27 Canadian Infantry Brigade, 1951-1953, 1 Canadian Infantry Brigade Group, 1953-1955, 2 Canadian Infantry Brigade Group, 1955-1957, 4 Canadian Infantry Brigade Group, 1957-1968

27 Canadian Infantry Brigade, 1951- 1953

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The 27th Canadian Infantry Brigade (27 CIB) was an Active Force infantry brigade created on 4 May 1951, for service in West Germany. The brigade sailed to Rotterdam in November and December of that year. It was posted near Hanover and provided contingents for the Coronation of Queen Elizabeth II. The Canadian troops of the CAOF which left Germany in 1946 were occupation troops: the Canadian Brigade that moved to Germany in 1951 was part of the North Atlantic integrated force - a unique situation for a formation of the Canadian Army.

Canada had several armies in the early 1950s. In addition to the Canadian Army (Active) and the Canadian Army (Reserve), there was the Special Force, which had specifically enlisted for the Korean War. In January 1951, the Canadian Army formed a new infantry brigade to meet the country's commitments to NATO.

The brigade consisted of three infantry battalions called "PANDA battalions" (for Pacific and Atlantic). They were the 1st Canadian Infantry Battalion (formed in Valcartier, Quebec, on 4 May 1951), the 1st Canadian Rifle Battalion, and the 1st Canadian Highland Battalion. Each battalion drew its personnel from five infantry regiments of the same type (line infantry, rifle or highland). Each regiment formed a complete PANDA company within that battalion, with the headquarters unit being a composite.

The Brigade served only briefly in Germany; from November 1951 to November 1953 the brigade served near Hanover as part of the British Army of the Rhine (BAOR). The second battalions of the infantry regiments served at Camp Borden in early summer 1952, then Valcartier, and to Ipperwash in the fall, and finally at Wainwright, Alberta where they remained until 1953.

A reorganization of the Canadian Army in 1953 led to a force of 15 infantry battalions: three for Korea, three for Canada, three for Europe and six for rotation.

On 14 October 1953, the 1st Canadian Infantry Brigade was reactivated and replaced the 27th. In the same year its battalions were re-designated as the Canadian Guards, the Black Watch (Royal Highland Regiment) of Canada and the Queen's Own Rifles of Canada. The original infantry battalions of the 25th Canadian Brigade (2 RCR, 2PPCLI and 2R22eR) rotated in to replace the infantry units in Europe.

27 Canadian Infantry Brigade Order of Battle (ORBAT) and units

Headquarters, 27th Canadian Infantry Brigade

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"C" Squadron, Royal Canadian Dragoons, (1st Armoured Regiment) R.C.A.C.

79th Field Regiment, R.C.A.

58th Independent Field Squadron, R.C.E.

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27th Canadian Infantry Brigade Signal Squadron, R.C. Sigs.

79th field Regiment Signal Troop, R.C. Sigs.

27th Canadian Infantry Brigade Ground Defence Platoon, R.C.I.C.

1st Canadian Rifle Battalion, R.C.I.C.

1st Canadian Highland Battalion, R.C.I.C.

1st Canadian Infantry Battalion, R.C.I.C.

Each of the three R.C.I.C. Battalions had been allotted a 30-piece band, with a bugle band for the Rifles, a pipe band for the Highlanders, and a brass band for the infantry Battalion. The men of the Highland Battalion have also been issued with the kilt in tartan colours of their parent units, leather pouches or sporrans according to unit custom, hose tops and coloured garter flashes, Highland style doublets of tropical cloth for summer wear, and distinctive headdress.

No. 55 Transport Company, R.C.A.S.C.

No. 79 field Ambulance, R.C.A.M.C.

No. 196 Light Aid Detachment, R.C.E.M.E.

No. 197 Light Aid Detachment, R.C.E.M.E.

No. 2 Field Security Section, C. Int C. No. 1 Reserve Force Intelligence Training Company of the Canadian Intelligence Corps was mobilized to form No. 2 FSS for service in Europe with the 27th Brigade. This Field Security Section was the forerunner of the FSS in HQ 4 Canadian Mechanized Brigade Group and later 1st Canadian Division.

No. 27 Provost Detachment, C. Pro C.

No. 27 Canadian Public Relations Unit.

No. 27 Field Dental Detachment, R.C.D.C.{Redesignated “no. 27 Canadian Field Dental Unit, R.C.D.C.” effective 5 January 1952.)

27th Canadian Infantry Brigade Ordnance Company, R.C.O.C.

No. 194 Infantry Workshop, R.C.E.M.E.

No. 27 Field Detention Barracks, C. Pro C.

No. 3 Movement Control Group, R.C.A.S.C.

No. 4 Movement Control Group, R.C.A.S.C.

No. 2 Medical Liaison Detachment, R.C.A.M.C.

No. 2 Base Post Office, C.P.C.

No. 3 Canadian Administrative Unit

No. 1 Canadian Vehicle Detachment, R.C.O.C.

No. 1 Canadian Base Ordnance Unit, R.C.O.C.

No. 1 Canadian Base Repair Section, R.C.E.M.E.

No. 2 Line of Communication Postal Unit, C.P.C.

Personnel

The appointment of Brigadier Geoffrey Walsh, C.B.E., D.S.O., C.D., as Commander 27th Canadian Infantry Brigade Group was announced on 25 May 1951. Brigadier Walsh graduated from the Royal Military College in 1930 and from McGill University in 1933, later attending the School of military Engineering at Chatham, England. He led the R.C.E. component in the Spitsbergen expedition, served as C.R.E. 1 Cdn Inf Div in the Sicilian and Italian campaigns, and returned to England to be C.R.E. 4 Cdn Armd Div. On 13 February 44 he became Chief Engineer 2nd Canadian Corps and on 2nd September 44 Chief Engineer First Canadian Army. Following the war he was given the task of organizing the Northwest Highway System in preparation for Canada’s taking over of control, assisted in engineer planning in Nanking, China, attended the National Defence College, and then became Commander, Eastern Ontario Area.

Commanding officers of the four major units of 27 Bde Gp were also named on 25 May 1951. These were:

• 79 Fd Regt, R.C.A. - Lt-Col M.L. Lahaie, D.S.O.
• 1 Cdn Rifle Bn - Lt-Col E.W. Cutbill, D.S.O., E.D.
• 1 Cdn Highland Bn -Lt-Col R.L. Rutherford, O.B.E.
• 1 Cdn Inf Bn -Lt-Col J.K. Mahoney, V.C.

Appointment of Lt-Col R.D. Barron, M.C., to command the 27th (then 79th) Field Ambulance, R.C.A.M.C., was announced on 9 June 1951. Lt-Col H.A. Phillips, O.B.E., commanded 3 Canadian Administrative Unit.

During July 1951 Lt-Col Mahoney was forced by ill health to relinquish his command, being succeeded by Lt-Col J.E.L. Castonguay. Cutbill was succeeded by Lt-Col J.M. Delamere, M.B.E., E.D. Maj J.D.M. Gillan held the appointment of brigade major until 23 January 1952, when he was succeeded by Maj R.S. Graham.

Reference: (Stacey, Charles, Perry (1986). "Report No. 51 The 27th Canadian InfantryBrigade Group February 1951 - May 1952". Historical Section Army Headquarters. Ottawa. 1952)

Weapons

Initial plans for 27 Brigade specified that the Force would train on US type equipment, as and when it became available. Since none was at hand on formation, however, the intention was to begin training on existing type equipment and issue US type weapons without indent as early as possible. By 4 July 1951 all available US type weapons, ammunition, pamphlets and charts had been distributed to units and Corps Schools, and units of 27 Bde Gp were ordered to commence training on these weapons at once. U.S. weapons intended for use included the 9 mm pistol, .30 rifle, .45 sub-machine gun, .30 Browning automatic rifle, .30 Browning machine gun, 60 mm mortar, 81 mm mortar, 3.5 in. rocket launcher, 75 mm recoilless rifle, and 105 mm howitzer.

It is unclear what U.S. weapons were actually issued. Difficulties in supply soon appeared, and by 3 October 1951 a decision had been taken to equip 27 Brigade Group and replacement units with the following types of weapons:

• U.K. Types:
  • .303 rifles No. 4
  • .303 Bren machine guns
  • .303 Vickers machine guns
  • 9 mm Browning pistols
  • 9 mm Sten machine carbines
  • 17 pr A Tk guns (until suitable recoilless rifles became available)
• U.S.A. Types:
  • 60 mm mortars
  • 81 mm mortars
  • 75 mm or 105 mm recoilless rifles (when available)
  • 105 mm guns
  • 5.5 in rocket launchers

After the arrival of 27 Brigade overseas, however, adequate operational stocks of ammunition for certain U.S.-type pieces were found to be unavailable, and it was necessary to ship from Canada 25-pounder guns as well as 2-in and 3-in mortars. Temporarily, the 105 mm howitzers, 60 mm mortars and 81 mm mortars already held had to be withdrawn, together with their ammunition, and placed in maintenance.

Considerable delay was experienced in ordering suitable medium tanks from the united States, and several technical difficulties arose. Therefore it was decided in October 1951 to equip “C” Squadron Royal Canadian Dragoons with Centurion Tanks.

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In 1951, 27th Canadian Infantry Brigade (27 CIB) was part of the European formation known as Canadian Forces Europe (CFE).  In 1953, the 27th Canadian Infantry Brigade Group (27 CIBG) was moved south from the Hannover area to the Westphalia area of northern West Germany and located in the four cities or towns of Iserlohn (Fort Beausejour and Fort Qu’Appelle), Soest (Fort Chambly, Fort Henry, and Fort York), Werl (Fort St.Louis, Fort Anne, and Fort Victoria) and Hemer (Fort Prince of Wales and Fort MacLeod).  There were originally 8 Forts but this was later increased to 10.

Reserve Force units contributing to the 27th Canadian Infantry Brigade Group were:

• Royal Canadian Armoured Corps - to form     ten armoured troops
• The Governor-General’s Horse Guards     Toronto, Ont.
• The Halifax Rifles Halifax, N.S.
• 8th Princess Louise’s (New Brunswick)     Hussars Sussex, N.B.
• Le Régiment de Trois-Rivières Three     Rivers, P.Q.
• The Prince Edward Island Regiment     Charlottetown, P.E.I.
• The British Columbia Regiment Vancouver,     B.C.
• The King’s Own Calgary Regiment Calgary,     Alta.
• The British Columbia Dragoons Kelowna,     B.C.
• The Fort Garry Horse Winnipeg, Man.
• Le Régiment de Hull Hull, P.Q.
• Royal Canadian Artillery - to form 79th     Field Regiment and replacementssome text
   
  • 6th Field Regiment Levis, P.Q.
   
  • 11th Field Regiment Guelph, Ont.
   
  • 14th Field Regiment Yarmouth, N.S.
   
  • 29th Field Regiment Toronto, Ont.
   
  • 34th Field Regiment Montreal, P.Q.
   
  • 39th Field Regiment Winnipeg, Man.
 
• Royal Canadian Engineers to form 58th     Independent Field Squadron and replacementssome text
   
  • 56th Independent Field Squadron St.      John’s, Nfld.
   
  • 6th Field Engineer Regiment Winnipeg,      Man.
   
  • 33rd Field Park Squadron Lethbridge,      Alta.
 
• Royal Canadian Corps of Signals - to form     27th Canadian Infantry Brigade Signal Squadron, 79th Field Regimentsome text
   
  • Signal Troop, and replacements
   
  • All Military Commands, assembled at      Barriefield, Ont.
 
• 1 Canadian Rifle Battalion, and     replacementssome text
   
  • The Queen’s Own Rifles of Canada Toronto,      Ont
   
  • The Victoria Rifles of Canada Montreal,      P.Q.
   
  • The Royal Hamilton Light Infantry      (Wentworth Regiment) Hamilton, Ont.
   
  • The Royal Winnipeg Rifles Winnipeg, Man.
   
  • The Regina Rifle Regiment Regina, Sask.
 
• 1 Canadian Highland Battalion, and     replacementssome text
   
  • The Black Watch (Royal Highland Regiment)      of Canada Montreal, P.Q.
   
  • The North Nova Scotia Highlanders      Amherst, N.S.
   
  • 48th Highlanders of Canada Toronto, Ont.
   
  • The Seaforth Highlanders of Canada      Vancouver, B.C.
   
  • The Canadian Scottish Regiment (Princess      Mary’s) Victoria, B.C.
 
• 1 Canadian Infantry Battalion, and     replacementssome text
   
  • The Hastings and Prince Edward Regiment      Belleville, Ont.
   
  • Les Fusiliers Mont-Royal Montreal, P.Q.
   
  • The Carleton and York Regiment      Fredericton, N.B.
   
  • The Algonquin Regiment Kirkland Lake,      Ont.
   
  • The Loyal Edmonton Regiment Edmonton,      Alta.
 
• R.C.A.S.C - to form No. 55 Transport     Company, and replacementssome text
   
  • All Military Commands, assembled at Camp      Borden, Ont.
 
• R.C.A.M.C - to form No. 27 Field     Ambulance,¹ and replacements (Redesignated No. 79 Field     Ambulance with effect 6 September 1951)some text
   
  • No. 7 Field Ambulance Toronto, Ont.
   
  • No. 9 Field Ambulance Montreal, P.Q.
 
• R.C.O.C - to form 27th Canadian Infantry     Brigade Ordnance Companysome text
   
  • No. 7 Infantry Divisional Ordnance Field      Park Halifax, N.S.
 
• Royal Canadian Electrical and Mechanical     Engineers - to form No. 194 Infantry Workshop, Nos. 19+ and 197 Light Aid     Detachments, and replacementssome text
   
  • All Military Commands, assembled at      Barriefield, Ont.
 
• Canadian Provost Corps - to form No. 27     Provost Detachmentsome text
   
  • No. 1 Provost Company London, Ont.
 
• Canadian Intelligence Corps - to form No.     2 Field Security Sectionsome text
   
  • No. 1 Intelligence Training Company      Montreal, P.Q.

Initial establishmenttables for the Brigade Group called for 324 officers and 5483 men or 5807 allranks, those for the replacement units an additional 185 officers and 3861 menor 40046 all ranks. To fill all units, therefore, required 509 officers and9344 men or a total of 9853 all ranks.

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1 Canadian Infantry Brigade Group, 1953-1955, 2 Canadian Infantry Brigade Group, 1955-1957, 4 Canadian Infantry Brigade Group, 1957-1968

27 CIB was succeeded by 1 Canadian Infantry Brigade Group (1 CIBG) on 14 October 1953, and in 1954 the dependant wives and children of these soldiers began to arrive.  The unit was renamed 2 CIBG in 1955, then 4 CIBG in 1957.  By 1962, it had become the 4th Canadian Infantry Brigade Group (4 CIBG), and was equal in size and strength to a “light division” because it now had nine CH 112 Nomad helicopters flying in a Horse Artillery Troop as scouts for an Honest John Nuclear missile 1st Surface to Surface Missile (SMM) Battery in Germany.

The name and symbol, Red Patch, came from the red rectangular badge- the “ Somme Patch “ which identified the First World War Canadian 1st Division troops and was worn proudly on the upper right uniform sleeve of all these division soldiers.  The 1st Canadian Army “Red Patch” division was reactivated on 16 October 1953 and consisted of 1 Canadian Infantry Brigade in the Westphalia area of Germany and two Canadian Army infantry brigades located in Canada.  The Red Patch was the symbol identifying the Canadian Army soldier and their dependant children in Scouting in Germany.

In 1959, when 4 CIBG's tour was due to end, a change was made in the reinforcement policy for Germany.  Instead of whole brigades rotating every two years, the decision was made to keep 4 CIBG and its associated brigade units in place, instead rotating the major combat elements to Germany every three years.

4 Canadian Mechanized Brigade Group, 1968-1993

The presence of the three mechanized infantry battalions led Canada's brigade in Germany to be renamed as 4 Canadian Mechanized Brigade Group (4 CMBG) on 1 May 1968, three months after Canada's three separate armed forces were unified into the single Canadian Forces.  Around the same time, a review of Canada's foreign policy was announced by the Prime Minister, Pierre Trudeau, part of which involved an investigation into the role of 4 CMBG, which was the Canadian military's main overseas asset.  The ultimate result of the investigation was the announcement by the Prime Minister, as part of an overall cut in defence spending, to reduce the Canadian military commitment in Europe by half.  4 CMBG was re-roled, and rather than having its attachment as an active part of the British Army of the Rhine (BAOR), it become a reserve force attached to either the VII (US) Corps or II (GE) Corps, and relocated to Lahr in Southern Germany.  Most notably, this downsizing and re-roling led to the withdrawal of the tactical nuclear weapons capability.  4 CMBG remained in place as part of NATO's forces throughout the Cold War until the final drawdown of Canada's military presence in Europe when it was disbanded in 1993.

The history of 4 CMBG can be viewed on a separate page on this website.

Major combat units of the CF that served 1 Canadian Infantry Brigade Group, 1953-1955, 2 Canadian Infantry Brigade Group, 1955-1957, 4 Canadian Infantry Brigade Group, 1957-1968

Armour

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The Royal Canadian Dragoons - 1957-1959, 1970-1987

Lord Strathcona's Horse (Royal Canadians) - 1966-1970

8th Canadian Hussars (Princess Louise's) - 1960-1964, 1987-1993

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The Fort Garry Horse - 1962-1966

Infantry

The Black Watch (1st Bn), Royal Highland Regiment of Canada - 1959-1962

1st Battalion, Canadian Guards - 1959-1962

2nd Battalion, Canadian Guards - 1957-1959

1st Battalion, The Royal Canadian Regiment - 1962-1965

2nd Battalion, The Royal Canadian Regiment - 1965-1969

3rd Battalion, The Royal Canadian Regiment - 1977-1984, 1988-1993

1st Battalion, Princess Patricia's Canadian Light Infantry - 1964-1967

2nd Battalion, Princess Patricia's Canadian Light Infantry - 1966-1970, 1984-1988

1er Bataillon, Royal 22e Régiment - 1967-1993

2e Bataillon, Royal 22e Régiment - 1965-1969

1st Battalion, The Queen's Own Rifles of Canada - 1960-1964

2nd Battalion, The Queen's Own Rifles of Canada - 1957-1959

2nd Battalion, The Black Watch (Royal Highland Regiment) of Canada - 1962-1965

3rd Mechanized Commando, The Canadian Airborne Regiment - 1970-1977

Artillery

1st Regiment, Royal Canadian Horse Artillery - 1957-1960, 1967-1993

2nd Regiment, Royal Canadian Horse Artillery - 1964-1967

3rd Regiment, Royal Canadian Horse Artillery - 1960-1964

4 Field Squadron, Royal Canadian Engineers

444 Combat Support Squadron

4 CMBG HQ and Signals Squadron

4 CMBG HQ and Signals Squadron, G2 Intelligence Section

4 Service Battalion was created at CFB Soest in 1968 and moved to CFB Lahr in 1970 in support of 4 CMBG until the close out of Canada's NATO commitment there in 1993.

4 Combat Medical Support Unit

4 Military Police Platoon

4 Canadian Military Support Unit

Ancillary supporting signal and service units in Soest, Werl, Iserlohn, and Hemer included the following units from 1957 to 1959:

• 1 Transport Company
• 1 Field Ambulance
• 4 Field Park Company
• 4 Ordnance Field Park
• 1 Canadian Base Ordnance Unit
• 4 Field Workshop RCEME
• 4 CIBG Light Aid Detachment
• 1 Field Detention Barracks
• 1 Cdn Base Medical Unit
• 4 Provost Platoon
• PPCLI Band

On 1 February 1968 the Canadian Army merged with the Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF) and the Royal Canadian Navy (RCN) to form the unified Canadian Forces (CF).  RCAF Station Baden-Soellingen was renamed Canadian Forces Base Baden-Soellingen, or CFB Baden-Soellingen.

Canadian Forces Europe

Canadian Forces Europe (CFE) was the Canadian Forces military formation in Europe during the Cold War.  The CF assisted other NATO allies in being prepared to counter the military activities of Warsaw Pact and the Soviet Union.

Canadian Forces Europe (CFE) consisted of two formations in what was known as West Germany before the Berlin Wall fell in November 1990.  These formations included Canadian Forces Base (CFB) Lahr with 4 Canadian Mechanized Brigade Group (1957-1993), and No. 1 Canadian Air Division (1 CAD), RCAF, at CFB Base Baden-Soellingen and CFB Base Lahr, which later became No. 1 Canadian Air Group (1 CAG).  Both formations were closed in 1993 with the end of the Cold War.

1 Canadian Air Group crest.

Canadian Army elements in CFE

Canada had maintained a presence in Europe as part of the NATO forces since 1951, when 27 Canadian Infantry Brigade was initially deployed to Hannover, Germany, attached to the British Army of the Rhine (BAOR).  This formation, which was formed primarily with Militia units, eventually moved to a permanent base at Soest, Germany, in 1953.  Initially, it was intended to rotate brigades to Germany - 27 CIB was replaced by 1 Canadian Infantry Brigade Group in October 1953, which in turn was replaced by 2 Canadian Infantry Brigade Group in 1955, and then 4 Canadian Infantry Brigade Group in 1957.

The arrival of 4 CIBG saw a significant reinforcement of the formation's capabilities; prior to this each brigade had only been equipped with a squadron of main battle tanks.  The arrival of 4 CIBG saw a full armoured regiment equipped with Centurion tanks and an independent brigade reconnaissance squadron with Ferret scout cars.  In 1959, when 4 CIBG's tour was due to end, a change was made in the reinforcement policy for Germany.  Rather than having whole brigades rotating every two years, the decision was made to keep 4 CIBG and its associated brigade units in place, instead rotating the major combat elements to Germany every three years.

The brigade was initially headquartered in Soest.  Individual units were stationed both at Soest and other towns in North Rhine-Westphalia, including Hemer, Werl and Iserlohn:

Soest - BHQ, 1 x infantry battalion, service units

Hemer - 1 x infantry battalion, artillery regiment

Werl - 1 x infantry battalion, engineer regiment, field ambulance

Iserlohn - armoured regiment

4 CMBG in action, 1957 - 1993

(Library and Archives Canada Photo, MIKAN No. 4949386)

A Canadian family in Soest, 4th Canadian Infantry Brigade, Germany, 1958.

(Library and Archives Canada Photo, MIKAN No. 4949387)

Ferret Scout cars, 4th Canadian Infantry Brigade, Northern Germany, 1958.

(Library and Archives Canada Photo, MIKAN No. 4976236)

8th Canadian Hussars (Princess Louise's) Centurion main battle tank, on exercise in Northern Germany, September 1960.

(Library and Archives Canada Photo, MIKAN No. 4976242)

8th Canadian Hussars (Princess Louise's) Centurion main battle tank, on exercise in Northern Germany, September 1960.

(Library and Archives Canada Photo, MIKAN No. 4976235)

Guardsman Ronald MacMullen and Corporal Ernest Fenton prepare to deal with an enemy anti-tank gun holding up one of their Centurion tanks while taking part in the attack on Wasbek, September 1960.

(Library and Archives Canada Photo, MIKAN No. 4976237)

8th Canadian Hussars (Princess Louise's) Centurion main battle tank being greeted by two small German boys as it moves through the village of Rumpel, northern Germany in 1960. In the turret are Corporal Leonard LeBlanc and Trooper Jean-Paul Roberge and driver Trooper Jean-Pierre Bastien.

(Library and Archives Canada Photo, MIKAN No. 5394878)

A 56-ton Centurion tank from the Fort Garry Horse, armoured component of Canada's NATO brigade in Germany, churning up the ground as units of the 4th Canadian Infantry Brigade Group carry out Exercise "Keen Blade", a five-day tactical exercise involving the Canadian NATO land formation and units of the German 3rd Panzer Brigade, which was held in the Hannover area of northern Germany, 15 Oct 1963.

(Library and Archives Canada Photo, MIKAN No. 5394884)

An armoured recovery vehicle of the Fort Garry Horse rounds a corner in a small German village in the Hannover area of northern Germany as the Canadian NATO brigade continued the offensive against units of the 3rd Panzer Brigade during Exercise "Keen Blade", 15 Oct 1963.

(Library and Archives Canada Photo, MIKAN No. 5394883)

Trucks of the 1st Battalion, The Queen's Own Rifles of Canada roll across the Leine River bridge as they race to take up positions during Exercise "Keen Blade", a five-day tactical exercise involving the Canadian NATO brigade and units of the German Army's 3rd Panzer Brigade. In the background are the battlements of historic Marienburg Castle, 15 Oct 1963.

(Library and Archives Canada Photo, MIKAN No. 5394877)

A patrol from the 1st Battalion, Queen's Own Rifles of Canada, races across the road to take up a position in a small village in the Hannover area of Northern Germany, 15 Oct 1963.

(DND Photo)

Hiller CH-112 Nomad helicopters in service with 8th Canadian Hussars Ferret Scout cars, Germany, ca 1960s.

(Library and Archives Canada Photo, MIKAN No. 4235863)

Hiller CH-112 Nomad helicopters over the Mohne dam, Germany, ca 1960s.

(RAF Photo)

Aerial photo of the breached Möhne Dam taken by Flying Officer Jerry Fray of No. 542 Squadron from his Supermarine Spitfire PR Mk. IX, 17 May 1943.

My uncle Carl Skaarup, RCEME, was posted to Soest and Hemer, 1960-1964. We came up from Zweibrucken to visit, and he took us on a tour of the dam.  The legacy of the Second World War was still a safety concern, back in those days.

Der Flugplatz, "Dangerous find", 3 Fighter Wing, Zweibrücken, Germany, 23 March 1962.

My father served in the RCAF during the Cold War, and during his service from 1954 to 1974, our family was based at 3 Fighter Wing, Zweibrucken, Germany (1959-1963).  The legacy of the Second World War and the damage caused by it was prevalent everywhere back then.  While searching for fossils in a nearby farmer's field, I came upon a hand grenade that had been left behind by Allied soldiers ca 1945.  I was with an adult who carefully led me away and reported it to the Air Force Police on base.  They decided to use the photo as a public service warning to children of all ages in the community to be aware and stay well clear of any such unexploded ordnance.  Cpl Arnold Eugen Precor and I made the cover of Der Flugplatz, a weekly news magazine published by the 3 (F) Wing Public Affairs office.

(Library and Archives Canada Photo, MIKAN No. 4235843)

Hiller CH-112 Nomad helicopters in service with 8th Canadian Hussars Ferret Scout cars, Germany, ca 1960s.

In 1962, the brigade was reinforced with the addition of the Royal Canadian Armoured Corps helicopter recce troop, equipped with nine Hiller CH-112 Nomad helicopters.  The Nomad helicopter served with the Canadian Army in the utility and aerial observation role, starting in 1961.  Twenty-four were assigned to the units within the Canadian Army, including Europe.  The Nomad was used by the 8th Canadian Hussars - Helicopter Reconnaissance Troop, Command and Liaison Flight of 4 CMBG HQ and Signals Squadron and the Aircraft Repair Platoon.  All amalgamated to become No. 444 Squadron on 1 Oct 1972 and were re-equipped with the Bell CH-136 Kiowa helicopter.

(Library and Archives Canada Photo, MIKAN No. 4235862)

Hiller CH-112 Nomad helicopters in service, hovering over 8th Canadian Hussars Ferret Scout cars, Northern Germany, c1964.

(Library and Archives Canada Photo, MIKAN No. 4235687)

Hiller CH-112 Nomad helicopter pilot talking with Infantry, northern Germany, 1964.

(Library and Archives Canada Photo, MIKAN No. 4976243)

106-mm M40A1 Recoilless Rifle, Anti-tank team in Germany. The tank busters are driver Private Garry McGray, Lance Corporal Bert Hayden, Private Steve Neary all members of the 1st Battalion, the Black Watch (Royal Highland Regiment) of Canada, on exercise, Sep 1960.

(Library and Archives Canada Photo, MIKAN No. 4235744)

1st Battalion RCR granted the Freedom of City of Soest, West Germany, 24 May 1964.

(Library and Archives Canada Photo, MIKAN No. 4235743)

1st Battalion RCR granted the Freedom of City of Soest, West Germany, 24 May 1964.

(Library and Archives Canada Photo, MIKAN No. 3930998)

1st Battalion RCR granted the Freedom of City of Soest, West Germany, 24 May 1964. Herr Walter Klemann, Burgermeister of Soest,  accompanied by LCol T.D. Lafferty reviewing the Battalion.

(Library and Archives Canada Photo, MIKAN No. 4235739)

1st Battalion RCR granted the Freedom of City of Soest, West Germany, 24 May 1964.

Further defence cuts and consolidation saw the Canadian Army renamed Force Mobile Command FMC, with units of 4 Canadian Mechanized Brigade Group based in the Soest area of northern West Germany moved to Canadian Forces Base Lahr.  However, a mechanized infantry battalion was stationed alongside the RCAF fighter squadrons based at Baden-Soellingen.  These units included:

1970-1977: 3rd Mechanized Commando, The Canadian Airborne Regiment

1977-1984: 3rd Battalion, The Royal Canadian Regiment

1984-1988: 2nd Battalion, Princess Patricia's Canadian Light Infantry

1988-1993: 3rd Battalion, The Royal Canadian Regiment

In addition, there was also a communications squadron, and after 1987, an air defence battery.

The ramp-up in defence spending during renewed Cold War tensions in the late 1970s and 1980s saw CFB Baden-Soellingen receive much-needed new infrastructure, including updated living quarters for its personnel and their dependents.

In October 1989 the Berlin Wall came down and by the end of 1990 Germany had reunited, thawing Cold War tensions and removing the role for Canada's active units stationed in Western Europe under NATO command.

In September 1990 it was announced that an infantry company from the 3rd Battalion, The Royal Canadian Regiment, would deploy from CFB Baden-Soellingen to a base in Qatar as part of Operation Desert Shield along with some airfield security personnel.

The last major deployment from CFB Baden Soellingen occurred in April 1992, when infantry soldiers from November Company of The Royal Canadian Regiment were deployed on a United Nations peacekeeping mission to the disintegrating country of Yugoslavia.  November Company's deployment was the first of many that the Canadian Forces would undertake to that nation under the banner of the United Nations Protection Force (UNPROFOR).  On the first night in Sira, Croatia, November Company came under indirect mortar fire and was hit by 10-25 shells.  In July 1992, the company was re-located to Sector Sarajevo, and came under the command of Brigadier General Lewis MacKenzie.  November Company was ordered to break through to and seize Sarajevo International Airport for UNPROFOR to use for transporting food and supplies to civilians in the city.

The post-Cold War defence cuts of the early 1990s identified both CFB Baden-Soellingen and CFB Lahr for closure by 1994.  With the end of the Cold War, the Canadian government opted to withdraw its forces stationed in Europe.

The airfield at CFB Baden Soellingen closed on 31 March 1993.  By summer 1993 most personnel had vacated CFB Baden-Soellingen with the base becoming a detachment of CFB Lahr, whose personnel had also largely vacated by 31 August 1993.  During the final months, Baden-Soellingen operated largely as a detachment of CFB Lahr and was permanently closed on 31 December 1993.  CFB Lahr would continue on until being officially closed 8 months later on 31 August 1994.  The Baden Airpark GmbH took over the area in 1995 and commercial flights from the former Canadian airfield began in 1997.

(Library and Archives Canada Photo, MIKAN No. 4221659)

Lahr Kaserne, HQ 4 CMBG and HQ CFE, aerial view looking West, ca 1990, with the Schutterlindenberg Hill visible on the horizon, and the then new Hospital on the right.

Aerial view of the airfield atCFB Lahr.

4 CMBG in action

(Library and Archives Canada Photo, MIKAN No. 4235730)

106-mm M40A1 Recoilless Rifle, Canadian Guards, possibly Germany, ca 1962.

(Library and Archives Canada Photo, MIKAN No. 5394881)

Armoured personnel carriers and M-48 tanks of the 3rd Panzer Brigade of the German Army roll down a road in the Hannover area of northern Germany as they prepare to engage units of the 4th Canadian Infantry Brigade during Exercise "Keen Blade" a five-day tactical exercise involving the Canadian NATO brigade and the German Army Unit, 15 Oct 1963.

(Library and Archives Canada Photos, MIKAN No. 4235849)

81-mm M29A1 Mortar, 1st Battalion, The Royal Canadian Regiment, 4 CMBG, Germany, ca 1963.

(Library and Archives Canada Photos, MIKAN No. 4235853)

81-mm M29A1 Mortar, 1st Battalion, The Royal Canadian Regiment, 4 CMBG, Germany, ca 1963.

(Library and Archives Canada Photos, MIKAN No. 4235854)

4.2-inch M107 Mortar, 1st Battalion, The Royal Canadian Regiment, 4 CMBG, Germany, ca 1963.

(Library and Archives Canada Photo, MIKAN No. 4235855)

4.2-inch M107 Mortar, 1st Battalion, The Royal Canadian Regiment, 4 CMBG, Germany, ca 1963.

(Library and Archives Canada Photo, MIKAN No. 4235851)

4.2-inch M107 Mortar, 1st Battalion, The Royal Canadian Regiment, 4 CMBG, Germany, ca 1963.

(Library and Archives Canada Photo, MIKAN No. 5394885)

"SORRY, BUDDY", says the crew of this 106-mm anti-tank recoilless rifle as they watch an M-48 tank from the German 3rd Panzer Brigade which they had just knocked out, on their way to a neutral area. The 106-mm recoilless crew from the 2nd Battalion, The Black Watch (Royal Highland Regiment) of Canada was among other units of Canada's NATO brigade participating in Exercise "Keen Blade", a five-day tactical exercise involving Canadian and German troops, 15 Oct 1963.

(Library and Archives Canada Photo, MIKAN No. 4235755)

105-mm C1A1 live fire, Germany, 1964.

(Library and Archives Canada Photo, MIKAN No. 4235756)

105-mm C1A1 live fire, Germany, 1964.

(Library and Archives Canada Photo, MIKAN No. 4234806)

105-mm C1A1 Field Gun, 2nd Regiment, Royal Canadian Horse Artillery, training in Germany, 1964.

(Library and Archives Canada Photo, MIKAN No. 4235774)

Live fire arty demo, 2nd Regiment, Royal Canadian Horse Artillery, Germany, 1964.

(Library and Archives Canada Photo, MIKAN No. 4235775)

Live fire arty demo, 2nd Regiment, Royal Canadian Horse Artillery, Germany, 1964.

(Library and Archives Canada Photo, MIKAN No. 4235774)

Live fire arty demo, 2nd Regiment, Royal Canadian Horse Artillery, Germany, 1964.

(Library and Archives Canada Photo, MIKAN No. 4235751)

Centurion tanks, the Fort Garry Horse, on exercise in Germany, 1964.

(Library and Archives Canada Photo, MIKAN No. 4235750)

Centurion tanks, The Fort Garry Horse on exercise in Germany, 1964.

(Library and Archives Canada Photo, MIKAN No. 4234066)

Centurion tank, The Fort Garry Horse, on exercise in Germany, 1964.

(Library and Archives Canada Photo, MIKAN No. 4235719)

Royal Canadian Army Service Corps (RCASC) cooks adding water and salt to a tub, while on exercise in northern Germany, c1964.

(Library and Archives Canada Photo, MIKAN No. 4235759)

Canadian Army field training in Germany, 1964.

(Library and Archives Canada Photo, MIKAN No. 4235845)

AN/PAS-4 Infrared Telescope. One of the last “active” night vision weapons sights, mounted on an FNC2, in Germany, c1964.

(Library and Archives Canada Photo, MIKAN No. 4235865)

AN/PAS-4 Infrared Telescope. One of the last “active” night vision weapons sights, mounted on an FNC2, in Germany, c1964.

(Library and Archives Canada Photo, MIKAN No. 4235753)

Canadian Army field training, .30 cal GPMG, Germany, 1964.

(Library and Archives Canada Photo, MIKAN No. 4235748)

Canadian Army field training in Germany, ca 1964.

(Library and Archives Canada Photo, MIKAN No. 4235758)

Canadian Army field training in Germany, ca 1964.

(Library and Archives Canada Photo, MIKAN No. 4235850)

ALBIS man-portable searchlight, Canadian Army field training in Germany, ca 1964.

(Library and Archives Canada Photo, MIKAN No. 4235848)

ALBIS man-portable searchlight, Canadian Army field training in Germany, ca 1964.

(Library and Archives Canada Photo, MIKAN No. 4235847)

ALBIS man-portable searchlight, Canadian Army field training in Germany, ca 1964.

(Library and Archives Canada Photo, MIKAN No. 4235757)

Soldier with a 510 radio set, Canadian Army field training in Germany, ca 1964.

(Library and Archives Canada Photo, MIKAN No. 4235686)

Canadian Military Engineers building a pontoon bridge in northern Germany, 1964.

(Library and Archives Canada Photo, MIKAN No. 4235685)

Canadian Military Engineers laying out anchors for a pontoon bridge in northern Germany, 1964.

(Library and Archives Canada Photo, MIKAN No. 4234827)

Ferret, 8th Canadian Hussars, Germany, ca 1964.

(Library and Archives Canada Photo, MIKAN No. 4234829)

Ferret, 8th Canadian Hussars, Germany, ca 1964.

(Library and Archives Canada Photo, MIKAN No. 4234835)

Ferret, 8th Canadian Hussars, Germany, 1964.

(Library and Archives Canada Photo, MIKAN No. 4234832)

Ferret, 8th Canadian Hussars, beside the Osthofentor tower, Soest, Westphalia, North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany, 1964.

Soest is a town In the Prussian province of North Rhine - Westphalia, about 50 kilometers east of Dortmund. The gateway Osthofentor shown here with the 8th CH Ferret is one of ten gates of the medieval city which have been preserved to the present day. These gates are located in the eastern side of the Old Town. They were built between 1523 and 1526., and strengthened from 1598 to 1603.

(Library and Archives Canada Photo, MIKAN No. 4234832)

Ferret, 8th Canadian Hussars, beside the Osthofentor tower, Soest, Westphalia, North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany, 1964.

(Parmigianino Photo)

Front view of the Osthofentor tower, Soest, Westphalia, North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany, 2007.

(Library and Archives Canada Photo, MIKAN No. 4235754)

.30 cal. MG being fired from a Centurion, Germany, 1964.

(Library and Archives Canada Photo, MIKAN No. 4235777)

Cessna L-19 Bird Dog (Serial No. 16720) in the field with 4 CMBG, Northern Germany, 1964.

(Library and Archives Canada Photo, MIKAN No. 4235776)

Cessna L-19 Bird Dog (Serial No. 16720) in the field with 4 CMBG, Northern Germany, 1964.

(Library and Archives Canada Photo, MIKAN No. 4234752)

Brigade Parade, Sennelager, Germany.  The brigade moved to Germany in 1951 and since the red ensign is being flown, the photo was taken before the new Canadian flag came into use on 15 Feb 1965.

The Canadian Mechanized Brigade Group was a formation of the Canadian Army, then Mobile Command of the unified Canadian Forces.  It was part of the European formation known as Canadian Forces Europe.  The formation served as the main forward deployed land element of Canada's armed forces, and was stationed in West Germany from 1957 until it was disbanded in 1993.
In 1951, 27th Canadian Infantry Brigade arrived in Europe, to be succeeded by the 1st Canadian Infantry Brigade in 1953, then 2 CIBG in 1955, then 4 CIBG in 1957.  In 1959, when 4 CIBG's tour was due to end, a change was made in the reinforcement policy for Germany.  Instead of whole brigades rotating every two years, the decision was made to keep 4 CIBG and its associated brigade units in place, instead rotating the major combat elements to Germany every three years.
The presence of the three mechanized infantry battalions led Canada's brigade in Germany to be renamed as 4 Canadian Mechanized Brigade Group on 1 May 1968, three months after Canada's three separate armed forces were unified into the single Canadian Forces.
Around the same time, a review of Canada's foreign policy was announced by the Prime Minister, Pierre Trudeau, part of which involved an investigation into the role of 4 CMBG, which was the Canadian military's main overseas force.  The ultimate result of the investigation was the announcement by the Prime Minister, as part of an overall cut in defence spending, to reduce the Canadian military commitment in Europe by half.  4 CMBG would also be re-roled, rather than its attachment as an active part of BAOR, it would become a reserve attached to either the VII (US) Corps or II (GE) Corps, relocating to Lahr in Southern Germany.  Most notably, this downsizing and re-rolling led to the withdrawal of the tactical nuclear weapons capability. 4 CMBG operated a large force of Canadian tanks and armoured fighting vehicles and remained in place as one of NATO's Cold War tank formations.  When the 1st Canadian Division was reactivated in 1989, 4 CMBG became the forward deployed brigade of the division assigned to the Central Army Group.  The end of the Cold War brought the final draw down of Canada's military presence in Europe when the Brigade was disbanded in 1993.

(Library and Archives Canada Photo, MIKAN No. 4235878)

Canadian Red Ensign flag being lowered at Fort Henry for the last time, in Northern Germany, 15 Feb 1965.

(Library and Archives Canada Photo, MIKAN No. 4235888)

Canadian Maple Leaf flag being being raised for the first time, at Fort Henry in Northern Germany, 15 Feb 1965.

(Library and Archives Canada Photo, MIKAN No. 4235889)

Canadian Maple Leaf flag being being raised for the first time, at Fort Henry in Northern Germany, 15 Feb 1965.

(Library and Archives Canada Photo, MIKAN No. 4234837)

Canadian Provost Corps (Military Police) working with German politzei, downtown Soest. The Der Mönchshof gasthaus was on the opposite corner from the local newspaper (Westfälenpost), 1965. MP Volkswagen police car.

(Library and Archives Canada Photo, MIKAN No. 4234834)

Canadian Provost Corps (Military Police) working with German politzei, downtown Soest. The Der Mönchshof gasthaus was on the opposite corner from the local newspaper (Westfälenpost), 1965. MP Volkswagen police car.

(Library and Archives Canada Photo, MIKAN No. 4234831)

Canadian Provost Corps (Military Police) working with German politzei, downtown Soest. The Der Mönchshof gasthaus was on the opposite corner from the local newspaper (Westfälenpost), 1965. MP Volkswagen police car.

(Library and Archives Canada Photo, MIKAN No. 4235684)

Canadian soldiers training in Germany, ca 1965.

(Library and Archives Canada Photo, MIKAN No. 4235846)

Canadian soldier training in Germany, ca 1965.

(Library and Archives Canada Photo, MIKAN No. 4235857).  SS11

R22eR training with SS11 Anti-tank missile guidance system in Germany.

(Library and Archives Canada Photo, MIKAN No. 4235859)

SS11 Anti-tank missiles mounted on a jeep.

(Library and Archives Canada Photo, MIKAN No. 4235860)

SS11 Anti-tank missiles.

(Library and Archives Canada Photo, MIKAN No. 42216644)

Ferret Scout car, 4 Fd Sqn RCE, R22eR M113s swimming the Weser River, Ex Rob Roy, Sep 1967, Germany.

By the mid 1960s, 4 CIBG's manpower totalled 6,700 men; it featured three mechanised infantry battalions, a reconnaissance squadron equipped with both armoured vehicles and helicopters, artillery equipped with both fire support and tactical nuclear weapons, and an extensive logistic operation.  The extent of the Canadian operation led to the British describing it as "a light division".  The brigade was renamed 4 Canadian Mechanized Brigade Group in May 1968.

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