Cold War: Canada

A news paper article I think you folks might find interesting.

Still it can only apply to all of those who served in NATO

http://www.theglobeandmail.com/opinion/canadas-forgotten-cold-warriors/article27200333

Interesting times for sure, I served with 20 Armoured Brigade, 6 Armoured Division from 1952 - 1954. We trained hard and often spent weeks in the field. It was still designated as Active Service when I arrived but later was classified as a Home Posting. That service was as close to action as a single mistake on the border could make it, without any recognition by the UK Govt for 'services rendered'.
Len(Ciphers)

Hard Rations

An interesting article

Throughout my time in BAOR the Canadian Brigade (in effect a Light Division) was always held in very high regard, their role as the link between the NATO NORTHAG and CENTAG forces was a particularly important one.

What happened when they went south to Lahr is a very sad story.

In my estimation, the Brigade became a joke for the Americans having us down loaded on them. It was a totally different experience from Soest to Lahr. Thanks to the P.M. of the time King Pierre. Which will be replicated by his heir Boy Justin.

My time in BAOR (1952/54) the 27 Can Inf Bde were no joke. They were were a first rate unit possibly because they were all volunteers. Len (Ciphers)

ciphers wrote:

My time in BAOR (1952/54) the 27 Can Inf Bde were no joke. They were were a first rate unit possibly because they were all volunteers. Len (Ciphers)

My time was 64-68 Len. And I'm in total agreement with you.

Second time was 71-74. Big difference.

We need to prompt Bob Ritter and Dan Martell into action

Well for Bob, maybe a curry wurst and a pils will do it.

Don't know what's up with Dan.

I always thought the Canadian forces in Germany were highly professional. Around 68/9, met up with a RCEME unit supporting an Artillery Regt whilst out on exercise and had a right good session with them one evening.Many beers were consumed and many tales were swapped, marvellous times!

Okay, I'm awake.  What's up?

Cheers,
Dan.

Hey Dan,

We figured you'd want to see the article in question ( If you hadn't already read it).

Dan

Your informative and authoritive comment on such matters is always welcome.

Guys, you are both too kind.

I did read General Manson's article, and it rightly brought up something the we don't always give credit to.  Creating the 27th CIB was a fairly easy proposition.  Announced in May, 1951, it was on site in Hanover by December of that year, a mere seven months.

The 1st Canadian Air Division, the second formation committed to NATO at the same time as 27th CIB, took years to become completely operational in Europe.  From a standing start of few pilots and zero aircraft the RCAF had to create an air division of 300 high-performance jets stationed in Germany and France.  And the casualty rate that came out of its creations was extremely high.  Not so much in the primary flight profile, but during operational training.  The RCAF Association website lists all of the post-war flying and training casualties by unit.  It can be found here:

http://rcafassociation.ca/heritage/post-war-data/post-war-casualties-rcafcf/

The website also includes Army and RCN flying casualties.

As an aside, one of the Division's Wings was stationed at North Luffenham in Rutland for several years pending the completion of its European airfield.  And Scottish Aviation in Prestwick had the contract for third-line maintenance of the Division's aircraft.

The Air Division was also larger, manpower wise, than the Brigade and was commanded by an Air Vice Marshal (two star) vis a Brigadier (one star).  It was a much greater commitment to NATO than that made by the Canadian Army.

Cheers,
Dan.

Yup, it was a bigger commitment Dan, but we in 27 CIBG had it better than they did up north in Soest. We got 6 weeks leave a year up north. Moved to Lahr and DND saw the RCAF only did 4 weeks, so of course we were screwed over. Besides when the Cdn. commitment was moved down south (Army & "RCAF) we found out that the RCAF guys would eat American hard rations on leave while camping with family. They got them from us, as we'd chuck'em out. British COMPO were superior to that stuff.

Dan

Thank you for your latest contribution was totally unaware of the size and scope of the Canadian 1st Air Division. North Luffenham is not far from where I was born and brought up, it is now a British Army barracks but will close in the near future as part of yet another reorganisation/relocation of the British Armed Forces

See my preceeding post, your contributions are always interesting to read.