Final Installment 27 CIB The return to Canada

Baor(27CIB) Friends,
Final Installment - No 34 Return to Canada and a New Posting

My last day with the RHLI, Edinburgh Barracks, Hannover was a bittersweet departure. I made a walking tour of the barracks, Orderly Room Office, parade grounds, and the garrison surroundings trying to reinforce my memories of my posting there. Even made a visit to the old Lutheran Church situated just outside and across the street from the main gate where I had my last look at the German War Memorial honoring the veterans of the parish who died in World War 1. I had intended to submit an installment about it and am posting one of my last pictures in my collection.

After my walkabout I met with my platoon who were preparing for another field exercise in the GHA and said my goodbyes to Sgt Cox and the riflemen who would also be returning to Canada but not until Nov 53. Also checked my mail box where I found a card addressed to Herr Leutnant Ritter with best wishes in my next posting.Decided to go the the mess to see if any were on duty. There were a few there and got a few hugs including one surprisingly from the haughty and aloof Frau Ursula. Spent sometime in my room finishing up my reports for the Adj.

2/LT Bob Ritter, RHLI/COTC late Aug 1952
Spent much of the evening in the mess partying with all of the subalterns who were slated for the return to Canada the next morning. Could not really get into the spirit of the party. The picture below includes the subalterns but I am now only able to remember a few of their names.

Back row middle Ken Ridge
Front L-R Ritter, Sauve, Charlie Williams

Early next morning all was in readiness for our departure. As we left the main gate we gave a customary wave to the familiar hookers already on duty. We boarded our train at the Hauptbahnhof for the trip to the Hook. took the ferry to Harwich, followed by another short trip to London where surprisingly we got in two days of sightseeing. After another train to Liverpool, we boarded the Canadian Pacific liner, Empress of France followed by another train from Montreal to Kitchener where my girl friend was waiting with open arms.

Just barely got back in time to start my teaching career and my new posting to the 21st Anti tank/Fd Artillery Regt, RCA(M)
It's been a pleasure associating with you guys and I intend to hang around as along as the forum continues to operate.
Cheers & machts gut
Bob R

Bob

A poignant and apt final contribution,

You have made a tremendous personal contribution to this site with your unbeatable memories of the Hannover based 27CIB

I shall definitely keep in touch.Hopefully yo will be able to audit/contribute to my ongoing researches into 2 Canadian Corps in Germany in the Summer45 and their successors 3 Infantry Division CAOF

JPW,
Thanks for your message, Peter; count me in for any research help which I may be able to contribute to your mission on 2 Cdn Corps and 3 Inf Div in the CAOF. I will check my bibliography to see if something is there which will be useful. Will get back to you.
Bob