A group of 24 of our club members had a tour of the Seaforth Armoury on November 26th. The tour was led by Rod Bell-Irving who has been associated with the Armoury for many years and knows it well.
The Seaforth Armoury is a Canadian Forces armoury located at the south end of the Burrard Bridge. We have all passed by it many times but very few know what is inside. It is the home of The Seaforth Highlanders of Canada, a primary reserve unit that started in 1910. In the Canadian forces, an armoury is a place where a reserve unit trains, meets and parades. In the Armoury the first floor is dominated by a large parade hall with many photos and artifacts from WW I, WW II and other wars on the walls.
On the third floor there is a mess area with numerous comfy well-polished chairs as well as more photos and a well-stocked bar plus more medals, photos and artifacts all nicely laid out. The photos are a stark reminder of the horrors of war and why we should do everything possible to prevent future ones.
As well as being the home of the Seaforth Highlanders, the Armoury has the Seaforth Museum of Military Medicine, an official Canadian Forces Museum. It is full of photos, dummies, clothing and anecdotal stories of bravery of many war heroes. The museum is looked after by a couple, Lt. Col. (Retd.) Adrian French and his wife, who both showed us around. They are the source of endless stories and interesting bits of knowledge from past wars.
In case you are interested, the Armoury is open to the public at all times. You just need to go to the front door off 1st Street, sign an entrance book and then you are free to walk around all three floors. It is one of Vancouver’s best kept secrets and one the Armoury people want to dispel.
Following our tour we all went to the Tap and Barrel Bridges on Granville Island and enjoyed a tasty lunch. It was a memorable excursion enjoyed by all.
Alastair Campbell, Special Events Committee
The photos below were provided by members Terry McLeod and Roddy MacKenzie.
