12th Field Regiment Royal Canadian Artillery 1940-1945
12th Field Regiment Royal Canadian Artillery 1940-1945
Thu, 18 Jun 2026 13:57:46 +0000
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12th Field Regiment Royal Canadian Artillery 1940-1945
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The Spirit of Remembrance ~ A Century of Service
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Sat, 30 May 2026 15:59:09 +0000
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A Century of Service: Honouring the Royal Canadian Legion’s Centenary 🇨🇦 and the 12th Field Regiment
The Spirit of Remembrance and the Power of Storytelling 🕊️
When our 12th Field Regiment Royal Canadian Artillery Documentary Project first began to mark the 70th anniversary, our goal was simple but profound: to preserve and share the important memories of Canada’s Phantom Regiment. The interviews and stories that made our project possible were a direct result of the generosity of our veterans. By bravely sharing their firsthand experiences—from the grimmest days in August 1944 to the joyful Easter weekend fraternizing in a liberated Holland in 1945—these veterans have helped bridge the gap between past and present.
Through this storytelling, we strive to connect modern Canadians with our nation’s significant military heritage. It is a reminder that the “light of peace” we enjoy today emerged from the darkness of war, thanks to those who stood strong in the face of fear 🕯️.
Celebrating 100 Years of Supporting the Veteran Community 🤝 This year, the spirit of remembrance takes on an even deeper meaning as we celebrate a once-in-a-lifetime milestone: the Centenary of the Royal Canadian Legion. Founded at the Unity Conference and officially incorporated on July 17, 1926, the Legion has spent a century standing with Veterans, advocating for their rights, and strengthening our communities.
For 100 years, the Legion’s mission has beautifully mirrored our own project’s goals: ensuring that the act of Remembrance continues and that the sacrifices of past generations are never forgotten 🎖️. It is because of organizations like the Legion that the vital support network for our veteran community remains strong today.
How You Can Keep the Spirit Alive 🍁 As we look back on the incredible legacy of the 12th Field Regiment and celebrate the Legion’s 100th anniversary, we encourage our community to get involved and honour those who served:
💻 Explore our Archives: Take a moment to read the stories, watch the videos, and view the Honour Roll of the brave soldiers of the 12th Field Regiment on our website.
🎟️ Join the Legion for Free: To mark this historic year, all Canadians who are not already members are invited to join the Royal Canadian Legion as Centenary Members at no cost.
🌷 Plant a Legion 100 Tulip: Consider planting the exclusive Legion 100 tulip to honour our Veterans and welcome the next century of remembrance across Canada.
Let us continue to stand together in remembrance, honouring the voices of our veterans and ensuring their legacy lives on for generations to come 🌺.
The Living Archive Remains Open
Perpetual Remembrance
Canada's Phantom Regiment
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80th Anniversary of the Liberation of the Netherlands
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Thu, 15 May 2025 19:59:19 +0000
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The “light of peace” that emerged from the darkness of war.
Canadian and International commemorative ceremonies marked the 80th anniversary of the Liberation of the Netherlands and Victory in Europe during April and May, 2025.
The CN Tower / Tour CN and other landmarks across Canada—and overseas—were lit in red and white. The colours symbolize the sacrifice of those who fought for freedom and the “light of peace” that emerged from the darkness of war.
Lest we forget—lest we forget!
" our parting gesture at the enemy that had so closely threatened to enslave the whole world "
It was very difficult to believe that our part of the War was finished after eleven months of fighting – they had been bitter, hard fought months all of them, but never once had our Brigade or Division suffered a serious set-back. For our part in it we could take second place only to the Infantry and that was a great source of pride to all of us. Proper celebrations took place without delay to mark the glorious occasion and at 0235 hours 5th May 45 the Rep at 8th Brigade ordered us to fire our SOS. It was the first time we had fired it since the Scheldt and it was our parting gesture at the enemy that had so closely threatened to enslave the whole world.
At 0800 hours came the “Cease Fire” from Division and immediately the Batteries began getting their guns on to hard surface roads as the rain had started again, and now that the war was over, no one wanted to be stuck in a mud hole.
Excerpts from Lieutenant Tom J. Bell in the History book of the 12th Field ” Into Action with the 12th Field” published in Holland after the war, 1945. ( page 138 )
Chapter Six of Seven: Belgium and the Liberation of The Netherlands - 40-minutes documentary excerpt
From our 10 year archives
Canada and the Netherlands keep the memories alive
The 70th Anniversary ‘s-Heerenberg, 1 April 2015
1945 Liberation Day May 2015 Ceremonies– Netherlands!
May 5th 1945 Liberation Day – Netherlands !
Stiff opposition with heavy shelling and mortar fire
First CANADIAN Field Regiment over the river RHINE
Survivor Testimonials
World War II Survivor – The Netherlands
” Give the Children Freedom ” Poem Reading 2015
Give the Children Freedom
Canada and the Netherlands commemorate the 70th Anniversary of the Liberation – April 2015!
Emotions run high during the Netherlands Ceremonies for the 70th
The Final Push 2015 – Liberation of the Netherlands 70th
The Final Push 2015 – Liberation of the Netherlands 70th
Village of Wagenborgen Memoriam
of fallen soldiers, including three soldiers of the 12th Field Canadian Artillery Regiment
HELPED TEND THE WOUNDED IN THE FACE OF ENEMY COUNTER-ATTACK
External Links:
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Passing Peacefully – Life message to family and friends
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Sat, 10 Aug 2024 14:15:06 +0000
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In memory of Gunner Russell Kaye
A peaceful departure for a dear friend, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, husband, uncle, soldier, gunner, wise, kind, generous, humble man!
It is with great sadness that the family of Russell Avard Kaye announces his passing peacefully at home in Parkland Place in Riverview with his family by his side on 7th August 2024 at the age of 100.
Russell will also be fondly remembered by his 11 grandchildren, numerous great-grandchildren, his brother Robert Kaye, and two sisters, Hazel Wheaton and Ruth Hughes, along with his many nieces, nephews, and many friends.
A celebration of Russell’s life will take place on
August 13th at 11:00 am
at Fair Haven Funeral Home,
1177 Salisbury Rd. Moncton NB.
Interment is to be held at Fair Haven Cemetery.
Fair Haven Funeral Home & Cemetery Obituary Link
D-Day 80 years Memorial - Interview featured by Wounded Warriors Canada
Featured video for D-Day Commemorations June 6, 2024, in Moncton, NB,From One Soldier to Another, Father and Son interview;link courtesy of Wounded Warriors Canada with an upbeat life message by Russell Kaye:
If you want to have a successful life, first of all, look after yourself.Make sure you’re healthy.You should make every effort you can to make wise decisions.If you’re working at a job, do your best thing you do and do it well. Yeah! You gotta keep an upbeat attitude and enjoy life as much as possible.Russell Kaye
Interviewer:Chief Warrant Officer, Christopher Kaye MMM, MSM, CD (Retired) Son of Centenarian Veteran Sir Russell KayeWounded Warriors Canada Interview January 2024
Video link on Facebook hereWounded Warriors Canada Facebook Link here
Links from our archives:
D-Day 80th Special Local Commemorations
Celebrating 96 years
November 6th, 2019, an interview with journalist, Alan Cochrane, Moncton Times
Message by Russell Kaye received July 1st, 2018
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D-Day 80 Special Events & Local Commemorations
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Mon, 03 Jun 2024 20:58:17 +0000
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June 6th, 2024, marks the 80th anniversary of D-Day
News Release31 May 2024 – Moncton, NB – Veterans Affairs Canada
We live in a country strong and free thanks to the one million Canadians who served in uniform during the Second World War and fought selflessly to achieve peace.Eighty years later, we are gathering to honour the brave men and women who answered the call of duty and served their country with courage, dedication, and selflessness.
A delegation including Second World War Veterans, their caregivers, and dignitaries will be in Moncton the week of June 3 for a number of commemorative activities. Public events on June 5 include a wreath-laying ceremony at the Dieppe Cenotaph, a sunset service at the Moncton Cenotaph, and a film screening at Victoria Park.
Her Excellency the Right Honourable Mary Simon, Governor General of Canada and Commander-in-Chief of Canada, and the Honourable Mélanie Joly, Minister of Foreign Affairs, representing the Government of Canada on behalf of the Honourable Ginette Petitpas Taylor, Minister of Veterans Affairs and Associate Minister of National Defence, will both attend the signature ceremony on June 6, which is also being held at Victoria Park.
On June 6th, 2024, during the official ceremony in Moncton, New Brunswick, for the 80th anniversary of D-Day, the French Ambassador will be presenting Centenarian Veteran Sir Russell Kaye the rank of Knight in the National Order of the Legion of Honor in recognition of his personal commitment during the campaign to liberate France in World War II.
By decree of August 6, 2019, the President of the French Republic appointed Royal Canadian Army, 12th Field Regiment Veteran Sir Russell Kaye, to the rank of Knight in the National Order of the Legion of Honor. The insignia was sent and received by mail, pending the presentation during an official ceremony.
6 juin 2024 — 14h30Cérémonie commémorativeParc Victoria 223 rue Weldon, Moncton (Nouveau-Brunswick)
Nous organiserons une cérémonie pour honorer et commémorer la participation du Canada au jour J et à la bataille de Normandie.
Quote:
“On D-Day, we remember the 14,000 Canadian troops who stormed the beaches of Normandy in defence of freedom and liberty. They fought heroically; they helped liberate Europe; and they changed the course of history. This milestone 80th anniversary is an important opportunity to share their stories, commemorate their bravery, and pay tribute to their immeasurable service, sacrifice, and legacy.”
The Rt. Hon. Justin Trudeau, Prime Minister of Canada
Quick Facts:
The Allied high command launched the invasion of Normandy on June 6, 1944, a date that has become known to history as D-Day. On that day, a massive Allied force would cross the English Channel, heading for an 80-kilometre stretch of the Normandy coast. There were five landing zones assigned to the forces of Allied nations: Juno Beach (Canada); Gold Beach (United Kingdom); Sword Beach (United Kingdom and France); and Utah Beach and Omaha Beach (United States).
On August 25, 1944, the Allies liberated Paris, officially ending the Battle of Normandy.
More than 45,000 Canadians lost their lives during the Second World War, of whom over 5,000 were killed during the Battle of Normandy, including 359 of our soldiers on D-Day.
LINKS:
Commemorative-events-to-mark-80th-anniversary-of-d-day – Veterans Affairs Canada
D-Day 80 Remembrance
80th Anniversary of D-Day Events
Liste d’événements organisés au Canada et en France
Past articles – Veteran Russell Kaye
Pour souligner le 80e anniversaire de la bataille de normandie
80th Anniversary Juno Beach Centre
Canadian delegation will travel to France to commemorate the 80th anniversary
Prime Minister to travel to France to mark the 80th anniversary of D-Day
Débarquement de Normandie – Programme des cérémonies – France
Remembering D-Day and the Battle of Normandy – Royal British Legion
5-Priest-SP-12th Field-July 1944
Leave transit Camp-Calais France 1944
SP-ARTILLERY-FIRE-LCT-JUNE 6, 1944
Autie-Normandy-France July-1944