This Day in History

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[field_date_in_history] In History

This date marks the beginning of Indigenous Awareness Month.

Source:
On this date in 2009 a roadside bomb killed Maj. Yannick Pepin and Cpl.Jean-François Drouin of 5 Combat Engineer Regiment stationed in Valcartier, in the Dand district, southwest of Kandahar city, Afghanistan.

Source:
On this day in 2009, a roadside bomb exploded killing Maj. Yannick Pepin and Cpl. Jean-François Drouin of 5 Combat Engineer Regiment deployed with the 2^e Batallion, Royal 22^e Régiment Battle Group in the Dand district southwest of Kandahar city.

Source:
On this day in 2006, Corporal Clinton John Orr of 23 Field Squadron, won the Medal of Valour while rescuing fellow soldiers during Operation Archer in Afghanistan while under fire.

Source:
On this date in 2006, Cpl Clinton John Orr put himself at great risk to rescue soldiers trapped by enemy fire. He was awarded the Medal of Military Valour.

Source: Canada Gazette
On this date in 2002, 12 Field Engineer Squadron of 1 Combat Engineer Regiment destroyed 11,340 kg of enemy ammunition and weapons in Afghanistan.

Source: UBIQUE 2003 - p 43
On this day in 2001, the CFB Chilliwack Historical Society was incorporated to preserve the heritage of the CME family in and around the base.

Source:
On this date in 1997, 1 CER constructed a 60 metre Acrow bridge over the Battle River at Auburndale AB to replace one damaged during the previous summer.

Source: UBIQUE Vol 60
On this date in 1992, Sappers from 4 CER were engaged in mine clearing at Ilok, Croatia.

Source: UBIQUE Vol 67
On this date in 1992, Sgt C.M. Ralph from 22 Field Squadron, UNPROFOR killed by a mine in the former Yugoslavia.

Source: Unit War Diary
On this date in 1991, 1 CER deployed to Kuwait. This was the first complete combat engineer unit deployed since the Korean War.

Source: Unit War Diary
On this day in 1991, 1 Combat Engineer Regiment provided medical treatment and refuge to 1,200 American soldiers after an explosion in a U.S. Army ammunition depot in Kuwait. The Regiment received a Chief of the Defence Staff Commendation for its actions.

Source:
On this date in 1990, 45 Field Engineer Squadron completed building a Load Class 20 Non-Standard Bridge for the local school board on Beechmont Road, Cape Breton.

Source: 45 FES History - p 40
On this date in 1989, Sgt Dan MacPhee of 45 Field Engineer Squadron was chosen as the only Militia member of the Canadian Military Engineer team sent to Pakistan to instruct on mine clearance.

Source: 45 FES History - p 35
On this date in 1988, 56 Field Engineer Squadron completed a suspension bridge over Wallace Creek in Gros Marne National Park.

Source: 56 FES History - p 69
On this date in 1986, 56 Field Engineer Squadron completed an Acrow bridge over the Dyke's River in Labrador in support of Air Command.

Source: 56 FES History - p 55
On this date in 1981, 56 Field Engineer Squadron completed a Bailey bridge leading to a Boy Scout Camp at Northwest River near Port Blandford, NF.

Source: 56 FES History - p 40
On this date in 1978, Lt-Col C.N. Mitchell passed away in Mount Royal QC.

Source: UBIQUE Vol 14
On this day in 1944, Lt John Gourley Pierce of the 12^th Field Company RCE started a two-night reconnaissance into enemy territory of crossing sites over the Gari River during the Gustav Line battle. For this, he was awarded the Military Cross.

Source:
On this day in 1976, an advance party of Canadian Forces personnel departed Lahr, Germany for an earthquake zone around Fruili, Italy. The operation involves the medical corps, a squadron of field engineers, and helicopters and their crews.

Source:
On this date in 1972, The Trans-Canada Highway bridge over the Petawawa River collapsed. In a short period, 1 Field Squadron constructed a detour route including a two-span Bailey bridge.

Source: CME Hist Vol III - p 371
On this date in 1972, the RCE Museum was redesignated as the Canadian Military Engineer Museum and in July 1973 was granted official museum status by National Defence Headquarters.

Source: CME Hist Vol III - p 439
On this date in 1971, the statue of Lt-Col John By, RE, was unveiled in Major Hill's Park, Ottawa.

Source: John By - p 52
On this date in 1971, following two years of work by 3 Field Squadron and 1 Construction Engineering Unit, the Ogilvy River bridge on the Demster Highway was handed over to the Yukon Territory.

Source: CME Hist Vol III - p 371
On this date in 1969, the Royal Canadian School of Military Engineering was renamed to the Canadian Forces School of Military Engineering.

Source: CME Hist Vol III - p 346
On this date in 1969, the Canadian Military Engineers were assigned the responsibility to train and maintain Combat Diving resources for the Army.

Source: CME Hist Vol III - p 366
On this date in 1968, 1 Airborne Field Squadron was established as part of the Canadian Airborne Regiment.

Source: CME Hist Vol III - p 359
The personnel and organization of the Royal Canadian Navy, the Canadian Army, and the Royal Canadian Air Force were unified into a single organization, the Canadian Forces.

Source: Canadian Encyclopedia
On this date in 1968, Bill C-243 was passed - formalizing the restructuring of the Canadian Forces into a single, unified force. Three years later the Military Engineer Branch emerged.

Source: CME Hist Vol III - p 326
On this date in 1968, 5e Escadron de Genie du Canada was formed to be part of 5e Groupement de Combat in Valcartier, QC.

Source: CME Hist Vol III - p 358
On this date in 1967, 2 Field Squadron demolished the Hawkshaw Bridge over the Saint John River in New Brunswick at the request of the Province.

Source: CME Hist Vol III - p 369
On this date in 1967, 56 Field Engineer Squadron completed the restoration of the Quidi Vidi Battery as a Centennial project.

Source: 56 FES History - p 30
On this date in 1966, the Chief of Technical Services, Lt-Gen LGC Lilley (former RCE), announced that the base Construction Engineering organizations of all three Services would be realigned in accordance with a standard organization.

Source: CME Hist Vol III - p 336
On this date in 1966, the Army Survey Establishment was redesignated the Canadian Forces Mapping and Charting Establishment.

Source: CME Hist Vol III - p 383
On this date in 1966, 3 Field Squadron began work on 40 miles of road improvement and the construction of a bridge to provide access to the Nemaiah Valley, BC.

Source: CME Hist Vol III - p 369
On this date in 1965, Regional Construction Engineers Offices were established in Halifax, Montreal, Toronto, Winnipeg, and Vancouver.

Source: CME Hist Vol III - p 353
On this date in 1963, Sergeant Major Walter Leja of 3^rd Field Engineer Regiment, Montreal, was maimed while defusing a mailbox bomb in Montreal, making him the first victim of the FLQ's (Front de Liberation du Quebec) ongoing terrorist campaign.

Source:
On this date in 1961, the works section of the United Nations Emergency Force (UNEF) completed an extensive renovation program at Sharm El Sheikh.

Source: Technicians - p 292
On this date in 1958, Military Engineer personnel were employed fighting a forest fire that threatened Whitehorse, YK. Several fires also occurred in other locations.

Source: CME Hist Vol III - p 194
On this date in 1958, Engineer elements fighting forest fires threatening Whitehorse were stood down as the fires died down.

Source: NWHS Maintenance- p 37
On this day in 1958, firefighters from Camp Borden and RCAF No. 13 [Explosive] Depot in Angus, ON fought a fire started by an explosion in the Receipts & Issues building. Six civilians and one airman were killed in one of the worst peacetime munitions explosions in Canada.

Source: Canadian Military Family Magazine 9 Apr 2019
On this date in 1958, Ripple Rock, a shipping hazard in Seymour Narrows between Vancouver Island and the BC mainland just north of Campbell River, was removed as a result of the world's largest non-nuclear explosion to date. The Project Manager was a retired RCE officer.

Source:
On this date in 1957, Brig J.L. Melville officially opened the RCE Museum at Camp Chilliwack.

Source: CME Hist Vol III - p 436
On this date in 1957, the 2,130- foot long suspension bridge over the Peace River collapsed. Prompt action by Northwest Highway System personnel opened a detour route within days.

Source: CME Hist Vol III - p 194
On this date in 1956, Sgt D.E. Stevenson, an RCAF firefighter, was awarded the George Medal for his efforts in quelling a fire in a NATO fuel dump in France.

Source: CME Hist Vol III - p 121
On this date in 1956, elements of 2 Field Squadron were deployed to Creston, BC to work on the dykes that were threatened by the flooding Kootenay River.

Source: CME Hist Vol III - p 287
On this date in 1956, the United Nations authorized an emergency peacekeeping force (UNEF) for employment in Egypt. 53 Engineer personnel were included in the initial Canadian unit.

Source: CME Hist Vol III - p 284
On this date in 1955, 26 helicopter-transported field crews were involved in survey for the Mid-Canada Radar Line sites.

Source: CME Hist Vol III - p 127
On this date in 1954, the Army Survey Establishment began the production of Military City Maps of major urban locations in Canada - eventually producing 51 map sheets.

Source: CME Hist Vol III - p 208
On this date in 1954, as a result of the Kennedy report, there were substantial changes in the organization of the Engineer units in the Militia.

Source: CME Hist Vol III - p 256
On this date in 1954, 2 Field Engineer Regiment was placed on active service to build bridges and other activities due to the damage from Hurricane Hazel in the Toronto area.

Source: CME Hist Vol III - p 258
On this date in 1954, the Army Survey Establishment became involved with the RCAF in the survey of the Mid-Canada Radar Line.

Source: CME Hist Vol III - p 208
On this date in 1953, the first intake of the Sapper Apprentice Program arrived at the Royal Canadian School of Military Engineering in Chilliwack. A total of 14 intakes were enrolled with the last one graduating in 1967.

Source: CME Hist Vol III - p 278
On this date in 1953, Engineers were involved in salvaging material from the demilitarized zone within 72 hours of the signing of the Korean War truce.

Source: CME Hist Vol III - p 242
On this date in 1953, a concensus of Engineer and general staff officers of the Commonwealth Division in Korea recommended the assignment of two engineer regiments per Division.

Source: CME Hist Vol III - p 243
On this date in 1953, 1^st Field Engineer Regiment, part of the new Division, was established with its Headquarters at Camp Chilliwack. 23 Fd Sqn was redesignated 1 Fd Sqn, the 57^th became 2 Fd Sqn, the 58^th became 3 Fd Sqn, and the 59^th became 3 Fd Sqn.

Source: CME Hist Vol III - p 252
On this date in 1952, the Donjek Bridge, constructed by No 1 Road Maintenance Company at Mile 1132.8 on the Alaska Highway, was opened by Brig J.L. Melville.

Source: NWHS Maintenance- p 27
On this date in 1951, 57th Independent Field Squadron embarked on the USNS Marine Adder enroute to Korea.

Source: CME Hist Vol III - p 216
On this date in 1951, at 0600hrs a reinforcement draft of Engineers for 57 Field Squadron arrived at the railway station in Seoul, Korea. They were served fried bread for breakfast. [LCol Vic Johnson (Retd) Personal Recollections]

Source: LCol Vic Johnson (Retd) Personal Recollections
On this date in 1951, 57th Field Squadron completed their unit training and spent time in the field in Fort Lewis, Washington to acclimatize personnel to the harsh living conditions anticipated in Korea.

Source: CME Hist Vol III - p 214
On this date in 1951, 45 Field Squadron, RCE (Reserve Force), located in Sydney NS, was activated as a sub-unit of 5 Field Engineer Regiment in Halifax.

Source: 45 FES History - p 1
On this date in 1951, members of 23 Field Squadron and 13 Works Company participated in a demolition exercise during the floods in Medicine Hat AB.

Source: CME Hist Vol III - p 258
On this date in 1951, 58th Independent Field Squadron was created for service with 27 Brigade in Northwest Europe.

Source: CME Hist Vol III - p 249
On this date in 1950, Brig R.M. Rockingham announced that a new unit, 57th Canadian Independent Field Squadron would be formed for service in Korea.

Source: CME Hist Vol III - p 213
On this date in 1950, North Korean forces invaded South Korea resulting in the employment of the 25^th Canadian Brigade Group, including a Field Squadron, for three years, as part of the 1^st Commonwealth Division.

Source: CME Hist Vol III - p 212
On this date in 1950, 57th Independent Field Squadron moved to Fort Lewis Washington for training with US Forces prior to deployment to Korea.

Source: CME Hist Vol III - p 214
On this date in 1950, United Nations troops crossed the 38th parallel and captured most of North Korea. Intervention of Chinese forced the UN to withdraw south of Soeul.

Source: CME Hist Vol III - p 215
On this date in 1949, the North Atlantic Treaty Organization came into effect. Canada’s contribution included an Engineer Field Squadron.

Source: CME Hist Vol III - p 115
On this date in 1949, the construction of the Atlin Road was completed, connecting Atlin, BC with the Alaska Highway.

Source: NWHS Maintenance- p 36
On this date in 1949, the Atlin Road between Mile 866 on the Alaska Highway and the gold mining town of Atlin was opened to traffic after construction by the Northwest Highway System.

Source: CME Hist Vol III - p 192
On this date in 1949, 56 Field Squadron of St. John's was authorized and recruiting started in March 1950.

Source: 56 FES History - p 13
On this date in 1948, a stained glass window honouring Canadian railway troops killed in WW II was unveiled in Garrison Church at Longmoor, England.

Source: RCE Hist Vol II - p 500
On this date in 1948, Air Defence Group was formed at RCAF Station St-Hubert to co-ordinate Canada's involvement in the North American Air Defence Command (NORAD).

Source: CME Hist Vol III - p 123
On this date in 1948, Lt-Gen M.A. Pope (Former RCE) retired from the Army to become Canadian ambassador in Bonn. Later he served as ambassador to Belgium and Spain.

Source: RCE Hist Vol II - p 438
On this date in 1948, a total of 49 "active" Reserve Force Engineer units and headquarters was authorized.

Source: RCE Hist Vol II - p 556
On this date in 1948, Brigadier J.L. Melville CBE, MC, ED was appointed as the first Honorary Colonel Commandant of the Corps of Royal Canadian Engineers.

Source: RCE Hist Vol II - p 560
On this date in 1948, training programs were initiated to train personnel in the construction trades as it was proving impractical to recruit qualified tradesmen.

Source: Technicians - p 249
On this date in 1947, North American Air Defence (NORAD), a joint Canada-USA agreement for air defence of North America was announced.

Source: CME Hist Vol III - p 123
On this date in 1947, No. 7 Artisan Works Company was disbanded - the last World War II unit of the Royal Canadian Engineers overseas.

Source: RCE Hist Vol II - p 430
On this date in 1947, Spr R.C. Spencer MM, was first other rank to enlist in the post-war 23rd Field Squadron. Maj G.K. Wade was appointed the first Commanding Officer.

Source: CME Hist Vol III - p 150
On this date in 1946, Canada was in the early stages of taking over the Canadian section of the Alaska Highway, including telephone systems, buildings, and other assets valued at $108 million.

Source: CME Hist Vol III - p 174
On this date in 1946, the Directorate of Engineers was authorized in General Staff Branch at Army Headquarters.

Source: RCE Hist Vol II - p 548
On this date in 1946, the All Sappers Cenotaph was completed in Chilliwack. Lt-Col C.N. Mitchell, VC was instrumental in building the cenotaph.

Source: CME Hist Vol III - p 168
On this date in 1946, 1st Field Company was re-designated 23rd Field Company RCE and located at Camp Chilliwack as the permanent RCE unit of the Active Force after WW II.

Source: RCE Hist Vol II - p 550
On this date in 1946, 23rd Field Squadron (stationed at Camp Chilliwack) was authorized as part of the Active Force field component.

Source: CME Hist Vol III - p 147
On this date in 1946, 3rd Cemetery Construction Unit RCE was the last engineers unit to leave North-West Europe.

Source: RCE Hist Vol II - p 429
On this date in 1946, A6 Canadian Engineer Training Centre was redesignated the Royal Canadian School of Military Engineering and Camp Chilliwack became the "Home of the Engineers."

Source: CME Hist Vol III - p 168
On this day in 1945, nine sappers of the 11^th (Lampton) Fd Coy were killed near Cleve, Germany when a dump of enemy mines they had cleared a day earlier accidentally exploded.

Source:
On this day in 1945, Sgt Mervin Durham, 9th Fd Sqn, RCE completed the bridge dubbed 'The Mad Whore's Dream' in support of the 4th Armd Div's attack on the village of Kapelsche Veer after four desperate days of working under German observation and fire. Sgt Durham was awarded the Military Medal for bravery and leadership.

Source:
On this day in 1945, Cpl Maurice Duruisseau, 9^th Fd Sqn, volunteered to go forward under German observation and fire to carry out a reconnaissance a more senior NCO had not been able to complete. His did so under arduous conditions and great danger and was awarded a Military Medal for his actions.

Source:
On this date in 1945, a platoon of 2nd Drilling Company was employed at Ostend to help destroy the reinforced-concrete submarine pens.

Source: RCE Hist Vol II - p 465
On this day in 1945, Lt J.A. York of the 12^th Field Company RCE saved a section of floating bridge from enemy action and the forces of nature during an assault crossing of the River Ijssel. He was awarded the Military Cross for his superhuman efforts.

Source: Unit War Diary
On this date in 1945, No 1 Drilling Company left Italy and arrived in North West Europe under command 1 Canadian Army Group Royal Engineers.

Source: RCE Hist Vol II - p 464
On this date in 1945, 6 Field Company experienced its last casualties in the Netherlands while removing a roadblock that was holding up The Royal Winnipeg Rifles.

Source: RCE Hist Vol II - p 406
On this date in 1945, Maj D.W. Cunnington was an observer at the invasion of Okinawa, Japan.

Source: RCE Hist Vol II - p 324
On this date in 1945, 3rd Battalion and No. 2 Drilling Company completed a 42 mile section of "DUMBO" - a petrol pipeline to supply 48,000 gallons per hour.

Source: RCE Hist Vol II - p 383
On this day in 1945, Lt Arthur Beaven, 9^th Fd Sqn, RCE, completed a series of dangerous reconnaissances during the time leading up to and during the Battle of Kapelsche Veer. He often went alone through intense mortar and semi-automatic fire, lying up often whilst enemy patrols scoured the area in search of him, and returned with detailed and accurate information. For his bravery, he was awarded the Military Cross.

Source:
On this day in 1945, L/Sgt Robert Henry Dunkeld, 9th Fd Sqn, RCE, on the last day of the Battle of Kapelsche Veer completed an important reconnaissance under German observation and fire. This action culminated a series of dangerous reconnaissance tasks carried out by L/Sgt Dunkeld and won him a Military Medal.

Source:
On this date in 1945, 16 Field Company blew breeches in the dykes to alleviate flooding in the area of Kranenburg in support of operation VERITABLE.

Source: Technicians - p 224
On this date in 1945, 50 Field Companies of Engineers, three Road Construction Companies and two Pioneer Companies were employed on road maintenance on the Supply Lines in the British/Canadian sector due to bad weather.

Source: Victory Campaign - p 458

The Canadian Military
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This Day in History

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