4 Canadian Mechanized Brigade Group (4 CMBG), Canadian Forces Europe (CFE), 1957-1993
4 Canadian Mechanized Brigade Group, Canadian Forces Europe, 1957-1993
(Library and Archives Canada Photo, MIKAN No. 4920771)
Fallex 84, Leopard tanks moving through a small village in Germany, Sep 1984.
4 Canadian Mechanized Brigade Group
4 Canadian Mechanized Brigade Group (4 CMBG) was a formation of the Canadian Army, and from 1968, Force Mobile Command (FMC) of the unified Canadian Forces (CF). It was part of the European formation known as Canadian Forces Europe (CFE). 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 (27 CIB) arrived in Europe, 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.
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.
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.
Major combat units of the CF that served in 4 CIBG/4 CMBG:
Armour
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
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.
(Library and Archives Canada Photo, MIKAN No. 4234065)
RCD Centurion tank on the range, Germany, c 1970.
(Library and Archives Canada Photo, MIKAN No. 4234065)
RCD Centurion tank on the range, Germany, c 1970.
(Library and Archives Canada Photo, MIKAN No. 4922183)
Fallex 71, Centurion tanks, RCD, and American M47 Patton tanks, Ex Reforger III, on a railway siding in Germany, 9 Oct 1971.
REFORGER (Return of Forces to Germany) was a specific NATO exercise which was typically conducted sometime in late September or early October. Fallex (Fall exercises) was a Canadian thing (Americans never used the term) denoting the period during which the Brigade travelled to Hohenfels and Graf and conducted intensive individual, unit and brigade training. Fallex usually culminated with participation in REFORGER.
FALLEX was Canadian sub-unit, unit, Bde training in the Canadian sector for REFORGER. After FALLEX training there was typically a deployment for a day or so to a non-tactical or more relaxed leaguer area for unit elements; then, the Canadian Bde Group participated in the final tactical NATO REFORGER FTX under NATO command. Further to that, individual unit and then Bde training as part of the work up training for REFORGER would go by other FTX names. In the minds of many Canadian soldiers it was all the same Fallex deployment and training away from Lahr.
Reforger name was coined by American forces based on the large number of complete units or even brigades that as Mike noted above “returned to Germany” from the USA — for the period of FALLEX. It obviously applied to the British and Canadians as well, doing the same reinforcement but on a smaller scale.
(Library and Archives Canada Photo, MIKAN No. 4692202)
Centurion tank speeding past cows on an exercise in Germany.
(Library and Archives Canada Photo, MIKAN No. 4692196)
M113 C & R Lynx momentarily hung-up on the river bank during the Exercise Reforger III in Germany, 25 Sep 1971. The Lynx is being recovered by a an M113, while another M113, 66B, waits to cross, armed with a 106-mm M40A1 Recoilless Rifle.
(Library and Archives Canada Photo, MIKAN No. 4692201)
Members of 4 Service Battalion repairing a broken track on an M113 C & R Lynx during Fallex, 25 September 1971.
(Library and Archives Canada Photo, MIKAN No. 4922182)
M113 C & R Lynx & M113, Ex Reforger III, Germany, 9 Oct 1971. Siegenburg, Marienplatz, Loibl brewery, District of Kelheim, Lower Bavaria.
(Library and Archives Canada Photo, MIKAN No. 4692197)
Canadians were supported with these German M48 AVLBs during Ex Gutes Omen, Germany, 25 Sep 1971.
(Library and Archives Canada Photo, MIKAN No. 4922176)
Canadians were supported with these German M48 AVLBs during Ex Gutes Omen, Germany, 25 Sep 1971.
(Library and Archives Canada Photo, MIKAN No. 4692198)
M113 APC's crossing the Danube river in Germany using a double story Medium Girder Bridge laid by 4 Engineer Field Squadron, 25 Sep 1971.
(Library and Archives Canada Photo, MIKAN No. 4922178)
Ex Gutes Omen, southern Germany, M113 C & R Lynx climbing a bank of the Danube river, 25 September 1971.
(Library and Archives Canada Photo, MIKAN No. 4922179)
Ex Gutes Omen, southern Germany, M113 APC armed with a 106-mm recoilless rifle, climbing a bank of the Danube river, 25 September 1971.
(Library and Archives Canada Photo, MIKAN No. 4692199)
Ex Gutes Omen, southern Germany, M113 APC armed with a 106-mm recoilless rifle, climbing a bank of the Danube river, 25 September 1971.
(Library and Archives Canada Photo, MIKAN No. 4940583)
Engineers using the blade of an M113 as a dining table during Exercise Canadian Club, 25-28 September 1972, 4 CMBG, Germany.
(Library and Archives Canada Photo, MIKAN No. 4940551)
A Centurion stands sentry during the early morning fog, Exercise Canadian Club, 25-28 September 1972, 4 CMBG, Germany.
(Library and Archives Canada Photo, MIKAN No. 4940549)
A Centurion preparing to make a water crossing, Exercise Canadian Club, 25-28 September 1972, 4 CMBG, Germany.
(Library and Archives Canada Photo, MIKAN No. 4692398)
A Centurion tank prepares to move up to the border during Exercise Reforger IV in Northern Germany, 22-25 January 1973.
(Library and Archives Canada Photo, MIKAN No. 4694262)
4 Service Battalion Forward Repair Group working maintaining a Centurion tank, 1973.
(Library and Archives Canada Photo, MIKAN No. 4692417)
RCD Centurion tank (possibly Robert Cable and Fred Lavelle), caught up during a crossing of the Rippach creek, between Gelchsheim and Riedenheim, Germany, 24 Jan 1973.
(Library and Archives Canada Photo, MIKAN No. 4692413)
Centurion caught in a ditch, RCD, Lahr, Germany, (possibly Robert Cable and Fred Lavelle, 24 Jan 1973.
(Library and Archives Canada Photo, MIKAN No. 4692410)
Centurion tank, Ex Reforger IV, RCD, passing by the old Town Hall (Rathaus) of Gelchsheim, lower Franconia, 24 km S-S-E of Würzburg, Germany, Jan 1973.
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(Library and Archives Canada Photo, MIKAN No. 4692400)
Ex Reforger IV, 155-mm M109 SP Howitzer, CS 15 A, A Battery 1 RCHA, silouetted against a German skyline, 22-25 January 1973.
(Library and Archives Canada Photo, MIKAN No. 4692396)
Centurion tank engaging the enemy, Ex Reforger V, Sep 1973.
(Library and Archives Canada Photo, MIKAN No. 4619700)
Centurion, Royal Canadian Dragoons on Ex Reforger V, Sep 1973.
(Library and Archives Canada Photo, MIKAN No. 4816325)
Centurion armoured recovery vehicles (ARV), Ex Reforger 74, Germany, Oct 1974.
(Library and Archives Canada Photo, MIKAN No. 4728205)
Ex Reforger 74, A Centurion tank passing through an old town in Bavaria, Germany, Oct 1974.
(Library and Archives Canada Photo, MIKAN No. 4816330)
Ex Reforger 74. It wasn't all bad news for a Centurion tank crew that had broken down in the village of Zimmern, Germany. They were taken in by a German family and for the three days they were there during the exercise, there was lots of fresh food available, and whatever comfort the barn afforded from the constant drizzle and cold. Sgt. Grand, kneeling, passes the plate to Mrs. Pfister while Mrs. Pfister holds the "refreshments". At the rear standing is Sgt Linden Grant, and MCpl Rowland, and feeding the elder daughter of the Pfisters (who served as the translator) is Cpl Breault, October 1975..
(Library and Archives Canada Photo, MIKAN No. 4816313)
Centurion armoured vehicle-launched bridge (AVLB), 4 Field Sqn, RCE, Ex Reforger 74, Weilheim, Germany, Oct 1974.
(Library and Archives Canada Photo, MIKAN No. 4816324)
Ex Reforger 1974, 155-mm M-109 self-propelled howitzer of 1 RCHA moving past a German house in Bavaria.
(Library and Archives Canada Photo, MIKAN No. 4631327)
106-mm M40A1 Recoilless Rifle mounted on an M113, Ex Reforger 74, 3rd Mechanized Commando, The Canadian Airborne Regiment, Oct 1974.
(Library and Archives Canada Photo, MIKAN No. 4631322)
Centurion, Ex Reforger 74, crane lifting engine, Germany, Oct 1974.
(Library and Archives Canada Photo, MIKAN No. 4816309)
Centurion, Ex Reforger 74, Germany, Oct 1974.
(Library and Archives Canada Photo, MIKAN No. 4816317)
Ex Reforger 74, M113 APC with a Centurion tank broken down in a German sugar beet field in Bavaria, October 1974.
(Library and Archives Canada Photo, MIKAN No. 4816296)
Ex Reforger 74. A Lynx of 3 Mechanized Commando pauses in a small-town German street during Ex Reforger 74. Driver is Cpl Lorne Brown with 3 Mech Cdo and crew commander is MWO Michael Bond, October 1974.
(Library and Archives Canada Photo, MIKAN No. 4816336)
M113 with .50 cal MG, Ex Reforger 74, Germany, 1 R22eR, Oct 1974. Cpl Côté, one of the 194 militiamen attached to 4 CMBG for the exercise, listens to instructions from Pte Barry of 1 R22eR. October 1974.
(Library and Archives Canada Photo, MIKAN No. 4816337)
Centurion tanks (with an audience), Ex Reforger 74, Germany, Oct 1974.
(Library and Archives Canada Photo, MIKAN No. 4816307)
Bell CH-136 Kiowa, 444 Sqn, Ex Reforger 74, Germany, Oct 1974.
(Library and Archives Canada Photo, MIKAN No. 4816308)
Ex Reforger 74 in Germany. A German mother and family are more distracted by the photographer than by the No. 444 Squadron helicopters in the front yard - with the exception of the small child mother is holding, October 1974.
(Library and Archives Canada Photo, MIKAN No. 4816297)
M113 of 1 R22eR,guarded by 3 Mech Cdo soldiers, Ex Reforger 74, Germany, Oct 1974.
(Library and Archives Canada Photo, MIKAN No. 4816326)
M113, R22eR, Eilheim, Ex Reforger 74, view from a medieval castle tower, Germany, Oct 1974.
(Library and Archives Canada Photo, MIKAN No. 4816327)
A Canadian 3/4 ton truck stands waiting during a pause in Ex Reforger 74 near Wilheim in West Germany. In the background is a German shooting outpost where hunters sit and wait for the game to pass by, and at right are the remains of an ancient house, 1974.
(Library and Archives Canada Photo, MIKAN No. 4619725)
Reforger 74. 3 Mechanized Commando vehicles camouflaged on exercise in Northern Germany, 10 October 1974.
(Library and Archives Canada Photo, MIKAN No. 4619726)
Reforger 74, RCD HQ Squadron 5-ton gas fueled truck followed by an M548 cargo carrier and other vehicles, moving into a hide, Germany, 10 Oct 1974.
(Library and Archives Canada Photo, MIKAN No. 4692424)
Fallex 75, M113, R22eR, 106-mm recoilless rifle, Ex Certain Trek, South of Wurzburg, 20 Oct 1975.
(Library and Archives Canada Photo, MIKAN No. 4692422)
Centurion, RCD, Ex Regensprung, Regenstauf, Germany, 19 Sep 1975.
(Library and Archives Canada Photo, MIKAN No. 4748878)
Centurion armoured vehicle-launched bridge (AVLB), Ex Regensprung, Lahr, Germany, 9 Sep 1975.
(Library and Archives Canada Photo, MIKAN No. 4822866)
Centurion, roadside repairs, Ex Grosse Rochade, Germany Sep 1975.
(Library and Archives Canada Photo, MIKAN No. 4748921)
Fallex 75, 155-mm M109 SP Howitzer, 4 CMBG, Grosse Rochade, Germany, 18 Sep 1975.
(Library and Archives Canada Photo, MIKAN No. 4748920)
Fallex 75, 155-mm M109 SP Howitzer, 4 CMBG, Ex Grosse Rochade, Germany, 18 Sep 1975.
(Library and Archives Canada Photo, MIKAN No. 4748920)
Fallex 75, M548 cargo carrier, 4 CMBG, Ex Grosse Rochade, Germany, 18 Sep 1975.
(Library and Archives Canada Photo, MIKAN No. 4748880)
A 155-mm M109 self-propelled Howitzer of 1 RCHA moves onto a German Army Ferry, on Exercise Grosse Rochade, Bavaria, Germany, 16-18 Sep 1975.
(Library and Archives Canada Photo, MIKAN Nos. 4748912)
M548 boarding a German assault ferry, Ex Grosse Rochade, Danube River, 18 Sep 1975.
(Library and Archives Canada Photo, MIKAN No. 4748895)
Fallex 75, M548 cargo carrier moving on to a German Army Ferry, Ex Grosse Rochade, 15-18 Sep 1975.
(Library and Archives Canada Photo, MIKAN No. 4748904)
Centurions and M113, Ex Grosse Rochade, 18 Sep 1975.
(Library and Archives Canada Photo, MIKAN No. 4692433)
4 CMBG Linemen, Ex Certain Trek, SW of Wurzburg, Germany, 20 Oct 1975.
(Library and Archives Canada Photo, MIKAN No. 4748900)
HQ & Sig Sqn 4 CMBG, Ex Grosse Rochade, Germany, 18 Sep 1975.
(Library and Archives Canada Photo, MIKAN No. 4748898)
4 CMBG, Ex Grosse Rochade, Cpl Beauchamps fuels German Army motorcycle, 18 Sep 1975.
(Library and Archives Canada Photo, MIKAN No. 4748905)
M113 APC , Ex Grosse Rochade, Danube, GE Ferry, 18 Sep 1975.
(Library and Archives Canada Photo, MIKAN No. 4748913)
Fallex 75, M113 APC , Ex Grosse Rochade, Danube, GE Ferry, 18 Sep 1975.
(Library and Archives Canada Photo, MIKAN Nos. 4221652)
Fallex 75, M113 C & R Lynx and 2-1/2-ton truck boarding a German assault ferry, Ex Grosse Rochade, Danube River, 18 Sep 1975.
(Library and Archives Canada Photos, MIKAN No. 4748911)
M113 C & R Lynx and 2-1/2-ton truck boarding a German assault ferry, Ex Grosse Rochade, Danube River, 18 Sep 1975.
(Library and Archives Canada Photos, MIKAN No. 4748894)
M577 CP, Ex Grosse Rochade, Danube, Germany, 18 Sep 1975.
(Library and Archives Canada Photo, MIKAN No. 4748897)
155-mm M109 SP Howitzer, 1 RCHA, Ex Grosse Rochade, Danube, Germany, 18 Sep 1975.
(Library and Archives Canada Photo, MIKAN No. 474880)
155-mm M109 SP Howitzer, 1 RCHA, Ex Grosse Rochade, Danube, Germany, 18 Sep 1975.
(Library and Archives Canada Photo, MIKAN No. 4748866)
155-mm M109 SP Howitzer, Ex Regensprung, Lahr, Germany, 9 Sep 1975.
(Library and Archives Canada Photo, MIKAN No. 4748867)
155-mm M109 SP Howitzer, Ex Regensprung, Lahr, Germany, 9 Sep 1975.
(Library and Archives Canada Photo, MIKAN No. 4748879)
4 CMBG, Ex Grosse Rochade, Germany, ferry over the Danube, 18 Sep 1975.
(Library and Archives Canada Photo, MIKAN No. 4748893)
4 CMBG, 4 Service Battalion trucks being ferried across the Danube River during Exercise Gross Rochade, Bavaria, Germany, Sep 1975.
(Library and Archives Canada Photo, MIKAN No. 4748892)
4 CMBG, Ex Grosse Rochade, Germany, ferry over the Danube, 18 Sep 1975.
(Library and Archives Canada Photo, MIKAN No. 4728207)
Fallex 75, RCD Centurion tank on Ex Certain Trek, South of Wurzburg, Germany, 20 Oct 1975.
(Library and Archives Canada Photo, MIKAN No. 4619742)
Fallex 75, RCD Centurion tank on Ex Certain Trek, South of Wurzburg, Germany, 4-20 Oct 1975.
(Library and Archives Canada Photo, MIKAN No. 4822869)
Centurion, Ex Grosse Rochade, Germany, 18 Sep 1975.
(Library and Archives Canada Photo, MIKAN No. 4748902)
M113A1 APC pulling off the road, French Army EBR Scout Cars, Ex Grosse Rochade, Bavaria, 18 Sep 1975.
(Library and Archives Canada Photo, MIKAN No. 4748903)
M113, Ex Grosse Rochade, Germany, 18 Sep 1975.
(Library and Archives Canada Photo, MIKAN No. 4619730)
Fallex 75, RCD M113s, Ex Certain Trek, South of Wurzburg, 20 Oct 1975.
(Library and Archives Canada Photo, MIKAN No. 4619738)
M113s, RCD, Ex Certain Trek, South of Wurzburg, 20 Oct 1975.
(Library and Archives Canada Photo, MIKAN No. 4619741)
M113s, RCD, Ex Certain Trek, South of Wurzburg, 20 Oct 1975.
(Library and Archives Canada Photo, MIKAN No. 4822861)
Fallex 75, 1 RCHA 155-mm M109 SP Howitzer, Ex Grosse Rochade, 4 CMBG, 18 Sep 1975.
(Library and Archives Canada Photo, MIKAN No. 4748899)
4 CMBG HQ & Sigs 2.5-ton truck cam, Ex Grosse Rochade, Germany, 18 Sep 1975.
(Library and Archives Canada Photo, MIKAN No. 4631312)
4 CMBG convoy, Fallex 76, Michelsneukirchen, Germany, 1976.
(Library and Archives Canada Photo, MIKA No. 4814242)
Fallex 76, A 4 CMBG cook truck set up in a farm yard during the exercise in Bavaria, Germany, 1976.
(Library and Archives Canada Photo, MIKAN No. 4631313)
4 CMBG, putting up radio antenna, 19 set mast and guy ropes, Fallex 76, Germany, 1976.
(Library and Archives Canada Photo, MIKAN No. 4814247)
4 CMBG, R22eR soldier & M113, Fallex 76, Germany, 1976.
(Library and Archives Canada Photo, MIKAN No. 4594347)
Fallex 76, 155-mm M109 SP Howitzer cam, RCHA, Germany, 1976.
(Library and Archives Canada Photo, MIKAN No. 4631311)
155-mm M109 SP Howitzer cam, RCHA, Reforger 76, Sep 1976, Germany.
(Library and Archives Canada Photo, MIKAN No. 4594345)
M113 line up, Germany, Reforger 76, Sep 1976, Germany.
(Library and Archives Canada Photo, MIKAN No. 4619747)
Fallex 76, M113 Dozer on AVLB bridge, 4 CMBG, Germany.
(Library and Archives Canada Photo, MIKAN No. 4631310)
O Gp, 3 Mech Cdo, Fallex 1976, Germany.
(Library and Archives Canada Photo, MIKAN No. 4814250)
4 CMBG, 3 Mech Cdo, Carl Gustav, Fallex 76, Germany, 1976.
(Library and Archives Canada Photo, MIKAN No. 4814249)
4 CMBG, Carl Gustav team, Germany, 1976.
(Library and Archives Canada Photo, MIKAN No. 4631314)
Fallex 76, M113 and German Marder passing in fog, Germany, 1976.
(Library and Archives Canada Photo, MIKAN No. 4631320)
Fallex 76, 4 CMBG solders preparing for the day's exercises, Lahr, Germany, 1976.
(Library and Archives Canada Photo, MIKAN No. 4814247)
Fallex 76, R22eR soldier on guard duty during the exercise in Bavaria, Germany, September 1976.
(Library and Archives Canada Photo, MIKAN No. 4814251)
Fallex 76, Bavaria West Germany. Two Canadians soldiers have a quick lunch during the exercise, September 1976.
(Library and Archives Canada Photo, MIKAN No. 4619745)
M113, Ex Lares Team, 1976. The ruins of the Kallmünz Castle can be seen above the town on a cliff near the Naab River. The MPs are at the Junction st2165 to Schmidtmühlen and st2235 to Burglengenfeld at Kallmünz, about 12 km southeast of US Army Garrison Hohenfels (information courtesy of Mr. Tamas Nagl)
(Helinlechner Photo)
The ruins of the Kallmünz Castle above the town of Kallmünz on a cliff near the Naab River, Germany.
(Library and Archives Canada Photo, MIKAN No. 4822870)
M113s, 1 R22eR, Ex Certain Wacht, North East Germany, 20 Jan 1977.
(Library and Archives Canada Photo, MIKAN No. 4822880)
M113 C & R Lynx, 1 R22eR, Ex Certain Wacht, North East Germany, 20 Jan 1977.
(Library and Archives Canada Photo, MIKAN No. 4822875)
1 R22eR Cpl Lemoine driving an M113 APC looks at the road ahead while the crew commander studies his map, on Ex Certain Wacht, North East Germany, 20 Jan 1977.
(Library and Archives Canada Photo, MIKAN No. 5184001)
Fallex 77, 4 CMBG M113 APC armed with a TOW anti-tank missile launcher, on the edge of a forest during Ex Carbon Edge, Germany, September 1977.
(Library and Archives Canada Photo, MIKAN No. 5184001)
Fallex 77, 4 CMBG M113 APC on the move during Ex Carbon Edge as German civilians look on in a German town, September 1977.
(Library and Archives Canada Photo, MIKAN No. 5184001)
Fallex 77, 4 CMBG M113 C & R Lynx on the move during Ex Carbon Edge as German civilians look on in a German town, September 1977.
(Library and Archives Canada Photo, MIKAN No. 4728082)
Fallex 77, Two 4 CMBG Leopard tanks hiding beside a German farm during Ex Carbon Edge , September 1977.
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(Library and Archives Canada Photo, MIKAN No. 5184001)
Fallex 77, 4 CMBG RCD Leopard tank on the move during Ex Carbon Edge as German civilians look on in a German town, September 1977. This is one of the early Leopards rented from the German government until the Canadian models were produced.
(Library and Archives Canada Photo, MIKAN No. 4728084)
Fallex 77, 4 CMBG RCD Leopard tank on the move during Ex Carbon Edge, September 1977.
(Library and Archives Canada Photo, MIKAN No. 5184006)
Fallex 77, Taurus Armoured Recovery Vehicle (ARV), 4 CMBG, moving through town of Ersdorf, Germany, September 1977.
(Library and Archives Canada Photo, MIKAN No. 5184006b)
Fallex 77, Taurus Armoured Recovery Vehicle (ARV), 4 CMBG, moving through town of Ersdorf, Germany, September 1977.
(Library and Archives Canada Photo, MIKAN No. 4846496)
Fallex 77. Cpl. Desmarais sorting mail in back of 2-1/2 ton van during Fall training at Hohenfels, Germany, September 1977.
(Library and Archives Canada Photo, MIKAN No. 4814266)
3 RCR soldiers in an M-151 Truck, Utility, 1.25-ton, 4 X 4 Jeep (G838), driving through a small German town during Fallex, September 1977.
(Library and Archives Canada Photo, MIKAN No. 4846494)
Fallex 77. M113 APC's moving through the town of Nabburg, Germany, September 1977.
(Library and Archives Canada Photo, MIKAN No. 4846493)
Fall Ex 77. Pte. Kelly and Pte. Myra patrol city of Nabburg, Bavaria, Germany, during Fall training, September 1977.
(Library and Archives Canada Photo, MIKAN No. 4814269)
Fallex 77, camouflaged M113 APC with a tube-launched, wire-guided, ant-tank missile (TOW) mounted, on an exercise in Germany, September 1977.
(Library and Archives Canada Photo, MIKAN No. 4846504)
Fallex 77, camouflaged M113 APC on an exercise in Germany, September 1977.
(Library and Archives Canada Photo, MIKAN No. 4728085)
Fallex 77, Leopard tanks in a potato field on an exercise in Germany, September 1977.
(Library and Archives Canada Photo, MIKAN No. 4728083)
Fall Ex 77, Two Leopard tanks on the crest of a hill in Germany, September 1977.
(Library and Archives Canada Photo, MIKAN No. 5184034)
Fallex 77, M548 passing and an M113 APC passing through a German town, Sep 1977.
(Library and Archives Canada Photo, MIKAN No. 5184023)
Fallex 77, 155-mm M109 SP Howitzer of 1 RCHA rumbles through the city of Leutbirch in a planned pull-back at the start of Ex Carbon Edge German town, Sep 1977.
(Library and Archives Canada Photo, MIKAN No. 4846503)
Fall Ex 77. Camouflaged Leopard tank in Germany.
(Library and Archives Canada Photo, MIKAN No. 5184022)
Fallex 77. A hill provided the cameraman with the opportunity of getting a picture from a unusual angle. The tank is a Leopard loaned to the Canadians by the German Government until the up dated version comes off the production line, 27 September 1977. This is a Leopard A2, produced by Krauss-Maffei in Munich-Allach, April 1972 to May 1973. (Wolfgang Hesse)
(Library and Archives Canada Photo, MIKAN No. 5184033)
Fallex 77, 4 CMBG Leopard tanks moving down a country lane in Germany, September 1977.
(Library and Archives Canada Photo, MIKAN No. 4822878)
M113s,1 R22eR, Ex Certain Wacht, North East Germany, 20 Jan 1977.
(Library and Archives Canada Photo, MIKAN No. 4822881)
M113 C & R Lynx behind an American M163 Vulcan AntiAircraft Self-Propelled Gun (AASPG) 20-mm six-barrel gun mounted on a modified M113A1 APC, EX Certain Wacht, Germany, 20 Jan 1977.
(Library and Archives Canada Photo, MIKAN No. 4822883)
4 MP Pl Cpl Tex Long directing traffic in a small town in NE Germany during Ex Certain Wacht, 20 Jan 1977.
(Library and Archives Canada Photo, MIKAN No. 4814264)
M113 C & R Lynx, Nabburg, Germany, Ex Nab Jubilee, Sep 1977.
(Library and Archives Canada Photo, MIKAN No. 5184035)
4 CMBG 5-ton fuel bowser, with a herd of cows, Ex Nab Jubilee, Germany, Sep 1977.
(Library and Archives Canada Photo, MIKAN No. 4728075)
Bell CH-136 Kiowa helicopter, 444 Sqn, 4 CMBG, Germany, Sep 1977.
(Library and Archives Canada Photo, MIKAN No. 4814259)
4 CMBG, MP MCpl Jim McNamee, children, Leutkirch, Germany, Sep 1977.
(Library and Archives Canada Photo, MIKAN No. 5184026)
Fallex 77. German woman cycling past German 1A4 Leopard tanks as they roll past during Ex Carbon Edge. 27 September 1977.
(Library and Archives Canada Photo, MIKAN No. 4814261)
Fallex 77, Germany. MCpl Jim McNamee gives directions to an American officer during Exercise Carbon Edge, September 1977.
(Library and Archives Canada Photo, MIKAN No. 5184021)
Fallex 77, M113 APC being used as a stand to look out over a German cornfield, September 1977.
(Library and Archives Canada Photo, MIKAN No. 4822884)
M548 Cargo and an M113 APC, 4 CMBG, crossing a river on Ex Certain Wacht, Germany,19-20 Jan 1977.
(Library and Archives Canada Photo, MIKAN No. 5184004)
Fallex 77. Beaver armoured vehicle-launched bridge (AVLB), moving through a small German town, Sep 1977.
(Library and Archives Canada Photo, MIKAN No. 5184027)
Fallex 77. US M551 Sheridan airborne tank crossing a bridge guarded by Cpl. Lalonde and Cpl. Smith of 3 RCR, during Exercise Carbon Edge, 27 September 1977.
(Library and Archives Canada Photo, MIKAN No. 4822894)
Fallex 78, 3 RCR M113 APC crossing a pontoon bridge, watched by German soldiers, Germany, Sep 1978.
(Library and Archives Canada Photo, MIKAN No. 4822885)
Fallex 78, RCD trooper Bellerose waits for the order to move his 46-ton Leopard main battle tank during Ex Blaue Donau being held north of Danauworth, Germany, September 1978.
(Library and Archives Canada Photo, MIKAN No. 4822901)
Fallex 78, 4 CMBG soldier on exercise, closely observed by a German citizen, September 1978.
(Library and Archives Canada Photo, MIKAN No. 4822902)
Fallex 78, R22eR Major Reno and a German police officer at traffic control point during a road move of vehicles in Germany, September 1978.
(Library and Archives Canada Photo, MIKAN No. 4822899)
Fallex 78, 4 MP Pl Cpl Gariepy watches an attack of the 1 R22er during Ex Blaue Donau held north of Donauworth, Germany, Sep 1978.
(Library and Archives Canada Photo, MIKAN No. 4822898)
4 CMBG MP Platoon, Cpl Lefebvre, Flotzheim, Germany, Ex Blue Donau, Sep 1978.
(DND Photo)
HRH Anne, Princess Royal and Colonel-in-Chief of the Communications and Electronics Branch, inspecting the troops during her visit to Lahr, 20 October 1978. Accompanying HRH is the Commanding Officer Major P.A. Tappin.
(DND Photo)
HRH Anne, Princess Royal and Colonel-in-Chief of the Communications and Electronics Branch, inspecting the troops during her visit to Lahr, 20 October 1978. Accompanying HRH is the Commanding Officer Major P.A. Tappin.
(Library and Archives Canada Photo, MIKAN No. 4822895)
Blowpipe Very Short Range Air Defence Missile System, Cpl Jerry Dunphy, and Hadley Randell, 4 CMBG, Sep 1978.
(Library and Archives Canada Photo, MIKAN No. 4822900)
Fallex 78, Gunner Randell explains the battery check procedures of the Blowpipe Very Short Range Air Defence Missile System, to German children during Ex Blaue Donau held north of Donauworth, Germany. Randell was a member of the air defence troop of 1 RCHA based at Lahr.
(Library and Archives Canada Photo, MIKAN No. 4822891)
Fallex 78, Southern West Germany. Cpl. Fairweather fits an antenna on a Leopard main battle tank during Ex Blaue Donau, September 1978.
(Library and Archives Canada Photo, MIKAN No. 4849051)
M113, Ex Certain Sentinel, Germany, Main-Donau Canal S of Bamberg, US Army Engineer floating bridge, Feb 1979.
(Library and Archives Canada Photo, MIKAN No. 4886172)
RCD Leopard tanks, Ex Certain Sentinel, Frankendorf, near the Main-Donau Canal S of Bamberg, Feb 1979. The RCD were exercising with the new tank for the first time in a major NATO exercise.
(Library and Archives Canada Photo, MIKAN No. 4886173)
RCD Leopard tank, Ex Certain Sentinel, near the Main-Donau Canal S of Bamberg, Feb 1979. The RCD were exercising with the new tank for the first time in a major NATO exercise.
(Library and Archives Canada Photo, MIKAN No. 4886178)
M548 Cargo, 4 CMBG, Ex Certain Sentinel, Germany, Feb 1979.
(Library and Archives Canada Photo, MIKAN No. 4849068)
Taurus Armoured Recovery Vehicle (ARV), 4 CMBG, Ex Certain Sentinel, Germany, Feb 1979.
(Library and Archives Canada Photo, MIKAN No. 4849071)
Taurus Armoured Recovery Vehicle (ARV), 4 CMBG, Ex Certain Sentinel, Germany, Feb 1979.
(Library and Archives Canada Photo, MIKAN No. 4886180)
, Fallex 79Taurus Armoured Recovery Vehicle (ARV), 4 CMBG, Ex Certain Sentinel, Germany, Feb 1979.
(Library and Archives Canada Photo, MIKAN No. 4886181)
Taurus Armoured Recovery Vehicle (ARV), 4 CMBG, Ex Certain Sentinel, Germany, Feb 1979.
(Library and Archives Canada Photo, MIKAN No. 4849066)
M113, Ex Certain Sentinel, Germany, Feb 1979.
(Library and Archives Canada Photo, MIKAN No. 4849077)
155-mm M109 SP Howitzer, 4 CMBG, Ex Certain Sentinel, Germany, Feb 1979.
(Library and Archives Canada Photo, MIKAN No. 4849078)
Winter exercise, 4 CMBG 155-mm M109 SP Howitzer, Ex Certain Sentinel, children visiting, Germany, Feb 1979.
(Library and Archives Canada Photo, MIKAN No. 4728091)
4 CMBG RCD Leopard C-1, Ex Certain Sentinel, Germany Feb 1979.
(Library and Archives Canada Photo, MIKAN No. 4849056)
4 CMBG RCD Leopard C-1, Ex Certain Sentinel, Western Bavaria, Germany Feb 1979. The church in the background is Tiefenhöchstadt.
(Library and Archives Canada Photo, MIKAN No. 4849060)
Leopard, 4 CMBG, Ex Certain Sentinel, Tiefenhöchstadt, Bavaria, Germany, 28 Jan 1979.
(Library and Archives Canada Photo, MIKAN No. 4728092)
4 CMBG Beaver armoured vehicle-launched bridge (AVLB), Ex Certain Sentinel, Western Bavaria, Germany Feb 1979.
(Library and Archives Canada Photo, MIKAN No. 4728097)
4 CMBG Leopard tanks, Ex Certain Sentinel, Germany, Feb 1979.
(Library and Archives Canada Photo, MIKAN No. 4849063)
Leopard, Ex Certain Sentinel, Germany, 28 Jan 1979.
(Library and Archives Canada Photo, MIKAN No. 4849064)
Leopard, Ex Certain Sentinel, Germany, 28 Jan 1979.
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(Library and Archives Canada Photo, MIKAN No. 4886176)
Leopard, 13A, Ex Certain Sentinel, Germany, 28 Jan 1979.
(Library and Archives Canada Photo, MIKAN No. 4849061)
Leopard line-up, Germany, Feb 1979.
(Library and Archives Canada Photo, MIKAN No. 488174)
Leopard, 4 CMBG, Ex Certain Sentinel, Germany, Feb 1979.
(Library and Archives Canada Photo, MIKAN No. 4849072)
Leopard, Ex Certain Sentinel, Germany, Feb 1979.
(Library and Archives Canada Photo, MIKAN No. 4849073)
Winter exercise, 4 CMBG Leopard tank and M113 APC, Ex Certain Sentinel, Germany, Feb 1979.
(Library and Archives Canada Photo, MIKAN No. 4728143)
Leopard engine pack on a trailer in Germany, Feb 1979.
(Library and Archives Canada Photo, MIKAN No. 4619749) Note: all three photos have the same MIKAN Number)
Fallex 79, Germany, Forward Repair Group replacing and engine, Sep 1979.
(Library and Archives Canada Photo, MIKAN No. 4728094)
Leopard C-1, RCD, Northern Bavaria, Feb 1979.
(Library and Archives Canada Photo, MIKAN No. 4849075)
Winter exercise, 4 CMBG Leopard tank, Ex Certain Sentinel, Bavaria, Germany, Feb 1979.
(Library and Archives Canada Photo, MIKAN No. 4849076)
Leopard, 4 CMBG, Ex Certain Sentinel, Bavaria, Germany, Feb 1979.
(Library and Archives Canada Photo, MIKAN No. 4849067)
Beaver armoured vehicle-launched bridge (AVLB), Ex Certain Sentinel, Germany, Feb 1979.
(Library and Archives Canada Photo, MIKAN No. 4849079)
Beaver armoured vehicle-launched bridge (AVLB), Ex Certain Sentinel, Germany, Feb 1979.
(Library and Archives Canada Photo, MIKAN No. 4886179)
Beaver armoured vehicle-launched bridge (AVLB), Ex Certain Sentinel, Germany, Feb 1979.
(Library and Archives Canada Photo, MIKAN No. 4886184)
M113 C & R Lynx & M113s, Ex Snakebite, Germany, 5 June 1979.
(RCA Museum Photo)
General Inspection, 1 RCHA, Germany, 1979.
( (Library and Archives Canada Photo, MIKAN No. 4886183)
Fallex 79, Bell CH-136 Kiowa, 444 Sqn, over 4 CMBG Leopard, Ex Reforger 79, Germany, 5 June 1979.
(Library and Archives Canada Photo, MIKAN No. 4886182)
Fallex 79, US Army Bell AH-1 Cobra attack helicopter over a 4 CMBG Leopard tank during Exercise Snakebite, Bavaria, Germany, 5 June 1979.
(Library and Archives Canada Photo, MIKAN No. 4886171)
2-1/2-ton trucks, 4 CMBG, convoy, near Heilbronn, Germany, Ex Reforger I, winter exercise, Feb 1979. Rob Love noted that there appears to be a 1976 5/4 ton in the foreground, and there also appears to be a 1976 M800 series 5 ton in the background judging by the air filter on it's fender.
(Library and Archives Canada Photo, MIKAN No. 4922171)
Fallex 80, 4 CMBG, RCD Leopard tanks and 3rd Bn RCR M113 APCs and jeep, Germany, Sep 1980.
(Library and Archives Canada Photo, MIKAN No. 5056489)
Fallex 80, 4 CMBG loading fresh potatoes for the exercise in Germany, September 1980.
(Library and Archives Canada Photo, MIKAN No. 4822605)
Fallex 80, two 4 CMBG Leopard tanks deployed in the field on Exercise Certain Rampart, Germany, September 1980.
(Library and Archives Canada Photo, MIKAN No. 4922167)
Fallex 80, 4 CMBG Leopard tank deployed in the field on Exercise Certain Rampart, Germany, September 1980.
(Library and Archives Canada Photo, MIKAN No. 4822596)
Fallex 80, 4 CMBG RCHA artillery deployed in the field on Exercise Certain Rampart, Germany, September 1980.
(Library and Archives Canada Photo, MIKAN No. 4822595)
Fallex 80, 444 Squadron Bell CH-136 Kiowa helicopters deployed in the field on Exercise Certain Rampart, Germany, September 1980.
(Library and Archives Canada Photo, MIKAN No.4822598)
Fallex 80, 4 CMBG Leopard tank deployed in the field on Exercise Certain Rampart, Germany, September 1980.
(Library and Archives Canada Photo, MIKAN No.4822599)
Fallex 80, 4 CMBG Leopard tank deployed in the field on Exercise Certain Rampart, Germany, September 1980.
(Library and Archives Canada Photo, MIKAN No. 4822606)
M113 APCs, Exercise Certain Rampart 80, Germany, September 1980.
(Library and Archives Canada Photo, MIKAN No. 4822604)
Leopard tank crew, Ex Certain Rampart, Sep 1980, Germany.
(Library and Archives Canada Photo, MIKAN No. 4822597)
Ex Certain Rampart 80, Germany, Sep 1980. Wolfgang Hesse noted this is a German Bundeswehr M48 A2GA2 tank with the 105-mm-Kanone/cannon L7 of the Leopard 1. The Iron Cross at this tank is covered with the Red X for the aggressor unit of Ex Certain Rampart 80. All other unit identification-emblems & the turret numbers are covered.
(Library and Archives Canada Photo, MIKAN No. 4922172)
Leopards, Fallex 80, Germany, Sep 1980.
(Library and Archives Canada Photo, MIKAN No. 4922173)
Leopards, Fallex 80, Germany, Sep 1980.
(Library and Archives Canada Photo, MIKAN No. 4822603)
German Marder AFVs, American A-10 Thunderbolt overhead, Ex Certain Rampart 80, Germany, Sep 1980.
(Library and Archives Canada Photo, MIKAN No. 4822602)
Fallex 80, M113s, O Coy 3 RCR, Ex Certain Rampart, Sep 1980.
(Library and Archives Canada Photo, MIKAN No. 4922163)
4 CMBG, Fallex 80, R22eR, Germany, Sep 1980.
(Library and Archives Canada Photo, MIKAN No. 482260)
Leopard, 4 CMBG, finding the ground a bit soggy and soft in places, Ex Certain Rampart 80, Germany, Sep 1980.
(Library and Archives Canada Photo, MIKAN No. 4822601)
Leopard, 4 CMBG, finding the ground a bit soggy and soft in places, Ex Certain Rampart 80, Germany, Bechthal, Raitenbuch (Middle Franconia), Bavaria, Sep 1980.
(Derzno Photo)
Bechthal, Raitenbuch (Middle Franconia), Bavaria, Germany.
(Earnest Pothier Photo)
Leopard, 22C, slightly stuck, Fallex 80, Hohenfels, Germany, Sep 1980.
(Earnest Pothier Photo)
Leopard, 22C, slightly stuck, Fallex 80, Hohenfels, Germany, Sep 1980.
(Library and Archives Canada Photo, MIKAN No. 4920720)
Leopard, RCD, Grafenwohr, Germany, Canadian Army Trophy shoot, 15 June 1981.
(Library and Archives Canada Photo, MIKAN No. 4920719)
RCD tank crews cheer a 4 CMBG Leopard crew on their return from The Canadian Army Trophy shoot firing competition, at Grafenwehr, Germany, 15 June 1981.
(Library and Archives Canada Photo, MIKAN No. 4876351)
Leopard, RCD, Geroldshofen, Germany, Fallex 82, 21 Sep 1982.
(Library and Archives Canada Photo, MIKAN No. 4876337)
Fallex 82, Schweinfurt W. Germany. R22er parking an APC outside of a German bakery, while German lady looks on from her front steps. R22er's had just liberated the small German village during the NATO maneuvers in W. Germany.
(Library and Archives Canada Photo, MIKAN No. 4876336)
Fallex 82, Schweinfurt W. Germany. R22er parking an APC outside of a German bakery, while two German ladies chat about the visitors. R22er's had just liberated the small German village during the NATO maneuvers in W. Germany.
(Library and Archives Canada Photo, MIKAN No. 4876326)
Fallex 82, RCD Leopard 23A, Hohenfels, Germany, 30 Aug 1982.
(Library and Archives Canada Photo, MIKAN No. 4876325)
Fallex 82, M113 APC armed with a TOW anti-tank missile launcher, moving down a rainy road during the last day of the NATO maneuvers held in Bavaria, Germany, 21 September 1982.
(Library and Archives Canada Photo, MIKAN No. 4940591)
Fallex 82, 4 CER engineers in an M113 with dozer blade, passing through a small Bavarian village in Germany, 20 Sep 1982.
(Library and Archives Canada Photo, MIKAN No. 4876335)
Fallex 82. R22eR soldiers driving their M113 APC through a wooded area, during the NATO maneuvers held in Schweinfurt, Germany, 8 Sep 1982.
(Library and Archives Canada Photo, MIKAN No. 4876844)
Fallex 82, RCD Leopard crossing a field near Geroldshofen, Germany, 7 Sep 1982.
(Library and Archives Canada Photo, MIKAN No. 4876352)
Leopard dozer, RCD, Fallex 82, Germany, 21 Sep 1982.
(Library and Archives Canada Photo, MIKAN No. 4876329)
Leopard, RCD, Fallex 82, Ex Valiant Shield, 7 Sep 1982.
(Library and Archives Canada Photo, MIKAN No. 4876333)
Fallex 82, RCD Leopard tank in a small German village, Ex Valiant Shield, Germany, Oct 1982.
(Library and Archives Canada Photo, MIKAN No. 4876331)
Fallex 82, RCD Leopard tank in a small German village, Ex Valiant Shield, Germany, Oct 1982.
(Library and Archives Canada Photo, MIKAN No. 4876332)
Leopard, RCD, Schweinfurt, Germany, 7 Sep 1982.
(Library and Archives Canada Photo, MIKAN No. 4876349)
M113, Germany, Reforger 82, Sep 1982. Ebrach, District of Bamberg, Upper Franconia, about 15 km from Gerolzhofen.
(Library and Archives Canada Photo, MIKAN No. 4876348)
M113s, Reforger 82, Germany 14 Sep 1982. Ebrach, District of Bamberg, Upper Franconia, about 15 km from Gerolzhofen.
(Library and Archives Canada Photo, MIKAN No. 4876339)
Fallex 82, 3 RCR load up their M113 APCs in small village of Geroldshofen, during the NATO maneuvers held in Germany, Fallex, 14 Sep 1982.
(Library and Archives Canada Photo, MIKAN No. 4876348)
Fallex 82, two M113 APCs driving through an archway in the small German village of Geroldshofen, during the NATO maneuvers, 21 September 1982.
(Library and Archives Canada Photo, MIKAN No. 4876348)
Fallex 82, two M113 APCs driving through an archway in the small German village of Geroldshofen, during the NATO maneuvers, 21 September 1982.
(Library and Archives Canada Photo, MIKAN No. 4876338)
Fallex 82, 1 RCHA, 155-mm M109 SP Howitzer camouflaged in a small German village, during the NATO maneuvers, 14 September 1982.
(Library and Archives Canada Photo, MIKAN No. 4876353)
Fallex 82, Geroldshofen, Germany. B Bty, 1 RCHA, 155-mm M109 SP Howitzer being driven into a small German village, during the NATO maneuvers, 21 September 1982.
(Library and Archives Canada Photo, MIKAN No. 4876340)
Fallex 82, 1 RCHA, 155-mm M109 SP Howitzer being driven into a small village, during the NATO maneuvers, Schweinfurt, Germany, 14 September 1982.
(Library and Archives Canada Photo, MIKAN No. 4876341)
Fallex 82, 4 CMBG M548, Scheinfurt, Germany, 14 Sep 1982.
(Library and Archives Canada Photo, MIKAN No. 4876347)
Fallex 82, M577, Ebrach, District of Bamberg, Upper Franconia, about 15 km from Gerolzhofen, Germany, 14 Sep 1982.
(Library and Archives Canada Photo, MIKAN No. 4876327)
155-mm M109 SP Howitzer cam, RCHA, Fallex 1982, Germany.
(Library and Archives Canada Photo, MIKAN No. 4920754)
Fallex 84, M113 APCs on the move heading to Camp Aldershot in the Hohenfels training area, Germany, 27 Aug 1984.
(Library and Archives Canada Photo, MIKAN No. 4920757)
Fallex 84, Jonas Jonsson and Jim Muise, RCD Leopard tank, driving through mud during assault training exercises held in Hohenfels as part of the annual NATO fall manoeuvres, 26 August 1984.
(Library and Archives Canada Photo, MIKAN No. 4920750)
M113 MRT, 2 Tp, 4 CER, Hohenfels area, Germany, 30 May 1984. Kallmünz, District of Regensburg, Upper Palatinate.
(Library and Archives Canada Photo, MIKAN No. 4868481)
Fallex 84, C Sqn RCD Leopard tanks on exercise in Germany, 4 Sep 1984.
(Library and Archives Canada Photo, MIKAN No. 4868474)
Fallex 84, 4 Sep 1984, Leopard tank. Hohenfels West Germany. The Leopard is equipped with the Hoffman device, a pyrotechnic firing device that is fixed on the gun of the tank and simulates the firing of its main gun.
(Library and Archives Canada Photo, MIKAN No. 4920776)
Fallex 84, 4 CMBG Leopard tank on exercise, with children visiting, Bavaria, Germany, Sep 1984.
(Library and Archives Canada Photo, MIKAN No. 5056488)
Fallex ca 1984-85, 1 RCHA gunners in the field, armed with FNC1 rifles, possibly near Grafenwöhr.
(Library and Archives Canada Photo, MIKAN No. 4868476)
Fallex 84. A sure sign of Fallex, as children from local German villages, gather around a Canadian leopard tank, as it stops during the training exercises held in Bavaria, Germany, 4 Sep 1984.
(Library and Archives Canada Photo, MIKAN No. 4920775)
Fallex 84, RCD C Squadron Leopard tank on exercise in a village in Germany, Sep 1984.
(Library and Archives Canada Photo, MIKAN No. 4868495)
Fallex 84, RCD Leopard, passing through Naabeck, District of Schwandorf, Upper Palatinate, from the east side of the Naab-Bridge, Bavaria, Sep 1984.
(Library and Archives Canada Photo, MIKAN No. 4920777)
Beaver AVLB and Leopard, Fallex 84, Germany, Sep 1984.
(Library and Archives Canada Photo, MIKAN No. 4920753)
Fallex 84. 4 CMBG soldiers refuel their APC's after completing an exercise in the Hohenfels training area, Germany, 26 Aug 1984.
(Library and Archives Canada Photo, MIKAN No. 4868478)
Fallex 84, children gathering around a Canadian Leopard tank, Germany, 4 Sep 1984.
(Library and Archives Canada Photo, MIKAN No. 4920757)
Leopard, RCD, Hohenfels, Germany, 26 Aug 1984.
(Library and Archives Canada Photo, MIKAN No. 4868484)
Fallex 84, 4 CER M113 Dozer, 4 CER, combat engineers returning to Hohenfels after raining exercises in the Bavarian countryside, as part of the NATO fall maneuvres in Germany, 4 Sep 1984.
(Library and Archives Canada Photo, MIKAN No. 4920767)
Fallex 84, M577 Command Post and M113 APC in a small Bavarian village in Germany, Sep 1984.
(Library and Archives Canada Photo, MIKAN No. 4920752)
M113 MRT floatation check, Hohenfels trg area, Germany, 30 May 1984.
(Library and Archives Canada Photo, MIKAN No. 4868489)
M113 ambulance 89C, river crossing, Bavaria, Germany, 8 Sep 1984.
(Library and Archives Canada Photo, MIKAN No. 4868492)
Fallex 84, M113 APCs conducting a river crossing as part of the training exercises held in the Bavarian countryside, Germany, 8 September 1984.
(Library and Archives Canada Photo, MIKAN No. 4920780)
Fallex 84, 4 CER with an M113 Dozer, on exercise in Bavaria, Germany, Sep 1984.
(Library and Archives Canada Photo, MIKAN No. 4920758)
Fallex 84, M113 APC, Hohenfels, Germany, 26 Aug 1984.
(Library and Archives Canada Photo, MIKAN No. 4868488)
4 CMBG, PPCLI, FNC1, M113, 4 Sep 1984.
(Library and Archives Canada Photo, MIKAN No. 4920778)
Fallex 87. A 4 CMBG Leopard tank and an M113 APC, followed by a German Gepard SP AA Gun, on the main street of Meckenhausen, Hilpoltstein, District of Roth; Middle Franconia, Bavaria, Germany, Sep 1984.
(Library and Archives Canada Photo, MIKAN No. 4920769)
M113, 4 CMBG, accompanied by a German Gepard SP AA Gun, Fallex 84, Sep 1984. Main street of Meckenhausen, Hilpoltstein, District of Roth; Middle Franconia, Bavaria.
(Library and Archives Canada Photo, MIKAN No. 4868472)
Fallex 84.Bavaria West Germany. APC loaded with infantry drive down German road during training exercises held in the Bavarian countryside, as part of the annual fall NATO manoeuvres, 4 September 1984.
(Library and Archives Canada Photo, MIKAN No. 468470)
Beaver armoured vehicle-launched bridge (AVLB), Fallex 84, 4 CER, Germany, 2 Sep 1984.
(Library and Archives Canada Photo, MIKAN No. 4868468)
Infantry loading their M113 APC, Hohenfels, Germany, 27 Aug 1984.
(Library and Archives Canada Photo, MIKAN No. 4920773)
Fallex 84, Leopard tanks moving through the main street of Meckenhausen, Hilpoltstein, District of Roth; Middle Franconia, Bavaria, Germany, Sep 1984
(Library and Archives Canada Photo, MIKAN No. 4868487)
Leopard, Hohenfels, Fallex 84, 7 Sep 1984.
(Library and Archives Canada Photo, MIKAN No. 4868486)
Fallex 84, Beaver armoured vehicle-launched bridge (AVLB), Hohenfels, Germany, 7 Sep 1984.
(Library and Archives Canada Photo, MIKAN No. 4976261)
Fallex 85, Leopards tanks in the Hohenfels training area, Germany, Ex Rebel Saddle, 28 Aug 1985.
(Library and Archives Canada Photo, MIKAN No. 4976254)
4 CMBG Taurus Armoured Recovery Vehicle (ARV), in the process of picking up a fascine, a bundle of tubes, lashed or secured together, from a ravine, Hohenfels, Germany, 28 August 1985. Fascines were designed to be tossed into an Anti-tank ditch to allow the crossing of obstacles by friendly troops. Cpl Rocky Gauthier operating the 4 Service Battalion ARV, with MCpl Dale Smith in the crew suit and beret looking on in the Hohenfels Mud fields.
(Library and Archives Canada Photo, MIKAN No. 4976279)
Fallex 85. M113 APC passing through Schmidgaden, near Hohenfels, Germany during exercise Solo Sabre, 18 September 1985.
(Library and Archives Canada Photo, MIKAN No. 4976269)
Fallex 85. Hohenfels West Germany. Leopard Tank passing through Schmidgaden during exercise Solo Sabre.
(Library and Archives Canada Photo, MIKAN No. 4976267)
Fallex 85. Hohenfels West Germany. Leopard Tank passing through Schmidgaden during exercise Solo Sabre, 18 Sep 1985.
(Library and Archives Canada Photo, MIKAN No. 4976264)
Fallex 86, M113 APC armed with TOW AT system, with 2 PPCLI Guard platoon soldiers Pte Kurt Sherbeth left and John Ewasick cover their rear defensive position, Hohenfels, Germany, 1985.
(Library and Archives Canada Photo, MIKAN No. 4976253)
Beaver armoured vehicle-launched bridge (AVLB), retracting its bridge, Fallex 85, Hohenfels, Germany, 28 Aug 1985.
(Library and Archives Canada Photo, MIKAN No. 4976259)
Fallex 85, Beaver armoured vehicle-launched bridge (AVLB), being assisted by an M113 APC dozer, which is filling up an obstacle after the Bridge Layer became unserviceable due to a broken hydraulic line, Hohenfels, Germany, 28 Aug 1985.
(Library and Archives Canada Photo, MIKAN No. 4976261)
Fallex 85. Hohenfels, Germany. Two Leopard Tanks in field during exercise Rebel Saddle, 25 Aug 1985.
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(Library and Archives Canada Photo, MIKAN No. 4849069).
Reforger 86, Leopard tanks, Ex Certain Sentinel, Germany, Jan 1986.
(Library and Archives Canada Photo, MIKAN No. 4940584).
Fallex 86, 4 CMBG Leopard tanks crossing a pontoon bridge, Ex Certain Sentinel, Germany, Jan 1986.
(Library and Archives Canada Photo, MIKAN No. 4221654)
Pte Mark Lamontagne and Pte. Scott of the 2 PPCLI enter a building occupied by enemy forces during the Urban Combat Training held in Hammelburg, a deserted German village, ca 1986-87.
(Library and Archives Canada Photo, MIKAN No. 4849070)
Beaver armoured vehicle-launched bridge (AVLB), Ex Reforger 86, Ex Certain Sentinel, Germany, Feb 1986.
(Library and Archives Canada Photo, MIKAN No. 4849079)
Beaver armoured vehicle-launched bridge (AVLB), Ex Reforger 86, Ex Certain Sentinel, Germany, Feb 1986.
(Library and Archives Canada Photo, MIKAN No. 4730776)
Fallex 87, 155-mm M109 SP Howitzer, Germany, Oct 1987.
(Library and Archives Canada Photo, MIKAN No. 4730786)
Fallex 87. 1 R22er Battalion commander gets orders during an infantry advance as part of exercise Royal Sword, October 1987.
(Library and Archives Canada Photo, MIKAN No. 4730769)
Fallex 87, 4 CMBG Leopard C-1 tanks cross the Main river on a French amphibian bridge during exercise Royal Sword, October 1987.
(Library and Archives Canada Photo, MIKAN No. 4730781)
Fallex 87, 4 CMBG Leopard C-1 tanks on the outskirts of a German during exercise Royal Sword, October 1987.
(Library and Archives Canada Photo, MIKAN No. 4730785)
Fallex 87. Maj Pierre Trudelle. B Coy 1st Bn R22eR ( on the extreme right), with FOO officer (Center) and a Signaler (left), conferring during an infantry advance on Exercise Royal Sword, October 1987.
(Library and Archives Canada Photo, MIKAN No. 4728086)
Fallex 77, 4 CMBG Leopard tank, Sep 1977.
(Library and Archives Canada Photo, MIKAN No. 5184036)
Fallex 77, Belgian jeep, 4 CMBG M113 APC and a farmer in a small German town, September 1977.
(Library and Archives Canada Photo, MIKAN No. 5184003)
Fallex 77, Capt. Gendron, 2 R22eR, and Major Bursall, NDHQ, umpires for Ex. Carbon Edge, watch a 1 R22eR M113 armoured personnel carrier pass through a village in Germany, September 1977.
(Library and Archives Canada Photo, MIKAN No. 4730782)
Fallex 87, 2 PPCLI, A Coy, 1 platoon, 2 section, in an M113 APC column on Ex Royal Sword, Germany, October 1987.
(Library and Archives Canada Photo, MIKAN No. 5184037)
Beaver armoured vehicle-launched bridge (AVLB), in a small German town, September 1977.
(Library and Archives Canada Photo, MIKAN No. 4730764)
Beaver armoured vehicle-launched bridge (AVLB), and M113 C & R Lynx, Langenhard training area, Lahr, Germany, Sep 1987.
(Library and Archives Canada Photo, MIKAN No. 4730766)
Leopard with mine rollers, Langenhard training area, Germany, (possibly 32B, cc'd by Sgt Eugene Stairs), Oct 1987.
(Library and Archives Canada Photo, MIKAN No. 4730765)
A Leopard tank with the mine rollers on exercise in the Langenhard training area, above Lahr, Germany, September 1987.
(Library and Archives Canada Photo, MIKAN 4730790)
Fallex 87, M113 Manoeuvre damage, Germany, Oct 1987.
(Library and Archives Canada Photo, MIKAN No. 4730780)
Fallex 87, M113 C & R Lynx, Ex Royal Sword, Köslau, Königsberg, District of Haßberge, Lower Franconia, Germany, Oct 1987.
(Library and Archives Canada Photo, MIKAN No. 4940578)
Beaver armoured vehicle-launched bridge (AVLB), being loaded by Cpl Moore onto a train at Parsberg, Germany, en route to Rothenberg for Exercise Certain Challenge, Sep 1988.
(Library and Archives Canada Photo, MIKAN No. 4730772)
A 4 Svc Bn MAN 10-ton truck crosses the Main river on a German amphibian bridge during exercise Royal Sword, October 1987.
(Library and Archives Canada Photo, MIKAN No. 4730775)
Fallex 87, 4 CMBG Taurus Armoured Recovery Vehicle (ARV), crossing the Main River, Germany, Ex Royal Sword, October 1987.
C Sqn 8CH combat team with a company from 2 PPCLI, FOO/MFC parties, 2 Tow Dets, one Fd Engr Sect, one Armd Engr Sect and a few other atts crossed this river in FALLEX 1987. The French Army provided the Corps level bridging necessary. (Paul Crober)
(Library and Archives Canada Photo, MIKAN No. 4730774)
Schweinfurt Area. A UNIMOG ambulance from 4 Fd Amb crosses the Main river on a German amphibian bridge during Exercise Royal Sword, Oct 1987.
(Library and Archives Canada Photo, MIKAN No. 4730787)
4 CMBG, Ex Royal Sword, Fallex 87, Germany, Oct 1987.
(Library and Archives Canada Photo, MIKAN No. 4730771)
A Leopard C-1 tank crosses the Main river on a French amphibian bridge during Exercise Royal Sword, Oct 1987.
(Library and Archives Canada Photo, MIKAN No. 4730768)
4 CMBG M113 APC mounted with a TOW ATGM on exercise in the Langenhard training area, Germany, September 1987.
(Brian D. Watters Photo)
M113 TUA, Grafenwohr, Germany, 30 June 1988. Invar Mfg. Ltd. In Batawa, Ontario modified, built and installed the weapons system for these APCs.
(Brian D. Watters Photo)
M113, TUA, Grafenwohr, Germany, 30 June 1988.
(Brian D. Watters Photo)
M113 TUA, Grafenwohr, Germany, 30 June 1988.
(Library and Archives Canada Photo, MIKAN No. 4940572)
Fallex 88. Drivers of Umpire vehicles plotting positions of each Army Unit location in Germany, September 1988.
(Brian D. Watters Photo)
Hohenfels, Germany, 30 June 1988.
(Brian D. Watters Photo)
Hohenfels, Germany, 30 June 1988.
(Library and Archives Canada Photo, MIKAN No. 4940579)
Germany, Fallex 88, 4 CMBG, 4 Service Battalion, Cpl. Beresford and Sgt. Mattews De-Cam their MLVW, September 1988.
(Library and Archives Canada Photo, MIKAN No. 4940574)
Fallex 88. Private Setchell, W.O. Wright and MCpl. Landry in Leopard tank ready for action, 1988.
(Brian D. Watters Photo)
Hohenfels, 30 June 1988.
(Brian D. Watters Photo)
Hohenfels, 30 June 1988.
(Brian D. Watters Photo)
.50 cal, 4 CMBG, Germany, 30 June 1988.
(Brian D. Watters Photo)
4 CMBG, Germany, 30 June 1988.
(Brian D. Watters Photo)
4 CMBG, Germany, 30 June 1988.
(Brian D. Watters Photo)
Field Kitchen, 4 CMBG, Germany, 30 June 1988.
(Library and Archives Canada Photo, MIKAN No. 4940573)
Germany, Fallex 88, 4 CMBG, crewmembers of 4 CER relaxing on and around an M113 APC 11F, near a lumber yard, September 1988. Jim Perez, Dan Bitor, Sergeant Hamilton, and looks like James Simon reading a book. (Rick Morris).
(Brian D. Watters Photo)
Leopard on base at Lahr, 30 June 1988.
Capt Harold Skaarup in the 4 Canadian Mechanized Brigade Group (4 CMBG), Command Post M577, Fallex 91.
I had the extraordinary privilege of serving as the Deputy G2 (Intelligence Officer) working in the back of an M577 Command Post with 4 CMBG based at CFB Lahr, Germany from 1989 to 1992. I therefore have an interest in the origins of the tanks and armoured fighting vehicles found in Canada. In an effort to help maintain the record of Canada's armour history and artefacts, I have documented some of the preserved equipment on display in Canada and overseas with details, photos and research in the pages you will find on this website. This page is for those with an interest in 4 CMBG.
We worked with a lot of Allied forces along the way, and while in Germany, would go on annual NATO exercises in the fall. Some our training took place at the US forces installation at Hohenfels, where we were loaned a number of examples of former Soviet kit to familiarize our soldiers with the Warsaw Pact weapons and equipment. This is Capt Harold Skaarup with a Soviet T-62 tank in OpFor markings at Hohenfels, Germany, Sep 1989. This equipment was loaned to the 4 CMBG G2 Intelligence Section by the US Army to provide familiarization training on Soviet kit to Canadian troops during annual Fall Exercises (FALLEX) held in September each year.
(DND Phooto)
4 CMBG HQ and Sig Sqn Officers and Senior NCOs January 1992.
Fourth row: Capt Barbier, Capt Lapointe, Capt Bayes, Sgt Branchaud, MWO Moring, MWO Euteneier, MWO Landry, MWO Mackenzie, Sgt Wills, Sgt Bolke, WO Forcier, Capt Jones, Sgt Paradis, MWO Holleley
Third row: Mr Jonhston, Capt Fitzsimmons, MWO Anderson, Sgt Tetreault, Sgt Rhyno, Sgt Castonquay, Sgt Tremblay, Sgt Macdonald, Sgt Snodgrass, WO Teakles, PO2 Hunter, Sgt Dunlop, MWO MacLeod, WO Poulin, Sgt Chaykowsky, Mr Schlager
Second row: Capt Haindl, Capt Roth, Capt Hill, WO Sutcliffe, Capt Beauchemin, Capt Murray, Capt Cressman, Capt Kiropoulos, Sgt Schenk, Sgt Mcphee, WO Nepton, WO Power, WO Macgillivary, Capt Gibson, Sgt Beaulieu
Front row: Maj Rousseau, Maj Levesque, Maj Grant, Mr Dickson, CWO Desjardins, LCol Bastien, BGen Addy, Maj Francki, Capt Raymond, CWO Lapierre, Capt Angiolini, Maj Stocker, Capt Skaarup.
Capt Harold Skaarup briefing SACEUR General John R. Galvin and LGen George R. Joulwan & BGen J.J.M.R. Gaudreau, 4 CMBG HQ, G2 Section, Fallex 91.
Our Command Post, Fallex 91. 1, Capt Mike Rouleau, 3, Capt H.A. Skaarup.
(Author Photo)
M577 Command Post on display at the NBMHM, 5 CDSB Gagetown, New Brunswick.
From 1956 to 1988, the Hohenfels Training Area was used by NATO forces consisting primarily of American, German, Canadian, and occasionally British and French forces. In 1988, Hohenfels became the home of the Combat Maneuver Training Center (CMTC), the mission of which was to provide realistic combined arms training for the United States Army, Europe, and Seventh Army's maneuver battalion task forces in force-on-force exercises.
(C Int C Photo)
1991, 4 CMBG M113 APC with recce Bicycles, FallEx.
(C Int C Photo)
1991, 4 CMBG M113 C&R Lynx with recce Bicycles, FallEx.
(C Int C Photo)
1991, 4 CMBG M113 C&R Lynx with recce Bicycles, FallEx.
Commanders of the Canadian Brigade in NATO
The author had the privilege of serving as a Canadian Forces Intelligence Branch Staff Officer at Headquarters, Canadian Forces Europe from June 1981 to July 1983, and as the G2 Operations Officer for the 4 CMBG Headquarters & Signals Squadron from July 1989 to July 1992. During the close-out ceremonies for the Brigade in Lahr, the author served as the escort officer for the group of past Commanders of 4 CMBG when this photo was taken on 15 June 1992.
(DND Photo)
From left to right: Lieutenant-General J. Chouinard, CMM, CD, Commanded 4 Canadian Mechanized Battle Group as a Brigadier, 27 July 1971-13 July 1972. Major-General J.E.P. Lalonde, CD, Commanded 4 Canadian Mechanized Brigade Group as a Brigadier, 9 July 1986-15 September 1987. Lieutenant-General John Elwood Vance, CMM, CD, Commanded 4 Canadian Mechanized Brigade Group as a Brigadier, 19 July 1976-1 July 1978. Lieutenant-General William Alexander Beaumont Anderson, OBE, CD, Commanded 27 Canadian Infantry Brigade as a Brigadier, 15 Oct 1953-31 Oct 1955. Major-General R.G Meating, CMM, CD, MSM, Commanded 4 Canadian Mechanized Brigade as a Colonel, 13 June 1992-1 July 1993. Brigadier-General P.V.B. Grieve, CD, Commanded 4 Canadian Mechanized Battle Group (1973) and 4 Canadian Mechanized Brigade Group (1974), as a Brigadier, 13 July 1972-1 July 1974. Major-General W.C. Leonard, MBE, CD, Commanded 4 Canadian Mechanized Battle Group as a Brigadier, 3 July 1970-27 July 1971. Major-General A.J. Tedlie, DSO, CD, Commanded 4 Canadian Infantry Brigade Group as a Brigadier, 10 December 1964-15 September 1966. Major-General J.M. Robert Gaudreau, CMM, CD, Commanded 4 Canadian Mechanized Brigade Group as a Brigadier, 3 July 1989-13 April 1991. Major-General Tom F. de Faye, CMM, CD, SBStJ, Commanded 4 Canadian Mechanized Brigade Group as a Brigadier, 15 Sep 1987-13 July 1989. Major-General Clive J. Addy, OMM, OStJ, CD, Commanded 4 Canadian Mechanized Brigade Group as a Brigadier, 3 April 1991-13 June 1992.
Past commanders missing from the group include:
Lieutenant-General John K. Dangerfield, CMM, MSC, CD, Commanded 4 Canadian Mechanized Brigade Group as a Brigadier, 20 July 1984-9 July 1986. Lieutenant-General Richard J. Evraire, CD, Commanded 4 Canadian Mechanized Brigade Group as a Brigadier, 1 July-1982-20 July 1984. General Alfred John Gardyne Drummond de Chastelain, CH, OC, CMM, CD, Commanded 4 Canadian Mechanized Brigade Group as a Brigadier, 1 July 1980-1 July 1982. Lieutenant-General James A. Fox, CMM, CD, Commanded 4 Canadian Mechanized Brigade Group as a Brigadier, 1 July 1978-1 July 1980. Brigadier-General C.H. Belzile, CM, CMM, CD, Commanded 4 Canadian Mechanized Brigade Group as a Brigadier, 1 July 1974-19 July 1976. Major-General J.C. Gardner, CD, Commanded 4 Canadian Infantry Brigade Group as a Brigadier, 27 January 1968-3 July 1970. Brigadier Edward Alfred Charles Amy, DSO, OBE, MC, CD, Commanded 4 Canadian Infantry Brigade Group as a Brigadier, 15 September 1966-27 January 1968. Lieutenant-General Michael Reginald Dare, DSO, OMM, CD, Commanded 4 Canadian Infantry Brigade Group as a Brigadier, 15 August 1962-10 December 1964. Major-General Cameron B. Ware, DSO, CD, Commanded 4 Canadian Infantry Brigade Group as a Brigadier, 20 December 1960-25 August 1962. Brigadier D.C. Cameron, DSO, ED, CD, Commanded 4 Canadian Infantry Brigade Group as a Brigadier, 14 November 1957-20 December 1960. Major-General Roger Rowley, DSO, ED, CD, GCLJ, GOMLJ, Commanded 2 Canadian Infantry Brigade Group as a Brigadier, 31 October 1955-14 November 1957. Brigadier J.E.C. Pangman, DSO, ED, CD, Commanded 27 Canadian Infantry Brigade as a Brigadier, 5 December 1952-15 October 1953. Lieutenant-General Brigadier Geoffrey Walsh, CBE, DSO, CD, Commanded 27 Canadian Infantry Brigade as a Brigadier, 5 June 1951-5 December 1952.
Special Service Medal (SSM)
I volunteer as tour guide at the New Brunswick Military History Museum at 5 CDSB Gagetown, and often take groups of children and seniors on visits to our exhibits. There are lots of medal displays, but one I like to point to is the Special Service Medal (SSM). My father earned his with the RCAF serving at 3 (F) Wing, Zweibrucken, Germany, (1959-1963), I was a grade school student and during those years we often had air raid drills - the Cold War was a very real part of our lives then. I remember the 1962 Cuban Missile crisis - the first time I saw my father, an RCAF MSE Op, come home wearing a pistol. Some of you may remember the story of Nikita Khruschchev, leader of the Soviet Union, taking off his shoe in the United Nations and banging it down on the podium shouting "we will bury you!"
I take the kids outdoors and tell them we are going to have a practice air raid drill, then shout "air raid, air raid, air raid" and they all hit the deck. (I also use the words "Snowball, Snowball, Snowball", which many 1 CAG and 4 CMBG veterans will remember very well). The kids get a kick out of it. If they are in school, I have them duck under their desks or cover their heads. Sometimes we have veterans with us, and I tell them, look, these retired servicemen and women don't have many medals, but when you see someone wearing this one, go over and shake their hand and say thank you - because they were ready to do the job and go to war if need be, we didn't have a war, and you never had to go through an air raid for real. (I earned my SSM on two tours in Lahr, the first with HQ CFE, 1981-1983 and the second with 4 CMBG, 1989-1992). On behalf of all the school children who are still learning about those who served overseas and at home during the Cold War and why it counts, thank you.
