RCEME’s 80 anniversary, celebrated at CFB Shilo on May 17, included a pig roast, gold, games of cards, and a bottle rocket contest.  (Photo: K-J Millar/Shilo Stag Media)

Submitted by RCEME to  Shilo Stag Media 

The Royal Canadian Electrical Mechanical Engineers at CFB Shilo celebrated 80 years of formation with anniversary celebrations on May 17.

The day of fun included golf, ATV Trail rides, card games, and pop bottle rockets. Due to expected inclement weather, G400 Base Maintenance was held instead of the previously planned Sam’s RV Park.

“On the day of the event, our Patron Saint, Saint-Jean-de-Brébeuf stepped in and kept the weather at bay,” stated the organization.

“With representatives from 1 RCHA, 2 PPCLI, retired veterans, civilian staff, friends and family, the day was a large success.”

It started out with the promotion of MCpl Jean Tremblay to the rank of Sgt, presented by Base Commander Lieutenant-Colonel David Cronk and Regimental Sergeant Major Chief Warrant Officer Eric LeClair.

“The promotion was followed by an inspired speech from our beloved ETQMS MWO Brionne Logan, reminding us that we are fighting technicians first and foremost, but not to forget to play just as hard as we work,” RCEME stated.

As the day moved forward with events, eyes were on lunch. The preparations of a full pig roast started the night before with a
group of highly qualified senior technicians as well as up-and-coming junior technicians. The group delivered a succulent pulled pork masterpiece for the masses followed by the birthday
cake.

“With the meal done and rockets built,  it was time to see was who the best at bottle rocketry. With only two entries to the event, the competition was ready. Base Maintenance was the first to fire with 1 RCHA second. With one rocket out of bounds and mechanical failure, Base Maintenance was knocked out, giving 1 RCHA the win.

However, both teams presented excellent examples of their abilities to create ingenuity from nothing but their imaginations. The day wrapped up with closing remarks from the organizers and departing jabs with old friends and colleagues.

The day of fun commemorated 80 years of formation, when in
1944, the corps of skilled personnel was established to maintain battlefield equipment while actively pursuing the front lines of battle.

In late February 1944, General Order 127 was issued forming the Canadian Electrical Mechanical Engineers (CEME).

In April 1944, they received Royal approval and became what is now the Royal Canadian Electrical Mechanical Engineers. The date of May 15, 1944, as its birthdate was for enhancing cooperation with the allied European forces of Britain and Italy, who formed their own corps as early as January 1943.

“It has now been 80 years. We, as a corps, have been in every conflict since World War Two and have grown into fighting tradespeople. We live by our motto “Arte et Marte,” or “By Skill and by Fighting,” Shilo RCEME stated.

Promoted Sergeant Jean Tremblay stands with RSM CWO Eric LeClair and CFB Shilo Base Commander LCol David Cronk on May 17. (Photo: Supplied Media)