Lord Strathcona's Horse (Royal Canadians) Regimental Society

Dear Strathcona Family,

The May 2026 Regimental Society Newsletter is ready for viewing. Please share with your networks.

To view the newest edition, visit our website:

https://www.strathconas.ca/uploads/files/newsletters/2026-May_Newsletter.pdf

As always, your Newsletter team looks forward to your comments and future submissions. Send them to [email protected].

Perseverance,

The deadline for applications for the 2026 Capp Award in Support of the Arts Scholarship Program is fast approaching.

For full details on eligibility criteria, the application process, and to access the scholarship application form, please visit the Regimental Society Website. Completed applications, including all required enclosures, must be received by the Regiment no later than 5 June 2026. Please note that late or incomplete applications will not be considered.

Visit www.strathconas.ca/capp-award-scholarship-program for more information and to apply.

Strathcona Enews - CoTR Strathcona Day Message
Since 1957, our Regiment has commemorated Strathcona Day that honours the heroic actions of Lord Strathcona’s Horse (Royal Canadians) during the crossing of the Melfa River in the Second World War Italian campaign.

Reading the accounts of the action - such as J.M. McAvity’s A Record of Achievement - one cannot help but feel both awe and pride in the deeds of our Regiment during one of the largest Canadian tank battles of the war. At the same time, descriptions of such complex fighting can seem almost surreal; the mental picture painted rarely captures the full reality of the experience on the ground.

The Regiment’s observance of Melfa River in 2004 addressed this. Under the direction of the Regimental Sergeant Major, then-Chief Warrant Officer Russ Ells, an Officer and Senior NCO professional development day was held on the Melfa Crossing, featuring presentations by B Squadron and a large terrain model of the battlefield. What made the occasion truly exceptional, however, was the participation of Strathcona veterans of Melfa River - Bill Milroy, Bud McLean, Val Reimer, and Padre Bob Greene - complemented by a recorded commentary from George Wattsford. (An excellent account of this session is then-Lieutenant Sandy Cooper’s article in the 2004 Strathconian).

Read the entire message from the Colonel of the Regiment-https://mailchi.mp/strathconas.ca/strathcona-enews-cotr-strathcona-day-message

Registration is now open for the HSMGT, Friday 24 July 2026 at the CFB Kingston Garrison Golf & Curling Club (GGCC). The form can be found at this link:http://strathconas.ca/uploads/files/EnewsAttachments/HSMGT%202026%20Registration%20Form.pdf and contains all necessary tournament and registration information.

Please note the registration deadline of 12:00 10 July 2026, and that we are limited to 96 golfers and 20 "dinner only" attendees. Registrations will be accepted in the order they are received and registration is only considered complete when we have received your correct information on the form, your fees and it is confirmed by return e-mail. Therefore, please register early and make maximum use of electronic transmission, especially considering continuing Canada Post issues. It would be greatly appreciated if you're registering an entire/part of a team that you include everyone on one form with the payment coming as one lump sum and coordinate internal payment within your foursome - it makes for less transactions and administration for your volunteers.

On the day itself, our registration desk will open at 11:00, briefing/rules at 12:30, and play begins at 13:15. We will of course be selling individual mulligans, each of which gives you one "do over", the proceeds of which go to charity, and also gives you a ticket toward prize draws. We are again having a putting competition this year, so you can show your prowess on the greens, possibly win some cash and generate further donations for the Cancer Society in Henry's name.

As well, don't forget to attend the Annual RCAC Family BBQ in Perth the next day - further information will be provided.

If you know of someone who served in the RCAC or a family member of someone who did, and would like to participate but is not receiving these messages, have them email us ([email protected]) to be added to the list.

We look forward to seeing you at this wonderful Corps opportunity to reconnect with friends, while having fun and raising money for charity.

The deadline for applications for the CPKC/Regimental Society Scholarship program is fast approaching.

The application form is to be completed with all necessary enclosures to reach the Regiment not later than end of day on the last business day of May. Late or incomplete applications will not be considered.

Visit https://strathconas.ca/cpkc-regtl-society-student-scholarship-program?mid=0 for more information and to apply.

**REMINDER**

You are invited to the second annual Strathcona Memorial Meet-up in Montreal now taking place on SUNDAY MAY 17th at 10h50

Location: Strathcona Monument Dorchester Square

Schedule: 11h00 Toast to the fallen with Strathcona Whiskey (or non-alcoholic drink) followed by Lunch at The Peel Pub (right across the street)

Any Strathconas and Spouses in the area are more than welcome. If you haven’t already done so, please RSVP to Tony Capozzi (Capp) [email protected]

Dress: Casual

Dear Strathcona Family,

The Regiment congratulates Lieutenant-General D.A. Macaulay on his appointment as the Senior Military Representative – Indo-Pacific. This important and strategically significant appointment reflects General Macaulay’s exceptional leadership, operational acumen, and steadfast service to Canada and the Canadian Armed Forces over a distinguished career. Throughout his service, General Macaulay has consistently exemplified the highest standards of professionalism, judgement, and dedication, bringing great credit to the Regiment and the broader Armour Corps.

The Regiment also recognizes Lieutenant-General S.R. Kelsey as he prepares to retire following exemplary service as Vice Chief of the Defence Staff since 2024. General Kelsey’s career has been defined by extraordinary leadership, unwavering commitment to soldiers, and remarkable contributions to the Canadian Army and the institution as a whole. His steady leadership at the highest levels of the Canadian Armed Forces has left a lasting impact across the profession of arms.

With LGen Macaulay assuming the title of Senior Serving Strathcona from LGen Kelsey, the Regiment marks the continuation of a proud lineage of distinguished service and leadership. We extend our deepest gratitude to LGen Kelsey for his decades of devoted service and offer our sincere congratulations to LGen Macaulay as he assumes both this important new appointment and the mantle of Senior Serving Strathcona.

Fellow Strathconas,

It is with deep regret that I inform you of the passing of Corporal (Retired) Michael (Mike) Kenneth Aucoin, who died on 6 May at the age of 56.

Born on 30 December 1969, Mike enrolled in the Canadian Army in January 1989. Upon completion of his basic and crewman training, he joined Lord Strathcona’s Horse (Royal Canadians) in Calgary in August of that year. Mike served as both a tracked vehicle and Cougar driver before being posted to Training Support Squadron at the Armour School in 1995. In February 1999, he retired from the Canadian Armed Forces to pursue a civilian career in technology.

Corporal (Retired) Aucoin will be fondly remembered as a Strathcona who never hesitated to step forward and lend a hand whenever needed. Known for his sense of humour, love of a good joke or prank, and unmistakable laugh, Mike was someone who could always lift the morale of those around him.

A funeral service for Mike will be held at 1100 hrs on 6 June at Holy Rosary Parish, 40 Rosary Drive, Sydney, Nova Scotia.

Those wishing to share anecdotes or memories of Mike are encouraged to send them to his brother, Jim Aucoin, by 5 June:

Text: 506-292-2307
Mail: 23 Tanglewood Close, Fredericton, NB E3B 0Y4

The Regiment extends its deepest sympathies to Mike’s family and friends during this difficult time.

Perseverance,

Dear Strathcona Family,

I would like to announce that MWO Ben Holmes will be promoted and assume the position as Regimental Sergeant Major of our Regiment on June 26th. MWO Holmes is an exceptional soldier and our Regiment will be very well served by our incoming RSM.

Additionally, as previously communicated, CWO Nathan Mills will be appointed as the 1 Canadian Mechanized Brigade Sergeant Major on June 29th. This appointment reflects a career defined by exceptional soldiering, steadfast leadership, and an unwavering commitment to the highest standards of professionalism. His selection for this critical appointment is a testament to the respect he has earned across the Army and to the tremendous example he has set for all Strathconas.

On behalf of the entire Regimental Family I offer our sincere congratulations to these exceptional Strathconas.

Perseverance,

LCol A. Nitu, CD
Commanding Officer

Exercise OAK RESOLVE was the culminating event for Bulldog Squadron, marking the completion of the Multinational Battle Group Latvia’s Combat Readiness Evaluation. The exercise ran from 20–27 April 2026 in the Adazi Training Area and brought together multiple nations into a combined arms grouping for realistic and demanding training.

Prior to deployment, Bulldog Squadron was provided with multiple attachments from other sub-units to form a combat team. These attachments included E54, an engineering troop from 1 CER that has been integrated into the squadron since arrival; I11, a mechanized infantry platoon from 2RCR; and, at times, additional engineering assets from E1 (Spanish engineers) and a Forward Observation Officer. This grouping was led by T59, Maj Bryce Simpson, and worked as a cohesive team throughout the duration of the exercise. Read more at: https://www.strathconas.ca/ex-oak-resolve?mid=0