[Hanno Spoelstra]

Yesterday I had the pleasure of hosting Andrew E.M. Gregg and Charlotte Gregg, son and granddaughter of the well-known CMP collector and writer Bill Gregg (RIP). We talked about CMP trucks, the liberation of the Netherlands, veterans and the Dutch-Canadian connection. New friendships were made and plans for the future shared. Yesterday wasn’t the day for it, but the promise to take Charlotte on her first drive in a Ford CMP truck stands. Thanks Andrew and Charlotte!

Andrew E.M. Gregg wrote:

When my brothers and I were young our father Dr. Bill Gregg amassed a huge collection of Canadian military vehicles from the Second World War. By the time he was done there were over 60 jeeps, tanks, armoured trucks, etc. By 1988 it was too large to remain a private collection, so it was shipped to a new home CFB Shilo in Manitoba.
Dad's intent was to tell the story of Canada's industrial contribution to the war -- a country of 11 million designed and produced over 800,000 machines. Key among them was the unique "snub-nose" design of the CMP - Canadian Military Pattern truck.
Yesterday just outside of Leiden in the Netherlands my daughter Charlotte got to sit in a restored CMP, belonging to Hanno Spoelstra. Hanno had my Dad's book and said it was "the bible" for collectors in Europe. The Dutch have restored and preserved a veritable fleet of Canadian vehicles -- they represent the Canadian liberation of the Netherlands.
Brought back a tonne of memories. Thanks Hanno!