Canadian Kangaroo Regiment Archive
PO Box 97082, Harvest Hills RPO T3K 0P2 Calgary, AB, Canada

Battledress blouse attributed to Trooper Arthur J Harman. One of the few Kangaroos to have served in Italy as well as Northwest Europe. Harman had been a member of the Calgary Tanks (14th Canadian Armoured Regiment) before serving with the Armoured Carrier Regiment. Harman suffered an extreme case of malaria while in Italy and was evacuated to England. Upon recovery, he was sent into the general reinforcement pool of Armoured troops in NWE. He joined the Kangaroos in December of 1944 in Tilburg, Netherlands. He was an electrician among the fitters of 'A' Squadron. (WJM)

Dear Friends; With only a handful of known Kangaroo veterans remaining, and 76-years later, the time as come to quietly fade away into history. To that end, as the 1st Canadian Armoured Carrier Regiment Association Chairman, I have decided, with a heavy heart, to officially dissolve the association as of 30 November 2020. Our Facebook group Canadian Kangaroo Regiment Association & Archive (the Archive) will carry on, on its own under a new name, which will be decided in th...e New Year. 23 November 2020 Mark W. Tonner, CD (Retired) 1st Canadian Armoured Carrier Regiment Association Chairman (Photo Source: 1 CACR Archive)

From 2014. The origins of our iconic insignia. (WJM)

Earlier in the year, the Archive was nominated for the 2020 Governor General's History Award for Excellence in Community Programming. We were short-listed in September. However, we've now received notice that we were not selected. "We want to emphasize that we received many excellent submissions this year and it was a difficult decision for the judges to select recipients. The judges were impressed by the quality of your submission and the great work that has been accomplish...ed. The Canadian Kangaroos Regiment Association & Archive has done tremendous work to create a virtual space dedicated to surviving veterans and their families. Your ongoing efforts to preserve and share veterans' authentic stories and artifacts will undoubtedly continue to have a positive impact." I am not at all surprised that were didn't take home the prize, there were many really great projects that submitted applications. However, I thought I should share this so that those who made the nomination suggestion know what happened. You can see the short-list here: https://www.canadashistory.ca//2020-shortlist-for-the-gove What's that they say? "It's an honour just to be nominated." (WJM)

Where do we go from here? (WJM)

Produced by CTV in Edmonton.

From Lynne Atkinson today, daughter of the late, great L/Cpl Carl Atkinson ('A' Squadron)... a beautiful tribute to Carl in his hometown. "My Dad. Thank you to the Town of Clark's Harbour (Leigh Stoddart) and two Legion volunteers, Dan Wiese and Stephen Ayres for installing the banners on the poles!" (WJM)... Photos: 1CACR Archive, courtesy Lynne Atkinson.

Trooper Armold Faragher in 2002, visits the memorial wall at Groesbeek War Cemetery in the Netherlands. The names inscribed there are for those missing and have no known grave. Mr. Faragher was one of several Kangaroos who returned to the Netherlands over the last few decades and paid their respect to their fallen comrades. The Canadian Armed Forces announced on November 2nd 2020, that an 'unknown' Canadian buried at Mook War Cemetery was confirmed to be Trooper Henry George ...Johnston. (WJM) Photo: 1CACR Archive. Hanno Spoelstra photo.

Known only to God. No more... A public headstone rededication ceremony for Trooper Johnston will take place at the Commonwealth War Graves Commission’s Mook War Cemetery in Limburg, Netherlands, at the earliest opportunity. (Sadly under the many COVID-19 restrictions, this could be a year or more away). His marker will be corrected to reflect his proper details of his service and date of death. M.8053 Trooper... H.G. JOHNSTON 1st Armoured Personnel Carrier Regiment 17th January 1945 Trooper Johnston dedicated his life in defence of peace and freedom during the Second World War. We honour him for his courage and selflessness. The service of this brave member will not be forgotten, as it continues to impact the way Canadians live today. As we approach Remembrance Day, all Canadians should appreciate that the Canadian Armed Forces’ Casualty Identification Program continues to identify the names and tell the stories of those who made the ultimate sacrifice for us. We will remember them. Lest we forget. The Honourable Harjit S. Sajjan, Minister of National Defence In a conflict as vast as the Second World War, it can be difficult to remember that behind every casualty was a human being with a life they left behind to serve. Events like this remind us of that. Trooper Johnston paid the ultimate sacrifice, and will finally receive the recognition he deserves. We remember him today. The Honourable Lawrence MacAulay, Minister of Veterans Affairs and Associate Minister of National Defence "Canadian troops proudly fought alongside our Allies during the Second World War, providing key ground support to the British-led operation that pushed back enemy troops on the Roer Front along the Dutch-German border. Trooper Henry George Johnston is part of a proud legacy of Canadians who fought valiantly during the fierce battles, demonstrating great courage and character in the face of tremendous adversity. Trooper Johnston will be honoured for his service and his sacrifice will forever remain in our memory." Lieutenant-General Wayne Eyre, Commander Canadian Army (WJM) Photos: 1CACR Archive (Johnston image). Ivo Wilms (Mook Cemetery images)

Yesterday, the Archive participated in a CTV interview jointly with some members of Trooper Johnston's family regarding the positive identification of the 'unknown' grave at Mook cemetery as that of the fallen Trooper. Johnston, a member of 'B' Squadron was killed during Operation Blackcock in January of 1945. Tentatively, the interviews should air on Remembrance Day, November 11 in Edmonton and likely Calgary on the 5, 6 and 11:30pm news as well as the CTV morning and noon n...ews on the 12th. I would also expect that it will appear in some other CTV broadcast markets nationally as well as sporadically on CTV NewsNet. Regardless of the television segments, it will also be available anytime online after Remembrance Day, and we'll post a link to it so it can be viewed right here. -Bill Miller Jr. @ the Archive in Calgary. Photo: 1CACR Archive. Melaine Kemp photo.

Getting ready for the television cameras this morning... (WJM)