Please note: This timeline is a work in progress and we continue to update as we record more information from published references and our archives. It includes dates of events, activities and operations for the Queen’s Own Rifles.

See the Timeline home page for references.

1950-1954|1955-1959|1960-1964|1965-1969 |1970-1974

1950

February 16 – A one hundred-man Guard of Honour commanded by Major R. L. Bickford and the Military Band are present at the opening of the Provincial Legislature [2] p284

May 7 – The Prime Minister of Northern Ireland, Sir Basil Brooke visited the Officers’ Mess [2] p284

June 25 – Korean War begins – A good many men left to join the Korean Special Force [2] p284

1951

May 5 – The 27th Canadian Infantry Brigade was formed for service in Europe as Canada’s contribution to the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) ground forces. The Queen’s Own provided the support Company of the 1st Canadian Rifles and eight officers: Major W. J. Weir, MBE; Captain G. F. Hall; Lieutenants P. B. L. MacKinnon, M. de C. O’Grady, M. B. Symons and A. C. Whealy; Second Lieutenants W. R. Campbell and G. C. Pilcher. Fifty-seven other ranks enlisted directly and the remainder including a reinforcement company was secured by regimental recruiting [2] p285

May 5 – 2nd Canadian Rifles was formed in Canada with Lieutenant Colonel W. H. V. Matthews, MC, CD commanding [2] p278

May 17 – Lieutenant Colonel H. E. Dalton, DSO, CD replaces Lieutenant Colonel Barnard as Commanding Officer [2] p344

September 9 – Warrant Officer I D. Green, MM, CD replaces Warrant Officer I J. W. Barnes, EM as Regimental Sergeant Major [2] p285

November – 1st Canadian Rifles left for Germany and was stationed in an old German artillery barracks, renamed Edinburgh Barracks, at Hanover [2] p275

1952

October 30 – Lieutenant Colonel J. N. Gordon, DSO, CD replaces Lieutenant Colonel H. E. Dalton as Commanding Officer [2] p344

November 22-23 – The Victoria Rifles paid the Queen’s Own a visit in Toronto [2] p285

1953

March 19 – Canadian Rifles Depot organized at the Prince of Wales Armouries in Edmonton [2] p281

March 24 – Her Majesty Queen Mary, died after serving as Colonel in Chief of the Queen’s Own Rifles since 1928 [2] p285  Read then Lieutenant Colonel J. Neil Gordon’s report on his trip to England to serve as a pallbearer for Queen Mary’s funeral.

June 2 – Coronation of Queen Elizabeth II. Each Canadian regiment was allocated one representative to attend and Bugle Major Bob Wilson, MM represented The Queen’s Own Rifles of Canada [Robert Wilson]

July 27 – The Korean War Armistice was signed

October 16 – The 1st Canadian Rifles (then in Europe) becomes the 1st Battalion, Queen’s Own Rifles of Canada and the 2nd Canadian Rifles (training in Canada) become the 2nd Battalion, QOR of C in the Canadian Regular Army. The militia battalion would be styled the 3rd Battalion, QOR of C (CAO 76-3, Pt ‘B’, Supp Issue No. 358/53)  [2] p286

October 16 – Lieutenant Colonel J. M. Delamere MBE, CD is appointed Commanding Officer of the 1st Battalion QOR of C. (Regular Force) (Although nominally in command he was seconded for his full term and Major C. P McPherson CD acted as temporary Commanding Officer) [2] p344/5

October 16 – Lieutenant Colonel W. H. V. Matthews MC, CD appointed Commanding Officer of the 2nd Battalion QOR of C [2] p344

October 16 – Lieutenant Colonel Gordon continues as Commanding Officer of what is now known as the 3rd Battalion (Reserves) [2] p344

October 16 – Depot designated as The Queen’s Own Rifles of  Canada Depot and activated on March 1st, 1954 [2] p281

November 17 – 1st Battalion returns to Currie Barracks, Calgary from Germany [2] p275

1954

Bugle Major Jack replaces Bugle Major Bob Wilson, MM who served for 15 years as Bugle Major – first of the 1st Battalion overseas during WWII, and then the 3rd Battalion (Reserves)

Bugle Major Jim Kaiser replaces Bugle Major Jack as Bugle Major of the 3rd Battalion (Reserves)

January 15 – 1st Battalion has its first formal parade in Canada as Queen’s Own Rifles, inspected by Major General C. Vokes, CB, CBE, DSO, ED, General Officer Commanding Western Command [2] p275

February 27 – 2nd Battalion came to Toronto on the way to Korea and paraded with the 3rd Battalion to St. Paul’s for divine service. That night they entrained for Seattle, Washington [2] p279

March – 2nd Battalion QOR of C is posted to Korea for a six month rotation [2] p286

March 1 – Major C. D. Rehill, CD is appointed Commanding Officer of the regular force Regimental Depot [2] p345

April 26 – 2nd Battalion celebrates QOR’s 94th Anniversary in Korea [2] p289

May 1 – Lieutenant Colonel J. I. Mills, CD replaces Lieutenant Colonel Gordon as Commanding Officer of the 3rd Battalion (Reserves) [2] p344

May 2 – Lieutenant Colonel Gordon is appointed to command the 4th Brigade (Militia) [2] p286

August 25 – QOR Lieutenant Neil MacDonald Anderson is killed when the United States Air Force T-6 plane in which he was flying observer, crashed into a mountain and exploded.

September 20 – Lieutenant Colonel C. P. McPherson replaces Delamere as Commanding Officers of 1st Battalion QOR of C (Regular Force) [2] p344

October 15 – Hurricane Hazel struck Toronto and Queen’s Own called out to assist in rescue and rehabilitation work [2] p286

December 2 – Warrant Officer I W. M. Tubb, CD replaces Warrant Officer I D. Green as Regimental Sergeant Major of the 3rd  Battalion (Reserves) [2] p286

1955

January 2 – Captain R. J. Newsham appointed padre [2] p286

April 6 – 2nd Battalion left Inchon, Korea on the USS General M. M. Patrick and after sixty days leave, reassembled at Gordon Head, Vancouver Island [2] p280

April 22 – 2nd Battalion arrives at Seattle, Washington and after sixty days leave, is reassembled at Gordon Head Barracks, Vancouver Island[2] p280

May 23 – The Honorable J. J. Bowlen, Lieutenant Governor of Alberta took the salute at the 1st Battalion Feu de joie [2] p275

June 4 – 1st Battalion takes part in Calgary’s 50th Anniversary during which the town presents the battalion with a glockenspiel [2] p275

July 2 to August 16 – 1st Battalion attends Wainwright Concentration [2] p275

October 15 – Major C. J. Doerkson, CD replaces Major Rehill as Commanding Officer of the regular force Regimental Depot [2] p345

1956

January 11 – Regimental Depot moved from Edmonton to Calgary’s Currie Barracks [2] p281

May 26 – A detachment from 3rd Battalion participates in Tri-Service Guard at City Hall [2] p286

September 1 – Lieutenant Colonel R. F. MacKay, MC, CD replaces Lieutenant Colonel Matthews as Commanding Officer, 2nd Battalion (Regular Force) [2] p344

October 25 – Lieutenant Colonel R. L. Bickford, CD replaces Lieutenant Colonel Mills as Commanding Officer of the 3rd Battalion (Reserves) [2] p345

November 16 – 3rd Battalion (Reserves) fired a feu de joie at the Toronto Horse Show [2] p286

November 13 – OPERATION RAPID STEP – 1st Battalion heads to Halifax (via Downsview) as it prepares to move to the Suez Canal in a Peacekeeping role. However, Egyptians object because their name and uniforms are too similar to British forces to appear neutral and their assignment is eventually cancelled. (See CBC news report video of November 15, 1956) The 2nd Battalion also sends a draft of one officer and 242 other ranks to join the 1st Battalion. [2] p280

November 17 – Major General E. C. Plow, CBE, DSO, CD, General Officer Commanding Easter Command inspected the 1st Battalion in Halifax. This was followed by a parade through town [2] p276

December 10 – The order is received that the operation is definitely off [2] p277

December 13 – 1st Battalion began the journey back to Calgary via train [2] p277

1957

May 1 – Regimental Museum opened at Currie Barracks, Calgary by Major General Chris Vokes, General Officer Commanding Western Canada.

May 24 – 1st Battalion fires Feu de Joie for Victoria Day at Currie Barracks in Calgary, Alberta [2] p287

June 1 – Major D. M. Creighton, CD replaces Major Doerkson as Commanding Officer of the regular force Regimental Depot. [2] p345

June 22 to July 31 – 2nd Battalion training at CFB Wainwright Concentration:

October 3 – Lieutenant Colonel C. H. Lithgow, CD replaces Lieutenant Colonel McPherson as Commanding Officer of 1st Battalion (Regular Force) [2] p344

October 15 – The 2nd Battalion leaves Victoria, BC to Quebec City [2] p280

October 19 – The 2nd Battalion leaves Quebec City on the RMS Ivernia for Germany debarking in Rotterdam [2] p280

October 28 – 2nd Battalion is settled at Fort McLeod, Deilinghofen, Westphalia, Germany [2] p280

2nd Battalion draft going to Germany:

1st Battalion sends a platoon to Camp Desert Rock, Nevada for atomic indoctrination [2] p277

1958

Warrant Officer I J. P. Moore, CD replaces Warrant Officer I Tubb as Regimental Sergeant Major of the 3rd Battalion (Reserves) [Sgts’ Mess photos]

Gord J. Gallaghan, CD replaces Jim Kaiser as Bugle Major of the 3rd Battalion (Reserves)

February 3 –Deuce Horn, the Great Dane regimental mascot, succumbed to cancer and was buried with due ceremony [2] p281

February -Ten mortarmen from the 1st Battalion went to Glacier, British Columbia at the request of the Canadian Pacific Railroad to experiment with avalanche control [2] p277

February – C Company, 1st Battalion went to Wainwright to act as defensive troops in Exercise Bulldog IV [2] p278

May 24 – Army Day in Calgary – many visitors inspected the displays at Currie Barracks and Major General Vokes took the salute at a march past of 1st Battalion [2] p278

June – 1st Battalion is at Sarcee participating in Exercise Sabre. 100 militiamen also joined the battalion for a week’s intensive training [2] p278

July 31 – HRH Princess Margaret visited Toronto and the 3rd Battalion provided a special guard in the foyer of the Royal York Hotel [2] p287

November 9 – Newly carved World War II Battle Honours on the Cross of Sacrifice were unveiled with the Bishop of Toronto, Honorary Major the Right Reverend F. H. Wilkinson, MM, ED, former chaplain of the regiment officiating assisted by the current chaplain, Captain R. J. Newsham. The unveiling was performed by Major General H. A. Sparling, CBE, DSO, CD, General Officer Commanding Central Command. Present on parade were the 3rd Battalion, The QOR Association, the Upper Canada College Cadet Battalion and the QOR Branch – Canadian Legion [2] p287

The QOR Chapter of the Imperial Order of the Daughters of the Empire (IODE) celebrated its 50th anniversary: A History of the First Fifty Years.

1959

Jan 15 – Further trials in the mortar shelling of dangerous mountain avalanches on the proposed Trans-Canada Highway will be made next month by the army at Glacier, B.C. Two officers of the 1st Battalion, Queen’s Own Rifles of Canada were in Rogers Pass doing the preliminary planning. [Revelstoke Review]

February – D Company, 1st Battalion was at Sundance Canyon, three miles west of Banff, for winter warfare training [2] p278

March – C Company, 1st Battalion, in individual sections, marched about 54 miles through the rocky Mountains for “initiative training” [2] p278

May 10 – Canadian Army Routine Order 16-1: Issue No. 648 announces the new alliance of the QOR with the 60th, The King’s Royal Rifle Corps effective June 11, 1956 [2] p287

May 24 – The 3rd Battalion wins the first “Toronto and District Garrison Sergeants’ Association” trophy and a $25 prize for the best marching unit in the Garrison Parade [2] p287

June 29-30 – Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip visited Toronto and the 3rd Battalion assisted by street-lining in High Park, Kew Beach and at the O’Keefe Centre [2] p287

August 10 – Lieutenant Colonel R. J. Wilkinson, MC, CD replaces Lieutenant Colonel MacKay as Commanding Officer of 2nd Battalion (Regular Force) [2] p344

September 1 – The Queen’s Own Rifles of Canada Trust Fund was established for “the purpose of raising, holding, and administrating funds for the efficiency, welfare and well-being of the Regiment as a whole. [PH 1964] p126

1960

January 9 – Her Royal Highness Princess Alexandra of Kent becomes the second Colonel-in-Chief

February 19 – Exercise “Snow Chinthe” begins – 1st Battalion provided enemy force under the command of Major F. Moad, against 2nd Battalion, Princess Patricia’s Canadian Light Infantry in an airborne arctic exercise [PH 1960] p21

February 19 – The 1st Battalion provided a 100-man Guard of Honour under the command of Major K.N. Webber for the official opening of the Alberta Provincial Legislature [PH 1960] p21

February 24 – Calgary Stampeders Hockey Club hold a Queen’s Own Rifles night at the Stampede Corral to honour the Regiment [PH 1960] p26

March 1 – 1st Battalion provides 50-man Guard of Honour and Bugle Band in -15F weather for the visit of Associate Minister of Defence, The Honorable Pierre Sevigny [PH 1960] p27

March 10 – Colonel Jim G. K Strathy, OBE, ED becomes the second of only two Colonels of the Regiment

April 11 – Calgary Chamber of Commerce holds an official luncheon to honour the regiment’s 100th anniversary with guest speaker The Honorable Major General George Pearkes, VC, DSO, VC, MP in his capacity as Minister of National Defence [PH 1960] p27

April 30 – For the 100th Anniversary a spectacular dinner is held in Toronto, attended by 1,300 veterans, cadets and riflemen from the 1st, 2nd and 3rd Battalions, the Depot, and affiliated cadet corps [PH 1960] p4

May 31 – The Regimental Depot along with other static units stationed at Currie Barracks, were inspected by the Commander, Alberta Area, Brigadier J.S. Ross, DSO, CD [PH 1960] p12

June 1 – The Regimental Depot held a Tabloid Sports Meet which included sprinting, jumping events, throwing events and endurance tests. [PH 1960] p17

June 8 – Lieutenant Colonel M. G. McIver, CD replaces Lieutenant Colonel Bickford as Commanding Officer of the 3rd Battalion (Reserves) [2] p344

June 10 – Recruit platoons 81, 82 & 83 graduate – Major General G. Walsh, CBE, DSO, CD was the inspecting officer [PH 1960] p12

June 11 – City of Calgary grants Freedom of the City to the Regiment [PH 1960] p12

July – The new Colonel-in-Chief H.R.H. Princess Alexandra, paid her first official visit to the Regiment at Fort MacLeod in Germany and played a leading part in the 2nd Battalion’s centennial celebrations [PH 1960] p4

July 26 – The Regimental Depot captures the Softball Trophy on the Garrison Sports Day [PH 1960] p17

August – A company from the 2nd Battalion undertook a tour of the European battlefields which included D-Day landing beaches and continued east up the French coast into Belgium and Holland [TPH 1960] p5

August 19 – Brigadier F.D. Adams, DSO, ED inspects the graduation parade for recruit platoon 85 which includes his son. Best recruit was Rifleman J.J.A Cote [PH 1960] p13

September 14 – The 55-year alliance with The Buffs was commemorated by the Regiment with the presentation of a time-honoured side drum emblazoned with the Battle Honours, at a fitting ceremony in the Warriors’ Chapel in Canterbury Cathedral [PH 1960] p4

October 2 – Advance Party of 150 of all ranks and families departs from Calgary (to Quebec City) by train and then on the SS Homeric to Fort McLeod, Germany [PH 1960] p53

October 14 – At the age of 19 years, Rifleman Bruno Ernst Werner Eggman of the 1st Battalion died with two other soldiers in a vehicle accident (army truck rolled over) at Camp Wainright, Alberta where he was attending an NCO course. Rifleman Eggman enlisted in Toronto on August 25th, 1960, joining the First Battalion of The Queen’s Own Rifles of Canada shortly afterwards. Riflemen H. Henning and W. Gruber were also injured in this accident.

1961

Warrant Officer I T. F. Burroughs, CD replaces Warrant Officer I Moore as Regimental Sergeant Major [Sgts’ Mess photos]

Bugle Major R. L. “Bob” Price replaces Bugle Major Gord Gallaghan as 3rd Battalion Bugles

June – Lieutenant Colonel D. N. Osborne. CD replaces Lieutenant Colonel Wilkinson as Commanding Officer of the 2nd Battalion (Regular Force) [Officers’ Mess photos]

July – The QOR of C contingent at the Nijmegen Bridge March, Circa, 1961. It was led by Sgt. DeBryne [B.H. Jarrold photo below]

August – Lieutenant Colonel H.C.F. Elliot, CD replaces Lieutenant Colonel Lithgow as Commanding Officer of 1st Battalion (Regular Force) [Officers’ Mess photos]

September – Captain William J. McAndrew of the 2nd Battalion was posted to Ghana as part of a training team to the Ghanaian Armed Forces.  He was stationed in Kumasi, along with Lloyd Cornet another regimental officer, at the Ghanian Forces Training Centre, returning to Canada in the fall of 1963.  While there he was Weapon Training Officer for a time, then commanded two different Companies, and was also a Recruiting Officer for the Armed Forces (they were all double-hatted in several jobs.)

1962

August 30 – Major J. L. McCulloch CD replaces Major D. M. Creighton CD as Commanding Officer of the Regimental Depot and continues until the depot is stood down as of December 2, 1968 [PH 1962] p9

December 10 – 50 man guard of the 1st Battalion commanded by Captain Thomas Stout, greeted the Honorable John K. Starnes, Canadian Ambassador to the Federal Republic of Germany when he visited Fort McLeod, Germany. He later lunched in the officers’ mess [PH 1963] p16

1963

January 16 – Colonel J.G.K. Strathy, OBD, CD, Colonel of the Regiment, visited the Home Station and participated in a meeting of the Regimental Central Fund Committee [PH 1963] p8

January 19 – 16 man guard of honour from the 1st Battalion, commanded by Captain Phil Roy, was inspected by the new Supreme Allied Commander in Europe, General Lyman D. Lemnitzer during his first visit to the Joint Headquarters of the Northern Army Group [PH 1963] pp16-17

February 22 – Recruit platoon 111 graduates from Regimental Depot [PH 1963] p8

February 23 – Regimental Executive Committee meeting held in Toronto [PH 1963] p9

April – Lieutenant Colonel E. D. Price, CD replaces Lieutenant Colonel Osborne as Commanding Officer of 2nd Battalion (Regular Force) [Officers’ Mess photos]

April 24 – The Colonel-in-Chief HRH Princess Alexandra of Kent, married Mr. Angus Ogilvey. 2nd Battalion Commanding Officer Lieutenant Colonel and Mrs. D.N. Osborne attended the wedding and represented both the 2nd Battalion and Depot. [PH 1963] p8

May 15 – Lieutenant Colonel M. I. Jackson, CD replaces Lieutenant Colonel McIver as Commanding Officer of 3rd Battalion (Reserves) [Officers’ Mess photos]

June 1 – Commanding Officer of the 2nd Battalion Lieutenant Colonel E.D. Price, CD, and Major McCulloch and Captain Schmitz of the Regimental Depot departed Calgary to join other members of the regiment at Bernieres-Sur-Mer [PH 1963] p9

July 12 – Lieutenant Colonel T. Firth of the British Defence Liaison Staff at Army Headquarters in Ottawa, visited the Depot [PH 1963] p9

July 31 to August 7 – Home Station in Calgary hosted 6 members of our allied regiment The Queen’s Own Buffs: Lieutenant Colonel H.B.H. Waring, OBE, Commanding Officer; Captain C.M.C. Dewar, Adjutant; Captain J. Davison; WO1 G. Parker, MBE, Regimental Sergeant Major; WO2 P. Johns, Company Sergeant Major; and Sergeant R. Pecton [PH 1963] p9

September 6 – Recruit Platoon 112 graduates from Regimental Depot [PH 1963] p8+

October 4 – Recruit Platoon 113 graduates from Regimental Depot [PH 1963] p8+

October 9 – Area Commander’s inspection held for the Regimental Depot [PH 1963] p9

November 22 – Recruit Platoon 114 graduates from Regimental Depot [PH 1963] p8+

December 14/15 – Regimental Executive Committee meeting held in Toronto [PH 1963] p8

December 18/19/20 – Annual Regimental Depot Turkey Shoot [PH 1963] p9

December 23 – Depot Christmas Dinner held [PH 1963] p9

In this year, the University Avenue Armouries was demolished. It had been the home of the Queen’s Own Rifles of Canada militia since 1891.

1964

Jan 25 – All ranks 3rd Battalion take first aid training [PH1964 p97]

Feb 6 – A Guard was provided by the 3rd Battalion for the British Prime Minister Sir Alec Douglas-Home at the Royal York Hotel by Battalion Skirmishers and Pioneers, commanded by Captain Steve Duga. [PH 1964 p99]

Feb 9 – 3rd Battalion Pioneers and Skirmishers participated in the Canadian Army Show at the Royal Alexandra Theatre [PH 1964 p104]

Mar 20 – Lance Corporal Organ was awarded the Queen’s Commendation for Brave Conduct by the Chief of the General Staff, Lieutenant General G. Walsh, CBE, DSO, CD at a special ceremony held at Work Point Barracks.

Apr 24-26 – The 3rd Battalion held 104th birthday events including the Rifles Ball at the Royal York Hotel, a Sergeants’ Mess Dinner, a QOR Association dinner and a divine service church parade at St Paul’s Church. [PH 1964 p101]

May 16/17 – The 3rd Battalion held Exercise Foxhound at Niagara on the Lake – a company attack exercise [PH 1964 p97]

May 31 – The 3rd Battalion participates in the Annual Toronto Garrison Church Parade [PH 1964 p99]

Jun 6 – Commanding Officer Lieutenant Colonel M.I. Jackson and Mrs. Jackson visit Bernieres-Sur-Mer and laid a wreath at QOR cairn [PH 1964 p104]

Jun 6 – The 3rd Battalion participates in Exercise Sabotage in the Newmarket area with the Queen’s York Rangers. [PH 1964 p97]

Jun 20/21 – The 3rd Battalion held Exercise Fleetfoot in an area north of the City of Oshawa [PH 1964 p97]

Jul 1 – 3rd Battalion fires Feu-de-Joie at City of Toronto Dominion Day Ceremonies at the Canadian National Exhibition grounds. [PH 1964 p100]

Aug 8 – Colonel of the Regiment tasks salute of the Student Militia Course, 3rd Battalion at graduation parade led by Capt N.T. McCracken, Course Officer in Charge. [PH 1964 p96]

Aug 12 – Memoriam Guard provided by 3rd Battalion for Mr. Jack Blanc, a veteran of WWI and WWII [PH 1964 p100]

September – Lieutenant Colonel S. F. Andrunyk, OMM, CStJ, CD replaces Lieutenant Colonel Price as Commanding Officer of 2nd Battalion (Regular Force) [Officers’ Mess photos]

Oct 3-4 – 3rd Battalion Company Training at Richmond Armouries

Oct 17 – 3rd Battalion Range weekend Winona

Oct 18 – Laying of the Cornerstone of Moss Park Armoury by the Honourable Paul T. Hellyer, Minister of National Defence

Nov 4 – Warrant Officer I H. A. Dory, CD replaces Warrant Officer I Burroughs as Regimental Sergeant Major [Sgts’ Mess photos; PH 1964 p101]

Nov 8 – 3rd Battalion Church Parade to St. Paul’s Church accompanied by UCC Cadet Corps. [PH 1964 p100]

Nov 13 – The 3rd Battalion provided a guard for The Royal Winter Fair’s opening under the command of Captain N.T. McCracken [PH 1964 p101]

Nov 21-22 – 3rd Battalion held Exercise Sabre at Niagara-on-the-Lake [PH 1964 p98]

Dec 12 – 3rd Battalion Officers Christmas Luncheon

Dec 18 – 3rd Battalion Pay parade and Unit Party.

1965

January 22 – Lieutenant Colonel C. de L. Kirby, CD replaces Lieutenant Colonel Elliot as Commanding Officer of 1st Battalion (Regular Force) [Officers’ Mess photos]

March – Colonel of the Regiment, Col J.G.K. Strathy, dines with the officers of the Queen’s Royal Rifles at their Mess in London

March 27 – 3rd Battalion Sergeants’ Mess Annual Mess Dinner [PH 1965 p7]

April 6 – 1st Battalion takes over from 1st Battalion Canadian Guards as part of UNFICYP in Cyprus [1965 PH p31]

See 1st Battalion Deployment to Cyrus 1965 for more on this six-month tasking excerpted from the 1965 Powder Horn Journal.

April 23 – Regimental Birthday Ball held in Toronto [PH 1965 p7]

April 24 – QOR Association Dinner held in Toronto [PH 1965 p7]

April 25 – Church Parade and Divine Service held by 3rd Battalion, QOR Association and the QOR Branch of the Canadian Legion at St Paul’s Anglican Church, Toronto [PH 1965 p7]

August 13 – Graduation parade of Student Militia Course (QOR of C) held at Casa Loma, Toronto followed by a party at the castle attended by family and friends of the graduating class [PH 1965 pp7-8]

August 14 – Rifleman Perry James (PJ) Hoare is killed when his jeep overturns while serving with the 1st Battalion duties with UNFICYP in Cyprus [1965 PH p153]

September 26 – Captain Harry P. Williams-Freeman, CD posted for duty with the United Nations India Pakistan Observer Mission (UNIPOM) [1965 Powder Horn p12]

October 8 – 1st Battalion hands over Cyprus duties to 2nd Battalion, The Canadian Guards [1965 Powder Horn p31]

October 15 – Colonel of the Regiment, Colonel J.G.K. Strathy and Mrs. Strathy visited the 2nd Battalion and Regimental Depot in Calgary [PH 1965 p8]

October 16 – Colonel of the Regiment, Colonel J.G.K. Strathy and Mrs Strathy visited Work Point Barracks, Esquimalt, BC to welcome home the 1st Battalion from Cyprus [PH 1965 p8]

October 29 – 3rd Battalion Sergeant’s Mess Ball held at Casa Loma [PH 1965 p8]

November 3 – Colonel of the Regiment, Colonel J.G.K. Strathy inspected the 3rd Battalion in the old St Lawrence Market [PH 1965 p8] [St Lawrence Market was being used since the University Armouries were demolished in 1963 and the new Moss Park Armoury was not expected to be occupied until mid-1966]

November 3 – Lieutenant Colonel C. L. Jones, CD replaces Lieutenant Colonel Jackson as Commanding Officer of 3rd Battalion (Reserves) [Officers’ Mess photos] According to Powder Horn 1965 p8 the change of command parade was held on December 15.

November 7 – The 3rd Battalion Church Parade to St Paul’s Anglican Church was held joined by the Upper Canada College Cadet Battalion [PH 1965 p8]

December 11/12 – The Fifth Annual Meeting of the Regimental Executive Committee was held at Toronto [PH 1965 p8]

1966

Chief Warrant Officer J. Green replaces Warrant Officer I Dory as Regimental Sergeant Major [Sgts’ Mess photos]

March – Lieutenant Colonel N. A. Robinson, CD replaces Lieutenant Colonel Andrunyk as the last Commanding Officer of the 2nd Battalion (Regular Force) [Officers’ Mess photos]

1967

Bugle Major John Doeg replaces Bulge Major Price as 3rd Battalion Bugles

January – Lieutenant Colonel H. C. Pitts, MC, CD replaces Lieutenant Colonel Kirby as Commanding Officer of 1st Battalion (Regular Force) [Officers’ Mess photos]

April – The 2nd Battalion’s Rotation to Cyprus starts.

May 14-18 – Visit to 3rd Battalion in Toronto of Colonel-in-Chief, HRH Princess Alexandra [PH 1967 p118]

October 11 – Lieutenant Colonel F. P. J. Mulrooney, CD replaces Lieutenant Colonel Jones as Commanding Officer of the 3rd Battalion (Reserves) [Officers’ Mess photos]

October 16-19 – A second visit to 3rd Battalion in Toronto of Colonel-in-Chief, HRH Princess Alexandra [PH 1967 p118]

1968

Captain Jack Long replaces Captain William T. Atkins as Bandmaster (Reserve Band) after 21 years of service

February 14 – Norm McCracken commands a Queen’s Own Rifles of Canada Guard of Honour for the Opening of the Ontario Legislature at Queen’s Park. [2021.11.001]

May 28 – 3rd Battalion provides a 50 person guard of honour for the unveiling of a monument to Sir Casimir Gzowski by then Prime Minister Pierre Trudeau at Sunnyside Park in Toronto.

August 31 – 2nd Battalion QOR of C is deactivated [3]

1969

Chief Warrant Officer J. S. Byatt, CD replaces Chief Warrant Officer Green as Regimental Sergeant Major [Sgts’ Mess photos]

3rd Battalion marches from Moss Park Armoury to Nathan Phillips Square and is granted the Freedom of the City of Toronto.

January-February – 1st Battalion takes part in Waincon 69 winter training exercise [PH 1969-70 p20]

March 16 – 1st Battalion holds service at St Barbara’s Chapel, to re-dedicate Book of Remembrance 1866-1918 and install Regimental and 1st Battalion flags to commemorate the relocation of the Regimental home Station to Work Point Barracks, Victoria  [PH 1969-70 p48]

March 23 – May 9 – 1st Battalion Mortar Platoon under Captain Jim O’Brien, selected to provide a demonstration group for the Mortar-Anti-Tank Platoon Commanders’ Course at Combat Arms School in Camp Borden, Ontario [PH 1969-70 916]

March 28 – Lieutenant Colonel T. M. Marsaw, CD replaces Lieutenant Colonel Pitts as the last Commanding Officer of 1st Battalion (Regular Force) [Officers’ Mess photos][PH 1969-70 p63]

April 27 – At an impressive ceremony at City Hall, Mayor William Dennison presented the Freedom of the City of Toronto to the 3rd Battalion [PH 1969-70 p92]

May 20 – 3rd Battalion, veterans, and detachments from Upper Canada College Cadets hold a ceremonial parade to recognize Colonel J.G.K. Strathy’s 10 years as Colonel of the Regiment. [PH 1969-70 p8]

June – Colonel J.G.K. Strathy represented the Regiment at the Royal Green Jackets’ Annual Dinner in London, England and had visits with the Colonel-in-Chief Princess Alexandra and with Lieutenant General Sir Richard Craddock, Colonel of our other allied Regiment, the Queen’s Regiment. [PH 1969-70 p7]

June 1 – Corporal J. C. Lapierre dies in Cornwall, Ontario of illness attributable to service.

July 1 – 1st Battalion fires a Feu de Joie at Beacon Hill Park, Victoria. [PH 1969-70 p66]

August – Corporals Clark, Currah, Dunk, Gilbert, MacNeil and Szepes and Riflemen Green and Irvine are attached to 2nd Royal Canadian Regiment, Fort York, Soest, Germany to participate in the fall NATO exercises with 4 Canadian Mechanized Brigade Group (CMBG).

September 24 – 1st Battalion Rifleman Harold Wayne George, aged 19, drowned in the Sooke River while on a training exercise, when the assault boat he was in overturned. Four others are injured. [PH 1969-70 p119]

October 9 – Lieutenant Colonel J. G. B. Strathy, CD replaces Lieutenant Colonel Mulrooney as Commanding Officer of the 3rd Battalion (Reserves) [Officers’ Mess photos]

November – Corporals Clark, Currah, Dunk, Gilbert, MacNeil & Szepes and Riflemen Green and Irvine return from participating in fall NATO exercise with 2RCR which was part of 4 CMBG.

November 19 – Musketry Sergeant Senetchko sends out inviting select members to join the 3rd Bn Rifle Team:

1970

February 26 – 1st Battalion departs for NATO Exercise Arctic Express in Norway  [PH 1969-70 p36]

March 10- 1st Battalion returns from Norway [PH 1969-70 p38]

April 23 – Final mess dinners were held in the 1st Battalion’s Officers’ and Sergeants’ messes [PH 1969-70 p79]

April 26 – 1st Battalion QOR of C (Regular Force) is deactivated [3] and renamed 3rd Battalion Princess Patricia’s Canadian Light Infantry. The Colonel of the Regiment, Colonel J.G.K. Strathy, OBD, ED, CD inspected the final parade which included a Feu de Joie [PH 1969-70 p81]

April 26 – Now that there is only one QOR battalion, Lieutenant Colonel J. G. B. Strathy, CD continues as Commanding Officer of Queen’s Own Rifles of Canada [Officers’ Mess photos]

7 June – Regimental Museum opens in its new location at Casa Loma in Toronto. [PH 1969-70 p98]

1971

Captain John O’Brien replaces Captain Jack Long as Bandmaster

Chief Warrant Officer S. E. Morris, CD replaces Chief Warrant Officer Byatt as Regimental Sergeant Major [Sgts’ Mess photos]

Bugle Major Syd Byatt replaces Bugle Major Doeg

June 30 – To augment 4 CMBG CFE (Canadian Mechanized Brigade Group, Canadian Forces Europe) during participation in NATO exercises (1) REFORGER “3” (Return of Forces Germany) FTX “CERTAIN FORGE”; and (2) Gutes Omen 1971, Corporal Ralph Schoenig was posted to 4 CMBG HQ & Sigs Sqn. at CFB Lahr; and Corporals Brian Budden and Ross Williams were posted to 3 Mechanized CDO, at CFB Baden–Soellingen (all of the 3rd Battalion, QOR.)  [Schoenig email 14 Aug 2015]

October 31 – After four months, Schoenig, Budden and Williams return from temporary duties in Europe [see June 30 above].

1972

February 17 – Lieutenant Colonel D. A. Pryer, CD replaces Lieutenant Colonel Strathy as Commanding Officer [Officers’ Mess photos]

1973

MWO Harry McCabe (later Regimental Sergeant Major and Captain) was awarded the Order of Military Merit for courage and bravery in a life-threatening situation at the hand grenade range at CFB Borden.

The Battalion participated in Exercise Drumbeat at Fort Drum, New York, receiving training on US Reserve Army weapons.

1974

Chief Warrant Officer M. L. Holland, CD replaces Chief Warrant Officer Morris as Regimental Commanding Officer [Sgts’ Mess photos]

All members of the regiment were at CFB Borden to qualify on the newly issued 7.62mm rifles as well as 9mm SMG and automatic pistols.

Regimental Pioneers and Skirmishers appeared as 1885 Queen’s Own members in a CBC-TV presentation of “The National Dream”.

Timelines:

• Timeline: 1856-1899
• Timeline: 1900-1924
• Timeline: 1925-1949
• Timeline: 1950-1974
• Timeline: 1975-1999
• Timeline: 2000-present
• Timeline: Uniforms
• Timeline: Weapons