VIII Recce questions

[Bill Miller]

Hello,

I am looking into some family history for a friend who had an uncle KIA while serving with the VIII Recce (L53542 Tpr. L A Charbonneau, KIA Jan 29/45). He had signed up with the regiment in early '41 in Saskatoon, was on strength with "B" Squadron, 6 troop when killed. (Killed while clearing some AP mines.)

We have the man's service records and now he's interested in learning more about the history of the unit. I can't tell him more than a few basics and I am stumped as to come up with any kind of comprehensive unit history? I know there was a privately published history at the end of the war, "Battle History of the Regiment: 14 Cdn Hussars" by (Major?) BM Always... but be damned if I can find a copy of it anywhere.

Does anyone here have a copy of this elusive book?

Also, What was their WE for vehicles?? Seems from the little information I have found they did not use gun tanks like the South Alberta's (29CARR), but drove an assortment of armoured cars, half tracks and carriers?? Is that correct? Any enlightment would be appreciated.

Bill.