CFTA Meaford

[Wayne McGee]

I knew Ipperwash as a Cadet, 2 weeks (Julliet(?))'68, 6 weeks Fox-trot Coy'69, 6 weeks Hotel Coy '70.
Gaurds RSM Bennet, what an evil excuse for a human being he was. A Parade Square Voice that would simultaneously loosen your bowels and tighten your sphincter.....Magnificent!
One July morning they set up B&W TV sets on tall stands around the inside walls of the Drill Hall, marched us all in, shoulder to shoulder dressing, stood at ease and watched Neil Armstrong walk on the Moon.
Once,(and only once), I feigned illness to avoid Church Parade, my Militia Sect Comd, Sgt MacNab (a rather Howdy-Doodyish looking character from the Hasty P's), scrawled a line in the dirt in the shape of a square out back of our shacks, ordered me to police up butts, and then to stand the butts on end on his "square" in the formation of Companies In Line, At The Advance. He then left me for Church Parade. When he returned, he carefully examined my Cigarette Butt Battalion, then snapping to attention, looked me in the eye and almost whispered the words of command,"Battalion Will Move To The Right In Column Of Route....Right Turn."
While the rest of the Company went off to the kitchen for Freshie and Ice Cream, I was left pivoting hundreds of butts a 1/4 turn and moving all the Parade Appointments to Column of Route.

Never missed another Church Parade!

Cheers