Princess Royal Visit 1955

In 1955 HRH Mary, Princess Royal visited Canada from 29 September to 25 October. During her visit to Canada, she conducted the following Signals related events:

Montreal

4 October - Visit to 11 Signal Regiment in Montreal, where she attended a tea in the armouries. While there she unveiled a memorial plaque in memory of members of the Corps from the Montreal area killed in the Second World War in the presence of many of their next-of-kin.

Kingston

7 October - HRH arrived at Vimy Barracks where she remained for three days of regimental and social events. She was greeted by Brig A.W. Beament, Honorary Colonel Commandant, Col C.A. Peck, Director of Signals, and Col H.A. Millen, Commandant of the RCS of S. After an inspection of the School and attending a tea in the Sergeants’ Mess, she was the Guest of Honour at a dinner in the Officers’ Mess.

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8 October - At the Royal Canadian School of Signals there was a ceremonial parade of over 700 all ranks, including 600 signallers from the Militia, a performance by the Despatch Riders’ Display Team, and a concert by the RCCS Band, the 2nd Signal Regiment Trumpet Band, and the RCS of S Trumpet Band. Princess Mary presented trophies to the winners of the Malloch, Genet, and Jimmy competitions, after which she was presented with a mink stole. In the evening, she attended a private dinner for 18 held in Fort Henry.

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9 October - (Sunday), she took the salute at a march past, followed by a church service in St George’s Cathedral.

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Ottawa

10 October - In Ottawa, HRH Princess Mary was greeted by a RCS of S 100-man Guard of Honour accompanied by the Band, as she toured the Parliament Buildings.

In the afternoon she visited the 3rd Signal Regiment Armoury (Cartier Street Armory) located on the corner of Cartier and McLeod streets. There was a signing in the unit's visitors book followed by the visit to the Officers Mess where the Officers and wives were presented to the Princess. She visited the Warrant Officers and Sergeants Mess afterwards for more presentations. At the end of her visit, a young lady presented the Princess with a bouquet.

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Toronto

Her next stop was Toronto where she was met by a Guard of Honour from the 1st Infantry Divisional Signals and the 2nd Signal Regiment Trumpet Band.

12 October - Guest of Honour at a mess dinner given by the Toronto Area Signal Officers.

Vancouver

She later visited Vancouver where she participated in Signals Day (the nearest Saturday to the Corps Birthday of 24 October) on 22nd October. where she inspected Regular, Militia and Cadet units of Royal Canadian Signals at Jericho Beach. Following the inspection, she met members of the local Signals and Canadian Scottish Regimental Associations and then attended a joint reception by the officers of West Coast Signal Regiment (Militia) and HQ BC Area at the Area Headquarters Officers' Mess.

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Gifts

In addition to the mink stole that was presented to HRH in Kingston, an album was produced to commemorate her visit.

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