The march of the prairie men: Epilogue
EPILOGUE
So concludes a glorious chapter in the history of a small part of Canada's Army. It is a stor of several thousand Prairie Men from the harves fields, desks, shop and mills, and from the woods and the lakes, who marched from Weyburn, Saskatchewan, acroos England's South Downs, through France's hedgerows, across Belgium's dykes, up Holland's Beverland Peninsula, down Germany's Rhine and up into her cities of Emden, Oldenburg, and Wihelshaven.
The cost was heavy. Indeed, it is reported that the S.Sask.R. suffered among the highest unit casualties of the Canadian Army in the Second World War. This, in itself, speaks for the tenactiy, edurance, and loyalty to purpsoe of her men. The task was truly well done, although it was filled with heartaches and memories for comrades who gave their lives that we might live. It is those men who remain in Europe today who are responsible for the respect the Regiment holds in the military annals. Those of use who are left of that glorious band of Prairie Men cannot let their memories grow old. They did for an intangible something called 'Freedom' that we value so highly. It is up to us to continue the fight against every typeof enemy who would take that freedom away from us.
"Take up the toch and hold it high, If ye break faith with us who die..."
It has been a pleasure and a renewed source of personal inspiration for me to write this History of the S.Sask.R. for your enjoyment. May I use this space to thank all who helped with the task of compiling the various data and stories, and to the former C.O.s for their help in checking the material. I have always been fiercely proud of my Regimen and I know that all of us who ever served in it can hold our heads high remembering that.
"Once an S.Sask.R. - always an S.Sask.R."
with
"Strength, Spirit, and Renown."
Sincerely yours,
G.B. Buchanan.
___________
THE SIXTH CANADIAN INFANTY BRIGADE AND SUPPORTING ARMS
It would notbe in good faith if a history of the S.Sask.R. were completed without honourable mention of hte formation commanders and various supporting arms that contributed so much to the success and glory of the Regiment. Guidance by such men as Lieutenant-Generals McNaughton and Crear, and Lieutenant-General Simonds, and Major-Generals Odlum, Roberts, Burns, Foulkes, and Matthews was invaluable.
Training and tactical leadership by leaders like Brigadiers Sargent, Southam, Gostling, Young, Clift, Gauvrea, Thompson, Keefler, and Allard kept casualties at a minimum while creating maximum havoc with the enemy.
Nothing but honour, praise, and appreciation can be said of the commanders of all ranks belonging to the numerous supporting arms that gave their best to the S.Sask.R. at all times. Without the closest co-operation of this brotherhood of supporting arms, no infantry unit could win a battle. Without them, Field-Marshal Montgomery's idea of "Symphony of Fire" could not have been. The success ofthe S.Sask.R. in particular refleects the energy and spirit of the following units:
H.Q. 6th Canadian Infantry Brigade
8th Canadian Recce Regiment (14 H)
6th Canadian Field Regiment R.C.A.
2nd Canadian ATk Regiment, R.C.A.
11 Canadian Field Company R.C.E.
2nd Canadian Divisional Signals
Fus. M.R.
Camerons of C.
Tor Scot (M.G.)
6th Canadian Infantry Brigade Coy. R.C.A.S.C.
10th Canadian Fd. Amb. R.C.A.M.C.
2nd Canadian Infantry Div. Ord. Fd. Pk. R.C.O.C.
6th Canadian Infantry Bde. Wksp., R.C.E.M.E.
To the above we offer our recorded congratulations and thanks.
(Signed) Lt-Col.'s J.E. Wright
C.C.I. Merritt
S. Lett
H.T. Kempton
F.A. Clift
B. Ritchie
V. Stoff