September 1995

Happy 95th Birthday Your Majesty [page 1]

Without a doubt, Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth The Queen Mother is the epitome of everyone's favourite grandmother. In Canada, she is the Colonel-in-Chief of the Black Watch, Toronto Scottish and the Medical Services. Since her first visit with King George VI in 1939, the Queen Mother has returned to Canada over half-a- dozen times most recently in 1989. These visits have included the official openings of every type, including hospitals, and highways, presiding over the running of the Queen's Plate, and presentation of Colours to her regiments. Those are just the public events, anyone who has the privilege of taking part in a royal visit knows Her Majesty keeps a private schedule that is equally demanding. Her Majesty's trips have also included visits to this Institute and in recognition that and help a remarkable lady celebrate her birthday a the following telegram was sent.

Your Majesty,

Please accept our best wishes and fondest regards on the occasion of your birthday. We all look forward to your Majesty's next visit to the Royal Canadian Military Institute. Until then we remain.

Yours most faithfully,

The President, Directors and Members

of the Royal Canadian Military Institute.

 

 

 

 

General of the Army steps down [page 3]

Late last month Lieutenant-General Gordon Reay announced his retirement. Stating that after 35 years of service, "My work is done". He added that, "It has been a very special privilege to command the best soldiers in the world for the past 2 1/2 years". General Reay has shepherded the Army through some turbulent times; serve budget cut-backs and force reductions with the end of the cold war. This has had to be balanced with maintaining peacekeeping commitments requiring over 4,000 soldiers a year in the Balkans. At the same providing personnel on short notice for humanitarian assistance operations such as took in Rwanda. Replacing worn-out and obsolete vehicles and support equipment, and updating communications systems. Maintaining moral during the continuing fall-out from Somalia and the dis-bandment of the Airborne Regiment. With a continuing list of challenges this it would be very surprising if many Major-Generals will relish the thought of promotion. It is expected that General Reay's replacement will be named later this month.
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