Just browsing the net and thought I'd look back at some good times. Currently I am posted to 2RCHA Sigs in Petawawa, former mbr of Assoro Coy 91 - 94, 97 - 99. Wondering where some old friends are. Good work on the web page, keep it up. For those of you who know me, drop a line some time. For those who don't, be proud of who you are and do the regiment well. PARATUS!  

my father was in the second world war with the hasting and prince edward regiment. i would like to find out some history and see if any one remembers my dad.  

To Whom it may concern: Enjoyed your web site
My Grandfather served with the unit during World War 2 as a stretcher bearer. His name was Arthur Renout C6047. I too served with the 4th Battalion
Royal Canadian Regiment. I hold his journals of the Italy campaign. If your museum coordinator would like to get a hold of me My address is 82 Winding Woods Crescent London Ontario N6G 3G6
1-519-641-2286  

Good luck to all going on Op Palladium Roto 13!  

Great Website. I joined the Regiment 1986 had to leave in 1987 as family moved. ( 17yrs old ) Now in Dryden Ontario Policing. Joining CIC in Dryden.
Hi ti RSM Fancy and Warrant Rittwage.  

Great site! Good to see so many names that I haven't seen in years. Since leaving The Regiment I've been doing the western tour - Victoria (3 PPCLI), Calgary (1 PPCLI) and now Winnipeg (RSS). Also got married (she's from Belleville) and have three kids.
All the best to new and old members of the unit.
Keep up the good work! Paratus  

My grandfather fought in WWII in the regiment. His name was Charles (Ralph) Turner. He passed away when I was just a year old. I was unable to know him. My mother talks very proudly of him and I feel that your site has, in some small way, allowed me a glimpse of who he fought along side with. I am tracing our family tree and there is some good information about the regiment that I have not been privy to before.
Thanks for putting this site together.  

Would like to obtain any photos info etc of the HPE Drum and Bugle Band that was active in the 50s-60s.Wanted for book on Military Bands.Any assistance is welcomed.

Rick Allen 905 388 8236  

I would like to take this opportunity ( Pacino + 1) to remind the regimental family that there are currently 9 members of the Regiment in Petawawa undergoing pre-deployment training for Op Palladium Roto 13 with the Royal Canadian Dragoons Battle Group. To a man, I can say that our soldiers are perpetuatuing and upholding the history & traditions of the Regiment in a fine manner ( I have taken a personal interest in this as their Platoon Warrant Officer ) We will deploy a Coy 2IC, PL Comd, PL WO, sect Comd, Sect 2IC, & four riflemen in Camp Bihac. We are part of the only all-reservist company ever to deploy operationally (so far). This is quite a feat for the Regiment in contemporary times. In closing, I would say that we are all highly motivated volunteers who went through a competitive selection process to get here. We will perform & all return safely and healthy.

Paratus

Woods JP
Warrant Officer
3 PL C Coy
RCD BG Roto 13  

Happy Pachino Day July 10 2003 to the greatest Regiment.  

It was great to see some old faces, especially from the 1992 photos.
As 1 of the 4 founding members to "charlie" company of Cobourg, I'll not forget; PARATUS!!  

Just thought i would say hello to every back at the regiment that i haven't been able to talk to. I was a member of the Reg't from 93-00 and since then i have joined the armoured core and have been posted to Pet for 2 years. I figured why walk when i can drive a nd crush everything in my path (hahaha). My time at the Reg't was great and have made lifelong friendships along the way. Hope everyone is doing great.

Sincerly
Tpr G.D. Thomas
RCD
"Audax Et Celer"
 

The Regiment's training year has ended and now the summer taskings begin. I wish everyone a safe summer and look forward to seeing the Regiment's soldiers during the summer training cycle. For those on course, keep your spirits high. You are following some very distinguished soldiers, they were successful on their courses, and I know you will be too. Good luck and I'll see you soon.

Paratus

CO  

For everyone who chanced upon my inappropriate comments that were posted here in early June 2003, I offer my sincere apologies.

Ross Cossar  

My name is Guus Hartendorf, born in 1953, and
I live in Santpoort, the Netherlands. Santpoort is part of the community of Velsen and also the place IJmuiden (with harbour) is part of Velsen.
Velsen lies at the Nortsea Canal to Amsterdam.
At May 8th 1945 a regiment of the RCR with commanding officer Reid and a regiment of the Hasty P's with commanding officer George Renison entered our village Santpoort. Both regiments came from Apeldoorn. A Dutch student, Ben Schueler, joined the Hasty P and became a sergeant and his duty was to translate Dutch-German-English. I wrote four books about World War II in our region. One chapter handled about the RCR and Hasty P in Santpoort and IJmuiden. I spoke with Renison and some of the privates; along them Mr. David Brown from Collingwood and Thom McClung.
Last year I visited Canada and spent some time with several veterans, because I was involved with the reunions of the Canadian veterans in
1991, 1995 and 2000 via Thank You Canada in Apeldoorn. Last year I visited the RCR museum in London but pitty enough I was not able to vist
the Hasty P museum in Belleville. I hope to do that the next time. In the RCR museum I handed over my book 'Velsen Bezet en Bevrijd' (Velsen
Occupied and Liberated) and a English translation of the chapter about the two regiments. I left one for your museum and the officer, Duncan
McMillan, of the RCR museum told me he'll sent it to your museum. Did you received that?
I hope I have sent this email to the right person, and if not, will you be so kind to sent it then to the right person and will you give me
his/her email address?
And if there is some veteran who was in WW II in IJmuiden reading this message, please let me know.
Your sincerely Guus Hartendorf
 

I found out some info re the Holland Medal that I thought I would pass on. Unfortunately, the issue for this medal by the Dutch government ceased as of 1 Jan 03. I did however get a letter from the Dutch Defence Attache (not a form letter) which as a bit of a consolation. The address is:

Royal Netherlands Embassy
Defence Attache
350 Albert Street, Ste 2020
Ottawa, ON
K1R 1A4  

My father was Sgt. Douglas "Stormy" Knight who joined the Regiment in 1939 only months after emigrating to Canada from England. Imagine his chagrin at being shipped out to England!!!!! He served in Europe until coming home on points. He joined the Governor General's Horse Guards attaining the rank of WO2 before retiring.
If anyone has any remembrances about him I sure would appreciate hearing them. Unfortunately, dad passed away in the early '90's
Thanks
Charlie  

My Grandfather, Gordon Lyford, served with the Hasty P's during World War II, taking part in the landing at Sicily and the Battle for Ortona. He was sent home, suffering from "Battle exhausion,' in June of 1944. I am in the middle of obtaining a history degree, and have recently begun researching my Grandfather's regiment during the war. I'm reading about Ortona, and Cassino, and am amazed by the courage of the soldiers. My Grandfather never spoke to me about the war, and passed away some 8 years ago, but I find that researching the battles he experienced helps me to better understand him. I'm so excited that this website exists! I know my Grandpa would be too.  

go airborne!!! (when of course our regiment goes airborne that is)  

Well, after a few weeks after being offline, I'm back. Sort of. I'm in Kabul, Afghanistan, where I'm employed as company operations officer, liasion officer, translator (for working with the Germans), Joe Guy, and everything in between. We've had two "significant" events over the past two weeks, but we are all okay. Drop a line! Ciao
David Garvin
Hast & PER 84-89
RCR 89-present
Paratus
Pro Patria  

As a company commander in the Regiment, I came to look for old friends in the archive pages. So many former Hasty P's. I often wonder what character the unit would have if all of the past soldiers were to combine with the fine young Canadians that are joining these days. This is a fine Regiment, which is always building upon itself. The challenges often change but the desire to stay on top remains a priority. All the best.

Ross Cossar  

I was an army brat, or so they say. Born in Petawawa in 1958 and dad retired in 1971. A big part of my life. I have spent some years trying to see if there was a way that I could see / hear how the kids I grew up with faired with the world. To date, with no luck. My sister and brother found kids they knew but not myself. Is there a web site that any one knows of that has a guest book from the children of the bases?
Please email me and let my know, would love to remember my past too. thanks dearly for your time...  

I was in the Regiment from '96 - '99 and left to join the Navy. Perhaps one of the biggest mistakes in my life(leaving the regiment that is)! Still here on the west coast though, I fell in love with the warmer winters, almost no snow all year! Miss you all though, drop me a line when you get the chance

(Cpl) Bach  

Former corporal, Hastings and Prince Edward Regiment "A" company, Trenton, now residing at Port McNicoll, Ontario. I have the red beret, all I need now is a cap badge. Can any one tell me where I may obtain one?
Paul  

Wonderful writings. My late Husband Robert Alexander served with the Lorne Scots and was in Italy for 2 years during ww.2. He spoke of Ortono and also of the Casino etc. I married him after the war in the Netherlands and to this day I have always thought of him as my Canadian HERO and am truly grateful for him and all the Cdn Soldiers who liberated us from the Occupation Forces in 1945.  

The reason I love this site is that I can keep up with changes and events within the Regiment.

Congratulations to Lt. Col McGill on becoming C.O.
I remember him as a Major in Peterborough in '88 trying to teach us hand-to-hand combat skills. (not his problem that some of us just couldn't learn!)

Well deserved and Paratus Sir.

I'm a CIC officer in Labrador City now (affiliated with 1 Bn. The Royal Newfoundland Regiment), and would love to hear from anyone I served with from '88 to '91

Paratus again
Wayne

 

Thank-you so much for providing the information & kit shop. My husband (American/USN)& sons half & half) are very proud of their heritage and are humbled & proud of my dear dad. I will always remember the time he was being prepped for surgery a few weeks before he died & his surgeon asking where he got his tattoo. He quietly said that he had it put on in Sicily & when I added, " During the war", all the staff came over to take a look and thank him one by one. It was a wonderful moment for all of us.  

Hello To All!
I am very happy to find this site for "THE REGIMENT".I left the unit in Dec 1977 after 2 yrs due to my relocation to the beautiful "BLUEGRASS STATE" of Kentucky. I had been a member of #2818 cadet corp from 2 April 1970 until i left Ontario for my migration south. I have very fond memories of "The Armory" and many of the great men and women that have been a part of one of the greatest names in the history of the Canadian Military. I have always had a void in my heart that cannot be replaced by any other organization that I have been a part of.And each opportunity that I have to step onto that parade square, and salute as I have done so many times with great pride, brings many of those memories streaming back in my mind. I gained a huge amount of personal development that i will always be greatful for, that I will never forget! A special mention for a man that I looked up to from such an early age, Mr Bill Valance is a must for me, wishing that I could hear him refer to me , and others alike as "DONKEYS" brings a smile to my face and a tear to my eye. And I must say "Thank You SIR!", as I feel that I wouldnt be the person I am today without being associated with you and many others at The Unit. Anyone wishing to contact me, please feel free to do so at the e-mail I have posted here. Thanks Again, for the memories I will keep for my lifetime!

Always a HASTY PEE!
Jon Lykins  

My name is Earl Potts, son of sgt Earl Potts no. c/4303 who was killed in Sicily. I was born in England and was only 2 years old when he died. I would like information to add to a family tree that i am writing for my grandchildren so his ultimate sacrifice will not be forgotten  

Hello to all. While in Belleville visiting my parents during June 2002, I wandered down to My old "stomping grounds" at the corner of Bridge & Pinnacle Streets. The ghosts & memories from 64 - 67 came back in a flash especially when I met Mr Adamson in the OR. I was a 106 gunner, then a radio man. Then I went into the Reg F & became a Royal Canadian Service Corps trucker aka Logistics MSE OP until retirement in 96 here in Winnipeg. I have been employed full time since Nov 96 at 17 Svc Bn & 38 CBG HQ as the G4 Tn. One of the captains here (recently retired) Dennis Shanks was your RSSO sometime in the mid 70's. I read some of the guest book entries & recognize a few names. Any one wandering through Winnipeg, drop in for coffee. My work address is 1970 Taylor Ave & my home is 686 Beaverbrook St. Both are near the Kapyong Barracks.  

I served in the Hastings and Prince Edward Regiment for 7 years, from late 1950's to early 1960's.

Would appreciate contacts from other soldiers that served, in or out of that time frame.

Remember Petawawa, Barryfield, Niagara on the Lake and many of our sorties to Picton Armories for rifle practice and war games throught the counties.

Remember first summer camp at Niagara-on-the-Lake, the troop train from Belleville stopped and picked us up at the Canadian National Railway Station at Trenton.

Lt. Col. Angus Duffy was the CO and he went through out the train as we journeyed on to Toronto, getting to know every one. He knew my grandfather, Harry Twigg, seems to me they had maybe worked together at one time.

We disembarked in Toronto and were bussed to the waterfront and boarded the boat called the S.S. Cayuga. The S.S Cayuga docked at the west end of Lake Ontario and we were transported by ground transport to the camp.

Another summer camp at Barryfield (Kingston)we were in what I think were called bell tents, a circular tent, a number of cots for sleeping were placed along the interior near the vertical part of the tent.

Private Woodcock had a late night, the previous night and turned in early and was sleeping when I returned to the tent after dinner.

I was a lance corporal and the person in charge of the tent.

When the first of our tenters appeared I rolled up the tent wall, got the other comrade to grab one end of Woodcock's cot, and I on the other end of the cot, carried Woodcock outside and placed him, still sleeping, equal distance between our tent and the next one.

Then we made our selves scarce.

The next day, Private Woodcock recounted the story to me, and of course I was surprised.

Private Woodcock said he heard Lt. Paul Davis say, Woodcock, what are you doing out here? And sure enough said Woodcock, I looked up and there was the sky and stars.

Some things we didn't do, like borrow the tank that was in our camp area at Barryfield. I understand someone thought about it, but it never came to fruition.

I often think of the men and officers and wonder where they are today, Sgt Tiny Reid, was in the Second World War and when questioned about the war, would mention the time he came around the corner of a building in war torn Europe and met a German, the enemy at that time.

When asked what did the two of you do, he would say, each one backed around the corner towards the way they had come, and went their different ways.

Sgt Dick Ibotson, always had a smile, unless he had one too many.

Major Derek Riordon, Major Campbell, Lt Paul Davis, Lt Peter Logan, Capt Stan Downs, Sgt Major Blackie Simpson, Sgt Bob Wigmore, Privates Woodcock, Henry Bird Gary Botting and Wayne Jordison, just to mention a few names I recall, some from memory and some from one or two pictures I have kept over the years.

Obviously there were many more not named here who made up "A' Company, Trenton.

I must not forget the wooden Indian figurine carving replica of the H & PER's mascot the troops buried in war torn Europe and was never found again.

The wooden figurine was called Chief Petawawa, because he was carved at Petawawa.

The origional Indian figurine, was made of pewter and was removed from the roof of the canning factory in Picton, Ontario by George Ponsford and a couple of helpers, one verry inebriated.

They named him little chief.

It would seem that during the war years the enemy was without, now we face a more subtle enemy with in, who looks like us, who is bent on removing our rights, freedoms and firearms.

Dictators ride to and fro upon tigers which they not dare dismount. And the tigers are getting hungry. Sir Winston Churchill, While England Slept (1936)



To all who have served and to those who paid the supreme sacrifice; I will remember them!

God Save the Queen



 

I was a member of the regiment 1978-80 and I saw a couple of familiar names in the guest book. Just though I would say hi. Retired WO Wpns Tech L 421 from the regular force about 3 years ago. Living in Barrie. I enjoyed your site.  

I just dropped by to see how things were going. I wish I could have stayed with the Hasty P's, but career interfered at that time. I'm living in Cobourg again. Looking for Dave Goodrich  

Website is great! Note the new email address. Sure would like to get in touch with Mort Sararas  

I was an active member of the Pipeband under Charlie Coates from 1994 - 97. I'm living in the 'Big Smoke' now; no other regiment around here worth joining  

I'm living in Meaford, Ontario about 12k from the tank range. Always appreciate "B" Coy, Madoc. I see Percy Gray every few months and sometimes am in touch with Bruce Shaw. Paratus!  

Hello, My grandfather served in the regiment during the second world war. His name was James Payne from Picton Ontario. I was wondering where I could go to get more information on his war service.  

Many thanks for a informative and colourful website. My father, Hugh Vallery of Peterborough served in the Regiment 1942-1945 in Italy, captured at the Battle of the Moro River, December 7, 1943. He spent most of his POW period at OFLAG 39, liberated by the Americans, early April 1945. He has slowed down a bit, at 84 and living in North York, Ontario.  

I would like to know any connection between the Vanderwater name and the Regiment.
thanks
Bill Vanderwater  

My father, Edmund Devenish was a Hasty P from late 1942 until demobilization in 1945. He served in a 3" mortar platoon and was able, through the horrors of combat, relate many happy memories, some absolutely halarious to my siblings and I. I believe he made it to a reunion about 10 years ago. He and my mom visited Holland before his passing 2 years ago. As a testament to the viciousness of combat, he never expressed a desire to visit Italy. As a member of the Navy, I have visited several sites in Sicily and Italy. It is great to see an historical account of the efforts of a wonderful generation in the way of your web site. Keep up the tremendous work.
Signed,
A Plough Jockey's Kid!!  

Hi:
My father, Ed Devenish was in a 3" mortar platoon from mid 1943 until demobilization in 1945. He always spoke highly of his comrades in arms and left an indelible mark in the memories of all us kids. I currently am a researcher of Canadian involvement in WWII and special attention is made for anything I come across regarding the Hasty Ps. Unfortunately he passed away in June of 2000 leaving us with one less of this truly heroic generation. Great sight, I will add it to my favourites!!
Pat  

Just keeping in touch. It's been 14 (!) years since I left The Regiment. Despite the fact that I've been a member of The Royal Canadian Regiment ever since, I have not forgotten. I've seen some interesting posts in here and I just thought I'd pop in once again to say "hello"!
Paratus/Pro Patria
David Garvin
Captain
LAV Captain
I Coy
2nd Battalion,The Royal Canadian Regiment
garvin.dwNOSPAM@forces.gc.ca  

My uncle, Bernard Devine Madden, was a Captain with the Hastings and Prince Edward Regiment during World War II. He was killed in action at Ortona on March 1, 1944, age 28. If there are any seniors who were in the Regiment and who recall my uncle, information about him would be greatly appreciated.  

Hi Folks, I was a Hasty P for many years both as a cadet and reservist before joining the regular force in 1980 in the EME Branch. Although I have been in the regular for for close to 23 years I have aleays considered myself a Hasty P and look apon those years as some of the best in my life. To those of you who have just joined now, you can look forward to life long memories in the making during your time with the Regt.

Good luck to all.  

Well, Well
I have served as a cadet with the regiment since the end of 97. I am proud to wear my Cap Brass (always shined). I'm the CSM of RCACC 88 in Cobourg and I must say the Hasty Pees have produced some fine people. Some examples are:
2Lt. R. Bergeron (former Cpl. now my OC)
G. Johnson (served with 2Lt. Bergeron and is now an instructor with the cadets. (this man can survive in the woods with nothing but a toothpick)
G. O'Donnell (formerly Ocdt. formerly Cpl. "OD" has many of my thanks for helping me on my way)
All of Cassino Coy (You all have my respect even though I'm just a "measely cadet")
and many many more that I have come accross in my time.

I'm just about too old for cadets but I do plan on joining the Reg force(which brings me to two things 1) Too bad the regiment isn't reg force, and 2) If there was a BMQ course at the right time I would have joined the reserves already). We all know how proud, rich and colourful the history of this regiment is so needless to say I am proud to be a part and I am proud of all those who served and esspecially those who made the ultimate sacrifice. Thank you.

MWO Jonathan Q. Rohrich
88 RCACC CSM
PARATUS!  

My grandfather, Captain William Anthony Gordon Spriggs, was in the 16th Prince Edward Regiment when he signed up for the CEF. He served in the first tank battalion.  

Great web-site. My grandfather Robert Watkins was a member of the Regiment from 1939 to 1940 when he died in hospital in England. My father and I have no picture of him and would like to attain one. I have his war file from the Second World War and if any one can tell me how I would go about this could you please e-mail me.
Thank You  

Many thanks for your excellent site. I am a US Embassy officer with responsibilities (inter alia) for supporting Canadian Forces. My great uncle, Bill Nolan from Madoc, served with the Regiment in the Italy and Holland campaigns. It is nice to be able to help the Canadian military as Canada has helped the US so many times.

A friend of mine at the Department of National Defense HQS lent me a copy of Mowart's "The Regiment," which I am reading eagerly. I look forward to learning more about the Regiment and exploring my family history.  

I was just surfing around, and stopped to check out the web page and came across some old friends. It is really nice to hear from you guys. I work with the cadets in Cobourg now.  

My grandfather, Floyd Stark was with the Regiment during the Second World War. He was from Bloomfield Ontario. My understanding is that upon the return of the Regiment from France in 1940 he did not go on the Italian campaign due to age. He stayed in England and delt with weapons. Would love to hear from anyone who knew my grandfather.  

Hello all,

Just decided to drop a note to keep all my old Hasty Pee buddies in the loop. I now live in Fort Smith NWT and parade with the Cadet Corps up here. Ironically enough, the fellow in the next office to mine at work just happens to be another ex-Hasty Pee named Paul MacAdam (68-72). This howdy is from the both of us.

Paratus  

I Like your wb site, but there is one thing missing! You fail to mention your newest Cadet Corps (640 RCArmyCS, Cloyne

OCdt T Trickey
Trng Officer
640 Hastings & Prince Edward Army Cadets
Cloyne Ont  

My dad Eugene Leroux was a member of the Hasty P's
during WWII. After VE day, he stayed on in Germany
with the occupation forces, where he served with
the Glenngarry Highlanders. I have all his medals,
but no badge of the Hasty P's. I would be interested in acquiring one if someone could help.
If there is anyone out there who knew my dad, I would also like to hear from you. Thanks  

Nice web site; when are you going to update it.
I would like to hear more about the regiment.  

Great site. I am a wife of a former Hasty P Ed Oldnall and I am always learning something new about the military and different Regiments. After meeting some of the Hasty P's a few years ago, the HASTINGS & PER is my favorite regiment!
keep up the good work!  

I'm looking for service information about my late uncle, Edgar J.Cruise of Lachute, Que; who served with the Hasty Ps in the Second World War and eventually was a PoW in Stalag VIIA. If anyone out there served with Pvte. Cruise, I'd be eager to hear from you. Thank you. cnixonNOSPAM@lfpress.com  

Just shouting out to all my old pals I met while in the regiment. Particularily Pointer, Blower, Barr, Norman and Grieve. Paratus.  

At the Fredericton Remembrance Day parade, I met a vet with the Hasty P Capbadge. I told him about my roots as a Plough Jockey, and we talked for a bit. He referred to The Regiment as "The Black Devils". Has anyone else here ever heard of The Regiment referred to in this manner? Thanks in advance!
David Garvin
Hast & PER 84-89
RCR 89-present  

To all Hasty P's past and present (especially those operationally deployed)"Merry Christmas and Godspeed."

Paratus;
Wayne  

The Guestbook is now back online after a hiatus of about three weeks... Please go to the Archives to see previous postings.