I attended the full weekend guidon presentation in St. Thomas.
That Ram tank figured prominently in the ceremony on the grounds of the Armoury.
A huge Bravo Zulu and many kudos to the Elgin Regiment Association (especially Wayne Dale, President) for their efforts in making this happen.
Meet and greet on Friday...all messes open. I spoke at length with Vic Thorburn who reputedly was the first armoured vehicle driver to cross the Rhine.
On Saturday, I spoke with Don Simpson who was 1CACR Regt Sig O. Since I was wearing RCCS blazer and flannels, we naturally sought each other out. Don was interviewed by CBC and the clip was on The National.
Under a cloudless sky, 31 CER, the Elgin Regiment Association, the Windor Regiment band, 1CACR vets (9 of them) and the VIP stands formed a hollow square. The Reviewing Officer was...
The Right Honourable 11th Earl of Elgin and 15th Kincardine
Lord Elgin and Kincardine
Honourary Colonel
Andrew Douglas Alexander Thomas Bruce, KT, CD, LL, JP, LLD, DLITT.
During the ceremony, I missed something and I still don't know if the guidon was consecrated or "just" blessed.
Reenactors, in battledress with 1 CACR flashes, slow marched the guidon in front of the parade.
At the end of the ceremony, I was puzzled as to why the troops marched straight off instead of the usual march past and advance in review order.
The dinner was held on the drill floor. I don't think I've ever been in an Armoury with the drill floor being on the top floor.
The 5 course dinner was excellent (when the various courses finally arrived).
The main entree was the Roast Beef of Merrie Olde England; the red and white wines were specially bottled and labeled. Miniature Kangaroo pennants were at each place setting and available to take home as a memento.
Rob Teslia, who runs the 31 CER kit shop, bent over backwards showing visitors around. He was my dinner companion; we traded many war stories.
MLU members who were in attendance, mostly on "Saturday, were:
Bruce Parker, Charlie Fitton and Stewart Loy with their carriers, Brian Asbury, Mark and Denise Tonner, Gord Yeo...hope I didn't miss anyone!
PS...the roll past through St Thomas and past the reviewing stand in front of City Hall consisted of some 30-40 vehicles. Lots of citizens showing appreciation.
An historical event that I would not have missed.
