I suppose I'll have to post this before Ball-Spinning regains Canadian shores and slips the compendium of images CD into his confuser machine. . . . . .
The signals clerk also presents a commorative platter to Rear Admiral Bawtree.
While I'm on my feet as it were, I must record that "your" Major "J-C" Boisvert is an extremely pleasant chap and we have made a quantum jump in his knowledge of things Canadian in WWII. I think we provided an interesting day out for the Major and Mrs. Boisvert and although I didn't bump into them again, I'm told they spent a day at Overlord too the following weekend absorbing the sights of some 600 MVs up close and moving.
Also, I must say the Rear Admiral is an absolute gem and a real hoot, after some trepidation at the thought of meeting such a high-ranking officer, and they can be rather stuffy its true; R. Ad. Bawtree proved to be the nicest guy you could wish to meet and a good larf.
Having dutifully made acquaintance with the various reps and organisers, he immediately excused himself and spent some time speaking with the smallest parade members of local Brownies and Scouts to put them at their ease. It was obvious they warmed to him immediately and were not fazed by the dress uniform and copious gold braid that goes with it.
Heart warming stuff.
R.