1st Canadian Division

As part of the mandate of the Canadian Forces Joint Operational Support Group (CFJOSG), the CAF deployed a task-tailored element of the Hub Activation Team to conduct scheduled maintenance and upgrades at the Operational Support Hub-Latin America and the Caribbean (OSH-LAC) facility in Kingston, Jamaica. An important aspect of this mission was to continue building upon the multinational capacities with our host nation partners the Jamaica Defence Force (JDF). 1st Canadian D...ivision sent Major Mike Avery with the OSH-LAC activation team in order to gain a better understanding of the potential support for a DART or NEO operation in the region. The OSH-LAC helps ensure that CAF elements are capable of providing rapid, reliable, and responsive support to partner militaries and other organizations operating from it during any potential Humanitarian and Disaster Relief (HADR) operations in the region during the annual hurricane season. During the deployment, Major Avery provided a general overview of the Canadian DART capabilities to the JDF and there was fruitful discussion on growing the partnership. Having a fully operational support hub in the region will allow CAF elements to respond rapidly to emerging HADR situations in the region when directed by the Government of Canada, strengthening our international partnerships with nations across the hemisphere and demonstrating Canada’s commitment to support humanitarian efforts in South and Central America. Upon return to Canada, members of the deployment were subject to isolation in accordance with Government of Canada COVID protection requirements.

Members of the 1st Canadian Division accepted the challenge #DéfiHivernal5GBMC at Canadian Forces Base Kingston / Base des Forces canadiennes de Kingston by taking part in a friendly cross country ski race, while others joined snow shoeing. 5 Groupe-brigade mécanisé du Canada / 5 Canadian Mechanized Brigade Group

CAF members are in the Caribbean training with Jamaica Defence Force so they can operate successfully together in times of crisis. After Hurricane Dorian in Sep...tember 2019, the CAF worked closely with Jamaican Defence Forces to support islands hit by the storm. The hard work and preparations continue as the CAF works with our allies. Working together makes our Forces stronger!

61,000 Canadian soldiers died in World War I and 45,400 in World War II. Many of those casualties were buried abroad. The Agira Canadian War Cemetery is the resting place for 490 Canadians, 13 members of the RCAF and 477 of the Army. It should be noted that an uncertain number of the dead have no known graves, including 58 Canadians who drowned when their ships were attacked on their way to Sicily. An estimated 562 Canadians died in the Sicilian campaign. Agira Canadian War C...emetery sits atop a small hill overlooking the town of Agira, Sicily. The majority of the Canadians buried there were part of the 1st Canadian Division. RED DEVILS! #TheOldRedPatch

This morning, it’s the J7 branch’s turn to inspire us to maintain our fitness and encourage us to choose a healthier life style during these uncertain times. J7 took advantage of the Canadian Forces Base Kingston / Base des Forces canadiennes de Kingston gymnasium reopening by participating in a spinning session. ... RED DEVILS! #TheRedPatch #1stCanadianDivision #FridayInspiration

You are watching the Chief of the Defence Staff (CDS) change of command ceremony. Today, Adm Art McDonald will assume command of the Canadian Armed Forces from ...Gen Jonathan Vance, who has held the role since 2015. We thank Gen Vance for his service and welcome incoming CDS Adm McDonald! The full program can be viewed here: https://www.canada.ca//chi/change-of-command-ceremony.html See more

Tune in today at 2:15 p.m. EST for the Change of Command of the Canadian Armed Forces ceremony, which will see command transfer from Gen Jonathan Vance to VAdm ...Art McDonald. The Smudging Ceremony starts at 2:15 p.m. and opening remarks begin at 2:30 p.m. The full program can be viewed here: https://www.canada.ca//chi/change-of-command-ceremony.html

Seaforth Highlanders of Canada enjoy their Christmas dinner, in the bombed-out church at Santa Maria di Constantinopoli, Ortona, Italy, 25 December 1943. The dinner was made from foods scrounged, and troops were rotated away from the fighting just a couple of streets away, before being sent back to the fighting and then sent back to make room for others to enjoy a brief respite. For some, it would be their last meal. The battle resulted in a heavy death and casualty toll for the Canadians, the Germans, and any townspeople who hadn’t left. RED DEVILS!

The latest issue of Garrison News is out. Check it out at http://kingstongarrisonnews.ca/ Le dernier numéro des Nouvelles de la Garnison est sorti. Consultez-le ici http://kingstongarrisonnews.ca/index.php/fr/accueil/

Thanks to the 2e Division du Canada / 2nd Canadian Division for this Festive sweater!! Happy Holidays to all members of the 2nd Canadian Division from the Red Devils !!

Battle of Ortona, 20-28 December 1943, Ortona, Italy. The fighting was of a very different nature hand-to-hand struggles in built-up areas- but no less fierce. Everything before Ortona was a nursery tale.- General Christopher Vokes Photo 1: Evacuation of L-Cpl Roy Boyd (Loyal Edmonton Regiment) from the Ortona battlefield, 30 Dec 1943. L-Cpl Boyd was trapped under rubble for 3 1/2 days. (Credit: Library and Archives Canada M#4113916)

A few helpful elves from 1st Canadian Division Headquarters dropped Food and Monetary donations off at the Partners in Mission Kingston Food Bank this morning. The Division held a food drive from 1 Dec 17 Dec 2020, raising a whopping 700lbs in Food and $130 for those in need. The Food Bank normally supports 50 families per day, but lately has supported as many as 80 families daily. The Red Devil’s donation will keep many families happy over the holiday season.