What was your first CMP experience?

[RHClarke]

My introduction to the world of CMPs was at the hands of the Canadian Army. The Gregg Collection was sent out to the Home Station, Canadian Forces Base Shilo to be added to the Royal Canadian Artillery Museum. My regiment (in the Royal sense) asked all members to donate money towards the cost of the project. A special team was dispatched to remind all members that this was a Regimental project and that we were somewhat obliged to contribute. In my haste and youth, I declined to donate funds to the cause - despite the arm twisting and cajoling about Regimental pride.

Upon (early) retirement, my wife and I settled in the Ottawa region where I once again made contact with an old army chum, Mike Calnan. As most should know by this point, Mike, or Gunner, is the driving force behind the Swords and Ploughshares Museum. I volunteered at the museum and slowly but surely became smitten with the CMP trucks in general and with the HUP in particular.

In the Fall of 2002, Mike agreed to sell his HUP to me and the love affair has continued ever since. My 1945 HUP is named "Metal Mistress" and like a mistress (as I am told) she takes up a good portion of my time and treasure (one of which happens to be short supply at any given time). What else can I say except, love is blind.