THE POWDER HORN
Monthly Newsletter
February 2024
COMMAND TEAM UPDATE
The Queen’s Own Rifles of Canada continued preparations for winter warfare, despite the unusually warm weather. A lack of snow forced the cancellation of a snowmobile course at the beginning of February, for the first time in recent memory.
The Command Team attended the Royal Canadian Military Institute to celebrate the cadre of museum volunteers, who have dedicated innumerable hours to preserving this Regiment’s heritage. Curator John Stephens and Deputy Curator Shaun Kelly oversaw the event, which acknowledged those tirelessly working within our Casa Loma exhibits.
At the end of the month, the Regimental Family Working Group met at the Royal Canadian Military Institute. Comprised of the serving Command Team, Regimental Senate, Association, 1860 Club and Honoraries, members undertook the daunting task of establishing a 5-Year Plan for future fundraising activities.
Several members of the Officers' Mess attended the annual Toronto Garrison Officers' Ball, hosted this year by the Royal Canadian Air Force. HLCol Minhas was in attendance, who had her first opportunity to conduct a ‘double-past’ in front of a cheering audience.
The unit successfully completed Exercise MAROON FROST 2, where once again soldiers headed north to conclude the Cold Weather Operator course. All Regimental candidates were successful, as they gained valuable knowledge about winter survival and foraging techniques.
In Pace Paratus
Chris Boileau
Lieutenant-Colonel
Commanding Officer
Justin Thorn
Chief Warrant Officer
Regimental Sergeant Major
D+80 Fundraising Campaign Update
As we wrap up our fundraising campaign for the D-Day+80 campaign, we would like to share that we have 20 Riflemen available to be sponsored. If you are interested in sponsoring a Rifleman in the name of one of our Fallen on June 6th, 1944, you may do so at https://www.1860club.ca/d80.
We would also like to recognize Honorary Lieutenant-Colonel (Retired) Lionel J. Goffartfor supporting the D+80 campaign again by funding our price match campaign. As one of only two Normandy-level donors, this is not the first that he has supported the unit's privately funded commemorative visits.
Some of HLCol Goffart's many contributions include:
In 2014, his financial support enabled 30 Riflemen to attend a Battlefield Tour of North-West Europe, concluding with a major commemorative event at Canada House.
In 2017, he sponsored 85 Riflemen to a Battlefield Tour of North-West Europe that culminated with the Vimy 100 commemorative event.
In 2018, he financed the construction of new Regimental Battle Honours that were installed above the Regimental Headquarters at Moss Park Armoury.
In 2019, he sponsored 35 Riflemen to attend a Battlefield Tour of North-West Europe for the 75th Anniversary of D-Day, which consisted of multiple commemorative events in the region and culminated in a major ceremony at Canada House (above).
In 2022, he financed a 30-Riflemen contingent to participate in a Battlefield Tour of the Netherlands that consisted of multiple commemorative events, culminating in a headstone rededication for Lt J.G. Kavanagh.
These visits have positively impacted the Regiment, Canadian Army, and Canadian Armed Forces (CAF). They have helped preserve Regimental history by enabling serving members to attend events that commemorate the Regiment's journey, sacrifice and triumphs in North-West Europe during both World Wars. In addition, the Regiment has been able to provide a meaningful presence at memorials and commemorations that would otherwise have no CAF presence. Furthermore, they have built meaningful relationships with communities which the Regiment fought in France and the Netherlands. Finally, these trips have contributed to the QOR becoming the largest Primary Army Reserve unit in Canada, through their effect on recruiting and retention.
D-Day Garden of Remembrance Plaques
Have a plaque dedicated for the 80th anniversary of D-Day in our Garden of Remembrance!
In remembrance of a veteran, a family member, a regiment—a very fitting tribute in an unique location—and a way to support the association, the maintenance of the House and all of its activities (ceremonies, wreaths, etc). All of our activities are self-funded or funded through donations.
Plaques can be ordered for 100€ (or equivalent in CDN) by bank transfer or through PayPal. All we need is your (short) text and cap badge or crest in .jpeg format—we take care of the plaque once we get your approval on final design! Your plaque will be added to our wall shortly before D-Day +80 or whenever you would like to see this happen.
Interested? Please contact Nicole Hoffer at nicole.hoffer1952@gmail.com.
Thank you,
Nicole Hoffer
&
Gauthier Hebbelynck
Président de l’Association
Capitaine (H.) de The Queen’s Own Rifles of Canada
QOR Regular Force Service Survey
The QOR Museum does not hold service records for those that served in the Cold War era, Regular Force Battalions and Depot; but does hold many other records and photographs from that period. We would like to collect as much information about those that served which we'll include in our Collections Management Database.
This database includes all the objects, photographs and archival records in our museum and allows us to "tag" these items to specific people. For example, if we have a group photograph with the names listed below, we tag the record with the names of those people. The People section of our database then allows you to look up a person to see all the items connected to them, and other basic information we might have on them - such as when and where they served. There are currently over 4,700 records in our People section. You can check out this page to see how this works.
NOTE: If we already have a Rifleman profile on our website for you here, it is not necessary to complete this form unless you have additional information to add or correct.
This information will be publicly accessible with few exceptions. The information you provide is optional, that said, we'd very much appreciate if you could provide us with as much info as you are comfortable with.
By completing this survey, you give permission to The Queen's Own Rifles of Canada Regimental Museum and Archive to record and make available your responses in our Collection Management System including the Public Access module.
If you have any questions regarding this request, you can email me at museum@qormuseum.org
Thank you in advance for helping us with this project!
Click HERE to complete the survey which should only take a few minutes.
Maj (Ret'd) John M. Stephens, CD
QOR Museum Director
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.
QOR Association Update
February was a quiet month for the Association!
Regimental Family Working Group (February 24th, RCMI)
This is where each representative of a sub-unit (Association, Trust Fund, Museum & Archives, etc.) comes prepared to discuss key dates and events over the next 5 years
The Association supports Regimental BBQs, functions, catered meals, the golf tournament, family days, Regimental parades, the Festive Holiday Dinner, VAC assistance, and the visitation of QOR members at hospital and long-term care homes.
In addition, the Association has a Keep Connected Group with 68 members across Canada, the UK & US, as well as a quarterly luncheon.
QORA (Toronto Branch) AGM
Date: Saturday, April 13th, 2024
Location: Royal Canadian Legion Highland Creek Branch 258 (305 Morrish Road, Toronto, ON M1C 1E9)
Agenda
9:30-10:00 a.m. - Coffee, Tea, and Pastries
10:00 a.m. - Meeting to start
12:00 p.m. - Lunch
1:00-2:00 p.m. - Open Discussion/meeting concludes
Dress: QOR Regimental Blazer/Casual
Once again we want to thank the QOR members that have paid their Association Dues for 2024.
Regular member - $25.00 a year
Serving Member’s (MCpls and below) - $10.00 a year
To pay by e-mail:
The address is qora-tor-treasurer@rogers.com (No password)
To pay by mail:
The Queen’s Own Rifles of Canada Association (Toronto Branch) Association Dues
1235 Trafalgar Road
PO Box 84024
Oakville, ON L6H 3J0
It is our goal to make sure our Association remains one of the most active military associations in Canada. By sending your dues, you are part of a 108 year tradition of service to The Queen’s Own Rifles of Canada Association.
Also, if you know of a former member or anyone that would be interested in becoming a member, please don’t hesitate to contact us.
If you have let your membership lapse, please use this opportunity to rejoin the QOR Toronto Association, and become part of the QOR Regimental family!
To those in hospital or at home, we wish you all a speedy recovery.
In Pace Paratus
CWO (Ret'd) 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.
Air Canada Promotional Code for D-Day+80
Are you considering travel to France for the 80th anniversary of D-Day and the Battle of Normandy this June? Air Canada is offering a discount for travel to several European countries during the anniversary period that you may wish to take advantage of:
Economy and Premium Economy: with promotion code PJ6XJHD1, you will receive a $150 discount on the booking of any Standard fares or higher. This offer is valid for bookings made before May 31, 2024, for travel to any destination in France, Belgium, the Netherlands, and Great Britain during the May 26-June 15 period. It is also valid on AC codeshare flights with United Airlines and Lufthansa.
Business Class travel: With promotion code NJ79FJ61, you will receive a 10% discount off Business Class fares for travel to Paris, France, from May 26 to June 15, 2024.
For more details about the 80th anniversary of D-Day and the Battle of Normandy, including ceremony information, please visit the Juno Beach Centre.
Watch and Shoot (Upcoming Events)
April 13, 2024
QORA (Toronto Branch) AGM
April 26, 2024
164th Regimental Birthday
June 1-8, 2024
D-Day 80th Anniversary Trip (Mess Dinner on June 6)
For more events, please consult the calendar of events.
Trust Fund and Fundraising Update
Auditor needed for Trust Fund
After many years of providing our Audit on a pro bono basis, our Auditor has informed us that he will no longer be doing our Audit due to his retirement.
An annual Audit of our Financial Statements is not a legal requirement, but the Trustees feel that it is important practice that ensures that the Trust is being run within legal and regulatory requirements as a well as adhering to the requirements of the Declaration of Trust.
The Trust Fund is asking the Regimental Family/1860 Club Members if they have any suggestions for the position of Auditor or contacts who may be suitable and/or interested in being our Auditor. Please forward any suggestions or contacts to: qorofctf@gmail.com
Thank you,
Maj (Ret’d) Anthony Schultz, CD
President
The Queen’s Own Rifles of Canada Trust Fund
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