The Essex Kent Scottish Regiment, 1830s to Today - An Evening with Lt. Col. Hardy Wheeler
The Essex Municipal Heritage Committee, in collaboration with the Harrow Early Immigrant Research Society, will present an evening with retired Lt. Col. Hardy Wheeler on Thursday, October 25 at 6:30pm at the Harrow Community Centre (243 McAfee Street). Wheeler, who enrolled in the Canadian Army Regiment in 1964, will speak on the history of the Essex Kent Scottish Regiment from the 1830s to present day.
The event is part of an effort by the Town, and its partner heritage organizations, to mark 100 years since the end of the First World War (November 11). Essex and Kent counties produced the first militia organization in Ontario and were the first to engage in combat outside Canada. The Essex Kent Scottish Regiment’s history dates to 1749 as French militia at Fort Pontchartrain (what is now Detroit).
“As we prepare to recognize and remember all veterans during Remembrance Day, this event is the perfect chance for residents to learn about the deep roots of our community’s history and the important role it has played in conflicts around the world,” said Richard Meloche, Deputy Mayor and Chair of the Essex Municipal Heritage Committee.
Lt. Col. Wheeler spent a decade with the Royal Canadian Regiment and the Canadian Airborne Regiment in the Essex Kent Scottish. For the past 29 years, he has been closely associated with the Essex and Kent Scottish, initially as commanding officer (1989-1992) and later as editor of the regiment’s history “Duty Nobly Done”.
In addition to serving on the Regimental Senate, Wheeler was appointed by the Minister of National Defence as Honourary Colonel of the Essex and Kent Scottish from 2009 to 2014. He has also been awarded the Queen's Silver Jubilee Medal (1977), the Queen's Diamond Jubilee Medal (2012), the Canadian Peacekeeping Medal and the Canadian Forces Decoration.
All are welcome to attend. Refreshments will be provided.
