44 Engineer Squadron to Celebrate 75 Anniversary with Parade and Open House
By Lone Sheep Publishing
The 44 Engineer Squadron, a proud part of the Canadian Army Reserve, will be celebrating its 75th anniversary on Saturday, Oct. 5. To mark this significant milestone, the squadron invites the public to a Freedom of the City Parade in downtown Trail and an Open House at the LCol A.H. Kemball Armoury.
The Freedom of the City Parade will start at 10 a.m. from the Cenotaph on Pine Avenue and proceed to Trail City Hall. During this historic ceremony, the 44 Engineer Squadron will exercise the Freedom of the City of Trail, which was granted to the unit in 1989, by marching through the city. The Trail Pipes and Drums will join the squadron for the occasion.
Following the parade, the public is invited to attend an Open House and BBQ from 12 to 2 p.m. at the LCol A.H. Kemball Armoury at 1990 7th Avenue in Trail. Attendees will have the opportunity to explore several displays, featuring a range of equipment used by the squadron. Complimentary hot dogs, hamburgers, cake, and non-alcoholic beverages will be available, courtesy of the 39 Combat Engineer Regiment Association. No registration is required and all are welcome.
The squadron was officially established in 1947 but traces its origins back to the 54th Kootenay Battalion which was formed during the First World War. Over the past 75 years the 44th has contributed to national defense, responded to crises of all kinds here in Canada, and delivered valuable projects throughout the region. The squadron has deployed members on over a dozen international operations to countries including Ukraine, Afghanistan, Latvia, Bosnia, and Cyprus. Members have also deployed for numerous domestic operations for emergencies like fires, floods, and the Covid-19 pandemic as well as for major events like the 2010 Vancouver Olympics. The 44th has completed projects ranging from bridge construction to wetland restoration across the East and West Kootenay region. It is estimated that over one thousand Kootenay residents have served with the squadron through its history.
“The 75th anniversary is a meaningful occasion for us,” said Major Nils French, Commander of 44 Engineer Squadron. “It gives us the chance to look back on our legacy and the impact we’ve made in the Kootenays. We’re proud of our history and of our strong ties to the local community.
“We are looking forward to showing the public some of the capabilities of the squadron,” he added. “This Open House gives us the chance to connect with area residents and showcase the important work that military engineers do, both at home and abroad. It also gives the public a chance to see inside the armoury facility, which they can usually only see from the outside.”
44 Engineer Squadron is a Canadian Army Reserve unit that has armouries in Trail and Cranbrook. Soldiers of the 44th are paid to serve part-time from September to May on Thursday evenings and one weekend per month. They must complete four to six weeks of paid training each summer in their first two to three years and also have the option to be employed full time from May to August. Engineers build everything the army needs and ensure it can get everywhere it needs to go. They are the army’s experts on road and bridge construction, fortification, boat operations, explosives, and more. Anyone interested in joining can call (250) 368-2129.
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