[Mark W. Tonner]

At 0001hrs (one minute past midnight), 68-years ago this morning, a unique unit of the Canadian Armoured Corps, which was never based in Canada, or served on Canadian soil, came into being. Although the actual lifespan of the unit was short lived (they were disbanded in June 1945), and the ranks of its veterans are thinning with each passing year, the legacy of their existence and accomplishments lives on. Many a Canadian and British veteran, would not be among us today, if the men of 1 Canadian Armoured Personnel Carrier Regiment, CAC, better known as the "KANGAROOS," had not shown the determination and devotion to duty that they displayed, upon entering into active operations on 8 January 1945, through to the end of hostilities in North-West Europe, the following May. Happy Birthday "Kangaroos."