Features
Arrest warrant issued for young CEF private during Great War
February 10, 2023
In 1967, the RCA Museum received a donation from Cpl William May, who enlisted at Camp Sewell in Manitoba on Sept. 16, 1915 at the age of 23. The gift was one of the earliest donations to the museum, including two paper artifacts from the First World War. The first document was a leave pass dated on March 17, 1917, issued by the 44th Infantry Battalion, allowing Cpl May to travel from the frontlines to possibly Paris, France.
Dead Man’s Penny: Commemorative memorial plaque presented to parents following death on Great War battlefields
February 9, 2023
In October 1916, the British Government set up a committee regarding the idea for a commemorative memorial plaque which could be given to the relatives of men and women whose deaths were attributable to the Great War of 1914 – 1918. Members of the committee were selected from the House of Commons, the House of Lords and some government departments. The chairman of the committee was Sir Reginald Brade, who was the Secretary of the War Office at the time.
Army Reserve soldier inspired by a ‘Linc’ to Black history
February 9, 2023
February is Black History month, a time to honour Black Canadians past and present who have served in uniform and as civilian employees in the defence and service of Canada since before Confederation
Shoot Like A Girl — new podcast shares how you can, too
February 9, 2023
MS Kate Gouthro loves listening to podcasts, but she remembers saying once she could never start one because she is an introvert. Now, as a host of a women-centric podcast, she loves what she does.
Black History month — Tracing footsteps of No. 2 Construction Battalion in Jura, France
February 8, 2023
On the eve of Remembrance Day in 2021, while tracing the footsteps of No. 2 Construction Battalion in Jura, France, I had a surreal experience. I stumbled upon a photograph of my great-grandfather Pte George A. Downey on a wall at the Supt Town Hall.
Army cadet marksman targets saxophone for fun
February 7, 2023
MWO Madison Weatherald joined other cadets from across Manitoba for a two-day music clinic for cadets in Winnipeg last month. The music clinic provided specialist instruction in drill, music theory and allowed participants to practice with instruments in a larger group setting to complement cadet music programs at local cadet corps and squadrons.
Sgt Tommy Prince joined Devil’s Brigade during Second World War
February 6, 2023
‘As soon as I put on my uniform I felt a better man.’ — Sgt Tommy Prince
Early artillery training occurred in Manitoba at Camp Shilo
February 4, 2023
While artillery training had taken place at Camp Shilo since its establishment, a level of activity which increased during two World Wars, it was not until 1946 when the Royal Canadian School of Artillery (RCSA), with responsibility for field, medium and anti-tank gunnery, was established in Camp Shilo.
Gnr ‘Moon’ Mollons’ photo album from 1950s has connection to Camp Shilo — RCA Museum bought it on eBay
January 15, 2023
For $20 US, RCA Museum director Andrew Oakden purchased a photo album with a connection to then Camp Shilo in the 1950s. The blue-covered album was the property of Gnr C.H. ‘Moon’ Mollons, who created it while attending Camp Shilo to hone his parachuting skills in 1955. Oakden said the album from artillery soldier Serial No. 259 arrived in very good condition, and certainly will be added to the museum’s archives.
Donated in 1981, LCol James Stewart’s collection discovered by director Andrew Oakden
January 12, 2023
A donation to the RCA Museum in 1981 has turned out to be a treasure trove of military history, says director Andrew Oakden. “Altogether, this is an impressive collection on the Canadian Artillery during the interwar years that belonged to a notable family in RCA history.” That notable family was LCol James Stewart and wife Mary from Kingston, Ont.
