My apologies for the previous Blog. I cannot re enter to correct errors nor edit.New system. I will type slower now.
From 1962 till 1968 and the introduction of a unified service. I proudly wore the "Red Patch" of the first Division Canadian Army. A brigade steeped in history. Thanks to an article from our own Islander, Captain Terry Hunter I am pleased to tell you that the infamous Red Patch has been resurrected.
Hi Robby:
In case you did not receive the news for your military blog site, the Canadian Army has stood up the Red Patch Devils Again. Five times so far - WW 1, WW2, 1950s, 1990s, and now 2010. Why did the Army feel the need to shut it down after the 90s I wonder? Must be another new broom coming in to sweep clean.
Whatever the decision, I'm sure there will be a few old German Fallschimjager Vets from Ortona who may suffer a few heart attacks on seeing the red patch once again.
KINGSTON - One of the most storied military units in Canada will be re-established on Friday.
When 1 Canadian Division -- with the red patch that has been its symbol dating to the First World War -- stands up, it will be to lead the military into the complicated and politically sensitive modern wars and emergencies that Canada and its NATO allies can expect for the rest of this century.
The First has been stood up five times now, starting in World War I, when Germans used the red patch that is its emblem to characterize all Canadian soldiers as "little red devils."
The Kingston-based unit will be a rapid-response headquarters for future Canadian missions -- domestic or international.
"This will be Canada's first response," said Maj.-Gen David Fraser, a former Afghanistan commander who will take command of the new unit when it is stood up on Friday. "If you've got another Afghanistan, another UN mission, another natural disaster, you'll call us first."
http://www.ottawasun.com/news/ottawa/2010/07/22/14789666.html
A fine time to resurrect this historical unit. In theory as the Afghanistan Mission is winding down. Where will they go First ? ? My bet is they return to the Congo.
Please show your support colours and wear red on Friday
Nil Sine Labore
Robby
My dad Paul Trudel was a Red Devil during the second world war. He was sent over to England in December 1939. He was shipped out the evening of his marriage to my mother, she didn't know until the wedding was over that he was going abroad. He was gone for five years.