Repatriate the 1 RCHA Royal Cypher: Lahr to Shilo

Royal Canadian Horse Artillery units are distinguished by the presence of the Royal Cypher on some of their appointments. The RCHA Badge (or Garter badge as it is sometimes termed) is based on the badge of the Order of the Garter, which dates from 1348. The motto on the cypher is “Honi soit qui mal y pense” (“Shame on him who thinks this evil”). The design and colour of the RCHA garter crest were approved on 22 February 1961. This garter crest may be used on RCHA unit flags, plaques, stationery, silverware, and decals. ..... and as many of us know, it was used quite effectively to ensure the rest of CFB Lahr knew who occupied building B-67.

Arnold Furber was the BSM in the summer of 1985 when Z Bty stood up as a full-time battery, and he wanted to mark territory. That task fell to Roger Eppert, who ultimately would be responsible for other works of art pertaining to Z Bty. Roger recalls that it was hot and sunny, and the BSM wanted it done "last week"! In a way, the garter crest symbolizes the last buildup peak of that Cold War era, with the regiment having four 4 full gun batteries

As many of you know, the entire South Marg is now a huge warehouse, and B-67, the Z Battery lines, is slated for imminent demolition. Through the hard work of Jim Daynard and with the cooperation of the City of Lahr, the old RCHA Royal Cypher, (garter crest) has been removed from the building. Over the next few months, retired Gunners in the Lahr area have volunteered to preserve the garter crest and package it up for shipping to Shilo, where we will hand it over to the museum so that this valuable piece of Herbie heritage will not be lost, thereby preserving it in perpetuity for all Gunners. We need the help of the Gunner family to make this happen.

Although the volunteers will do the preservation, we are raising funds to pay for the costs associated with packaging and shipping from Lahr to Shilo. We currently estimate a cost of about 1,000 euros. Your contribution would be greatly appreciated, no matter how small or large. Any donations above and beyond the actual costs will be donated to the RCA Museum.

UBIQUE

Khristian & Jim