The Royal Westminster Regiment Museum

05/28/2026

As our volunteers ( Chris Young) looks into the history of the Armoury and Drill Shed he finds other things.

Who owns the 2 x Crimean 24lb smooth bore howitzers? Is it the City? Under a arrangement? Or the GOC. The cannons currently in the City of New Westminster Works yard. As they go through another restoration.

So, through Military District 11 documents the truth is revealed.

05/27/2026

05/27/2026

A reminder from the RWRA Italian Campaign Battlefield Tour.

05/25/2026

So, as the Melfa Weekend has passed. The Royal Westminster Regiment Association conducted there Golf Tournament on Friday followed by the dinner on Saturday and AGM on Sunday.

One of the museum volunteers Chris Young set up a display of artefacts: such as Maj Mahoney Field Message Pad; Sgt White's (KIA) Map from Melfa and other items. He helped with a video presentation as well which we will post here.

He has been going through other maps and letters home.

The image is from Maj Mahoney who is sending documents home. What's interesting is the documents got wet when he crossed the Melfa River and fell in. One of the lads commented "Nice day for a swim Sir?". For solidiers, we all censored our activities while deployed from our families.

05/15/2026

Museum update. Airborne mannequin. So, thanks to the following who have donated. Kevin Crawford - para knife; Nic Weigelt para helmet and Alf Castleman - Alogonquin snowshoes.

Ill be asking a former jump master Dennis Keeton to help rig the PELS for the rucksack and valise. As well as snowshoes, C7 rifle.

Thanks jumpers for your assistance. All of these gentlemen had particapated or are connected to the Westies and its Airborne days.

05/09/2026

Ive been asked about the up coming events for The Royal Westminster Regiment Association.

05/07/2026

Looking for assistance. Most Westies know that The Royal Westminster Regiment had a Airborne Platoon. At its high point: conducted 21 descents in one year - included Wainwright, Abbotsford, Reno Nevada and Hawaii. Jumped from C130H, US 141 Starlifter and Skycrane helicopter. We had 90 pers qualified basic para. 40+ were current. We had 1 DZ/LZ contoler. 3 x JM's.JM's qualified to do refreasher in New Westminster. The platoon attracted former members of Cdn Airborne Regt, US Rangers, UK Para Regt and foriegn SF units. At the Armoury ( similiar to QOR and 3 VP) we had flight simulator, landing swing and C130 mock up.

So, it was a good thing. As part of our Airborne display we have added a mannequin which will be dressed in parachutist equipment.

Here is what we need: main parachute rigging ( dial death quick release), alogonquin snowshoes, Cdn M1 helmet with parachutist accoutrements and a jump knife.

The mannequin has had stuffing into parachute bags to look like contain a parachute. A former JM Sgt Dennis Keeton will help with rigging his kit.
We have a 64 pattern ruck sack with valise. As well as C7 with sling.

04/23/2026

In case you are trying to find the Museum at night. Attending Melfa Dinner.. Thanks to Capt Kelly and Real Properties Chilliwack. We are in early planning with Royal Canadian Legion and its 100th Anniversary (in August 2026).

Anyone who is a carpenter and can help build bookshelves with secure glass front. Please contact us.

04/22/2026

The Museum staff would like to give you a update. We've continue to offer tours by appointment. We continue to receive artefacts from former members and thier families. Just got a large number of books.
Still working on our "Rob" Airborne mannequin. Need four pieces: Cdn M1 helmet with parachutist liner, parachute rigging (dial of death quick release), algonquin snowshoes and a jumpmaster knife. We appreciate the donation of artefacts from former members of our Airborne Platoon thus far.

One of our volunteers Chris Young put together a display to recognize the action at Vimy Ridge 1917. He displayed some of the personal letters of Capt McGowen MC bar,bar and MiD. As well as various maps and WWI artefacts.

Over the last 6 months, Chris has been researching and obtaining the plans, contracts of our current Armoury. As well as locating information on the Drill Shed. The drill shed located on McKenzie Street. The condition of the drill shed lead to our current Armouries construction. Both standing together. So, besides the plans he has actually located in the New Westminster Archives additional photos. This required some additional investigation, cross referencing maps, plans etc. Our intent is to have one display case that will focus on military infrastructure in New Westminster. The two Armouries and the third is the Royal Engineer magazine.

04/10/2026

So, a big thanks to Chris,a volunteer with our Museum. Over the past week he did some digging in our artefacts to see if there was items related to WWI but specifically the battle of Vimy Ridge. His efforts had 91 guests visit the exhibit yesterday. We appreciate there interest and support.

Ive included photos of the various items that were on display. As well as the exhibit our Museum was open so tours were conducted of it as well.

We hope you enjoy what he displayed.

02/02/2026

https://www.facebook.com/share/185LH4oHFm/

Current activities of the Serving Bn are history tomorrow.