Monthly Newsletter
October 2026
COMMAND TEAM UPDATE
“Then summer fades and passes and October comes."
When last we wrote, daylight hours were still not yet at their apex. As has been the case over the past three summers, much has occurred.
As part of the implementation of Tactical Group PARATUS, The Queen’s Own Rifles of Canada received direction to conduct an eastward expansion, into the Region of Durham. This was not without historical precedent, however; briefly, from 1860 to 1862, the Regiment maintained the Volunteer Highland Rifle Company, from Whitby, on strength. On 18 July 2026, the unit marched proudly through the Town of Whitby, with the date proclaimed by the mayor and town council in honour of the occasion.
July was an important month for Parachute Company, specifically. Three Riflemen earned their Jump Master qualification through the Canadian Advanced Warfare Centre, while several paratroopers embarked for Rhode Island to participate in LeapFest, an annual international parachuting competition hosted by the United States National Guard.
Cpl Wang, MCpl Mao, Cpl Shieh and Cpl Lau at Leapfest 2026 in Rhode Island.
In August, the Regiment deployed a large contingent to Exercise STEADFAST WARRIOR 2026, at Canadian Forces Base Petawawa. During the sprawling collective training event, our soldiers displayed tenacity, professionalism and resilience despite adverse conditions and an intense operational tempo. The sub-unit and platoon leadership was credited with providing the necessary mentoring and guidance to ensure not only were tasks completed successfully, but that the Regiment specifically was recognized at formation-level, for outstanding performance in the field.
From 18-20 September 2026, in concert with the Ontario Regiment, Tactical Group PARATUS conducted the first in a progressive series of exercises for the fall period, Exercise PARATUS SPEAR 1. Riflemen completed pair- and section-level live fire at Army Training Centre – Central Meaford, before completing reconnaissance patrols at night. The series will build in complexity until it culminates in November, with platoon-level live fire in a combined arms setting.
Maj Ben Lee gives Company orders for a Company attack during Ex STEADFAST WARRIOR.
At the beginning of October, Parachute Company descended onto Drop Zone HODGSON from CC-130J Hercules aircraft, as part of Exercise QUICK RIG 2. It was a significant show of force during the full equipment jump, with over 40 qualified personnel participating and validating their proficiency.
Full-Equipment drop during Exercise Quick Rig 3.
On 14 October 2026, The Queen’s Own Rifles of Canada achieved a significant milestone. For the first time since 2014, the unit formally occupied a satellite armoury, this time in the City of Oshawa. ‘Amiens’ Platoon, part of Gurkha Company training sub-unit, will now form the nucleus of the future company structure, and parade primarily out of the Airport Armoury, which is shared with the Ontario Regiment.
New QOR recruits at the City of Oshawa Airport Armoury.
Again, we find ourselves lacking the ability to fulsomely delve into the litany of accomplishments, graduations, awards and supporting tasks which were performed or achieved throughout this period, by our Riflemen. It remains an honour and privilege to stand and serve amongst such great Canadians.
At the time of this writing, the Canadian Army is enduring a devastating loss of life in Wainwright, Alberta. We will close by stating that our hearts and thoughts are with our comrades in arms, and we grieve with our brothers and sisters in Western Canada. We will remember them.
In Pace Paratus
Chris Boileau
Lieutenant-Colonel
Commanding Officer
Matthew Pike
Chief Warrant Officer
Regimental Sergeant Major
A Family Business - Airborne !
On October 3rd, 2026, Cpl Robert Currie had the unique distinction of jumping with his daughter, Rfn Vivian Whitton and his son, Rfn Maxim Currie. They both completed their Basic Parachutist course earlier this year and earned their maroon berets on this jump. Maxim was third, Robert fourth and Vivian fifth in the stick.
19th Annual Golf Tournament
The 19th Annual QOR Golf Tournament was held on September 24th, 2026 at Cardinal Golf Course.
Our fundraising this year focused on supporting the Juno Beach Centre. To date, we have had a great deal of success. The tournament alone raised just over $21,000 for the JBC towards helping us achieve our commitment of $61,000.
It was a great day on the course by all accounts and made better by some great displays and the presence of World War 2 and D-Day Veteran Jim Parks - who is 102 years-old!
As we continue our efforts in support of the Juno Beach Centre and reaching our goal of raising $61,000, the JBC has a dollar matching program that will grow this to $122,000.
To donate visit:
https://the-juno-beach-challenge.raiselysite.com/en/t/the-queens-own-rifles-of-canada
Thank you to our sponsors:
Diamond
Amazon (Amazon Warriors / Black Employee Network and Women’s Network)
QOHASH - qohash.com
Platinum
ViFloor - vifloor.com
Gold
11d.ca Jake Shen Defence Lawyer
Cameron Setphens
Canadensis
Entera
EXP
Great Lakes Brewery
Jarvis
Juno Beach Centre
Melrose Paving
RAM Rope Access and Maintenance
Skyline
XYZ Storage
Hole Sponsor
Lynx Equity Limited
Thorncrest Foodland
TLS
TD Wealth Management
Executek International Security
Cannon Start Sponsor
Commissionaires
Clearspring Capital
Minhas Craft Brewery
The Queen’s Own Rifles of Canada Association - Toronto BrancH
The Association participated in this year’s 105th Annual Warriors Day Parade at the CNE on August 22nd.
Thank you to CWO (ret’d) and former RSM Mark Shannon for being the OPI for this event. This year’s QOR Golf Tournament on September 24th was a great success; I just want to thank members of the Association that assisted in this great event. Dave Lavery, Bob Dunk, Brenda Butt, Ann Ward, Linda DiFelice and James Atcheson. It was great to see 102 Year Old RWR WWII D-Day Veteran Jim Parks along with JBC.
Passing of Sgt (Ret’d) Andy Macnaughton
On a sad note our fellow comrade and great friend Sgt (Ret’d) Andy Macnaughton passed away peacefully on September 29th at Sunnybrook Hospital “K” Wing. He was in his 86th year.
Obituary information for Andrew Gordon Macnaughton
Rest in Peace Andy - You will be missed.
QOR Remembrance Parade (Sunday November 8th)
The Queen's Own Rifles of Canada Remembrance Parade this year is on Sunday, November 8th, 2026, at 11:00am in front of St. Paul's, Bloor Street. The Association will form up at 10:20am on Hayden Street (at Church Street).
Dress : QOR Regimental Blazer, Medals, and Headdress or equivalent Suit.
QOR DAY AT CASA LOMA
A great family day event which showcases the long and dedicated military heritage of the QOR and the regiment of today!
Program includes:
Soldiers from the Regiment in various uniforms that our members wear;
Displays with tac-vests, rucksacks, winter kit, mountain ops kit, parachuting equipment;
Re-enactors in uniforms with equipment representing various periods;
Remembrance Day crafts for children;
Vintage Signals Team exhibits;
Temporary QOR Badge tattoos; and
Members of the Regimental Band quintet giving performances in the Great Hall.
The Queen’s Own Rifles of Canada Regimental Museum program is included in your Casa Loma admission fee. You can also find directions and information on parking on the Casa Loma website.
Free Admission for serving soldiers, veterans, former members, and cadets in uniform or a Regimental blazer and their guests.
“NO LIFE LIKE IT” by major-general (RET’d) WALTER HOLMES
Major-General (Ret'd) Walter Holmes requires no introduction to the Regimental Family, as he was the Honorary Colonel of the Queen's Own Rifles of Canada from 2015 to 2023. MGen Holmes had a career of distinction that led to him holding command for most of his career, including Commanding Officer of 1 RCR, Regimental Commander of the Canadian Airborne Regiment, Commander of LFCA and AMF Europe.
Limited copies are available; please email info@1860club.ca by October 28th, 2026 - they will be delivered to Moss Park Armoury on Remembrance Day Weekend. Cost is $25, with proceeds going to the Juno Beach Centre.
Trust Fund and Fundraising Update
The 1860 Club plays an important role in supporting The Queen’s Own Rifles of Canada Regimental Family through fundraising, communication, and engagement.
Through signature events such as the Regimental Golf Tournament and the D-Day Dinner at Casa Loma, the Club raises significant funds for the Regimental Trust. These contributions support activities not covered by public funding, including commemorative visits to Normandy and the Netherlands, the Regimental Museum, assistance to serving members and veterans, and the establishment and restoration of monuments.
The 1860 Club recognizes donors through special events and public acknowledgment. Our donor recognition program includes these levels:
Founder — $1,860
Vimy — $18,600
Normandy — $186,000
With over 120 Founders, our community of supporters continues to grow.
Congratulations to Nick Di Donato!
We are proud to announce that Nick Di Donato, President and CEO of Liberty Group, has achieved the prestigious Normandy recognition level. Nick has been an extraordinary supporter of The Queen’s Own Rifles of Canada for many years. His generosity has supported the Regimental Museum, commemorative events, and Regimental dinners. Through his leadership, he has also ensured that Casa Loma maintains its historic connection to the Regiment, helping preserve our proud heritage for future generations.
Congratulations, Nick, and thank you for your exceptional generosity, friendship, and unwavering commitment to the Regimental Family!
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.
Watch and Shoot (Upcoming Events)
November 6th, 2026
Officers’ Mess Dinner
November 7th, 2026
QOR Day at Casa Loma
November 8th, 2026
Remembrance Parade
December 5th, 2026
Officers’ Mess Luncheon
For more events, please consult the calendar of events.
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/
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