Monthly Newsletter
Summer 2026
COMMAND TEAM UPDATE
"If you don't like change, you're going to like irrelevance even less."
On 1 April 2026, the implementation of the Canadian Army Modernization Order, colloquially known as CAMO, became reality for The Queen's Own Rifles of Canada. Within this broader framework, the reorganization of 4th Canadian Division included the tactical grouping concept across all Canadian Brigade Groups within Ontario. As such, the Regiment is now partnered with The Ontario Regiment (Royal Canadian Armoured Corps).
This is not a loss of identity nor culture. It is an opportunity. The concept of a Rifleman's initiative cannot simply be stated aloud; it must be lived and embraced.
Building cohesion begins with establishing a shared outlook: readiness, to defend this nation.
Collectively, we are known as Tactical Group PARATUS.
Generational change, however, does not mean we can slow our efforts, and this spring was no exception. In May, our unit participated in Exercise TRILLIUM VENTURE, deploying the largest contingent within the formation to 4th Canadian Division Training Centre Meaford to hone our warfighting skills at the company level, conducting dismounted operations through torrential conditions.
At the end of the month, the Regiment stood shoulder to shoulder with the Royal Hamilton Light Infantry to acknowledge the 160th anniversary of the Battle of Ridgeway, and the pre-Confederation sacrifices made by our forebears.
June drew a poignant, though unplanned, parallel moment along the path of continuous service to Canada. We deployed a small team to the Normandy region of France, to commemorate the landings in 1944, which so shaped our history and legacy. Simultaneously, our last tranche of personnel on Operation REASSURANCE were slated for redeployment from Rotation 26-01.
Our first true test as Tactical Group PARATUS came in the middle of June, when the Regiment undertook Exercise PARATUS RENDEZVOUS. This was the first of a series designed to prove the concept of using Oshawa as a mounting area for the forward projection of Riflemen and members of The Ontario Regiment into disparate areas. With the support of the Royal Canadian Air Force, the team successfully inserted via planned airborne and air landing activities, with personnel and vehicles. This was a tremendous display of collaboration and capability within the Army Reserve.
It feels as if we are doing a disservice to the litany of activities and personal efforts occurring at the same time. Whether it was senior unit leadership attending and sharing experiences at the Light Forces Conference in Trenton with our Regular Force counterparts or orchestrating the D-Day Dinner at Casa Loma, personnel at every rank are pulling hard.
We have much to be proud of, and yet, we are only getting started.
In Pace Paratus
Chris Boileau
Lieutenant-Colonel
Commanding Officer
Matthew Pike
Chief Warrant Officer
Regimental Sergeant Major
The Queen’s Own Rifles of Canada Day (Whitby, Ontario)
On July 18th, The Queen’s Own Rifles of Canada marched through the streets of Whitby for our Freedom of the City Parade, celebrating The Queen’s Own Rifles of Canada Day.
Despite the rain, our Riflemen carried themselves with the professionalism, pride, and discipline that have defined the Regiment for more than 165 years. From the muster at Civic Park to the final dismissal, the energy along the route and the support of the community made it a day to remember.
A sincere thank you to the Town of Whitby for this tremendous honour, to everyone who came out to cheer us on in the rain, and to every Rifleman who took part.
Proud of our past. Strong in the present. Ready for the future.
160th Anniversary of the Battle of Ridgeway
On June 2nd, 1866, The Queen's Own Rifles of Canada and The Royal Hamilton Light Infantry stood shoulder to shoulder as citizen soldiers during the Battle of Ridgeway. Fought during the Fenian Raids, it was Canada's first modern battle and the action in which the Regiment suffered its first battlefield casualties.
To commemorate the 160th Anniversary, members of The Queen's Own Rifles of Canada, The Royal Hamilton Light Infantry, the Regimental Association, and members of the Regimental Family gathered at Ridgeway on 31 May. Together with representatives of the Town of Fort Erie, the Ridgeway Museum, and the local community, they honoured those who fought and those who gave their lives during this defining chapter in Canadian military history.
The ceremony reaffirmed the enduring bond between the perpetuated regiments and reflected on the legacy of service that has continued uninterrupted for 160 years.
The Regiment’s Return to Normandy 2026
From June 1st to 9th, 2026, members of The Queen’s Own Rifles of Canada travelled to Normandy to commemorate the 82nd anniversary of D-Day, where the Regiment landed as part of the first wave. They took part in ceremonies honouring Canadian soldiers in the towns of Anisy, Bernières-sur-Mer, Bény-sur-Mer, Colomby-Anguerny (dedicating a new plaque at Rue Bill Ross), Le Mesnil-Patry, as well as Ardenne Abbey and the Juno Beach Centre. In addition, they spoke at the First Light and Lantern Ceremony at Canada House, the first house liberated on D-Day by Canadians. The trip was sponsored by the Regimental Trust Fund, and provided a valuable opportunity to honour the sacrifice of 463 Riflemen killed during the war.
5th ANNUAL D-DAY DINNER
The 5th Annual D-Day Dinner was held at Casa Loma on 3 June 2026, commemorating both the 82nd Anniversary of D-Day and the 160th Anniversary of the Battle of Ridgeway.
The evening brought together members of the extended Regimental Family to reflect on two defining moments in the Regiment's history while recognizing the continued support of our community partners.
The Regiment extends its sincere appreciation to the event sponsors whose generosity made the evening possible.
Diamond
QOHASH
Amazon Warriors
National Post / Lives Told
Liberty Entertainment
Platinum
Canadian Tank Museum
JARVIS
Gold
Canada Company
Clearspring Capital
FelixClark
UTIMUS
MUSEUM UPDATE
The Tunic Returns
The preservation and professional conservation of the rifle-green uniform tunic worn by Ensign Malcolm McEachren represents a significant effort by The Queen's Own Rifles of Canada Regimental Museum and Archives to safeguard an artifact of national historical importance. Commissioned just two months earlier, McEachren was shot through the upper abdomen during the opening minutes of the Battle of Ridgeway on 2 June 1866, becoming the first battlefield casualty of the Regiment and what is widely regarded as the first combat death of the modern Canadian Army.
About Malcolm McEachren
Before marching to face the Fenian raiders, Ensign Malcolm McEachren lived in Toronto with his young family while managing a dry goods store in the city's downtown. His annual salary of $900 provided a respectable middle-class income, and his employment included accommodation for his family in an apartment above the store.
McEachren and his wife, Margaret Caroline, had five children under the age of 13. Aware of the risks associated with militia service, he purchased a $250 life insurance policy to provide for his family, reflecting both his sense of responsibility and modest financial means.
Originally raised in the Presbyterian faith, McEachren later joined the Wesleyan Methodist Church, where he became an active Sunday school teacher. He was officially gazetted as an Ensign on 30 March 1866 with No. 5 Company of The Queen's Own Rifles. Tragically, he wore his new officer's uniform for just over two months before being killed at Ridgeway. Following the battle, his body was returned to Toronto, where he was buried in the Toronto Necropolis. His grave is now marked by a rededicated headstone.
Project McEachren
Because the tunic is among the most historically significant artifacts in the Museum's collection at Casa Loma, the Museum initiated a multi-phase preservation project to halt decades of deterioration caused by light exposure, pests, and previous amateur alterations.
Phase 1 – Environmental Stabilization (2018)
A custom museum-quality display case featuring UV-filtering glass, an airtight enclosure, and humidity control was installed to provide a stable long-term environment for the artifact.
Phase 2 – Upgrading the Mount (2020)
The tunic was transferred from its original wooden mannequin to a museum-grade synthetic mount. This eliminated the harmful off-gassing associated with aging wood, which accelerates the deterioration of historic textiles.
Phase 3 – Expert Textile Conservation (2026)
Earlier this year, the tunic was transported to CRC Conservation/Restoration near Québec City, where it underwent a four-month conservation program in preparation for the 160th anniversary of the Battle of Ridgeway.
The conservation work addressed several significant challenges:
removal or mitigation of previous non-original repairs and markings;
stabilization of areas affected by ultraviolet light, insect damage, and textile loss;
conservation of damaged braiding and missing buttons; and
assessment of the interior lining to ensure both structural support and historical integrity.
The completed project ensures that this remarkable artifact, complete with its visible battle damage, will be preserved for future generations.
Funding the Conservation Effort
Professional textile conservation requires highly specialized expertise and remains one of the Museum's most significant preservation expenses. Funding for the project has been provided through The Queen's Own Rifles of Canada Trust Fund, a registered Canadian charity.
Approximately $6,000 is still required to complete funding for the project.
Members of the Regimental Family, supporters, and the public can help preserve this important piece of Canadian military history by making a donation through the official QOR Museum donation page. Online donations are processed securely through CanadaHelps and are eligible for charitable tax receipts.
The Museum extends its sincere appreciation to everyone who has already contributed to this important conservation project. Their generosity has ensured that one of Canada's most significant military artifacts will remain preserved for future generations.
Passing of World War 2 Veteran George Beardshaw
It is with great sadness that we share the passing of George Herbert Beardshaw.
George was born in England in 1923, and came to Canada as one of the British Home Children. He later served in the Canadian Army with The Queen's Own Rifles during the Second World War and endured the final weeks of the war as a prisoner of war. After the war, he made his home in London, Ontario, where he became a dedicated advocate for British Home Children and Veterans.
He was honoured with France's Legion of Honour, the King Charles III Coronation Medal, and an Honourary Doctorate of Laws from Wilfrid Laurier University.
As the last member of the Queen's Own Rifles Regiment to have fought in the Second World War, his passing marks the end of an era.
We extend our heartfelt condolences to his family, friends, and regimental family at The Queen's Own Rifles of Canada. His story, service, and legacy will not be forgotten.
We Will Remember Him.
PASSING OF BEVERLY HUGHES
Beverly Hughes passed away on 5 May 2026. Bev was the wife of HCol Paul Hughes, who passed away in 2022. The Hughes family were tremendous supporters of the Regiment. Paul served in the Regiment and later as HLCol and HCol. Together, they enabled many Regimental initiatives, including the Princess Alexandra Bursary. Bev's philanthropy and passion are highlighted below.
Bev grew up in Toronto, Ontario, in humble and difficult circumstances. Her fighting spirit, intelligence, and ability to connect with people helped her overcome a difficult childhood and live an exceptional life.
Bev's experiences and influence were international. She began her career with Xerox in Toronto and later worked for Drake International in London, England, and Sydney, Australia. In 1979, Bev married Paul Hughes, the love of her life, and they settled in Calgary. Through Mark's Staffing Solutions, a company founded by Bev, they became fixtures in Calgary, including at the Ranchmen's Club and with the Calgary Stampeders. They also enjoyed spending time with friends in Scottsdale, Arizona. Through their connection with The Queen's Own Rifles of Canada, Bev became a committed monarchist after meeting members of the British Royal Family.
Bev was a steady and generous presence. She believed in people and provided encouragement, guidance, and opportunity to many. Her greatest joy was seeing people better themselves and their communities, which led her to establish the BJ Hughes Foundation Supporting Entrepreneurial Women. Her love language was giving, and she expressed it often and generously.
Bev had many accomplishments, but the one she was most proud of was the establishment of the BJ Hughes Centre for Clinical Learning at the Western College of Veterinary Medicine (WCVM). It perfectly combined her love of animals and entrepreneurship while creating an enduring legacy for education.
Bev is survived by her legacy and by many friends who loved her and were her family.
https://www.remembering.ca/obituary/beverly-hughes-1093781005
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)
August 9th, 2026
National Peacekeepers’ Day - Peacekeepers Park, Angus, ON
August 22nd, 2026
Warriors' Day Parade - CNE
September 24th, 2026
19th Annual QOR of C Golf Tournament, Cardinal Golf Club
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 (March 2026) — 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