Tradition restored

Ret. Major Ian Inrig at Remembrance Day cermonies in Picton in this archive photo.

Military branches regain ‘royal’ designation

What’s in a word? If the word is “royal”—quite a lot actually. Last week Defence Minister Peter Mackay quietly announced that three branches of Canada’s military will restore their historic names and the word royal will once again become part of the official designation for Canada’s air force and navy.

It has been a long time coming. Too long for many veterans and others interested in Canada’s military history.

The Royal Canadian Navy assumed the regal designation in 1910. Royal Canadian Air Force took the designation when it was formed in 1924. The Canadian Army, following the tradition of the British, reserved the ‘Royal’ designation for its regiments including the Royal Canadian Artillery.

Hundreds of thousands of Canadian had fought and died under these designations. But in the midsixties Canada was beginning to assert a new independence with a new flag and Expo 67, proclaiming Canada’s newfound confidence to the world. For some this meant throwing off the remnants of a colonial past.

Canada’s military had another problem. There was a tremendous amount of waste and duplication “and triplication” created by the intense rivalries that existed between service branches. This was particularly acute between the Air Force and the Navy, according to Ian Inrig, who retired with the rank of major after 36 years of service in 1990.

Then-Defence Minister Paul Hellyer, with the urging of Air Force Group Captain Bill Lee, implemented a bold and controversial solution—removing the walls between Canada’s armed forces. No longer would there be a Chief of Naval Staff, Chief of Air Staff and Chief of Defence Staff, each “planning for different kinds of wars” according to Hellyer.

“Had he stopped there, it might have been okay,” says Inrig. “But he pushed for full unification including one common uniform. It caused a whole lot of bitterness.”

Inrig contends that Hellyer was motivated by leadership aspirations as it became clear that then-Prime Minister Lester Pearson, who had failed to win a majority after two attempts, was ready to step aside.

“He believed that his pitch ‘look what I did with armed forces—guess what I can do for Canada’ would appeal to the delegates.”

It didn’t. Hellyer lost that bid to an up-and-comer from Quebec, Pierre Elliott Trudeau.

Margetson served in the 3rd Medium Regiment of the Royal Canadian Artillery.

Now, some 43 years later the three branches have restored their names: the Royal Canadian Navy, the Canadian Army and Royal Canadian Air Force.

Inrig says that restoring the terms Navy (rather than Maritime Command) and Air Force (rather than Air Command) and Army (rather than Land Force Command) is as significant as returning to the ‘royal’ designation.

Defence Minister Peter Mackay with Prince Edward-Hastings MP Daryl Kramp and Trenton Base Commander Lt. Col. Dave Cochrane at a ceremony in Ameliasburgh earlier this

“The navy is once again a navy—not a command,” said Inrig. “It is a good thing. It assists in the perpetuation of tradition and history.”

He believes it sends the right signal to military families, veterans and Canadians.

“It reinstates the distinction and history of the services without tearing them apart. It is meaningful particularly to vets, but also new guys entering the service.”

Ralph Margetson served with the 3rd Medium Regiment of the Royal Canadian Artillery as they pushed through France in the summer of 1944. He has seen the brutality of war and the enormous human sacrifice that soldiers and their families make.

For Ralph Margetson it is a good thing that the historic names have been restored. He is less clear about the broader significance. He’s cynical about politicians changing names and titles, and wonders if it’s more more fashion than serious consideration of history and tradition.

He is becoming more skeptical of a modern generation’s ability to truly understand this nation’s military heritage.

“Most of our traditions and regulations have descended from the British system,” said Margetson explaining why the designation is historically relevant and should remain intact. “But I can’t understand why it was brought up—there was no public debate. I don’t know why it is an issue now. I don’t think the general public could care less.”

MP Daryl Kramp applauds the move.

“I think it is recognition that everything we have evolved from has been derived from the British tradition,” said Kramp. “We can’t just sever that.

“When you look how fractured the U.S. system is right now I think we can say with some pride that our traditions and heritage have served this country well.

“I’ve talked with many in the forces—and I can tell you this decision has been very well received. With a strong United Empire Loyalist tradition in the County it is being well-received here as well.”