THE POWDER HORN
Monthly Newsletter
October 2025
COMMAND TEAM UPDATE
Throughout October, members of The Queen’s Own Rifles of Canada showcased their capabilities across a spectrum of activities and exercises.
In the middle of the month, Parachute Company deployed to CFB Trenton for Exercise QUICK RIG 2. Under overcast skies, a platoon of jumpers descended upon DZ Hodgson with full equipment, where they rehearsed their rendezvous and link-up drills.
At the same time, retired and serving Riflemen alike partook in the Maple Leaf Rifle Club annual range day at CFB Borden. Aside from the camaraderie, hot meal and familiarization with legacy service weapons like the Lee Enfield, it was noteworthy with this being the final event hosted by Sergeant Fabry as president.
The Regiment continued their overall focus on live-fire tactics and competence, as they moved to 4 CDTC Meaford on the second last weekend for Exercise MAROON SWORD 2. Building-upon their success on pairs ranges earlier in the fall, the unit deliberately and methodically evolved to conducting live-fire section attacks and trench clearing. This training is critical not only towards promoting overall readiness, but to preparing the soldiers mentally and physically for the challenges of contemporary operating environments in the Baltics and Eastern Europe. Joined by members of The Royal Regiment of Canada and the Lorne Scots, over almost 100 Army Reservists moved through all ranges under the close supervision of experienced officers and non-commissioned range staff. This was the final preparatory gateway prior to commencing platoon-level live-fire in November.
Just prior to Halloween, the Regiment was visited at Moss Park Armoury by the new Commander of 4th Canadian Division, Brigadier-General Landry. During his time in Toronto, he was shown practical demonstrations of parachuting refresher drills, crew-served machine-gun training and walk-through practice of platoon hasty attacks, in preparation for Exercise MAROON SWORD 3. It was an important moment to practically display the dedication and professionalism that goes into solidifying the Regiment’s exceptional and unique reputation.
In Pace Paratus
Chris Boileau
Lieutenant-Colonel
Commanding Officer
Justin Thorn
Chief Warrant Officer
Regimental Sergeant Major
who are we remembering?
Major John M. Stephens, CD (Ret'd)
Director and Archivist
Tomorrow, as we do every year on November 11th, at 1100 hours, most of us will stop to remember those who gave the ultimate sacrifice during the First and Second World Wars. Many will attend ceremonies at cenotaphs in every village, town and city across the country. Canadian networks will broadcast live from the “national” service of remembrance in Ottawa, after which people will lay their poppies on the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.
QOR Association Update
Greetings QOR Regimental Family,
As we enter the Fall months and welcome the Winter, the Association will be participating in numerous events. This year, the Poppy Campaign ran from October 31st to November 11th. I know members will be busy going to school or events in the community, as I have been doing on the Memory Project. As President of the Association, I would like to express my gratitude to those members that have assisted with these events.
For those members that have passed away recently — Major (Ret’d) Harry Rollo, CD (who joined QOR in 1949) and Korean War veteran Ron Jewel (President of the QOR South Western Chapter) — We Will Remember Them.
And to members and family members that are dealing with health issues, we wish you all the best.
On behalf of the QOR Association (Toronto Branch), congratulations to Commanding Officer LCol Chris Boileau, MSM, CD on receiving the Meritorious Service Medal. The ceremony took place at the Citadelle of Québec. The Association would also like to congratulate Sgt Tom Fabry, who just retired after 40 years of service to the QOR. Tom is also the President of the QOR Maple Leaf Rifle Club.
The QOR Association (Toronto Branch) is now on the 1860 Club platform; just click the link below to find information and events of the Association!
Queen’s Own Rifles of Canada Association | Support & Events — 1860 Club
In Pace Paratus
CWO (Ret'd) Brian Budden, CD
President & Health & Welfare Chairman
QORA (Toronto Branch)
Canadian Infantry Association
My name is LCol (Ret’d) Doug Johnson. I commanded the Lorne Scots from 1997-2000. I write to you today as the President of the Central Ontario Branch of the Canadian Infantry Association. The Central Ontario Branch is made up of all Infantry units in 32 Brigade.
The CIA has been around since 1912. All Infantry Regiments are members of the Association. Traditionally The Commanding Officers of each unit have been the ones representing the Regiments at meetings. Its purpose is to support and advance the Infantry profession. We belong to the Conference of Defence Associations as do all the other military trade organizations such as Engineers, Intelligence, as well as the other two services. We are independent of the DND or the CAF so we can represent our members on Infantry issues.
We have recently begun to revise the organization of the organization. We have now opened the membership so that all Infanteers, regardless of rank regular force or reserve, can become members rather than just the units. There is no cost to join CIA. I write to you to solicit your help in reaching out to your members, both active and retired, to make them aware of CIA and encourage them to join. They can visit the website for more information at www.ducimus.army and complete the form under the membership category. Again, there is no cost to joining.
We appreciate your help in getting this information out and encouraging membership. Should you have any questions please feel free to respond to this email or call me at 905-321-5462.
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.
Watch and Shoot (Upcoming Events)
December 3rd, 2025
Soldiers' Holiday Dinner
December 6th, 2025
Officers’ Mess Luncheon
December 7th, 2025
Family Holiday Party
June 3rd, 2026
Normandy Dinner at Casa Loma
August 28th, 2026
QOR of C Golf Tournament
For more events, please consult the calendar of events.
Trust Fund and Fundraising Update
Since the launch of the 1860 Club, our members have donated over $500,000 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
Maroon Beret Newsletter (Sept 2025) — https://www.canadianairborneforces.ca/maroonberet
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/
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