Royal Canadian Regiment

Lt-Col. V. Hodson

/ Matthew K Barrett / Leave a comment

Lieutenant-Colonel Vern Hodson
Royal Canadian Regiment
Hodson

The RCR CO, Lieutenant-Colonel Vernon Hodson, hated the staff—he said Staff College was a “forcing ground for shits”—and believed that decorations or praise shouldn’t be offered. But the drunks and incompetents were soon weeded out.

(Granatstein interview with Gen. Robert Moncel, Weight of Command, 77)

Born in London, England on 16 September February 1884, Vernon Hodson had been first commissioned with the Connaught Rangers in 1905 before immigrating to Canada. He joined the Permanent Force in 1913, mobilized with the RCR in September 1914, and went to France in November 1915. He was soon promoted to captain then major. On 9 October 1916 at the Somme, a piece of shrapnel tore through his helmet and head, fracturing his skull.

Continue reading →

Lt-Col. K.M. Holloway

/ Matthew K Barrett / Leave a comment

Lieutenant-Colonel K.M. Holloway
Royal Canadian Regiment
Holloway

This Officer has had long and distinguished service in the Canadian Permanent Militia. He served with his regiment and on the staff during the 1914-18 war and thereafter held various staff appointments throughout Canada … Since the outbreak of the present war he has been actively engaged in the training and education of the active reserve army.

 His instruction and organizing ability, combined with his never flagging keenness, understanding of condition, and helpful attitude, have placed him very high in the regard of all ranks. His zeal and industry are outstanding.

 (O.B.E. citation, 9 January 1943)

Born in Montreal 26 February 1890, Kenneth Maitland Holloway was a First World War veteran who had assumed command of the Royal Canadian Regiment in 1938. He had been commissioned in the Permanent Force since January 1912 and went to France with the regiment in November 1915.

Continue reading →