THE POWDER HORN
Monthly Newsletter
January 2024
COMMAND TEAM UPDATE
After a hectic autumn schedule, The Queen’s Own Rifles of Canada were stood-down from routine parade activity for a slightly longer respite than usual. In what seemed like the blink of an eye however, the unit entered the New Year and resumed activity.
The Command Team were brought to Denison Armoury in the middle of January, where Commander Canadian Army, LGen Paul, shared his vision of the near-future. A focal point of the dialogue was the coming surge of personnel and resources to bolster NATO forces in Latvia, which will demand a significant commitment of Reservists between 2025 and 2026.
Honorary Colonel Major-General (Retired) Fraser and Honorary Lieutenant-Colonel Minhas recently travelled to Toronto for a conference and were met by myself and the RSM. Discussions related to plans for the next few years, including key commemorative activities. Prominent amongst these, was conversation regarding the upcoming 80th Anniversary of the D-Day landings in Normandy, France.
The Regiment concluded the month by conducting Exercise MAROON FROST 1. In search of reliable snow conditions, members deployed to an austere training area near Sudbury. Several dozen soldiers commenced their first full weekend of the Cold Weather Operator course, which serves as an introduction to winter survival and warfare techniques. While those students skied across the frozen landscape, they were supported by their peers who were learning to drive and operate snowmobiles. The unseasonable conditions proved conducive to Normandy Company getting an opportunity to practice employing their UAS system and begin integrating the platform’s capabilities within reconnaissance detachments.
In Pace Paratus
Chris Boileau
Lieutenant-Colonel
Commanding Officer
Justin Thorn
Chief Warrant Officer
Regimental Sergeant Major
D+80 Fundraising Campaign Update
The D-Day+80 Fundraising Campaign will be coming to a close as of April 1st, 2024. We are currently in a position where we are on track to send a full contingent of 65 serving members.
We still have 20 Riflemen to be sponsored in our "Sponsor a Rifleman" campaign. This permits a donor to sponsor the travel and accommodation of an individual, serving Rifleman in the name of one of our Fallen for this historic and momentous occasion.
Additionally, if you would like to become a Founder for the 1860 Club, you may do so by making a Founder's donation to the D+80 campaign. If you are an existing Founder, we would respectfully like to encourage continuous, annual donations. Not only will it elevate your status within the 1860 Club, it will support future events and undertakings by The Queen's Own Rifles of Canada.
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
Book Review
The Book: “Cyprus: An Ancient People, a Troubled History, and One Last Chance for Peace”
The Authors: (Former QOR Honorary Colonel) Lawrence Stevenson and historian Glynnis Stevenson.
Lawrence and Glynnis Stevenson’s “Cyprus: An Ancient People, a Troubled History, and One Last Chance for Peace” is a meticulous and insightful examination of the multifaceted history and contemporary challenges faced by the island nation of Cyprus. This book not only serves as a historical account but also sheds light on the ongoing struggle for peace in a region marked by deep-rooted conflicts.
The authors delve into the ancient history of Cyprus, providing readers with a solid foundation for understanding the cultural richness that has shaped the island. From the earliest civilizations to the Ottoman and British occupations, the book meticulously traces the various influences that have left an indelible mark on Cyprus and its people. The narrative is both engaging and accessible, making it suitable for readers with varying levels of familiarity with the region.
What sets this book apart is its focus on the contemporary challenges faced by Cyprus. The authors skillfully navigate through the complex web of political, social, and cultural issues that have contributed to the ongoing tensions on the island. They provide a balanced perspective, presenting the viewpoints of all major stakeholders involved in the conflict.
The exploration of the numerous attempts at reconciliation and peace-building efforts is particularly enlightening. The authors analyze the impact of international interventions, diplomatic initiatives, and grassroots movements, offering readers a nuanced understanding of the intricate dynamics at play.
The strength of “Cyprus” lies in its ability to humanize the conflict. Through personal stories, anecdotes, and interviews, the authors bring to life the experiences of individuals affected by the troubled history of Cyprus. This approach adds a human dimension to the narrative, fostering empathy and a deeper connection with the subject matter.
Despite the challenges explored in the book, the authors leave readers with a sense of hope. The title, “One Last Chance for Peace,” suggests that the book is not merely a recounting of the past but a call to action for a more harmonious future. The concluding chapters offer thoughtful insights into potential paths forward and emphasize the importance of collective efforts in achieving lasting peace.
In conclusion, “Cyprus: An Ancient People, a Troubled History, and One Last Chance for Peace” is a commendable work that skillfully combines historical analysis with contemporary relevance. Lawrence and Glynnis Stevenson’s comprehensive and well-researched approach makes this book an essential read for anyone interested in understanding the complexities of Cyprus and the ongoing pursuit of peace in the region.
“Cyprus: An Ancient People, a Troubled History, and One Last Chance for Peace” is available in hard copy and Kindle on Amazon.ca.
You can read more about the QOR 1st Battalion’s 1965 and the 2nd Battalion’s 1967 tours in Cyprus. The latter includes a visit by the Colonel of the Regiment, Colonel J. G. K. Strathy.
Rifleman Perry James Hoare was killed in a motor vehicle accident during the 1st Battalion’s deployment. (Image of his funeral below)
Rifleman (later Chief) Percy Joe also talks about his experience in Cyprus (including a rather tense encounter) in his “Museum Conversations” interview on the Museum’s YouTube channel.
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
Happy New Year to the QOR Regimental Family!
Wishing you and your families all the best for 2024.
Once again I want to thank the QOR members that have paid their Association Dues for 2024. For those that have not paid their dues, please reconsider or your name will be taken off our Association list at the end of February.
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)
February 24, 2024
Toronto Garrison Officers’ Ball
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