Podcasts – Canadian Military History Podcast

ARMY Alastair was a regular soldier for four years (1979-1983), seeing active service in the Falklands War of 1982 and also on peace keeping duties in Northern Ireland with the 2nd Battalion, Scots Guards. He is still a reserve officer, currently serving as Deputy Commander (R), 3rd UK Division in the rank of Brigadier, having served in Media and Communications and commanding the Media Operations Group (Volunteers). In March 2004 he completed his period of mobilized service on active operations in Iraq, on Operation TELIC. In 2010, Alastair was given an OBE in The Queen’s Birthday Honours List. TV & FILM Alastair Bruce is Historical Advisor on film and TV projects, including Victoria, Downton Abbey, The Young Victoria, The Prince and the Pauper and The King’s Speech. He has also supported Indian Summers and is preparing other series. TV COMMENTATOR Alastair Bruce is the Royal, Constitutional and Religious Commentator for Sky News, the UK’s premier 24hr satellite news channel. He was appointed 23 years ago and has covered all Britain’s great occasions, including the 90th birthday of The Queen, her Diamond Jubilee celebrations, the Royal Wedding, Papal events, and the funerals of both the Queen Mother and Diana, Princess of Wales: the latter to a worldwide audience of 87.5million viewers. Alastair contributes to FOX News, ABC and the BBC. AUTHOR & DOCUMENTARIES Alastair has written many books, including Days of Majesty, Keepers of the Kingdom and The Oldest that lists the oldest things in Britain. The Queen’s Birthday Parade was published last year, with a foreword by Prince Philip. He likes to tell history in an entertaining way, in order to open the rich culture of the United Kingdom, its style and romance to as wide an audience as he can reach. He has worked with many independent production companies in the preparation of TV documentaries. Many are regularly aired on PBS, Discovery and A&E channels. Among these are Manners of Downton Abbey, Nicholas and Alexandra, Victoria and Albert and Days of Majesty. Alastair is currently writing a new book for the American market. OFFICER OF ARMS In 1998, The Queen appointed Alastair one of her Officers of Arms, with the odd sounding title of Fitzalan Pursuivant of Arms Extraordinary. This means that he has some responsibility for the heraldry of Britain, its Royal Family and the history it tells. He also offers advice to the Palace and Government on how the nation should ‘celebrate’ itself, and in due course he will help to plan the coronation of the next monarch, using his knowledge of the ancient rites. ROYAL HOUSEHOLD In 2004 Alastair was appointed to be an Extra Equerry to Their Royal Highnesses the Earl and Countess of Wessex. This is a part-time role to support The Queen’s youngest son and his wife when they perform Royal Duties in the United Kingdom and overseas, as representatives of Her Majesty, as Head of State. He also supports Prince Michael of Kent as Equerry. Alastair is also in The Queen’s Body Guard in Scotland, which is called the Royal Company of Archers. Alastair delivers the following extra-curricular voluntary work:- Deputy Lieutenant of Greater London, Lieutenancy of London Professor of the Faculty of Media and Film, University of Winchester Chairman of the City of London RFCA and Lieutenant of the City Trustee of the Falkland Islands Memorial Chapel, at Pangbourne. Lay Steward of St George’s Chapel, Windsor Castle. Member Royal Company of Archers, Queen’s Bodyguard for Scotland Governor Emeritus of Milton Abbey School, Blandford Knight of St John and former Director of Ceremonies Ambassador for Scouting for Hampshire Scouts Aide de Camp to The Queen since January 2015. Colonel, London Scottish Regiment Vice Patron, Winchester Cathedral Appeal Councillor, Winchester Cathedral Council Patron, Friends of Hospital of St Cross http://podcast.canadianmilitaryhistorypodcast.ca/wp-content/uploads/2017/04/CMHP-Episode-057-Brigadier-Bruce.mp3 Brigadier and Professor Alastair Bruce of Crionaich, OBE KStJ VR ADC DL Alastair Bruce serves in the Falkland Islands as a Platoon Commander in 1982. Brigadier Bruce in the attire of the Royal Company of Archers, Queen’s Bodyguard for Scotland  

Warrant Officer Aly Hirji a member of The Royal Regiment of Canada was born and raised in East York Ontario. Warrant Officer Hirji completed his basic training through the Cooperative Education Program during February 1995 and May 1995 not earning any money, but in turn earning two High School Credits. Warrant Officer Hirji was promoted to Corporal in 1997, to Master- Corporal in 1999, Sergeant in 2007 and Warrant Officer in 2009. He has deployed to Israel in support of Operation Danaca; to Ethiopia in support of Operation Augural and returned in 2010 from a deployment to Kandahar Afghanistan in support of OP Athena Roto 9 (TF 1-10). Warrant Officer Hirji has participated in various training exercises with his Regiment. He had the opportunity to accompany the 32nd Canadian Light Infantry Brigade to Fort Knox Kentucky. He was also employed within the Company Headquarters during the major Snowstorm in the City of Toronto and the Ice Storm in Eastern Ontario in 1998. More recently, he was instrumental in the planning of HRH The Prince of Wales’ visit to Toronto in November 2009 for the Presentation of Colours ceremony and May 2012 for the Military Muster Ceremony at Fort York Armoury. Over the course of his career, he has received numerous Canadian Forces Honours and Regimental/Brigade/Area awards. In November 2013 he was presented with the Commander of the Canadian Army Commendation; in November 2012 he was presented the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee Medal; two Commendations from the Commander of Land Force Central Area (now 4th Canadian Division); and was also presented with a commendation from the Commander of 32 Canadian Brigade Group in Toronto. In 2010, Warrant Officer Hirji reverted to the rank of Sergeant and has been employed on a full time basis at his Regiment since 1997. He currently resides in East York. http://podcast.canadianmilitaryhistorypodcast.ca/wp-content/uploads/2017/03/CMHP-Episode-056-WO-Aly-Hirji.mp3  

CWO Brian Budden, CD is a Canadian Armed Forces Veteran.  He is the past president of the Toronto Branch of The Queen’s Own Rifles of Canada Association, and he currently serves as the 1st Vice-President and Health & Welfare Chairman. Following his first tour of Normandy and northwest Europe in 1974, CWO Budden began organizing historical tours to Normandy, Belgium and the Netherlands for First and Second World War Veterans. He arranged for the Westlake Brothers Souvenir Association in Normandy, France, to visit and participate in commemorative activities in Toronto. CWO Budden is also involved in a wide range of other veteran-related activities; including assisting veterans with benefit entitlements and driving them to ceremonies.  Brian helps to prepare those being interviewed by the History Channel or the Memory Project.  He regularly visits residents at Sunnybrook Hospital in Toronto and other long-term care facilities. As a member of the Royal Canadian Legion, CWO Budden participated in “The Living History” at Royal Canadian Legion Branch 258, which helps to initiate new Canadian citizens, and he is active in the annual Poppy Fund drive. CWO Budden serves as one of the Parade Marshalls at the Annual Warriors’ Day Parade at the Canadian National Exhibition. CWO Budden is a victim of a workplace accident which resulted in the loss of a limb.  As an amputee, he has been very supportive to other amputees at the St.John Rehabilitation Hospital and, on occasion, to those injured in Afghanistan. CWO Brian Budden served a term as the Regimental Sergeant Major of the Queen’s Own Rifles of Canada and is a recipient of the Queen’s Golden and Diamond Jubilee Medal and the Canadian Forces’ Decoration. http://podcast.canadianmilitaryhistorypodcast.ca/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/CMHP-Episode-055-CWO-Brian-Budden.mp3 CWO Brian Budden, CD, Former Regimental Sergeant Major of The Queen’s Own Rifles of Canada. CWO Budden is presented his Queen’s Diamond Jubilee Medal by LCol Peter St Denis, MSM, CD and CWO Mark Shannon, CD CWO Budden chats with the Chief of the Defence Staff, General Jonathan Vance, CMM, MSC, CD CWO Budden recalls some good times in the snow via newspaper clippings from the time. Brian Budden acts as the Parade Marshall of the Warriors’ Day Parade at the Canadian National Exhibition. Brian meets with a former Chief of the Defence Staff, General Rick Hillier, OC, CMM, ONL, MSC, CD Brian enjoys a trip in a historic Jeep.

Captain Terry (Stoney) Burke joined the Royal Canadian Regiment in October 1964.  He completed basic recruit training at the Regimental Depot, in Wolseley Barracks, in London, Ontario. In October 1965, he was posted to the Second Battalion of the RCR, in Fort York, West Germany, where he became a member of the Assault Pioneer Platoon. Over the next three years he completed the Junior NCO Course and was promoted Corporal in December of 1968. In November of 1969 he returned to 1RCR in London, Ontario.  In March of 1970 he completed his first tour with the United Nations Force, in Cyprus. Two days after returning from Cyprus, in October 1970, he along with his entire battalion, were sent to Quebec, to perform security duties, during the FLQ Crisis.  In 1973 he was promoted to Master Corporal and completed both the Advanced Pioneer and Small Arms Courses, in Gagetown, New Brunswick. In June of 1974, he was an instructor on Basic Officer Training in Shilo, Manitoba. That same year he completed his second UN tour, in Cyprus, after which he returned to London, as an instructor on the TQ 3 course.  In 1976 he was a member of the security force for the Montreal Olympics and was promoted to the rank of Sergeant shortly thereafter. In 1977 he was posted to Baden, West Germany, as a member of 3 Mech Commando, which later became 3RCR.   The following year he returned to Canada to complete both the Senior Leaders and TQ6B courses and was promoted to Warrant Officer in 1979.  Over the course of the next three years, in Baden, West Germany he went from Infantry Platoon WO, to Detachment Commander in Anti-Tank Platoon, to CQ of Battalion Headquarters.  He also completed all the requirements to receive his Grade 13 Ontario High School Diploma. In 1982, he was posted to Gagetown, NB, where he became the CQ of Lima Company, 2RCR.  Within a couple of months he was Commissioned from the Ranks and became a Lieutenant and the Battalion Transport Officer.  In the fall of 1983 he completed his third and last tour of duty with the UN Force in Cyprus. In 1984 he was posted to The Brockville Rifles, as the Regular Force Support Officer and promoted to the rank of Captain soon after that. In 1987 he completed the Para Course, in Edmonton and soon after was posted to the UN Truce Supervisory Organization.  Over the next two years, he was employed as a Military Observer, in Israel, Syria and Lebanon.   In 1990 he returned to Canada and became the Chief Standards Officer for all Army Reserve courses, in South Western Ontario.  In 1996, he returned to UN duty in the Middle East, as an observer with the UN station in Damascus Syria and later on, as a Patrol Commander in South Lebanon. In 1999, he retired from the Regular Force and joined 4RCR, in London.  For the next eight years he was the Standards Officer for the Land Force Central Area Training Centre, in Meaford, Ontario. In 2007, he retired from the Reserves, having served a total on 43 years, in the Canadian Armed Forces.  Since retirement, he has written two books, based upon his experiences in Europe and the Middle East.  He is currently completing a third book, which he hope to have published by the end of 2016. http://podcast.canadianmilitaryhistorypodcast.ca/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/CMHP-Episode-054-Capt-Terry-Stoney-Burke.mp3   Terry Burke serves as a Royal Canadian Regiment Master Corporal in Cyprus in 1974. Capt ‘Stoney’ Burke  and his Patrol Team South Lebanon. (Note all the different nationalities.  Left to right standing- New Zealand, Australia, Netherlands, Ireland, China.) Kneeling L to R- China, Canada, Norway. Photo 1 – Left to right-  Captain Don Millwater, Major Mike Titus and myself standing on the bank of the Suez Canal. Stoney on OP duty in Cyrus and the cover of his second book; Under the Blue Beret Here is Stoney’s first book; Cold War Soldier Stoney’s CO from the Middle East; USMC Col William R. Higgins

Lieutenant-General Guy R. Thibault, CMM, MSC, CD joined the Canadian Forces in 1978 and completed a Bachelor of Science degree in Mathematics and Physics at the Royal Military College.  Upon completion of Army Signal Officer training in Kingston, he served in various operational capacities within the Special Service Force in Petawawa as well as 4 Canadian Mechanized Brigade Group, and Canadian Forces Europe in Lahr, West Germany. He has held a wide range of command and staff appointments within the Army, and at National levels including assignments in the National Defence Operations Centre, Communications Security, Signals, Training and Doctrine and various positions within the Defence Information Services Organization and the Information Management Group including command of 79 Communications Regiment providing strategic communications for CF deployments world-wide. He also served as the Executive Assistant to the Vice Chief of the Defence Staff and in 2001 upon promotion to Colonel he led the DND/CF Information Management Strategic Review under the authority of the Associate Deputy Minister. In 2002, he was appointed Commander, Canadian Forces Base Kingston prior to deploying in early 2004 with the NATO-led International Security Assistance Force in Afghanistan.  Upon return from ISAF, he attended full time postgraduate studies and completed a Master’s degree of Public Administration (Management) from Dalhousie University. He is a graduate of the Land Forces Command and Staff College, the Canadian Forces Staff College and the National Security Studies Program. As a General Officer, he has served as Commander Land Force Central Area – Joint Task Force Central Region; Deputy Commander Canadian Army – Assistant Chief of the Land Staff; as well as the Canadian Forces J6 and Chief of Staff for ADM (Information Management). In this latter capacity, he also assumed the role as Branch Leader for the Canadian Forces Communications and Electronics Branch. Upon promotion to Lieutenant-General in 2011, he served as the first Chairman of the Inter-American Defense Board (IADB) in Washington, DC. This international organization is an entity of the Organization of American States and is the oldest regional defense cooperation organization in the world.   Lieutenant-General Thibault assumed the duties of Vice Chief of the Defence Staff (VCDS) in September 2013, and as such serves as the second in command of the Canadian Armed Forces, Commander of the VCDS Group and is responsible and accountable to the Chief of the Defence Staff and the Deputy Minister to coordinate and direct activities to ensure departmental defence policy and strategic objectives are achieved.   http://podcast.canadianmilitaryhistorypodcast.ca/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/CMHP-Episode-052-LGen-Guy-Thibault.mp3 Lieutenant-General Guy Thibault, CMM, MSC, CD, The Vice Chief of the Defence Staff Lieutenant-General Thibault is awarded the Meritorious Service Cross by His Excellency, David Johnston, the Governor General, at a ceremony at Rideau Hall. Defence Minister Jason Kenney, Lieutenant-General Guy Thibault, Vice Chief of the Defence Staff, and members of the Canadian Forces Liaison Council honoured Twenty-three business, government and educational institutions from across Canada at the Eleventh Biennial National Employer Support Awards held on 28 May 2015 at the Canadian War Museum in Ottawa. Hon. Col. Blake Goldring with Lt. Gen. Guy Thibault, Vice Chief of the Defence Staff, at a special First World War commemorative evening held at the National Gallery of Canada on Monday, Nov. 10, 2014. Lieutenant-General Thibault participated as the Chair of the Inter-American Defense Board in Washington DC.

Colonel (Ret’d) Kevin Cameron joined the Canadian Forces in 1989 under the Officer Candidate Training Plan (OCTP), was commissioned into The Royal Canadian Regiment (The RCR) and posted to 3rd Battalion, The RCR at Canadian Force Base (CFB) Baden-Solingen, Germany.  During his two years with 3 RCR Germany, he deployed to Croatia and Sarajevo in 1992. Upon return from the Former Yugoslavia, and with the close-out of CFB Baden-Solingen in 1993, he was posted to 2nd Battalion, The RCR at CFB Gagetown, New Brunswick where he served as the Battalion Intelligence Officer and Assistant Adjutant before being posted as the Regular Force Support Officer to 2nd Battalion, The Nova Scotia Highlanders (Cape Breton) in Sydney in 1995. In 1997, after specializing in Parachute Operations, Kevin was posted back to 3 RCR, which by then had been re-roled as a Light Infantry Battalion at CFB Petawawa, Ontario.  While in 3 RCR from 1997 to 2003, he was employed in various key staff and command roles.  Promoted to the rank of Major in 2000, he finished this span of six years as Officer Commanding Parachute Company.  Also during this timeframe, he was deployed to Ice Storm 98, completed two more overseas operational tours of duty in Bosnia, and commanded Parachute Company in a security role during the G8 Summit in 2002. In 2003, the Army sent Kevin to the University of Ottawa for educational enhancement, where he graduated with a degree in Political Science & Psychology in 2004.  He was then posted to the Canadian Forces College in Toronto for two years; the first year as staff, and during the second year he undertook and graduated from the Canadian Forces Command and Staff Course.  Upon graduation, he was posted to the Directorate of Land Strategic Planning in the Land Staff (Army Headquarters) in Ottawa.  During his first year with the Land Staff he was employed as a strategic planner before being promoted to Lieutenant-Colonel in 2007 and assuming command of the Strategic Plans branch within that directorate. In 2008, Kevin was posted back to CFB Petawawa, first to the position of Chief of Staff 2 Canadian Mechanized Brigade Group, then in 2009 he assumed command of 3rd Battalion, The RCR.  As Battalion Commander, he prepared his sub-units for deployment to Afghanistan and led the 3 RCR Battalion Group as the primary security unit for the G8/G20 Summits in 2010. Following Battalion command, he was appointed J3/G3 JTFC/LFCA (now the 4th Canadian Division/JTFC) in Toronto. Promoted to his current rank in May 2014, he was immediately deployed to Op REASSURANCE (Ukraine/Crimea) as a Senior Strategic Planner at SHAPE Belgium, and upon redeployment in September 2014, he assumed the appointment of Chief of Staff 4th Canadian Division. After close to 26 years of service, Kevin retired from the Canadian Armed Forces in June 2015 to pursue a civilian career path as Director of the Military Employment Transition (MET) Program at Canada Company. He brings with him vast experience within the Canadian Armed Forces, as well as substantial professional relationships within both the private and government sectors.  As Director of MET he will further develop and advance the strategic vision and campaign plan for MET.  He is superbly well-positioned to collaborate with corporate partners and work with government agencies in order to enable transitioning CAF members as they embark on their post-service career path. http://podcast.canadianmilitaryhistorypodcast.ca/wp-content/uploads/2016/04/CMHP-Episode-052-Col-Kevin-Cameron.mp3   Colonel Kevin Cameron, CD Colonel Cameron at the steps of the Vimy Memorial. Kevin Cameron is promoted to the rank of Colonel by a fellow Royal Canadian; Brigadier General Omer Lavoie at the 4th Canadian Division Headquarters.

WO2 Paul Baines, MC joined the British Army on the 6th of April, 1996 at the Exeter Recruiting Office.  He completed his Basic Training at the Guards Depot in Pirbright, Surrey, then completed Infantry training at the Infantry Training Centre Catterick.  He passed in October, 1996 as a Guardsman and joined the 1st Battalion Coldstream Guards in Oxford Barracks, Munster in Germany. Throughout his Army career he has participated in high profile state ceremonial events such as the Trooping of the Colour, visits of foreign dignitaries and more frequently Queen’s Guards at Buckingham Palace, St James’ Palace, Windsor Castle and Her Majesty’s Palace and Fortress at the Tower of London.  As a Colour Sergeant, he was the Senior Sergeant of the Colour party on the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee when the 1st Battalion trooped their new Colour in 2012. He has completed a number of overseas exercises in places such as Belize, Poland, Canada, Germany and the United States of America to name a few.  He has also a wealth of experience in operational theatres such as The Falkland Islands, Northern Ireland, Iraq, Afghanistan and Sierra Leone. WO2 Baines’ career has been exceptionally varied and diverse;  he began as a Guardsman in a Rifle company, but soon demonstrated that he had the skill set to specialize in other areas.  He seized the opportunity early and became a ski instructor and then spent his first two winters in Germany posted to Bavaria.  On returning to England, he joined the Reconnaissance Platoon and completed two tours in Northern Ireland; one as a patrol team member working with an intelligence group and the second in the Close Observation Platoon working in support of Special Forces.  It wasn’t long before he was promoted again and spent two years as an instructor at the Infantry Training Centre Catterick as a Section Commander.  When he finished at the ITC, he joined the Battalion on a tour in Iraq.  He had already qualified as a Sniper earlier in his career, so after completing the Platoon Sergeants’ Battle Course, he was then promoted and given the Command of the Sniper Platoon in charge of some of the best and most highly trained soldiers in the Regiment.  Being the man he is; when a volunteer was needed to take away a Platoon of Coldstreamers to Afghanistan attached to the right flank of the Scots Guards, he obliged.  He then completed a six-month tour in command of a Rifle Platoon of 30 soldiers living and operating in the harshest conditions.  Whilst on this tour of Afghanistan, he was given a Joint Commander’s Commendation for his actions carried out in a Taliban ambush.  Within 18 months, he found himself with the remainder of the Battalion going again to Afghanistan.  By now Baines was a Senior Sergeant and still in Command of the Sniper Platoon and deployed to one of the most hostile areas of Helmand.  This operational tour would prove to be exceptionally brutal with many members of the Battalion returning seriously injured and a number of fatalities.  WO2 Baines was awarded the Military Cross for actions carried out under enemy fire.  Shortly after returning from Afghanistan, Baines was promoted and posted to Sierra Leone for 14 Months as an Infantry Instructor at the International Military Training and Advisory Team.  He worked with the Republic of Sierra Leone Armed Forces, the British Embassy and other non-governmental run agencies proving that he could communicate well with a whole spectrum of people and their cultures.  He returned to Windsor and joined the Battalion where he was placed in to a Company Quartermaster Sergeant’s role where he administered a company of 150 soldiers.  WO2 Baines assumed the position of Regimental Recruiting Warrant Officer and records show that in 2014-15, the Coldstream Guards recruiting tame had hit 98% of its recruiting target; this was testament to his hard work and dedication. WO2 Baines was medically discharged from the British Army in 2015 with an exemplary assessment written by his Commanding Officer.  Paul collaborated with members of his Regiment, before and after his release to produce a book; the Commemorative Album entitled 10 Years In Afghanistan; Guardsmen’s Stories which is available for purchase at the Regimental on line shop.  All proceeds of this book go to injured and struggling veterans of the Coldstream Guards. Paul resides in Torquay with his wife and is pursuing an apprenticeship as a plumber. http://podcast.canadianmilitaryhistorypodcast.ca/wp-content/uploads/2016/03/CMHP-Episode-051-WO2-Paul-Baines.mp3 Sergeant Paul Baines in Afghanistan where he and his comrades were awarded the Military Cross. Paul Baines serves as a Lance Sergeant while deployed in Iraq. Paul Baines training in the UK as a Lance Sergeant; an appointment given to a Corporal so they could fill a post usually held by a Sergeant. Paul patrols through some early corn growth in Afghanistan. In 2010, Colour Sgt Paul Baines was awarded the Military Cross with Sergeant Adam Swift, Corporal Sarah Bushbye, Lance Corporal Daniel Fletcher and Lance Corporal Marc Reader.  The medals were presented by Her Majesty, Queen Elizabeth at a ceremony held at Buckingham Palace. WO2 Baines during the Trooping of the Colour in 2012.  WO2 Paul Baines meets with HRH Prince Harry on Poppy Day, 2014. WO2 Baines collaborated with members of his Regiment to produce the Commemorative Album entitled 10 Years In Afghanistan; Guardsmen’s Stories which is available for purchase at the Regimental on line shop.

Sgt Sean Wickett joined The Grey & Simcoe Foresters in 2002, at the age of 18, after serving as a youth in the Royal Canadian Army Cadets.  In the past 14 years, Sean has deployed to Afghanistan as part of Roto 3-08, deployed to the Middle East on Op Proteus as well as the Arctic and sub-arctic with the 4th Canadian Division’s Arctic Response Company Group as well as on Operation Nanook. In the summer of 2015, Sgt Wickett led a team of Grey & Simcoe Foresters on an International Skill-at-Arms Competition where the team placed First, internationally and Fourth overall. Sgt Wickett is currently undergoing training to become an Infantry Warrant Officer and Platoon 2iC. Cpl Allan Wickett initially enrolled in the Hastings and Prince Edward Regiment in the City of Belleville, Ontario, in 1954, at the age of 15, following in the footsteps of his father and grandfather. After a lengthy absence from the Canadian Forces, Al re enrolled in the Princes of Wales Own Regiment in Sept 1993 to participate in competitive shooting as a service member. After relocating with his family due to work, Cpl Wickett transferred to the Gray & Simcoe Foresters in 1998, where he changed trades to Vehicle Technician. He applied the skills of his new trade at the 3rd Canadian Ranger Patrol Group at CFB Borden.  Cpl Wickett had the opportunity to deploy on a Technical Assistance Visit to Afghanistan to conduct required upgrades and maintenance on the LAV-3 and the T-LAV (formerly the M-113) in 2008. Al retired from the Canadian Armed Forces in June of 2014. He has been awarded the Afghanistan Star, the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee Medal and the Canadian Forces’ Decoration. http://podcast.canadianmilitaryhistorypodcast.ca/wp-content/uploads/2016/03/CMHP-Episode-050-Sgt-Sean-Wickett-Cpl-Allan-Wickett.mp3   Cpl Wickett takes Sean to the range to fire the FNC1 Sub-caliber insert at the Princess of Wales Own Regiment rifle range.  Father and Son, Shooter and Spotter. Sean and Al attend a dinner together for the first time at the Grey and Simcoe Foresters in 2008. Cpl Al Wickett visits Afghanistan in 2008. MCpl Wickett visits his father at the maintenance shop in Afghanistan. Cpl Wickett poses with a baby polar bear while in the Arctic with the 3rd Canadian Range Patrol Group. MCpl Wickett patrols the areas in Afghanistan. Sean poses in front of his RG-31 in Afghanistan. Three Foresters enjoying some down time in Afghanistan.

Brigadier-?General Omer Lavoie was born and raised in Marathon, Ontario. He joined the Canadian Armed Forces in 1983 as a pri­vate sol­dier in the Lake Supe­rior Scot­tish Reg­i­ment. Upon high school grad­u­a­tion, he trans­ferred to the Reg­u­lar Force and attended Royal Roads Mil­i­tary Col­lege from 1985 – 1989. Upon com­ple­tion of infantry phase train­ing, he was posted to Sec­ond Bat­tal­ion, The Royal Cana­dian Reg­i­ment. Brigadier-?General Lavoie’s reg­i­men­tal employ­ment includes ser­vice with 2RCR, 1 RCR and as the Reg­i­men­tal Adju­tant. As a mem­ber of 2 RCR, he was employed as a pla­toon com­man­der, Offi­cer Com­mand­ing recon­nais­sance pla­toon and as a com­pany second-?in-?command. While posted to 1 RCR, he served as the Bat­tle Group Oper­a­tions Offi­cer, Offi­cer Com­mand­ing the Duke of Edinburgh’s Com­pany and Com­mand­ing Officer. Brigadier-?General Lavoie’s extra reg­i­men­tal ser­vice has included post­ings to Cana­dian Forces North­ern Area Head­quar­ters in Yel­lowknife, Direc­tor Gen­eral Strate­gic Plan­ning at National Defence Headquarters, and as the first com­man­der of the Cana­dian Forces Counter-?Improvised Explo­sive Device Task Force. He has served in all three of the Cana­dian Army’s mech­a­nized brigade groups and com­manded 1 Cana­dian Mech­a­nized Brigade Group from May 2010 to June 2012. Brigadier-?General Lavoie’s oper­a­tional expe­ri­ence includes employ­ment as a rifle pla­toon com­man­der dur­ing the Oka Cri­sis, as a com­pany second-?in-?command in Croa­tia and Bosnia in 1992-?1993, as a bat­tle group oper­a­tions offi­cer in Kosovo in 1999 – 2000 and as a Bat­tle Group Com­mand­ing Offi­cer of the 1 RCR Bat­tle Group in Kan­da­har, Afghanistan in 2006-2007. Brigadier-?General Lavoie has been awarded the Mer­i­to­ri­ous Ser­vice Cross for his role in lead­ing the First Bat­tal­ion, Royal Cana­dian Reg­i­ment Bat­tle Group in Afghanistan and has been awarded the NATO Mer­i­to­ri­ous Ser­vice Medal for lead­ing NATO’s first offen­sive ground oper­a­tion at the Bat­tle Group level, Operation Medusa. Brigadier-?General Lavoie was appointed to the Order of Mil­i­tary Merit as an Offi­cer. His for­mal edu­ca­tion includes an Hon­ours degree in Mil­i­tary Lead­er­ship and Applied Psy­chol­ogy from Royal Roads Mil­i­tary Col­lege and a Master’s degree in Defence Stud­ies from Royal Mil­i­tary College. Brigadier-?General Lavoie assumed Com­mand of 4th Cana­dian Divi­sion and Joint Task Force Cen­tral in Toronto on 28 June 2012. He com­pleted a highly dis­tin­guished tenure of com­mand on 11 July 2014.  Brigadier-?General Lavoie is cur­rently the  Director General Defence Force Planning, at NDHQ, in Ottawa. http://podcast.canadianmilitaryhistorypodcast.ca/wp-content/uploads/2015/12/CMHP-Episode-049-BGen-Omer-Lavoie.mp3 Brigadier-General Omer Lavoie, OMM, MSC, CD, Director General Defence Force Planning Col Lavoie and CWO Bobby Girouard take a break in Afghanistan in August, 2006. Brigadier-General Omer Lavoie, commander of Joint Task Force Central/Land Force Central Area, inspects members of the 21st Electronic Warfare Regiment at a ceremony where more than two dozen members of the regiment received the Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal at CFB Kingston. Brigadier-General Lavoie presents the patch of the 4th Canadian Division to the Command teams at a ceremony held at Fort York Armoury on April 25, 2014, Brigadier-General Lavoie addresses members of the media in Wainwright, Alberta after a tragedy on Ex Maple Resolve in 2014. Brigadier-General Lavoie addresses the soldiers who served with him in Afghansitan via YouTube. Command of 4th Canadian Division officially changed hands on July 11, 2014 during a ceremony held at the Lieutenant-Colonel George Taylor Denison III Armoury in Toronto.  Brigadier-General Omer Lavoie was succeeded by Brigadier-General Lowell Thomas during the ceremony presided over by Lieutenant-General Marquis Hainse, Commander Canadian Army.

Part 2 of the Episode with Chief Warrant Officer Bill Darling continues! http://podcast.canadianmilitaryhistorypodcast.ca/wp-content/uploads/2015/11/CMHP-Episode-048-CWO-Bill-Darling-Part-2.mp3 Cpl Bill Darling, 1983 – hard at work! Bill’s uncle, HCol (LCol ret’d) Robert Darling, CD (a 3rd generation Highlander) & RSM (CWO) Bill Darling, CD 1999 HEGG David Johnston, CC, CMM, CD presenting CWO Bill Darling with his Military Medal of Merit in 2011

William Darling joined the Canadian Armed Forces in 1979 as a Gunner with 2 Field Royal Canadian Artillery, located in Montreal, Quebec. After completing Recruit and Basic training, he completed his TQ1 Artilleryman training at CFB Gagetown. He remained with 2 Field as a Gun Detachment member, being promoted to Bombardier in 1980. In 1982 he relocated to Toronto, Ontario, re-mustered Infantry and joined The 48th Highlanders of Canada, becoming the Regiment’s first 4th generation Highlander. The Darling family has served the Regiment continuously from 1896 to present day with his Great-Grandfather, Great-Great-Uncle, Grandfather, 3 Great-Uncles and his Uncle all serving as Officers. Bill’s 2 brothers also served in the Regiment. Bill Darling served as a section commander in C Company in 1983 and 1984. In 1983 he was awarded the Regiment’s Eaton Trophy as the Top Jr. NCO. He completed his Jr. NCO course in 1984 and was appointed Master Corporal the same year. After a 2 year posting to the Militia Training Centre at CFB Borden he returned to service with the Regiment in 1987 having been promoted to Sergeant in 1986. Sgt Darling was awarded the Eaton Trophy for a second time in 1988 as the Regiment’s Top Sr. NCO, the first NCO in Regimental history to be awarded both the Top Jr. and Sr. NCO awards. He continued to serve the Regiment in a variety capacities including Platoon 2I/C, Company Transport Sergeant, Company Quarter Master Sergeant, Company Sergeant Major and Regimental Training NCO, earning promotions to Warrant Officer in 1990 and Master Warrant Officer in 1996. In 1992, WO Darling was awarded a Central Militia Area Commander’s Commendation for his dedication and professionalism during the Area’s annual Infantry Competition. In 1996 MWO Darling was again extra-Regimentally employed as a CSM with 32 Canadian Brigade Group’s Battle School instructing recruit and primary leadership courses. In 1997, Bill Darling deployed as a Duty Officer with the 1st Battalion Royal Canadian Regiment, for the Red River flood relief operations in Manitoba as part of Operation Assistance. When Bill returned to Regimental service, he was appointed the Regiment’s Drill Sergeant Major. He further had the honour and privilege of being promoted to the rank of CWO and appointed Regimental Sergeant Major of the 48th Highlanders of Canada in 1999. He had the privilege of representing the Regiment at various exercises and events around the country, most notably the Netherlands‘ Millennium Celebration of the Liberation of Holland in 2000. When Chief Warrant Officer Darling relinquished the appointment of RSM in 2002, he was appointed the RSM of 32 CBG Battle School a position he held until 2005. In 2005, CWO Darling deployed on Op Boreas to Bosnia Herzegovina as the 2I/C of the European Union’s Multi National Task Force (North-West) Liaison and Observation Team Detachment in Sanski Most. Upon his return he was appointed the Brigade Sergeant Major of 32 CBG in 2006 a position he held until 2008. He was transferred to Land Force Central Area as the Reserve Sergeant Major at that time. CWO Darling was honoured to be appointed as a Member of the Order of Military Merit in 2010. CWO Darling was transferred to Canadian Army Doctrine and Training Centre in Kingston, Ontario as the Army Reserve Training Sergeant Major in 2011. Bill completed his appointment as the Army Reserve Training Sergeant Major in 2014, and he Commissioned from the Ranks, to the rank of Captain and he has been parading back “home” as the company second-in command of Administration Company, 48th Highlanders of Canada. Captain Darling is a Construction Manager with CH2M Hill Canada Limited, a multi-national consulting engineering firm. He currently resides in Whitby, where he enjoys golf, playing and coaching hockey and the occasional quiet weekend at his cottage with his 3 children. http://podcast.canadianmilitaryhistorypodcast.ca/wp-content/uploads/2015/11/CMHP-Episode-048-CWO-Bill-Darling-Part-1.mp3 Chief Warrant Officer WM Darling, MMM CDCADTC HQ Reserve Sergeant-Major   CSM (MWO) Ron Alkema & CQMS (WO) Bill Darling, 1995 Regiment’s 100th Anniversary Parade, Monument sentries: WO Marty Dupuis (RCR), WO Bill Darling (Review Order), WO Bud Gillie (Modern Day), Sgt Peter Rosa (Boer War), Sgt Guy Bowie (WWI), Sgt John Van de Vegte (WWII); 1991 Commanding Officer, LCol George Turner, CD & RSM (CWO) Bill Darling, CD. Holland 2000 3 of 4 generations of 48th Highlanders. LCol W.W.G. Darling, DSO, ED (2nd generation, Commanding officer 1946-1949); a furture RSM now Capt W.M. Darling, MMM, CD at age 4, LCol C.W. Darling, VD (1st generation, Commanding Officer Home battalion 1915-1919, Commanding Officer 1919-1923), my brother Pte E.A. Darling (age 2 who served with the Regiment in 1983) and Bill’s father Lt (Ret’d) C.W.W. Darling (RMC 1953-1958). Missing are Bill’s Uncle LCol R.G. Darling, CD (3rd generation) and his baby brother Pte W.C. Darling (served in 1985) because he wasn’t born yet!

Brigadier-General Garry S. Thomson, CD was born in Dundee, Scotland, attended High School in Thunder Bay and Kincardine, and university at Waterloo College, and holds a B.Sc. in Business from Pacific Western University, Los Angeles. From a police and military family, (his father was a wartime officer in the British Army, captured at Anzio Beachhead as a Platoon Commander, 6th Gordons, 1st British Infantry Division) he was an Army Cadet, then began his own military career as ROTP (Infantry) in 1958, and was commissioned in The Royal Regiment of Canada in 1963. He commanded his Regiment from 1976 to 1979. He is currently Immediate Past Chair of The Royal Regiment Foundation and Chair of the G & SF Foundation. Brigadier-General Thomson commanded Toronto Militia District (now 32 Brigade Group) from October 1986 to October 1988 and served subsequently on the staff of Central Militia Area, and later Land Force Central Area as Deputy Chief of Staff, Administration. He was promoted on March 1, 1992 to Brigadier-General, and was appointed Deputy Commander Land Force Central Area on March 8, 1992. He was Acting Commander, Land Forces Central Area (LFCA) from February to May 1995 and completed his term as Deputy Commander in April 1996. While at LFCA, he spent time with the UN forces in Croatia and Bosnia, and was in Rwanda a few short months after the massacre in 1994. Brigadier-General Thomson was appointed in December, 2011 as Honorary Lieutenant-Colonel of The Grey and Simcoe Foresters Regiment, and looks forward to contributing to their long and distinguished service to Canada, and the chapters yet to be written. In civilian life, Brigadier-General Thomson had many years’ experience in the insurance industry, including Vice-President, Group Operations and Vice-President, Association Business with Constellation Assurance Co., then as Assistant Vice-President, Association with Sun Life of Canada. He moved to the Workplace Safety & Insurance Board of Ontario as General Manager in Operations from 1997 to 2005. After a brief retirement he returned to business for a year as President of ATF Canada Corporation. He recently completed 28 years as a Governor of the Canadian Corps of Commissionaires, Great Lakes Division, is a member of the Probus Club of Mississauga South, a Chevalier of the Military and Hospitaller Order of St. Lazarus of Jerusalem, a member and past First Vice-President of The Royal Canadian Military Institute and a Past President of Fort York Branch, Royal Canadian Legion. He was for 7 years, ending 2012, the voluntary Producer of the RCMI’s Annual Massed Band Concert held every October at Roy Thomson Hall, Toronto. A new activity he has taken on is taking select groups on battlefield tours in Europe, tracing Canadian and allied armies through WW1 and WW2, introducing Canadians to their military history. He has been passionate about flying as an aircraft owner and instrument pilot for 40 years, although he has now hung up his headset. He is an avid average golfer. Brigadier-General Thomson and his wife Sandra live in Mississauga, Ontario, and have their vacation home in Kincardine, Ontario. http://podcast.canadianmilitaryhistorypodcast.ca/wp-content/uploads/2015/11/CMHP-Episode-047-BGen-Garry-Thomson.mp3   Brigadier-General Garry Thomson, CD – The Honorary Lieutenant-Colonel of The Grey & Simcoe Foresters. Major Thomson escorts the Lieutenant-Governor of Ontario, Pauline McGibbon, during an inspection of The Royal Regiment of Canada at the Royal Winter Fair.  The mascot on parade is Sgt Royal! Lieutenant-Colonel Garry Thomson, CD in his role as the Commanding Officer of The Royal Regiment of Canada Brigadier-General Garry Thomson, CD.  Deputy Commander of Land Force Central Area. In his role as the Deputy Commander of Land Force Central Area (now the 4th Canadian Division), Brigadier-General Thomson visits the troop overseas on a UN Tour. Brigadier-General Thomson poses with the Junior Ranks of The Royal Regiment of Canada during a visit by His Royal Highness, Charles the Prince of Wales.

WO Glen Moore (Ret’d) CD joined The Royal Regiment of Canada in October 1981. He completed Recruit, Basic and TQ1 Infantry courses and attended MilCon in the Summer of 1982 as a fully trained Private.  He was promoted to Corporal in the Fall of 1982 and over the course of the next couple of years he passed the TQ2 Smalls Arms Instructor and TQ2 Communications Courses.  Concurrently he was chosen to be a member of the Pioneer Platoon and participated in numerous commemorations and parades.  He achieved the Rank of Pioneer Sergeant which was an honor and he enjoyed very much. In 1984 he passed the Junior NCO Course and also participated in the Sesquicentennial Guard during the Summer.  In 1985 he was promoted to the rank of Master Corporal. He then taught Recruit, Basic, TQ1 Infantry, Small Arms, Communications and Junior Courses as a Section Commander both within The Royal Regiment of Canada and in Toronto Militia District.  In 1986 he passed the TQ3 Infantry Course which was conducted at CFB Aldershot, Nova Scotia. In 1987 he was promoted to the rank of Sergeant while performing duties as a Platoon Second in Command while also being the Pioneer Sergeant on Regimental Ceremonial parades. In 1992 he passed the Senior Leaders Course which was conducted at CFB Downsview, Toronto. In 1993 he was awarded the Canadian Forces’ Decoration for 12 years of continuous service. In 1994 and 1995 he attended Exercise Southern Drive at Camp Blanding, Florida, USA.  Also in 1995, he passed the First Regular Force Standard QL6B Warrant Officers Infantry Course at CFB Gagetown, New Brunswick.  In the Summer of 1993 he participated in the filming of the CBC’s Two Part Mini Series Dieppe. He was promoted to Warrant Officer in the Winter of 1995.  In 1996 he was chosen as the winner of the LCol Bell, CD Trophy for the Most Proficient Senior NCO.  He then passed on the duties of Pioneer Sergeant while still carrying on the Regimental duties of Platoon Second in Command, Transport NCO, Company Quarter Master and Company Sergeant Major.  He also instructed a Senior Leaders course.  In 1998 he performed the duties as the 32 Canadian Brigade Group Company Quarter Master during The Ice Storm where he was deployed to Hawkesbury, Ontario.  He retired a year later in the beginning of 1999. After retirement he continued to attend Regimental parades and functions. In 2007 he joined The Royal Regiment of Canada Association where since then he has performed the duties of Director, Secretary, Sergeant of Arms, Vice President and President. He’s currently performing the duties of Vice President as well as Webmaster for the Association’s website and Facebook page. He was the Commander of The Association’s marching contingent during the last 4 years at the CNE Warriors’ Day Parade.   On that parade, in 2013 they placed Third and 2015 they placed First as well as won the Canon Scott Trophy for Veteran Marching Formations of 15 or less.  He’s been responsible for the success of The Operation Support The Troops Coffee and Donuts events for when the troops come back from field exercises, organizing Small Arms Trainer nights, Veterans Concerns Committees and has also helped and volunteered at Sunnybrook Hospital K-Wing Blythwood Social Club to serve the Veterans who live and stay at the hospital. Glen has had recent successes by participating and completing the 4 Day Nijmegen (4 x 50 KM = 200 KM) March for the last 3 years in a row and received a medal and a certificate.  This year he received a certificate of participation when he was selected by The Nijmegen 4 Day March Organization and Sunset March Team to be the Veteran of the Day to participate and lead the Lights Crossing over the City of Nijmegen New Bridge called De Oversteek which is a nightly ceremony to honor the lives of the 48 members of the 506 PIR from the US 82nd Division who lost their lives crossing the Waal River during Operation Market Garden on Sept 20th 1944. WO Moore (Ret’d) is employed with Cadillac Fairview as a Network Engineer. He’s an avid walker, enjoys ice skating, classic rock music, travel, attending sporting events, friends and family. http://podcast.canadianmilitaryhistorypodcast.ca/wp-content/uploads/2015/10/CMHP-Episode-046-WO-Glen-Moore.mp3 Glen Moore in his role as a Pioneer Lance Corporal posting the guard with the Royal Regiment of Canada. Glen Moore’s 1st Nijmegen 4 Day March (4 x 50 KM = 200 KM) July 2013.  He received the Gladioli Flowers and 1st Year Medal. Cpl Glen Moore on his TQ3 Infantry in Aldershot (1983) with Nick Webb and others. Glen Moore assigned as aPioneer Private during an early 80’s Sorrel Day Parade with The Royal Regiment of Canada. Glen Moore, in his Royal Regiment of Canada Association blazer and tie, outside BMO Field before a TFC game on D-Day 6 June a few years ago. The Royal Regiment of Canada Warrant Officers’ & Sergeants’ Mess Birthday Dinner 2009 with Nick Webb. WO Moore marches ahead of the group during the completion of the 3rd Nijmegen 4 Day March (4 x 50 KM = 200 KM).   He was selected as the Veteran by the Nijmegen 4 Day March Organization & Sunset March Team to lead the Lights Crossing across the City of Nijmegen New Bridge “De Oversteek” to honor the lives of the 48 soldiers of the 506 PIR from the US 82nd Division who lost their lives there while crossing the Waal River during Operation Market Garden on September 20th 1944. The Royal Regiment of Canada Association CNE Warriors Day Parade August 2015.  

Lieutenant General Peter John Devlin CMM, MSC, CD was a senior officer in the Canadian Army and is currently President of Fanshawe College. He served as Commander of the Canadian Army from 2010 to 2013. Educated at the University of Western Ontario, Peter Devlin was commissioned into The Royal Canadian Regiment, having joined the Canadian Armed Forces in 1978. He served in an operational role in Cyprus between 1984 and 1985 and in the Former Yugoslavia in 1992. He commanded from the platoon to Army level, most notably commanding 1st Battalion of The Royal Canadian Regiment, 2 Canadian Mechanized Brigade Group and the Canadian Army.  He has several operational tours including UN, NATO and Coalition missions in Cyprus, the former Yugoslavia, Afghanistan and Iraq.  He served with the International Security Assistance Force as Commander of the Kabul Multinational Brigade in Afghanistan from 2003 to 2004.  He was awarded the Meritorious Service Cross in 2004 as well as Orders of Military Merit from the United States, Brazil and Colombia for international leadership and encouraging collaboration. Peter Devlin was appointed to Commander of the Canadian Order of Military Merit in 2010 and retired in August 2013 at the rank of Lieutenant General. Peter Devlin received an undergraduate degree in Honours Economics from Western University, a graduate degree in Strategic Studies from the US Army War College and a certificate in Advanced Executive Management from Queen’s University. He has also studied at Command and Staff Colleges of the Canadian Defence Academy. Peter Devlin currently serves as the 5th President of Fanshawe College in London, Canada.  That appointment was effective as of 3 September 2013. Peter has been married for 29 years, and together he and his wife Judy have four children. http://podcast.canadianmilitaryhistorypodcast.ca/wp-content/uploads/2015/09/CMHP-Episode-045-LGen-Peter-Devlin.mp3 Lieutenant General Peter John Devlin CMM, MSC, CD, Commander of the Canadian Army from 2010 to 2013. Cyprus – Lt Devlin, a Platoon Commander in 1RCR, in the Joint Operations Centre, Cyprus 1984 Balkans – Maj Devlin, OC November Company 3 RCR, in his M113 Command Post, Balkans 1992 Balkans – Maj Devlin, OC November Company 3 RCR, in his M113 Command Post, Balkans 1992 CoC Kabul – BGen Devlin, Commander 2 CMBG, taking command of the Kabul Multinational Brigade in Kabul, Afghanistan 2003.  The was NATO’s first out of area operation. Task Force Kabul Roto 10 – LGen Devlin, Commander Canadian Army, in a school renovated by Canadian soldiers in Kandahar, Afghanistan 2010. Lieutenant-General Peter Devlin, as Commander of Canada’s Army, with Chief Warrant Officer Giovanni Moretti formally appoint Mr. Blake C. Goldring as the Honorary Colonel of the Army at a ceremony in March of 2011 at the Canadian Forces College in Toronto. Lieutenant-General Devlin with Chief Warrant Officer Mike Hornbrook, near the end of his term as the Army Commander, in the Summer of 2013.

Chief Warrant Officer Scott Patterson, CD joined The Queen’s Own Rifles of Canada 1 Apr 1979, after transferring from Central Militia Special Training Unit.  He completed his Basic Parachutist Course January 1982 and Airborne Indoctrination Course August 1983, making his an original member of The QOR of C Jump Platoon. Scott was a devoted member of the Regimental Pioneers, participating in numerous commemorations and parades.  Some of his more enjoyable tasks have been as an instructor and platoon warrant for leadership training at 32 Canadian Brigade Group Battle School.  As a Master Warrant Officer, he was attached to 25 Medical Company [now 25 (Toronto) Field Ambulance] as a Support Company Sergeant Major, thereby seeing the Reserves from a completely different perspective.  In 1998, Scott served as the Company Sergeant-Major during a sovereignty exercise in Gjoa Haven, Nunavut. When Scott was promoted to Chief Warrant Officer, he served as the Regimental Sergeant-Major of the Queen’s Own Rifles of Canada.  This appointment was from February, 2004 to April, 2008.  CWO Patterson was given a second opportunity to serve as a Regimental Sergeant-Major when he was appointed to 32 Service Battalion, a Regiment that his father once commanded. CWO Patterson’s fondest memories are participating with Veteran’s during the 50th Anniversary of the Normandy Landings with the Gypsy Wagon Crew.  One of his more recent highlights was participating in the Lieutenant Governor (Ontario)’s book drive in Northern Ontario where he controlled drop zones where books were parachuted in. CWO Patterson is employed with the Toronto Paramedic Services. He is a member of the Maple Leaf Rifle Club and an avid collector of military memorabilia. http://podcast.canadianmilitaryhistorypodcast.ca/wp-content/uploads/2015/08/CMHP-Episode-044-CWO-Scott-Patterson.mp3 The Regimental Sergeants-Major of 32 Canadian Brigade Group in 2006 with CWO Scott Patterson, The RSM of the Queen’s Own Rifles of Canada on the bottom right of the photo. Maj Allan Champion and CWO Scott Patterson, lay a wreath from the Regiment commemorating the life of D-Day veteran, CQMS Jack Martin. CWO Scott Patterson acts as a pall bearer for the funeral of Queen’s Own Rifles of Canada Regimental Sergeant Major Harry Fox, MBE in 2011. The Command Teams of 32 Canadian Brigade Group at the conclusion of the 2013 Battle of York Parade.  CWO Scott Patterson is in the back row on the right and is the Regimental Sergeant-Major of 32 Service Battalion. Scott presents CWO Mike Lacroix with some parting gifts in November 2014. CWO Scott Patterson in front of portraits of MGen R. Rennie, CB, CMG, DSO, MVO, (left) who commanded The Queen’s Own Rifles 1916-1920 and Col G.C. Royce, 1920-1921.   CWO Scott Patterson (rear, left), poses with two of his successors, CWO Shawn Kelly (rear, center, right) and CWO Mark Shannon (rear, center, left) and five of his predecessors, Capt John Wilmot (rear, right), Capt Robert Chan (front, left), CWO Brian Budden (front, center, left), CWO Mike Holland and CWO Eric Simundson; RSMs of the Queen’s Own Rifles of Canada. Scott looks back on this picture and says “That must have been taken at the start of the march, because I wouldn’t be smiling like that at the end!”  

Colonel Dwayne Hobbs joined the Essex & Kent Scottish in 1988. In 1992, while a student at the University of Toronto, he enrolled in the Reserve Entry Scheme Officer (RESO) program with the Toronto Scottish Regiment. Following completion of Phase IV Infantry at the Combat Training Centre in 1995, he commanded at the Platoon level for multiple iterations of Combat Readiness Evaluation cycles. In 1996, he joined the Staff of Toronto District Headquarters as the G6 and completed the Militia Officer Staff Course and the Intermediate Tactics Course. In 1998, he commanded 4 Platoon Bravo Company of the 1 RCR Battle Group in Bosnia. From 1998 until 2001 he held Company Second-in-Command positions for large Reserve collective training exercises and was eventually appointed Operations Officer of the Toronto Scottish Regiment. He was consequently involved in the preparations for the Queen Mother’s 100th Birthday celebrations. He completed the Dismounted Company Commander’s Course in 1999 and Militia Command and Staff College in 2000. Colonel Hobbs was deployed on Roto 65 of Op DANACA as the Contingent Operations Officer and served in the Golan Heights during the withdrawal of Israeli troops from Lebanon and during the Al Aqsa intifada. Upon return to Canada he served as the G3 Plans for 32 Canadian Brigade Group Headquarters until he was selected to be the Officer Commanding for the Composite Reserve Infantry Company for OP PALLADIUM Roto 13 where he served with the Royal Canadian Dragoons Battle Group from June 2003 until May 2004. Upon returning to Canada, he served in the Land Staff under the Land Force Reserve Restructure project where he worked as the Desk Officer for CBRN, Domestic and Information Operations capabilities while concurrently serving as the Deputy Commanding Officer of his home unit. He completed the Joint Reserve Command and Staff Course at the Canadian Forces College in 2005. In 2005, he returned to Toronto and assumed command of the Toronto Scottish Regiment (Queen Elizabeth the Queen Mother’s Own). Concurrent to his time in command he served as the Information Operations Advisor to Defence Research & Development Canada’s Adversarial Intent Section. He relinquished command in January 2008 to serve as the Officer Commanding the Joint Provincial Coordination Centre as part of Task Force Kandahar. For his service, Col Hobbs was awarded the Chief of Defence Staff Commendation. He returned to DRDC Toronto in June 2009 and was appointed Commanding Officer of the 32 Canadian Brigade Group Battle School. On 5 October 2010, Col Hobbs was appointed Deputy Commander, 32 Canadian Brigade Group. On 1 January 2012, he assumed the role of Deputy Commander of the Influence Activities Task Force (Kingston, ON) and subsequently promoted to full Colonel. Besides all of his time in Command, the highlights of his career include dining with the Queen Mother at Clarence House, briefing Toronto Mayor Mel Lastman during the snowstorm of 1999, serving very briefly as the United Nations Christmas tree officer for the Middle East, being presented the Supreme Allied Commander Europe’s coin in Kandahar, and receiving the CDS Commendation for his service overseas. Colonel Hobbs lives in Muskoka with his wife, Laura, and enjoys politics, history, film, travel and of course hockey and golf time permitting. In his civilian life, Colonel Hobbs is the Director of the Global Security Operations Centre for Scotiabank. http://podcast.canadianmilitaryhistorypodcast.ca/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/CMHP-Episode-043-Col-Dwayne-Hobbs.mp3   Colonel Dwayne Hobbs, CD – Commander of 32 Canadian Brigade Group Lt Hobbs and the Platoon House of 4 Platoon Bravo Company of the 1 RCR Battle Group in Bosnia 1998. LCol Hobbs leads the Toronto Scottish Regiment (Queen Elizabeth, the Queen Mother’s Own) in the annual Church Parade in November, 2007. LCol Hobbs and CWO Mike Lacroix travel to Pleasantown, California with the Pipes and Drums of the Toronto Scottish Regiment, who performed with the band of the United States Marine Corps. Col Hobbs reviews the Change of Command Parade of the Royal Regiment of Canada. Col Hobbs checks his equipment prior to a Blackhawk flight in South Dakota during Exercise Golden Coyote. Col Dwayne Hobbs Presents CWO Mike Lacroix an Infantry Officer’s Sword to mark the conclusion of his service as the Brigade Sergeant-Major and the pending commissioning to the rank of Captain.  

Ranger Cpl Joelie Qaunaq serves with the 1st Canadian Ranger Patrol Group out of Arctic Bay, Nunavut. He has been involved with the Canadian Ranger Program since 1986 and has earned the Special Service Medal with the Ranger Bar and his Canadian Decoration.  On NorEx 15, Cpl Qaunaq was awarded both the 4th Canadian Division Commander‘s Coin and the 31 Canadian Brigade Group Commander’s Coin for his outstanding contribution to the success of the exercise. Cpl Qaunaq is an instructor on the Arctic Operations Advisor course and also teaches the Canadian Search and Rescue Technicians survival skills.  These courses are conducted by the Canadian Armed Forces Arctic Training Centre. One of the things that makes Joelie successful as a Canadian Ranger is his love of the outdoors, his proficiency with snowmobiles and komatiks and his passion for hunting. http://podcast.canadianmilitaryhistorypodcast.ca/wp-content/uploads/2015/05/CMHP-Episode-042-Ranger-Cpl-Joelie-Qaunaq.mp3   Canadian Ranger, Cpl Joelie Qaunaq of the 1st Canadian Ranger Patrol Group, Arctic Bay, Nunavut. Canadian Ranger Joelie Qaunaq, 1 Canadian Ranger Patrol Group (left) and Master Corporal Pierre-Luc Vallieres from the 1st Battalion Royal 22nd Regiment (1R22eR) construct an igloo out of snow blocks during Operation NUNALIVUT 2014. Corporal (Cpl) Joelie Qaunaq from 1 Canadian Ranger Patrol Group and Cpl Colin Wood from The Grey and Simcoe Foresters cut snow blocks for a wind-break for their bivouac site on Little Cornwallis Island, Nunavut during NOREX 15 on March 24, 2015. 4th Canadian Division’s Arctic Response Company Group (ARCG) at the end of NOREX 2015 in Resolute Bay, Nunavut, Sunday, March 29, 2015.

Deputy Chief Thomas Carrique, MOM, MA, CMM III Deputy Chief Thomas Carrique has been a member of York Regional Police since 1990. He is currently the Deputy Chief of Operations and previously served as Deputy Chief of Administration. Before being named deputy chief, he was the officer in charge of Staff Services, which includes Recruiting, Training, Professional Development and Human Resources. Prior to being the superintendent of Staff Services, he was a Special Investigation Unit liaison officer and the officer in charge of the Organized Crime Bureau, which included the Intelligence Unit, the Special Services Unit and the Drugs and Vice Enforcement Unit. As the officer in charge of the Organized Crime Bureau, Deputy Chief Carrique was a member of the Joint Management Teams for the Royal Canadian Mounted Police Combined Forces Special Enforcement and Integrated National Security Enforcement units, the Ontario Provincial Police Organized Crime Section, the Asian Organized Crime Task Force and the Integrated Gun and Gang Task Force. He was previously assigned to Uniform Patrol, Criminal Investigations, Investigative Services, Traffic, Marine, Public Order and the Ministry of Community Safety and Correctional Services – Criminal Intelligence Service Ontario. The deputy chief earned a certificate in terrorism studies from the University of St. Andrews in Scotland. He is a graduate of the National Policing Improvement Agency’s International Commanders’ Program in the United Kingdom and the United States Department of Justice Drug Unit Commanders’ Academy. He also holds a masters degree in leadership and training, with a specialty in justice and public safety from Royal Roads University. He also received a chartered management designation from the Chartered Management Institute in the United Kingdom and has a certified municipal manager police executive designation from the Ontario Municipal Management Institute and the Ontario Association of Chiefs of Police. A gold medalist at the Canadian Police Olympics, Deputy Chief Carrique is also a recipient of the Ontario Premier’s Award of Excellence for Fighting Crime and the Mothers Against Drunk Driving Terry Ryan Memorial Award for Excellence in Policing Services. Deputy Chief Carrique championed the York Region Methamphetamine Strategy, which was awarded the 2007 Kaiser Foundation National Award of Excellence in Mental Health & Substance Abuse Programming, and he co-developed the York Region Community Guns, Gangs and Youth Violence Strategy, which received the prestigious International Association of Chiefs of Police Webber Seavey Award for Quality in Law Enforcement. Deputy Chief Carrique serves as a member of Board of Governors at Seneca College and on the Board of Directors for St. John Ambulance – York Region Branch. Deputy Chief Carrique has received the Police Exemplary Service Medal from the Governor General of Canada and Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal. In 2013, the Governor General of Canada presented the Member of the Order of Merit of the Police Forces medal to Deputy Chief Carrique. http://podcast.canadianmilitaryhistorypodcast.ca/wp-content/uploads/2015/04/CMHP-Episode-041-DC-Thomas-Carrique.mp3   Thomas Carrique, Deputy Chief of Operations, York Regional Police As a Constable, Tom’s arm was injured during an arrest. Inspector Tom Carrique and Chief Armand La Barge speak to the press about an ongoing murder investigation. Superintendent Tom Carrique forms up beside his good friend Superintendent Eugene Kerrigan on the annual Ontario Police Memorial parade. The Dalai Lama visits York Regional Police Chief Eric Jolliffe and Deputy Chief Tom Carrique. Deputy Carrique launches the annual Project ERASE counter street racing initiative for 2014 at Buttonville Municipal Airport. Deputy Chief Carrique receives his Member of the Order of Merit of the Police Forces from the the Governor General of Canada in May, 2013. Tom presents his son, new Auxiliary Police officer, Daniel Carrique, with his Auxiliary Officer badge and ID with South Simcoe Police Chief Rick Beazley.  Tom and his son then pose with Bevan Carrique, Tom’s father.

William Carvel “Bill” Graham PC QC CM (born March 17, 1939) is a former Canadian politician, who served as Minister of Foreign Affairs, Minister of National Defence, Leader of the Opposition and interim Leader of the Liberal Party of Canada. Graham grew up in Montreal and Vancouver, and he was educated at Upper Canada College, Trinity College at the University of Toronto, the University of Toronto, Faculty of Law, and the University of Paris. As a student, he traveled in the Middle East and Europe. He married the former Catherine Curry in 1962, and they have a daughter, Katherine and a son, Patrick. After his graduation from law school, Graham went to Paris to pursue a doctorate of laws, with a focus on international law, as well as to improve his French. He also represented a Toronto law firm, Fasken’s, in Europe. Upon returning to Toronto in 1968, Graham remained at Fasken’s with a practice devoted largely to international trade and commercial law. He moved from the practice of law to academia in 1981, when he took a faculty position at the University of Toronto, Faculty of Law, teaching EEC law, public international law, and international trade law until 1993. Graham also held visiting lectureships at McGill University and the Université de Montréal. In 1999, he endowed a chair in international law at the law school. Graham twice sought election unsuccessfully to the House of Commons as a Liberal in the riding of Toronto Centre-Rosedale, losing in 1984 to the Conservative incumbent, former Toronto Mayor David Crombie, and in 1988 to Conservative candidate David MacDonald. He defeated MacDonald in the 1993 federal election, and was re-elected in 1997, 2000, 2004 and 2006. He served as a member, and for six years as Chair, of the House of Commons Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs and International Law. Under his chairmanship, SCFAIT produced public reports on the role of nuclear weapons in world politics, Canada and the circumpolar world, the future of the World Trade Organization, the Multilateral Agreement on Investment, hemispheric free trade, and Canadian relations with Europe and the Muslim world. Graham also promoted “parliamentary diplomacy” and was active in the creation or operation of many international fora for parliamentarians, including the Parliamentary Assembly of the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe, of which he was Treasurer, and the Canada-US Parliamentary Association. He was also the Liberal Party of Canada’s representative to Liberal International and the first elected Chair of the Inter-Parliamentary Forum of the Americas. In January of 2002, Prime Minister Jean Chrétien appointed Graham as Minister of Foreign Affairs. His tenure was largely dominated by the changes to world affairs flowing from the 9 / 11 terrorist attacks and the increased unilateralism of American foreign policy. Canada did support important elements of the US-led War on Terror, and Canadian troops participated in the UN-sanctioned invasion of Afghanistan to oust the Taliban regime in October of 2001. In the summer of 2003, Chrétien and Graham committed Canada to assume the lead role in the International Security Assistance Force, the NATO mission in Afghanistan. ISAF was initially responsible for securing Kabul and its environs, but an October 2003 Security Council resolution authorized its extension through much of the country. When Graham’s former law school classmate Paul Martin succeeded Chrétien as Prime Minister in December of 2003, Martin left Graham at Foreign Affairs, but after an election in June of 2004 reduced the Liberals to a minority, Martin moved him to National Defence. This would normally be regarded as a demotion, but Martin had promised during the election campaign to increase defence spending, and he indicated to Graham that he would enjoy prime ministerial backing in his efforts to rebuild the Canadian military after the economies resulting from the deficit-reduction program that Martin had implemented in the early 1990s as Minister of Finance. In July of 2005, as part of a tour of Canada’s arctic defense installations, Graham visited Hans Island, the sovereignty of which was disputed by Canada and Denmark. Denmark publicly protested the visit, but subsequently entered into negotiations to settle the island’s status. Perhaps Graham’s biggest success as Defence Minister was implementing a new doctrinal and budgetary framework for Canadian defence policy. He persuaded Martin and Finance Minister Ralph Goodale to accept a $13 billion increase in defence spending, the largest in a generation, as part of the 2005 budget. This entailed significant capital expenditures, including the acquisition of Hercules aircraft to provide the Canadian Forces with tactical airlift capability. In addition, the CF command structure was overhauled to improve the capacity to respond to either domestic disaster or terrorist threat, including the creation of a new Canada Command. Graham and General Rick Hillier, whose 2005 appointment as Chief of the Defence Staff he recommended, sought to transform the CF into a more mobile force, capable of conducting armed “peacemaking” and humanitarian interventions. This broke with both the Cold War emphasis on preparation for large-scale conventional hostilities across defined international borders, and the recent Canadian tradition of lightly armed peacekeeping under UN auspices. Restoring security and order to the failed or failing states that served as bases for terrorists was placed at the centre of CF doctrine. This conception of the CF’s future role was set out in a Defence Policy Statement that fed into the Martin government’s broader review of Canadian foreign policy. Graham and Hillier persuaded Martin to make Afghanistan a laboratory for the new doctrine; in the spring of 2005 the Canadian government announced that the 1,200 Canadian troops in Kabul would be transferred to Kandahar province. Canada assumed a major role in Southern Afghanistan, with 2,300 personnel there by early 2006. Graham and Hillier supported a “3D” or “whole of government” approach, based on the concept of the Provincial Reconstruction Team, in which diplomats, military, police, development and reconstruction specialists work together to provide security and rebuild societal institutions. During Graham’s tenure as Defence Minister, Canada’s Disaster Assistance Response Team provided emergency relief to Sri Lanka after the 2005 tsunami. In the weeks leading up to the January 2006 federal election, Graham oversaw the negotiations of an agreement, signed by Hiller and the Afghan Defence Minister, governing the treatment of Afghan detainees captured by Canadian personnel and turned over to Afghan authorities. After revelations in 2010 that some detainees had been tortured, Graham appeared before a parliamentary committee investigating the matter. He conceded that the agreement had been imperfect, lacking as it did a mechanism for monitoring the treatment of prisoners after they were placed in Afghan custody, but pointed out that its omissions were more readily apparent in retrospect than they were at the time, and that it had been developed on the best available advice to meet unprecedented circumstances. After the Liberals were defeated in the 2006 election, and the Conservatives formed a minority government under Stephen Harper, Graham served as interim Leader of the Liberal Party and Leader of the Opposition, until the December 2006 leadership convention that elected Stéphane Dion as Leader. Two highly charged issues debated in the House of Commons during his leadership were the recognition of Quebec as a “nation” and the extension of the mission in Afghanistan until 2011. Graham was neutral in the race to choose a new leader. On February 22, 2007, he announced he would not be a candidate for re-election in the next federal election. On June 19, he announced that he was stepping down as an MP, effective July 2. This freed up the seat for former Ontario Premier and leadership contender Bob Rae to run as the Liberal candidate in the resulting by-election. Since his departure from electoral politics, Graham has been active in a number of organizations and business concerns. In 2007, he was elected Chancellor at Trinity College, Toronto. He is a Senior Fellow of Massey College and Visitor at Green College. He is also the Chair of the Atlantic Council of Canada, Co-Vice-Chair of the Canadian International Council, and a member of the Trilateral Commission. He is the Honorary Colonel of the Governor General’s Horse Guards and received an honorary doctorate from the Royal Military College of Canada in 2010. As a member of the Queen’s Privy Council for Canada since 2002, Graham is entitled to use the style of “The Honourable” and the post-nominal “PC” for life. He has received various honours for his services to the French language and culture in Ontario, including appointment by the French government as Chevalier of the Legion of Honour and Chevalier of the Order of the Pleiade. Follow me on Twitter @MikeLacroix32 You can support this site by shopping on Amazon.  You still enjoy Amazon’s great prices, but a portion of your purchase goes to supporting the show. http://podcast.canadianmilitaryhistorypodcast.ca/wp-content/uploads/2015/02/CMHP-Episode-040-HCol-Bill-Graham.mp3   Royal Canadian Navy Cadet Bill Graham (second from the left on the 2nd row)  at the University Naval Training Division, Royal Roads in 1959. Bill Graham, then Foreign Affairs minister, inspects troops at Canada’s base in Kabul on Sept. 5, 2003. The Honourable Bill Graham, Minister of National Defence 2004-2006 Honorary Lieutenant-Colonel Bill Graham Salutes the Standard of the Governor General’s Horse Guards at Denison Armoury in November, 2009. Honorary Colonel Bill Graham attends the 2014 Toronto Garrison Ball. The portrait of Honorary Colonel Bill Graham by Canadian military artist Gertrude Kearns: The Art of Command  

Slade Lerch joined the Canadian Armed Forces out of the 2483 PPCLI Army Cadets in Victoria, British Columbia.  Arriving as a new private in November 1986, as a military driver with 11 Service Battalion (now 39 Service Battalion), he decided to make the switch to the Infantry and started that new trade with the Seaforth Highlanders of Canada.  In 1988, he then went on to component transfer to the PPCLI in Wainwright, Ablerta. Having already completed his Basic Para Course, he transferred to the Canadian Airborne Regiment and returned to the PPCLI after three years in Petawawa. In order to facilitate his commission from the ranks, MCpl Lerch transferred to the Canadian Scottish Regiment to complete is degree and was made a Lieutenant.  With the C Scots, Slade served domestically fighting forest fires in Kelowna, BC. He returned to the PPCLI as an officer and was promoted to Captain.  His deployments include one tour in Bosnia and three in Afghanistan. An interesting highlight in his career was that he served as a Private during the 75th Anniversary cerebration of the PPCLI, then served as the Regimental Major during the 100th Anniversary. Captain Lerch continues to serve with the 3rd Battalion of the PPCLI in Edmonton, Alberta. Follow me on Twitter @MikeLacroix32 You can support this site by shopping on Amazon.  You still enjoy Amazon’s great prices, but a portion of your purchase goes to supporting the show. http://podcast.canadianmilitaryhistorypodcast.ca/wp-content/uploads/2014/12/CMHP-Episode-039-Capt-Slade-Lerch.mp3 . Captain Slade Lerch of the Princess Patricia’s Canadian Light Infantry in the mountains of Afghanistan. In 1988, Private Lerch (centre) joins the PPCLI.   Slade takes part in live-fire training in CFB Petawawa as a member of the Canadian Airborne Regiment. Slade wears the distinctive maroon beret and jump smock of Canadian Paratroopers. As a Lieutenant, Slade Carries the Queen’s Colour of the Canadian Scottish Regiment (Princess Mary’s) in the streets of Victoria, British Columbia. Slade speaks to local Cub Scouts as part of the Remembrance Day Speaker’s Program.   Captain Lerch poses with his US Army counterpart in Afghanistan. Major Lerch serves as Aide-de-Camp for the PPCLI Colonel-in-Chief, Madame Adrienne Clarkson for the 100th Anniversary Parade of the Regiment.