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Post War Era As in 1919, we had to face the problem of what to do with the two Regiments, the DCOR and the 28th Cdn Armd. In April, 1946, we were redesignated as the 13th Armoured Regiment (BCR) (RCAC), and armoured training was enthusiastically commenced. Later in 1949 the name was changed to The British Columbia Regiment (DCO) (13th Armoured Regiment). The Regiment was called out on active service during the disastrous Fraser Valley floods, and we were given an area of responsibility on the Langley area. Much effort was put into trying to save the dykes at Barnston Island, and in rescuing farmers and their livestock after the dykes collapsed. All tasks were handled with dispatch and efficiency. 1948 also saw an effort by the Federal Government to take over our Drill Hall to be used for the National Employment Service and the Unemployment Insurance Commission. With the support of the newspapers and a good number of friends of the Regiment, led by Major-General Worthington, the take over was defeated.
The Korean War started in 1950, and although Canada sent a brigade overseas, we did not serve as a regiment. Volunteers from the Regiment did serve with the Regular Force Armoured units which were sent (RCD & LDSH{RC}). Strength of the Regiment in the mid 1950's was approximately 200 all ranks, with Squadrons in Vancouver and Nanaimo. Training was conducted on Sherman Tanks and at annual camps. Recruitment was encouraged by our good attendance at Summer camp and by our winning several Area competitions, including the Wallace Trophy for the most efficient regiment in 24 Militia Group which we won in 1954, 1955, and 1956. One interesting incident occurred in the mid 1950's when a young regimental officer was giving a demonstration on an anti-tank rocket launcher. The rocket was painted blue to indicate "dummy" and when the rocket was fired as part of the demonstration it actually went off and blew a hole in the back wall of the Junior Ranks Mess. Fortunately for the Bar Steward, who had been bending over as the rocket went past, it did not contain an explosive charge. The young officer, Lt P. Kilby, went on to a long career in the Regular Force and eventually became a Brigadier-General. He remains a good friend of the Regiment. On the 19th May, 1958, the Regiment was redesignated The British Columbia Regiment (Duke of Connaught's Own) (RCAC), which has remained unchanged since then. Two years later, the Regiment was granted its first Guidon. It was presented by the Governor-General of Canada, Major-General Georges Vanier,during an impressive ceremony at the Queen Elizabeth Theatre on Sunday, May 22nd, 1960. Standards are carried by senior cavalry regiments such as Household Guards, and Guidons are carried by junior cavalry regiments. Our guidon was designed by Major-General Letson, then our Honourary Lt-Colonel, and it shows all of our previous affiliations, Artillery and Rifles. This set a new precedent for future conversions to armour from other branches. Also, a Guidon is carried on parade by a Master Warrant Officer who is escorted by two Sergeants armed with sabres. In 1960, our guidon was presented to an officer in error. This was corrected 33 years later during the Change of Command parade in 1996. A junior subaltern, 2Lt Guenkel carried the Guidon onto the parade and presented it to the outgoing Commanding Officer, Lt-Col Seymour. After the change of command, the incoming Commanding Officer, Lt-Col. Philcox turned the Guidon over to MWO Mullins. During that same parade, the Escort to the Guidon exchanged their rifles with fixed bayonets for sabres. A 33-year old mistake was corrected. Soon after that parade Colonel Wallace retired as our Honourary Colonel, and he was succeeded by General Letson as Honourary Colonel, a post he held until his death in 1992. Lt-Col JW Toogood became Hon. Lt-Colonel. In 1964 the Canadian Militia was reorganized and reduced in strength. Major units , such as the BCR, were permitted establishments of 300 all ranks, and minor units were reduced to 100. On 28th February, 1965, our role was changed once again. We became an Armoured Reconnaissance Regiment, and in a few years all of the Shermans had been replaced with jeeps. Nanaimo Camp, where the Regiment had trained since 1950 was transferred from the BCR to the Canadian Scottish Regiment, and our squadron there was disbanded. The new jeeps were well received, and with increased mobility, the Regiment began to travel all over the province to conduct its training. Weekend exercises were held as far as the Chilcotin, the Okanagan Valley, and on Vancouver Island. Our Centennial Project was Exercise Gold Rush in 1967. The Regiment took a difficult route through the mountains from Seton Portage over Pavilion Mountain and went through the Caribou and Chilcotin before returning to Vancouver. The trip of a lifetime was marred by the tragic death of Trooper R.T. Wallis who perished when his vehicle overturned on wet pavement. Training courses also became more adventurous and took recruits farther afield than ever before. For Exercise Pegasus BCR troopers were attached to the Regular Force for three months in Germany. Unit members found their way onto parachute courses and more than one BCR has qualified for their "Jump" Wings. One BCR Officer, Lt P.M. Randall, jumped with the Regular Force Parachute Team "The Skyhawks" during a four-year posting from 1982 to 1986. During the 1970's and early 1980's many of our soldiers became qualified drivers on the Lynx Light Armoured Reconnaissance Vehicles. Every Summer, the Regiment received two troops of these vehicles on loan from the LDSH(RC) for our annual camps (MILCON's).
With the Change of Command Parade in October 1973, the Regiment wore the Canadian Forces Green uniform. Pips and crowns were replaced by gold bars and regimental identification was markedly absent. The loss of traditional accoutrements was keenly felt by many members. However, before too long, a measure of regimental identity was restored. In 1974 the Regiment fostered joint training with the US Cavalry and the Washington State National Guard at Fort Lewis, Washington. BCR's trained on M60 tanks and in Amoured Personnel Carriers (M113s). The hospitality of our American allies was returned by inviting them to attend our Winter Warfare exercises and Watermanship courses at Cultus Lake, BC. Two highlights of these exercises occurred on Ex Quick Peek in 1978 and again in 1982, where the Regiment provided the enemy force of the US Regular Force 3-5th Cavalry and 504 Aviation Squadron. Working with US Ground Troops, Cobra and Kiowa Helicopters provided exciting, and realistic training. From 1978 to 1984 the Regiment had an annual tasking to provide a troop of umpires and their drivers to support the 4th Canadian Mobile Brigade Group in Lahr, West Germany. Some years mounted in Lynx tracked vehicles, and others in jeeps, the Regiment Provided RECCE umpires, and was complimented many times on its professionalism. Due to cut backs, the last tour was in 1984. To celebrate our 100th anniversary of service, the Regiment was granted the Freedom of The City of Vancouver at a ceremony at City Hall, and marched back across the Connaught Bridge to the Drill Hall. Our Centennial Year was also marked by our winning in 1984 the coveted Worthington Trophy for being the best Army Reserve Armoured Regiment in Canada, which we won again in 1985. Our Regimental Association conducted a tour of the Hill 140 battlefield and restored the Regimental cross and placed a memorial plaque. Regimental sporting events have continued to remain popular. Every fall on the Grey Cup weekend, the Officers and Sergeants face the Men's Mess for the Regimental Football trophy, and every spring they return the rivalry in the Annual ice hockey game. The prior photo was from 1984 where the Men's Mess was victorious. In 1994 Capt J.D. Barrett donated a new trophy for the Hockey game in memory of his grandfather, Pte W.R. Barrett, who served in the 7th Bn in the First World War. Opportunities for overseas service arose in 1985, and an entire troop of BCR's under 2Lt Kadonoff served with the LDSH(RC) on the Green Line in Cypress. A second troop served a year later with the RCD'S.
On 18th November, 1984 a guard from the Regiment participated in the closing ceremonies for the old Connaught Bridge. The old wood and steel structure was soon demolished and a new concrete bridge was opened in its place. The official Opening Ceremony took place on the 8th December, 1985 on a beautiful sunny day The BCR Guard and Guidon marched to the centre of the bridge for the official opening, and then marched past the reviewing stand. Following the Federal Elections of 1984, there were vast improvements to the militia. Pay was no longer $27.50 a day, but was reflective of 90% of our Regular Force counterparts. New DEU Uniforms in Rifle Green and a light Khaki were issued, and a number of traditional shoulder titles, flashes, and other accoutrements were approved for wear. The Patrol Dress uniforms which had gone out in 1973, were brought back into the Regiment by the Officers and Senior NCO's, who purchased their own. Recent dress manuals have approved this pattern for wear by the militia complete with pips and crowns. We wore them on parade initially as part of the Guidon Party at the Annual Church Parade in 1987.
"Up The Dukes!"
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