Within these walls, echoes of the Royal Canadian Ordnance Corps Museum resonate. The RCOC Museum represents a piece of Canadian military history. But what exactly was the Royal Canadian Ordnance Corps?
The Royal Canadian Ordnance Corps, or RCOC, played a crucial role in the Canadian Army. The RCOC can trace its roots back to the Canadian Stores Department of 1871. Initially, it was a civil department of the Canadian Government. It was responsible for forts, ammunition, stores and ordnance depots. These had been left behind by the departing British Military.
In 1907, it was renamed the Canadian Ordnance Corps. Then during the First World War, the COC supported a massive operation. It supported 400,000 men, 150,000 French civilians and 25,000 horses. Recognizing their outstanding service, King George V authorized the Royal designation in 1919. So it became the Royal Canadian Ordnance Corps.
During the Second World War, the RCOC grew to a strength of 35,000 military personnel. The RCOC also included thousands of civilian personnel. They procured everything the Army needed from clothing to weapons. Until 1944, the RCOC handled maintenance and repair. Ordnance Field Parks stored everything from spare parts to artillery. They supported field formations, divisions and Canadian Corps.
In 1948, the Canadian Ordnance Corps was again officially named The Royal Canadian Ordnance Corps. The name reverted temporarily in 1955. A memorial in Cobourg, Ontario stands dedicated to the personnel. They served as part of 26 Central Ordnance Depot, Royal Canadian Ordnance Corps. It features a large depiction of the Royal Canadian Ordnance Corps badge.
The Royal Canadian Ordnance Corps had its own band until the Corps dissolution in 1968. Established as a unit in 1956, it consisted of 55 musicians. The band was based at Longue-Point, later CFB Montreal. Gérald Gagnier was a bandmaster and composer who served in the band. He was a member from 1956 until his death in 1961.
The band also performed in Normandy following the D-Day landings in mid-June 1944. The director of music recalled that troops mobbed them. This was particularly after they played the Colonel Bogey March. In 1958, the band performed a concert with American composer Morton Gould. He conducted the band right on the Canada–United States border.
The Royal Canadian Ordnance Corps Association, a Defence Association, was authorized in 1945. It was established for former officers with no intent of continuing in the regular force. Major General J. H. McQueen was elected as its first president.
When the Army, Royal Canadian Navy, and Royal Canadian Air Force merged in 1968. The administrative Corps of the Army were deactivated. They then merged with their Naval and Air Force counterparts. Thus forming the Canadian Forces’ personnel branches. The Royal Canadian Ordnance Corps combined with elements of the Royal Canadian Army Service Corps. This merger formed the Logistics Branch.
Remember the motto: Honi Soit Qui Mal Y Pense. It means “Shame to Him Who Thinks Evil of It.” This Royal Canadian Ordnance Corps Museum, a memorial, stands as a reminder. It stands as a reminder of the dedicated service and history. It ensures their legacy lives on.