It is quite apparent that our victorious campaign is still paying huge dividends in terms of the continuing impact it will have on all other regiments and corps that unfortunately lost their identity back in the 1960s because of the misguided attempt to purge ourselves of our British (i.e., Canadian) heritage and traditions.
It is especially gratifying that these most recent changes were requested by soldiers and officers in the army itself. The earlier restorations have created a natural momentum for other reinstatements, and it is only fair that if others are going to get back their identity, the same be afforded to all.
“Our country continues to ask a great deal of our soldiers. Our government is committed to honouring their actions, heritage and sacrifices,” said Minister MacKay. “Restoring these historic identities is an important way of reconnecting today’s men and women in uniform with the proud history and traditions they carry with them as members of the Canadian Army.”
The historical designations of the following corps have been restored:
- Royal Canadian Armoured Corps;
- The Corps of Royal Canadian Engineers;
- Royal Canadian Corps of Signals;
- Royal Canadian Infantry Corps; and
- The Corps of Royal Canadian Electrical and Mechanical Engineers.
For more background information on these restorations, you can find it here.
I'm still confused as to whether the changes applied to tri-service branches means the entire branch is changing its name or just the army elements of that branch. For example, are the Canadian Military Engineers becoming the Royal Canadian Engineers, or are only the army personnel within the Canadian Military Engineers becoming the Corps of Royal Canadian Engineers within the Canadian Military Engineers. Anyone know which one is the case?
ReplyDeleteI haven't the foggiest what the impact would be for the "purple trades". I know the navy and air force were consulted about the army changes (since it would affect them too), and that they raised no objections.
ReplyDeleteBesides, there may be no contradiction here, since RCN and RCAF personnel who perform those trades will still predominantly identify themselves as navy and air force. It seems they saw no point in begrudging their army counterparts their traditional regimental identity.
I'm still astounded this campaign even got off the ground! In Australia there is a deeply entrenched political class (similar to those in all "free" countries) who are hell bent on re-branding the whole nation. Now if a blog, not a politician or activist group but a blog, can undo FIFTY YEARS worth of pan-Marxist restructuring. Then the old maxim "The pen is mightier than the sword" may indeed even in these dark times ring true. I don't suppose any fellow Australians who were inspired by this could remind me of any vestiges 1970-1990s republicanism that needs removing?
ReplyDeleteMore news:
ReplyDeleteThe Canadian Army has announced:
1) That they intend to go back to using "pips" and Crowns for their officers' ranks;
2) That the "Land Force --- Areas" will be given divisional names, following the 1st Canadian Division (LFQA will become the 2nd Canadian Division, with a dark blue patch, et c.);
3) That the 3-leaf emblem surmounted by the Crown will replace the last vestige of that hideous "Mobile Command" badge;
We're going back to our roots, to the symbols worn by those who went before us in two world wars, Korea and half the Cold War.
The Liberal Defence Critic says he hasn't heard "a hue or cry" from the ranks to bring these symbols back. Which is understandable if he never bothers to actually consult with of us and just relies on the feedback he gets in his email...
I think that's probably about the limit of the changes - I don't see them bringing the old Army salute back, eliminating the M/Cpl position, or going back to khaki service dress uniforms and principal caps. I don't see them going back to Sam Browne belts, brown gloves and dress shoes for officers either. They're being pretty sensible in implementing changes that won't cost a fortune or cause a logistical nightmare by altering contracts that are already in place.