The 10th Intake of the Royal Canadian Signal Corps Soldier Apprentice Program held their 50th anniversary celebration on the weekend of 16th-18 of September at the ANAF Club facilities in Kingston Ontario. Those attending pronounced it a resounding success. Participants came from across Canada and as far away as Germany.

The weekend kicked off with a “Meet and Greet” on Friday evening and there were more than a few looks of astonishment as some brother Apprentices seen each other for the first time in almost 50 years! Yes, there was the odd grey hair, one or two wrinkles, a pound or so of extra weight here and there...but for the most part, the lads still had their trim boyish figures and dazzling looks of half a century ago. However, as usual at these reunions, the gorgeous spouses/partners outshone the Apprentices by many candlepower.

Saturday’s busy schedule included a breakfast/brunch at Vimy followed by a walking tour of Vimy Barracks. The afternoon was given over to a tour of the magnificent C&E Museum. Saturday concluded with a dinner/dance at the ANAF club.

One of the highlights of the dinner dance was the attendance of two retired luminaries of the Royal Canadian Signal Corps… BGen Don Banks and MWO Terry Murphy and their ladies. Both of these remarkable gentlemen were 5 Squadron staff during the 10th Intake’s days in Vimy. That’s why we turned out so special. (they didn’t say that in so many words, but we know they think that way)

The evening was capped off with much wining, dining and dancing. And the blinking of lights by the bar staff to let us know the special evening was “finis.”

Sunday saw another brunch at Vimy and a farewell gathering that was open to all Apprentice Intakes. Tears were shed, addresses exchanged and vows were made to start preparations early for the 100th anniversary in 2061. Unsubstantiated rumour was BGen Banks said he was going to “foot the entire bill” for that one.

Surprisingly, the organization, planning and execution of the entire weekend was done by one person. Tom McClean! Yes, there was a committee (I was on it) but the vagaries of geography, circumstances and plain bad luck led to Tom ending up doing the whole thing by himself. Including providing the dance music and DJ duties Saturday evening. There is also evidence that he used his own funds for substantial prizes and decorating the venue. Well done Tom… thank you for a splendid job and for your generosity. And thank you Joyce for helping Tom