Vernon Photo Gallery

Vernon Photo Gallery 1964

This gang was made up of K Coy (D&M) cadets. In 1964 the Kelowna Regatta invited VACC to enter a team in the war canoe race. It was much like a dragon boat race in that 16 paddlers (I think) were crammed into a big freighter canoe and told to paddle like hell. We jumped at the chance since it got us out of PE and swim parades. We called themselves "Murphey's marauders" after our coach/sergeant. It turns out we were really good, and won the Junior Men's race by a couple of lengths. We were then invited to compete against the Senior Men's winning team as well. We lost to them (in a two canoe race), but only by about 3 feet. I have the ribbons we were awarded hidden in my stuff somewhere and will scan and send them when I come across them. I remember the training and the races FAIRLY well, but I remember the fun we had at the Regatta VERY well. After the race, we had the run of Kelowna and the Regatta site, and there was great non-mess hall food and pretty girls everywhere. (Bill Liddell)

This wall plaque is on display in the training centre's Officers Mess where it has been since 1964. We'd love to get more information on it, who presented it, assuming of course it was the OTC course that summer of course, but more details would be great. (F. Arseneault)

(Rod McLeod)