Canadian Military Engineers Association

The CMEA is a dynamic association open to all members of the Canadian Military Engineer family. Since its formation in 2000, it has grown to over 2500 members with more than 21 Chapters and six affiliated Reserve units spread across the country.

April 17 in History

On this date in 1951, 57th Independent Field Squadron embarked on the USNS Marine Adder enroute to Korea.

Op GRANITE II – Information Hub

This page will lead you to the most recent articles on the CMEA website. More detailed information about the history of All Sappers Park and Memorial and our planned events can be found at the website Operation GRANITE II. Updates Op GRANITE II April 2026 Update Op GRANITE II January 2026 Update Op GRANITE September 2025 Update Op GRANITE II August 2025 Update Events Op GRANITE II - Schedule of Events Op GRANITE II - Who Will be There? Tickets…

Retirements and Releases March 2026

The CME would like to announce the release or retirement of the following members (no biographies submitted): After more than 6 years of loyal and dedicated service to the Canadian Armed Forces and the Canadian Military Engineer Branch, Cpl S. Alif (00339) will be released on 31 March 2026. Anecdotes and well wishes may be sent to Capt S. Tso: samson.tso@forces.gc.ca After more than 13 years of loyal and dedicated service to the Canadian Armed Forces and the Canadian…

39 CER Association March 2026 Newsletter

PRESIDENT’S REPORT Hi all, this newsletter covers a very interesting article about Op AMARNA by Maj Andrew Gower.  It is very good read. 6 FES Day Dinner is just around the corner.  Save the date! Bill WenmanPresident In this Issue: President’s Report Honours And Awards Presentations Deployments Exercises D-Day Dinner Op Granite II Veteran Affairs Membership Download the complete newsletter below.

Whispers and Shadows in the Night – Engineers Rescue Airborne Forces

A memorial at Driel in the Netherlands commemorates the British and Canadian sappers in a little-known Second World War operation called Operation BERLIN. That operation was the evacuation of the remnants of British and Polish airborne troops back across the Rhine River on the night of 25/26 September 1944 after the failure of Operation MARKET GARDEN.

One of the objectives of Operation MARKET GARDEN was to capture the Rhine bridges between Eindhoven and Arnhem with a combination of…

Sapper Fatalities at War in Afghanistan

The following Canadian Military Engineers lost their lives in Afghanistan during the Afghanistan War. You can read the Last Post entry for each soldier by clicking in their name.

  • Sergeant Shane Stachnik served with 2 Combat Engineer Regiment and was killed in action on 3 September 2006 during heavy fighting during Operation MEDUSA.

All Sappers Memorial is Dedicated 14 July 1946

As the Second World War was nearing its end in 1945, the Commander of Camp Chilliwack, Lt. Col. C.N. Mitchell, VC, MC, received a suggestion that a monument or plaque be crafted to honour all the Canadian Sappers who had given their lives to protect our freedom. Inspired to improve this idea, Mitchell set plans in motion for a much grander memorial - a Cenotaph and Park that would honour all Commonwealth Sappers. Mitchell directed Major Williams of A6 Canadian Engineer Training Centre to…

Capt Daniel D. McPhee, CD (Ret'd)

After more than 42 years of loyal and dedicated service to the Canadian Armed Forces and the Canadian Military Engineer Branch, Capt D.D. McPhee, CD, will retire on 15 May 2026. A DwD reception will be held at the Oromocto Pizza Delight Bunker on 1 May 2026 at 1300hrs. If attending, please RSVP to MWO M.W. Allen: mathew.allen@forces.gc.ca. Anecdotes and well wishes may be sent to the same person.


Capt Dan McPhee joined the military on 17 October 1983 as a reserve Combat Engineer with 45 Field Engineer Squadron in Sydney N.S., as a way to make a few extra bucks while attending university. Over the next several years, he progressed through the reserve ranks, eventually reaching the rank of Sgt. In 1989, he deployed to Pakistan on OP DECIMAL, which led to his decision…

LCol T.J. Gale, CD, (Ret’d)

After more than 39 years of loyal and dedicated service to the Canadian Armed Forces and the Canadian Military Engineer Branch, LCol T.J. Gale, CD, will retire on 15 May 2026. A DwD reception will be held on 7 May at 1400 at the NCROM (Officer’s Mess in Ottawa). If attending, please RSVP to Maj M. Bosse: maxime.bosse@forces.gc.ca NLT May 1. Anecdotes and well wishes may be sent to the same person.

MWO/Adjum D.T. Best, CD

After more than 30 years of loyal and dedicated service to the Canadian Armed Forces and the Canadian Military Engineer Branch, MWO D.T Best, CD, will retire on 29 April 2026. 

A Departure with Dignity reception will be held on 24 April at the Piper and Arms 170 N Front St, Belleville, ON K8P 2G2seating at 13:00 for 13:15 start. If attending, please RSVP to CWO M.H. MacDonald at: morgan.macdonald@forces.gc.ca. Anecdotes and well wishes may be sent to the same person.


After more than 30 years of loyal and dedicated service to the Canadian Armed Forces and the Royal Canadian Engineers, Master Warrant Officer David T. Best, CD,…

WO Wayne Alvin Charlebois, MMM, CD (Ret’d)

We regret to advise of the death of Warrant Officer Wayne Alvin Charlebois, MMM, CD (Ret’d) of Two Hills AB, on 14 January 2026 at the age of 86 years. Wayne was a Combat Engineer with Airborne and Combat Diver Supervisor specialties. 

Born in the Ottawa area, Wayne grew up in eastern Ontario and enlisted in the Royal Canadian Engineers in 1956. After completing his basic Field Engineer training at the Royal Canadian School of Military Engineering in Chilliwack BC, his first posting was to 1 Field Squadron in Petawawa ON. His next move was to 4 Field Squadron in Werl, Germany (1961 - 64), after which he returned to 1 Field Squadron (1964 - 68). 

Wayne was part of the large contingent of Airborne Sappers in 1 Field Squadron who were posted to Edmonton AB when the Airborne Regiment and 1 Airborne Field Squadron were formed in 1968. A six-year posting with the Squadron included a tour in Cyprus with the Canadian Airborne Regiment during the Turkish invasion, when he was awarded the MMM for his actions in combat. 

Wayne served his last two tours in Chilliwack where he was with both the Canadian Forces Officer Candidate School (1974 - 76) and the Canadian Forces School of Military Engineering (1976 - 80).

Wayne retired from the Canadian Forces in 1980 and then went to work with BC Forestry before moving on to Alberta as a Department of Highways Supervisor.   Wayne joined the Reserves with 8 Field Engineer Regiment in Edmonton and served with them until his full retirement in the mid-1990s.   A debilitating stroke in 2000 limited his enjoyment of retirement. 

In accordance with Wayne’s wishes, cremation has taken place and no service will be held. If desired, donations may be made to Heart & Stroke Foundation { 5626-51 Street, St. Paul, AB T0A 3A1}. Online condolences can be sent to the funeral home.

Spr Edward “Ed” Wilson Adamache (Ret’d)

We regret to advise of the death of Sapper Edward “Ed” Wilson Adamache (Ret’d) of Moose Jaw SK  on 6  April 2026 at the age of 86 years.

Ed was born at his home in Wheatstone SK, and attended school in Claudia and Kayville.  He worked for various farmers throughout his life.  Ed went to work for CP Rail for a while, but then decided to enlist in the Army. He joined the Royal Canadian Engineers and was stationed at Chilliwack and Vancouver BC, and at Petawawa ON. Ed retired from the Canadian Forces in 1959 and moved back to the family farm while working various jobs in many places.

In 1971, the family moved to Moose Jaw and Ed farmed and worked on many jobs in the field of Power Engineering, which included work at 15 Wing Moose Jaw and the University of Regina. After enjoying his retirement, Ed had health issues and moved to Pioneer Lodge. 

A Time of Visitation for family and friends will be held on Saturday, 11 April 2026 from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. at Moose Jaw Funeral Home {268 Mulberry Lane, Moose Jaw}  . Ed’s Funeral Service will be held on Monday, 13 April 2026 at 1:00 p.m. at Moose Jaw Funeral Home.  Interment will take place at the Moose Jaw Funeral Home Columbarium.  Those who are not able to attend may view the service by going to www.moosejawfuneralhome.com/webcast/.    

Online condolences can be sent to the funeral Home. As an expression of sympathy, donations in Ed’s name may be made to the Pioneers Lodge Activities Department, 1000 Albert St, Moose Jaw, SK S6H 2Y2.  
 

MCpl Joseph Phillip Peter Morrissey (Ret’d)

We regret to advise of the death of Master Corporal Joseph Phillip Peter Morrissey (Ret’d)  of Didsbury  AB,  formerly of Saskatoon SK, at the Didsbury District Health Services Centre on 1 April  2026 at age 83.

Joseph was born in Kingston ON. He began his military career in 1958, joining the Royal Canadian Engineers with the 7th Intake of the Sapper Apprentice Program at the Royal Canadian School of Military Engineering in Chilliwack, BC. Graduating as a Field Engineer, he returned to RCSME after his first posting to a Field Squadron to become an Architectural and Engineering Draftsman. After becoming a Draftsman, his career included returning to a Field Squadron, a peacekeeping deployment to the Congo, Regina SK, and with the Naval Radio Station in Ladner BC.

Joe retired from the Canadian Forces after receiving his Group 3 Qualification and joined RCE colleagues LCol Loveridge and Maj Freeman in the Saskatchewan-based  “Operation NewStart.” This was a federal experimental adult education and human development project that focused heavily on Indigenous and Métis communities and became known for pioneering what later evolved into Life Skills Training. Joe subsequently pursued a career as an audio/visual producer, eventually founding his own company, Slide Art Productions.

Joe discovered a passion for track and field when his son became involved in the sport. What began as support for his son quickly grew into a lifelong commitment. He coached both the Riversdale Track Club and the Saskatoon Track Club, dedicating countless hours to mentoring athletes. His involvement extended beyond coaching, as he served on the board for the Saskatchewan Provincial Board for Athletics and Athletics Canada. He was also a coach for the Saskatchewan Special Olympics in Western Canada.  

Joe was known for his strong sense of community and his willingness to give his time and energy to others. He was awarded the Queen’s Golden Jubilee Medal and the Saskatchewan Sports Award in recognition of his dedication and volunteerism.

A Memorial Service was held at Knox United Church {1406 - 19 Avenue, Didsbury} on 9 April 2026. Online condolences can be sent to the funeral home.