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8th Hussars Sabretache

THE ASSOCIATION OF 8TH CANADIAN HUSSARS (PRINCESS LOUISE’S) INC.

The 8th Hussars Sabretache is the official newsletter of the Association of the 8th Canadian

Hussars (Princess Louise's) Inc. and is published twice yearly.

Trivia! Who are the 3 Hussars in the cover photo? Where was this picture taken and who was the aide-de-camp?

8th Hussars Sabretache

REGI PATRAEQUE FIDELIS

June 2017

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PLANNED GIVING PROGRAM

THE ASSOCIATION OF 8TH CH (PL) INC. PLANNED GIVING PROGRAM

The Board of Directors of The Association of 8th Canadian Hussars (Princess Louise’s) Inc. has authorized the

establishment of a Planned Giving Program. This program is available to members, and non-members, who wish to

make testamentary gifts, donations or bequests to the Association through the operation of their will at the moment it

becomes effective.

Members and non-members may direct their estate to make gifts to The Association of 8th Canadian Hussars

(Princess Louise’s) Inc. to be used by the Association for the achievement of its objectives, operations and purposes

as well as to promote, safeguard and strengthen the Association financially for the future. Members and non-

members may also direct that their testamentary gifts be used for a specific purpose; for example, support of the

Museum, bursary program or any other activity conducted by the Association.

An appropriate form for a testamentary bequest to The Association of 8th Canadian Hussars (Princess Louise’s) Inc.

may be as follows:

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I DIRECT my estate to donate the sum of _______________ ($___________) dollars to The Association of 8th

Canadian Hussars (Princess Louise’s) Inc. to be used by the Association for its objects, activities and purposes.

- or –

I GIVE, DEVISE AND BEQUEATH absolutely to The Association of 8th Canadian Hussars (Princess Louise’s)

Inc., the sum of __________________ ($__________) to be used by the Association for its purposes and objects,

and, any other activity of the Association, as authorized by a resolution of its Board of Directors.

- or –

I DIRECT my estate to donate the sum of ________ dollars, or, an amount equal to ____________ percent ( __ %)

of the residue of my estate, whichever is the lesser, to The Association of 8th Canadian Hussars (Princess Louise’s)

Inc. to be used by the Association for its objects and purposes and activities.

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These testamentary clauses are examples provided for illustrative purposes. Testamentary gifts and bequests are a

very personal commitment. Those interested in making a testamentary gift or bequest to the Association should

contact their legal advisor and obtain advice on how to modify their will to put these wishes into effect. Donors need

not be a member of the Association. This program is an excellent way members and non-members alike, may,

through the operation of their wills, continue to support and benefit The Association of 8th Canadian Hussars

(Princess Louise’s) Inc. in the years to come.

For further information contact:

Jim Lockyer

(W) 506-863-2134

(H) 506-854-2551

Email: james.lockyer@umoncton.ca

PLANNED GIVING PROGRAM

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THE ASSOCIATION PRESIDENT

As we enter our 169th year I would like to wish all Hussars belated birthday greetings. As you

read through these pages, you’ll learn what’s kept both the Regiment and Association busy.

First and foremost, I’d like to give thanks to my predecessor, Everett Lavoie, for his dogged

pursuit through a bureaucratic bramble bush to secure our formal amalgamation under the

Canada Not-for-profit Act. Changes in legislation led to some significant legwork by the

Association, and where Ev started the ball rolling during his tenure, offered to shepherd the

project to its successful end.

Like any family, our Regimental Family has seen joys and sorrows. We celebrate our successes, while also

celebrating the lives of those we’ve lost. During this season, the Regiment prepares for a new fall training calendar,

our five affiliated cadet corps doing likewise, all after an active and successful training cycle. For those training

over the summer, I wish you good luck; for those not, I wish you good rest. Before you know it, we’ll be starting

afresh in September, and looking forward to our AGM and reunion on October 21st.

If this is the first time you see the change of date, let me explain. To line our calendar up with the

Regiment’s, and to maximize our contribution to Canada 150 commemorations, our reunion will take place a little

later than usual. This isn’t the way ahead for future reunions, as we’ll return to the September timeframe we’re

accustomed to. I think you’ll agree when you see what happens in October that it’s worth the wait this year.

To all Hussars, whether you parade in “Blue and Flannel”, “CADPAT”, or “Army Cadet Uniform”, I wish

you all a great and safe summer, and hope to see you in the fall.

D A Bourque Don Bourque

Association President

8 CH (PL)

Regi Patriaeque Fidelis

Contact us:

Association Secretary; 8chassocsecretary@gmail.com

Sabretache Editor; bmontrose@hotmail.com

8 CH (PL) Museum; hussarssussex@nb.aibn.com

8 CH (PL) Association; Mail: PO Box 1695, Moncton, NB E1C 9X5

Web page; http://www.8chassociation.com/contact-us.html

Radley-Walters Chapter; The Chapter President Bob Lescombe and Doug Seed their Secretary.

Regimental Association and the 8th Hussars Museum; http://www.8chassociation.com/

Facebook; https://www.facebook.com/groups/249320194490/

Museum Blog; http://www.8chassociation.com/blog---museum

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The Association is a family of serving, former serving and retired members of the regiment with a common purpose;

To protect and preserve the history and heritage of the 8th Hussars, to support and foster the esprit de

corp of The Regiment and to hold and preserve items of historical significance for the Regiment.

RADLEY WALTERS CHAPTER 2017

Hello everyone! The Radley-Walters Chapter sends best wishes to all members of the Regiment and the 8th

Canadian Hussar Association. The chapter has continued to flourish with great support from its membership. We are

enjoying another successful year to date. Our 29th annual reunion 2017 was excellent. We once again had a very

good attendance at our meet and greet and dinner dance. Along with the many fine members that come back year to

year such as those pictured on the right are L to R: Sterling Mercer, Bonnie Sutton and Sandra Mercer. Thanks for

your support.

The chapter managed to attract another 12 new members in 2017 because of the tireless effort of our

membership chairman, Frank Smith. Membership is just one of the many hats the Frank wears but his efforts in this

regard are appreciated. Our attendance numbers were amongst the best ever over the past few years.

In true Hussar fashion, the weather although very poor across Ontario, stopped raining long enough to

allow us to enjoy our events in relative sunshine. A bus tour to the White Water Brewery in Cobden and of course

our golf tournament, the Radley-Walters Cup was enjoyed by all involved. It was a warm sunny day on the course

and Grant Radley-Walters (Gen Rad's son) joined us for the golf tournament. Grant was on hand to present the

Radley-Walters cup and trophies. It was our 5th Annual golf tournament and a great time was had by all participants

as they competed for the Radley-Walters Cup. The winners were 1st place Rick Philips and Doug Seed. Second

place John Heymans and Grant Radley-Walters. The winners of closest to the hole were Rick Philips, for Men and

Mary Jane Green, for women’s.

Congratulations to this year’s winners! The success of the tournament is in the capable hands of our chapter

golf pro, Charlie Butt. Each year Charlie has organized this event and always does a superb job of conducting the

tournament. Charlie we offer our thanks for organizing another fine tournament.

A long standing member of our chapter, CWO (R) Philip A. Daniels, was given the honour of cutting the

cake at this year’s reunion. Below from L to R: our Chapter President Bob Lescombe looking on as Sandra and

Paula Daniels assist PA in cutting the cake. PA, Sandra and Paula our sincere thanks for your participation we were

delighted to have your family participate in this year’s reunion.

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The Birthday Cake pictured was most graciously donated by Arnie Jantz. An additional cake was donated

by the Eganville Foodland and arranged by Jamie and Colleen Kendell. Our sincere thanks to Arnie and the

Kendall’s for their continued support to the chapter. The chapter has always tried to maintain contact with

the Association and its members through articles like this and our continued promotion of the Hussar family

through close ties with the Association. Vice President of the 8th Canadian Hussar Association, Tom McLaughlin

was on hand to present New Life memberships to some of our chapter members. Pictured here is Rick Philips on the

right, receiving his life membership from Tom McLaughlin on the left.

Chapter member Gary Barling also made a presentation of another model tank to Tom for the 8CH

museum. Gary has been actively working with the 8CH Museum creating historically accurate scale models, which

he has presented to them on several occasions. Gary the chapter offers our thanks for all that you do. Tom, we offer

our sincere thanks to you for your participation in this year’s reunion.

My parting thought is the Radley-Walter Chapter is your chapter and its success is only possible with your

support. The Chapter continues to flourish due to your participation, dues and donations, without them the chapter

would struggle to survive. Our sincere thanks and for those so inclined please join our group the Radley-Walters

Chapter on Facebook for more information and reunion pictures.

As a reminder our next reunion is 25-27 May 2018 in Petawawa and we will be celebrating our 30th

anniversary as well as the 170th year for the Regiment. We will of course distribute further details in our fall and

spring Newsletters.

Regi Patriaeque Fidelis

Doug Seed Secretary Radley-Walters Chapter

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BURSARY APPLICATIONS

The Bursary Committee chaired by Major Steve Neily was conducted on 24 May 2017. Only eight applications were

received prior to the deadline this year and all 8 applicants were considered for the various bursaries. This was our

lowest number of applicants ever considered since the implementation of the bursary program.

As noted in previous Sabretaches, applications for the two (2) $1000 Hussars Association Bursaries and one (1)

$500.00 LCol McLeod Memorial Bursary close on 30 April annually. Bursary winners will be contacted directly

by the Bursary Chairman.

The Bursary Committee is pleased to announce the following recipients of their three bursaries;

a. Ashley Padvaiskas - $1000.00 Entrance Bursary. Ashley is the daughter of LCol Padvaiskas;

b. Katrina Zinck - $1000.00 Continuing Studies Bursary. Katrina is the daughter of WO Zinck; and

c. Sara Buchanan - $500.00 LCol RS McLeod Memorial Bursary. Sara is the daughter of the Bucky

Buchanan from the Moncton orderly Room.

Once again, let’s please try to help get the word out to the Regiment and their families about our excellent bursary

program. Please note, all applicants that were not chosen in previous years are still eligible to apply for the 2018

bursaries!

IRONSIDES REPORT

The 40th annual Armoured "IRONSIDES" Curling Bonspiel was held at Kingston, ON 7/8 Apr 2017 & was a great

success. There were 20 teams representing serving & retired members from the RCD, LdSH, 12e RBC,

8CH, GGHG, Ont R and 1st H. The Col Comdt, Col Georges Rousseau, the Dir of Armour, Col Derald Cross, COS

CADTS, Col Dwayne Parsons and Dave Tofts were a team as well.

The photo shows the WARHORSES team composed of former serving 8CH members who won the "C Event" trophy.

L-R, Clive Milner (mate), Dave Henderson (skip), John Roderick (second) & Bill Coupland (lead)

Submitted by Mr Dave Henderson

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THE HONORARY COLONEL REPORT

Autumn 2016 saw my first visit to the Regiment in the field. I went to the training area of Gagetown on

November 5th, a warm sunny fall day, to take in Ex Triple Spear which was squadron level recce exercise consisting

of a troop from each of the 8CH, PEIR and the Halifax Rifles. The SHQ was located in the Springbok Bivouac area

where I was briefed on the exercise by Maj JP Pendergast of the PEIR. I spoke with Col Hale, Comd 36 Brigade and

met LCol Steve Wynne, CO of the PEIR. From there, along with LCol Tom Peppard, it was off to visit 8CH

advance recce sections working the routes from Jerusalem, Dunn's Corner and over the Tok Chong Bridge to

Mallory Town where we saw a section move through the town and engage local insurgents. WO Rich Larocque

provided a running commentary on the progress of the engagement and afterwards gave great feedback to the young

troopers and NCOs on the success of their effort.

As an aside it had been over 30 years since I had traipsed the hills and valleys of Jerusalem and Dunn’s

Corner as a troop leader, battle captain and squadron commander. For a few moments my mind raced back to those

times. Other than the equipment being used, nothing had changed on that landscape. And not much changed in the

tactics. The other thing that had not changed was how well the 8CH had performed on that exercise. It was great to

have the opportunity to see the young men and women of the Regiment performing so well. And it was good to look

at that landscape again. It was if time stood still – a reminder that it is perhaps - the only place it does.

On Thursday Nov 24th, in Sussex, I had the pleasure of participation in the swearing-in ceremony of a young woman

and a young man, presided by the CO and RSM. I welcomed them to the Regimental family. It is inspirational to see

the enthusiasm of young people who are joining the Regiment committed to serving as members of the 8CH. I was

pleased to see the parents and families of both attend swearing-in ceremony. They were very proud. I enjoyed

speaking with them and learning about their son or daughter’s interest in the 8CH. I thanked the parents for their

support for their child in joining the Regiment.

On Saturday, November 26th it was off to Gagetown for the annual Gun Camp. HLCol Robin Craig and I

met Capt. Nick Ouellette at 1000 hrs at the Base kitchen and headed out along the Shirley Road to Firing Point 4.

The Regiment had over 60 troops attending along with two troops of 30 each from the Halifax Rifles and the PEIR's.

As we came over the hill we saw 12 to 15 G wagons on the firing point spitting fire with troops in secondary

positions waiting their turn. Tracer rounds were hitting the ground anywhere from 500 metres to a kilometre and

beyond with some ricocheting off into the sky. The morning schedule included a familiarization fire. The afternoon

was to be fire and movement with the G Wagons moving down the ranges. During the evening the troops were to

conduct a night fire exercise. The troops relished the moment - there is something about firing an MG down range.

For the new soldiers it was a memory that they will not soon forget.

December 10th saw the Annual Soldiers Dinner held in Sussex. There was a great turnout and it was a fun

day for everyone. LCol Peppard and RSM Tower played the role to the fullest as they exchanged ranks with

members of the Regiment for the annual “CO and RSM for the day”. The day also saw the annual meeting, by

conference call, of the Regimental Council which brings together to 30 former COs and retired senior officers of the

regular and reserve Regiments of the 8CH. On this occasion over 20 attended the meeting which speaks well of the

interest former officers have for the Regiment and its Regimental family. The next major event was the Regimental

birthday held at RHQ on April 8th. The Regiment is 169 years old and as former CO, LCol Mike Bech, noted; “It

doesn’t look a day past 140”. Coupled with weekend training, Saturday evening April 8th saw the annual Regimental

Ball at the Crowne Plaza Hotel in Moncton. It was a great success with over 140 attendees. This event has grown

steadily since its inception a few years ago. It was wonderful to see so many Hussars out for a great evening. Many

leadership awards were handed out and there were a large number of door prizes. Everybody had a good time. Of

particular note, were the number of awards and mementos presented to Padre Chris VanBuskirk who, after seven

years as the padre of the 8CH, has been promoted to Major and transferred 37 Brigade as the Brigade Padre. We

wish Major Chris well in his new position. He has been a very committed and dedicated Hussar. The respect the

soldiers have for him is enormous and well expressed during the presentation of his leadership awards

.

Another very good event on the birthday Saturday was a Cadet Open House. The CO, LCol Tom Peppard,

invited the five 8CH Cadet Corps and a local air cadet squadron to visit the Regiment for the afternoon. The soldiers

set up a series of kiosks displaying what the 8th Hussars do. Included was climbing through a new TAPV armoured

vehicle which was brought down from Gagetown for the weekend. While this was going on, the CO's of the cadet

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corps met with LCol Peppard, the adjutant Capt Nick Ouellette, and myself to talk about a closer relationship with

the Regiment. I volunteered to chair an 8CH/Cadet liaison committee which would meet every two or three months

to ensure coordination, exchanges and communication between the Regiment and its cadet corps. This could lead to

cadets being represented at Regimental events and Hussars helping cadet units. This is all very promising and since

that time a second meeting has been held for the formalization of cadet involvement and coordination of training

plans. The Regiment is working at including five to six cadets and a CIC officer on each of its training exercises.

The five cadet corps who are part of our VIII CH Regimental family include: the 3006 Dieppe Cadet Corps, 1535

Shediac Army Cadet Corps, the 2335 Memorial School Army Cadet Corps (Port Elgin), the 2859 Colonel John

Saunders Cadet Corps (Sussex) and the 560 Moncton Army Cadet Corps.

LCol Peppard's initiative of embracing cadet corps is in line with the divisional commander's comments

made at a honoraries 5 Div commander's conference I attended on February 12 2017. The Div Comdr indicated that

units should take cadets out on every major exercise and embrace their organization, not as a recruitment tool, but

strictly in the sense of building relationships. Honoraries were encouraged to work with the COs facilitating this

objective. Chairing this committee allows me to do that. I'm looking forward to the challenge. On a personal note, I

spent 6 years in and associated with cadet corps (1963-1969). Mentoring cadets is one of the most important

functions any member or former member of the Canadian Forces can do. It lays the groundwork for developing the

future leadership of our country at all levels. It allows for the positive influence of young minds at a very important

time in their lives. Young people are looking for leadership. The Regiment can provide some of that leadership.

Lessons learned as a cadet are never forgotten.

On that note, I had the opportunity on May 15th to attend the inaugural mess dinner of the 3006 Dieppe

Cadet Corps. As a former PMC for many years, I enjoyed it immensely. Capt. Larry Comeau, the CO, conducted the

formal mess dinner as a learning exercise by intervening throughout the evening to outline to the cadets the

traditions of mess dinners – even to the point of providing a place setting for the “Missing Comrade” and explaining

that tradition. He used the occasion to instruct the cadets on many things; including where to place the knife and fork

on a finished plate (5 o’clock position) and why it is done. The Parent’s Committee served the meal which was

prepared by the local Lions Club. It was a truly enjoyable event embraced by an enthusiastic cadet instructor cadre

and supported by a devoted parental Committee. It was a great evening. I felt privileged being there.

I also had the privilege on May 27th to be the reviewing officer for the 2859 Colonel John Saunders Cadet

Corps (Sussex) Annual Ceremonial Review (ACR). The excitement, smiles and enthusiasm of the cadets who

conducted a very good parade was matched by the pleased sense of the CIC staff and very proud parents who

attended in large numbers. I was impressed by the poise of the cadets at all levels, from the newest recruit to the

cadet RSM. These are great young people who deserve our full attention and admiration. I commend Capt. Pamela

Lewis, the CO, and her colleagues for a job well done as well the parents for their commitment to their part of the

Regimental family.

Another very significant event on the Regimental birthday was the commemoration by the 8th Hussars

Museum of the 100th Anniversary of the Battle of Vimy Ridge, which saw the participation of 8th Hussars rebadged

as part of the Expeditionary Force. Maj (ret) Tom McLaughlin and his crew put together an outstanding presentation

on the lead-up and the prosecution of the Battle. It was well publicized and on Sunday April 9th, over 300 people

attended Tom's presentation at the Legion in Sussex. There were other presentations made in Gagetown and other

locales. It was an excellent initiative and Tom McLaughlan did an amazing job. The 8th Hussars Museum, under his

guidance and that of his management team, has become an extraordinary collection of historical information. The

8th Hussars are fortunate to have such a committed team and such an outstanding museum. Every 8 th hussar should

visit it.

On Friday evening, April 27, the Colonel Commandant of the Armoured Corps and the Corps RSM visited

the 8th Hussars as part of the whirlwind Atlantic Canada tour of armoured units. After reviewing a quarter guard

upon arrival, troops listened in a town-hall setting to inspiring words from of both Colonel George Rousseau and

CWO W. Richards. Afterwards both spoke with small groups of Hussars well into the late hours of the evening and

listened to their comments and interests. The troops were impressed. On Thursday March 9th, I was in Ottawa and

took the occasion to have dinner with LGen Steve Bowes, MGen (ret’d) Chris Davis and members of the Ottawa

contingent of the Regimental Council including MGen (ret’d) Mike Ward, MGen (ret’d) Bruce Jeffries, Col (ret’d)

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Bill Fulton and LCol (ret’d) Ike Goodine and at Vineyards Restaurant in the Byward Market. It was a great evening

and a lot of fun. Everyone got caught up with each other and we talked about the Regiment and its family. Gen

Bowes reminisced about his days in Moncton at RHQ, Bruce Jeffries reminded everyone of the RCAC Golf

Tournament in the Ottawa area in late August. We were also reminded of the Henry Sampson Tournament at the

Smith Falls Golf Club in July. These are area events that allow 8th Hussars to come together. At the end of the

evening, we agreed that we should sit together for dinner again in the weeks and months ahead. On a parallel note, I

want to get to Kingston in the coming weeks to meet with and have dinner with members of the Hussars family from

that area. Bringing the Regimental family together is very important.

As a Regiment, we acknowledge the fallen, and it is always with sadness that we learn of the recent passing

of members of our regimental family. While these losses will be identified elsewhere in the Sabretache, of particular

note was the recent passing of a former CO and friend to many, LCol Tom Duke CD. Tom, an air traffic controller,

was most recently a member of the CFLC for New Brunswick building bridges between the Canadian Forces and

the private sector. He made a significant contribution and he will be missed. Looking forward to 2017-2018, the

coming of the TAPV armoured vehicle will have a major impact. It is a four wheeled large armoured vehicle. The

8th Hussars will be allocated 18 of these vehicles out of 27 coming to the reserve units of 5 Div in Atlantic Canada.

Nine will be held in Gagetown for training purposes, while nine will be divided between A & B squadrons and held

in the squadron locations of Moncton and Sussex. The remaining TAPVs will be allocated to the PEIRs and Halifax

Rifles. With the arrival of the TAPVs, much of the focus will be transition training to get the Regiment up to speed

on this new vehicle.

2016-2017 was a very good training year. As the Regiment gears up for this exciting new acquisition, we

can say – the best is yet to be. In closing, I wish all members of the Regimental family a very enjoyable and safe

summer season.

James E. Lockyer, CD, QC

Honorary Colonel

8th Canadian Hussars (Princess Louise's)

REGI PATRIAEQUE FIDELIS

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THE COMMANDING OFFICER REPORT

Greetings Sabretache Readers,

The Regiment has been busy as always since the last publication of Sabretache. The annual Soldiers Appreciation

Dinner was held on 10 December at the Gregg Armouries in Sussex. The event was well-attended and enjoyed by

all, with a few promotions and awards occurring.

The holidays were a great chance for all to go home to their families and spend quality time resting. The New Year

saw the Regiment resume its busy training schedule Ex Troop Standard on 11 February, where MCpls received

briefs related to administration and PER writing.

March saw several members deploy to Labrador as part of Ex NORTHERN SOJOURN 17, which tested 37

Brigade’s ability to operate in a cold weather environment. In March the Hussars also brought back the Regimental

Road Rally. This event, which in the past coincided with the Regimental birthday, was conducted over the weekend

of 17-19 March and saw crews travel all over Southeast New Brunswick hitting towns such as Memramcook,

Sackville, Port Elgin and Shediac. Soldiers were tested on a variety of skills related to map and compass, vehicle

maintenance and CBRN. The event was very well-attended and enjoyed by all.

This year’s Regimental Ball was held on Saturday 8 April at the Crowne Plaza in Moncton. The event was a huge

success with nearly 150 tickets sold. The 2018 Regimental Ball will be held on Saturday 7 April also at the Crowne

Plaza in Moncton. We look forward to seeing Association members participate once again. Tickets will go on sale

in September.

The training year concluded on the weekend of 12-14 May with Ex TOP SHOT in Gagetown, where troops

participated in a small arms range as well as a grenade range. Going forward, the fall training calendar should be

quite busy and exciting with many events lined up, especially the Annual General Meeting in Sussex on October 21.

This year’s AGM will coincide with a Regimental parade commemorating the 150th anniversary of Canada that will

be followed in the evening by a dinner-dance put on by the 8CH Association. It promises to be quite a weekend.

Also this fall, troops will begin training in larger numbers on the new TAPV, with the Regiment conducting its own

driver and gunner courses in January 2018. The addition of the TAPV promises to be a real asset for recruiting and

will no doubt help ensure the Regiment’s continued success.

CO

Lieutenant-Colonel Tom Peppard

Commanding Officer

8th Canadian Hussars (Princess Louise's)

REGI PATRIAEQUE FIDELIS

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THE 8TH HUSSARS MUSEUM REPORT

Activity at the 8th Hussar Museum has been very high this past 6 months, thanks to several funding

initiatives from both the NB provincial government and the Federal government. From early December

onwards we were able to hire a student during the Christmas holidays to extend the work started earlier in

the year and we were able to pay another person to do both archive and artefact work. These two

initiatives saw the museum register numerous artefacts through the Canadian Heritage Information

Network and input a large amount of archive data into the provincial archives AtoM database. This

information is then available nationally and allows researchers to connect with the museum for research

purposes. During the Christmas program a focus on the regimental scrap books prepared by the Regular

Regiment was the priority. By the end of the project approximately 60 percent of the existing scrap books

have been digitized and documented. Our hope is that future funding will allow us to complete this

project by 2018.

Tactics School, CFB Gagetown Open House, Royal Canadian Legion, Sussex

Our focus on the 100th Anniversary of the Battle of Vimy Ridge occupied a large part of our volunteer’s

time. Supported by the Tactics School at CFB Gagetown, and the Greg Centre at the University of New

Brunswick, we developed a presentation on the Battle itself, which featured over 50 original photos and

over 30 minutes of video footage from the Battle. Also added to this were a section which told the stories

of the Victoria Cross winners of the battle and a section on local soldiers who were involved in the 4 days

of the battle.

This section proved to be highly interesting and a very high point each time the presentation was done for

an audience. Kudos to all, for this presentation has been received by all across Canada. It is amazing, to

date we have conducted 5 public presentations and 7 school classes have received the information,

totaling over 600 visitors since early March. During our presentation at the Sussex Legion we had 283

visitors that afternoon of which 81 were family members of the featured soldiers in our presentation and

the event was highlighted by a local musician, Wes Jagoe. Wes entertained with a song written about

Vimy Ridge and the unveiling of a painting by Fred Harrison; which depicts “H-hour” on 09th of April

1917. This mural size painting was unveiled and is now mounted on the Vimy display at the museum.

The painting was unnamed so the museum is now hosting a contest with local schools for students to

submit a name along with back ground information to justify the name. The winner will be announced in

early July and a prize of $100 is being offered.

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In addition to the actual presentation, our ongoing trench display in the museum was upgraded to reflect

the 100 years of WW I conflict and the story of Vimy Ridge includes a battlefield map which details the

role of each of the Canadian units involved in the battle.

To thank the local Legion Branch for their support to the Vimy presentation, we obtained one of the Vimy

Oaks from the national program and in a separate ceremony it was planted at Branch 20 in Sussex, NB.

Vimy Oak Planting – Br 20, Royal Canadian Legion

The museum formally opened on 23 May 17 for the season and hosted a local school class, Sussex

Middle School, who presented their second book written about war veterans to the museum for display.

Upcoming events will include Summerfest 2017 in which the museum will partner with other agencies

and interest groups to promote Canada 150th Anniversary. This will take part from 03 -15 Jul 17 and our

portion will be a presentation on 09 Jul which features the story of Camp Sussex and its role in Canada’s

military over the past 150 years. As usual our fund raising efforts will focus on parking cars at the B Sqn

armouries in Sussex and we will be out in force during the Atlantic Flea Market in August and the

International Balloon Fiesta in September. We are also working diligently to upgrade the museum by

adding a vehicle monument outside the museum and to complete our plans to add a memorial to all 8th

Hussars Killed in Service, either during NATO operations, or UN peacekeeping operations. More

information on this event will be forth coming soon. Just book the date for the fall 21 Oct 17.

In closing we would like to thank all our supporters, who donate time, money and ideas to the museum

volunteers. I personally would like to thank all the members of the museum committee for their continued

efforts in making the museum one of the best. As a point of interest, we established a database to track

volunteer hours as a requirement to our ongoing efforts in obtain government funding and since 01 Nov

until now the committee members have contributed over 1400 volunteer hours of work to the museum. Please watch for our museum newsletter which will be coming out in early July for full details on the

museum and the events of the day. Visit our website for daily updates, recipes for summer and interesting

events. http://www.8chassociation.com/museum.html

Museum Chair

Thomas McLaughlin

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THE PADRES CORNER REPORT

Hussars, I was asked to write an introductory article about myself as the new Padre of 8 CH. That would

be premature if I did not first recognize the valiant efforts of Chris Vanbuskirk. In the spring of 2017, the

now Major Chris Vanbuskirk was promoted to Brigade Chaplain and I was brought into service with the

Hussars. Chris has been a long standing Chaplain in Moncton/Sussex and his rapport with the troops and

leadership has paved the way for a healthy and meaningful relationship with the Padre. I have observed

his demeanor as humble and ready to serve. He has gained, trust, loyalty and friendship with the members

of 8CH. His spiritual advice is concise and valued and the moral and ethical standards he promotes are

good for the soul and created a more reliable and ready force. I thank Major Vanbuskirk for his guidance

and mentorship and look forward to a valued service at 8CH.

Are you wondering if there is a God? At forty-seven years old I completed BMOQ in Saint Jean, Quebec.

I am not sure there is need for any more proof than that. Taking the oath of allegiance in the spring of

2016 I had the privilege of being “on Loan” to 8 CH from 37 CER in Fred. Under the watchful eye of my

predecessor, Major Chris Vanbuskirk, I was introduced to the Armored Corp and the Hussars. After my

basic I went to 37 CER. There I enjoyed being their first padre and learning firsthand what a Padre was in

the CF. I have only begun to connect with the troops and leadership of the Hussars but look forward to

being part of the team that has such a profound and valued history. It is my desire to be accessible to each

member of 8 CH. Should you find yourself walking by my office, drop in and introduce yourself or spend

a couple of minutes to catch up, remember my door will always be open. I am here to serve with you. You

are in my prayers.

8th Canadian Hussars Regimental Padre;

Capt. Greg Sparkes

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THE FOX HILL CAIRN

The 8th Canadian Hussars (Princess Louise's), Canada's oldest cavalry regiment was founded 4 April

1848 as the New Brunswick Yeomanry Cavalry. The regiment historical ties go back to the American

Revolutionary War when Captain John Saunders of Virginia founded Saunders Horse, a unit that fought

with distinction on the side of the Crown. It merged with the Queen's Rangers in 1776. Subsequent to the

Revolution, men of Saunders’s Horse relocated in the Fox Hill area. Lieutenant Colonel John Saunders,

grandson of Captain Saunders, commanded the regiment between 1865 -1880 and resided on this

property. This is the area in which the regiment trained during its early history.

Extensive restoration work is being completed on The Fox Hill Cairn,

A special thank you to Malcolm Robinson and Hon Col James Lockyer for their efforts.

The Fox Hill Cairn is dedicated to the founding of the Regiment and is located at the home of the 1st CO of the

Hussars and is located just 4 km down Route 121 at Fox Hill

UPCOMING EVENTS

The Annual General Meeting this year is in Sussex on October 21 with a Meet & Greet Friday night at

the Armouries. This year’s AGM will coincide with a Regimental parade commemorating the 150th

anniversary of Canada that will be followed in the evening by a dinner-dance put on by the 8CH

Association.

Check out the Radley-Walters Chapter on Facebook for more information and their recent reunion

pictures. As a reminder their next reunion is 25-27 May 2018 in Petawawa and they will be celebrating

their 30th anniversary as well as the 170th year for the Regiment.

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BY: MAJOR ED COET

I saw a burial with a bugler playing;

I turned to my father, “what happened?” I asked.

He clutched my hand and with a quiver in his voice,

he began to explain and his eyes became moist.

“My son,” he said, “this is rather difficult for me;

for an old veteran like myself this is tough to see.

In this coffin lies a genuine true warrior,

an honest-to-God hero, a soldier.

PTSD IS TREATABLE. UNFORTUNATELY, MANY HEALTH CARE PROVIDERS ARE NOT

ALWAYS ABLE TO LINK THE SYMPTOMS WITH THE DIAGNOSIS. BY MAKING PEOPLE

AWARE OF PTSD, INCLUDING INDIVIDUALS WHOSE LOVED ONES HAVE

EXPERIENCED A TRAUMATIC SITUATION, IS ONE OF THE BEST WAYS T O ASSIST IN

ACCURATE DIAGNOSIS - DIAGNOSIS THAT CAN LEAD TO TREATMENT, AND

EVENTUALLY, HEALING, GROWTH AND RECOVERY.

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DONATIONS TO THE ASSOCIATION GENERAL FUNDS AND THE MUSEUM

We would like to, once again, thank the following outstanding people who recently and continuously make

donations to our Association General funds and the Museum. With ought their generosity that we are able to

maintain an active Association and operate our amazing Museum.

Mike Ward Bradford Flemming Malcolm Robinson

James Lockyer Scovil Brown Sharron Steeves

Herman Hirschfeld Trina Russell Mark Littlewood

Derek McLellen Diane Lutes Perry Fullum

Thomas McLaughlan Borden McLellen Joyce Ferguson

Daniel Keith Clarence McFarland Carol Moore

Gail Fewer Ron Ring Rick Stevens

Museum Report - fall 2016

AGM 2016 Report

LAST POST

With sadness we think of our loved ones and members of the Corps and Regimental families who have recently passed.

“People will walk in and walk out of your life, but the one whose footstep made a long lasting impression is the one you

should never allow to walk out.”

― Michael Bassey Johnson

They shall grow not old, as we who are left grow old. Age shall not weary them, not the years condemn.

At the going down of the sun, and in the morning,

We will remember them.

Please be sure to advise the committee of any changes to your mailing address or email

address when changes occur. Your assistance in this would be truly appreciated.

The cut off for articles for the next Fall issue of the Sabretache will be 15 Nov 2017. This

should give everyone plenty of time to write their articles. Articles and pictures can be

forwarded to: Bruce Montrose at bmontrose@hotmail.com. Or by mail;

Association of 8th Canadian Hussars PO Box 1695 Moncton NB

E1C 9X5

17

TAPV UPDATE

http://www.forces.gc.ca/en/business-equipment/tactical-armoured-patrol-vehicle.page