Storied Fort Garry Horse marks 100 years
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Hey there, time traveller!
This article was published 14/04/2012 (5089 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.
Like a child born on Christmas, the Fort Garry Horse regiment’s birthday is overshadowed by the sinking of the Titanic.
To remind us of the storied unit’s accomplishments, the regiment will celebrate its centennial with activities for three days this weekend including two parades, a gala ball, a brunch — and even a book launch. A new unit, within the regiment, composed of combat engineers will make their official debut during the parade at the legislature today at 11:45 a.m.
But reading about the war is no substitute for listening to first-hand accounts.
Lt.-Col. Bill McGowan, 88, a Second World War vet, is a living connection to the regiment’s long history. He joined the regiment in 1943 and served in Normandy.
War was different then. At times, the “Germans were so close we could hear them talking,” McGowan said.
He became the commander of the regiment in 1962 and was responsible for moving it into its current home, the McGregor Armoury.
McGowan was at McNally Robinson Friday, where the birthday festivities began with the launch of a book chronicling the regiment’s first century.
Perhaps the greatest celebrity among the regiment’s historical ranks is a bear who was the inspiration for Winnie the Pooh. Lt. Harry Colebourn, Winnie’s owner, was one of the regiment’s original officers.
Combat duty only accounts for a small portion of the regiment’s existence.
“The real story is how the regiment has survived 100 years,” said Gordon Crossley, one of the authors of Facta Non Verba — A History of the Fort Garry Horse. “It’s really a story of survival.”
Although the regiment’s most well-known moments occurred during the First World War, it remains ready to stand on guard for thee. In fact, about 60 members have served in Afghanistan. But the regiment does more than fight as its members provided security for the Vancouver Olympics and helped during Manitoba’s floods.
kelly.graham@freepress.mb.ca