“Welcome to your first day at camp,” Colonel Timothy White, Commander 36 Canadian Brigade Group, said to Lieutenant-Colonel Jeremy Wigmore, signing in as the West Nova Scotia Regiment’s commanding officer in an April 26 parade.
Of course, it’s not: Wigmore has been a WNSR member since 2006 and, throughout his involvement with the unit, has served in nearly every officer appointment. Plus, he currently works remotely as a full-time Canadian Armed Forces Reservist, the acting director of the External Review Implementation Secretariat.
And, to keep him comfortable as he continues with the WNSR, the regiment pulled out a specially-made chair of bent and woven sticks for him to sit in during the certificate signing.
“That looks comfortable,” Wigmore joked.
Of course, it wasn’t.
But the two 20-member guards on parade – at home in their WNSR LCol G.W. Bullock Building at 5th Canadian Division Support Group Detachment Aldershot, witnessing the exchange of the regimental command sword; enjoying an Aldershot-kitchen catered stand-up reception on heritage regimental china, and in front of a crowd of present and past WNSR members and supporters – certainly was comfortable.
Outgoing Lieutenant-Colonel Mike Bobbitt was also fortunate to have his parents in the audience: his father, John, was himself the regiment’s commanding officer from 1998 to 2001.
“It has been my greatest job, pleasure and honour to be your CO for the past five years,” Bobbitt said in his farewell remarks. “My job has been easy: the work you do is truly appreciated. You make this team click. It would be a full nominal roll of thanks from me, for the regiment. I hope to watch you flourish under Lieutenant-Colonel Wigmore.”
Wigmore also expressed his honour on becoming the commanding officer of the WNSR: “an impressive and diverse group of people who represent the best of Canada – teachers, students, police officers, civilian professionals, full-time military members and many others – who dedicate their time to soldiering.
“This is a tough business, with a high degree of dedication and standards. As Reservists, we balance this with other commitments outside the military – and it’s not easy. I’m proud of this regiment; I’m proud of each of you.”
White served as the parade’s reviewing officer, accompanied by Chief Warrant Officer Russell Anstey. He commended the regiment for its latest success: 34 new recruits in the past year, to its commendable Second World War history, participation in 80th anniversary commemorations in the Netherlands, its new Kings and Regimental colours in a 2023 ceremony at Grand Pre: “your values remain, as grounded as always.
“You are a capable, credible and enduring unit Canadians want to join.”
White thanked Bobbitt for not only his leadership in the unit’s CO’s role, but also his experience and wisdom; and he welcomed Wigmore with his “full trust and confidence.”
