The following was received from the CofR with a request that it be forwarded
on the automatic mailing list:
Major General Clive J. Addy, OMM, CD
Colonel of The Regiment
Saturday, November 1, 2003
What a fine day to be a Dragoon!
As we approach in the coming week, the 103rd anniversary of the battle of
Leliefontein in South Africa, where our unique reputation as fighting
soldiers was first forged by, as one historian said, Winning three
Victoria Crosses before breakfast, I am moved to reflect and pass on to
all, how very proud I am to be the Colonel of our Regiment and how very much
our soldiers, senior NCO`s and officers continue to reflect those superb
high standards begun so many years ago and so far away by Lts Turner and
Cockburn, and Sergeant Holland.
I was asked to attend a myriad of celebrations next week to commemorate this
event, and advised of many others, large and small, that will occur across
the country and beyond. In this age, when geography is a mere Email away, I
reflect on how very fortunate I am to witness the unique and concurrent
achievements and military prowess of our members and our Regiment. In Zgon,
Bosnia- Herzegovina and Kabul, Afghanistan, our soldiers are in the
frontlines of our Army. We have LGen Rick Hillier doing a superb job at the
head of this same Army and about to take on yet another major operational
task at the head of the NATO ISAF in Kabul. We have Generals in key
appointments in Army Headquarters, with the US Army and MFO. We have
individual officers and men serving across Canada and abroad in key
positions. We have a vibrant association looking after and remembering, with
dignity and honour, those who have gone before and welcoming those who still
serve.
I witnessed the presentation of flags to one of our two cadet Corps,
delivered so appropriately at the Major Holland, V.C.. Armoury by Minister
John Manley, our Deputy Prime Minister, and where my particular host was a
20 year old ex cadet, now a Cadet Services List officer. He is a Canadian of
Somali origin who left his country 14 years ago, a mere four before A
squadron was called upon to serve there, He has since travelled across our
country with the cadets as far as Whitehorse, NWT. He knew our regimental
history well and was ever so proud to be part of the family.
Recently, at a dinner at Fort Frontenac, I had a chat with Generals Rad and
George Wattsford. We drank to George`s 92nd anniversary. I read that same
day, with much interest, the article from Warrant Officer Collier of his
patrol experiences in Afghanistan.
What a family! It is with the greatest pride that I continue to receive
kudos and praise from many sources about the achievements of its members.
To all, cheers as you raise a toast to the Regiment this week! I ask that
you remember at that time those who have left! God Speed!
Bold and Swift!
Clive Addy