The RCR Association Documents
Brockville military training camp becomes
The Royal Canadian Regiment Park
Posted Apr 28, 2011
Story and Photos by Doreen Barnes
Reporter for The St Lawrence EMC
EMC News - A military camp originally known as the Canadian Military Training Camp No. 30 was built along the Ormond Street area at the beginning of World War II. Its original purpose was to accommodate and train new recruits for the Canadian Army.
By the end of October 1940, 720 men had been trained at this camp.
On Friday morning, April 15, this prior military training camp was dedicated during a brief ceremony with the unveiling of the Royal Canadian Regiment Park signage.
In attendance were Colonel W.J. (Joe) Aitchison and his wife, The First Battalion, Royal Canadian Regiment and The Third Battalion, Royal Canadian Regiment from Petawawa, MP Gord Brown, Michael Jiggins on behalf of MPP Steve Clark, Mayor David Henderson, former Mayor John Doran, several Royal Canadian Legion Branch 96 personnel, members of the RCR Association and Knobby (Thomas William) Clark from Elliott Lake, who comes to Brockville every year.
Spokesperson retired colonel Robert Hersey addressed those assembled with the history of this parcel of land.
"Early in 1941, the camp was converted to an officer's training centre and renamed as the Brockville Military Academy," said Hersey. "At this time a major expansion took place and the camp occupied the area from Central Avenue in the south, up to Centennial Road in the north, then from Ormond Street in the West over to North Augusta in the East. It included a rifle range, a border range and many small training areas in the surrounding country side."
The camp population at that time grew to 4,000, including women army corp personnel.
Hersey continued to inform those present of the several changes the camp went through: in November 1945, the camp became the home station of the Royal Canadian Regiment (RCR), on December 21, 1945, the King's and regimental colours were brought from London, Ontario and marched through the streets of Brockville up to the camp, on October 1, 1946, the interim force was replaced by the Canadian Army Active Force, and at that time, the second Battalion was renamed the RCR, and in 1950, the RCR was transferred to Petawawa.
"We have one member with us today that was serving in that group, who is Jack Shepherd," said Hersey.
Cpl. Jack Shepherd felt the pride of being at the site for the unveiling and noted his connection.
"Growing up with the kids, I remember it (training camp)," said Shepherd. "I went in when I was 15 years old and I was all through the war. I went into Italy, Holland and I was an anti-tank operator knocking out tanks, church steeples and carriers."
Following the unveiling of the sign, Mayor David Henderson remarked about Brockville's long history with the military.
"It's an exceptional moment for the city," said Henderson, "To honour all the guys that have been here before and the guys that are in the Armed Forces now, this is an ongoing process of our connection with the military and the long history of it."
Hersey also mentioned the significance of Brockville in history.
"I wish on behalf of the Thousand Islands area Branch of the RCR Association to thank those responsible for making this attractive area known as the RCR Park," said Hersey. "The RCR Park will become a reminder to all that Brockville does have a significant part in Canada's military history."
Under sunny skies on Friday, April 15, dignitaries including Colonel W.J. (Joe) Aitchison, members of the RCR Association, Knobby (Thomas William) Clark from Elliott Lake, several Royal Canadian Legion Branch 96 members, MP Gord Brown, and Mayor David Henderson, join the dedication of the RCR Park on Ormond Street.
Story courtesy of The St Lawrence EMC. The original story can be found here.