RRMC Castle

Skylarks
The Legend of Bart and Rat
 

I'll take a run a telling this classic Skylark tale because probably most will have forgotten it. In the event that the perpetrators render an original first person version I will gladly yield. This tale is told from my eyes and remembrances as a "first classman" at Royal Roads in the fall of 1962...the old days now.   I use the term "first classman" and not "recruit" because these memorable events occurred precisely at the end of what used to be called "recruit term", just after completing those first six weeks of hell topped off by the awesome Royal Roads obstacle course (that made the RMC one seem like a picnic). The "recruit" survivors, me included, were now promoted to "first classmen", freed of our "fraust" magnetic fuzzy-wuzzies and now replete with our one pair of red striped pants and looking forward to being treated as slightly human.  At Roads, in those days, recruit term was followed by the unimaginable luxury of a weekend off, known as "stand-down" weekend. We could all leave the college for a couple of days, and for the few that stayed, a total relaxation of all things military. By 5:00 PM on stand-down weekend Friday the college was like a an empty tomb...except for Bart and Rat.  Bart and Rat were seniors, or second classmen in the lingo of the day. Since Roads was just two years in those days (we all assembled at the RMC shrine for 3rd and 4th years), the second classmen had the same status and privileges of RMC seniors including cadet rank and unlimited powers of aggravation over everything junior. But Bart and Rat were amongst the rankless few seniors for reasons that apparently had to do with past misdemeanors during their previous first year. But to us they were seniors all the same, and beyond all

reproach. Until stand-down weekend 1962. By the way their real names as I recall were Barton and Rattray.  Faculty member Dr. Bricknell was a great teacher and a chemist of some renown. According to the rumors, he had been working for many years on a very sensitive experiment. His apparatus had been carefully and custom designed and his operations and results religiously monitored. The final phase of his experiment was underway and featured an important low temperature requirement. True to his dedication he returned to the college early on the Sunday morning of the stand-down weekend, hoping it is said, to make some final observations in the relative peace and quiet of the deserted campus.   His observations were twofold...first, his temperature sensitive experimental apparatus sat in a pathetic pile of melt on a lab counter top and, second, his freakin' fridge, in which the experimental apparatus had recently been an occupant, was missing, gone, AWOL.  For first classmen it seemed peculiar to see that our much vaunted seniors were not above rather stern military chastisement. The resultant daily spectacle of Bart and Rat in almost permanent fatigues gave us all a very long object lesson, tinged with no small admiration for having had such balls. Rat once said that it was still a really great weekend because at least the beer was cold!  Dave Skinner, 7064 RMC Class of 66

Nova Scotia Branch - Tower of Activity

In Halifax, #8120 Bill Gard (RMC '69 and Branch President) presented #2399 Rear-Admiral William Moss Landymore (Class of '36) with an "Old Brigade" beret and badge on behalf of the Nova Scotia Branch.  Admiral Landymore entered RMC in 1934.  The Beret presentation took place, in October, at the veteran's Camp Hill Hospital. 

Click here for additional information, regarding Admiral Landymore's career. 

Nova Scotia Branch President 8120 Bill Gard, with 4860 General John de Chastelain following a Dalhousie University presentation given by General John de Chastelain

General John de Chastelain in Halifax. 

4860 General John de Chastelain, recently made a presentation for the Centre or Foreign Policy Studies at Dalhousie University, on his involvement with the Northern Ireland situation over the past 10 years.  In attendance to take in the presentation was Nova Scotia Branch President 8120 Bill Gard.  

The two Ex Cadets met up after the presentation for some light conversation and to catch up with some news about RMC and the Club.  General de Chastelain did mention to the NS president, that he enters the Old Brigade next year and he plans to be at the Reunion Weekend.  

Following the Halifax presentation, General de Chastelain was heading back to Northern Ireland as his involvement in the process has not been completed. 

http://centreforforeignpolicystudies.dal.ca/index.php

Some of the NS Branch members in attendance at the NS Club Social last week at “The Bridge”
( l to r)  #6440 Tony Goode,  #4113 Jim Wood,  #8855 Malcolm Palmer (in the background) and Mrs. Joan Wood

Nova Scotia Branch Hosts RMC Club Executive Director 

The red carpet was rolled out at the Juno Tower at CFB Halifax last week.  Close to 50 members of the Nova Scotia Branch and their spouses attended the function which was specifically arranged to enable Branch Members to get together and meet the Club's Executive Director, A119 Peter Dawe.  A good time was had by all!  

Word has it that the NS Branch will be looking at holding more functions at the Juno Tower because it affords a wonderful venue for a reception/function.  This complex provides accommodation for serving military and retired military visiting Halifax.  The room rates are under $50 per night.  16158 Cdr. Mark Watson, the Officers Mess PMC encourages Ex Cadets visiting Halifax to consider staying at the Juno Tower. 

For more info on the Juno Tower:
www.psphalifax.ns.ca/.../ Wardroom_Photos.asp

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Focus
WJO

18814 James (Vlad) Ceraldi (RMC ’93). 
From Redmen goalie to – The Simpsons Hit & Run.  

Former RMC Goalie Climbing Corporate Mountains in Vancouver

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Cintas is a major recruiter of transitioning military personnel seeking enthusiastic, dedicated, committed, leaders who are looking for advancement based upon performance.

  We get e-mails . . .

RE: Officer-Cadet Lee Jarod Burym Funeral  

Thank you for sending the pertinent info in the E-VERITAS. 

TODAY my wife and I went to it and I am telling you to tell others - they should be mighty proud of the Cadets sent to this event. 

Upon arrival there, they were all mustered out doors in -20C weather in full Scarlets and Pillbox hats ready to start the event - 1/2 hour early.  No clowning around, no shouting, no nothing but a group of very confident Cadets ON PARADE! 

They carried out their mission with supreme confidence.  The CFL was impeccable and just a wonderful leader - the others were anxious to please and it did not show to anyone but those who have had the experience.  Nobody slouched - and they all tried to speak with the over-capacity crowd.  They were hungry - but well mannered and I am really proud to report same to you.  I thought it was just incredible the way the officers blended in - low tones in their voices and immediate reactions - the stamping of the feet was really noticed and appreciated by the crowd - who commented that everyone did it together - no missteps.  And we appreciated being approached by RICK  MARSDEN  and COL. PETERS. 

WELL DONE 

TDV 

Anonymous 

Editor’s note:  It is not our way to print anonymous letters, however, in this case we are comfortable in making an exception.  We heard from other friends who attended the funeral of Officer-Cadet Lee Jarod Burym which was held in Preeceville, Saskatchewan, 02 Dec.  All staff and cadets who represented the college did us all proud. 

Remembering Admiral Piers 

In the December 2002 issue of "Veritas" magazine on page 58 there appears a picture of then Commodore Piers unsuccessfully dodging some snowballs.  There was a short incomplete caption, but for those who may have wondered about the story behind the photo perhaps an explanation is in order. 

In late winter of 1958 during Commodore Piers' first year as commandant at RMC, one morning the college awoke to find the grounds blanketed with a thick layer of heavy, wet snow.  The commandant decreed that intra-squadron sports would be canceled that day, and after class all squadrons would assemble on the football field for a snowball fight.  At the appropriate time, and in appropriate dress, all eight squadrons met, and the rules were laid out.  Every squadron was allotted a section of the field and given a fixed amount of time to build a snow fort, plant their squadron flag, and lay in a supply of snowballs. 

 When the commandant, who was standing with several members of the military staff on the sidelines about midfield, gave the signal, everyone would try to capture other squadron's flags, while at the same time defending their own. 

Everyone set about fortifying their turf, but as this was going on a member of the Cadet Wing Headquarters, who shall remain nameless, circulated to all the squadrons with the terse message "When the commandant gives the signal, everybody throw a snowball at HIM"!

And that is what happened.  No sooner had Commodore Piers given the signal to begin proceedings than he looked up to see a veritable barrage of snowballs arcing in his direction.  Many fell short, but as the picture shows more than a couple found their mark. 

It also shows a rather surprised grin on his face at this turn of events, but he took it all in good humor with no retribution ever taken or even mentioned. 

May he rest in Peace. 

4110 T. K. Morton (RMC’58)

Sir,    

I read with interest the item on the RMC swagger stick found inside the scabbard of a Knights Templar sword in Fort Francis.  I recently attended a performance of "Till We Meet Again", a WWII radio show retrospective where one Lieutenant Colonel Perley Holmes was featured, albeit as an off-stage character.  In fact he is introduced in Act I as the CO of Lt Gordon Watkins, the RMC ex-cadet depicted as currently (1940) serving in England.  You mentioned this in a previous Veritas article.  David Langlois, the author of the play, lists among the many contributors a LCol Perley Holmes although his sources reportedly span many years.  David currently resides in Russell Ontario, but many of the players and supporters seem to be from Hudson Que.      

Probably many other ex-cadets saw the play and recalled mention of LCol Holmes' name; perhaps this reference may help to fill out the story of the swagger stick.       

4526 Humphrey Sheridan 

Rory Macleod wrote: 

Hi Bill, 

I was a first year cadet during the 1982-1983 school year.  The stained glass window of the spider was indeed done during this school year by a fourth year cadet from the Frigate.  I cannot remember his full name but I believe his last name was Daly (possibly Rick).  Apparently, this type of work was one of his hobbies.  I will look through my 82-83 year book to see if I can come up with his name. 

Cheers,

Rory MacLeod, 15541
Class of 86 

Frigate Stained Glass Window. 

The beloved Spider was fabricated and installed by the Grad class of '83. 

CSL Chris Daley was the man with the experience.  He had worked in a glass shop and knew what was required.  All of the fourth years chipped in to fund and work on the project.  4 Year Frigatteers including Rick Harper, Kenn Rodzinyak, Hugh Grenier, Claude Belisle, Richard Cauouette and myself were very pleased that our beloved spiders were so memorialized. 

There was at the time of installation a plaque installed inside the front doors with the Grad class of 83 Frigatteers listed.

Yeah Stone. 

Medric Cousineau, 13855 Class of 83 

PS. Author still has scar from accident involved in project to verify details.

Stone Frigate Stained Glass Window 

Short story is that the window was my initiative. Tradition in the Stone Frigate Military Academy was that the graduating class would leave some form of legacy gift, reminder, or similar in the building. Prior to enrolling in the CF, as a high school student in Vancouver I had my own little business making stained glass windows and lamps for new homes in North and West Vancouver.  Not having had any time for this craft during the 4 years of Military College, I proposed to the #1 Sqn 4th years the idea of creating a stained glass window or lamp as our gift to the Squadron.  Our 4th year group agreed, I collected money from our class, bought the supplies, had the Boat Shop folks in behind the Frigate assist with creating a large table in the basement of the Frigate to construct the window, and away we went.  

Can't remember how the design came to us, but as all Frigateers know and appreciate the spiders are so common in the (pre-modernized) building that they earned the lofted position as Sqn mascot. So a spider web based design, with the #1, emerged. 

 All of the 4th years pitched in and helped construct the window, in the basement of the Frigate, in the period between Final Exams and graduation week-end. 

 We obtained a protective plexiglass window to protect the stained glass from the annual college snowball fight (all Sqns against #1 Sqn). 

 A plaque was left just inside the front doors to the Frigate to highlight the origins of the window (#1 Sqn graduating class of 1983), and the members of the class (though I know we erroneously omitted one name - either Mike Seidenbusch or Dave Walters I think). 

 Last time I was at the college, went to show my kids the window but the Frigate was under renovations......hope the window made it. 

14009 Chris Daley (RMC ’83)

Dear Bill 

Just wanted to say thanks for all your hard work - I love the newsletter and really enjoy reading it, finding out about things that are going on and being reminded of my time at RMC.  It is a fantastic addition to alumni outreach. 

I recently completed a PhD and moved to Birmingham UK for an academic position at the University of Birmingham.  Lovely to keep my links to Canada in this way.  [as well I am still writing about Canadian politics while over here] 

#17287 Barbara Ann C. Allen, MBA, Ph.D (RMC '90) 

Correction from e-V 030:  Photo: The 1974 water polo team.
 

The person identified as Emile Chiasson in the front row is actually, 10209 Chris “Ernie” Chance (RMC’74).  Chris we understand was baptized “Ernie” by his Roadent pals.  The question: Was “water” from the pool used to perform the baptism?  

We regret any inconvenience to either Emile or “Ernie”.