This week marks the 78th anniversary of the Allied invasion of Sicily and the beginning of the Italian Campaign on 9 July 1943. The Royal Canadian Engineers supported every battle from start to finish. The gallantry and sacrifice of our officers and men was far from insignificant. Man-for-man, only the infantry suffered more than the Sappers. In Sicily, the RCE received more gallantry awards than any other corps or regiment.
The Italian Campaign has often been…
A Virtual Change of Command ceremony will take place on 08 July at 0900 hrs between the outgoing CO, LCol Marc Comeau, and the incoming CO Designate, LCol Brad Krajcik.
Please see the Microsoft Teams link for the Change of Command
The parade program with the biographies of the Reviewing Officer (Col Smith), incoming CO, and outgoing CO is attached.
CHIMO!
105 years ago, the No. 2 Construction Battalion (also known as the Black Battalion) was formed in Pictou, Nova Scotia. Join us on Saturday July 10th, as we honour the service and perseverance of the No. 2 in a virtual commemoration ceremony hosted by the Black Cultural Centre for Nova Scotia.
July 10, 2021 – 11 am (Atlantic) online: www.no2-cef.ca
On the 18th of June 2003, under the Command of LGen (Ret’d) CT Whitecross, 1 Construction Engineering Unit (1 CEU) was redesignated as 1 Engineer Support Unit (1 ESU) by the Deputy Chief of Defence Staff, VAdm GR Maddison. On that day the long history of 1 CEU and the legacy of the Construction and Maintenance Units (CMU) that preceded it was transferred to 1 ESU. Along with the legacy of excellence, the 1 CEU Heraldic Crest, which was officially endorsed in her own hand by…
Afghanistan Interpreters in Fear
When Canadian troops served in Afghanistan, they didn't do it alone, Afghan interpreters served by their side, they helped connect soldiers with local leaders and build trust. They risked their lives to do that work. Now, with the United States and other NATO allies withdrawing their soldiers, the translators are feeling more vulnerable than ever. The Taliban know who they are and they're hunting them down. Advocates for the translators…
Jason Zelward was a physical enthusiast and a major in the Canadian Armed Forces whose life was cut short by cancer in 2018 after a 17-year career in the Royal Canadian Engineers, serving in 1 CER and CFSME. The 2nd Annual Jason Zelward Physical Challenge takes place this weekend at the Simonds High School in Saint John, NB with all money raised going to support the Compassionate Grief Centre in Rothesay, NB.
Read the story here.
Monique Belair has been selected as the first female fire chief for the City of Belleville, ON. Ms Belair started her career in 1986 as one of five female firefighters serving in the Canadian Armed Forces. She went on to serve in roles in all divisions of the fire services, including communications, prevention, public education, investigation and training.
Click here for more details.
Summitted by CWO / Adjuc Donnie Matthews
It gives me great pleasure to announce the recent promotion of CWO Martin Pagé to his current rank. Also, I am happy to announce that he will take over as Policy Advisor and Senior Occupational Advisor. Please join me in welcoming Martin to the team!
CHIMO!
by Stanley Britton, CME, FRAIC
If ever there was an outspoken champion for the Canadian Military Engineers it would be the late John Bellini, founding President and CEO of the Trans Canada Trail (1992 to 2006). John passed away in Montréal on the 21st of April.
It was during the work-up phase of CME 2003 that John was invited into NDHQ/J3 Engr to ponder the notion of Trail blazing as a Centennial undertaking. Forever the spirited entrepreneur, he answered the “What if?”…
On Saturday 5 June 2019, LCol Mark Flint, CD took over command of The North Shore (New Brunswick) Regiment from LCol J.R.V. Dufour in Bathurst, NB. LCol Flint retired from the Regular Force in 2012 after an exciting career as a sapper officer in 1, 2 and 5 CERs with tours in the Balkans and Afghanistan. The North Shore Regiment has a storied past and celebrated their role in the Normandy invasion the day following the Change of Command. All…
