Gentlemen,

I've come across this photograph of a group of Canadian Army officers either on course or attending a conference. All of them are from the combat arms. By the wearing of trews, I've identified three of the officers as Black Watch (there could be more); the second from the left and the first and third from the right all in the first row. I don't know who they are.

Also in the photograph (I'm about 90% sure) is John de Chastelain. He's seventh from the left in the middle row.

Can anyone identify the three Black Watch officers, and provide any details as to where or when this photograph was taken? The copy I have is undated, etc.

I'm posting a smaller image (800px) below.



I've also created a 3000px version should anyone want to take a closer look:
i177.photobucket.com/albums/w231/exspy/D...tchOfficers.jpg.html

Anything that can be provided, even speculation, would be appreciated.

Cheers,
Dan.

I've been reliably informed that the RHC officer second from the left in the first row is Mike Kelly. It's also now believed that this photograph is from a company / squadron commanders course at the Royal Canadian School of Infantry at Borden. The exact date is still unknown.

Cheers,
Dan.

Well, no good deed goes unpunished. My 'reliable' identification of Mike Kelly might have been in error. It may actually be Stu MacAulay. Third from the right in the front row is Ron McConnell. Sig Anderson is the first on the right of the front row.

I've also been informed that Chuck McCabe is first left of the second row, and that Vern McKeen is second from the right of the second row.

The location of the photograph is the Combat Arms School at CFB Borden. It was taken during the Fall of 1968 and shows the first serial of the Combat Arms Advanced Officers Course. Colonel Curt Greenleaf (first row, centre) was the Commandant of the School at the time. Don Holmes, The RCR, was the Chief Instructor.

Cheers,
Dan.

PS: And that is John de Chastelain in the second row, seventh from the left.

I don't think you've identified Chuck McCabe correctly. I think he had more hair than that but you could ask Chuck himself.

Ted,

Thanks for the reply. I was hoping for help from the members in positively identifying everyone in the photograph. Myself and the other super sleuths putting names to faces have so far completed about 80% of the project.

Chuck McCabe was identified by the person standing behind him, Joe Aitchison. He seemed pretty sure in his response, but if Chuck were to say it wasn't him then it wasn't him. Unfortunately I've never met Chuck McCabe and would have no idea as to how to reach him and ask him.

The one Black Watch officer that we are having trouble identifying is the second officer from the left in the front row. He's been identified as either Stu MacAulay, Mike Kelly, or Don Ludlow.

As well, it's been determined that the second officer from the right in the middle row is not Vern McKeen but Lew West, RCA.

The search continues.

Cheers,
Dan.

That officer you mentioned front row second is definately Stu MacAulay. I had him as a company commander while we were in Jamaica and he was the one who was going to court martial me for getting burnt. I'd know that face anywhere.

Ted,

Excellent information. I'll confirm that the officer is Stu MacAulay on the photograph info. Joe Aitchison also identified that officer as Stu. Since you and Joe are in agreement, nothing else needs to be done. Do you have anymore stories?

Can you confirm the other Black Watch officers? Or any of the others? Chuck McCabe notwithstanding, of course.

Cheers,
Dan.