[Mark W. Tonner]

SUNRAY asked that I prepare and post an ‘AAR’ (After Action Report) in regards to the 2007 Annual Kangaroo Luncheon/Reunion: -

Saturday, 10 November 2007

Earlier today, my wife and I had the honour and privilege to have attended the Annual Kangaroo Luncheon/Reunion which was held in Toronto, Ontario. It was wonderful to be able to spend the afternoon with this fine body of men whom we and they refer to as 'Kangaroos'.

For these men who served with the 1st Canadian Armoured Carrier Regiment, C.A.C., their war ended 62 years ago, but to spend time with and talk with these 'Kangaroos' regarding their time spent within the ranks of the Regiment, whether it was in the beginning when an ad hoc unit of defrocked 'Priests' was brought together for Operation 'TOTALIZE' in August 1944, or still later with 1st Canadian Armoured Personnel Carrier Squadron, or finally with 1st Canadian Armoured Carrier Regiment, it was as if they were talking about yesterday. Although 62 years have passed and these men are well into their 80's and 90's, their memory of time served with 1 CACR and of those they served with, it was truly as if it were yesterday.

These very fine men, who gathered today, truly hold a unique place in the history of the Canadian Army, thousands of Canadian and British Infantrymen owe their lives to these men and their 'Tanks', as they themselves refer to either their 'Priest' or 'Ram' Kangaroo armoured personnel carriers. Although the number of original 'Kangaroos' is declining with each passing year, the concept of what brought this fine body of men together back in 1944, first as an ad hoc unit and then on a temporary basis (1 CAPC Sqn) until finally being 'stood up' as a Regiment and their subsequent deeds will never fade.

The photo below shows seven of these fine and unique veterans of the 1st Canadian Armoured Carrier Regiment, C.A.C., the youngest of who is 88 years of age, but you would never know it after having spent time with and talking to them, for them, the events of what they did in 1944-45, is still as clear as if were yesterday or only a couple of hours ago ......... the memory of the 'Kangaroos', nor their deeds, should ever be forgotten.

I will post more photos of today’s Annual Kangaroo Luncheon/Reunion tomorrow along with a report of the afternoon’s events.

To the men of the 1st Canadian Armoured Carrier Regiment, C.A.C., it was truly an honour and a privilege to spend the afternoon with you, on behalf of Denise and I, Thank You!