Aldershot troops mark change of command
The “best kept secret in the Canadian Army” marked its change of command August 13, as Major David Garvin turned command of 5th Canadian Division Support Group Garrison Aldershot over to the incoming Major David Andrews.
“In my five years, many have trained here – but it would not have been possible without these men and women you see on parade,” Garvin said in his farewell remarks. “They feed them, train them and make sure the camp goes on.
“It’s been my privilege to command them.”
Thirty members stood on parade, as Garvin, returning to 5th Canadian Division Support Base Gagetown, where he began his career –and will end it; highlighted the camp’s footprint in the community, and in the Canadian army.
“The camp sits on land first settled by the Mi’kmaq many centuries ago, then English, French and Loyalists; this very ground was once known as Pine Woods, a settlement of former slaves from the United States. Two of those descendants served with the No. 2 Construction Battalion during the First World War.
“During the Boer War, the camp formed as a training ground for the militia, and thousands of soldiers have trained here since. Many thousands. And, in many cases, they left and never returned. But, they laid a path for us here today.”
Camp Aldershot is responsible for training members of the Canadian Army’s Regular and Reserve units, including as the training centre for 5th Canadian Division’s D Company, a troop of the Halifax Rifles, 36 Service Battalion; home of the West Nova Scotia Regiment, a detached Royal Canadian Air Force Academy and two Cadet corps. Police services, special forces and first responders also regularly use the camp’s facilities.
“David, you’ll be amazed at how professional this team is,” Garvin said. “They will serve you well. Farewell.”
Andrews, coming to Aldershot from his most recent role as corps major for the Royal Canadian Infantry Corps, returned the endorsement, but credited Garvin himself for his role in the camp’s most recent success.
“I’ve known you my entire career, and you are the same easy-going professional now as you were when we met two decades ago,” Andrews said. “You’ve led the camp through major challenges and projects, the pandemic – and the minor, day-to-day issues. You are dedicated, professional – and a friend. And, you’ve set me up for success.
“I am excited and grateful for the opportunity to be part of this Aldershot team; this family. We enable others in their mission, and I look forward to the coming days together.”
5th Canadian Division Support Group Deputy Commander Lieutenant-Colonel Adam Siokala was the ceremony’s reviewing officer. He thanked Garvin for his service, and welcomed Andrews to his new role.
“It’s a pleasure to be here: Camp Aldershot is a community and a garrison with a rich history, and the sense of camaraderie and pride is communicated as you all honour the commitment of your unit.”
Siokala brought with him a gift from Colonel Paul Williams and 5th Canadian Division Support Group for Garvin, representative of all Aldershot and its mission accomplishes. A vintage, Maritime-sourced hame – an old piece of equipment used to connect a horse’s collar to the load it pulls, was mounted on a finished side of a used ammunition crate, with a plaque recognizing Garvin’s service attached.
“The hame allowed the horse to work efficiently, and more effortlessly, pulling a wagon or equipment. The Canadian Army embodies all of that, and this camp is the cog that enables operations and protects Canada.”
