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HISTORY OF WORK POINT BARRACKSby Jack BatesPART 10 — 1995 to 20242024OPCMH The Pacific Coast Militia Rangers (PCMR) are not widely known when compared to the fabled Regiments of the Canadian Army, the Royal Canadian Navy and the Royal Canadian Air Force of the Second World War. However, from 1942 to 1945 they were much in effect in the defence of British Columbia’s coastline, the interior, Vancouver Island and the other islands along the Canadian Pacific shores. The PCMR regularly published information booklets from 1942 to 1945 for the public and had a distinct presence in the British Columbia. At peak strength there were in total 138 Companies, as shown in the following final booklet published, pages 12-15. Final "Stand Down" Issue of The Ranger, 1945. Click to view as a PDF file. No. 1 Company, South Vancouver Island, of the PCMR. It was the forerunner to the current South Vancouver Island Rangers, located on Luxton Road in Langford. Click to view image as a PDF file. Background to the formation of the No. 1 Company - S.V.I. Unit Final Draft (PDF) Photograph of No. 15 Company PCMR (PDF) January 12, 1944 - Correspondence of No. 18 Company (PDF) See TIMES references, April 8, 10, 16 and 27, 1942 The CFB Esquimalt Naval and Military Museum website, under ARTICLES and DEFENDING THE COAST, has two articles on the PCMR and an exhibit pending. HEADWAY - Winter 2016 NEWSLETTER, pages 6-7, by Debbie Towell. Click here to view article as a PDF. ANAVETS Shoulder to SHOULDER - March 2017 publication, pages 8-9, by Bill Nangle. Click here to view article as a PDF. LEGION MAGAZINE January/February 2014, pages 44-47, by Graham Chandler. Click here to view article as a PDF. On May 23, 1947, the Canadian Government, realizing the value of the PCMR, formerly established the Canadian Rangers as a sub-component of the army reserve, to provide a limited military presence in many of Canada’s remote locations. In the Greater Victoria area, over the years, the Canadian Rangers have been headquartered most recently in Work Point Barracks, Belmont Park, and currently at Albert Head in Metchosin. OPCMH 88TH REGIMENT (VICTORIA FUSILIERS) AT THE DOCKYARD In the spring of 1912, the citizenry of Victoria, concerned with the lack of a defence force on the coast and the Victoria area, decided to promote the creation of a Militia Infantry Regiment to augment the existing Militia Artillery Regiment, the 5th Regiment, Canadian Garrison Artillery. Daily Colonist – March 8, 1912 (1). There was no concern that a second Militia unit would have a negative impact on the 5th Regiment, in fact they welcomed the new formation, while the idea of a “Kilted Regiment” had been abandoned owing to the need of more funds than were obtainable. The intention of the new unit was not to be a “Drill Hall Regiment” but one with regular active service manoeuvres. It had also been recognized for some time that Victoria lagged behind in promoting militia units compared with other cities in the Dominion, particularly noting Halifax. The Permanent Force Garrison of Work Point Barracks at the time numbered only 150 officers and men, their services were inadequate and could only support the Military District No.11 Headquarters and the defences in Esquimalt. Lt. Col. AW Currie, of future fame and the current Commanding Officer of the 5th Regiment, was instrumental in the resolution proposing the formation, to be called “The City of Victoria Regiment of Fusiliers. This formation was endorsed by Victoria Mayor John Beckwith and Richard McBride, Premier of British Columbia. The 88th Regiment (Victoria Fusiliers) was officially authorized and established as a Canadian Militia Regiment, approaching 100 years ago, on September 3, 1912. As tensions in Europe increased in 1913 and 1914, the 88th Regiment increased in size and training commitments as did a third Militia unit formed in 1913, the 50th Regiment (Gordon Highlanders of Canada). On August 7, 1914, the 88th Regiment marched to their initial quarters at the Dockyard, where they were to reside and train prior to departing from Victoria on August 28th , destined for “over the seas” and to the front. Daily Colonist, August 6th. “A picturesque incident yesterday afternoon was the informal showing of their new regimental colors to the men of the 88th Fusiliers by the Daughters of the Empire as the troops passed their headquarters on Langley Street on their way to Esquimalt. They were received with the utmost enthusiasm and admiration.” Daily Colonist, August 25th. “There will be a parade of the 88th Fusiliers band at 8 p.m. today at the Esquimalt Dry Dock and it will be continued every evening until further notice.” View PDF photo of the 88th Fusiliers at the Dockyard. (View Royal Archives) Daily Colonist, August 28th. “Five hundred Victoria volunteers will leave this morning for Valcartier, Quebec, preliminary to sailing for the front. They will include the representatives of the 50th Gordon Highlanders and the 88th Regiment of Fusiliers. The former will parade at the Willows camp at 8:45 o’clock and the latter will fall into line at 8 o’clock at the Esquimalt Dockyard.”…. “The pipers will provide music for their corps to the dock while the band of 88th Fusiliers will play their contingent from Esquimalt to the boat.” The Daily Colonist printed a supplement on August 29th with photographs and lists of the names of the officers and men of the three regiments who were departing from Victoria as well as reference to other associated units. Volunteers from the 5th Regiment, C.G.A. had left on August 26th. Daily Colonist, October 31, 1914. Writes From England – A.F. Jackson, of the 88th Fusiliers, has sent Mr. F. Baker, of this city, a short letter announcing his safe arrival with the first Canadian contingent in England. The communication is dated October 15, from the SS Virginian, in the harbour of Davenport. He says, in part: “The yards here are full of warships, old ones being fixed up and new ones being finished. On the trip across, all kinds of rumors were afloat as to the German battleships being in wait for us, but we did not see any. The grub only just lasted out for us. We are tied up at the wharf now, but can’t get ashore. We’ve now been on this boat three weeks, so shall not be sorry to land. Our first sight of English papers says: “Germans Marching on Ostend,” but just wait until the 88th get busy.” Daily Colonist, September 5, 1915. 88th REGIMENT HAS SPLENDID RECORD. “When the war broke out, every officer of the corps volunteered for overseas service within one hour of the receipt of the monumentous news. Of the N.C.O.’s and men, 95 per cent followed suit. But it was impossible for everyone to go, and, although many were forced, for various reasons, to remain, it was only three weeks later that a force of 270 officers and men of the 88th Regiment marched from their camp, then situated at the Esquimalt Dockyard, to the C.P.R., en route to England and the front." The 88th Victoria Fusiliers Regimental and Kings Colours, so proudly displayed prior to marching to the Dockyard that day, were preserved in St. Mary’s church in Oak Bay from 1920 until 2023, when they were relocated to the Bay Street Armoury, in the Canadian Scottish Regimental Museum. The Canadian Scottish Regiment (Princess Mary’s), formed by combining the 50th and 88th Regiments in 1920, hosted Centennial Celebrations in 2012 and 2013. Daily Colonist, May 11, 1919 (3) THE BAND WAS KEPT INTACT. It is interesting in connection with the history of the 88th Battalion to recall that the band of the unit, mostly composed of original members of the force, was one of the very few Canadian Bands that was kept intact in France, being known as the 1st Divisional Band, by the express wish, it is stated, of General Sir Arthur Currie. Jack Bates - July 13, 2012. January 15, 2024 OPCMH Lt. Col. O’BRIEN LETTERS These letters dating back to 1873, mostly in the 1880’s between the War Office in London and the Royal Engineers in Halifax, Nova Scotia, covering proposed strategy for Victoria-Esquimalt coast defence.
GARY RESTELL FILES Gary, an astute researcher, did a study of two photos from the BC Archives. These were of the troops from the Dockyard marching along Esquimalt Road approaching Signal Hill. OPCMH Following up on the situation of WP 1068 at WORK POINT, the former detention barracks apparently slated for demolition: See November 18, 2023. On April 15, 2013, Jon Burbee, Manager of Real Estate Services, Base Construction Engineering at CFB Esquimalt at the time, delivered a presentation to Esquimalt Council covering the CFB Esquimalt Heritage Design Guidelines Final Report. Link to Esquimalt Council Minutes of 2013-04-15. “I think the HDG’s will not only provide sound guidance for the preservation of cultural values, but will also allow the Navy to focus maintenance investments to meet the minimum requirements.” This report created Heritage Zones for Dockyard, Naden, Signal Hill and Work Point. Heritage Zone 5 in Work Point includes buildings WP 1068, 1070, 1071 and 1075 with a reference to preserving this cluster of the four valued brick buildings. WP 1075 is the RECOGNIZED building in Zone 5, but “Other buildings that reinforce the heritage character of this zone and that should be preserved are WP 1068, 1070 and 1071.” Maintenance spending at CFB Esquimalt has been questioned in the past and was included in the Auditor General’s report in November 2012 placing last of 19 bases reported on in maintenance spending. Unfortunately, neglect of building WP 1068 certainly confirms that. I last recorded WP 1068 being utilized for light urban search and rescue training on November 24, 2015, where military and civilian jurisdictions participated jointly. See LOOKOUT March 20, 2006, for background on this disaster response program, perhaps now in jeopardy. Some activity still remains for Medium Urban Search and Rescue at Macaulay Point, access off Clifton Terrace and Viewpoint / Vaughn Streets. The next previous heritage and use report, dated June 4, 2001 for the Naval Officers Training Centre (NOTC) occupation of Work Point, credited WP 1068 to be of Primary Heritage Importance, recommending “Minor renovations be carried out to allow the buildings continued use as a trainer, alternately, could remain as existing and be used for storage.” Renovation estimates were the lowest of all the buildings by far in the historic artillery precinct. The 1996 CFB Esquimalt Master Facilities Development Plan, included a section (HERITAGE 7.3.6) which states: Maintain and enhance heritage buildings and heritage areas to commemorate military history and promote the military presence in the community. WP 1068, 1070, 1071 and 1075 were not mentioned in the proposed demolition list for Work Point. This report also has a section titled “FAMILY HOUSING,” if one wanted to see the concept in 1996. The 1989 FHBRO report 89 – 205 by Ian Doull, who wrote heritage value reports for the Dockyard, Naden, Signal Hill and Work Point, and other CFB Esquimalt components, reaffirmed WP 1068’s status as a building of primary heritage importance from Nelson and Oliver. The Nelson Oliver report in 1982 assessed WP 1068 as being of primary importance. The Stevenson-Kellogg report on Work Point buildings in 1974 recommends various uses for WP 1068, and to be maintained as it is historically valuable. Not mentioned but somewhat significant to this historic precinct is that WP 1068 has a HILL 70 BUILDING designation; WP 1070, designated ARLEUX BUILDING and WP 1075, designated YPRES BLOCK, all commemorating World War 1 battles in which the PPCLI was involved. The topic of PILT, Payment in lieu of Taxes paid to the Township annually, is rarely mentioned, except in the attempt to justify demolition activity. A local Base Real Property term discovered in emails was “dozer bait,” when it came to that, reconfirming a biased attitude to me! Currently the STETTLER BUILDING, WP 1004, has been repurposed, now the HMCS Venture Orderly Room, and the HAIDA BUILDING, WP 1020, now the Naval Fleet School (Pacific) Seamanship Division – Leadership Cell. These two RECOGNIZED buildings were last painted in 2009 for the Royal Canadian Navy 100th anniversary, obviously in dire need of that again.
Other buildings in the WORK POINT Heritage ZONE 5, the Royal Garrison Artillery precinct, purposed are: The ARLEUX BUILDING, WP 1070, remains utilized as the “Medical Clinic” and the RECOGNIZED building YPRES BLOCK, WP 1075, is now the “Naval Training Group Headquarters and HMCS Venture Training Support Division.” WP 1071, remains as the “Canadian Forces National Counter Intelligence Unit.” WORK POINT Surrounded by the new modular training encampment ! the Haida Building is not very visible as it once was as the Administration Headquarters for Work Point, and for a long period of time, Military District # 11. In the rear of the building where the Officer’s Mess once stood, additional modular training units are being placed. Wherever the ground is disturbed so that concrete pads to anchor the modulars can be placed, First Nations members are screening the soil for artifacts, an ongoing practice in Work Point.
FORT MACAULAY The Township of Esquimalt Public Works Department is undertaking repair of the hand-railings at the Command Post. Photo courtesy Ken O’Connor.
FORT MACAULAY
CC1 and CC2 The image below is an extract from Dockmaster AJ Daniels’ work report on the submarines CC1 and CC2 in Esquimalt 1915-1917. Courtesy Sherri Robinson.
GVMM & HS After the January meeting of the Greater Victoria Military Museums and Historic Sites Working Group, it appears that last week’s visit from the NDHQ - DHH (Directorate of History and Heritage) contained Disaster Response and Recovery as a topic discussed for military museums which is apparently lacking, and apparently extends even further afield from just museums. WP 1068 could be utilized, along with storage, as a Base Central Office for all natural and domestic disaster related components. Just a thought as to the usefulness of the building with a contemporary purpose, in conjunction with Search and Rescue programs. This before it is demolished, targeted by being two points under the FHBRO RECOGNIZED level, ignored for the past decade, and contrary to the 2013 Heritage Guidelines report prepared for CFB Esquimalt, and previous reports. The 2013 report was at the request of Defence Construction Canada (DCC) on behalf of the Directorate of Real Property Management (DRPM), the very department proposing demolition. Locally, the Real Property Operations Unit (Pacific) Section Esquimalt, is in pursuit of demolition. Due to the lack of response to my correspondence in November, I have written Rob Chambers, Assistant Deputy Minister (Infrastructure and Environment) DND, in Ottawa.
VICTORIA HISTORICAL SOCIETY Excellent historical articles are written by locals in this newsletter, mostly civilian, however military and naval content does appear occasionally. I also guided tours for their members of Work Point Barracks and Fort Macaulay a few years back. With regret, these are only two of the many outdoor sites, along with Fort Rodd Hill of course, open to the public. Click here to view newsletter (PDF). 831 JOHNSON STREET Discovering old World War II installations that have survived the years, 831 Johnson Street is another building, this time in the City of Victoria. It was built in 1943 under permit to the National Defence, RCAF, remained as such until 1946 when it was turned over to Pacific Command, another branch of National Defence. In 1947 it is listed as owned by BC Telephone Co. and known as the “Toll Building.” It remained as such for many years after that. The address was consolidated into 826 Yates Street eventually, the current TELUS property. Apparently this building had a direct cable link to a similar facility in Prince Rupert for military communications.
FORT MACAULAY DAY The 9th Annual Fort Macaulay Day, missing two years due to COVID, will be held on May 25, 2024. The Friends of Fort Macaulay and the Township of Esquimalt are working on the site now as the weather allows, and looking forward to showing it off that day.
ESQUIMALT ESQUIMALT WALKING TOURS With the changing landscapes within the Township of Esquimalt, it is enjoyable to do these very well organized and described walking tours, see the transition of the neighborhoods, and perhaps recall “your” days! or to set your own bench marks. Click to view Esquimalt Walking Tours 2021 (PDF). Watch for the 2023 revised edition. BAY STREET ARMOURY Noting today that security fencing and gates are being place around the Bay Street Armoury parking lot, keeping people out!
NATIONAL DEFENCE In response to my “Contact the Minister” email to the Minister of National Defence on November 14, 2023 regarding the proposed demolition proceedings for WP 1068, I received the following response: and answered in kind. Hopefully this will prove a positive and maintained outcome for the building and of course the other buildings in Zone 5 as well. The 2013 CRG Consulting Heritage Guidelines Final Report formally commenced in October 2010, utilizing data collected from May 2008 to September 2010 in the CFB Esquimalt Master Real Property Development Plan (MRPDP) followed by workshops, site visits, and revisions. So, all in all, a total of five years to produce the Final Report in March 2013. Let’s hope the recommendations will be followed and attention paid to these historical buildings. I again note that the default argument for demolition is the series of 1989 FHBRO reports, in this particular case, 89-205 Work Point, is now 35 years out of date, with a points system long in dispute. Read the response as a PDF document.
WESTERN FRONT ASSOCIATION This year’s annual WFA Association seminar, held in the C Scot R Officer’s Mess at the Bay Street Armoury, was the usual success. Bill Glover and I, along with Shannon King of Fort Rodd Hill, provided WW 1 artifacts and displays for the event called the Collector’s Showcase. This included the actual six-foot by eight-foot map of Europe and the last 100 days, property of General Sir Arthur Currie, contributed by the 5 th (BC) Field Regimental Archives. Anyone wishing more information on this local event, or the WFA, go to the Western Front Association, Pacific Coast Branch website.
FORT MACAULAY Thanks to Drew McCredie from Campbell River who found a walking stick at Buxton Green. Through his reaching out we were able to find the owner with a military family background dating back to an Artillery Gunner in 1939 at Fort Macaulay. BC AFGHANISTAN MEMORIAL
Today, a ceremony of commemoration to mark the 10th anniversary of the end of Canada’s combat mission in Afghanistan at the memorial location on Quadra Street in Victoria will be held. The idea was a result of discussions with Veterans Affairs Canada which started here in Victoria in August of 2023, coincidental ceremonies will be held in other cities across Canada. FORT MACAULAY As Friends of Fort Macaulay we are currently painting the buildings and structures, cleaning around the buildings and concrete outlines in anticipation of a large crowd on May 25th, FORT MACAULAY DAY.
VEMRA A CANUCK IN ENGLAND Thank you to Don Thomas of the VICTORIA-ESQUIMALT MILITARY RE-ENACTORS ASSOCIATION for the acquisition of the book titled above. In 1939 Howard Clegg joined the PPCLI at Work Point Barracks in Esquimalt. This is his diary! VICTORIA VOLTIGEURS The history of the Victoria Voltigeurs is told in the following two articles. There is also a display in the CFB Esquimalt Naval and Military Museum, building N 39, at NADEN. For more on this era in British Columbia and Vancouver Island History, see the book by Barry Gough titled: "The Curious Passage of Richard Blanshard – First Governor of Vancouver Island" – 2023. Barry will attend Fort Macaulay Day again this year.
TOWNSHIP OF ESQUIMALT The Township will be holding its first Volunteer Recruitment Fair at the Jubilee Hall, in the Recreation Centre on Fraser Street, from 3 pm to 7 pm. This is an opportunity to showcase, advertise and meet prospective volunteers. The Friends of Fort Macaulay will have a table! See May 1, 2005, ongoing, our “Fort Macaulay Field Force” has maintained the painting, including the grey concrete, black trim, and doors of the other structures and gun emplacements. This includes the “cable pit” at Fleming Beach. All activity is done in conjunction with the ETAG program in Esquimalt and the Township Parks and Rec Department. As well, we facilitate historic interests of the Fort, and hold the annual Fort Macaulay Day. LEGION MAGAZINE A Canadian Gamble at Kapyong — an article on the Battle of KAPYONG by Alex Bowers, with mention of the overlooked heroics of Lt. Mike Levy. Click here to view the article from the Legion Magazine. ESQUIMALT ARCHIVES Again this year, the Esquimalt Archives placed a display at the Township Hall portraying some of the history of Fort Macaulay. Special credit to volunteer Jane Ciacci … for her keen interest and talent in exhibit design.
BLACK ROCK BATTERY
FORT MACAULAY DAY Hosted by the FRIENDS OF FORT MACAULAY, co-sponsored by the Township of Esquimalt and the Victoria-Esquimalt Military Re-enactors Association (VEMRA)
Today was the 9th Annual Fort Macaulay Day, two previously having been cancelled due to COVID, or it would have been the 11th. Due to the severe gusting winds, usually it is calm on Swiftsure Day! we couldn’t put up the tents at the top so we relocated some of the displays down to the tunnel entrance area, after that all was fine. Esquimalt Lions served their BBQ lunches.
VEMRA had their usual encampment to the visiting public’s delight.
GVMM & HS-Ashton Armouries: Wayne Dauphinee, Bart Dennis; Fort Rodd Hill: Shannon King, Erin; 5th Field Regiment: Craig Cotter, Klaus Stockhorst, Phil Sherman; C Scot R: Randy Evans exhibited their displays and conversed with the visitors.
2483 PPCLI Cadet Corps demonstrated their line laying and field telephony skills led by Adam Miles and Captains Rachel Lafitte and Bart Yarmoshuk.
Ken Wilson played the bagpipes during the morning time.
Esquimalt Archives offered their resources to the public.
St. John Ambulance posted their first aid van on site.
Esquimalt Councillor Ken Armour provided opening remarks for the event.
I conducted two tours of the historic fort area for visitors to the event. Thanks to Lesly, daughter of Jack Stevens the District Gunner in 1939, who recited a poem in memory of her father at the end of the tour, a nice personal touch, once again.
The fort structures having been continually painted by the Friends of Fort Macaulay and the Township of Esquimalt Parks crew preparing the site for the day, it was noticeably enhanced as compared to previous years, “a very appealing historical park setting.” There were around 200 people in attendance, personal thanks to author and historian Barry Gough for attending, glad to see Ellis Meads back enjoying Fort Macaulay and Lal & Ken O’Connor on site.
Photographs contributed by Lynda O'Keefe, Chance Dixon, Marilyn Day, Sonya Miles, Mike Phillips and myself. We now look forward to next year on May 24th for the 10th annual Fort Macaulay Day, with perhaps a number of additional participants. STAY TUNED!
ESQUIMALT HIGH SCHOOL ALUMNI ASSOCIATION
2483 PPCLI Cadet Corps A very rainy day today forced the program indoors, luckily for the cadets as they utilize Work Point as their headquarters and have access to the gymnasium in the Nixon Building, also the Gun Room for a windup. Congratulations to Captain Lafitte, her staff and support group for another dedicated and excellent year of army cadet activity, along with a thank you for attending Fort Macaulay Day again. Click to view program as a PDF.
Click to view the 2483 PPCLI Cadet Corps as a PDF. OPCMH Counter The counter today registered 1,463,834 Hits. BLACK ROCK BATTERY Following up on firing of the three Black Rock Guns, see May 4, 2024; Peter Mallett of the LOOKOUT wrote an article on this event, including additional photos with the FMF staff. Click here to view the PDF article.
A colleague of mine, Harold Skaarup, published a summary of historic artillery and naval guns in British Columbia, specifically in the Esquimalt area, pages 27-33 for Black Rock. Click to view. The original Black Rock Battery located southwesterly in the Dockyard overlooking Scrogg Rocks, dates back to 1899 construction (V.R. 1899 scribed above the door to building DY 230) housed two 12-pdr QF MK 1 AMTB (Anti Motor-Torpedo Boat) guns. This battery was located in War Department Encroachment #2, of 4 such areas within the Dockyard in that era. LAC #4142189. Click to view PDF. Click to view detailed photos (PDF) taken of the above plan by my colleague Duncan Williams, author of the 2020 REDAN. See November 10, 2020. Click here to view the 2020 REDAN, page 78 - Belmont Battery and Black Rock Battery (PDF). This plan shows the Black Rock Battery in 1916, which was the Examination Battery of the day and alerted when the two newly purchased submarines, CC1 and CC2, secretly entered Esquimalt Harbour on August 5, 1914. Click here to view as a PDF. The two 12-pdr QF MK 1 AMTB guns were transferred to Golf Hill Battery in Work Point Barracks in 1940 for its armament, and replaced with the 3 12-pdr – 12-cwt QF guns in 1942 on a new platform immediately waterside of the north gun. Black Rock Battery - 1943/1944. Click to view the complete Gun Battery site. On a tour of the Dockyard on September 8, 2019 with Peter Fraser, we discovered the mounting platform for the three guns, the guns having been removed in 2017 and placed in storage.
FORT MACAULAY Today I had the pleasure of introducing Fort Macaulay to eight members of the 5th (BC) Field Regiment. As recruits in the local artillery Reserve unit they were interested in visiting the Coast Defence Artillery site and were accompanied by a former Commanding Officer, Phil Sherwin. I presented them with Fort Macaulay pamphlets and the historical structures reference handout.
ART GALLERY OF GREATER VICTORIA For a different perspective on Macaulay Point, a painting by Emily Carr - 1924, is exhibited at the Art Gallery, on display from June 29th to October 27th, part of the SOBEY family collection.
DONALD MACAULAY
LOOKOUT Gary Restell Lookout July 2, 2024 - Click to view Sleuthing Commissionaire Solves WW1 Picture Puzzle (PDF). Also see January 17, 2024. ED WIDENMAIER Sadly, today, Ed Widenmaier passed away at his home after a battle with numerous health issues. Chink, as he was notoriously nicknamed, was a friend to all, a generous person who contributed to the welfare of as many comrades, issues and events as he could. Known for his many Cadillacs and bad jokes! he also spent many hours as a volunteer at the CFB Esquimalt Base Museum, looking after the QOR of C and PPCLI exhibits. In 2018 he directed pedestrian and vehicle traffic at Fort Macaulay Day dressed in a vintage QOR of C uniform. RIP my friend …. We’ll miss you …. See Fort Macaulay May 26, 2018 video for Chink in action that day!
CRAIG COTTER GHOST STORY ABOUT FORT MACAULAY An imaginable ghost story by Craig Cotter, Director 5th (BC) Artillery Regiment Museum. He also created the diorama of an original 7” RML gun on display at Fort Macaulay Day on May 25th, 2024.
50th REGIMENT (GORDON HIGHLANDERS) This item brings together a number of publications from the COLONIST regarding the formation of an eight Company, Militia Highland Regiment, the 50th Regiment, Gordon Highlanders. Organized on August 15, 1913, the unit to be headquartered in Victoria, B.C., specifically at 1175 Fort Street. For other related newspaper clippings between February 20, 1913 to July 11, 1914, see February 9, 2012, and THE BRAZIER October 2012. Also see November 30, 1913 (27). MACAULAY PLAINS In the area once referred to as Macaulay Plains, specifically south of Munro Street, where the softball diamonds were situated until used as a staging area for the modified Macaulay Point Pump Station as you see it today, and sometimes referred to as “South Work Point.” Army Signallers are utilizing it for training in radio mast setup and take down this week. Additional radio vans were assembled at Work Point.
MACAULAY PLAINS
BEACON HILL PARK
WORK POINT The Transport Building in Work Point, building WP 1119, is no more, being demolished this week as planned. A new building WP 1377 is intended to replace this 1943 building on the existing foundation. That was confirmed today as the contractor is leaving the foundation in tact.
COLONIST CFB Esquimalt Building D85 To Be Renamed The Department of National Defence is renaming a building at CFB Esquimalt in honour of an early submariner who was born in Duncan. Click here to view the Victoria Times Colonist article (PDF). FHBRO-89-202 Dockyard Report With Reference to Building D85 This report by the FHBRO includes reference to building D85 built in 1898. See pages 40, 41, 42, 48, 59, 78, 79 and 80, also FHBRO report 85-001 and the Heritage Character Statement. Click to view report (large PDF). The Building Evaluation Report (BER) scored 58 points. Click to view PDF. Click to view FHBRO D85 Heritage Character Statement from Parks Canada website. CFB ESQUIMALT NAVAL AND MILITARY MUSEUM The PPCLI exhibit at the Base Museum, building N 39 in the historic “Museum Square,” is nearing its upgrade completion, only the text signage needs to be finalized and some items placed in the drawers of the oak cabinet hand crafted by PPCLI Association member Gerry Nugent. There is a lot of Work Point Barracks content displayed here, as well as Regimental reference. As well, a QOR of C display is in the same building, they were also stationed at Work Point Barracks.
COLONIST Defence Minister Promises to "Unlock" DND Lands for Housing CTV NEWS National Defence Announces New Military Housing Complex in BC WORK POINT The Victoria Branch of the PPCLI Association hosted the 110th Anniversary of the founding of the PPCLI at Work Point on Saturday. A BBQ was held and a photo was taken. The PPCLI had garrisoned Work Point Barracks on three occasions: B Company, 1920 to 1939, 1 PPCLI from 1957 to 1963 and from 1970 to 1994. Cairn Grove at the Lyall Street entrance contains cairns to commemorate their three eras at Work Point in 2014, placed by the PPCLI Association, and the 100 year anniversary of Work Point Barracks itself in 1987 by 3 PPCLI. The third cairn is for the 150-year anniversary of the QOR of C, placed in 2010.
FHBRO I have just been informed that the Federal Heritage Buildings Review Office (FHBRO) has been recently renamed the Federal Heritage Review Office (FHRO). OPCMH There have been 1,483,725 hits on this website as of this date. WORK POINT BARRACKS The graduation ceremony was held today for the RAVEN PROGRAM after six weeks of Basic Military Qualification training at Work Point. This program, for indigenous peoples from across Canada, is conducted through the HMCS VENTURE Leadership, Conduct and Culture Division. This year, 31 trainees were enrolled and graduated, with a parade and awards presented. WORK POINT BARRACKS Today was an excellent day for a one and a half hour tour of Work Point which I conducted for people from the CFB Esquimalt Naval and Military Museum: Curator Tatiana and two summer students, Mel and Oscar. Unfortunately we didn’t get to access any of the buildings but the 1987 100 year anniversary of Work Point Barracks program has a great aerial photo for reference. We also paid a quick visit to 445 Head Street, the former Guardhouse, now the office for the Salish Seaside RV Resort and Marina. It has been nicely renovated inside, two of the original cells are evident and the exterior has been repainted recently. A lot of fond memories there. While showing them the three commemorative cairns in front of building WP 1004, I asked about what they may call this specific location. “Cairn Grove” came to mind as there are beautiful trees adjacent to the cairns, I think this will stick! WORK POINT BARRACKS
I was fortunate enough to attend the graduation ceremony for this course today, it brought back memories of my own training in the day long ago. Some of these young soldiers will be joining the Brigade Group in Latvia in the near future, so they were advised at the closure of the course. Work Point was found to be a very suitable location, and perhaps will host more courses soon. FORT MACAULAY Today cousin Mike and I did some catch-up painting and bush cutting at the fort, sister Marilyn came by to assist and take care of some of the grounds! Many walkers including some people for the first time enjoyed the historical waterfront fortress and commented on how it is very pleasant when the structures look cared for. We also watched the 127 year-old “DOROTHY” sailboat and its sail-past with the accompanying CLASSIC BOATS in Victoria Harbour. Now perhaps one more “fall” maintenance visit to the fort to keep up the inviting presence prior to winter, there is an endless “wish-list” of projects to do from a personal level. Thanks to the Esquimalt Parks crew for their efforts in keeping up the park’s appearance as well. The FORT MACAULAY lapel pins are a hit with visitors and residents alike, we have a few left .... WORK POINT BARRACKS TIME GUN Work Point Time Gun ... Some time in the first half of 1968, under the command 1 QOR of C, the TIME GUN’S life came to an end. After the DND HQ discovered that an infantry rifle battalion had in its possession a 25 pdr gun (or perhaps it was a 17 pdr Anti-tank gun) at the saluting battery, it was removed under order. The battalion had ignored the situation in order to keep it but to no avail. Various time guns had been a feature of the military in Victoria and then Work Point Barracks in Esquimalt since 1888, initiated by C Battery at Beacon Hill Park as a noon day firing. October 1, 2024 Site hits today are 1,489,396 ... at … 10:15 am. WORK POINT 219 Anson Crescent - WP 1210 - Built in 1940 by H Pattison, this house was expropriated in 1941 by the DND, one of 12 remaining in Work Point. It is currently undergoing deconstruction and renovating to a point where a second floor is to be added, maintaining an existing residential housing unit with increased family capacity upgrades. Wonderful to live there!
This building, geographically located on Harrison Point, is adjacent to where a searchlight was situated during WW 2, remnants of the engine room can still be seen in the small cove at the rear of the property. See October 8, 2018.
This searchlight was a concentrated beam type, operated as a fighting light from Fort Macaulay, and was number 11 of the 17 in the WW 2 era of Victoria Esquimalt defences.
Also noticeable today were small, unfinished, prefabricated outside storage sheds being added to a number of the Residential Housing Units in the area. This may relate to the works compound opposite the Macaulay Point Pump Station noticed earlier in September by those of us that keep an eye out on items of interest within Work Point and Macaulay Point.
“Courage is rightly considered the foremost of the virtues, |
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