Every year on November 11th, we have the opportunity to unite in memory of the men and women who have served our country. This moment of recollection is not only a tribute to the sacrifices of the past, but also a reminder of our collective responsibility to those who continue to defend our Canadian and military values, as well as our national security.
Captain Chris Breault Public Affairs Officer, Base Valcartier
In the context of Remembrance Day events, we cannot ignore the importance of a strong, well-prepared military. At a time when Canada is in increasing demand, firstly in support of NATO, and secondly in support of increasingly frequent natural disasters,
the need for a strong military commitment has never been greater. The members of 5th Canadian Mechanized Brigade Group, currently deployed as part of Operation REASSURANCE in Latvia, confirm this vital need. Their presence abroad is living testimony to our nation's commitment to peace and stability.
The memory of our veterans, who served in many international conflicts, including the Second World War, must also be celebrated. Thanks to their sacrifices, we enjoy the freedoms that define our democracy. These include the right to speak freely, to live without fear, and to come together as a free community. By honoring these sacrifices, we reinforce the values of solidarity and mutual aid that lie at the heart of our national identity.
At this time of commemoration, it's also an opportunity to reflect on our own commitment to our country. Many young people, fascinated by military service, dream of joining the Canadian Armed Forces. For them, it's not just a career choice, but a profound desire to contribute to a noble cause. By joining the Armed Forces, they hope not only to defend our nation, but also to feel they are making a strong and meaningful contribution to today's society. Together, let us honor the courage and devotion of our veterans, by committing ourselves to defending the values for which they risked their lives. Whether through remembrance, support for serving military personnel, or community involvement, we all have a role to play in this important time of commemoration.
la Base Valcartier, le 11 novembre 2024. The troops formed in ranks are photographed in front of the cenotaph of Base Valcartier, November 11, 2024. PHOTOS :
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Canadian Navy sentry stands guard
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the Base Valcartier cenotaph on November 11, 2024.
Valcartier Honours its Heroes and Fallen Commemorating Remembrance Day with tradition and tribute
Ă LA CROIX DU SACRIFICE AT THE CROSS OF SACRIFICE
Like every year, November 11th is a special day, a moment engraved in our hearts and souls. Across the country, we gather to honour the sacrifices of the men and women who have served and continue to serve our country, in times of war and peace. We remember the men and women in uniform who have made and continue to make our nation proud. In particular, we remember our servicemen and women deployed abroad, in Latvia.
Four events were held this year. The first was Aboriginal Veterans Day, held on November 8. After a military parade in which some 30 members of 5th Canadian Mechanized Brigade Group (5 CMBG) marched alongside veterans, a ceremony was held, including an address by the Grand Chief of the huronne-wendat Nation, Pierre Picard. Retired Lieutenant General Jocelyn Paul, former commander of the Canadian Army, was present at the ceremony. It is essential to remember and commemorate the exceptional sacrifice of Aboriginal veterans.
The third event took place at Base Valcartier, where hundreds of military personnel, veterans and civilians gathered in memory of our fallen heroes. As at the Cross of Sacrifice ceremony, several solemn moments followed, including the reading of the poem âIn Flanders Fieldsâ, prayers, bugle salutes and the laying of wreaths. But at Valcartier, a native drum sounded, adding a unique cultural touch.
Albert Morin was just 16 when the Second World War broke out in Europe in September 1939. He finally joined the Canadian Army in 1942. Initially assigned to the infantry at Base Valcartier, he had to wait two years before his superiors decided to send him to the Coast Guard: in 1944, he was promoted to assistant crewmen on an icebreaker, the N.B. McLean. Aboard this ship, Albert carried out numerous patrols at sea, on the Atlantic coast, to protect Canadian coasts from the constant threat of German U-boats (some were even spotted off Bic Island). Albert survived the war but was wounded: his eardrum was pierced after a shot âwas fired too closeâ to his ear. After the end of the war, Albert never took off his uniform: he even made a career for himself in the Royal Canadian Navy, ending up as captain on an icebreaker.
A place in honour of Joseph Kaeble, hero of the 22nd Battalion in the First World
A fund has been raised in France by the historian and researcher Michel Gravel to pay tribute to Corporal Joseph Kaeble, the first French Canadian to be awarded the Victoria Cross, the Commonwealth's highest distinction, for his tenacity and bravery at Neuville-Vitasse, where he lost his life on June 9, 1918.
The $5,000 target will enable the construction of a monument dedicated to Corporal Kaeble, to be installed in front of the church in Neuville-Vitasse, Pas-de-Calais, France. In June 2025, the church forecourt will become Place Joseph Kaeble.
Joseph Kaeble, who enlisted on March 20, 1916, stayed at Valcartier for six months, the time it took to complete his training. Sent to Europe in September 1917, he was assigned on November 13 to the 22nd Battalion, which was being reorganized in northern France after suffering heavy losses. Joseph took part in the terrible battles of 1917 and 1918, including the famous Battle of Vimy Ridge and Passchendaele.
On the evening of June 8, caught up in the terrible fighting around Neuville-Vitasse, Corporal Kaeble put up heroic resistance to the Germans: some 50 enemies rushed towards
War
his post, facing Joseph Kaeble's section, all of whose men were wounded! Kaeble leaped over the parapet and, holding his Lewis at the hip, fired magazine after magazine into the enemy ranks. Wounded several times, he kept firing, bringing the German offensive to a halt. Seriously wounded, he was taken to hospital and died of his wounds the following evening. He was awarded the Victoria Cross, Britain's highest honour, the first French-speaking Canadian serviceman to receive it. Today, to preserve his memory, the monument project is essential.
This Canadian soldier is photographed during Exercise REWA, which aims to demonstrate support and position defence capabilities, which took place in early November.
PHOTOS : BRIGADE MULTINATIONALE DE L'OTAN EN LETTONIE | NATO MULTINATIONAL BRIGADE LATVIA
IN DEFENSE OF EASTERN EUROPE
The Canadian presence within the NATO Multinational Brigade Latvia has increased in recent months, with the sending of increasingly large forces, embodying Canada's unwavering commitment to strengthening security and stability in Eastern Europe.
In the midst of a war, very close between Ukraine and Russia, Canadian soldiers, alongside their international allies, are participating in operational readiness exercises, training missions and support activities to improve the region's defence capacity.
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As every month, your Adsum newspaper offers you a look into the daily lives of our soldiers, deployed more than 6,000 km from Base Valcartier. These photos demonstrate the close cooperation with NATO partners in Latvia and highlight the great skill that characterizes our military.
PHOTO : CPL WILLIAM LATREILLE, AFFAIRES PUBLIQUES 5 GBMC PUBLIC AFFAIRS 5 CMBG
EX CASTOR CREUSE
Using yesterday's assets to prepare for tomorrow
The first trenches were built in 530 AD, when the Byzantine general Belisarius ordered his soldiers to dig one as part of the Battle of Dara. They proved so effective that they are still a central aspect of modern warfare today.
Initially, the project was planned to last three years: the first year with a temporary structure, the second year, still with a temporary structure (with relocation if necessary), and finally the third year, with the establishment of a permanent infrastructure. In November 2024, the decision was made to preserve the trench system so that it could be used in spring 2025. Ultimately, Ex CASTOR CREUSE showed that trench warfare is still a skill set that the Canadian infantry must maintain and develop.
SAPEUR INVINCIBLE 24 EXERCICE AUTOMNAL POUR LE 5 RGC
PHOTO : CPL WILLIAM LATREILLE, AFFAIRES PUBLIQUES 5 GBMC | PUBLIC AFFAIRS 5 CMBG
dâentraĂźnement de la Base Valcartier, le 23 octobre 2024. A LAV from the unit is photographed on the floating bridge set up by the 5 CER in the training areas of Base Valcartier, on October 23, 2024.
During the last two weeks of October, 5th Combat Engineer Regiment (5 CER) took part in its fall regimental exercise, Exercise SAPEUR INVINCIBLE. Squadrons from 5 CER worked together to accomplish a variety of assigned tasks, such as carrying out a crossing operation, establishing a defensive position, opening explosive and mechanical breaches, searching and clearing sectors, and executing offensive operations.
The first day of the exercise was dedicated to establishing a crossing site on the JacquesCartier River. The 51st Field Engineer Squadron, supported by the 55th Support Squadron, was tasked with building a medium floating bridge to enable friendly force elements to cross the river's north bank. Once the bridge had been built and the elements crossed, it was dismantled to enable the next phase of the operation to be carried out.
The next phase of the exercise focused on offensive operations. It began with the opening of mechanical and explosive breaches to overcome various types of obstacles. The troops of the 51 were confronted with obstacles such as HESCO barriers, concertina fences, concrete blocks, an abatis and a minefield. Once the roads had been cleared, allowing the local population to resume using the communication routes, the 51 was given the mission of taking and holding an objective. In carrying out this mission, the 51 also had to search and clear a building and its surrounding area; one troop was responsible for searching the building, while the other looked after the area. After several discoveries, further breaches were made. Once again, roads were cleared and communication routes reopened to the civilian population.
The final phase of the exercise involved an assault by the 51 on an enemy defensive position. The squadron's two troops each had to breach a belt of obstacles. Once both breaches had been made, and the assault carried out quickly and aggressively, the enemy was destroyed.
The troops of 5 CER emerged from Exercise SAPEUR INVINCIBLE with a heightened level of competence, confidence and camaraderie: mission accomplished!
The use of light armoured vehicles during this exercise was particularly crucial. These vehicles, although compact, offer essential protection while allowing rapid manoeuvre on the ground. The members of B Company had the opportunity to perfect their mastery of these vehicles, learning to combine speed and firepower to overcome obstacles encountered on the battlefield. The training scenarios were designed to simulate real-world conditions, allowing each soldier to become familiar with shooting procedures, team coordination, and making quick decisions under pressure.
This exercise also provided an opportunity for us to reflect on the challenges facing our armed forces today. In a world of rapidly evolving threats, it is imperative that we remain vigilant and prepared. The lessons learned from Ex SABRE CAVALIER remind us of the importance of rigorous training and continuous preparation.
We were privileged to welcome Colonel of the Regiment, LGen (retd) Marc Lessard during the exercise. In his speech, LGen (retd) Lessard shared his thoughts on the intensity of training required to meet the modern demands of the infantry profession. His words resonated deeply with us, reminding us that preparation is not only a requirement, but a duty to our country and our comrades. LGen (retd) Lessard also addressed the contemporary challenges we face. He emphasized the importance of adaptability, innovation and continuous learning in our training - all of which are essential to our operational success. Ex SABRE CAVALIER was much more than just training. It strengthened our cohesion as a team and strengthened our resolve to serve our country with honour and integrity. Each member of B Company demonstrated exceptional commitment, ready to meet challenges with courage and determination. We are proud of our contribution to 12 RBC and the lessons learned together. This type of exercise demonstrates the importance of collaboration between regiments, allowing us to expand our operational reach and improve our overall effectiveness.
From October 7 to 25, 2024, the Decontamination Platoon of Talon Company, 5 Service Battalion (5 Svc Bn), conducted the validation exercise SOLDAT PROPRE 2401, simulating the activation of the RUBICON operations plan in response to a domestic chemical, biological, radiological or nuclear (CBRN) threat.
Captain Tyler Johnson Cmdt DECON Pon, 5th Service Battalion
Traditionally, all exercise participants are already qualified CBRN Decontamination Operators (AIVA). However, due to operational requirements, this was not possible this year and therefore the first week of the exercise was spent rehearsing and practising ensuring all members were up to speed and familiarizing themselves with the equipment.
Participants initially received a call outside of their traditional working hours to simulate the randomness of the activation and to measure their response and assembly times. Once all participants were assembled, a warning order was issued, relaying all preliminary information received from (fictitious) first responders and witnesses at the accident/incident scene. Then, over the next 12 hours, we practised and simulated the departure of the reconnaissance team to confirm the proposed
decontamination site, communicating to the main body their findings and recommendations for the site and available alternatives.
Once final preparations had been made for the advance guard, they departed and followed the reconnaissance group within 24 hours of the initial activation. Confirmation orders were then given, and rehearsals and war games were conducted to develop responses and plans for likely contingencies, concluding the events of the first week.
During the second week, we simulated the movement of the main body and the transport of equipment to the decontamination area. The location chosen for the decontamination room was the parade ground at the 2nd Canadian Division Support Base Valcartier. Once the decontamination lines were set up and ready to receive the casualties, we began to run day and night scenarios.
We practised the reception and decontamination of military personnel, vehicles and equipment. Gradually receiving more and more until we reached our validation criteria and managed to treat them with additional complications and challenges added to push and test our limits and capabilities. One of these challenges was how to handle uncooperative patients. After reaching our validation targets, we experimented with the range of vehicles and managed to improve our overall efficiency.
Once the Exercise was over, the site is dismantled and packed and the participants were then returned to their home units with the skills and knowledge acquired, ready to receive the call to support the nation when needed.
The Communications and Electronics Branch participates annually in Exercise NOBLE SKYWAVE (EX NS), where signallers from different units practise their ability to communicate using high-frequency (HF) radios. The 5th Canadian Mechanized Brigade Group (5 CMBG) takes part in this competition during the autumn period.
establishing communication links with our allies via HF waves and to grow on the international stage. This year, the exercise took place from October 21 to 25, with the competition itself held from October 23 to 25. A total of 470 teams competed, and the team formed by the Headquarters and Signals Squadron, based at the Citadel in Quebec City, ranked 69th overall in the international standing. It was a fantastic experience that will certainly be worth repeating for all participants in future years.
We would like to thank everyone who contributed, directly or indirectly, to the organization of EX NOBLE SKYWAVE.
Alex and Robin are the arena's storekeepers, essential personnel: they sharpen skates, wash equipment, manage equipment loans and handle access to the locker rooms. They are always on the move, making sure everything is in order. Luc and Ghislain are in charge of ground maintenance and outdoor infrastructure: while their main tasks take place in summer (with maintenance of outdoor sports parks, as well as the installation of temporary shelters), winter is equally busy, with maintenance of the outdoor skating rink, support for Zamboni operators, and logistical support for the Sports Centre. They are also the ones who distribute your Adsum newspaper!
The rest of the team performs a variety of tasks, which change with the seasons. The arena team operates between the winter (August to the end of April) and summer (May to September) seasons. The grounds maintenance staff and Zamboni operators, present all year round, are the pillars of this structure.
From the beginning of September, the ice on both rinks is continuously made and maintained (scraped, cleaned and resurfaced according to the activities). Every day, part of the team starts its day very early, with the first arrivals as early as 6 a.m. The last employees never leave before 12:30 a.m., after the last sessions of the military league teams and ice maintenance.
An Exceptional Ambience
When you walk through the corridors of the arena, there is one thing that never leaves you: the good mood! It has to be said that Dave Querry's team, made up of exÂmilitary personnel, is among the tightestÂknit on the entire Base. Dave, an exÂCanadian Armed Forces man himself, cultivates an atmosphere of camaraderie for what he calls a âretirement jobâ, where a job well done and the joy of being present are intertwined! It is a pleasure for the guys to come to work every morning, that is for sure: this behindÂtheÂscene staff, though invisible to most passersÂby, nevertheless offers remarkable service, and always with a smile.
Centre Castor, has just announced a major partnership with the Caisse Desjardins des militaires, for the creation of a Desjardins Space, a project aimed at developing a multifunctional outdoor site. This project will include the construction of a dome that will serve as a multi-purpose room, designed to host a variety of activities for military personnel, their families and members of the community.
It will be used for a multitude of activities, including morning warmÂups, training, competitions and community events. What's more, the Desjardins Space will be designed to encourage gatherings and conviviality at the Centre Castor. It will incorporate features such as a dining area, outdoor fireplace, background music, bar area and warm lighting. The aim of this project is to create a relaxing and cohesive environment, enabling military personnel and their families to enjoy a place that fosters wellÂbeing and social interaction.
Le Centre Castor remporte un nouveau prix Centre Castor Wins a New Award
This partnership also aims to energize the Desjardins Space by regularly organizing festive events such as happy hours, campfires and even shows. The Centre Castor and the Caisse Desjardins des militaires want to create a space that inspires community spirit, where members can come together to have fun and strengthen their ties in a warm and welcoming setting.
Le colonel
2024. Colonel Mathieu Dallaire, Commander of the 2nd Canadian Division Support Group and Patrice Bergeron, General Manager of the Caisse Desjardins des militaires, at the signing of the partnership, on October 3, 2024.
This recognition "aims to highlight the investment projects carried out by Quebec campgrounds in order to improve their infrastructure and recreational areas, or to increase their reception capacity". In the case of the Centre Castor, it is to reward the new Enduro mountain bike network and its 10.3 km of trails, which is attached to the yurts village.
Congratulations to the entire team for their hard work which paid off, once again.
Jess Larochelle was deployed to Afghanistan in 2006 as part of the 1st Royal Canadian Regiment Battle Group. The main missions were counterinsurgency and combat operations in Kandahar, the southern province of Afghanistan.
On October 14, 2006, Jess, then aged 23, occupied the position of machine gunner at the observation post on the flank of his company, posted in Pashmul, west of Kandahar City.
At around 3p.m., the Canadians were violently attacked by some 50 Taliban.
The observation post was hit, and Jess Larochelle lost consciousness. When he wakes up, two Canadian soldiers are dead and three others seriously wounded. He himself was badly wounded (broken vertebrae in the neck and back, detached retina, burst eardrum). Despite all this, Jess Larochelle defends the position with determination: he empties the ammunition from the machine gun before using M72 rocket launchers. Thanks to his actions, Jess Larochelle saved the lives of his wounded comrades, forcing the Taliban to retreat! On March 14, 2007, he was awarded the Star of Military Valour, the secondÂhighest award for military bravery. But the story doesn't end there: for many Canadian servicemen and women, Jess Larochelle, who died in 2023 as a result of physical and psychological wounds received in Afghanistan, deserves the Victoria Cross, the first since the Second World War. Since September 2021, a campaign has been underway to have him awarded this decorationan initiative that is still ongoing.
Ernest Smith, recipient of the Victoria Cross after fighting almost single-handedly against several tanks and dozens of German soldiers during the Italian campaign, on the night of October 21-22, 1944, during the Second World War.
On January 29, 1856, a royal decree from Queen Victoria established a new military decoration, which took her name: the Victoria Cross. Queen Victoria's aim was to reward acts of bravery during the recently ended Crimean War. This conflict, which pitted the Russian Empire against a coalition comprising the Ottoman Empire, the French Empire, the United Kingdom and the Kingdom of Sardinia, was extremely difficult for the British armies. The new award has a single purpose: to reward military prowess in the face of the enemy in wartime, regardless of rank, religion, ethnic origin or social status. An award for courage is also authorized (but rarely in practice). Any member of a Commonwealth Army is eligible for the award.
The first recipients of the Victoria Cross were veterans of the Crimean War, including Lieutenant Alexander Roberts Dunn, a Canadian awarded for heroism during the charge of the Light Brigade at the Battle of Balaklava. Between 1856 and 2024, 99 Canadians were awarded the Victoria Cross, either during their lifetime or posthumously. In fact, no Victoria Crosses have been awarded since the end of the Second World War.
The decoration is made of bronze, in the shape of a cross. It bears the royal crest and the words âFOR VALOURâ. The ribbon is crimson red, and recipients can add the initials âVCâ after their name. However, this Victoria Cross is no longer the only one in existence: in the early 1990s, Queen Elizabeth II approved the creation of three Crosses of Military Valour. Thus, the Australian Victoria Cross was instituted in 1991, the Canadian Victoria Cross in 1993 and the New Zealand Victoria Cross a little later (in 1999). The Canadian Victoria Cross is identical to the original, except for the Latin inscription âPRO VALOREâ (in place of the English âFOR VALOURâ).
FN C1 and FN C1A1 rifles, witnesses to a bygone era
After the end of the Second World War, the Canadian military found itself with astronomical quantities of Lee-Enfield rifles, which were used again during the Korean War. Nevertheless, the early 1950s marked a turning point in the evolution of the Canadian Armed Forces' (CAF) weaponry: the bolt-action rifle, completely outdated, was replaced by a new semi-automatic rifle, the FN C1 (and its evolution, the FN C1A1), an excellent weapon produced by Belgian armaments manufacturer Fabrique Nationale (FN) Herstal.
And although it was originally produced by the Belgian armed forces, the FN C1 above all met an essential need to modernize the armament of the CAF. It has to be said that the FN C1 ticks all the boxes in terms of the CAF's needs: a reliable weapon, capable of
withstanding the rigours of combat environments (notably very low temperatures). What's more, the FN C1 is distinguished by its relatively long barrel, optimized for longÂrange engagements, and a weight equivalent to the LeeÂEnfield (just over 4 kg). Above all, the new rifle's maximum range is almost doubled (from 1,100 to almost 2,000 metres), and its rate of fire is recordÂbreaking (up to 600 rounds per minute). Nevertheless, its major drawback was its wooden stock: while suitable for Canadians, it was more fragile than modern materials. What's more, even though the weapon was 100% automatic, it was decided to retain only a semiÂautomatic mode, with a 20Âround magazine.
Nevertheless, many countries went on to acquire this weapon, including Belgium, Germany, Chile, Syria, Spain, Turkey, the Netherlands, Cuba and even Uganda, to name but a few of the 90 countries using the FN C1.
Modernization
As the FAC's tactical requirements evolved, the FN C1A1 was developed as an improved version of the FN C1. Introduced in the 1960s, the FN C1A1 incorporates a number of significant modifications designed to improve the rifle's ergonomics and overall performance. One of the main improvements is the introÂ
duction of a hard plastic stock, which offers better weather resistance and durability than the wooden stock. In addition, the FN C1A1 has been designed to be more adaptable to modern combat conditions, with the installation of accessories such as latestÂgeneration sights and ergonomic grips (in addition to the existing bayonet and grenade launcher). These modifications not only made the weapon easier to use, but also enhanced precision and rapidity of fire, crucial factors on the battlefield. From then on, these two weapons became an integral part of Canadian operations from the 60s to the 80s. Particularly during peacekeeping missions, where photographs show FAC soldiers armed with this rifle. In all those years, the FN C1 and its successor were rarely caught out! Canadian Arsenals Limited, based in Toronto, produced the rifles for all these years (around 90,000 of both variants). In addition to the CAF, the Royal Canadian Mounted Police and the Ontario Provincial Police also used both guns.
Finally, the FN C1 / FN C1A1 was replaced in 1985 by the C7, with its smaller ammunition. But for many years, the larger shell used by the FN C1 was the subject of debate, with some soldiers even calling for the return of the semiautomatic rifle.
