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SUMMARY

1. Word of the “Liaison Officer”, LCol (ret.) Robert O. Gauthier, CD

2. Greetings from the Colonel of Regiment, BGen. Albert Geddry, CD

3. Year Review of the 12e RBC Valcartier, by LCol Pierre Huet, CD

4. Year Review of the 12e RBC Trois-Rivières, by LCol Stephan LeBlanc, CD

12

th Canadian Armoured Regiment (Three Rivers Regiment) – Perpetuated by 12

e Régiment blindé du Canada

NEWSLETTER

DECEMBER 2013

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12th

Canadian Armoured Regiment (Three Rivers Regiment) – Perpetuated by 12e Régiment blindé du Canada

DECEMBER 2013 Dear 12th CAR Veterans, Families and Friends – I sent my recent communications via internet – but I realize that some of you do not have this way of communication. So to start this coming NEW YEAR, why not return to our regular postal mail.

Here is a summary of this year’s happenings and also a tribute to those who are no longer with us. Both of our Units - <Regular and Reserve> have been quite active, as you will see the STIREP’s below, as well as a word from the Colonel of the Regiment, BGen Albert GEDDRY. The Regiments, as well as of your Museum, were affected by cuts in the Government funding’s, but as usual, the flexibility of the BLACK BERET found other ways to accomplish their tasks.

Your Museum continues to receive and update the archives and keep on receiving artefacts – produce an exceptional summer exhibition, which had as a theme <Sicily and Italy – 1943 – 1945 – the forgotten War>. Two of our 12CAR Vets – Mister Vernon DOWIE and James WHITEHALL were part of the guests at its official opening on June 12th. The 2014 summer exhibition will be back in the Armoury, as last year they had to move to the Naval Reserve Building, due to a new heating system being installed. It will be open from June 13th to August 17th – 7 days a week – its main theme will be to underline the war of 1914 – 1918. A fund raising concert for the Museum was held on May 18th with the local vocal group <VOCALYS> accompanied by the <Musique des Voltigeurs de Québec> - 200 musical lovers gathered in our <Regimental Home> and greatly appreciated their harmonious melodies and the quality of the sound in this old military building. Such a concert will be repeated again next year. On August 8th, the unveiling of a plaque that will go on a monument underlining the partaking of some the Trois-Rivières citizens to the 1812 War. Over 225 persons were present to this event, including members of the 12 RBC of Valcartier, retired commanding officers and members of the Royal Canadian Legion. Members of the Colonial Militia continued again this year, their historical animation throughout the City, dressed in colonial outfits of 1812. Remembrance ceremonies took place on November 10th and Mister Vernon DOWIE laid wreaths at the monument <CATHY> and at the >CENOTAPHE> situated downtown. In a wet snow downpour, more than 200 members of both 12 RBC Valcartier and Trois-Rivières paraded through the streets, along with the Naval Reserve, Legion and different Cadets corps.

NEWSLETTER

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On December 7th Mister Dowie also attended the traditional Troop Christmas Dinner – before the serving of the diner by the officers, a parade was held and trophies – awards – CO commendations and promotions, were distributed – very well attended by retired members of the Reserve Unit – one of which was an RSM of the militia Conrad GILBERT – 98 years old – who now lives in Quebec City – the recipients of some of the trophies are:

BGen F. Caron Trophy – presented by his son Alain Caron to Lt Chanie LAFRANCE-VEILETTE

LCol F.W. Johnson Trophy – presented by LCol (Ret) Richard DUQUET, CD to Cpl Brian CORBIN

LCol Mario GAULIN Trophy – presented by LCol (Ret) Pierre BRUNEAU to Tpr Frédéric TÉSSIER

A purse of 100$ accompanied each of these trophies donated by the Foundation of BGen Caron family – the Heirs of LCol Duquet family and Regimental friends.

ON A SADDER NOTE

TWO OF YOUR BAND OF BROTHERS LEFT US THIS YEAR

On November 6th – at the age of 93 – DONALD DAVIDGE

On December 1st – at the age of 91 – HECTOR BARCELO

Both lived a great civilian life after having served with honour and integrity the 12th Canadian Armoured Regiment (Three Rivers Regiment)

ADSUM !

Lieutenant Colonel (Retired) Robert (BOB) Gauthier,

Your ‘Liaison Officer’ HOME ADDRESS: 604 – 950 Royal St. – Trois-Rivières, Quebec – Canada – G9A 4H8

Telephone: 819-379-9088 Email: bobog@cgocable.ca

SEASON GREETINGS TO YOU ALL

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Greetings from the Colonel of the Regiment

Brigadier General Albert Geddry, CD

In August of this year it was an honour for me to represent the Regiment at ceremonies in Sicily to remember our fallen who participated in that invasion now almost 70 years ago in 1943.

12 CAR lost 19 men during the campaign in Sicily. I visited the Canadian Cemetery at Agira and paid my respects at the grave markers of our fallen.

Photo of the ceremonies at the cemetery

At certain points along the Canadian Division’s route, markers were placed to identify an area where our Canadians had fallen. Sponsors were found to pay for all 19 of our fallen whose names were engraved on the markers.

Photo shows a number of these markers.

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Picture of the Colonel of the Regiment, accompanied by our Regimental reps, presenting a plaque to the Mayor of Adrano. She also received a framed miniature of our Guidon.

As some of you may recall the landings took place at Pachino. Photo of the monument in Pachino which was dedicated during the ceremonies there. The monument was paid for by private donations.

Throughout these ceremonies, which lasted for over a week, we were all very well received by the population which lined the streets and squares showering us with applause and some cheering. Civic officials could not get enough photo opportunities with the various Canadian regimental delegations. The pipes and drums of the Seaforth Highlanders tended to attract the most enthusiasm.

The ceremonies were a private initiative under the leadership of a Montreal businessman, Steve Gregory. The Canadian Government’s support was minimal – I suppose a fitting way to honour your sacrifice in – The Forgotten War.

We will remember!

Albert Geddry Colonel of the Regiment

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Newsletter 12e RBC Valcartier

Year Review of the 12e RBC Valcartier Dear 12th CAR Veterans, again this year, I would like to put down a few words before the Holiday’s season to look back at 2013 with you. I put together a few pictures of this past year significant events showing the involvement of the young generation you can be proud of. The name of your Regiment is still sounding loud and clear all over the Canadian Forces. Here it is in chronological order: We started the year with the annual Brigade Winter Sports Competition in which the Regiment competed in sports such as the tug-of-war, snowshoe relay-race and cross-country skiing. With temperatures getting as low as -30 with the windshield, I can say our troops gave it all, wether they were competing or encouraging the contestants.

Following the winter, the Regiment confirmed its skills and knowledge with the Coyote in a shooting competition in March, Ex Sabre Cavalier, where a snow storm brought on a supplementary obstacle. The competition, which B sqn won, consisted in a technical evaluation, then a moving and a static range at the patrol level.

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The following month, in April, B sqn trained in the area of St-Raymond during Ex Sabre Chevronné, with members of A sqn acting as the enemy force. Our troops got the chance to operate in a different environment and interact with the civilian population.

In May many events occurred. First with the Cmdt’s Challenge in which the members of the Regiment attempted to break their personal record on an 8km run and max repetition of chin ups, push ups and sit ups. We also qualified some of our members on the C-16 and the NCOs had their official mess dinner. We finished the month with the military skills competition named Rothenberg.

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For the last month before the summer block leave, we participated at the brigade shooting competition and had our annual NCO-Officers softball tournament. We completed the month of June with our change of command parade. After days of practice for an outdoor parade and a mounted marched pass, we had to adjust ourselves at the last minute due to the weather and do the parade inside. After two years as CO, Lcol Stephane Boivin passed on the responsibilities of Commandant to me on June 28th.

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Once the summer break was over, a new event was added to the training schedule. Each last Friday of the month, there would be a Cmdt’s PT. And so it started with a race around the base with stretchers, followed by a race in the Myriam Bedard’s trails with sandbags, but also a sports day as well as another Cmdt’s Challenge.

Beginning of August, A sqn, which was tasked with the duties of Immediate Response Unit, flew to Whitehorse for OP Nanook. They worked with civilian organisation in a scenario where they had to protect the neighborhoods of Whitehorse from a fire. It was also a great time to get in touch with the population and explore some of the wilderness of the area.

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September was a time to shine with different competitions. At the Worthington Challenge, which was held in Gagetown between the 23rd and 27th, our two crews took respectfully the first place for the 25mm shoot and the second place for the 105 mm shoot. At the same time, back in Valcartier on the 24th-25th, our team fought hard against the rest of the brigade on an obstacle course competition in which we arrived 2nd overall.

The fall period, even without any major exercise, wasn’t any less busy, each squadron had more than one exercise to keep their troops up to date with their skills and the Regiment also deployed in the province of Quebec for the national exercise Réaction Royale. On top of those exercises, the Armour school also exported the Patrol Commander course which was given by D squadron in Valcartier’s training area. Finally, for a period of two weeks, every squadron measured their skills in shooting with the 25mm canon with a troop level tactical scenario as well as some moving and static shooting.

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We completed the year with our traditional week of celebration. The NCO- Officers hockey and broomball games were both some very exciting matches with tight scores, making the NCO winners for another year for hockey, but the officers fought hard enough to even the scores for broomball. The “dîner de la troupe” started with a parade with BGen (ret) Geddry, then everybody moved to the kitchen where the traditional diner was served.

We also took the time to have one of the first regimental picture taken by a professional photograph, the final product being more than 1meter long.

Finally, on behalf of the Officers, NCO’s and Troopers of le 12e RBC

Valcartier, I would like to wish you and your Family a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year 2014.

It’s always a pleasure to meet you and keep in touch with you. Please be

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reassured that we are proud of what you accomplished and that you can be proud of the troopers of the young generation that are working hard to keep up to your example.

Adsum!

LCol Pierre Huet, CWO Jacques Roy, CO 12e RBC RSM 12e RBC

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Newsletter 12e RBC Trois-Rivières

Lcol Stéphan LeBlanc, CD CO 12e RBC, Trois-Rivières

Dear 12th CAR Veterans, once again, I would like to write a few words before the holiday season to look back at 2013 with you. I put together a few pictures of this past year’s significant events showing the involvement of a younger generation you can be proud of. The name of your Regiment is still sounding loud and clear all over the Canadian Forces. Here it is in chronological order:

Last May during a brigade soldier’s skills competition, our Regimental team finished fourth out of twelve units even beating infantry units! Well done to Cpl Sanscartier, Cpl Lachapelle-Desaulniers, Cpl Trottier and MCpl Lapointe (below).

Also in May, we held our first Concert Gala to raise money for our Museum. With the Federal financial constraints, we have to raise funds if we want to keep our history alive. The Concert organized by Maj Gaulin, regimental 2IC, collected $8,000! If you have access to the internet you can see the concert on Youtube held in our very own Drill Hall. The Vocalys Singing Group and the Voltigeur’s band performed magnificently and the acoustics in the building are incredible. Here is a link showing the men’s choir singing their version of La Belle Eugenie: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kuhX3VyR04o .

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This year’s Museum exposition took place a few blocks away due to major work in our Drill Hall. The local Navy Unit HMCS Radisson lent us their gymnasium and the exposition was inaugurated on June 13 by the Colonel of the Regiment, BGen Geddry, in the presence of LGen Maisonneuve, and two 12CAR representatives: Mr Dowie and Mr Whitehall. This year’s theme was appropriately named “The Forgotten War – Sicily and Italy campaign” to mark the 70th anniversary of Op Husky.

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In the spirit of remembering Op Husky, Company Canada (a civilian organization), organized Battlefield tours of Sicily, stopping for short ceremonies in each place where a Canadian soldier fell. Many bought markers that were left for each fallen comrades throughout the Country. Below a picture of our Regimental reps giving a plaque to the Mayor of Adrano.

Last summer saw the return of The Eagles baseball team in Trois-Rivières and a Regimental delegation joined in to cheer for our locals.

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The 1812 War commemoration is still ongoing until 2015. At the beginning of August, the Museum joined with the City Heritage organization to unveil a plaque in the Trois-Rivières downtown area to recognize the fallen during the War. In the picture, we recognize M. Robert - our Museum Director, CWO Léger-Fréchette the RSM, Mr Lévesque the Trois-Rivières Mayor, the Local Heritage President, the regimental Honorary LCol - LCol Ayotte, and myself the CO - LCol LeBlanc.

The Grand Prix de Trois-Rivières (an annual event) invited the Canadian Forces again this year for their Racing weekend. Our field Flag was deployed for the National Anthem under the orders of Capt Jean-Yves Moreau.

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All of our people are now back from Afghanistan. Master Warrant Officer Dominique Plourde was the last one to return from Kabul this summer. As he was “acting lacking” for its deployment, I promoted him to his actual rank during a firing range visit in Valcartier.

The training year started on September 7th with a regimental picture in front of the Armoury:

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The Regiment Recce Squadron deployed four times during the fall under the command of Major Bruno Bergeron. The photo is from a weekend exercise in Thetford Mines, Quebec.

In October, our good friends “The Vandoos “ launched their 100th anniversary with a Mess Dinner in Honor of all units that help raised the 22nd Battalion back in 1914. For our Regiment’s support by sending francophone soldiers along with a dozen other units, we were presented with a Mozaïque representing the “RTR”. In the picture are all the Douzièmes that were in attendance at the Dinner held in St-Jean, including BGen Jean-Marc Lanthier the new 2nd Canadian Division Commander (Quebec area).

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Other training pictures:

As usual, Remembrance Day activities were held all over the country on November 10th and 11th. With a Guard from 12e RBC Valcartier and a Guard from 12e RBC Trois-Rivières, this year’s ceremony was again a great success with more than 200 people braving the snow. In the photo below is Mr Dowie, your 12CAR rep, laying a wreath in front of Cathy, our memorial Sherman:

This year’s annual Christmas Troop Dinner and Parade saw the promotion and arrival of our new Regimental Sergeant Major, CWO Jacques Hébert. I passed the regimental cane between him and the outgoing RSM CWO Léger-Fréchette in front of the troops and a crowd of friends.

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In Memoriam I would like to end my letter by saluting two of our 12 CAR comrades that passed away recently: Mr Donald Davidge and Mr Hector Barcelo who was with us no later than October 2012 to unveil a plaque that was put on our Memorial Tank “Cathy”. We will remember them !

Mr Donald Davidge Mr Hector Barcelo

Memories: If you have a chance to see the ‘Greatest Tank Battles’ episode 21, it’s about the 1st Canadian Armoured Division drive during the Campaign of Italy. Mr Dowie and Mr Griffiths appear to witness some of the Three Rivers Regiment Battles. Also, on the electronic side, if you have access to internet, feel free to visit the 12RBC Association Website. There is Tab about 12CAR that should get better with more details and souvenirs in the coming months: (http://www.12rbc.ca/nouvelles/358-12th-car).

Finally, on behalf of the Officers, NCO’s, and Troopers of the 12e Régiment blindé du Canada – Trois-Rivières,

I would like to wish you and your family a

Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year 2014.

It’s always a pleasure to meet you and keep in touch with you. Please be reassured that we are proud of what you accomplished and that you can be proud of the troopers of the next

generation that are working hard to keep up to your example.

Adsum !