Buried beyond history

[John McGillivray]

Originally Posted by maple_leaf_eh

In 1974 a frag' grenade exploded in a pyrotechnics safety lecture at the Camp Valcartier army cadet summer camp. Six boys died and 54 cadets were injured. << http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/10148751-as-you-were>>

It seems a long-service but disinterested Regular Force officer was in a rush to do anything other than teach cadets. Over a span of several days which included a live fire grenade range, crossloading of crates of dummy and live frag grenades, and arriving at the cadet camp. The investigation concentrated on finding out if one of the kids had brought the grenade into the lecture, with no regard for the grieving of teenage boys alone and away from their families. The kids were terrorized by the investigators, and extremely little information or reassurance about the accident. They were civilians wearing uniforms. Although not subject to the Code of Service Discipline, they were ordered not to talk or tell anyone.

The survivors carried tremendous Post Traumatic Stress into the adult lives. Some did not survive or thrive. Others became investigators. The result has only this year been recognition of the accident, the commissioning of a more therapeutic investigation and the possibility of survivors pensions.

I know three of the cadets, either as hometown friends or as reserve acquaintances. If I'd joined cadets a year earlier, I could have been in that lecture.

I was in Valcartier that summer on my Arty Tech course, and remember that night very well. One of my friends there that summer was a medic and one of the responders.

[maple_leaf_eh]

Originally Posted by John McGillivray

I was in Valcartier that summer on my Arty Tech course, and remember that night very well. One of my friends there that summer was a medic and one of the responders.

VERY OFF TOPIC

Ah, the tradition of pin ups is strong. Was that a CP inside a cargo Deuce?

[John McGillivray]

Originally Posted by maple_leaf_eh

VERY OFF TOPIC

Ah, the tradition of pin ups is strong. Was that a CP inside a cargo Deuce?

Yes. Each Arty unit would build their own GPOs and Battery CPs. ¾ tons would be fitted out as GPOs while Deuces would be used for the Bty CP. The one in the photos belongs to X Bty 5RALC.

[Howard]

G'Day all,
I've spoken to some people about us being involved in this year's commemeration.
At this point all energies are being focused upon the Gallipoli 100 year ANZAC service, but it seems likely that the will be a special commemoration of the tragedy.
More news as it comes to hand.
H

[Howard]

G'Day All,
The word is:
Members of the public are welcome to attend. Normally, those attending park at the Kapooka entrance and are bussed to the site.
The officer in charge would like to see some MV's there, but space is limited, and therefore there are logistics and safety concerns to be addressed.
I need to know some firm numbers of who would like to attend with their MV.
PM me or email me please.
Thanks In Advance
H

[Ganmain Tony]

As discussed over the phone - I'm in

[Howard]

Finally, I received word back from Kapooka today.
As previously stated, the service is open to the public. However they have a specific request for those of us attending in MV's.

The service is 2.00pm 21st May

I have been instructed to have any MV's parked before this time, suggested 1.45pm.
I suggest we assemble at San Isidore, on the corner of Kapooka Rd and Benedict Ave, BEFORE 1.30pm. Those of us in Civy vehicles can park there and catch a ride in the MV's.
Important to note, no access will be available from the South (off Olympic Highway) before or during the service. Guests are parking at the Kapooka front gates, and then being bussed out to the site. Traffic from the North will be closed shortly before the service as well, which is why we have to be there early.
So far we have one blitz, a Harley & sidecar, and possibly two jeeps.
Please if you are able come along. 70th anniversary don't come around too often in one man's lifetime.
Email me if you intend on coming.
Cheers
H