We have been offered 2 dates for use of the ST Trainer at Mewata Armories (801 11 ST SW, Calgary). This is the rifle trainer used by the Calgary Highlanders. This is a great experience for the cadets, especially if they like shooting! This is not mandatory, but fun for the cadets!
Sections 1-3 will go on Feb 9 1830-2100
Sections 3-6 and the Air Rifle team on Feb 23 1830-2100
Cadets can wear combats or civilian clothing.
Be aware there is another cadet corps parading there on thursday evenings so cadets must be on their best behavior.
Parents are welcome to stay, there might be time for you to shoot too! There will be no car pooling, cadets are welcome to post below if they need a ride. We really hope everyone can join in this great opportunity!!
If you cannot attend on that day for any reason just let Capt. Mark know and we can switch days, as long as there will be half the cadet corps attending on each day, more shooting relays will be allotted!
In Flanders fields the poppies blow
Between the crosses, row on row,
That mark our place; and in the sky
The larks, still bravely singing, fly
Scarce heard amid the guns below.
We are the Dead. Short days ago
We lived, felt dawn, saw sunset glow,
Loved and were loved, and now we lie
In Flanders fields.
Take up our quarrel with the foe:
To you from failing hands we throw
The torch; be yours to hold it high.
If ye break faith with us who die
We shall not sleep, though poppies grow
In Flanders fields.
While the entire Calgary Highlanders regiment did not deploy to Afghanistan, many Over 50 Calgary Highlanders were among the soldiers deployed there. Overall, 20 percent of Canada’s military force in Afghanistan was made up of reservists. Several Highlanders were awarded commendations. In the end, several Calgarians died in Afghanistan.
Master Corporal Josh Roberts
Corporal Michael Starker
A Canadian Forces in Afghanistan tribute. Some amazing pictures.
After South Beveland was secured, the only land route to Walcheren Island – last holdouts on the Scheldt Estuary – was a long causeway just 40 metres wide and over 1000 metres long. The Slooe Channel through which the Causeway ran was too shallow for assault boats, and the salt marshes and mud made the way impassable to land vehicles or marching infantry. On Hallowe’en Night, the Calgary Highlanders followed up a disastrous attack by the Black Watch on the Causeway, and managed to force a shallow bridgehead on the far end. Fierce fighting ensued, and the Highlanders were relieved by Le Regiment de Maisonneuve on 1 November. Sixty-four Highlanders were killed or wounded in the action; the ferocity of the fighting was testified to by the actions of Sergeant Emil Laloge, who was awarded the Distinguished Conduct Medal for, among other things, picking up German grenades and throwing them back at the enemy before they could explode among his men. This battle is commemorated each year by the Regiment with a drumhead ceremony and visit from the Dutch community.
For more information on the Calgary Highlanders at Ypres and other areas, read the description of the Calgary Highlanders Battle Honours.
The Calgary Highlanders at Menin Gate, Yipres during their battlefield tour in 2010.
Following the Menin Gate Memorial opening in 1927, the citizens of Ypres wanted to express their gratitude towards those who had given their lives for Belgium’s freedom. As such, every evening at 20:00, buglers from the local fire brigade close the road which passes under the Memorial and sound the Last Post. Except for the occupation by the Germans in World War II when the daily ceremony was conducted at Brookwood Military Cemetery, in Surrey, England, this ceremony has been carried on uninterrupted since 2 July 1928. On the very evening that Polish forces liberated Ypres in the Second World War, the ceremony was resumed at the Menin Gate despite the fact that heavy fighting was still taking place in other parts of the town.
The Second Battle of Ypres in 1915 was the first major action for the First Canadian Division, with whom the 10th Battalion served. It was also the first instance on the Western Front of the use of poison gas as a weapon of war. A wide scale German attack using this gas routed two entire French Divisions, but the First Canadian Division held firm, at a cost of some 6,000 of its 10,000 men. It was during this battle that the St. Julien battle was fought, and the counter-attack at Kitcheners’ Wood was mounted, for which the Oak Leaf shoulder badge distinction was eventually granted. St. Julien’s Day is commemorated annually by the Regiment, and one of the Regiment’s official toasts is “To The Glorious 22nd of April.”
The Third Battle of Ypres in 1917 describes very large operations in this area, including the Battle of Passchendaele.
For more information on the Calgary Highlanders at Ypres and other areas, read the description of the Calgary Highlanders Battle Honours.
Here is video of Yipres
Battle of Ypres Tribute
Passchendaele
Filmed near Calgary, actor Paul Gross portraied his own grandfather in the motion picture Passchendaele. Paul Gross’ father, Michael Dunne, served as a Sergeant in the 10th Battalion, one of the predecessor units of the Calgary Highlanders, and whose Battle Honours the Calgary Highlanders perpetuate. Details about the film are available at the two links below. Sgt. (Ret) Russell who has often helped the cadets, was also involved with this movie.
Just a reminder that parade on Oct 12, 2011 will be held at the Military Museums in Calgary from between 1800-1820 and be done by 2115-2130ish.. Learning the Calgary Highlanders history is an important part of the Airdrie Army Cadets and cadets are required to pass a test about the history of the unit before they can get their glenns. Furthermore, cadets who have not earned their glenns are not eligible for Highland Kit (regardless of rank).
Promotions will also be done at this parade. Dress is full uniform or nice dress clothes if you do not yet have a uniform. Cadets should bring a pen and a notepad to take notes.
If your cadet needs a reader for the exam, please let Capt. Mark know beforehand.
There is no car-pool being arranged and cadets are responsible for arranging their own transportation.
We are doing a car pool again and cadets carpooling MUST be at Tim Horton’s by TotemNO LATER than 1745 (5:45 pm). We will leave at that time and will not return until 2130 (9:30 pm) at the same location. We have 57 cadets, so the more drivers the better.
Cadets will be shooting the C7 rifle in the simulator at the armouries, they will also be able to buy stuff at the gift shop and look around the armouries. They might get the chance to speak with some of the soldiers if time permits. Parents are welcome to attend, parking will be at the Science Center. Cadets can wear “Field Traing Dress” (combat clothing or civilian clothing with the corps shirt).
They MUST be on their best behaviour, the Calgary Highlander Reservists parade in the same building during the time that we will be there.
On 13 Oct 2010 we will be attending the Military Museums on Crowchild trail, in Calgary. The cadets will get regimental training done with 2 retired soldiers from the Calgary Highlander Regiment. New cadets must participate in a 40 minute presentation about the Calgary Highlander Regiment and then write a multiple choice test after the presentation. Cadets will be required to get at least a 70% to pass the exam. Once they have passed the exam cadets will be awarded and honoured to wear a Glengarry and Calgary Highlander cap brass. Cadets will receive them in November or December when our shipment arrives.
We will be meeting at the Tim Hortons on the WEST side by TOTEM at 1745 (5:45) on Wed 13 Oct. We will be leaving the museum at approx 2045(8:45) and returning back at Tim Hortons for pick up at 2115(9:15). If parents can drive, they need to fill out the drivers log. Please let me know how many cadets that you can hold in your vehicle and if your son or daughter needs a ride please let me know via email. We need to transport 50 cadets so if you can find time to drive that would REALLY help us out. Parents can also tour the museum for FREE on this night.
If the cadets can bring some food for the food bank (veterans) that would be great.
Please let Capt. Mark know know by 11 Oct if you can/cannot drive.
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