THE POWDER HORN
Monthly Newsletter
September 2023
Honorary Colonel's Message
The Change of Command weekend was a highlight of the Regiment’s year. It recognized the leadership of two of our Regiment’s best. Scott Moody and CWO Johnston are a command team that have lead by example. Their example and hard work has been instrumental in creating one of the best units in Canada. Their success has been noted by the Army leadership, with their selection to lead with the Rangers and RHLI. While they say goodbye to the Regiment, they will continue to serve our nation with pride. And we all wish them and their family the very best. We will look forward to seeing them in the Mess and sharing some good stories!
The Regiment is truly blessed with the depth of leadership within our officers’ and Sr NCOs’ Mess. Chris and CWO Thorn are well known to our Regiment and their tenure as our new Command Team has already kicked off in a great way. One training weekend under their belt and our Regiment continues its excellence in delivering challenging and fun training. We are in good hands.
I want to thank everyone in the Regiment, both active and retired, and our families. The efforts of all have made this past year and the Change of Command weekend a tremendous success. The Golf Tournament was also hugely successful. Our 80th Anniversary of D-Day trip fundraising is doing well and the Regiment continues to lead the way. We talk about a Regimental Family and I can attest that we have one of the best that I have experienced. Keep up the great work!
In Pace Paratus
Major-General (Retired) David Fraser, CMM, MSC, MSM, CD
Honorary Colonel
The Queen's Own Rifles of Canada
Commanding Officer's Update
It is my honour and privilege to write this letter as the Commanding Officer of The Queen’s Own Rifles of Canada. As stated at the Change of Command parade, I would not be in this position if it were not for the unshakeable support from a myriad of family and friends throughout my career.
Eight years ago, I met Scott (LCol Moody). Not only did he introduce me to the Regiment, but he became a close friend and mentor. We’ve shared successes and setbacks, stood on Juno Beach together and fallen out of the sky. I cannot accurately convey the intense passion that he brought to this unit and to parachuting, including during the most challenging periods that the Canadian Army has faced outside of war.
CWO Johnston has exemplified the excellence of the Sergeants' Mess, in spirit and person. He has always put others before himself, never hesitating to offer wisdom, experience and confidence. I believe that the strength of the current NCO cadre is due to the pride and professionalism that he inculcated to a new generation of junior leaders.
In a command team partner, I could ask for none better than RSM Thorn. I will forever be indebted to him, and the advocacy I received when arriving to the Regiment as a then-Captain. I can say unequivocally that he brings initiative, compassion and dedication to the position.
I often tell people that those who have been raised within The Queen’s Own Rifles of Canada do not fully appreciate their fortune. The history, strength and reputation of this Regiment are unparalleled. I have served beneath another cap badge, conducted exercises abroad and deployed overseas with a myriad of partners. As I crest the beginning of my second decade of service, it is evident that there are no equals or true peers within the Reserves.
That does not mean we can rest on our laurels. In fact, it is the opposite. On the weekend immediately following the Change of Command, the unit dove into Exercise MAROON SWORD I at CFB BORDEN. Members of 60th Company conducted platoon-level force-on-force activities from tactical hides, including the use of rival reconnaissance patrols and deliberate attacks.
My priority is to prepare these men and women for the challenges that face our country in the near future, while ensuring that they are proud of themselves and their contributions. I hope that I can provide even a small percentage of the experiences and opportunities that I have received over the years.
To all Riflemen, past and present, thank you. In the next three years, I will strive to earn your trust and respect.
In Pace Paratus
Lieutenant-Colonel Chris Boileau, CD
Commanding Officer
The Queen's Own Rifles of Canada
Outgoing Commanding Officer's Message
The months of August and September were a showcase of the strength of the Regiment. Many of our members leveraged the opportunity to participate in full-time summer employment, which had them supporting courses and filling tasks around the country—including the Grey Wolf Indigenous Summer Program. In addition, we had a great deal of success with courses that produced 9 new Riflemen and 6 newly qualified section commanders. Furthermore, we sent a platoon to participate in the annual summer concentration, Exercise Arrowhead Guardian, at the 4th Canadian Division Training Centre in Meaford. Under the leadership of Capt Welch and Sgt Munnings, their excellence resulted in them being one of the few units to participate in both section-level and platoon-level live fire training. Concurrent to this, we supported the Canadian National Exhibition (CNE) with a recruiting stand while our talented band played several showcase concerts.
We currently have over 10 members deployed, and many more preparing to deploy. Capt Ben Lee has just returned after a one-year deployment on Operation UNIFIER in Eastern-Europe, where he was employed in the rank of Major and filled the role of Operations Officer.
On September 7th, I had the honour of taking over the 3rd Canadian Ranger Patrol Group (3CRPG) during a ceremony at CFB Borden. It was an excellent day where the Black Tie network was in full force. The following day, the 16th Annual QOR Golf Tournament was held at the Cardinal Golf Club in King City. It was sold-out, with many incredible sponsors this year. Special thanks to Dave Lavery of the QOR Association and Lt Steven Ye who made this event possible. Afterwards, RSM Johnston and I had the pleasure of attending World War 2 veteran Cpl George Beardshaw’s 100th birthday in London, Ontario on September 10th. George is one of our few remaining WWII veterans, and he is in good spirits. Special thanks to our association Padre John Howie and President Brian Budden for making this day special, as George received recognition from the Queen and Prime Minister.
On September 16th, the Regiment held Exercise Maroon Vale at CFB Trenton. This was a continuation of our parachute training. We had over 45 paratroopers in attendance, in addition to our outgoing Brigade Commander Colonel John McEwan, Honorary Colonel MGen (Ret’d) Dave Fraser and Honorary Lieutenant-Colonel Manjit Minhas in attendance. During the flight we were able to promote incoming Commanding Officer Lieutenant-Colonel Chris Boileau, prior to jumping with his civilian employer present. I conducted my last military jump and jumpmaster duties from the ramp of the CC-130J Hercules. After 30 years of being involved in military parachuting, it was a day of mixed emotions.
The following Day we held the Change of Command Parade at Casa Loma—a perfect day with impressive attendance from the Regimental family and beyond. There was no greater sense of pride than to hand over the Regiment to my friends LCol Chris Boileau and CWO Justin Thorn, with RSM Jeff Johnston at my side. Both will do an incredible job and the Regiment is in good hands. I would like to wish RSM Johnston the best as he takes on his role of RSM at the Royal Hamilton Light Infantry (RHLI) in October.
Our D+80 Fundraising Campaign is well on its way. A reminder: if you would like to sponsor a Rifleman to attend the trip, please visit this page. We are moving quickly to meet our fundraising goal, as we have been provided a donation-matching opportunity by an anonymous donor until November 11th. There is no better time to donate. If you are interested in following some or all the trip in Normandy, please let us know at info@1860club.ca.
This is my last contribution to The Powder Horn as Commanding Officer. My letter to the Regiment can be found here; it has been an honour and privilege to serve.
In Pace Paratus
Lieutenant-Colonel Scott Moody, CD
Outgoing Commanding Officer
The Queen's Own Rifles of Canada
The Rifleman (2022-2023)
The 2022-23 edition of The Rifleman, the Annual Journal of The Queen's Own Rifles of Canada, is now available. Please visit this link to view the online edition.
QOR of C Golf Tournament
The 16th Annual Queens Own Rifles of Canada Golf Tournament was held on September 8, 2023 at the Cardinal Golf Club in King, Ontario. The day consisted of 18 holes of golf, followed by dinner at the clubhouse with raffles, team prizes and recognition of our sponsors. The funds raised are in support of the D+80 Campaign, which aims to deploy a 65-member contingent to Normandy, France for the 80th Anniversary of D-Day.
The Regiment would like to thank the following sponsors that made the tournament possible.
Platinum Sponsor
Dunpar Homes
Gold Sponsors
Cameron Stephens
CUSW
Entera Utility Contractors
Executek International
Guilevin International
Maxan Interior Systems
Maxshine Canada
SGI Canada
The Holmes Clan
XYZ Storage
Valard
Shotgun Start Sponsored by
Uzi Valiante
Hole Sponsors
Allsteel Equipment
Cranston & Thompson
The Currie Group at TD Wealth
Melrose Paving
Miller Thomson
Quality Sterling Group
Rodney Miller and Associates
Thomas, Large & Singer
Leafs and Raptors tickets donated by Arcon Forensic Engineers.
QOR of C Hockey Team
Each year, The Queen's Own Rifles of Canada Hockey Team plays in a variety of games against teams from other regiments, ranging from exhibition games to tournaments. There are two major tournaments that the team participates in: The Ranger Cup in Toronto and the Sergeant Rick Foldeak Memorial Hockey Tournament in Brockville. There is a push to play more hockey in the Regiment as we grow in strength, and the QOR Hockey Team is an excellent way to build camaraderie, teamwork, and physical fitness.
The QOR Hockey Team is also seeking sponsors and donors to cover the cost of jerseys, ice time, and equipment. If you would like to support the Hockey Team, please contact us at info@1860club.ca.
QOR DAY AT CASA LOMA
Queen's Own Rifles Day at Casa Loma is coming soon! On November 4th, 2023, the Regimental Museum will host an Open House at Casa Loma featuring military displays, band performances, and historic exhibits.
You can find more information – as well as 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.
IN MEMORIAM
Rifleman Caswell Andrew (Charlie) Chensee, passed away peacefully at this home on August 12, 2023. He was celebrated by his friends and family in a Ceremony of Thanksgiving in Newtonabbey, UK. He was a member of The Queens Own Rifles of Canada as a Master Corporal before joining the ranks of the British Army with the Greenjackets as a Corporal. Whilst serving with the QOR, he found ready acceptance within the ranks of the Canadian Armed Forces. Located at the link found below, he was interviewed by the British Chinese Heritage Centre, in which he describes some of the contrasts he experienced having worked in both the Canadian and British Armies, difficulties he experienced post-military service, and like a true Rifleman, some of his favourite rations he enjoyed while on the job.
“On behalf of The Queen’s Own Rifles of Canada Regimental Family, our deepest condolences to the Chensee Family on the passing of one of our Riflemen and friend Andy (Charlie). Always remembered. You will be missed.”
In Pace Paratus
CWO (Ret.) Brian Budden, CD
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)
November 3, 2023
1860 Club / Officers’ Mess Dinner
November 4, 2023
QOR Day at Casa Loma
November 5, 2023
Church Parade (St. Paul's Bloor Street)
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 $300,000 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/ryzm
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 Brian Whittaker, 1860 Club Communications Director at editor@1860club.ca