Canadian Military Engineers Association

The CMEA is a dynamic association open to all members of the Canadian Military Engineer family. Since its formation in 2000, it has grown to over 2500 members with more than 21 Chapters and six affiliated Reserve units spread across the country.

August 7 in History

On this date in 1940, 6th Field Company departed its home station in North Vancouver for Debert, NS on its way to the Normandy battlefields.

Why Ottawa Celebrates Colonel By Day

Article By: Ken Holmes As many provinces prepare for the upcoming “Civic Holiday,” Ottawa residents prepare to celebrate Colonel By Day rather than simply Civic Holiday. The name honours Lieutenant-Colonel John By, the British Royal Engineers officer whose vision and leadership gave birth to both the Rideau Canal and the city that would become Canada's capital. Between 1826 and 1832, Colonel By directed the construction of the 202-kilometre Rideau Canal, one of the greatest…

Op GRANITE II Reunion Celebrates Canadian Military Engineer Legacy in Chilliwack

Hundreds of current and former Canadian Military Engineers, family members, supporters, and members of the public gathered in Chilliwack from July 17–19 for Op GRANITE II, a weekend dedicated to honouring the history, service, and enduring legacy of the Canadian Military Engineers. The organizing committee extends its sincere appreciation to the many organizations whose generous support helped make the event possible. Contributions will fund the planning, delivery, and…

CMEA Bursary Program 2026 – Last Call for Applications

CMEA Members, Applications for the CMEA Bursary Program 2026 are open to CMEA members and their dependents. Applications must be received before 31 July 2026. See the CMEA website for additional information: CMEA Bursary Program | Canadian Military Engineers (cmea-agmc.ca) CHIMO!
Canadian Forestry Corps Portable Sawmill

Lumberjacks in Uniform

The Canadian Forestry Corps had provided lumber for the First World War in the United Kingdom and on the Continent. The British looked again to Canada for assistance early during the Second World War as a German blockade was expected. Lumber was required for applications such as the creation of barracks, construction of ships, aircraft and factory facilities, road surfaces, railway ties and trench construction. Forestry troops would also clear terrain for the construction of airfields.

Camp Maple Leaf

A Lesson From History in East Timor

In 1999, East Timor voted for independence from Indonesia. However, after a month of violence and destruction following the referendum, the United Nations authorized an interim Australian-led coalition to help stabilize the new nation. The UN intervened some six months later and Canada contributed some 600 Canadian servicemen over the 6-month duration of Operation TOUCAN.

Tasks for the Canadian ground forces included patrolling rural and urban areas,…

Saint Barbara

The Canadian Military Engineers have no official patron saint, but Engineers frequently participate in celebrations honouring St. Barbara. Within military tradition, she is widely regarded as the patron saint of occupations connected to lightning, fire, and explosive forces - hazards that have long been central to the work of sappers, miners, and gunners. Many armies shaped by European military heritage incorporate St. Barbara into their branch customs. Her feast day on 4 December is…

MCpl Alastaire Jon "AJ" McDonald

After more than 10 years of loyal and dedicated service to the Canadian Armed Forces and the Canadian Military Engineer Branch, MCpl A.J. McDonald, (00339) will retire on 7 October 2026. A Departure with Dignity (DWD) will be held on 3 September 26 at 13:00 tentatively at the Unarmed Combat Room, Base Gym, CFB Edmonton. Members wishing to be added to the fight roaster are encouraged to contact the DWD OPI Capt K.S.C. Ho at: Kyle.Ho@forces.gc.ca . Anecdotes and well wishes may be sent to the same person.

CHIMO!


MCpl Alastaire Jon McDonald (A.K.A. AJ) was born in Ottawa, Ontario. Raised under the strong influence of his father and grandfather who both proud CAF members, he developed an early appreciation for service, discipline, and commitment. Motivated by a…

WO // Adj R.C. “Rollie” Winsor, CD

Après plus de 29 ans de service loyal et dévoué aux Forces armées canadiennes et à la Branche du Génie militaire canadien, l’adjudant R.C. Winsor, CD, (00307) prendra sa retraite le 2 octobre 2026. 

Départ dans la dignité (DDD) 

Une réception DwD aura lieu le 23 octobre à 14:00 au « The Bunker » (Pizza Delight), à Oromocto, NB. Si vous prévoyez y assister, veuillez confirmer votre présence à l'Adj W.G. Sutherland: William.Sutherland@forces.gc.ca. Des…

Maj Michael J. Tholl, CD

After more than 17 years of loyal and dedicated service to the Canadian Armed Forces and the Canadian Military Engineer Branch, Maj M.J. Tholl, CD, (00181) will retire on 01 September 2026.

Departure with Dignity (DWD) 

A DWD will be held on 06 August 2026 from 1330-1600 at the Edmonton Garrison Officers' Mess, Conference Room / Snake Pit. A Teams link will be set up for anyone unable to attend in person. Well-wishes, questions, or comments can be sent directly to Maj Tholl either by email, at michael.tholl@forces.gc.ca, on Teams, or by phone (+1 825 437 9720).Major Michael Tholl, P.Eng, enrolled in the Canadian Armed Forces through the Regular Officer Training Plan in July 2009 and graduated from the Royal Military…

Cpl John 'Gary' Gallant, CD (Ret’d)

We regret to advise of the death of Firefighter Corporal John 'Gary' Gallant, CD (Ret’d), peacefully at his home in North Rustico, PEI on 30 July 2026 at age 81.  During his military career, John served as a Firefighter with the Royal Canadian Air Force in the 1970s in his home province at Canadian Forces Base Summerside.

A graveside service will take place at 4:00 p.m. on 30 August 2026, at the Stella Maris Cemetery in North Rustico. If so desired, donations in Gary's memory may be made to the Stella Maris Cemetery, North Rustico. Online condolences can be sent to the funeral home.

 

Cpl Kenneth John Leo Lumsden, CD (Ret’d)

We regret to advise of the death of  Corporal Kenneth John Leo Lumsden, CD (Ret’d) of Waasis NB  on 29 July 2026  at the Dr. Everett Chalmers Regional Hospital in Fredericton NB at age 76.

Born in Dieppe NB, Ken started his military career in 1967 as a Field Engineer with the Canadian Military Engineers but later remustered to the Structures Technician trade.  His career included a deployment to Egypt in 1974 with the United Nations Emergency Force (UNEF II). 

Ken’s final posting was with the Base Construction Engineering Section at Canadian Forces Base Gagetown NB. When he retired from the Canadian Forces, he stayed with the BCEO as a Public Servant. In 2005, Ken became a Commissionaire working as security at Government House in Fredericton (2005-2025)

In keeping with Ken’s wishes, there will be no visitation. Online condolences can be sent to the funeral home.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at the St. Vincent de Paul Catholic Church in Oromocto NB, on 5 August 5, 2026, beginning at 11:00 AM. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Canadian Cancer Society or a charity of the donor’s choice.

 

Cpl Kenneth “KO” Johnson, CD (Ret’d)

We regret to advise of the death of Corporal Kenneth “KO” Johnson, CD (Ret’d), on 27 July 2026 at age 83. Ken started his military career as a Sapper and retired as a Vehicle Technician.

Ken enrolled in 1962 and completed his Recruit and Basic Engineer Training at the Royal Canadian School of Military Engineering in Chilliwack, BC in 1963. His first posting was to 2 Field Squadron  at Camp Gagetown, NB (1963-68).
Ken’s subsequent postings included 4 Field Squadron in Germany (1968-72), back to Gagetown with 2 Field Squadron (1972-75) and then returning to 4 Field Squadron in Germany (1975-79). His last posting as a Sapper was to 22 Field Squadron in Camp Gagetown (1979-82), after which he remustered to the Refinisher trade with the Air Force for a short period before transferring to the Vehicle Technician trade and back with the Army. 
Ken served as a Vehicle Technician at Canadian Forces Base Greenwood, NS (1982-85), Canadian Forces Europe in Lahr, Germany (1985-89) and, for his final posting, at Canadian Forces Base Kingston (1989-90). Ken retired from the Canadian Forces in 1990.

After retiring from the Canadian Forces, Ken went back to school and received his High School diploma at age 50. He followed this with graduating from the Prison Guard Program. Ken then worked at a half-way house before becoming a Commissionaire at Camp Aldershot - first as a Gate Guard and then with the Accommodations Section.

Ken's funeral will be held on 12 August at 2:00 PM at Whites Funeral Home {100 Bridge Street, Kentville, NS}.