Issue 017/2006

Numéro 017/2006



In This Issue - Dans ce numéro
 

Quotation of the Week

Winston Churchill

  Always had a quick answer.  

"If I were married to you, I would poison your coffee", a woman said to Winston Churchill.  He replied, "if you were my wife, I'd drink it". 

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In the Footsteps of the Canadian Corps


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Trivia  
 
This aircraft was known by a wide variety of different names: Skytrain, Skytrooper, DAK, & Goonie Bird. 

The RCAF designation was: 

a.                   C-45;

b.                   C-46

c.                   C-47; or

d.                   C-48


Model by: Jeff Robinson.
Aviation Historian.  Nelson, British Columbia.
 

Answer right after Extra Innings below.

 

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CALIAN - Casual employment for former military employees

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Classmates & Friends Remember 22458 Captain Nichola Goddard (RMC ’02)

The Royal Military College of Canada 62nd Convocation was held Friday, 17 May 2002.  The recipients included: two Honorary Degrees; 67 Post Graduates and 275 Undergraduates. Receiving an Honours English Degree was 22458 Nichola Kathleen Sarah Goddard.  

Saturday, 18 May 2002 the Commissioning Parade was held.  A total of 217 Commissioning Scrolls were handed out: 194 ROTP / RETP and 23 UTPNCM.  Nichola was one of eight of the 217 who became an Artillery Second Lieutenant that day, four years go. 

By now everyone is aware that 22458 Captain Nichola Goddard was killed Wednesday, 17 May 2006 – four years to the day she received her Honours English Degree - west of Kandahar while engaged in an operation supporting Afghan authorities.   

We received an overflowing number of tributes.  Following is a perspective from many of her classmates, friends, and former coach and their memories of this courageous young lady who left the college four short years ago.

"Nichola was the best at what she did.  The Task Force Commander and I had nothing but the highest praise for the way she commanded and direct platoons in the firebase on two major operations in Helmand Province.  Her "calls for fire" contributed to the successful insertion and extraction of C Company, 1PPCLI  in the hottest Taliban area in the country.  Her professionalism and expertise saved many lives." 

16434 Steve Gallagher (RMC ’89)
Battery Commander
A Battery
1st Regiment
Royal Canadian Horse Artillery
"This Gun's for Hire"

I Year

II Year

III Year

IV Year

Un soldat canadien est tombé

On vient d’apprendre le premier décès d’une Canadienne au combat depuis la Seconde Guerre mondiale. Mais il y a bien autre chose au-delà de cette nouvelle. Quand je l’ai rencontrée pour la première fois en 2000, le Capitaine Nichola Goddard avait l’innocence de toute jeune femme cherchant à se faire une place dans une Armée de terre composée majoritairement d’hommes. Je l’ai vue, talentueuse et la tête pleine de rêves, entrer au Collège militaire royal, décidée à ne se laisser surpasser par aucun homme. Elle a fini par s’imposer comme leader et par commander cent de ses collègues officiers, façonnant les élèves-officiers du CMR et nous incitant à toujours aller un peu plus loin.

En vraie Canadienne, désireuse d’apporter sa contribution, elle voulait faire sa part pour améliorer son environnement. Elle brillait parmi les meilleurs et nombreux étaient ceux qui enviaient sa passion.

Il est temps pour nous d’appuyer nos militaires, d’apprendre à connaître nos soldats, de nous intéresser à ce qu’ils font. Nous ne devons jamais oublier le sacrifice que de jeunes femmes et de jeunes hommes, beaux et intelligents, offrent de faire pour protéger ce grand pays souverain qui est le nôtre.

Certains ne comprennent pas pourquoi les militaires font ce qu’ils font de leur vie.

Je n’oublierai jamais le dévouement de Nichola envers les Forces canadiennes ni sa générosité envers sa communauté. Réfléchissons tous au sacrifice suprême de Nichola, loyale Canadienne qui sera pleurée par ses parents, son conjoint, ses amis. Elle restera dans nos mémoires comme quelqu’un qui a contribué à changer les choses.

C’est ce qu’elle aurait voulu. 

22940 Sous-lieutenant Tom Mackenzie, CMR (’04)Garnison Valcartier

A Canadian soldier has fallen,
 
There's more to the recent news of the first Canadian woman in a combat role killed in battle. When I first met Captain Nichola Goddard in 2000, she had the innocence of any young woman looking to make her way in a man's Army. With talent and dreams, I saw Nichola take to the Royal Military College with passion.  She would not be outdone by any man and she grew to be a leader of men, rising to command one hundred of her fellow officers, molding the cadets of RMC, influencing us to go just a little bit further.
 
A real Canadian, driven to contribute, her care was to make her environment better.  Excelling above so many, many sought out her passion.

Now is the time to get behind our military, get to know our soldiers, take an interest in their jobs, never forget the sacrifice our bright and beautiful young women and men are facing in the protection of this our great and sovereign country.

Some don't understand why military personnel do what they do with their lives.
 
Nichola's example of dedication to the Canadian Forces and of offering free time to her community will stay in my heart.  We can all reflect on her supreme sacrifice; a daughter; a wife; a friend and loyal Canadian.  Nichola will be remembered as having made a difference.

She wouldn't have it any other way.


22940 Lt. Tom Mackenzie, (RMC ’04)
CFB Valcartier

 

 

 


Good times with the Biathlon Team


Dryland Training

As Head Coach of the Royal Military College’s Biathlon Team, I had the privilege to coach Nichola Goddard as a Biathlete from 1999-2002. Nichola represented RMC on the Ontario and the Canadian biathlon circuit. When I was newly hired to the position, Nichola was one of the first student-athletes to drop by my office and welcome me to the team and the school. That’s the kind of person she was, always first to greet people, to offer her help to them, and to make them feel comfortable. For three years, I spent almost every afternoon at Biathlon training practice coaching Nichola. In this capacity, as athlete and coach, I got to share many great moments with her and watch her grow both as an athlete and a person. By spending this time together, this gave me the chance to know her really well. She was always able to persuade people to see the bright side of things, to swing a positive view out of any difficult situation, and most importantly she was always there to help the other members of the team.  Nichola loved the College and what it stood for she truly lived by RMC’s values and was a proud member of the Canadian Forces. To me, she is a hero; she wanted to be a peacemaker and a peacekeeper, she died doing was she loved and she served our country with pride. She was the kind of person that wanted to be on the front line of anything she was doing and she took a lot of pride in her work. I will always remember Nichola for her amazing positive attitude and her special way of looking at things. I will never forget Nichola’s loud and unique laughter which was able to brighten up a room in seconds. I am sure that all who knew Nichola will miss her. 

Francois Beaupre
RMC Biathlon Coach 1999-2002

(click on pictures below for larger view)


Biathlon Team in II Year


III Year Nichola with teammates:  Nicole Lundstead and Rowena Peden

A Few Words to Express the Thoughts of Many….


I Year Gash Photo in 6 Squadron

We are saddened by the passing of every soldier that loses their life in combat, and even more so when it is someone that has enriched our lives on a personal level.  As a member of 6 Sqn, I had the privilege of being one of Nichola’s recruit staff in 1998 when she arrived at RMC.  The thing that remember most about Nichola was that despite the circumstance (even during ROC term) she made a positive contribution to everything that she was involved in, remaining positive at all times and inspiring those around her.  I am proud to have been a witness to a small part of her life – and to Jason, her family and friends – rejoice in her memory.

 21867 Suzanne Thistle (RMC ’99)


CSSs from 6 Sqn. Nichola and Kristina Reashore

Nichola was one of the few people who truly understood what she was doing in the army.  It wasn`t just a job, nor was she playing soldier or in for a free degree.  She had thought through the responsibilities and ramifications of taking that oath we all took.  Too few cadets are truly prepared - intellectually, morally - for the real job of soldiering - but she was.  She was someone who gave her whole self to everything she did, and could always be counted on to give a hundred percent, even when we were all out of gas.  She was intelligent, compassionate, generous and energetic.  Nichola was one of the few people who would do the right thing, always.  And make sure it was done right.

We need more people like her in the world, which makes it all the sadder that the world has lost her.
 

21982 Adrian Rawle Class of 2002


6 Sqn Group Photo 2002 (click on picture for larger view)

Spending four years in six squadron with Nic was a treat.  In recruit term, I was terribly ill with pneumonia, Nic would come check on me to make sure I was alright.  She was like a caring sister to us.  It was fun chatting with her from my room to her room through the thin walls of Fort Haldimond.  You could always count on her to knock on your door to make sure you are up for an early morning inspection.  I will always remember Nic's smile and her laughter.  She was a great leader, great role model, and an amazing friend.  My heart goes out to her family and Jay.

22400 Joe Siu, Class of 2002


The IV Year ladies from 6 Sqn

Nichola was so joyful – circumstances never seemed to change that.  Her smile and unmistakable laughter spread that joy through squadron lines.  Nichola was also an admirable leader.  I recall moments where her strength of character impressed me greatly.  I believe that Nichola understood truth and duty then; now, Nichola truly knows valour – in a way I can understand just a bit more because of her sacrifice. 

22545 Shannon Travis Class of 2003


Sharing laughs with: Rivest; Mathey; Kelemen from 6 Sqn

Nichola lived two rooms down from me when I had just finished Recruit Term.  I remember even during RT she, as a Second Year then, would whisper words of encouragement.  That is who she was, someone, no matter the situation, who would always be there to lend support and help.  I will always remember her laugh.  

God be with you in everlasting peace, Nichola.  

22574 Jarrett Cormier, JV Class of 2004

Click below for more articles on Nichola:   

http://news.google.com/news?ie=utf8&oe=utf8&persist=1&hl=en&client=google&ncl=http://www.thestar.com/NASApp/cs/ContentServer%3Fpagename%3Dthestar/Layout/Article_Type1%26c%3DArticle%26cid%3D1148681733819%26call_pageid%3D968332188492%26col%3D968793972154

Letter for Nichola
by Dorothy Lou Harris


6 Sqn “Rook Term” staff.

Ed note. Dorothy Lou Harris is the mother of 21979 Deanna Harris RMC Class of 2001who recently left the Canadian Forces following her obligatory service commitment.

Dorothy is the editor of a small rural newsletter, and she wrote the article entitled 'Letter to Nichola' shortly following the tragic event.

Click here for: Letter for Nichola

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THE ROYAL MILITARY COLLEGES CLUB OF CANADA
Toronto Branch
Seventeenth Annual Golf Tournament
Monday, 26 June 2006 - 12 PM Check-in - 1:00 PM Shotgun Start

 

Click here for details: 

http://www.rmcclub.ca/eVeritas/2006/Issue16/200616.htm#Seventeenth_Annual_Golf_Tournament

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What's Happening Around the College?

CISM Fencing
By 15566 Captain Helga Grodzinski (RMC '86)


CISM Fencing - Team Canada


Ex-Cadets and serving cadets had a major role in Canada’s second appearance at the Conseil Internationale du Sport Militaire (CISM) World Military Fencing Championship, held 21-29 April 2006 in Bucharest, Romania. This year’s championship welcomed competitors from Romania, Venezuela, Turkey, Switzerland, Norway, Belarus, Poland, Columbia, Lebanon, Sweden, Spain, Bahrain and the Netherlands. 

Comprised of members from across the CF, the CISM Fencing Team was formed around a nucleus provided by RMC. Former varsity fencer, 15318 Colonel Martin Girard, was the Chief of Mission. RMC Varsity Fencing Coach and Fencing Program Director, Patricia Howes, was the CISM team coach and brought along three of her varsity fencers, 23022 2Lt Marilyne Lafortune, 23959 Officer Cadet (II) Alexander Prymack and 24424 Officer Cadet (I) Brendan Kilburn. Another former varsity fencer, 15566 Captain Helga Grodzinski, was team manager. Major Thomas Nguyen of Toronto, Corporal Jean Lelion and Corporal Hugues Boisvert-Simard, both from Québec, rounded out the team. Two civilians accompanied the team to act as referees: Canadian Olympic fencer Joshua McGuire, and Michael Ivankovic of Toronto. 

At the end of five days of competition, Team Canada exceeded all expectations, finishing sixth of fourteen nations in the Nations Cup Challenge (overall combined standing). Canada was ranked fifth out of 14 nations in the Men’s Nations Cup and sixth out of 14 in the Women’s Nations Cup.

Individually, Canadian athletes made quite an impact. In a field of 39 athletes in Men’s Epee, Cpl Lelion placed 14th, Cpl Boisvert-Simard placed sixteenth and OCdt Kilburn 21st, for a team standing of seventh place. Out of a field of 12 athletes in Men’s Foil, OCdt Prymack placed 7th and Maj Nguyen 8th. Maj Nguyen also competed in Men’s Sabre, placing 13th. Our lone female competitor, 2Lt Lafortune placed sixth in field of 13 athletes in Women’s Foil. She also stepped in to compete in Women’s Sabre, turning in a solid sixth place in a field of 11. 

The CISM Fencing team is a strong, focused and determined sports team, which represented the CF very well at this international level.  The military component is an important part of our mission to support the CISM concept of "Friendship through Sport".  Our athletes and officials proved to be consummate ambassadors and did an excellent job of upholding this principle, not only on the piste, but also by their involvement in other aspects of this World Championships.  Our referees were professional and competent, and were even called upon to officiate culminating matches between some of the strongest nations.  Two of our fencers, 2Lt Lafortune and Major Nguyen filled spots in a second discipline in order to round out teams mixed from various nations who could not field full teams.  This permitted more fencers to compete, which benefits the sport tremendously.  Finally, our Chief of Mission, Colonel Martin Girard, was a member of the Jury of Appeal.  In the event of any disputes involving the competition, Canada had representation at the highest level of resolution. Col Girard made many very important connections in both the fencing and CISM communities and strongly promoted the value Canadian participation.  These factors, combined with an overall sixth place ranking out of 14 nations, demonstrate that Canada is a capable contender in international military fencing. The Canadian CISM Fencing Team’s solid performance at the 41st World Military Fencing Championship has greatly enhanced the reputation of the Canadian Forces in CISM.


II Year, Officer Cadet Alex Prymack in action

Click here for other photos from CISM Fencing.

 

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Grad Convocation 

http://www.thewhig.com/webapp/sitepages/content.asp?contentID=45989&catname=Local+News

Silver Cross

http://www.forces.gc.ca/site/newsroom/view_news_e.asp?id=1932

.. an almost uninterrupted presence in Iraq since 1988, when it sent soldiers to the region, says Sean Maloney, a professor at the Royal Military College of Canada ...

http://www.macleans.ca/topstories/world/article.jsp?content=20060529_127768_127768

Kingston becomes the 25th designated area

http://www.newswire.ca/en/releases/archive/May2006/24/c7485.html

Romance in Hatley Castle

http://www.lovetripper.com/castle-weddings/5292006-hatley-castle.html

Derek Hines, former Army hockey player killed in Afghanistan.
 

ESPN Tribute:  Derek Hines Wins Hearts, Minds on the Ice and on the Ground http://goarmysports.cstv.com/sports/m-hockey/spec-rel/042706aaa.html

PG list mix-ups:  In e-Veritas 16 we listed 18 Ex Cadets (that we knew of) that would be on the list.  For one reason or another, we missed four.  Our apologies and congratulations are directed to those concerned:

19735 Mark Parsons Master of Business Administration; 

16947 Bruce Chapman Master of Science / Computer Science 

14067 Cdr Ted Parkinson Master of Arts – War Studies  

M181 LCol Al Grant  Master of Arts – War Studies

We pick-up our news sources from wherever we can. Readers are encouraged to forward any item on an Ex Cadet, former staff member from any of the three military colleges.  College number & photo will make our life a lot easier.   William.oliver@rmc.ca

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FOCUS

MIXED REVIEWS: CHANGE AT RMC - THE CADET SOCIALIZATION PROJECT

Brigadier-General Lacroix' letter on the Cadet Socialization Project struck a responsive chord with me. I will never forget my first encounter with being given responsibility for a group of regular soldiers during a scheme in my third year's summer training. Although totally unprepared for the experience, I winged it and must have done OK because when the summer ended, one of the senior NCO's gave me a compliment I've never forgotten. 

So I hope this initiative succeeds. It certainly has my full support. 

3214 Phil Gunyon (RMC ’54)

I was very impressed with his article on Socialization and wanted to congratulate him and show support for his proposed change.  I was also delighted to hear the no 5s are being eliminated in favour of service uniforms.  This is long overdue and the two changes show real progressive thinking.  Hopefully the pill box hat will be next. 

In 1960, myself and twenty five other cadets in my year plus Captain Bobinski and the Associate Minister of National Defence, Pierre Sévigny had the privilege of representing Canada in Mexico City during their 100th independence celebration.  I remember parading for hours each day in the heat wearing a pill box hat that offered not protection from the sun and a heavily padded scarlet tunic.  Meanwhile, our counterparts from the USMA, the USNA, the USAFA and other military colleges from South America were wearing light, comfortably tailored dress uniforms very much unlike ours.  Even the pith helmet would be an improvement.  Hopefully there are more chances to come. 

5256 Gwyn Griffith (RMC ’61)

Change AT RMC – Social Engineering 

Come Canadians! Tous ensemble! Toss your heritage upon the fire! Hurry!

  - Andrew Coyne 

Having just received the latest e-Veritas I was shocked and appalled to read this social engineering project, namely that the #5 uniform is to be retired. I have no doubt about the speed and efficiency that these uniforms will be incinerated – nothing like making a decision irreversible!  

In any event, this People’s Transformational Army, apparently inculcated at RMC, is nothing less than historic vandalism upon a great institution. Discarding the # 5’s with their rakish headdress, stable belt, and smart battle dress jacket is a national tragedy and will ostensibly convert RMC into what Jack Granatstein referred to as a “social acculturation agency”. In short, we don’t need a cadre of clapping seals at some sort of CF Community College, but instead lion-hearted cadets who crave glory, a Queens Commission (and no Sir, not something called an “Officers Commission”) and the raw thrill of duty, dispensing with the shallow mediocrity of mainstream Canada.     

The last time I read anything so ill conceived was a recent plan to “fix” the regimental system.  Fortunately, this hit the national radar and folks like Nigel Hannaford, John Robson, Mark McIntosh to name but a few publicly pummeled this “initiative” before a national audience.  Indeed, the RMC coat of arms was also, as you may remember, a target of revisionism. The plan then was to remove the union badge, but was fortunately defeated.  

I further do not accept the assertion that this change will provide “a deeper understanding of the service cultures”.  Accepting and understanding a unit like RMC is the first step in understanding any unit, and requires commonality, uniformity, and a requirement to safeguard the inextricable links that bind the cadets with their alma mater. A CF community college is not the answer. As John Geiger said “By incessantly working to eliminate memories of the past and reinvent Canadian nationhood to fit the political agenda of the day we are in danger of losing our soul as a country.” 

Given some of the recent RMC trials such as wearing flying coveralls, CADPAT, DEU, and naval combats, etc, as daily dress I suppose it was fertile ground for this latest purge of history and tradition, but it is important that the architects of this cleansing know that they will take their rightful place alongside the Paul Hellyer’s of Canadian military history.   

In closing, Christie Blatchford summed it up well. “Canadians, I think, are starved for tradition, for honest connections to their history.”   I tend to agree.  

M0811 KF Duff (RMC’01)

Dear General Lacroix: 

When I read your recent letter regarding changes at the RMC my heart stopped. Fortunately my wife was in the room and rushed to me with a stiff shot of brandy. 

Please, please give me plenty of warning the next time you announce changes to the RMC traditions so that we can have a defilibrator at hand. Changes you may be contemplating such as: 

  • turning the dormitories into frat houses

  • turning the parade square into a parking lot

  • ridding the RMC of the visible vestiges of our history such as scarlet tunics and pill boxes

I may be missing other opportunities that you and your Sociology 101 advisors are looking at. 

One thing that you won’t succeed in doing is scaring me away from my 45th year class reunion this September. Unless of course such events are deemed too tradition oriented and are cancelled. Nor have you (yet) caused me to reconsider my annual support for the RMC Foundation. I hope that the ghosts of Billy Bishop, Cecil Merritt, Debbie Piers and other noted ex-cadets will rise up and cause you to rethink your insane strategy. 

A classmate of mine has often opined that non-graduates should never be appointed Commandant at the RMC. I thought that this was a bit too radical, but I have now joined that school of thought. Tradition is so important to a venerable institution such as the RMC, and perhaps only someone who actually attended the institution can fully appreciate the value of maintaining important traditions (such as traditional dress). Paul Hellyer's decision to rid the forces of their traditional uniforms in favour of the ugly 'Texaco' green, proved disastrous to the morale of servicemen, and was universally despised by veterans. I fear a similar result will flow from your ill-advised decision to get rid of the #5 uniform. Yes, the world is changing (when has it not been changing?); but that does not devalue the importance of maintaining important traditions. Some things should not change. This is one of them. 

I’ll close with a relevant quote from George Orwell. “There are more mediocre people in the world than excellent ones. Mediocrity succeeds because most people understand it so well." Sameness and mediocrity should not be hallmarks of our RMC. Bring back our #5 uniform and bring the seniors back from apartments in Kingston. They should be providing 24 hour a day leadership to others. Apparently this is more needed than ever. 

Yours truly, 

5045 Ralph Michael Awrey ( RMC’61)

Another good issue which I truly enjoyed.  A few comments on the Commandant's article. 

BGen Lacroix has some "interesting views" about RMC. I remember in the mid '70's when many of the 4th year Cadet were given greater leave privileges, you began to see less interaction between the Cadets within the various years.  Time with your squadron - and the interaction of all years - was an important way to develop a bond.  This was especially true during my time at the Frigate.  I would have thought that BGen Lacroix would want to build some sort of Esprit de Corps between all years rather than make us more like a Civy U.  These 4th years are just going to spend more time with their boy/girlfriends doing what young 20 something do best!!!  Whether they develop themselves to handle "personal, financial, social and workplace demands" is highly debatable. I'm almost sure that 20 year olds don't think this way.   They sure didn't when I was there.   I suspect that there will be far fewer Cadets engaged in the IM and Rep sports programs too.  I think this is a way to free up some space at the College for the other years that stay on campus. 

And speaking of Esprit de Corps, my personal view about removing the RMC uniforms and replacing it with Hellyer Greens is a cost cutting measure only.  If you want to develop a sense of belonging within the College, I would have thought that the "5's" would have been retained.  While not a fist ponder for me, it's just one more way RMC is losing its own identity. 

Perhaps in a future issue, you could list some of the other Ex Cadet comments on this policy change. 

Have a great summer.  I'll be coming down this ExCadet weekend for sure as this is our 30th reunion.  Time flies when you're confused! 

10950 Dave Hall (RMC ’77)

I noted that my old RCD buddy from decades ago and now the Commandant of RMC is planning to remove No 5 Dress for all the reasons some of us have heard before. 

Just a note that RRMC attempted this back in the 1970s and it was a dismal failure for a couple of reasons.  

One was that the uniforms could not stand up to the rigours of College life. The new “work dress” had not then been invented and so the CF uniforms used were the original green ones, worn with tunic and tie every day to class, etc. They began to fall apart fairly quickly. They were also unsuitable as College uniforms because the College rank system could not easily be adapted. I note that we now (again) have no work or garrison dress in the Army and if the daily uniforms of the CF are to be implemented, I was just wondering what that would be – surely not the present dress uniforms in 3 different colours.  

The present baggy naval work dress is not suitable nor do I suppose that the CADPAT combat clothing should be worn either. Therefore I am not quite sure which CF uniforms the Commandant intends to have cadets wear each day.  

No 5 Dress with the black naval battledress jacket, old-style army/air force wedge cap and infantry dress blue trousers filled a role at the College quite nicely and ensure that all cadets wore the same uniforms all the time when at the College. There was no problem identifying with one’s service since that happened in the summer – also quite nicely. They also stood up to the abuse of four years college service. 

But unless one had been a cadet at the College one would not know that – would one? 

This clearly appears to be a solution looking for a problem. Were other service colleges looked at (Sandhurst, West Point, USAFA, USNA, St Cyr, etc) – bearing in mind that they are all single service institutions and do not have an issue with using army, navy or air service dress if they chose to do so – but not all three at once. At least in the RRMC experiment, all cadets were in the early green “unification” dress uniforms and all were uniformly dressed (at least until the pants and tunics started falling apart). 

Anyway, the CF is full of experimentation these days. Some are well thought out, some are not, some serve other purposes than what they appear to have been designed for. My only optimism in this case is that I know the Commandant and I also know he would not do this on a whim. I also hope that no one loses the patterns for No 5 Dress – just in case they have to be made up in large quantities again. 

10218  F. Paul Crober (RMC ’74)

It has come to my attention that the Royal Military College of Canada (RMC) has modified its historic dress policy.  Specifically that the dress of the day for the Cadets will be changed from Battle Dress (5's) to the environmental dress of the day (3B's). While the RMC administration has stated that this is not a cost cutting measure but rather a method of promoting environmental awareness it has the air of budgetary number crunching. Regardless of the actual motives of the administration this confirmed change of dress policy is contrary both to the history of the College and the future direction of the Canadian Armed Forces.  

The Royal Military College of Canada is a unique experience, which grants prospective officers the opportunity to be a part of an honourable institution almost as old as their country. The history is tangible from the moment the Arch is first viewed, let alone the sense of belonging that is felt marching beneath the Arch for the first time, participating in orientation, or the traditional graduation ceremonies. Tradition embodies more than just the buildings and activities it is the pride which the cadets demonstrate daily in their unique uniforms which are distinctive from the rest of the military to represent their specific place in the Canadian Forces. Battle Dress (5's) uniforms act both as a sign of pride and belonging to the individual and are characteristic to the RMC institution.  

As a member of Joint Task Force Atlantic I have at first hand witnessed the vision of the integrated environment that is envisioned for the Canadian Forces.  It is because of these experiences I believe that the CF will ultimately suffer for this decision.  The integrated environment, navy, army, and air force already exist at RMC, where because of the unique uniforms there was no distinction between air force, army, and navy. Friendships that are forged at RMC last a lifetime, all of which supports future work in a Joint Command later on in one’s career. Inter-environment understanding and cooperation is one step closer in Canada thanks to the base that RMC provides.              

I joined a proud, historic institution whose contributions to Canada and the world have been extensive. Currently the continued gnawing of the rudder has eroded and now is undermining traditions, which in turn diminishes the RMC’s importance and usefulness to the Canadian Forces. I thus request your assistance in maintaining the tradition of the College so that we may continue this strong institution and the leaders it produces tomorrow for the future of Canadian Forces. 

22919 A.R. Shields (RMC ’04)

As always, I enjoyed reading the latest version of Veritas.  However, in Edition 016/2006, there was one article which was not complete.  The piece on the retirement of the No. 5 Order of Dress gave an excellent resume of the history behind that order of dress, but it did not mention what is replacing it.

How about including that information in an upcoming edition of Veritas, with photos of both a male and a female cadet in the new uniform? 

Cheers,

6891 Bill Aikman (RMC ‘67) 

Ed Note: Cadet dress of the day will be normally the DEU and on selected days (e.g. Wednesdays) when they will conduct military training the cadets will wear CADPAT. 
 
This is contrary to what we lead everyone to believe when we referred (in our initial release of e-V17) readers to look at the Sandhurst presentation photo where cadets and staff were dressed in CADPAT.
 
Sorry for the confusion. We will attempt to produce photos when the cadets return in September.
 
We appreciate Major Achim von Wiedner, College Logistics Officer for making us aware of our error.

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Où sont-ils?  Que font-ils?

Where are they now?  What are they doing?

De temps à autre, e-Veritas mettra en vedette un Ancien, un membre du personnel d'autrefois et ou un ami du Collège.  Ces articles seront reproduits dans le langage reçu et rarement traduits.  Nous invitons nos lecteurs à soumettre des articles a william.oliver@rmc.ca dans la langue de leur choix. From time to time, E-Veritas will focus on an Ex cadet; former staff member; and / or a friend of the college. Articles will be reproduced in the language received and in most cases not translated.  We invite readers to submit articles to william.oliver@rmc.ca in the language of their choice.
 

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  We get e-mails . . . 

I was interested to read Al Roberts' letter regarding the early testing of the scarlet tunics before their official reintroduction in 1956. I remember Al well as he was a member of No. 1 Squadron in the Stone Frigate, which I had the honour to lead. He is now my leader in the Old Brigade. 

I have an even earlier recollection of the scarlet tunic reappearing on parade. 

One day late in our final year, the Class of 54 and the rest of the Cadet Wing mustered on the square for what was to be a dress rehearsal (probably the final dress rehearsal) for our graduation parade. To my surprise, Cadet Wing Commander Alick Marshall was conspicuous by his absence. The parade proceeded under the able  command of his deputy, Cadet Squadron Leader Ron Mann. As we  performed the ceremonial marchpast and the "eyes right," there stood  Alick Marshall, resplendant in scarlet tunic and pillbox. He looked every inch the leader in scarlets as he did in blues. This was the first and last time any of us saw the new uniform as we dispersed to our various careers shortly thereafter. 

Most of the cadets on parade that day will know that Alick Marshall was killed in a flying accident a scant few weeks later.  A tragic loss of a fine leader. 

3334 Dave Wightman (RMC ’54)

I just wanted to say how much I enjoy reading eVeritas.  I really enjoyed seeing, in Edition 16, the picture of the 1965 athletes, all of whom I knew and haven't thought about for years.  

Keep up the good work. 

 6488 Terry Pyne (RMC '65)

I've been following the last few Veritas publications.  They are really good.

Not surprised since you're involved in making it so.  Keep up the good work.  May be in Kingston in June and certainly for the reunion in September.  I'll look for you.

Cheers and best wishes, 

5863 Scott Clements (RMC’63)

Indeed, I do enjoy receiving my weekly fix of events at RMC and bits of nostalgia.  Veritas magazine is very good, and getting better all the time, but I find that e-Veritas is wonderful for providing a less formal medium for communicating a wide variety of snippets of information, breaking news, and links to other sources of relevant information.

Keep up the good work.

6179 Ross Gunn (RMC '64)

Just want to thank you for eVeritas - I've enjoyed reading it in my first year at RMC and hope to read it for many more. 

In the spirit of connectedness of Alumni, I was wondering if you would access your records and find four email addresses for Alumnus who played varsity basketball while at RMC.  

Andrew Smith (Class of 1998?); William Sergeant; Mitchell Bourke; and Jeff Collins. 

These gentlemen once had their email addresses on file with us, but they have since become invalid. I would like to send them "The Hoop", which is our alumni newsletter for former basketball playing cadets.

Thanks for your help! 

Sincerely 

Nick Deshpande
OCdt (I) 24122
 

Ed note:  If any of the four mentioned former RMC basketball players (and any others) wishing to receive “The Hoop” contact us at e-Veritas and we will forward your coordinates along to Nick.

  UP

 

Extra Innings
Manches supplémentaires
 


Bill and Rolande


Graduation Weekend came and went.  The rain on Saturday morning put a bit of damper on the parade but Plan “B” worked out just fine. All the 2006 graduates received their Commissioning Scrolls in a dignified fashion by element (Sea; Land; & Air) in the Old Gym; SSM and Yeo Hall.  

We will be slowing the pace for e-Veritas over the next couple of months.  We will be splitting our efforts to research work over the summer so we can continue to produce relevant / interesting editions every time out. The other half of our efforts will be spent on recruiting memberships for the Club.  Many readers for one reason or another are not members in good standing.  

Any help you can provide by saving us phone calls / e-mails etc in this regard is much appreciated.

La fin de semaine de remise des diplômes est déjà passée.  La pluie au cours de l’avant-midi du samedi a causé des changements au défilé.  Tous les diplômés de 2006 ont reçu leur brevet d’officier avec dignité; la Marine au vieux gymnase, l’Armée de terre au Mess des officiers et des cadres et la Force aérienne à l’édifice Yeo. 

Au cours des mois d’été la publication de e-Veritas sera moins fréquente.  Nous serons quand même occupés à faire des recherches pour produire des éditions opportunes et intéressantes ainsi qu’à recruter de nouveaux membres pour le Club.  Plusieurs de nos lecteurs ne sont pas membre en règle. 

Votre aide à ce sujet est grandement appréciée et nous évite les appels téléphoniques et les courriels.
 

 

Trivia Answer: 

c.         C-47  

The C-47's most prominent claim to fame in World War II combat was in support of airborne assaults, mostly under the umbrella of the USAAF Troop Carrier Command and the British Royal Air Force (RAF) Transport Command. The RAF Transport Command found them far superior for parachute assaults than the hand-me-down Whitley bombers and other obsolescent aircraft they had been using as stopgaps. 59 Dakotas were also supplied to the British Overseas Airways Corporation (BOAC) to service regular transport routes

"Many Hands - make the burden light".   « L’aide de plusieurs rend la tâche facile »

S125 Bill & S134 Rolande Oliver

 

The eVERITAS electronic Newsletter reaches over 5,000 readers . It is a service provided by the RMC Club for Members in good standing with current addresses in the data base.  It is designed to provide timely information on current events at RMC and to keep Members "connected".  Occasionally, it will be distributed to non-members to entice them to join or renew their membership.  Membership information is available at www.rmcclub.ca

Newsworthy articles from national or local papers that may not have been available to the majority of our readers may be reproduced in e-VERITAS.  We will also publish articles in either official language as submitted by Cadets and Staff, on "current life" at RMC.  Other short “human interest stories" about Cadets, Ex-Cadets, Alumni and current and former Staff at the College will appear from time-to-time.  Readers of e-VERITAS are encouraged to submit articles in either official language to william.oliver@rmc.ca.  In particular, up-to-date “Where are they now?” articles on Ex-Cadets, Alumni and current and former Staff would be most welcome.

eVERITAS is intended as a supplement and not a replacement of Veritas, the highly popular magazine of the RMC Club printed and distributed three times a year to Members by mail.
 

 

Chaque édition du bulletin électronique e-VERITAS rejoint plus de 5,000 lecteurs.  C’est un service fourni, par le Club des CMR, aux membres dont les adresses sont à jour dans notre base de données.  Son but est de fournir des renseignements à point nommé sur les actualités au CMR et de garder en communication les membres du Club.  Occasionnellement, il sera distribué aux membres qui ne sont plus en règle espérant qu’ils renouvelleront leur carte de membre annuelle ou qu’ils deviendront membres à vie.  Les renseignements sur l’adhésion au Club sont disponibles au www.rmcclub.ca.

Articles d’intérêt national ou local qui ne sont pas disponibles à la majorité de nos lecteurs seront reproduits dans e-VERITAS.  Nous produirons aussi des articles dans l’une des deux langues officielles soumis par les élèves officiers et le personnel du Collège sur la vie actuelle au CMR.  Nous offrirons de temps à autre de courtes anecdotes sur les élèves officiers, les Anciens et les membres du personnel d’hier et d’aujourd’hui. Nous encourageons les lecteurs de e-VERITAS à soumettre des articles dans l’une ou l’autre des deux langues officielles à Rolande.Oliver@rmc.ca.  En particulier des articles récents sur « Où sont-ils présentement? » seraient grandement appréciés.

e-VERITAS est un supplément et NON une substitution pour VERITAS la revue populaire du Club des CMR imprimée et distribuée aux membres en règle, par la poste, trois fois par année.

  UP


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