THE RIFLES REPORT
Monthly Update
November 2022
COMMANDING OFFICER’s UPDATE
The past month has exemplified that the QOR is the busiest Reserve unit in Canada. October started off with members of Recce platoon travelling to Petawawa for a week to work with 3 RCR’s Recce Platoon. This was followed by Operation Rha, which had a 30-member contingent travel to the Netherlands with the primary objective of conducting a headstone dedication for Lt John G. Kavanagh—who was killed on April 5th, 1945 in Rha while leading his men in battle during the Liberation of the Netherlands. In addition, the contingent visited Arnhem, Groesbeek, Deventer, Apledorn, Moos Hof, Scheldt, Bergen Op Zoom, and Wons.
The trip was a great success, and it was made possible by a donation from former Honorary Lieutenant-Colonel Lionel Goffart. Incredible support was also provided by the 42nd Limburgse Jagers, who supplied transportation, meals, and accommodations. Special thanks to Francis Bleeker, who was the driving force for the trip during a two-year delay, and connected us with the 42nd. Event support also was provided by Philip ten Kortenaar and Jansen Ng. Finally, recognition is due to the QOR Trust Fund for their support in managing the funding.
Exercise Maroon Sword 2 was held the weekend of 21-23 October; during this exercise, the unit conducted fighting and Recce patrols in CFB Borden. The following weekend, we completed a static-line parachute descent at CFB Trenton.
In Pace Paratus
LCol Scott Moody, CD
Commanding Officer
The Queen's Own Rifles of Canada
Appointment of Honorary Colonel at Casa Loma
After five years as Honorary Colonel of the Regiment, we thank Major-General (Retired) Walter Holmes MStJ, MSM, CD, MBE for his outstanding leadership and service to The Queen’s Own Rifles of Canada. At the same time, we welcome Major-General (Retired) David Fraser, CMM, MSC, MSM, CD to The Queen’s Own Rifles of Canada! Honorary Colonel Fraser was appointed at a ceremony at Casa Loma on November 5th, 2022.
After five years as Honorary Colonel of the Regiment, we thank Major-General (Retired) Walter Holmes MStJ, MSM, CD, MBE for his outstanding leadership and service to The Queen’s Own Rifles of Canada. At the same time, we welcome Major-General (Retired) David Fraser, CMM, MSC, MSM, CD to The Queen’s Own Rifles of Canada! Honorary Colonel Fraser was appointed at a ceremony at Casa Loma on November 5th, 2022.
Appointment of Honorary Lieutenant-Colonel
The Department of National Defense has approved Ms. Manjit Minhas as the Honorary Lieutenant-Colonel to The Queen’s Own Rifles of Canada, effective immediately. Hon LCol Minhas is the co-founder and co-owner of the Minhas Breweries. She is a champion of corporate social responsibility, and shares her entrepreneurial knowledge and expertise as a venture capitalist on Dragons’ Den. The official appointment ceremony for HLCol Minhas is due to take place on Sunday, January 22nd, 2023 at Casa Loma. More details to follow.
REMEMBRANCE DAY PARADE
On November 6th, 2022, the Regiment held a Remembrance Day ceremony at the QOR Regimental Cross of Sacrifice at St. Paul's, Bloor Street. On a warm and sunny day, amidst the playing of the Last Post and the call of Rouse, wreaths were laid and several hundred Canadians joined the Regiment in honouring the fallen.
We will remember them.
The following week, 15 members of the QOR participated in the Veterans’ Week Speaker Program. They spoke to schools and community groups across the region about the service and sacrifice of past and current Canadian Armed Forces members, and the importance of taking time on Remembrance Day to reflect on their sacrifice. Thank you to the VWSP coordinator, Capt Kevin Junor, and our speakers.
Operation Rha
On October 8th 2022, The Queens Own Rifles of Canada undertook a trip to the Netherlands to honour a fallen unit member who perished in battle during the Second World War. For over three quarters of a century, the remains of Lieutenant John Gordon Kavanagh remained in a grave as an unknown soldier. In 2019, with the assistance of local Dutch historians and the Canadian government, the remains of Lt Kavanagh were finally identified—bringing closure to the family of the last QOR casualty in World War II whose final resting place remained unknown. In honour of Lt Kavanagh’s sacrifice, thirty members of the QOR traveled to the Netherlands to dedicate the headstone of our fallen brother, and to give him and his family the respect due to a fallen son of the regiment.
We will remember him.
Capt Joe Bartolo
The full article will be published in the upcoming issue of The Powder Horn.
AFGHANISTAN: Bring a Canadian Hero to Canada
Many of you will be aware of the plight of Afghan nationals who risked their lives to work with Canadian soldiers in the Afghanistan war. One such hero is Hajji Abdul Samad Nawabi, who worked with the Canadian Forces from 2006 until 2011. Having narrowly evaded the Taliban earlier this year, Hajji and his family have been promised special immigration status, which has not yet materialized. If you are able, we invite you to help bring this hero and his family to safety. Donations can be made through Wounded Warriors Canada:
https://woundedwarriorscanada.akaraisin.com/ui/woundedwarriors/p/ee631442707345a7b2995cece357e59d
Book Recommendation
Robert Henry White: An Unknown Soldier
by Janet Smolders
Dedicated to The Queen’s Own Rifles of Canada, Robert Henry White: An Unknown Soldier was written by Janet Smolders about her Great Uncle Bert. Bert was an Irish immigrant to Canada, and a teenager when he joined the Canadian Expeditionary Force. He made the ultimate sacrifice in the Second Battle of Ypres on April 23rd, 1915 and was one of many whose final resting place was never found. This is his story, so that he will not be “unknown.”
We will remember him.
Para Reunion
The 40th Anniversary of the Parachute Tasking will be celebrated on January 21st, 2023 in the Warrant Officers' and Sergeants' Mess of The Queen's Own Rifles of Canada. Ticket includes light food, one beverage, T-shirt, and a commemorative coin and sticker.
Date: January 21st, 2023 at 13:00
Location: Warrant Officers' and Sergeants' Mess (130 Queen St E, Toronto)
Dress: Smart Casual (Jump Smocks encouraged)
Cost: $50 per Guest
Nijmegen 4 Day Marches 2023
The Nijmegen 4 Day Marches will be held from 18-21 July 2023 in the town of Nijmegen in the Netherlands.
The 1860 Club intends on fielding a team of 11; the team will pay its own way. Currently, the Hotel Haarhuis in Arnhem is booked; it is beside the train station in Arnhem and will take you straight into Nijmegen centre in 20 minutes where the starting line is located. The Hotel provides a Nijmegen package with breakfast and dinner. We have 5 Double Rooms and 4 Single Rooms booked with the hope that we can bring a team of 11.
Distance will be 40km per day with a 10kg pack for those under 50. A detailed and highly recommended training package will be provided. Specific event training will start in March 2023.
Estimated Costs
Event registration: Around $150 CAD
Flights: $1000-1500
Hotel, Single Occupancy (7 days with Breakfast): $1300
Double Occupancy (7 days with Breakfast): $800
Train Costs: Around $200
Food Costs: Around: $400
Schedule
15/16 July - Arrival and Registration – Opening Ceremonies – Groesbeek Ceremony
17 July – Preparation Day – Sunset Ceremony
18 July – Day 1
19 July – Day 2
20 July – Day 3
21 July – Day 4
22 July – Recover – Depart
Expressions of interest must be sent to info@1860club.ca by January 31st, 2022.
The QOR Association
Remembrance & Veterans Week was a very busy time for the QORA.
Members of QORA were at QOR Day at Casa Loma for the Appointment of Honorary Colonel to welcome MGen David Fraser. The Association welcomes the new Honorary Colonel to the Regiment and looks forward to working with the new Honorary.
To those that attended the QOR Church Parade on November 6th at St Paul's: Well Done!
Health & Welfare
Wishing former Commanding Officer LCol Ed Rayment all the best as he recovers from a stroke.
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 Stainless Steel Coffee Cups and Water Bottles from canuckcanada.ca.
Please visit the QOR Kit Shop here.
QOR Day on November 5th was a success, with over a thousand visitors to the first in-person event since 2019. Our museum photographer, Anne Frazer, has taken some excellent photos which can be viewed on our Flickr page. Overall organization was supervised by the Museum Curator, CWO (Ret'd) Shaun Kelly, CD with support from the Regiment. Maj (Ret'd) John Stephens, CD will remain Museum Director and Archivist as he continues his recovery. Please visit our website at qormuseum.org for more information, as well as our YouTube channel!
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.
Watch and Shoot (Upcoming Events)
December 7
Soldiers' Holiday Dinner
Moss Park Armoury
December 10
Officers' Mess Holiday Luncheon
Moss Park Armoury
December 11
QOR Kids Holiday Party
Moss Park Armoury
January 21
40th Anniversary of the QOR Para Tasking
Sergeants’ Mess, Moss Park Armoury
January 22
Appointment of Honorary Lieutenant-Colonel
Casa Loma
February 4
Sergeants' Mess Wine & Cheese
Moss Park Armoury
February 11
Toronto Garrison Officers' Ball
Beanfield Centre
Trust Fund and Fundraising Update
Since the launch of the 1860 Club, our members have donated over $150,000 to support The Queen's Own Rifles of Canada Trust Fund. We would like to express our sincere gratitude for your generosity, and recognize the following members:
Normandy 1944 Donors
Over $186,000 in lifetime contributions
HLCol Lionel Goffart, OStJ, CD
Col Paul F Hughes, CD (Ret’d)
Vimy 1917 Donors
Over $18,600 in lifetime contributions
Capt (Ret’d) Bernie Aaron
HLCol (Ret'd) Brendan Caldwell
Lt J. Chris Donald
Mr. Bryan Gransden
Capt (Ret'd) Adam Hermant, OStJ, CD
Hermant Family Foundation
HCol Larry Stevenson, CD
LCol (Ret’d) John Strathy, CD
WO (Ret’d) Philip ten Kortenaar, CD
True Patriot Love Foundation
1860 Club Founders
Col (Ret’d) William Ball—US Army
LCol (Ret’d) William Barnard, CD
LCol Sandi Banerjee, CD
Mr. Hans G. Bathija
Bruce Beauchamp Memorial Fund and Mr. Terry Beauchamp
WO Jason Bridge, CD
Hon Col Bryan Brulotte, KJ, CD
Cpl Brian Buchan
2Lt Martin Bunch
LCol (Ret’d) Greg Burton, CD
HLCol (Ret'd) Brendan Caldwell
Ms. Dara Carpenter
Maj (Ret’d) Allan Champion, CD
Capt (Ret’d) Robert Chan, CD and Ms. Annie Li
Mr. Michael Chisholm
Lt Ricardo Chiu, CD
Maj Daniel Copeland, CD
MWO Adam de Bartok, MMM, CD
Ms. Linda Di Felice
Lt J. Chris Donald
WO (Ret’d) Bob Dunk, CD
Lt Brandon Filatow
LCol (Ret’d) John Fotheringham, CD
Capt T.L. (Tom) Foulds, CD
2Lt Juron Grant-Kinnear
MCpl Robert Grieve
Cpl Lee Harrison, CD
Capt (Ret'd) Adam Hermant, OStJ, CD
Hermant Family Foundation
Mr. Winston Hewlin
WO David Hodgson, CD
MGen (Ret’d) Walter Holmes, MStJ, MSM, CD, MBE
Ms. Lana Holmes
Capt Ted Howard
Padre (Ret’d) John Howie, CD
Col (Ret’d) Paul F Hughes CD
Jackman Foundation
CWO Jeff Johnson, CD
CWO (Ret’d) Shaun Kelly, CD
WO Inasio Kim, CD and Ms. Lorena Kim
2Lt Matthew Kocal
LCol Frank Lamie, CD
MWO Darnel Leader, CD
Maj Samuel Leibel, CD
Capt Ben-Jaemin Lee, CD
Capt Roland Llewellyn-Thomas, CD
Mr. James Lutz
Capt (Ret'd) Brian MacDonald
Maj Henry McCabe, MMM, CD (Ret’d)
Ms. Michele McCarthy
Ms. Jenna Zuschlag Misener
Lt David Merrithew
Mr. Nick Migliore
LCol Scott Moody, CD
CWO (Ret’d)John O’Connor, CD
Mr. Carmine Nigro
Mr. Jansen Ng
Capt David Pampe, CD
2Lt Weng Pan
Dr. Dylan Pannell, CD
Mr. Keith Perera
Lt Marco Petta
Cpl Sharl Robinson
Maj (Ret’d) Adam Saunders, CD
Mr. Eric Schneider
Maj (Ret’d) Anthony Schultz, CD
CWO Mark Shannon, MMM, CD
MGen (Ret’d) John Sharpe, CMM, CD
Capt Kevin Sheedy, CD
LCol Peter St. Denis, MSC, CD
Maj (Ret’d) John Stephens, CD
Mr. Tristan Strathy
WO (Ret’d) Philip ten Kortenaar, CD
Dr. Lynn Tomkins
Capt (Ret'd) Usman (Uzi) Valiante
Mr. Jeffrey Wallace
LCol (Ret'd) Tony Welsh, CD
LCol (Ret'd) Rob Zeidler, MStJ, CD
For more information on supporting the Trust Fund, please click here, or 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