Sgt Darcy Tedford, CD, was killed on the 14th of October 2006 in defence of a strong point near a road which was being built by Canadians in Panjwaii, west of Kandahar, Afghanistan.

Also killed in the fight was Pte Blake Williamson, a fellow Royal and member of the 1st Battalion.

Sgt Tedford had been in the military 14 years at the time of his death, having already served a previous tour in Afghanistan and a tour is Kosovo.

He was survived by his wife Charmaine and two daughters, Kaeleigh and Julia.



Sgt Darcy Tedford Memorial Shoot 2011


L to R: Paulette, Kaeleigh, Julia & Robin Tedford.

By: Capt S.A. Wheeler, 9Pl Comd, 1RCR

On 31 August, Charles Company of the 1st Battalion of The Royal Canadian Regiment honoured one of its fallen soldiers by having a tree planting ceremony followed by the first Sgt Tedford Memorial Shooting Competition.

Sgt Darcy Tedford was 32 when he was killed on the 14th of October 2006 in defence of a strong point near a road which was being built by Canadians in Panjwaii, west of Kandahar, Afghanistan. Also killed in the fight was Pte Blake Williamson, a fellow Royal and member of the 1st Battalion. Sgt Tedford had been in the military 14 years at the time of his death, having already served a previous tour in Afghanistan and a tour is Kosovo. He was survived by his wife Charmaine and two daughters, Kaeleigh and Julia.

The day began with the arrival of Sgt Tedford's parents, Robin and Paulette from Truro, Nova Scotia who were pleased to be included and happy to escort Kaeleigh and Julia throughout the events. The planting of a tree in memory of Sgt Tedford took place at the Afghan Memorial at CFB Petawawa followed by movement of all personnel to Bravo Range for the conduct of the shooting competition.

A well-kept secret to all, the competition consisted of Charles Company running from a waiting area in the woods to the 600m firing line where they were required to field strip a C7 rifle. From a potential perfect score resulting in being issued five rounds, participants lost a round for each error in the field strip as judged by the Company Warrant Officers down to a minimum of 2 rounds. They then raced to the 300m firing line where the participants fired at balloons which were attached to Figure 11 targets with each hit deducting 10 seconds from their time. The winner was the participant with the lowest time after all of their rounds were fired.

Visiting the Afghan Memorial at CFB Petawawa.
Charles Coy participating in the first Sgt Tedford Memorial Shooting Competition.

After the shoot, Charles Company hosted a BBQ at the Battalion lines which concluded with some promotions and the announcement of the winner. The trophy donated by Robin Tedford is a .303 Lee Enfield which was originally the property of Darcy's grandfather which neither Robin nor Darcy had ever been permitted to shoot. The rifle and bayonet were refurbished by the 1 RCR Trade Pioneers to the delight of Robin, who greatly appreciated their detailed effort.

Cpl Gallagher of 9 Platoon was announced the victor and was presented with the trophy by Robin and Paulette. Robin shared his appreciation with the Company and appreciated the efforts put forth to remember his son. To Cpl Gallagher, Robin expressed his desire for the winner to have the honour of firing the rifle, perhaps at the next iteration of the Sgt Darcy Tedford Memorial Shooting Competition.

Sgt Darcy Tedford Memorial Shoot Trophy Left to right: Paulette Tedford, Cpl Derrick Gallagher
& Robin Tedford.

To see a larger image click on the picture.