To our two friends in the UK- question: have either of you served?
My point is that only those who have served may judge... all others may hold their tongues.
Gilles' group is made up of retired artillery non-commissioned officers (you may have noticed that Gilles signs in as "CWO"... RSM to most of us) He has done the time and earned the t-shirt. I would suspect that the same goes for his large friend.
Gilles' group are not civilian re-enactors... they are old sweats who are affiliated to their old unit and are restoring and presenting one of the Regiments' old guns to keep alive the story of the 25 pounder (manufactured in Montreal by the way) for the unit, for the Forces and for the general public. They do this out of a love for the Gunner Colours- The Guns!
This is a forum for old truck collectors and Canadian made vehicle enthusiasts; one of our brothers, one who has a chest full of real medals, asked for help; how did some of us respond- with derision or criticism or both- FOR SHAME!
I am not given to long rants on this net as I feel that its better to educate, support and offer what meagre knowledge I can after 33 years of service and many more as a collector (Dad started me young!). Those that know me personally know that I'm an opinionated and overweight old so and so who has his own chestful of medals and still passes the Battle Fitness Test every year. I take personal umbrage to some of the comments I've read here. Lets get back to useful discussions about CMPs and helpful hints to friends.
Giff- if this barrage is off target you have my permission to delete it.
Gunner out!
