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![]() HTML Version of Maple LeafThis page contains both English and French articles. If you require PDF versions of specific articles, please send your request to hamilton.ac@forces.gc.ca. Volume 1 - Volume 2 - Volume 3 - Volume 4 - Volume 5 - Volume 6 - Volume 7 - Volume 8 - Volume 9 Page 4 - 5, Maple Leaf, 17 September 2003, Vol. 6 No. 34 page 4 - 5, La feuille d'érable, Le 17 septembre 2003, Vol. 6 No. 34 Cameron Highlanders preserving their rich historyBy Andrea Macdonald In an effort to preserve their heritage, The Cameron Highlanders of Ottawa set about the task of recording their distinguished history. Some historical works have been written about the regiment, but none have included a complete history from the inception of the unit in 1856 to the present. "All too often history isnt captured and is lost," said Lieutenant-Colonel Patrick Kelly, commanding officer of the regiment. "Every unit that has ever served both Crown and Country has a history and that history is worthy of remembrance and more importantly of recounting to younger generations." Two years ago the Cameron Highlanders of Ottawa Foundation began their quest to raise $100 000 through corporate, private and foundation support to put towards the compilation of their history. The foundation was established in 1996 as a charitable organization to promote, preserve, and enhance the history and traditions of the regiment. Dr. Ken Reynolds, curator of the regiments museum, has been chosen as the author. When Dr. Reynolds began his position as curator in 2001, the idea for the book had been in the works for a while. A year later he formally proposed the idea to the foundation outlining the cost of the project, publishing details, layout and the research material he would use. "This was an opportunity for me to do something more than just write about the soldiersits a chance for me to bring the past to life," said Dr. Reynolds. With seven out of eight chapters written so far, the book is anticipated to be complete by November 2004 and published in 2005. "The Camerons history is a typical regimental history. Its based on the research of archival documentation and published materials. I hope my writing style is of interest to the general reader, as well as to military personnel," he said. With over 50 donations from individuals and associations, such as the War Amputations of Canada and The Royal Canadian Legion, the foundation is well on its way to achieving its goal. Recently, Bells Corners Branch 593 of the Legion donated $3 000 to the foundation because of the historical affiliation between the branch, the community of Bells Corners, and the regiment. "We have raised enough money to cover what has been written thus far," said Chief Warrant Officer (Ret) Jack Coghill, former pipe major and vice-chairman of the foundation. As each chapter is written, it is reviewed and revised by the foundation. "I keep learning new things based on the editing of the drafts," he said. "Nothing has ever been published to this degree about the regiment and people like to have their story told." History The Cameron Highlanders of Ottawa date back to April 3, 1856, when the government formed The 1st Volunteer Militia Rifle Company of Ottawa. The original 43rd "Carleton" Battalion of Infantrypopularly known as the Carleton Blazerswas formed with headquarters in Bells Corners in October 1866 and companies in Huntley, Metcalfe, North Gower, Richmond and Goulbourn. The original 43rd Battalion was disbanded in December 1875 only to be resurrected in August 1881, as the 43rd "Ottawa and Carleton" Battalion of Rifles, with three rifle companies in Ontario and three in Quebec. The regiment suffered its first combat fatality on May 2, 1885 when Private William Osgoode was killed at the Battle of Cut Knife Hill while serving with the Ottawa Sharpshooters. The 43rd Battalion raised most of "D" Company, 2nd (Special Service) Battalion, Royal Canadian Regiment, for service during the South African Warfive members of the 43rd Battalion were killed in action or died during the war. The regiment was renamed the 43rd Regiment
Duke of Cornwalls Own Rifles in March
1902. In 1920 the regiment was renamed The Ottawa Regiment and converted from a rifle regiment to a highland regiment. In September 1922, the regiment was renamed The Ottawa Highlanders and, in August 1933 The Cameron Highlanders of Ottawa. During the Second World War the regiment was the only Ottawa unit to land in Normandy on D-Day. Over the last six decades members of the regiment have continued to train, carry out variousperational functions (especially peace support operations), support domestic operations and fulfil ceremonial duties as the city of Ottawas regiment. Unit Battle Honours The regiment has been awarded 38 battle honours. Twenty-one are emblazoned on the Colours, including South Africa 1899-1900, Somme 1916, Vimy 1917, and Normandy Landing 1944. Recipients of Valour The regiment claims two Victoria Cross recipients. Claude Joseph Patrick Nunney, a member of the 38th Canadian Infantry Battalion, was awarded the Victoria Cross on September 18, 1918. Thain Wendell MacDowell, also a member of the 38th Canadian Infantry Battalion, received the Victoria Cross at Vimy Ridge on April 9, 1918. Also, the regiment boasts a recipient of
the Scarf of Honour. Queen Victoria crocheted
five scarves to honour outstanding soldiers
during the South African War. Richard Rowland
Thompson, of the
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