[servicepub (RIP)]

I was a young subaltern (Lieutenant) in the Governor General's Foot Guards when Col. Galloway was Hon Lt-Col (I even dated his daughter once.) Strome was always bitter about not receiving any decorations during the war (DSO or MC) and I think that he got the short end of the stick. He was Acting CO of the RCR twice when, as Sr Major he took over. He was present for 24 of the 25 engagements for which the RCR earned Battle Honours (for the 25th he was LOB). During the Second World War he saw service in N. Africa with the Brits, and in Sicily, Italy and NW Europe with the RCR. He served again in Korea and commanded a battalion of the newly formed Cdn Gds. He was often outspoken and not politically correct (there is a great photo of him with a glass in hand (gin), blowing smoke in FM Montgomery's face during a visit to Canada - Monty was both teetotal and a non-smoker!
Galloway wasn't perfect. He was an Ontario Orangeman who had no time for francophones and this lost him much support in te Army at a time when Canada came to realise that francophones (in and out of Quebec) were equal Canadians. He and Dextrase (as CDS in the early 1970's) were as close to mortal enemies as you could find.
He ran, unsuccessfully, for political office, was heavily involved in the Cdn Heraldic Society and was co-founder of the Monarchist League.
I last saw Col Galloway at the 2003 US Ambassador's 4th of July bash in Ottawa. I went up and re-introduced myself to him, shook his hand and wished him well. He was a fine old character and Canada needs more lof them.