THE POWDER HORN
Monthly Newsletter
June 2023
COMMANDING OFFICER’s UPDATE
On June 6th, the 1860 Club held the 2nd Annual D-Day Dinner at Casa Loma. The dinner was a great success, with 200 attendees. The intent of the dinner was to commemorate the sacrifice made by the QOR on June 6th, 1944; a commemoration made stronger by the incredible work of QOR Museum Curator John Stephens who created “Profiles of Our D-Day Fallen."
The evening was also the official launch of our 80th Anniversary of D-Day Fundraising Campaign. The campaign aims to send 65 Rifleman to Normandy from June 1st to 8th, 2023. To date we have already been able to secure funding for 20 Riflemen, and growing. One of our main fundraising initiatives is "Sponsor a Rifleman"—each sponsorship will allow one Rifleman to travel to Normandy in the name of one of the 61 Riflemen killed on D-Day.
The dinner on June 6th, which featured performances from ourl Band and Bugles throughout, ended with the unveiling of Gertrude Kearns' painting of Warrant Officer Stephen Thomas, MB, CD, and the awarding of the Sovereign Medal for Volunteers to Francis Bleeker for his work on the identification of our WWII fallen, Lieutenant John G. Kavanagh.
This year, we relaunched the Ridgeway Normandy Challenge March as the Normandy Challenge March. The march promotes fitness within the Regimental Family, and consists of 20 km of marching for two days with a pack. In addition, the march raised funds for the D+80 Campaign. This year featured the largest number of participants yet, with many members participating while deployed on Op Impact in the Middle East.
During the weekend of June 3rd-4th, we held Exercise Golden Bridle—the Annual Parachute Refresher Exercise in CFB Trenton. The intent of this exercise is to ensure our Airborne Riflemen maintain their currency and proficiency as paratroopers.
With support from the Association, the Regiment hosted a BBQ on Wednesday, June 7th in anticipation of a busy summer. We currently have many members deployed, participating in summer training, or taking part in Full-Time Summer Employment (FTSE).
In Pace Paratus
LCol Scott Moody, CD
Commanding Officer
The Queen's Own Rifles of Canada
NATIONAL INDIGENOUS HISTORY MONTH
Indigenous and Métis Soldiers: Honouring Their Service in The Queen's Own Rifles of Canada and its Perpetuated WWI Battalions Throughout Multiple Wars. (Photo: Library and Archives Canada PA-66815)
Introduction: In the annals of Canadian military history, the contributions of Indigenous and Métis soldiers are often overlooked. However, their valorous service during World War I, World War II, and the Korean and Cold Wars, particularly as part of The Queen's Own Rifles of Canada and its perpetuated WWI battalions, deserve recognition. Indigenous and Métis soldiers demonstrated immense bravery, resilience, and dedication to their country, despite facing discrimination and adversity.
World War I: During World War I, Indigenous and Métis soldiers joined The Queen's Own Rifles of Canada, an infantry regiment with a long-standing history of service. Many Indigenous and Métis communities across Canada responded to the call to arms, forging a path for future generations. These brave individuals played a significant role in various WWI battalions perpetuated by The Queen's Own Rifles, including the 3rd, 83rd, 95th, 166th, 198th and 255thBattalions of the Canadian Expeditionary Force.
Despite facing discrimination and cultural challenges, Indigenous and Métis soldiers proved their mettle on the battlefields of Europe. They fought with distinction, displaying exceptional courage during crucial engagements like the battles of Ypres, Passchendaele, Vimy Ridge, and Amiens. Their contributions helped shape the reputation of Canadian Army as a formidable fighting force.
These include several killed in action: Private Peter Chappise, Private William H. Franklin, Private Peter Lavelley, and Private Charles A. Thomas.
World War II: With the outbreak of World War II, Indigenous and Métis soldiers once again answered the call to duty, both within 1st Battalion, The Queen's Own Rifles and other units. Indigenous and Métis recruits demonstrated unwavering dedication, despite enduring racism and prejudice within their own ranks.
Indigenous and Métis soldiers served in various capacities, from infantry to support roles, showcasing their versatility and adaptability. They fought valiantly in crucial campaigns, such as the Normandy landings on D-Day, and the liberation of the Netherlands. The sacrifices made by these brave men played a significant role in securing victory and preserving Canada's freedom.
Of note were Rifleman Harold Stock who was killed in action on D-Day, Corporal Harold Jamieson who died just a month before the war ended, and Rifleman Charles Nahwegezhic who was awarded the Military Medal for his 1945 actions in staying behind with his Bren Gun to cover the withdrawal of his platoon. He was wounded in the head and later died of his wounds.
Korean and Cold Wars: When conflict erupted in Korea, Indigenous and Métis soldiers again stepped forward to serve. Many volunteered with the Regular Force Battalion of The Queen's Own Rifles and other units involved in the Korean War effort. Their participation demonstrated an unyielding commitment to defending freedom and democracy, both at home and abroad. Métis Rifleman Norman Philip Ferland died in Korea in 1954 following a truck accident.
Subsequently, many continued to serve in the two QOR Regular Force Battalions which included NATO and peacekeeping service in Germany and Cyprus. During this period 20-year-old Rifleman Harold Wayne George drowned during a training exercise.
Legacy and Recognition: The service and sacrifices of Indigenous and Métis soldiers in The Queen's Own Rifles and its perpetuated WWI battalions continue to be honored and celebrated. Efforts are underway to recognize and preserve their stories through oral histories, documentaries, and commemorative events. Organizations like the Indigenous Veterans Memorial Garden in Ottawa, provide a dedicated space to pay tribute to these courageous individuals and their invaluable contributions.
As Canadians, it is essential to acknowledge the legacy of Indigenous and Métis soldiers who served in The Queen's Own Rifles and its perpetuated WWI battalions. Their bravery, resilience, and commitment to defending our nation deserve our utmost respect and gratitude.
You can find a partial list of over 30 indigenous and Métis soldiers who have served with The Queen’s Own Rifles and its perpetuated WWI battalions on the Regimental Museum website.
Donation of Portrait of WO Stephen Thomas, MB, CD
Contemporary Canadian war artist Gertrude Kearns is known for her evocative portraits of senior military leaders. She was embedded with the Canadian Forces in Afghanistan in 2005-2006 but her portfolio includes earlier works on Somalia, Rwanda, and the former Yugoslavia. Ms. Kearns eventually compiled her Afghan war art into an exhibit titled "The Art of Command: Portraits and Posters from Canada's Afghan Mission." In 2008, she was commissioned to paint Tecumseh and Brock, the Shawnee Indian leader and British major-general who both fought and died in the War of 1812. In 2019, she was made a member of the Order of Canada.
In 2000 Warrant Officer Stephen Thomas joined the 7th Toronto Regiment and in 2003/04, he completed his first tour in Afghanistan. In 2005, he transferred to The Queen’s Own Rifles of Canada, later becoming a member of the Regiment’s parachute company. Thomas’ second deployment to Afghanistan occurred between July 2006 and March 2007, where he served as force protection. On October 3, 2006 in Kandahar, then-Corporal Thomas, along with three others, saved the lives of their fellow soldiers and local Afghan civilians by unloading ammunition from a disabled burning vehicle during a suicide bomber attack. For this action he was awarded the Canadian Forces Medal of Bravery. I encourage you to read the full citation and some of Warrant Thomas’ own recollections of the action which are on his profile page on our museum’s website.
In early 2021 Ms. Kearns created a large portrait of Warrant Thomas using mixed media in her easily recognizable style. You may recall having seen an image of this on the cover of the 2020-2021 Rifleman magazine. In the fall of 2022, the artist very generously offered to donate the portrait to us. Curator Shaun Kelly arranged to have the portrait framed and covered with museum grade plexiglass to protect it while on exhibit.
On June 6th, 2023 at the D-Day Dinner at Casa Loma, Ms. Kearns and Warrant Officer Thomas unveiled the donated portrait. On the following Thursday our museum team hung the portrait for exhibit in our 1945 to Present Room. Our very grateful thanks to Ms. Kearns on her generous donation!
You can find more information – and a Volunteer application form – on our museum website. Please visit our YouTube and Flickr page for the latest content.
If you have potential items for our Museum and Archive collection, please read this page and complete the online form, or contact us at museum@qormuseum.org.
The QOR Association—Toronto Branch
Fellow Regimental Family Members,
The Association has been very busy over the last 2 months with special events. Recently we participated in or facilitated:
The Celebration of Life for our last known QOR D-Day Veteran, Alex Adair, in Tamworth on May 6th. Alex passed away on December 24th in his 100th year.
The D-Day Dinner on June 6th at Casa Loma. I was very honoured to receive a QOR Lifetime Achievement Award along with Jim Lutz and Phil ten Kortenaar. Congratulations also to Don Ethell and Louise Hodder from the Calgary Branch, and Ben and Kathleen Turpin from the Newfoundland Branch
The QOR Summer BBQ on June 7th at Moss Park Armoury. A big Thank You to fellow Association Members Jerry Senetchko, Neil Arsenault, James Atcheson, June Parris, and Linda DiFelice for your support in making the BBQ a success.
The 10th Annual Vets Salmon Derby - June 10th - Bronte - Lake Ontario. I was fortunate enough to have a great Boat Captain; Steve Morris and I placed in the Trout (Salmon) Award with a catch of nearly 25 pounds.
Bronze Veteran Statue, Brampton, Gage Park. I recently represented the Regimental family at the unveiling of the Veteran Statue by the City of Brampton and friends of the Lorne Scots. QOR WWII D-Day Veteran Bill "Boots" Bettridge was the initial portrait used to develop the statue. It was great to see both his sons Keith and Albert there.
Upcoming Association Events
Veteran's Golf – Granite Ridge Milton – July 23rd (Let me know if you are interested in participating).
Westlake Brothers Souvenir (WBS) visit to Toronto – July 28th – Aug 1st and Aug 4th – 6th.
102nd Warriors Day Parade - Aug 19th at the CNE – Jerry Senetchko is the lead on this event.
QORA Golf Tournament – Sept 8th – Cardinal Golf Course.
QOR WWII Veteran George Beardshaw (QOR's oldest) event on September 10th from 13:00 to 17:00 at Victory Legion in London, Ontario - more to follow.
Brian Budden
President
Health & Welfare Chairman
QORA (Toronto Branch
QOR of C Kit Shop
If you are interested in purchasing QOR of C merchandise, you may do so via our online Kit Shop. We now have the ability to issue invoices and accept payment online. We have several new items in stock, including merchandise from the Airborne Reunion.
Please visit the QOR Kit Shop here.
Watch and Shoot (Upcoming Events)
September 8
QOR of C Golf Tournament
September 17, 2023
Senate Meeting / Change of Command and Appointment
For more events, please consult the calendar of events.
Trust Fund and Fundraising Update
Since the launch of the 1860 Club, our members have donated over $250,000 to support The Queen's Own Rifles of Canada Trust Fund and various Regimental initiatives. We would like to express our sincere gratitude for your generosity and support. The full list of Founders can be viewed here.
For more information on supporting the Trust Fund, please click here. For any additional questions, please do not hesitate to contact us.
Online Links
The QOR of C Regimental Association
More information about The Queen's Own Rifles of Canada Association Branches can be found at:
Toronto Branch
https://www.facebook.com/qortorontoassociation
East Coast Branch
https://www.qor-east.com
Calgary Branch
https://www.qorcalgary.com
Vancouver Island Branch
https://www.qorvi.com
The Rifleman Magazine (Annual Journal of the QOR of C)
https://fliphtml5.com/insrc/jjni
The Queen’s Own Rifles of Canada Regimental Museum
https://qormuseum.org/
The Queen’s Own Rifles of Canada Website
https://www.queensownrifles.com/
Kit Shop
https://sites.google.com/view/qorkitshop/
Submissions
To submit comments or content to the The Rifles Report or The Powder Horn, please contact Martin Bunch, 1860 Club Communications Director at editor@1860club.ca