memory. In the end, it's the photos that count and the memories they produce. The book is not purported to be a comprehensive, chronological history of CFB Chilliwack. Rather, it is a collection photographs and captions selected and written to reflect the flavour of everyday life at the base. One thing's for sure, the project wouldn't have been possible without the participation of those who sent in photographs and those who helped us to identify what was going on in some of the more obscure submissions. In the end, we amassed about 400 photos. Most from those who still live in Chilliwack, but many from all over Canada, and indeed, the world.

We hope Remembering CFB Chilliwack, A Photo Retrospective will be like peering into a family album. It is that sense of family, that indescribable bond that exists between military people that made working on this project so fascinating. They are, to say the least, a proud bunch. CFB Chilliwack lives in the collective memory of all those who served and worked on its hallowed grounds.

And few have more passion for all things CFB Chilliwack than Jim Harris. Without him, this book never gets off the ground. I laugh every time I read the way he signs off his e-mails: Jim Harris, Canadian Military History Whisperer. But it's true; the man has a near encyclopedic knowledge of all things military. As president of the CFB Chilliwack Historical Society, he can be found most days huddled around a table in the basement of the Masonic Temple. There, along with a dedicated group of society members, the real work of keeping the base's history alive is done.

I have many fond memories of this book project, and they all involve the people that took the time to call or pay a visit to our office to share with me photos and stories of life on the base. People like Steven Sebelley, who told me stories about bridge building and swimming in the Rosedale Slough in a voice I could have swore belonged to a 30-year-old man and not someone who purported to be 82.

Perhaps the neatest experience was talking to sisters Rose Setter and Olive Chicoyne. Their sense of pride for their father and brother, both military veterans, was palpable through the telephone line. They were desperate to provide me with the correct dates and information for captions to photos they had sent. They were so proud of their family's military history and for a chance to be part of the book. They apologized for calling back so often with new information. I was simply honoured they would care so much.

I am forever grateful to all those who pre-ordered Remembering CFB Chilliwack, A Photo Retrospective. Your trust and faith in our little project has meant the world.

- Remembering CFB Chilliwack, A Photo Retrospective will arrive in early December. A notice in the Chilliwack Times will be posted alerting those who have pre-ordered the book to come and pick up their copy. Those wishing to secure a copy of the book can still do so by calling our office at 604-792-9117 or by visiting our website at www.chilliwacktimes.com.

Received from Gord Gedge by e-mail

Extract from the FSNA website

November 04, 2008 Pension Increase for 2009 The Treasury Board has announced that the increase in indexing to be applied to Public Service, Canadian Forces, and RCMP pensions in January 2009 will be 2.5 per cent. ...

Received From Al Judson by e-mail

I am Al Judson, archivist for the King's Own Calgary Regiment.  In May of 2007 the regiment placed a plaque in remembrace of the battle to cross the Gari and ultimately break the Gustav line.  In particular we paid tribute to a young RCOC office who played a major role in the success of the battle.  The 14th Canadian Armoured Regiment (Calgary

Regiment) was committed to support the 19th Indian Brigade across the river.  The task of getting a bridge across was given to the  RCOC officer commanding the 61st LAD attached to the 14th.

He devised a method where a Bailey bridge was assembled on the top of a turretless Sherman tank.  The carrier tank was driven to the river's edge.  This all done under heavy enemy fire.  A pusher tanker attached to the rear of the bridge then pushed the bridge out over the river. 

The carrier tank was then driven into the river allowing the bridge to drop into place.  (See photo 1}

That officer was Captain Anthony Kingsmill (see photo 2).  He was able to attend the ceremony.

The third photo is the plaque that was unveiled.

The fourth photo is of the three officers involved in the crossing.

Left to right

Capt. John Whitton  OC Recce Troop  14th CAR Capt. Tony Kingsmill  OC 61st L.A.D.

Major Fred Ritchie OC B Squadron  14th CAR

The bridge first designated the Plymouth Bridge was renamed the Kingsmill Bridge by the Regiment

I thought maybe interested.

The following are excerpts from e-mails requesting help to find a sculpture her father had  done for the Corps.

This is from Maria and you should email her directly if you have any info.

Received this from several sources by e-mail (thanks to all)

GOVERNOR GENERAL ANNOUNCES WOUND MEDAL

  Aug 29, 2008 OTTAWA –– Her Excellency the Right Honourable Michaëlle Jean, Governor General and Commander-in-Chief of Canada, is pleased to announce that Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II approved the creation of the Sacrifice Medal.

The medal will be awarded to military personnel, members of allied forces or Canadian civilians working under the authority of the Canadian Forces, who suffered wounds or death caused by hostile action, on or after October 7, 2001.

“Our soldiers deserve our utmost respect and deepest gratitude,” said the Governor General and Commander-in-Chief of Canada. “This medal recognizes the valued contribution of those who sacrificed their health or their lives while serving Canada.” Applications will be processed through the usual military chain of command. An inaugural presentation ceremony will take place at Rideau Hall at a later date.

 Also click on  http://www.gg.ca/honours/medals/hon04-sm_e.asp for the official announcement.

Received by e-mail from Al Truelove

Subject: RCOC Ties
 
 
Hi Gord and Bill;
 
I have a source for subj. Thing is I have order a minimum of 20. Cost is
$15 ea.
 
Could I pls ask that you put this out on your net Gord and in the Corps
website Bill to see if there are pers interested in purchasing one.

They can order through me at soldier1@videotron.ca  so I can
get an idea of quantity.
 
Many thanks;
Al
 

This is definatley not the Russ Watson I remember?????? Seems to me I heard him preach short hair commercials at a gathering of Command Chiefs in Lahr some years back????? Could this be the same guy????

Received from Al Truelove via e-mail

Good afternoon Gentlemen;

The aim of this email is to inform you that after 45 years of loyal service to HM in the Canadian Army/The Canadian Forces/ and as Curator of the RCOC Museum and

 a stalwart of the RCOC and Airborne families with over 750 descents; Phil has decided to pack his chute for one last jump. Phil will retire on 29 Aug 08.

 Arrangements are in the preliminary stages for a farewell to Phil in the Montreal area, ie 25 CFSD. When known these details will be sent to you.

 Gord/Jim; I would appreciate you sending this out on the RCOC and Airborne nets respectively. I'm sure I missed many people who have served /known Phil.

 If people get this more than once, my apologies. More details to follow. In any case, all emails on this subj through me pls.

Al Truelove
 Director
 The RCOC Museum

25 Feb 2008

Received this from Walter Higdon (an old RCOC acquaintance)

When a good Veteran leaves the "job" and retires to a better life, many are jealous, some are pleased and yet others, who may have already retired,

wonder.   We wonder if he knows what they are leaving behind, because we already know.   We know, for example, that after a lifetime of camaraderie

that few experience, it will remain as a longing for those past times.  We know in the Military life there is a fellowship which lasts long after the

uniforms are hung up in the back of the closet.   We know even if he throws them away, they will be on him with every step and breath that remains in

his life.   We also know how the very bearing of the man speaks of what he was and in his heart still is.

These are the burdens of the job.  You will still look at people suspiciously, still see what others do not see or choose to ignore and always will look at

the rest of the Military world with a respect for what they do; only grown in a lifetime of knowing.   Never think for one moment you are escaping from that life.   

You are only escaping the "job" and merely being allowed to leave "active" duty.

So what I wish for you is that whenever you ease into retirement, in your heart you never forget for one moment that "Blessed are the Peacemakers for they

shall be called children of God," and you are still a member of the greatest fraternity the world has ever known.

Civilian Friends  vs. Veteran Friends

CIVILIAN FRIENDS: Get upset if you're too busy to talk to them for a week.

VETERAN FRIENDS: Are glad to see you after years, and will happily carry on the same conversation you were having the last time you met.

CIVILIAN FRIENDS: Have never seen you cry.

 VETERAN FRIENDS: Have cried with you.

5 Feb 2008

E-mail received from Gord Gedge

Hi RCOC vets,

Read E-mail below from Doug Townsend please.

As the LDSH were not in Germany in 57 - 58, I suspect this LDSH/OFP Hockey team was in Calgary and possibly went to Germany for the Cdn Army Hockey chapionships.

Can anyone shed some light on this? If so, please pass your comments to Doug Townsend.
Cheers,
Gordon Gedge


Date: Tue, 05 Feb 2008 19:32:49 -0500 (EST)
From: "D. T."
Subject: History of crest
To: GGedge

Hello Gord,
 
I picked up the attached patch on Ebay recently and I am wondering about its history.
Could you canvas your vast contacts to see if anyone can tell the story behind the patch?
 
Many thanks,
 
Doug Townend

LDSH OFP combined Hockey 1957-58 cloth crest

13 Dec 2007

Received by e-mail from Gord Gedge

December 12, 2007

Subject: Politicians abandoned Veterans!

The year of the Veterans and Remembrance Day have long passed. It is obvious that Political Leaders have abandoned Veterans, as they continue to struggle with the Financial Dignity of their Golden Years.
Yet the Government of Canada has depleted our pension account of over 17 Billion dollars, the CPP has an excess of 120 Billion dollars and the Employment Assurance account has a surplus reaching 60 Billion dollars. The Federal Government of Canada has posted yet another surplus of 15 Billion dollars. Political Leaders can’t find sufficient funds to terminate the claw back affecting Disabled and retired Veterans.
Most Politicians are not even permitted to support Veterans by signing their Petition at URL: www.petitiononline.com/vets8
When will Canadians be able to vote for Politicians who will stand up and represent the People of their Constituency?
Of course, Politicians are exempted the claw back to their generous pension and are also exempted from contributing to the Employment Insurance programme. In addition, the 2008 Veterans pension indexing of 1.8% will be clawed back at age 65. If members of Parliament can be exempted the claw back from their Pension, then Veterans also deserve to be exempted!

Merry Christmas to all! May God guide you in the New Year!

John Labelle
Campaign Coordinator
27 Dresden Court
Lower Sackville
Nova Scotia
B4C 3X1
1-902-864-2456
florencejohn@ns.sympatico.ca
www.petitiononline.com/vets8

12 Dec 2007

E-mail received from Frank Wagner (I added last names to the attendees [hope I got them correct])

Hi Bill

Today the Chilliwack Branch held there usual monthly coffee break, with all the jokes etc.

The "Coffee" consisted of Bacon, eggs over easy, hash browns with toast and coffee. For most of us this is the only time we venture near Bacon so its actually a real treat.

Those in attendance were; George Cooper, Paddy Ryan, Don Matula, Bill McIntyre, Frank Wagner, Mac Green, Jacque Hardy and Will Selig.

All of the above are sending to you and your family and the family of Corps the very best for the Holidays. 

We even went so far as to say to everyone, May you have a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year, we even signed it Ho Ho Ho and another Ho Ho.

We hope everything is well with you in the frozen North and your Holidays are filled with Joy and Happiness.

Take care

Frank and the boys from Chilliwack

26 November 2007

PS unions lose $30B pension fight

7 November 2007 

Received this from several sources, an internet listing of retailers across Canada that give discounts to CF Personnel and veterans. In most cases you have to show your ID or retirement ID. http://www.cfdiscounts.ca/         Thanks Canada!

4 November 2007

THE APPRENTICE DIRECTORY

Since the Reunion in Calgary this past August, there have been some issues with the on-line version of the Apprentice Directory. 

As you may recall, the original directory was started by Bob Elliott and I offered to put it on the website for easy access. Several years ago Bob e-mailed me aand stated that he would no longer be actively updating the directory, so I changed the point of contact to myself and endeavored to keep the directory up to date and available on the website. This past spring/summer Bob contacted me and told me that he would once again take over the directory and keep it updated. Unfortunately, several issues arose about formatting and compatibility which increased the workload to make it a viewable resource on the website.  So, to ensure that the directory remained current and available, Bob and I decided that the Website version would no longer be updated but would remain available via e-mail updates. Therefore I will put a minute on the website version to that effect and I will advise anyone interested, that Bob is currently e-mailing updated versions out on a monthly basis. His e-mail address is available on the site and if you are not receiving his updates at the moment, just contact him and he'll put you on the list. 

Sorry if this is an inconvenience to anyone and if you have any input at all please contact Bob or myself by e-mail.

Thanks,

Bill Hicks

RCOC Assn / RCOC Apprentice Webmaster

Bill@RCOCassn.com 

4 November 2007

This was received from several sources all of whom quoted the same source. (FSNA)

Pension Increase for 2008

The Treasury Board has announced the increase in indexing to be applied to Public Service, Canadian Forces, and RCMP pensions in January 2008. The rate for 2008 will be 1.8 per cent.

23 October 2007

The following link comes from Marcel (Benny) Lemarbre, who many of you may know, was a Service Corps Apprentice that did his first year with us in Longue Pointe. Benny has some real great pictures in this link from those days and some of you will get a kick out of the uniforms and equipment that they used.

Enjoy and thanks Benny.

http://groups.msn.com/Lesretrouvailles2004/souvenirslonguepointe.msnw 

22 October 2007 - RCOC Apprentice Directory

Bob Elliott is once again firmly in charge of the RCOC directory on this site. Any questions, inquiries, or amendments should be sent to him at: pegasusdock@shaw.ca 

Thanks for your hard work and persistence Bob.

19 Oct 2006

Received this e-mail from Frank Wagner after his trip to Germany. He is responding to my inquiries about the old Canadian Forts in the Soest area. Nice Pictures as well.

No problem finding Chambly.

A rundown on the bases.

Chambly. Base wksps and OFP are closed and trees growing through pavement. BSS is still going strong. A Stone/pavement recycler is there and the warehouse is a workshop for equipment repair. Bathrooms etc are still in same place and being used. BSS HQ bldg is fenced off and falling down and supply adm building is still being used as office space. Guardroom is a small beer/canteen for the workers. Jr ranks mess has been renovated , rather nice and is main canteen area with lovely meals at a cheap price. Churches are being used, one as a photo studio and I forget the other. Curling ring still being used for a variety of things. Old quarters are mostly gone as is most of Sgts mess but many new buildings in place for a variety of small businesses. Chambly is doing well.

Fort Henry. Closed but all buildings removed and new buildings in place with small to large trucking businesses etc. looks nice.

One more piece of information for all those concerned, this site now has it's own domain, www.RCOCassn.com and as well, I have set up a domain for the RCOC Apprentice site at: www.RCOCapprentice.com . None of this is cheap and so far I have financed it on my own but if you are of the mind, I will accept donations, I would like to keep both of these site going as long as possible.

Honi Soit Qui Mal Y Pense

Bill Hicks

18 Oct 2006

Here's a glowing recommendation from Al Truelove.

Hi Bill; Just wanted to say that the Museum has had dealings with Myles Penny and have had an excellent relationship. Our RCOC blazer crests are selling like crazy. They are of excellent quality and very reasonably priced. If the interest is there, I can talk to Myles about RCOC ties. He is a great guy with his heart in the right place for Canada.
 Would appreciate you posting this on the Corps website.

 Cheers Al Truelove

15 Oct 2006

Information: (Bill Hicks) info@RCOCassn.com 

Received an e-mail from John McKaig reference the availability of a Corps ties. I assure you it took me some time and long distance phone calls but this is what I came up with:

Wood's Courtmounting Services
4311 6 Ave SE
Calgary,AB, T2A 3B1

Mark Wood is the proprietor. His E-mail address is:

"Wood Mark <woodmark@telus.net>"

The ties are $15 each plus $5 postage (1-3 ties) plus GST.

A single order would be $21.40.

An order for two would be $37.45

This information is a year old so I'm not sure how many he has or the wait time if he doesn't???

_________________________________

Next is a web site for Penny's of Thunder Bay (don't install the shockwave player 10, it works well without it) the URL is: www.pennys.ca and he has a host of things including corps ties and the note at the bottom of the page says, if he doesn't stock it they will get it, which sounds encouraging.

Anyway if anyone has additional information, please advise me. 

02 Oct 2006

E-mail received from Jim Steed

18 July 2006

E-mail received from  Al Truelove 

 Hi Guys;

 Hope this email finds you both in good health and enjoying life.

 Bill; could I pls ask you to post this on the Corps website?

 Dear Corps members; As a result of an email fm Gord Gedge, the museum has found an supplier for subj.
 The finished crest is of excellent quality and comes in two kinds; one that is sewn on the blazer, and one that has 'clutch pins'

 that can be on/off as reqd. We presently have five if each. If interest is good, we can easily order more. As you know, it is very difficult to find anything RCOC nowadays. Both Phil Sippley and I are very impressed with this crest. We are selling them at $20 (tax incl)

 and orders should be placed through me at soldier1@videotron.ca . The museum is doing very well and thriving.

 Al Truelove
 Director
 RCOC Museum.

10 July 2006

Just received this from Russ Watson by e-mail (Bill)

Against Benefit Reduction at age 65

To the Membership

July 6, 2006

Dear Friends,

Regret delay, flooded with e-mails and that's good. With regards to the Minister of National Defence letter that is circulating to our members I

wish to advise you that the Committee is indeed very, very disappointed with the MND responses towards the Mission.

Taking into consideration that the MND is obviously a very busy person, I believe that his response is merely a formatted letter prepared for him by bureaucrats. Some facts contained in the response are incorrect and does not take into consideration that Military/RCMP Personnel are a different Government provider who were unjustly treated by the Government of the day. I regret to advise you that the Minister of National Defence office has recently sent us the same formatted answers you received. We are not prepared to give up on our Mission, to terminate the unfair practice of the Benefit Reduction formula that is being applied to Military/RCMP Annuity.

Sincerely,

John Labelle

Campaign Coordinator

Military.pension@ns.sympatico.ca

http://www3.ns.sympatico.ca/military.pension 

23 June 2006

Received this via e-mail and I have already joined. (Bill)

Hi Veterans and/or Serving Members

We have formed a NATO Veterans Organization, that is serving all of Canada and we are looking for Members that have served in Germany , France , Bosnia and are now serving in Afghanistan under the NATO Flag since 1951

Our aim is too be recognized as NATO Veterans as we are 125-150.000 strong but are never mentioned on any remembrance service but we buried 570 service personnel and 926 Dependents in Germany, France and other parts in 44 cemetery’s in Europe after WW II

We are not collecting funds to raise monuments in Ottawa although we are mounting plaques on War Memorials commemorating the NATO and Peace Keepers

Our membership dues are $ 10.00 per year and this is mostly for administration cost. We have a domain name on the internet and a website, see bottom of page. We send newsletters out and I will attach one as well as an application form

At present we have 90 members from Vancouver through all the Provinces and yes as far East as Belgium at NATO HQ

We love to have you join us as NATO Veteran

Thom Pres   Germany 1955-57 & 1962-65 in Soest

22 June 2006

Received the following a few days ago and thought it may be of interest to some of you. This is from Ron Morton.

27 February 2006

Gentlemen,
 
The following is a relay from Dave Munro, President CPVA and member of DZ VI and concerns disability pensions and awards under the new Veterans Charter. It is important that any veteran who has an application pending, or who is applying for a disability pension, should contact Veterans Affairs Canada prior to 01 April 2006 to determine whether the existing Pension Plan or the New Veterans Charter would be most beneficial.
 

DISABILITY PENSIONS/DISABILITY AWARDS

1)        Policy pertains to all outstanding application for disability pensions from CF Veterans.

2)           A signed application received or postmarked prior to April 1, 2006, will be adjudicated under the Pension Act. Applicants will normally have 90 days from date of the mail-out of the application package to return the required medical and other information to support their claim; extensions may be granted if there is a reasonable explanation for the delay. At the end of the 90-day period, a registered letter will be sent, giving a 30-day deadline for providing the missing information; an extension of up to six months may be granted if there is a reasonable explanation for the delay. If required information is not received by the deadline, the application will lapse and the applicant will lose his/her rights under the Pension Act with respect to that condition.

3)      Some exceptional claims, made after April 1, 2006, may still be adjudicated under the Pension Act. Applications concerning a condition already pensioned under Pension Act (i.e., reassessments, paired organ or limb). Conditions which cannot be separated for assessment purposes. Application from survivor or dependent children concerning the death of a member or Veteran if the death occurred before April 1, 2006, or if the death was related to a pensioned condition. Applications for Attendance Allowance or Exceptional Incapacity allowance in respect of a condition pensioned under the Pension Act. Informing clients about transition provisions. Disability Pension application letters from the DO will advise the applicant that if a signed application and all supporting documentation (within clients control) is not received by April 1, 2006, the claim may be adjudicated under the CFMVRCA. Applicants who have made a claim under the Pension Act may choose to have it adjudicated under the CFMVRCA instead, as long as written notification of such is received prior to the pension decision being rendered.

Rgds    Barry
BJ PHILLIPS

BORNEWEST DZ VI
250 598-5517 (r)
      661-1680 (c)

AIRBORNE

15 February 2006

Taken from the VAC Website as per information received by e-mail from John N. Stuart

The 7^th Book of Remembrance

Veterans Affairs Canada is asking Canadians to help create a seventh Book of Remembrance that will recognize members of the Canadian Forces who have died since October 1, 1947. The book will honour members who have died as a result of service to their country but whose names are not already included in the Book of Remembrance that pays tribute to those who died as a result of service in the Korean War. In the Service of Canada – the Seventh Book of Remembrance will be located in the Peace Tower in Ottawa where Canada's six other Books of Remembrance are located. If you know someone who should be included in the new Book of Remembrance, please let us know the name of the member, the member's service number, and when the member died. You can e-mail this information to commemoration@vac-acc.gc.ca or write to us at:

Veterans Affairs Canada
Canada Remembers, Seventh Book of Remembrance Project
12^th Floor, Room 1208
66 Slater Street
Ottawa, ON K1A 0P4

18 Nov 2005

E-Mail from Gord Gedge

Attached is an excerpt from Gordon's E-mail, introducing us to Bill C-441 An Act to amend the Canadian Forces Superannuation Act and the Royal Canadian Mounted Police Superannuation Act (elimination of deduction from annuity). This is important to all pensioners.

BILL C-441

30 Aug 2005

E-mail from Al Truelove 

30 Aug 2005

E-mail rec'd from Al Truelove

 Hi Bill;
 Hope this email finds you in good health and living the good life.
 Bill, I would appreciate you putting the following in the news section of
 the Corps website. You may change the words as you see fit.

 Corps members may find that they cannot access the museum website since last week.
 This is because we are in the process of de-linking the joint website of the museum and
 the LOG Assn of Montreal. In future/now, the Museum website is www.rcocmuseum.com
 and will contain a link to the LOG Assn (Mtl Chap).
 We will also, over the winter months, produce new content on the museum website
 as we (meaning Phil Sippley and the boys) have revamped displays and given the museum
 a modern up to date je ne sais quoi look.
 Bear with us please. The Corps Museum is alive and very healthy!
 Regards to you all.
 Al Truelove
 Director
 RCOC Museum

14 Aug 2005

Tired of the government ripping you off?

This is the year of the Veteran, let's show them our strength.

Lokk at: http://www3.ns.sympatico.ca/military.pension/ 

27 Jul 2005

Received in e-mail from Frank Wagner

18 Jul 2005

Received in E-mail from: Marcel (Benny) Lemarbre 

13 Jul 2005

From: Marcel Lemarbre 
Sent: July 13, 2005 1:27 PM
To: Bill Hicks
Subject: Emailing: UN NATO Actual Pin, Petawawa Man, Petawawa Man-1 

I just got my order in today the  PEACEKEEPER VETERAN UN NATO pin (Pick it up in the Legion's magazine) very nicely made for only $10.00. Anyone interested in any of those PINS order at: VETERAN'S LAPEL PIN address 12 Doran Rd. Petawawa,ON K8H 1P5 .

Benny

29 June 2005

From: Al Truelove 
To: george&isabella@telus.net 
Cc: bayfisherman@sprint.ca ; Burch.pierre@sympatico.ca 
Sent: Wednesday, June 29, 2005 11:57 AM
Subject: The RCOC Museum Thanks You




Hi George; 
I am writing on behalf of The RCOC Museum Committee to you and the members of the PACIFIC REGION ROYAL CANADIAN ORDNANCE CORPS ASSOCIATION, to thank you for the unexpected and very generous gift/donation of $1505 that we received last week. 
First of all, we are sorry that your Association, which has been active since 1981, has had to strike its tents. I know that some of your members, incl yourself, have put many years of effort and work into the Association and we are sure you are all sad to see it close. 
I was going to write directly to Bill Hicks and have him put this on the Corps website but we thought that we should tell you and your committee how grateful the museum is that you thought of us and perhaps on your own 'net' let all concerned know of our appreciation.
You know, in this day and age, military museums are not on a high priority list, and a donation such as your Associations' is a Godsend as it is difficult to preserve our Military heritage for the for the younger generation of Canadians coming behind us. 
You can be rest assured that the monies will greatly assist the museum volunteers in displaying RCOC (and other) Memorabilia for the many visitors to the museum. 
The other reason I send this to you George is to ask you to 'sound out' your Executive/members on one of the things we would like to do with your gift. The main museum sign above the entrance to the museum is in very bad shape. It is wood, the paint is peeling and needs to be replaced. We thought we could use some of your gift and get a new sign, probably in metal. The sign would be bilingual of course and we want to have a dedication at the bottom, saying "Donated by the PACIFIC REGION ROYAL CANADIAN ORDNANCE CORPS ASSOCIATION." I hope I got the name right! Please let me know if this OK.
Well that's about it George. If you could please pass this on to your members and Bill for publication on the Corps website we would be most appreciative.
All is well in the museum. Phil and the boys are doing a tremendous job of revamping displays and updating stuff to keep a fresh look.
Thanks and Regards to you all on the "West Coast" 

Al Truelove 
Director 
RCOC Museum. 

*******************************************************************************

16 June 2005

To all Paid up members

05 June 2005

RCOC ASSOCIATION PACIFIC REGION CORPS MEMBERS

This is not a happy letter to compose for the Association.
As every paid up member was advised, that the reunion for 2005 was being held on 4 and 5 June 05 in Chilliwack.
Our 2005 reunion only had 20 paid up members attending, 17 from BC and 2 members from Ontario.
Our nominal roll list 115 paid members and unpaid members, out of this the number of paid up including 5 life members is a total 72 members. 
The current President, Vice/President and Secretary/Treasurer have filled these positions for 6years, 2 years and 3 years respectfully. However due to personal reasons they cannot continue, and a request for volunteers at the AGM met with no response.
A motion was made to vote on the dissolution of the Association which was passed effective 04 Jun 2005.
Final disbursements of funds was voted as follows:

a. Any paid dues over 2006 would be returned to the member,
b. All financial debts would be cleared as soon as possible,
c. A motion was placed on the floor that any funds remaining after a, b and c above would be forward to the RCOC Museum located in Montreal Que, this option was unanimously agreed to by all voting association members at the AGM.

Two auditors have been elected to carry out a final audit when all finances are finalized.

George Cooper
President
RCOC Association Pacific Region

******************************************************************************

16 June 2005

Pacific Region RCOC Association

Established at Chilliwack in 1981 through the guidance of Don Matula assisted by numerous local RCOC members.
Memberships were held from most Provinces in Canada, Reunions were held in Chilliwack, Vancouver, Kelowna and Victoria over the past 34 years.
With the decline in memberships and the lack of executive members, the decision was made to cease operation after the 2005 reunion.
The membership agreed to refund dues to members paid in advance, with the option of members receiving it or passing the money to the RCOC Museum through the Executives.
Finally it was decided, any funds remaining in the Association would be turned over to the RCOC Museum in Montreal through Lt./Col (Ret) Al Truelove. A combined total of $1439.26 was transferred to the RCOC Museum on close out.
The last Reunion was held on the 4,5 & 6 June 2005 in Chilliwack, B.C.

Malcolm Green - George Cooper
Secretary /Treasurer - President
Pacific Region RCOC Association

*****************************************************************************

07 June 2005

e-mail from Don and Shirley Matula 

Hi Guys,

Some of you are probably aware that a "Year of the Veteran" pin is available through VAC at no charge. They have a back log till June, but they'll be happy to mail them out when they're ready. The toll free number is 1-800-443-0394. They will send up to two of them. I just called and ordered them this morning. Chow.

05 June 2005                                         ****READ - IMPORTANT*****

From the Desk of Bill Hicks

It is with great sadness that I report today, the close out of the Pacific Region RCOC Association.

The executive announced at the AGM this past weekend that the Pacific Region Association was unable to find and elect a new executive and in preparation for that, had planned an orderly close out of the Association in the Pacific Region. All monies still left in the account after the resolution of the debts and return of pre-paid dues will be forwarded to the RCOC Museum in Montreal. 

It seems that the interest is no longer there (for the majority) to continue gathering for annual reunions. 

Having said that, I will continue to operate and update the Associations Web Page as long as I continue to get input from the past members and other Regions. 

I personally believe in the Association and hope that in the future it may make a comeback. 

Honi Soit Qui Mal Y  Pense

***********************************************************************************

15 November 2004

From the Desk of James Steed

I thought some of you might be interested in this web site. 

Families of British and Commonwealth soldiers who fought in WW1 are able to trace their relatives' war records through the following web site.

I'm sure many of you will appreciate this site.

May you all have a great weekend and God Bless.

www.documentsonline.nationalarchives.gov.uk

***********************************

27 October 2004

Email from Benny Lemarbre

 

 

Benny Lemarbre went through the Soldier Apprentice plan, with his first year at the RCOC School in Montreal and then went on to the RCASC in Borden, as did many other others. (Bill) 

**************************************

24 October 2004

QORofC Reunion

Hello once again folks. I have received from several sources over the past few days, requests to add this event to the web site.  So here is the link to the reunion site for the Queens Own Rifles of Canada: http://www.qor.com/reunion/ 

The Queens Own Rifles of Canada, is near and dear to my heart, it was the first unit I went to on leaving the RCOC Apprentice Trg Company, the summer of 1965.

Bill Hicks

RCOC Apprentice 63/65

************************************

28 August 2004

Hi Folks,

Just got back form the Western Area reunion and had a great time as usual. The boys in Calgary really know how to host a reunion. It started off with a meet and greet Friday evening which although wasn't heavily attended the crowd was good and they had to kick us out. Actually, a few got carried away and headed downtown. (ouch! they must have hurt Saturday morning!) Saturday morning there was a Stampede breakfast and although I didn't attend, I was told it up to it's high standard. Only difficulty was the Chief cook and bottle washer (George Cooper) was unable to attend and from all accounts was sorely missed. Saturday afternoon was the AGM and a new crew was put in place to organize the coming year. (as soon as I get a copy of the minutes I'll post them) After the meeting was a social time and then dinner and dancing. The social time was great, I met up with a lot of my old apprentice chums and got some good pictures. (which will be in the photo area as soon as I can get the time to put them together)  The dinner off course was great and lots of it. As for the dancing, I had a cast on my leg so I was a bit restricted but the music was good and everyone seemed to enjoy it. 

During the weekend Dee was busy selling raffle tickets on everything from booze to bears. (you had to be there!) I lucked in on a secondary draw and won a bottle of scotch as I was leaving the building. Almost though I was going to have to leave empty handed, not good for an old bin rat.

Anyway if you were there, you no doubt had a good time, if you weren't there, you missed a good one. Be sure to look at the pictures.

Chimo,

Bill Hicks 

***************************************

19 July 2004

Hi folks, just a quick one. Below is an extract, from an e-mail from George Cooper, in reference to RCOC accoutrements (blazer crests, ties, etc.) and their availability.

07 June 2004

Well, that was quick, I phoned work this morning to have them e-mail the Veterans license plate info to me and had it before lunch. So here it is, compliments of the Corp of Commissionaires (Vancouver Island and the Yukon);

These are in "pdf" format so if you haven't downloaded Adobe Acrobat Reader, it's about time you did. 

Just click on the underlined text to view the "pdf" files. First the criteria for the Veterans Plates and when you're ready, the application form for the Veterans Plates, just print it out, fill it out and mail it out.

I can't tell you a whole lot more about it, at the moment, as I've just sent mine off today, but I will keep you up to date.

Bill Hicks

Web Page Editior

*****************************************

07 June 2004

Hi Folks,

Just returned from the Pac Region RCOC Reunion and if you weren't there, you definitely missed another good one. The Boys and Girls from Chilliwack, as usual, out-did themselves. A hardy thanks has to go out to George Cooper, Mac Green and their committee, they did a great job.

A couple of points from the meeting; 

A motion was brought to the floor in regards to, the carrying of unpaid members, in which, it was stated,  we would follow the constitution and only carry them for one calendar year. 

So take heed Gentlemen, if you are not paid up, you will probably not get a Christmas letter or a package detailing the next Pac Region RCOC reunion in 2005. 

At the same time Jacque Hardy suggested that those who are aware of unpaid members in their area, should be phoning them to remind them of the consequences of not renewing their membership. Several others volunteered to make calls in their specific areas, so hopefully we will get some responses for next year.

On a brighter note, this years reunion was a special on for me. As most of you know I was an Apprentice (Green Monster 63-65) and this year I was able to locate several of my intake from the local area and get them out to the reunion. At the meet-n-greet Friday evening, four of us sat down for basically the whole evening and caught up on close to 35 missed years. We have all agreed that we will be attending a 40 year reunion of our graduation, the end of June next year on the east coast, along with almost 40 others from our graduating class. Information can be viewed on the Apprentice web page.

If you ever wonder what reunions are all about, this is it. Meeting old friends that you haven't seen for years. 

In the next few weeks I hope to have some pictures of the reunion in digital format and will put them in the photo section. As well, I promised an application for the new "Veterans Auto Plates" and will have that in the next week, or sooner. That will be made available here in the news section.

It was nice seeing you all once again.

Bill Hicks      

Web Site Editor

****************************************

09 November 03

Well, we talked about it for a long time and we were finally able to get some folks out to Metchosin to an RCOC Veterans grave site. Private Reginald Caffery's Grave is located at a small Church in Mechosin, BC and the Remeberence Day services were attented this year by about a dozen RCOC Pac Region Memebers from the Victoria Area. More pictures will soon be available when I find space to locate them. Anyone willing to provide web space should contact me t the above hyperlink.

***************************************

08 November 03

Gordon Gedge

Bill,
Attached is a photo of one of our RCOC vets, Bill Reid, who now lives in the Burlington area. While he is not in our Pac Region Assn, I was wondering if you want to put it on the RCOC web site.
I knew Bill when he was serving in Antwerp with our Base Ordnance Depot, 57-59. He also served at 26 COD in Cobourg. He left the service and became a teacher, in the early 60s.

***********************************

05 Aug 03

Apologies to all. George sent me a Jpeg file with a run down of how the reunion in Chilliwack went. I was trying to convert it to a document file to put it on the website but had some difficulty with that and it has been on the back burner ever since.

Anyway, rather then make it old news here it is in picture format, hope no one has any difficulties with it. 

Reunion Synopsis

As well, here are the minutes of the AGM from the reunion Reunion Minutes

Sorry about the Delay.

Bill

**************************************

19 Jul 03

e-mail received from E.W. Halayko PEng, CD reference Bill C-78

The recent item on the litigation surrounding the issue of the confiscated funds from the three

superannuation accounts in your site requires clarification.

The item is in regards of litigation on Bill C-78.

It would be appreciated if our article would also be published.

A link to our web site would also keep your members informed to the status of the litigation and

other concerns of the Canadian Forces Retirees.

SERVIVIMUS PATRIÆ NOSTRÆ

E.W. Halayko PEng, CD

National Chairman

Armed Forces Pensioners'/Annuitants' Association of Canada

Mail:

AFP/AAC,

PO Box-28029,

LONDON, ON. N6H 5E1

1 (519) 471-9232

www.afp-aac.org

**************************************

16 July 03

Passed by in e-mail from Jim Steed

My name is Walter Hardacre, I am 80 next month and I am trying to tie up some loose ends and leave some history behind me for my family.   I joined the former Royal Canadian Ordnance Corps (Permanent Force) September 1, 1939  as a "Boy"soldier and took my discharge on July 31, 1946 with the rank of Warrant Officer first class and appointment as "Conductor". I understand this appointment was abolished shortly after my discharge. My regimental number was P 35384 and almost all my service was with No. 2 Ordanance Depot in Toronto but the last six months was as Chief Clerk in the Central Ordanance Depoit in Ottawa.   I was born August 16 1923 and appointed Conductor Februayr 1, 1945 and if I am not too sozzled from my Sunday night scotch that makes me 21 when I received my appointment. That may be some kind of a record to pass on to my children. ( I still have the original parchment of my "warrant"and discharge certificate).   My specific question is who is the best to help discover if there are any other "Conductors" still alive today and secondly is any of this any interest to whomever looks after historical matters for the army.   Thank  you   Walter Oliver Hardacre 14 Echo Valley Road Toronto ON M9B 4W6 Telephone 416 233 7871.   e-mail address: wohardre@interlog.com 

***********************************

14 July 03

e-mail from Gord Gedge

July 4, 2003

Status Report on Federal Pension Plans Surplus Litigation (Bill C-78)
The following is a status report prepared by the lawyers representing the plaintiffs in this legal challenge (FSNA is one of the plaintiffs).

Where is the case at?
Three lawsuits challenging the Government's taking of the surplus in the Public Service Superannuation Plan; the RCMP Superannuation Plan and the Canadian Forces Superannuation Plan are being pursued jointly by Court Order. The Ontario Superior Court has ruled that it has jurisdiction to hear the cases and that the federal unions pursuing the case are entitled to do so to protect the interests of public servants and other federal government employees. The lawsuits are now at the discovery stage. The Government has disclosed several thousand documents relevant to the issues in the case and all of these documents have been reviewed. These documents include financial data and analyses of the plans as well as hundreds of documents, many at the senior level, dealing with the Government's strategy for dealing with pension surplus. The availability of some cabinet documents remains unresolved.

Once review of the documents was completed, the oral examination phase of the discovery process commenced. The former head of the Pension Division at Treasury Board was examined under oath for a total of 10 days in February and April 2003, and the Comptroller-General has been examined on accounting and financial issues for several days in March and April. It is expected that examinations will be completed in the fall of this year.
When will the case be heard in Court?
Once the discovery phase is complete, the Court will schedule a Settlement Conference and assign a trial date. It is unlikely that the case will be tried before the fall of 2004.
What have we learned?
The discovery process has shed a great deal of light on how and why the Government dealt with the surplus as it did. Briefly, we now know that the Government's approach to dealing with the surplus was intimately linked to its desire to reduce the federal budget deficit in the mid-1990's. The Government discovered that accounting rules permitted it to quietly amortize the surplus and reduce the size of the stated budget deficit, even though the balances reported in the Superannuation Accounts would not be reduced. The net result, which was effectively hidden from employees, was the equivalent of a contribution holiday for the Government for much of the decade - a period in which employees continued to make their contributions in full. To make matters worse, one of the basic reasons for the emergence of the surplus in the first place was wage restraint and salary freezes! By 1995, $14 billion in surplus was already built into the Government's internal plan to reduce the deficit. None of these manoeuvres were disclosed to Treasury Board's Advisory Committee on Pension Reform, which included members from the federal unions.

In 1999, Treasury Board proposed a new pension deal, but the Department of Finance refused to permit any discussion of sharing of surplus or transferring of the existing surplus to the new pension fund. Although it didn't say so at the time, the Government needed to use the surplus to meet its deficit reduction targets. When the employee side refused to agree to the Government's deal, Bill C-78 was the Government's answer. Under this version of pension reform, employee contributions increased and the Government retained all the surplus, which had by 2000 grown to about $30 billion.

Because it involves statutory pension plans, the case presents a number of new and groundbreaking issues. We remain committed to pursuing the case and to reversing the largest surplus grab in Canada.

**************************************

03 July 03

Gord Gedge

Sugject: 100 Anniversary Plaque Presentation

I am pleased to report that subject presentation went off very well.

As can be seen in the attached 3 photos, a group of Pacific Region RCOC Association members gathered at 1000 hrs, 2 July, 2003, at the L Gen E.C. Ashton Armoury Museum, one of the best military museums in the West, including at least eight fully restored operational military vehicles, ranging from a WW 2 motorcycle to a Ferret Scout car, 21/2 Dump truck, and M62 Wrecker.

On your behalf I presented our 40th Anniversary plaque to Maj Don Manley, the Curator of the museum, for his safe keeping, prominently displayed in the foyer of the Armoury. Don Manley is former RAOC and RCOC Reserve. After the presentation we took a group photo and then visited the U.N. Memorial Corridor, undoubtedly one of the finest U.N. displays in Canada, including every U.N. Peacekeeping medal ever issued. In attendance were (left to right) Ron Marrs, James MacKendrick, Frank Marion, Gord Gedge, Don Manley, Mel Barrett, Joe Kirkpatrick, Brian Johnson, Terry McGinty, and Reg Shelford. It was great to see so many WW 2 vets out for the occasion.

I am forwarding this to Bill Hicks for inclusion on the web site with the

pictures( previously forwarded) of the Anniversary plaque and 4 foot high,

white cement COC badge, to be presented in 2005, when it becomes available. Cheers, and hope your holiday down East went well.

Gordon Gedge 

On that island in the Pacific

16 Jun 03

Bill Hicks

Well, Reunions..............Ottawa is finished, Chilliwack is finished, just the Western Region reunion to go an that's in Calgary in August. Hopefully I will have a new web site for the RCOC Apprentices finished or at least under way by then.

I am starting to run into problems with space on this site. If I don't get rid of a lot of stuff soon, I'll limit out and there will be no new content. As it is I'm so close now I'm not sure if I'll be able to get this page back on.

The Apprentice site has been created, it's just a matter of developing something. As well if anyone has a Shaw account and wishes to donate some space to me, just email me and let me know, I'll give you the instructions on how to set it up. As you know, you are allowed to have up to seven (7) e-mail accounts and with each e-mail acct you may have a website not to exceed 10mb.  It's not necessary to set up another web site, just use a your web space to store stuff; like pictures and that sort of thing. Pictures take up a lot of space so the more graphical the web site, obviously the more space it takes up. 

Anyway, I won't take up anymore space for now and I will keep you all informed on this page as to what is transpiring. The address for the Apprentice sit is: www.members.shaw.ca/rcoc-apprentice, give me a few days to develop something before you get to surfin'.

Bill

********************************************

11-06-03

E-mail from Doug Townend

The Ottawa Reunion was a real success. 150 plus attended the Friday night

happy hour, based on count of steaks eaten and 182 sat down to dinner

Saturday night.

David Kilmartin stood up and said he would ensure that the Assn continues

not only in Ottawa but across the country. You may hear from him in the

fall. Some attendees also voiced a desire to hold a reunion in other

locations, eg: Kingston. So, it looks like there may be a resurgence of

esprit de corps; lets hope we can harness it. Kingston was the home of the

RCOC School for many years until 1944 and 4 AOD was located there as well

as an RCOC District Detachment in the early 1900s so the city has some real

ties to the Corps and would make a good setting.

My lapel pins sold well in Ottawa but sales are slow at the moment. With

reunions in Calgary, Cobourg, and The Apprentices in Calgary, and the Corps

Museum taking some, hopefully the sales will pick up. I appreciate you

putting the photos and e-mail on the web site. Would it be possible to

move the photos to the opening page of the site under the heading of the

100th Anniversary? They would provide a good reminder of the 100th

anniversary as well as help me.

Best regards, Bill.

Doug.

09-06-03

E-mail from Gord Gedge

Hi Bill,

Sorry you weren't at the reunion. The attached letter (from the Queen) was given to all 

attendees. I couldn't find it on the web site so thought you might want to

include it. I did not reduce it as I didn't want to degrade the quality

further (200 DPI scan). If I get a copy of the AGM minutes, I will pass

them on to you. Paddy Ryan was elected the new V/Pres. Mac Green is the new

Sec/Treas, and volunteered! Next year's reunion will be in Chilliwack, as

Victoria members, generally, are not supporting the reunions.

Keep in touch Bill.

Gord

to see attached letter click here

****************************************

10-05-03

E-mail from Doug Townend

Gentlemen,

The Ottawa RCOC reunion 2-4 May was a tremendous success!! and so too were

the RCOC commemorative pins. 

150 people attended the reunion Friday night happy hour ( based on steaks eaten) and 182 people sat down at the Saturday supper. Vic Tweedy and Bob Elliot plus several others were prominent among

the revellers. They also bought the lapel pins. The coloured pin was the runaway best seller with the round bi-lingual pin second. The rectangular pin which the BC folks preferred was a close third.

Attached are a jpeg of the two metal pins in antique silver (AKA pewter)

and the final graphic design of the coloured pin. The final products are

all very good, based on comments from those who bought them.

About the pins:

- the price of the coloured pin is $4.50, the price on the two antique

silver pins is $3.50 each

- postage will be $1.50 for an order of a single pin.

- if a group put in a bulk order, the cost of postage will be less.

- payment must accompagny the order.

Bill Hicks: would you please put the jpegs on your RCOC website for all to ee with the above information and my contact information shown below. 

George: If you still want the sample set of three pins, please provide me your address. I appreciate your offer to show the pins to all in BC and at the Calgary reunion.

To all: the Ottawa RCOC Association will continue. The elders, led by Art

Eady and John Hudson, will be turning over the reins to some of us younger

types to organize and run future reunions. The Corps will carry on!!

Best regards,

Doug Townend

1758 Harvest Crescent

Orleans, ON. K1C 1V4

(613) 837-1916

<dtownend@cyberus.ca>

****************************************

29-04-03

From James Steed

****************************************

04-04-03

From Michael Boire

The Royal Military College of Canada

Kingston, Ontario

4 April 03

Sir,

I have just consulted your excellent website where I found this name and

E-address.

I am a serving officer who teaches Canadian military history at RMC. I

am researching the performance of I Canadian Army Tank Brigade in WW II.

In order to begin my research with a proper 'brigade' perspective, I

would like to speak with any veterans of that Brigade's RCASC/RCEME/RCOC

sub-units who would care to talk to me. In addition, are there RCASC

historians who might be willing to talk to me about army logistics

during the Italian Campaign in WW II.

Major Michael Boire, C.D., M.A., bems/ESG

Assistant Professor - History Department,

Royal Military College of Canada

PO Box 17000 Station Forces,

Kingston, Ontario, CANADA K7K 7B4

Tel: (613)-541-6000 x 8781

Fax: (613)-536-4801

E-mail: "boire-m@rmc.ca"

****************************************

06-03-03

From Doug Townend

"Greetings all Canadian Peacekeeping veterans. The Canadian Association of

Veterans in United Nations Peacekeeping (CAVUNP) invites you to visit our

web site and to consider joining us <www.peacekeeper.ca/cavunp.html>. We

have chapters located from coast to coast. Membership is open to all

persons who have served on a peacekeeping mission and have received the

Canadian Peacekeeping Service Medal or qualify for the medal. Join us in

helping peacekeeping veterans and their families in need, and in

commemorating the more than 100 Canadians who have died on peacekeeping

missons since 1947. For additional information, contact our National

Office at <cavunp@rogers.com>".

If you consider this message acceptable to your web site and agree to post

it, I can also provide a graphic of our Association badge to go with the

message.

Thank you very much.

Doug Townend

National Vice President

CAVUNP.

****************************************

09-07-02

From Alan Truelove

The RCOC Museum was officially re-opened on 15 Jun 2002 by the LOG Br

Advisor, Col Jacques Morency. In attendance were; RAdm Martin (Col Comdt),

BGen Gerry Glenn(Natl Pres-CF Log Br Assn) Bgen Caron (Comd SQFT) and LCol

Morency; Col Jacques' Dad! Some of us have known LCol Morency since we were

offr cadets! It was great to see him again! In addition; Pete Denny/Chuck

Read/Bill Rankin/Reg Dauphinee were some of the pers who came fm Ottawa for

the occasion! We even had Padre Michaud give the benediction for the new

bldg! I urge any of you who happen to be in the Montreal area in the future

to include a tour of the RCOC Museum in your itinerary!

While the museum has gone through a metamorphsis; the is no doubt that it

was and indeed still is; a place where people can visit and not only see the

museum but can spend time in a calm, serene atmosphere that was and still

is; a place of worship.

****************************************

10-04-01

From Alan Truelove

We have a new email for the RCOC Museum; rcocmusee@videotron.net. We

are an outstation on the Base net. Still some bugs but are trying to work

them out.

We are still waiting for word on our impending move in 2003 into the old MIR

bldg (120)Canex has closed there but there are a few details to work out. We

hope to move sooner.

You would not believe the display changes that Phil and his volunteers have

done this past year! There are so many new displays that it boggles the

mind!

Many of you will remember LCOL Durnford, who started the museum; we now have

a display for/of him and it's getting bigger all the time. Ivan was able to

otain his medals; incl the OBE for the museum! Will keep you up to date as we progress. 

Cheers Al Truelove

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05-28-01

To all Members

In response to the mass e-mialing today with regards to the Annual Pac Region Reunion, there were several recipients that could not be found. If you have any idea as to their new e-mail addresses Please forward them to  rcoc-pacific@home.com for update of the e-mail listings. These individuals and past e-mail addresses are as follows:

Leo Yull - cooneyj@algonquincollage.com  ***FOUND***

Rick Lundin - rickrose@cablelan.net 

2001 - RCOC ASSN (PACIFIC REGION) REUNION

Our reunion this year was held in Chilliwack, at the Area Support Unit (ASU) Mess. Which is located at what was formerly, the 1 Combat Engineer Regiments building, at CFB Chilliwack. The event was held on 25,26 & 27 May. 

On Friday 25 May, we were invited to join the ASU members in their Friday night gathering which including a weekly meat draw. We had approximately 40 members attend. There was BBQ'd steak or chicken for a snacks and a great evening was had by all. When it came to the meat draw, you had to rush to get in line to get your tickets, and our members were winning so often, they were becoming embarrassed to go up and claim their prize. However, they quickly overcame that problem. Then around midnight, I don’t know if their voices gave out or the Geritol wore off, but they began to go home and I assume, rest up for Saturday

On Saturday morning we set up the banquet area and had a quick committee meeting. Some of the ladies went shopping or gathered at one of the local members homes, for a good gossip and to catch up on past times. At 4 pm we started our AGM and it finished about 5.15 pm.(a welcome surprise) We then had cocktails until 7 pm when the banquet of BBQ steak & chicken was served. Along with all the trimmings, it was more then enough for all. This was followed with a great dessert table and lots of coffee. We had 52 members and guests attend.

After the toast to the Queen and the Corps, introduction of new members was carried out. This year we were fortunate to have four new members, as a result of a good Legion Magazine notice. Three of these gentlemen were WWII RCOC personnel and we very proud to have them join us. Our members who had traveled the furthest distance, were Dick and Mildred Elder from Barrie Ontario, great supporters of our association. We also had five members and spouses attend from Alberta.

Following the banquet, we had a DJ that played “our type” of music. This soon got some old toes twitching, this, along with a few spot dances, enticed them onto the floor.

Around 11 pm the sandman drifted in and you could notice the line up at the bar getting smaller and the DJ getting lonely. He was actually thinking of dancing himself, so we called it a night.

On Sunday morning, a brunch was arranged at the local ABC restaurant and we had 17 members attend before leaving for home or places unknown.

In summation, it was considered to be a successful gathering and the executive were pleased to see the good attendance and the fact that everyone appeared to have a good time. I guess the biggest reward, was getting the four senior RCOC WWII members into our association.

We thank all for attending and hope to see everyone next year in Victoria. The date and details will be forthcoming in Dec/Jan.

The executive for the next year has remained the same via the route of the railroad: Pres; George Cooper, V/pres; Bill Hicks and Sec/treasurer; Terry McGinty.

George Cooper

President

RCOC Assn (Pac Region)

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05-13-01

To: Pacific Region RCOC Assn members.


UPDATED BC SURVIVORS ESTATE DOCUMENT

This is to inform all addressees that the Sidney Branch of the FSNA has recently published Revision 7 of our popular BC Survivors Estate Document for Federal Superannuates.  We sold 1000+ of Revision 6, last year, to BC Federal Superannuates, Notary Publics, Legion members, and retired military associations. The Comox Air Force Assn bought 200, for their members. A limited number were made available and sold at the Pac Region RCOC 2000 reunion in Victoria.
This document is tailored for BC Federal Superannuates and is a concise, easy to follow, step by step summary of actions needed to be completed by one's survivors with all the information required to settle an estate in BC, up to the point of probate,  if required.  In addition to providing space to list all financial asset details, and their location, detailed step by step instructions for the executor are provided, including CURRENT  "800"  telephone numbers and addresses that must be contacted at both the Provincial and Federal Governments.
This is our Eighth printing and with each printing improvements are added.  Our Branch Welfare/Benefits Officer uses this document when assisting survivors after the demise of a superannuate spouse.  It answers the majority of the questions raised by survivors. Feedback from FSNA and non FSNA members across BC, on the form and content, has been most complimentary.
The less than $1.00 profit for each document sold is used by our branch to defray our branch administrative expenses.
While this hard covered 9 page document is available from many FSNA branches throughout BC, who have obtained them from the Sidney Branch, individual FSNA members and non-members, who wish to order, may do so and need to include a cheque for three dollars, for each copy, ($2.00 cost and $1.00 postage), and address their request to:

Sidney Branch FSNA
PO Box 2607
Sidney,  BC,  V8L 4C1.

I will bring a supply of subject documents to the Pac Region 2001 RCOC Reunion, at Chilliwack, for sale to members @ $2.00 per copy, first come first served.

To find out how useful this document can be, ask your Executor who he/she has to notify in Government about your death to ensure the timely start of your spouses pension and the payment of SDB.  My executor doesn't know and most lawyers don't know either, but they can read!

Best regards,

Gordon Gedge
Past President Pac Region RCOC, and                                                           
Treasurer & Membership Director
Sidney & District Branch, FSNA
(250) 655-3502

Honi Soit Qui Mal Y Pense

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From Al Truelove

03-25-01

The RCOC Museum now has a webpage/website. It is not extensive but gets the information out to the public. The first picture you see is the left hand side of the old chapel; where we protestants' sat, and the second picture is the right hand side, where the RCs' used to sit; and all this on a Sunday morning! The site was designed and put on the web by our old friend Ron Hebert (ATC/RCOC 60-62)(OCP/RCOC 62-63) Many thanks Ron. 

Site is http://rcocmuseum.virtualave.net

If you have suggestions on the site pls let Ron know. 

Cheers Al Truelove

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From Bob Elliot

02-09-01

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From Gordon Gedge

02/05/2001

To: RCOC and other retired CF members

Al Truelove, Ex RCOC/LOG, on the Executive of the RCOC Museum, passed on the following info from the CFPN, (CF Personnel Newsletter),Maple Leaf Vol 3, No 45, 2000, observing two interesting pieces of news:

1. As of Aug 22, 2000, the NOK of eligible serving and retired CF members may claim an increased benefit to defray burial costs. A benefit of $4100 is available to help with costs when the funeral takes place in the same place as the death, and $4675 when a funeral takes place at a location other than the place of death;

2. There is a joint venture by DND and VAC. They have started the Centre for the Support of Injured and Retired Members and their Families. If CF retirees need an artificial leg, wheelchair, prostheses, braces, etc; they can get them from this organization. Phone is 1-800-883-6094 or internet at www.dnd.ca/hr/thecentre


Doug Townend, ex RCOC/LOG,  in Ottawa, researched the validity of para 1 above and he has advised the following:

UPDATE (1)
I just received a phone call from The Centre in reply to my query. The Editor of the CFPN will print a correction to the notice in the March issue of the CFPN which will say the increase in the funeral expense benefit is available only to serving members.

Consequently, only para 2 above is valid.  Disregard para 1.

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"When a military spirit forsakes a people, the profession of arms immediately ceases to be held in honour, and military men fall to the lowest rank of public servants; they are little esteemed and no longer understood..
- hence arises a circle of cause and consequence from which it is difficult to escape - the best part of the nation shuns the military profession because that profession is not honored, and the profession is not honored because the best part of the nation has ceased to follow it. "
Alexis de Tocqueville
From "Discovery in America"


Cheers,
Gordon Gedge

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From Bob Elliot

4 Feb 2001

Dear Ordnance Apprentice Soldier

The year 2001 will provide the first opportunity to test the new RCOC Apprentice Soldier Directory and attempt to reunite us with a most commendable past. We were formed in 1953 at the RCOC School, Longue Pointe Garrison, Montreal, Quebec to provide the Corps with a strong nucleus of professionally trained senior NCOs and warrant officers to assume the business of supply from our predecessors. We certainly accomplished the aim of the program as by the 1960s and 70s, Ordnance apprentices were evident in every area and many stayed the course through Integration and the difficult times to exceed thirty years service. In effect, we became the Corps. We were trained by the best the Corps had to offer and given special status as young men with great potential. They gave us confidence and pride in a Corps that performed an essential and historical function to the Army and the Canadian Forces. Wherever we went, we represented the youth of our training and we were proudly referred to as "Green Monsters". Many also recognized that they were more ably suited for civilian life and left the Army for other opportunities. We also lost others due to death and accident. Regardless of later career choices, we all carried the green flash on our shoulder epaulette for the rest of our lives. That probably explains the current interest in reuniting.

            As a prelude to a full-blown 50^th anniversary reunion planned for 2003, the National RCOC Association has welcomed all Ordnance apprentices to join the reunion in Ottawa this May. All details, arrangements and timings are attached and a mail-out is planned to reach those without e-mail addresses. It is recommended that those of you who plan to attend the reunion in May 2001 complete the application form attached and mail it with your cheque as indicated (if you are not already on the Ottawa list). You will receive further details and a newsletter from the National RCOC Association.

If you have any questions regarding the reunion please contact Bob Elliott at pegasusdock@home.com (250) 478-3409 or Jim Steed at skyhorse@sympatico.ca (613) 372-2294. The very best of Ordnance luck and hope to see you at the reunion.

*Attachments mentioned above are available from the author Bob Elliot at his e-mail address

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PSAC and the Snow Birds

from  James Steed January 02, 2001

(origin undetermined)

Many retired PSAC members spend their retirement winters in the warmth of the southern States. The Public Service health coverage is only for 40 days and it covers only $100,000 which is very little under the health costs in the U.S. The costs and exclusions of commercial insurance is very expensive and very risky under their small print for pre existing conditions, making it very confusing. Since the government has taken several billion dollars from our pension plan we feel that free full coverage with no pre existing conditions should be included in our pension benefit package. The auto workers have this plan in their benefits, giving them the freedom to pursue the life style they wish and not have the fear of their insurance coverage. This makes our plan look very small in comparison. A plan like this may take some of the sting out of the loss of the billions that the government took. Retired Member PSAC.

PDSP ENROLMENT UPDATE

November 20, 2000

Registration kits were mailed to 330,000 eligible pensioners in late

September.

As of November 20, and with 5 more weeks to go in the initial enrolmentdrive, Sun Life has received 97,000 enrolment forms. The first 60,731 enrolment forms processed indicate that:

approximately 5240 (8.6%) are deferrals; the distribution of membership by superannuation group is nearly exactly the distribution of pensioners by group:

PSSA: 64.4%

CFSA: 30.6%

RCMPSA: 4.5%

Others: 0.5%; and

the distribution of member coverage is:

Category I: 46.0%

Category II: 50.0%

Category III: 4%

PDSP members will be receiving a Welcome Kit in December. It will contain:

a welcome letter (bilingual);

a Member Information Card (bilingual);

a Sun Life Member Booklet (bilingual); and

both an English and a French Claim Form.

Pensioners who defer coverage for themselves or an eligible family member will receive an acknowledgement letter from Sun Life reminding them how to register when their coverage under another dental plan ceases.

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