1 Airborne
Troop RCE
1952 - 58
The 1946 Canadian/US Basic Security Plan (BSP)
called for Canada to have a battalion combat team prepared to respond to a
possible Soviet threat. To fulfill this requirement, an
airborne/air-transportable active-force brigade was to have been created.
Finally in 1948, the Princess Patricia's Canadian Light Infantry (PPCLI)
Battalion in Calgary became the first active-force infantry regiment to
undergo parachute and air-transportability training
In 1950, the Royal Canadian Regiment (RCR's) transferred to airborne
status, while the Royal 22nd Regiment (R22eR - the Van Doos) did so in
1951. The three infantry units, along with similarly trained support arms
became Mobile Strike Force (MSF).
In 1950, 23 Field Squadron RCE - located at Camp Chilliwack BC, starts
to form a troop trained in the Airborne role to give support to Mobile
Strike Force. By 1951 the unit has almost a troop of jumpers. However as
the Squadron is slated to go to Korea, thus the airborne element is
segregated from the Squadron. 1 Airborne Troop RCE is formed in January 1952 at Camp Chilliwack. Some Engineers returning from Korea join the
troop.
The last airborne undertaking by 23 Field Squadron occurred in November
1951, when a Squadron jump was organized on Sumas Prairie near Chilliwack.
When 23 Field Squadron returns from Korea in 1953, 1 Airborne Troop
moves to Currie Barracks, Calgary Alberta. The troop is a solely independent
unit with the same status as an infantry battalion. On 31
August 1958, 1 Airborne Troop RCE is disbanded at Currie Barracks, with
the termination of the MSF.
In the mid 1960's there is a jump troop within 1 Field Squadron, at Camp
Petawawa Ontario. Many of these jumpers joined the Canadian Airborne
Regiment during the summer of 1968.
(Note 1 Field Squadron is the former 23 Field Squadron. The unit did a
tour of Korea, was renamed, rotated to West Germany and then rotated
back to Camp Petawawa.)
Formed on 9 January 1952 at Camp Chilliwack
Relocated to Calgary in 1953
Disbanded on 31 August 1958
|
Troop Commanders |
| Lt. (Capt) W.J. Dickson |
1952 |
| Capt A. B. MacDonald |
1952 - 1954 |
| Lt (Capt) G. K. Wells |
1954 - 1955 |
| Lt (Capt) N. Henderson |
1955 - 1956 |
| Capt J. G. Forth |
1956 - 1958 |
| Capt I. R. Ballantyne |
1958 |
|
Troop SSgt |
| SSgt J Mitges |
1952 |
| SSgt D. Granger |
|
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