Welcome to the July-August 2024 edition of The Despatch, the Military Communications and Electronics Museum Newsletter.
Message from the Officer In Charge
I wanted to take a moment and introduce myself as your new Officer Commanding the C&E Museum. I am thrilled to be in a new position where I can help foster a better understanding of our history and spread the word regarding the Canadian Armed Forces past, present and future contributions to making the world a better place for all.
As a peacekeeping and war veteran I am intimately familiar with the challenges that our service members have been through over the years. The C&E Museum is a wonderful example that helps in showcasing the “Troops, Times and Technologies” of our history and the people, conflicts and equipment used over the years of service to Canada and its peoples. I first visited the museum in 1996 and am happy to say it continues to be a safe place to reflect and pay our respects to those that have come before us. As we move forward over the next few years there will be struggles and challenges but at the end of the day, I truly believe brighter days will always be in our forecast.
With a “One Team” approach and as I reflect on the past, I see a bright future for the museum and hope that you will join me and the team in moving the goalposts forward for the betterment of the history we so proudly display here at CFB Kingston.
In closing I want to thank the museum staff for the warm welcome as they continue to strive for excellence in all that they do to keep the lights burning brightly. In addition, I wanted to thank CWO Renay Groves and the C&E Branch for their unwavering support thus far. Finally, I want to thank my spouse Sabine and our two boys Adam and Sebastian for supporting me through all our years of service.
I wish you all the very best and remain humbly at your service,
v/r
Maj Robert Oikle
Officer in Charge, Military Communications & Electronics Museum
Message from the C&E Branch Chief Warrant Officer
It is my honour to address the Communications and Electronics Branch community - past, present, and future. As your Communications and Electronics Chief Warrant Officer, I am proud to connect with each of you, celebrating our shared commitment to excellence in communications and electronics. As we settle into our new home in Kingston, we remember the sacrifices and dedication of those who came before us. We honour their legacy by continuing to push the boundaries of innovation and teamwork. Our branch's rich history and heritage are a testament to the power of collaboration and the importance of preserving our stories. In this newsletter, we'll share updates on our partnerships with local organizations, academic institutions, and industry leaders. We'll highlight the achievements of our members and showcase the impact of our work on the Canadian Armed Forces and beyond.
As we move forward as a united team, it's essential that we embrace the lessons from our core doctrines, "Trusted to Serve" and "Fighting Spirit". "Trusted to Serve" reminds us that our actions are guided by the trust placed in us by Canadians, and that we must always act with integrity, loyalty, and courage. A key example of this is the importance of leadership at all levels, as emphasized in the doctrine - leaders who empower and trust their team members to make decisions and take ownership of their work. Meanwhile, "Fighting Spirit" instills in us the values of resilience, initiative, and teamwork, reminding us that our collective efforts are the key to overcoming adversity. A notable example from this doctrine is the concept of "Esprit de Corps" - the bond that forms among team members who work together towards a common goal, fostering a sense of belonging and shared purpose. By embracing these doctrines, we reinforce the "One Team" spirit that drives us to succeed together.
We are excited to announce a “NEW,” “Trusted to Serve/Fighting Spirit Award,” recognition. This esteemed award honours students and instructors who exemplify the highest standard of leadership, teamwork, and character as embodied in the Canadian Armed Forces doctrine “Trusted to Serve” and Fighting Spirit”. Recipients will be distinguished for their exceptional integrity, initiative, resilience, and dedication to fostering a positive and inclusive team environment. By conferring this honour, we pay tribute to those who truly embody the values of our branch and encourage others to stive for the same.
Together, we form a dynamic and inclusive team, built on the foundations laid by our predecessors, and energized by the innovative spirit of our current members. As we look to the future, we welcome the fresh perspectives and talents of those who will carry our branch forward. I invite you to join me in embracing: 'One Team' - united in our pursuit of excellence and dedicated to supporting each other every step of the way.
CWO/Adjuc Renay Groves, CD, MSM
Branch Chief, Communications and Electronics Branch
Summer Update from Executive Director
The summer has seen strong visitation at the museum, but the Causeway being down has impacted things. The fact that the Trolley has been stopping at the museum has helped, however. Our summer series for the Veterans Coffees have been well attended, and have been a great opportunity for intergenerational engagement between our veterans and serving members, swapping stories as a great learning and team building initiative. Watch our website and social media for news on the fall Coffee series! Starting Sept. 3 the museum moves back to its fall hours, M-F 10-3:30.
The museum has some exciting plans to watch for. We are investigating the possibility of another expansion and/or major renovation to include some new partners in addition to RCEME. Keep watching this space! We’re also forming a new association of military museums along the 401 corridor called the “Highway of Heroes Military Museums”. This includes all of the military museums along the 401 from Brockville to Oshawa. We’re planning a major advertising campaign for our museums over the summer of 2025, since we’ll be hosting a series of events at all of the museums from VE Day to VJ Day. The events will be launched with a parade of historic vehicles on VE Day from Brockville to Oshawa. Stay posted for more details!
We’re also moving ahead with plans for Veterans Week (Nov. 5-11) for a series of exciting events that will include crafting workshops, breakfasts, band events and more. For Indigenous Veterans Day (Nov. 8), we’ll be having a wide variety of things going on from drummers to dancers to sampling Indigenous cuisine and more. Related to this, we’re also working with the Kingston Defence Indigenous Advisory Group to build an Indigenous Garden on the grounds of the museum, targeting The National Day for Truth and Reconciliation (Sept. 30), 2025 for completion. Keep your eyes on our web page!
Rory Cory
Executive Director
Military Communications and Electronics Museum
80 Years Ago-The Normandy D-Day Invasion Continued
Compiled by Captain Sean Maas Stevens
More than Another Scheme: Operation OVERLORD as observed by the Highland Light Infantry of Canada
References:
A. War Diary of the HLI - http://central.bac-lac.gc.ca/.redirect?app=fonandcol&id=927780&lang=eng
B. List of Canadian Army Units in the Normandy Landings - https://www.junobeach.org/canada-in-wwii/articles/d-day/canadian-army-units-in-the-normandy-landings/
C. Image of HLI going aboard LCI(L) 276 - http://central.bac-lac.gc.ca/.redirect?app=fonandcol&id=3191499&lang=eng
D. Image of the Normandy Landing taken from LCI(L) 306 - http://central.bac-lac.gc.ca/.redirect?app=fonandcol&id=3208962&lang=eng
E. Historical Canadian Military Abbreviations (referenced throughout) - https://wartimes.ca/research/abbreviations/
7 June 1944
“The night was fairly quiet. Allied planes were over and met by A/A fire not comparable to that in England. Occasional mortar fire from enemy positions failed to hit anyone. Our patrols reported no enemy actively in our neighbourhood.
“…At 0620 hrs the first HLI prisoner was brought in by D Coy. He was a sniper caught wandering around in their area.
“The enemy were dropping paratroops in the area to strengthen their defences and to disrupt our organization behind the lines. Our vanguard (A Coy) moved at 0810 hrs. B Coy 0900 hrs. The NNS had come under fire of the enemy and were engaged in a scrap. Shortly after the SD&Gs came under fire
from the left flank. At this point we were held up by enemy AFVs left [turning] in the road just south of Colomby-sur-Thaon. These had been knocked out by the Chaudiere Regt who had been surprised early in the morning. While we stopped we had good seats for an aerial dog fight in which our Spits came out victor as the Ju 88s tried to get our convoy…
“At approximately 1000 hrs the North Novas reported that they had taken Buron with little opposition and were consolidating… The SD&Gs had reached Villons-les-Buissons by 1030. This slow progress meant all the HLI could do was sir along the road, already overcrowded and wait. Once we were sniped at from the woods near Anguerny and sent a section out after them. While waiting we were able to search the German vehicles knocked out. Hurley and Ableson in the C.Os. carrier stumbled upon a lucky find. They found the strong box of the 12 SS Pz Gr Regt. This was so important a find that it was immediately dispatched to the War Office. It was later learned that it contained secret codes, organizations and orders that proved to be very useful to Intelligence. Our boys have done a lot of searching of houses in all villages and uncovered large numbers of German documents and papers.
“At approximately 1100 hrs we had only reached Colomby-sur-Thaon – about five miles from Beny-sur-Mer. Up ahead the NNS were running into difficulty. Their B & C coys were pinned down by mortar fire on the north side of Buron…
Patrol Report from the HLI from Buron from 16/17 June 1944 (Ref A page 396)
“Mortar and gun fire held up the NNS in Authie for a time and at 1400 hrs the thing we had feared most happened. Enemy armour appeared from the West of Authie and soon eight or nine Panthers were engaging the Novas and the 27 [Canadian Armoured Regiment (CARs)]. The vanguard of the Bde was in a tough spot as they were likely to be cut off from the main body by this armoured thrust. The NNS began digging in but were [harassed] by a great deal by snipers who hid while the shelling was going on and then appeared in the rear of the Novas and shot them up.”
“At 1515 HLI was ordered to move up and pass through the SD&Gs as the NNS and 27 CAR were, engaged in a tough show… it was decided to stay the attack and withdraw the remnants of the NNS and the 27 CAR into the “Fortress” formed by the SD&G and HLI in area Villons-les-Buissons south to les Buissons and here to make a stand against a new enemy counter attack. One hundred enemy parachutists dropped four miles East of Buron and there were reports of new German armour in the area. The enemy had succeeded in delaying the bde long enough with its isolated pockets of resistance along the way and heavy mortaring from St.Contest long enough to put in their heavy armour counter attack…”
“The bn moved up and deployed and were busy digging in when they were attacked by one of our own armoured regts (Ft Garry Horse) coming in to support the attack and mistook us for the German parachutists. We were also attacked by an M.E. and several men were wounded…”
“…at 2055 hrs the NNS made a determined push and pulled out of Buron. The SD&G covered their withdrawn and had to beat back the German infantry as they followed the NNS in. At 2110 hrs the 27 CAR called for support on their left flank and the NNS prepared to push forward a counter attack on Buron. The Novas by this time had suffered heavy casualties. B Coy had been caught by a German ruse. Their arty shelled our tps who went to the ground. While lying their taking cover the German infantry advanced and bayoneted the men lying on the ground. They had maintained the effect of fire by the use of “bulleted blank”.
“An enemy attach broke on the SD&G front byt was drawn back. The 27 CAR drew back through the NNS and tied up with the NNS. At 2130 they attacked Buron but weren’t strong enough to hold. They counter attacked again and again but couldn’t stay there. Finally around 2200 hrs they and the CH of O (MG) withdrew inside the SD&G area and remained inside the “Fortress” for the night.”
“Another trick used effectively by the Germans during the day was the use of our code signed on the wireless. At vital points of the battle they would come on the air, use out call signs and give orders which is followed would have wrought havoc. For example in the midst of a shelling they would say “Son’t stand down in the trenches. Get up and face it”. Reports that whole coys of the NNS had been wiped out originated in the same way.”
“D [+] 1 ended with the NNS and 27 CAR having had a full taste of battle and the SD&Gs had also got their feet wet. But the HLI aroused by several alarms were not to come to close grips with the enemy that day. The tension was probably greater than if they had come to grips, but we were still physically strong and fresh to push out of the “fortress” in the morning…”
“The day had been hot and bright. Temperature around 90. Visibility – 10 miles.”
Foundation News
The Military Communications and Electronics Museum Foundation participated in the CanadaHelps Great Canadian Giving Challenge in June of 2024. We successfully raised over $2,000 in support of programming at the Military Communication Electronics Museum. The two grand prize winners of $10,000 each were the Cosmopolitan Music Society and Partners in Mission (Kingston) Food Bank. Congratulations to these two worthy charities. The Foundation would like to thank everyone who donated to the campaign. Your donations are tax deductible.
Not Forgotten – Private Joseph Arnold Chambers – 426219
Service information of Pte Chambers (Ref B)
Written by Captain Sean Maas Stevens
References:
A. http://www.rcsigs.ca/index.php/Signals_Casualties_of_the_Great_War_-_Details#Chambers_Joseph_Arnold
B. https://central.bac-lac.gc.ca/.item/?op=pdf&app=CEF&id=B1610-S025
D. https://www.cwgc.org/find-records/find-war-dead/casualty-details/922771/joseph-arnold-chambers/
Joseph Arnold Chambers was born in Dorchester, New Brunswick on 1 February 1890 to Lorenzo H. and Mary A. Chambers. A telephone operator by trade, Joseph enlisted with the Canadian Expeditionary Force on 31 December 1914 in Regina, Saskatchewan. Upon enlistment, he was appointed the rank of Private, and posted to the 46th Battalion.
Private Chambers deployed to England, and on 19 July 1915, was attached to the 32nd Battalion. In September, he deployed to France with the 8th Battalion. On 2 June 1916, Private Chambers was reported “Missing After Action.” One month later, on 12 July 1916, this was amended in his file to be a declaration that Private Chambers was killed in action. He was 26 years old.
As his body was never recovered, Private Joseph Arnold Chambers is memorialized on the Menin Gate in Belgium.
Reports for Pte Chambers being declared missing, later amended to killed. (Ref B)