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HISTORY OF WORK POINT BARRACKSby Jack BatesPART 10 — 1995 to 20222022MURRAY EDWARDS CONGRATULATIONS Murray on attaining your 102 birthday, the oldest surviving veteran of the BATTLE of KAPYONG. Keep on reading and writing in your remarkable way .... During the Korean War, which has been called a “Conflict,” a “Police Action,” and by many others in particular its veterans, “The Forgotten War,” the BATTLE of KAPYONG stands out as most pivotal in terms of the final outcome of the war. Click here to view the Battle of Kapyong Special Report. OPCMH I received an email from Stuart Watson who lives in a village called CLENT, just west of Birmingham in England. He was most interested in some of the street names in Work Point and Esquimalt as they are the same as a number of streets in his area. The Esquimalt Archives publication “Esquimalt Streets and Roads - A History” by Sherri Robinson, will be issuing a revised edition shortly, so excellent timing. LOOKOUT DO YOU HAVE INFORMATION ABOUT THIS PICTURE Click here to view picture as a PDF See January 29, 1935 for reference to a film or motion picture of the parade, and a Mr. Brander. As a sidenote, Gary has also extensively researched the evolution of Esquimalt Road, including the streetcar system and its association with the Dockyard including its gates and guardhouses. THE PROVINCE STANLEY PARK CANNON GOES QUIET DUE TO SHORTAGE OF BLACK POWDER Even Vancouver’s Nine O’clock Gun is not immune to supply chain disruptions. The Stanley Park attraction will temporarily go quiet beginning Friday until further notice due to a shortage of black powder, the substance used to fire the cannon. In a statement, the park board said the shortage of black powder is not unique to Canada but affects all of North America and Europe “due to supply chains challenges and an overall decrease in manufacturing.” “Since the park board’s longtime supplier closed last fall, staff were only able to secure enough powder to fire until today,” the statement read. Park board staff are continuing to explore other possible sources of black powder in hopes of returning the Nine O’clock Gun to operation. The cannon was last silent in October when a tree fell during a storm and damaged the shed where the cannon charges are prepared. Repairs were made and the cannon resumed firing in November.
See August 27, 2018 for more on this Time Gun. FORT MACAUALY Today the VEMRA held their monthly “field trip” at the fort, having their lunch at the left gun emplacement. A pleasant time to which I dropped by on the usual invitation. The group also brings artifacts for display to which they give presentations. Passers-by stop to enjoy their presence and mingle. MURRAY EDWARDS I received a welcomed telephone call from Murray Edwards today, said he was feeling marvelous, and wished to thank me personally for all the effort I, and others, have put into perpetuating the History of the BATTLE of KAPYONG, most recently my SPECIAL REPORTS booklet of which I gave him a copy. This of course includes the ignored recognition of the late Lt. Mike Levy, who called in the Danger Close fire on his own position at the height of the battle, to which Murray has dedicated years of tireless energy to correct. To date The Canadian Encyclopedia (2020), the PPCLI Regimental Manual (2020) and an Embassy of Canada / DND to Korea publication on the 70th Anniversary of the Battle of KAPYONG (2021), have all now published recognition of Lt. Mike Levy for his heroic actions. THE PATRICIAN THE PPCLI ASSOCIATION AND THE PATRICIAN The Princess Patricia’s Canadian Light Infantry (PPCLI) Association informally dates back to World War One. The original association of former PPCLI members was called the “Princess Patricia’s Canadian Light Infantry Service Club,” with its first annual dinner held in 1919. Numerous post World War One Patricia clubs were very much involved with the Regiment, fostering new and maintaining existing relationships but eventually this scenario began to diminish. At the outbreak of World War Two, interest was rekindled and by 1942, the various surviving Patricia Clubs across the country were again active, including Wives Clubs, in supporting the PPCLI battalion overseas. The Esquimalt and Winnipeg clubs were most notable in their dedicated efforts supporting the Regiment throughout the war by fundraising, sending comforts overseas while aiding wounded Patricia’s on their return home. After World War Two, under the initiative of a new “call to arms” and leadership by the founder of the Regiment, Brigadier A. Hamilton Gault, DSO, ED, a committee was formed resulting in all the remaining Patricia Clubs and Wives clubs formally being organized into the “PPCLI Association” on the 24th of October, 1947, in Calgary. Next came official incorporation, and on September 1st, 1953, the “PPCLI Association” was incorporated. This is where The Patrician, established in 1933 at Esquimalt with publications suspended in 1939, and the Association, became connected. Revived in June 1953, The Patrician contained a brief history of the Association’s beginning, and a section of the journal to be dedicated to “the old PP’s,” with PPCLI Association content to be regularly featured. The November 1953 Patrician provided organizational details of the incorporation. In 1959, under a new format, THE PATRICIAN continued to include input from and references to the Association, its individual branches both in Canada and abroad. PPCLI Association members have continued to contribute to the various jurisdictions included in THE PATRICIAN to this day. If you want to learn more about the PPCLI Association and its history, check within THE PATRICIAN, they are all online at the PPCLI official website: ppcli.com under Publications. — Jack Bates, Victoria Branch VANCOUVER PROVINCE STANLEY PARK The Nine O’Clock Gun in Vancouver’s Stanley Park is once again being fired, after earlier supply issues cut access to black powder. A spokesperson with the City of Vancouver confirmed Friday the gun was back inaction after staff were able to find a new supplier for the powder used to fire the cannon. While we are hopeful this new supply will continue, federal rules restrict the amount of black powder we can store at any given time….which makes it difficult to predict future volumes or supply chain impacts, read a statement issued by the city. LOOKOUT CHANGING OF THE GUARD AT BASE MUSEUM It has been my pleasure to have been involved with Debbie and Clare over the years, participating in field trips organized by Clare, contributing OPCMH local military articles to the museum website and participating in the maintenance of the PPCLI and contributing to the Korean War displays. Clare and Debbie have also been instrumental in the formation and progress of the Greater Victoria Military Museums and Historic Sites Working Group and working with me on the development of the history of Work Point Barracks and Fort Macaulay. I look forward to continuance of this successful relationship with the Base Museum in the future. Click here to view PDF story about Debbie Towell and Clare Sharpe, two of CFB Esquimalt Naval and Military Museum's longest-serving employees and click here to view PDF of Tatiana Robinson, who is stepping up as the new Curator. ASHTON ARMOURY MUSEUM On the topic of Lt. Col. Joan Kennedy, credited with organizing the CWAC in August 1941, Nancy Dauphinee and Ted Leaker from the Armoury, Sherri Robinson from the Esquimalt Archives and myself met with Nancy Batty, a retired teaching professional and publisher, researching Joan Kennedy. As Lt. Col. Joan Kennedy had her office in building 1020 at Work Point Barracks, I was included for historical reference to the barracks. The object of the works is to enhance in history the many achievements of Joan Kennedy, which popular opinion dictates is underdone except for a 1999 plaque at the CFB Esquimalt Naval and Military Museum, in her commemoration. Click to view: Remembering Canada’s first female soldier by George Szasz, CM, MD. Here is another interesting account by Sidney Allinson. Colleagues Nancy Batty and the Ashton Armoury Museum are working on a factual history of Joan Kennedy, more to follow. FORT MACAULAY The Fort Macaulay Field Force today, sister Marilyn Day, cousin Mike Phillips and myself, worked at the left gun, in the cool wind, exposing more of the concrete perimeter, removing brush and moss in preparation for painting the western walls. Many passers-by complimented us on the efforts to enhance the presentation of the fort’s structures. FORT MACAULAY Another member of the Fort Macaulay Field Force, Bill Armit, was painting the brick entrance buildings and at the Command Post today. Bill is dedicated to the painting of the structures and is there weekly over the past few years. Without his efforts the fort would not be as attractive an historical site as it is. FORT RODD HILL and The above has completed soliciting input for their Draft Management Plan renewal. This will be interesting to see what involvement Fort Macaulay could have in the future as it was an integral part of the Victoria-Esquimalt Coast Defence fortifications along with Fort Rodd Hill. MACAULAY POINT PARK In the interests of keeping up the pleasant park appearance and also to eliminate invasive species, the Greater Victoria Green Team applied their expertise this day. Thank you, every bit of attention is appreciated by the community. WORK POINT BARRACKS For those interested in the creation of Work Point Barracks in 1887, the following two drawings illustrate the boundaries and I have placed a survey nail, in the asphalt, at the close approximate location of the original south west corner. Plan 41833, registered on September 2, 1986, consolidated all the Department of National Defence lands within “Work Point,” including lands expropriated in WW 2. It shows the original 1887 - 11.95 acre lot created as Work Point Barracks in red. Click here to view as a PDF. 2004 Plan of Work Point Barracks indicating in red the original 1887 bounds, the 1900 acquisition and the area sold off in 2005, which included the guardhouse. Click here to view as a PDF. FORT MACAULAY Fence removal and replacement at 304 Clifton Terrace along the DND boundary from the top of the rocks down to Clifton Terrace is in progress.
FORT MACAULAY DAY The 7th Annual FORT MACAULAY DAY I organized was held today, in slightly damp conditions from 9:30 am to 2:00 pm at Macaulay Point Park. Tours of the Historic Fort Zone were self- guided this year and “under canvas” displays were provided by: Victoria–Esquimalt Military Re-enactors Association (VEMRA)
Greater Victoria Military Museums and Historic Sites group (GVMM&HS) members including: Ashton Armoury Museum
Canadian Scottish Regimental Museum and Regimental Piper
CFB Esquimalt Naval and Military Museum
Fort Rodd Hill Historic Site
Fort Macaulay, represented by the Organization for Preservation of Canadian Military Heritage (OPCMH)
Esquimalt Archives provided research opportunities
2483 PPCLI Army Cadet Corps demonstrated the use of field telephones, laying line from the Battery Command Post to the event area.
The Esquimalt Lions provided a BBQ concession and St. John Ambulance was in attendance for the event.
Visitors included the newly appointed MARPAC Rear Admiral Chris Robinson and his family, Mayor of Esquimalt, various Police representatives as well as others from in and out of town. A wonderful day for all was expressed.
After two years of the event being cancelled due to COVID restrictions, this was an opportune way of bringing the community back together with an outside event hosted at this seaside historic fortress location. Esquimalt Parks and Recreation and Public Works had prepared the site and the Fort Macaulay Field Force volunteers had the buildings and emplacements in a presentable fashion, all numbered for reference and interpretation, including historical photographs “of an earlier day,” at numerous locations along the ring road and at the “KEEP.” The original 1878-1894 temporary earthworks Macaulay Point Battery on the actual “point” will be an additional item of interest for next year. Macaulay Point Battery 1878. Click here to view image as a PDF.
2483 PPCLI Army Cadet Corps The Annual Ceremonial Review was held at the Nixon Building gymnasium in Work Point Barracks this evening. Due to COVID protocols, only participants and family were permitted to attend. Next year will assume the more formal ceremony as in previous years. Click here to view image as a PDF. WEST BAY RESIDENT’S ASSOCIATION Work Point Barracks is located within the West Bay Resident’s Association boundaries, and this edition relates to the civilian side of things in the area, including reference to Work Point’s history. Click here to view edition as a PDF. CANADIAN SCOTTISH REGIMENT This evening the Canadian Scottish Regimental Pipes and Drums performed atop Beacon Hill Park in honour of Queen Elizabeth’s Platinum Jubilee.
FORT MACAULAY Today sister Marilyn Day and I met for a coffee chat with Esquimalt Mayor Barb Desjardins. The topics were vandalism prevention and response, tourism opportunities including the Greater Victoria Military Museums and Historic Sites group, future association with Fort Rodd Hill, Fort Macaulay Days, lease obligations and responsibilities with DND, site enhancements including wi-fi options and permanent numbering of the buildings and gun emplacements. I believe now that Fort Macaulay Day resonates some “permanency,” there will be added attention paid to the presentation, protection, and opportunities available for this historical site. I will be conducting another tour of Fort Macaulay soon for the staff of Fort Rodd Hill to further promote the relationship between these two surviving components of the Victoria-Esquimalt Coast Defence fortifications system and look forward to results from the Draft Management Plan prepared by and for the Fort Rodd Hill National Historic Site. See April 23, 2022. FORT MACAULAY A delightful feature this spring are poppies in bloom planted by Marilyn Day last year at Fort Macaulay. They were from poppy seed packages provided by Veteran’s Affairs Canada to commemorate the Battle of Vimy Ridge and Flanders Fields. Look for more next year.
WORK POINT BARRACKS After a visit today to Work Point, it appears that the extant buildings are all proposed to continue to be utilized, and will include the exterior painting of WP 1020, the FHBRO Recognized Haida Building, at least. As the exclusive integrated training centre for “Campus Pacific” of our Royal Canadian Navy, Work Point, its existing facilities and proposed additions, seem “for real.” Hopefully all the passionate efforts and interventions of the heritage community over the past two decades have helped to promote the preservation and reuse of these historical and unique buildings. Unfortunately some were lost along the way, however, recaptured by this website. The Lyall/Head Street entrance is now open during regular hours. Look for more on the enhancement of this renowned location for Naval and Military training of our Canadian Armed Forces. WORK POINT BARRACKS It appears that the BCH&PA overbuild of the power line between Bewdley Avenue and Thomas Street is completed and the roadway from Bewdley Avenue to the Golf Hill battery is now open. ESQUIMALT The 5th (BC) Field Regiment RCA fired a twenty-one gun salute from 2 of their 105 mm guns today at Bullen Park celebrating Canada Day. The 5th Regiment band attended Fort Rodd Hill.
FORT MACAULAY Today, Mike Phillips, Marilyn Day and I worked on clearing overgrown brush from the left gun, the right Depression Rangefinder and the mystery concrete pad towards the water. During this labour of love, I noticed remnants of three abandoned hand rail posts in concrete blocks between the latter two locations immediately above the ring road. This indicated a pathway would have been there. Further investigation to follow. WORK POINT BARRACKS In keeping up to date with the activities in Work Point, on July 12, 2022 the Regional Cadet Support Unit (Pacific), with offices in building 1058, welcomed a new Commanding Officer. Commander Paula McHale assumes the regional leadership from outgoing Commander Stephan Gresmak. There are more than 5,500 cadets in 135 Corps and Squadrons across B.C. Visit www.cadets.ca for more information about the cadet program and adult leadership opportunities. LEGION MAGAZINE SCROUNGING has been a valued talent in the military since the days when Centurion Publius sent Legionary Marcus to find better wine than the issue stuff. A soldier who can go off and rustle up anything from gasoline to a kitchen stove, no questions asked, is an asset to any outfit. Perhaps the best scrounger I ever knew, though, was a civilian: a lanky bearded fellow named Bill Boss. He was a legendary war correspondent for the Canadian Press in the Second World War and Korea. The latter conflict was where Boss pulled off his greatest caper. He landed at Busan, South Korea, with the Princess Patricia’s Canadian Light Infantry, but he wanted to be free to go where he wanted, without military supervision. For that, he needed wheels. He pondered the problem and BANG; the light bulb went off. He went to the quartermaster and said he needed enough Scotch for “the CP.” He failed to specify that it was for the Canadian Press – not the Command Post – that wanted the booze. The quartermaster provided him with enough Scotch whiskey for an entire company, or about 120 men. Boss then embarked on a marathon scrounge, much of it at the expense of alcohol-starved American units. He traded Scotch for a tent, a generator, a trailer and a jeep, which was immortalized in wire service lore as “The CP Jeep.” During the Second World War, Boss did a stint in the army as a public relations officer. He was extracted from the military by Gillis Purcell, the equally legendary head of CP. Purcell never explained what strings he pulled to make Boss a civvy and a CP correspondent. Boss himself never knew – or never told, at least. Boss used to say the first thing he did upon leaving the military was grow a beard. “My feeling was that the brass hats might be interviewed by umpteen correspondents and never remember one of them. But they couldn’t forget a man with a red beard.” Apparently, they didn’t. SOME RULES FOR NCO’S:
WORK POINT Plans for the annual Raven Indigenous Summer Program were changed for this year. The program, held at Work Point since 2003, has moved to Albert Head. This year there are 31 recruits from nine provinces and territories. It will follow the Army Reserve BMQ Training Plan, with a weekend Cultural Camp, and a day sail on HMCS Ottawa. FORT MACAULAY Today I escorted and interpreted Fort Macaulay history to five Parks Canada staff from Fort Rodd Hill. We exchanged information relating to the association and evolution of the two fortresses which gave them an additional overall perspective of the Victoria-Esquimalt Coast Defence installations, a broadened view so to speak outside of Fort Rodd Hill. They are also now aware of other local former sites, Signal Hill, Golf Hill, McLoughlin Point and also Work Point. A most pleasant day, to which I included a walk down to the 1878 original three-gun artillery battery on Macaulay Point. This site has a tendency to be overlooked as there is no commemoration at that exact location, to which I am proposing to work on in the future.
FORT MACAULAY While walking about and doing some bush trimming, I discovered remnants of a handrailing immediately above the ring road in between the right Depression Rangefinder and the concrete pad, to which we haven’t found a positive resolve to yet. Three handrailing iron pipe posts, each cut off above the concrete blocks which they were poured in, indicate a pathway.
Next on the search list is an abandoned 1926 anti-aircraft gun, circular concrete pad above the ring road, north of the centre gun/crew shelter emplacement. CALENDARS 1800 TO 2050 If you are ever wondering how the date, day, week, month and year are associated see this handy calendar reference: Great for researching historical topics and project into the future. Click here to view calendar as a PDF. VICTORIA POLICE DEPARTMENT The item below was posted on Facebook by Vic PD and welcomed indeed by the responsible patrons of Fort Macaulay. This public declaration is important if Macaulay Point Park is to continue functioning as it is today, a unique community asset, and the envy of many. Fort Macaulay in Macaulay Point Park is a historic site in Esquimalt that was once a coastal defence fortress built to protect this area. After recent reports of public intoxication and disorder here, our Esquimalt Division officers will be increasing presence and enforcement in the area. Please respect the park and its significance to this region. For some background on the value of Macaulay Point Park and “Fort Macaulay”, see a March 2009 Macaulay Point Management Plan published by the Township of Esquimalt. FORT MACAULAY Today was paint day at the left gun emplacement. Marilyn Day did some sweeping in preparation for Mike Phillips and I to paint the top half of the west wall. The lower walls will next be cleaned up, some cracks filled, and then painted, with black railings as a final touch. Quite a visual enhancement to the gun emplacement.
SIGNAL HILL This afternoon, myself along with Gary Restell and Joseph Lenarcik of the Base Museum, toured Signal Hill building 542, the 1904 former Submarine Mining Establishment Magazine atop the hill across from the Hood Building, D 575. Refer to FHBRO report 89-203, the 1974 Stevenson-Kellogg Report and the 1982 Nelson-Oliver Heritage Review: Click here to view FHBRO report 89-203 as a PDF. This abandoned and obscure building remains intact and is accessible from the roadway to Signal Hill. The cliff edge at the centre of the curve has been relocated back toward SH 542 to accommodate the roadway below (Queen Street) hence the original northern portion of the fencing was taken down and is stockpiled as shown in the photos, September 13, 2022. In a discussion with Ian Doull of FHBRO in 2005, author of the 89-203 report, he stated: “that the shifting lobby fittings are still there although dismantled. The details of the workings of the magazine are a bit of a puzzle – issuing hatches to the exterior are bricked up and appear to be now partially below grade level. The latter may be due to a build up of ground over the years due to vegetation decay and slow erosion from the upper hillside – very steep slope.”
At this time assumingly we discovered the railway, or tramway, track-bed from the magazine to the bottom of the hill at the location of the Submarine Mining Establishment for delivering munitions to the stone jetty, or the Submarine Mining pier, a portion remaining behind the current Hood Building.
Additional reference is shown in the Signal Hill LAC 1905 (PDF), Site Plan 1957 (PDF) and Site Plan 1973 (PDF). Photos from a tour I did on February 19, 2016 are included below as they are relative to the building in this article, SH 542:
Inside the Hood Building are artifacts from the 48th Submarine Mining Company on display. 2483 PPCLI Cadet Corps Tonight was a change of command ceremony for the corps at Work Point, Major Madeleine Dahl signed over the command of the cadet corps to Captain Rachel Lafitte. Madeleine was the commanding officer from 2010 and did a superb job during her tenure in maintaining and building the cadet corps, including its time during the pandemic. They are headquartered at Work Point’s Nixon Building. 2483 PPCLI Cadet Corps Group Photo (PDF) WORK POINT Within the bounds of Work Point, at the end of Anson Street adjacent to Fort Macaulay and behind fencing, is the CFB Esquimalt Medium Urban Search and Rescue Centre, formerly known as the Urban Search and Rescue Training Compound. The Team Commander is Glenn Cooper, employed by the Department of National Defence since 1989 and in this field since 2001, he was promoted to team leader in 2008. There is active national and international search and rescue training ongoing at this location, and also utilizes the Work Point Barracks former detention barracks, WP 1068, for staging disasters and response. All this in case you were wondering!! FORT MACAULAY Thank you to Bill Armit who today finished off the left gun emplacement painting. A little tidy up now, perhaps some black for the railing and a whole new look. Thanks to Marilyn for the photo. Of course, the mystery lies beneath the large rocks that cover the entrance way to the three underground storage rooms thirteen feet below ground level. And, we are keeping the adjacent storm drain catch basin clean now so that surface water will drain away preventing flooding.
SIGNAL HILL This LAC plan was drawn by the Royal Engineers in 1905, and is a must to have on the next visit to the site. Click here to view (PDF). ST. PAUL’S ANGLICAN CHURCH MINISTERS Ministers at St. Paul’s The first minister to preach was Rev. Dundas who was responsible for the construction of the little school that was used as church on Sunday (1860-1866 ) following which these ministers served from 1866:
I don’t know who came after but do know Rev. Murray Ames, Rev. Glen Simms (ret’d armed forces) came before Rev. Andrew Gates who was followed by Rev. Lon Towstego. GOLDSTREAM GAZETTE DND REMINDS RESIDENTS TO STAY OFF METCHOSIN SITE SITE UNSAFE TO ENTER AT ANY TIME DUE TO OLD EXPLOSIVES, The Department of National Defence is reminding residents that unauthorized entrance into Mary Hill training area is prohibited. Adjacent to William Head Institution and near Pedder Bay in Metchosin, the site has been used for military training since the 1940’s and old explosives that remain on site present a serious hazard, DND noted in a statement. “The area is currently used for a variety of purposes including small arms training and night firing familiarization. These activities may occur day and night, on all days of the year, including weekends and holidays.” DND noted there is no safe time to access the site and trespassing in the area is against the law. In the event that stray ammunition or explosive objects are encountered, DND noted they should not be touched or disturbed in any way. The department asked residents to contact local police, who will work with CFB Esquimalt to make arrangements for disposal. Google northamericanforts.com for a listing of all the Victoria-Esquimalt Fortifications and more on Vancouver Island. CFB ESQUIMALT The Department of National Defence held an open house tonight at the Songhees Wellness Centre. It was very informative and included some of the artefacts that were dredged up from the Esquimalt Harbour. Michael Bodman, Manager of Base Safety and Environment, was very open to conversation and the LOOKOUT will publish an account of the ESQUIMALT HARBOUR PROJECTS in the November 14, 2022 issue. The DND website is www.canada.ca/en/navy/corporate/esquimalt-harbour.html. VETERAN’S CEMETERY I paid a visit to the cemetery today, a clear bright day. Standing near the chapel, looking up-hill and then down-hill, were wonderful sights, all the grave markers lined up in rows, so uniform and neatly maintained, while some decorated the views with enhanced shapes, crosses, stone cairns and other markers emblematic of previous generations. A number of them familiar to me, personally as well as historically. The additional space acquired from the Gorge Vale Golf Course at the top end was a welcomed entity, if not actually, a necessity of endearing respect. I met the current caretaker, Dean Savich, and we had a discussion on the history, present time, and future of the site. He mentioned he was looking forward to the upcoming weekend, including Remembrance Day and the visitations by so many he was expecting, including a tour by the Old Cemeteries Society, led by John Azar. The current book on the cemetery, printed by the Victoria Genealogical Society in 2014, is now significantly out of date as there have been over 200 additional burials since then. Dean was in the understanding that Veteran’s Affairs Canada will be compiling a digital reference website, capable of searching for loved ones whose final resting place is “God’s Acre.”
SAANICH PIONEER SOCIETY On display at the Saanich Pioneer Society, in the Museum building at 7910 Polo Park Crescent in Saanichton, for Remembrance Day, are military medals and personal effects of Hugh Creed and his son Richard Creed. Hugh’s medal trio dates back to World War 1, his service in the PPCLI and Richard’s, dates back to World War 2. Hugh went on the establish Creed’s Landing in Brentwood Bay and is classed as a pioneer, settling there in 1919 after the war. I facilitated this donation on behalf of Hugh’s grand-daughter Stephanie Cooper, a good friend who passed away recently.
Hugh was a member of the PPCLI Association in the 1930’s, and has mention in the “Esquimalt Patrician,” published at Work Point Barracks at that time by “B” Company, stationed there. During WW 1, he was an early reinforcement to the PPCLI, wounded May 8, 1915 at the Battle of Frezenberg, and August 8, 1918, during the Battle of Amiens. FORT MACAULAY Today the VEMRA held an informal encampment at Fort Macaulay in the sheltered area adjacent to the tunnel entrance. They observed two minutes of silence at 11 am followed by a lunch. Many visitors to Fort Macaulay engaged with them and shared stories of military relevance, a very enjoyable time was the summary of the day’s activities. Perhaps an annual event is in the planning stage. Thank you, Township of Esquimalt departments, for keeping the historic Fort zone presentable for this weekend, patrons to the park noticed how in order it was.
ST. PETER and ST. PAUL’S CHURCH During a visit to the church today, I was happy to see the naval and military flags hanging proudly within the church, maintaining a respectful tribute to local heritage. Of particular note was the flag of “The Old Contemptibles Association,” of World War One British Army fame. This “standard” was laid up on October 12, 1975 by remaining members of The Old Contemptibles Association, Victoria Branch, a participating member was Esquimalt’s Wm. Glover (Sr).
See October 12, 1975, also December 11, 2016 and May 6, 2017 for more on St. Paul’s Naval and Garrison Church. SIGNAL HILL I noticed today in driving by that the gutters on the two historic brick buildings atop Signal Hill, #’s 522 and 523 on Esquimalt Rd., had been repaired. Glad to see some investment in these buildings as they were in need of it. Also an indication of retention of the buildings, and in use.
November 22, 2022 “McLoughlin Point” DND – Department of National Defence
— Jack Bates McLOUGHLIN POINT
If you are wondering about the abandoned concrete structure at the end of Victoria View Road past the McLoughlin Point Treatment Centre, you have found it! CFB ESQUIMALT NAVAL AND MILITARY MUSEUM I would like to pay tribute to the above venue and encourage visitations. The museum is open daily now, and is worth every minute you can spend there. Casting reflections on the Royal Canadian Navy and the Canadian Army, with historical references and exhibits dating back to the Royal Navy and Hudson’s Bay Company times, one is pleasantly surprised at the content. The displays are often revised with new additions, the latest being a Korean War exhibit. The museum’s website contains a number of categories, one being ARTICLES, to which I have contributed seven attributing to local military history, under DEFENDING THE COAST. They are: 88th Regiment, Brothers Island, Historical Buildings, Royal Navy Rifle Range, The First Coast Defence Batteries, The West Bay Island Magazine and the United Services Macaulay Point Golf. I credit Clare Sharp for her skills in creating and her devotion to this aspect of the museum. The “Base Museum” is well maintained throughout and the staff is responsive to all queries on historical matters. They have a library for research, promote and host tours and events on site. Simply follow the blue dashes painted on the roadways inside NADEN off Admirals Road, as you adventure into “Museum Square,” part of one of Canada’s National Historic Sites, to where ample parking is available. Museum Square houses the museum, administrative offices, library and a workshop. This is truly a destination location to visit; you will not be disappointed! ESQUIMALT CURRENT ETAG Returns Township staff are relaunching this volunteer-based program. Esquimalt Together Against Graffiti (ETAG) is intended to help both encourage reporting of graffiti in the Township and get it cleaned up by the appropriate group. For example, Township staff clean graffiti on Township property. But what about BC Hydro poles or electrical boxes? Stay tuned for further details about how to sign up, in the meantime, if you spot graffiti, go to Esquimalt.ca/ETAG to find out where to report the vandalism. From my perspective, and those others who endeavor to maintain Fort Macaulay, this is an important and necessary step, also endorsed by Vic PD (Esquimalt Division). 445 HEAD STREET With an OCP Revision and Rezoning application on the agenda for the December 5, 2022 council meeting, and due to the acknowledged heritage value of the Guardhouse, I forwarded to the Esquimalt Mayor and Council, summarized background information. Click here to view as a PDF. See also November 4, 2016 letter. FORT MACAULAY In two final notes of the year at Fort Macaulay, I noticed that the chain link fencing at the Clifton Terrace gate has finally been replaced. Also FORT MACAULAY DAY is scheduled for Saturday May 27, 2023. |
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