Death of the Royal Canadian Armour Corps

[George Wallace]

Friday, 28 March 2003. This afternoon 'B' Sqn of the Royal Canadian Dragoons drove their Leopard 1 C2 Main Battle Tanks down the main street of Pembroke, Ontario, for the last time. Members of the Regiment, past and present, lined the streets as LCol Milner lead the column of tanks through town on the way to the Railhead, where they will be transported out West to Wainwright, Alberta, and left.

LCol Dean Milner's father was Commanding Officer in the late 1970's when the RCDs accepted their first Leopards. Now, as a strange twist of fate, he has the unpleasant task of saying goodbye to them.

While in Wainwright the RCD will operate two Squadrons of tanks for the 2CMBG Brigade Training Event, and will conduct a final 'Farewell' parade for the Leopards on completion of that training. They will return to CFB Petawawa in May without their 'mounts'.

This now leaves the Royal Canadian Armour Corps without a tank and a reason d'etre. It effectively destroys the Combat Team, leaving the faith of the Corps and Army in question.

Is this the Chretein Legacy?