December 1998

Five Coloured Rings for Toronto? [page 1]

Speaker David Crombie

Toronto’s tiny perfect Olympic booster addressed members of the Institute on this city’s bid for the 2008 Olympic Games. Former cabinet minister and former mayor of a smaller Toronto, the Honourable David Crombie, who is now Chair of the Toronto 2008 Summer Olympic Bid Corporation, briefed a packed luncheon crowd in the Library. Speaking from among the audience, and in front of the lectern, Mr Crombie extolled the virtues of Great Toronto as an ideal host to the athletes and sports fans of the world. He said that while majority of the venues would be in Toronto, some events such as rowing would be held in St Catherines, equestrian north of Toronto, and sailing in Kingston. Because questionable water quality and flow rates kayaking would not be held in the Don Valley. His vision of the 2008 Olympics would be inclusive, showing Toronto’s diversity; socially responsible, before, during, and after the games; financially sound, meaning debt fee and not a drain on the city’s property tax base.

David Crombie said that he has learned that the so-called experts who think they can predict which city will be dubbed with an Olympic mantel are invariably wrong. The hundredth anniversary of the modem Olympic games was in 1996 and Athens not Atlanta was considered the odds-on choice. Beijing was touted as the site of the 2000 games that are going to be held in Sydney, Australia.

David Crombie with F/L Clem Pearce

Mr Combie finished his presentation by saying that one of the behind the scenes pressures that could influence a successful bid by Toronto is that the 2008 games are the last year for NBC’s contract for the Olympics. The network is keen to have the games held in a location where high profile competitions can be broadcast live, during prime time. Both Toronto and Buenos Aires meet those criteria. After his address, Crombie took a number of questions from the audience before President Pierre Taillon presented him with a six-month membership to the RCMI.

Dr Douglas Dodds (L), Dr David Dodds (R) with their father LCdr Richard Dodds

New Uniforms Will Give Soldiers A Diminished Profile [page 3]

BGen Walter Holmes addresses the audience

The Commander of Land Force Central Area, Brigade-General Walter Holmes addressed the Infantry Luncheon in the Dinning Room. He prefaced his remarks by saying today he would not deviate from his prepared text, the last time he did in front a group of Honorary Colonels it had resulted in questions on the floor of the House of Commons.

The commander said, "That instead of gloom and doom, I will be a little more optimistic and give up a heads-up regarding the new equipment the Army has recently received, plus a glimpse of some new stuff that is on the way." With that he lunched into a computer-supported presentation with images showing the new French designed kevlar helmet that has just been issued. A description of the "Clothe The Soldier" program including the new camouflaged combat uniform. "Scientific studies have proven that this new pattern provides far better camouflage than our present combats", Holmes said. Later this year, new cold wet weather boots, load carriage vests, ballistic eyewear, and ballistic plates (body armour) will introduced.

The new shopping list includes weapons, communications equipment, upgrading and acquiring new APCs. The newly acquired weapons will give the term "reach out and touch body" a whole meaning for the infantry soldier. In a long overdue purchase, 40mm grenade projectors will be attached to the existing C-7 rifle. Each section will be issued with two. Also the recently acquired are 435 Eryx shoulder fired missiles. This a short range anti-armour weapon operated by a two person crew that engage tanks from the front at up to 600 metres at day or night.

After taking most of the questions directed to him by the audience, a couple were politically loaded, BGen Walter Holmes was given a six month membership to the RCMI by President Pierre Tallion.

With Drums Beating and Flags Flying [page 4]

32 Canadian Brigade Group (CGB) was the first formation at that level to be granted the Freedom of a City. Appropriately enough the newly constituted 32CGB, (formerly Toronto Militia District) the largest brigade group in the country received the freedom of the mega-city. The 14 units that make up the brigade marched to a drumbeat, with colours cased from Moss Park Armoury to Nathan Phillips Square. Once the 1,400 soldiers were drawn up in front of City Hall, Mayor Mel Lastman read a proclamation granting the Freedom of the City. While Pioneers and Skirmishers ceremonially secured the square, units independently uncased their colours and fixed bayonets. The Commander, Colonel Greg Young then lead the march past as the Brigade marched off heading to Queen’s Park for the second part of the days events.

The parade was the culmination of Reserve Forces Week in Toronto, an event that received scant to little media exposure. Master of Ceremonies at Nathan Phillips Square, Henry Shannon said, "I walked to University Avenue to watch the soldiers proudly marching to Queen’s Park with fixed bayonets, flags flying, and bands playing. There was nobody on the sidewalk to watch, I could have cried".

As the soldiers turned north on to University Avenue they were met by sailors from HMCS York, who then lead the parade. At Queen’s Park, the Minister of Citizenship, Culture and Recreation, the Honourable Isabel Bassett signed a Declaration of Support allowing government employees who are members of the Reserve one weeks leave-of-absence with pay, and a second without, for military training. The Honourable Art Eggleton signed on behalf of the Canadian government, and General Maurice Baril for the Canadian Forces. During the ceremony, which was hosted by Mr. Mike Duffy, the Chairman of Ontario Hydro, Mr. William Farlinger thanked the troops for the outstanding job they had done after the Ice Storm of 1998.

Music to the ears

The audience at the Military Band Spectacular held in Roy Thomson Hall was once again treated to a wonderful afternoon of military music.

Musical selections included the "Post Horn Gallop" played by Sgt George McCormack, 7th Toronto Regiment, RCA on a Lee Enfield rifle held by Drum Major Terry Anton

...Sold, to the man at the back [page 6]

(Photographs taken to compliment the story)

Mr Bruce Finch was fortunate to acquire a number of items including a German Army MP-40 machine carbine, c 1940.

Bidding for a number of items was quite intense. Mr Wally Davies (R) looks deep in thought, Mr Chris Markwell sussesfully outbids other participants for a Victory Bond Banner.

Mr Robert McGregor, a member visiting from Scotland, purchased a reporoduction British Army infantry shako of the 1803-1815 period. Mr Frank Berends, a guest of LCol Peter Fairclough was kind enough to model it		Mr Kevin McCabe, son of Capt Harrry McCabe, won the draw for the magnificent Coronation Dress Sword which was presented by Lt Bill Smyth, Director and Chairman of the Museum Committee

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