Click on photos by: 26659 OCdt (I) Danielle Andela for better viewing
104th (New Brunswick) Regiment of Foot Arrive at RMCC
By: WJO
Often cadets and staff visit various parts of Canada and beyond to take part in Battlefield tours and the like. Rarely does living history actually arrive on our own doorstep. The exception happened last week.
This past Friday afternoon a very impressive event indeed took place at Royal Military College of Canada (RMCC). The “event” was the final leg of an 1100 km Journey commemorating the Bicentennial of the winter march by the 104th (New Brunswick) Regiment of Foot, from Fredericton, NB – through parts of Quebec – through Easter Ontario – to the final stop at RMCC.
A network of Canadians across New Brunswick, Québec and Eastern Ontario came together to mark the incredible feat of nearly 600 men in the winter of 1813.
Coordinating the movement of the replica colours involved an organising group in each of the three provinces, at least 11 Canadian Forces regiments, 3 re-enactment units, more than 15 local Legions or other community groups, and many supporting individuals who also provided meals – and in some cases even marched.
Ex cadet, now New Brunswick, MLA, 19874 Brian Macdonald (Class of ’95) marched the entire stretch in his province through to Cano, QC.
Extreme unfavourable weather forced the presentations of 104th Regiment of Foot Relica colours and of the War of 1812 Banner to take place in – The New Gym, Yeo Hall.
MPP John Gerretsen took part in the ceremony, inspecting the troops assembled on parade with Brian MacDonald, Colonel Stephen Saulnier, Acting Commandant, RMCC and Colonel Howard G. Coombs, Brigade Commander of the 33 Canadian Brigade Group.
A number of interesting speeches took place providing background to the March of the brave soldiers which took place two hundred years ago. Those making the impressive speeches included: well known and highly respected War of 1812 historian Major John Grodzinski; John Gerretsen; Brian Macdonald; Colonel Stephen Saulnier; and Ms Molly Demma (Executive Director, St. John River Society).
All in all, a very classy event.
Click on inside photos by Steven McQuaid, Photographer – Base Photo – CFB Kingston – for better viewing.
More details on the history of the march www.celebrate1812.ca/104thMarch
Walking the 104th Regiment’s Steps