The Guild of The Royal Canadian Dragoons

10/08/2026

Cpl Mitchell 20 Year Anniversary
Twenty years after his sacrifice in Afghanistan, the Owen Sound community gathered to honour Cpl. Robert Mitchell and his enduring legacy. Family, friends, veterans, members of the Guild, and soldiers from his serving regiment came together in support and remembrance. The ceremony reflected on his service, sacrifice, and dedication to Canada, while reinforcing the importance of preserving the stories of those who gave their lives in service. Through their presence, attendees ensured that Cpl. Mitchell’s legacy of duty, courage, and commitment continues to inspire future generations. Lest We Forget.

Links to article and youtube

'Owen Sound Remembers': Family and veterans mark 20 Years since Cpl. Mitchell’s sacrifice - Owen Sound Sun-Times

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lYiQqTulK6k

10/02/2026

All are welcome to attend the 2026 Commemoration of the Battle of Leliefontein on Saturday 7 November 2026 at 1000Hrs at Worthington Barracks, Building Y137 Garrison Petawawa.

Parade will take place indoors, guests are asked to be seated by 0945.

To ensure access to garrison Petawawa please let us know you are coming by completing an RSVP form at the following link: https://forms.cloud.microsoft/Pages/ResponsePage.aspx?id=lERbMocV1UC7MYtmC38QOLPfgK-c6XRKpPW4FRbtTD9UMUhESkRKUkowSVJSWjZKOE1MMjlHSzlVMy4u

We look forward to seeing you there.

09/23/2026

Lisk, Michael - Master Warrant Officer (MWO) - It is with profound sadness and shattered hearts that we announce the devastating loss of Master Warrant Officer Michael "Mike" Lisk at his home on Sunday, September 13th, 2026, at the age of 48. Mike's distinguished military service, dedication to duty, and commitment to his regiment reflected the same strength of character, integrity, and compassion that defined him in every aspect of his life. His legacy will endure through his family, his friends, and all those he had the privilege to serve with. A fill statement is available at: https://dragoons.ca/2026/09/23/mwo-mike-lisk-viewing-and-celebration-of-life/

On behalf of the family, we extend an invitation to all family members, friends, colleagues, and those whose lives were touched by MWO Lisk to join us in celebrating his life and honouring his memory.
Viewing Details
Date: 25 September 2026
Time: 1300-1800hrs
Location: Neville Funeral home
Address: 491 Isabella St, Pembroke, ON., K8A 5T8

Military Funeral / Celebration of Life Details
Date: 26 September 2026
Time: 1145 hrs
Location: Y-101
Address: 377 Menin Road, CFB Petawawa, Petawawa, Ontario.

Following the service, there will be a Celebration of Life with refreshments and snacks. After the Celebration of Life, there will be a gathering at the Senior Non-Commissioned Officers and Warrant Officers' Mess, where family and friends may gather to share memories, stories, and fellowship in honour of MWO Lisk.

Attendance
To assist with planning and seating arrangements, attendees are kindly requested to register their attendance by completing the registration form at: Celebration of Life - MWO Mike Lisk – Fill out form.

A Message from the Family
Death has no power to take the love we have for Mike it is forged so deeply in our hearts. Forever loved, deeply missed, and never forgotten.

For additional information or assistance, please contact: Capt Thompson, 613-687-5511 ext 677-3764 / 613-639-5645 (cell), [email protected]

08/17/2026

2026 Leliefontein Memorial Bursary
Each year the Guild of the Royal Canadian Dragoons, a CRA registered charity, sponsors the Leliefontein Memorial Bursary, which since 2000 has grown into multiple awards of at least $500. The bursary programme provides financial support for the pursuit of post-secondary education (university, college, trade school, CEGEP) to deserving members of the RCD Regimental Family (serving and retired) and their direct descendants.
The deadline for this year’s submissions is 15 October 2026, with bursaries being awarded during the Leliefontein parade in Petawawa on 7 November 2026.
Details on the bursary process including eligibility requirements and application form may be found at the following link: https://dragoons.ca/bursaries/.
Eligible persons are encouraged to apply.
Please contact Jim Atkins, [email protected], if you have any questions.
Jim Atkins
Secretary, The Guild of the Royal Canadian Dragoons

In 2000, The Guild of The Royal Canadian Dragoons initiated a program to recognize the 100th anniversary of the military action at Leliefontein South Africa by establishing a bursary to a deserving member of The Royal Canadian Dragoons Regimental Family. Retired BGen George Bell and Mrs Jean Bell be...

06/27/2026

Springbok Invitational Golf Tournament - 25 Aug

In an exceptionally generous gesture, Spartan Wellness has teamed up with the Guild of the Royal Canadian Dragoons to put together a golf tournament to thank veterans and first responders for their service to Canada. The upcoming tournament at Irish Hills Golf and Country Club in Carp, On (West of Ottawa) is offered free of charge to serving and retired veterans and first responders. The package will include 18 holes of golf plus cart and a BBQ lunch. As the Guild is assuming a solid share of the organizing, we are offering first chance to register to the Regiment and RCD Association. As of 7 July, we will start advertising to others, so register quickly at the Guild Canada Helps website https://bit.ly/GRCD2026. Registration will close when we reach our full quota of golfers, so don't delay if you want to play!

Knowing that many of our retired Dragoons have amazing business contacts, we are hoping that the Guild can raise some additional funds to support the work that we do supporting the Regimental Family. As such, we are offering the opportunity to sponsor a hole to advertise their support for our Service members while informing us of the work that they do and products that they offer. If you know of any businesses that might support us, please reach out to Steve Cadden, President of the Guild, at [email protected]

As a final note, I would like to highlight that Spartan Wellness, a Canadian company founded by veterans for veterans, offers comprehensive virtual care. The team at Spartan Wellness takes a personalized, holistic approach to care by combining traditional and alternative treatments to support your wellness journey. They assist those dealing with chronic pain, trauma, mental health challenges, work-related stress or injuries, or the physical effects of aging. They proudly support active personnel, those on leave, retirees, and individuals in recovery and this golf tournament is just one example of Spartan Wellness' commitment - please consider visiting their website to see if the services they offer might be of interest to you. www.spartanwellness.ca

I hope to see you on the 25th, and thank you for your service!

06/04/2026

Regt conducts the Copeland Challenge.
From 22–24 Apr 2026, members of the Royal Canadian Dragoons (RCD) tested their endurance, resilience, and determination during the Copeland Challenge—an intense 48-hour individual competition.
Participants completed a 6.5 km march in full fighting order every four hours for 48 hours, pushing physical and mental limits around the clock. Of the 73 Dragoons who stepped forward, 40 successfully completed the challenge—demonstrating exceptional grit and commitment to the profession of arms.
The challenge is named in honour of Chief Warrant Officer (CWO) John Copeland, a distinguished RCD Regimental Sergeant Major whose legacy continues to inspire. Born in Newry, Ireland in 1881, CWO Copeland served in the British Army before joining the Royal Canadian Dragoons in 1911. His service began in 1899 and included the First World War, where he earned the Distinguished Conduct Medal for gallantry at Moreuil Wood. He continued to serve Canada through the Second World War and beyond, embodying the highest standards of leadership, courage, and selfless service.
Those who completed the challenge were awarded the Copeland Challenge belt buckle, recognizing their achievement and perseverance.
Events like the Copeland Challenge reinforce the values that define the Regiment and ensure the RCD remain Rough, Ready, and Lethal.
Bold and Swift

05/19/2026

SAVE THE DATE - 11 September.This important occasion will honour those who served during Operation MEDUSA, recognizing the enduring legacy of Task Force 3-06 and their pivotal role in Canada’s mission in Afghanistan. It is an opportunity for the brigade and TF 3-06 contributing units and our honoured veterans to come together in remembrance, reflection, and unity.

04/27/2026

Another sad day in the Dragoon family as we inform you of the recent passing of a familiar soldier to many: Capt/MWO (ret’d) Scott Franklin on 31 March 2026.

Scott’s internment will be 3 July 2026 at the National Military Cemetery Beechwood. Service details on the attached link

04/15/2026

Liberation of Leeuwarden and Friesland Province - 1945.
On 15 April every year since 1945, the City of Leeuwarden, NL and The Royal Canadian Dragoons have celebrated the liberation of the City as the focal point of the Canadian liberation of Friesland province.

As the lead for the Canadian advance, the Regiment had the great honour of being some of the first troops to free the towns, villages and cities throughout the region.

As we reach the 81st anniversary of this moment, maintain very close relations with the people to celebrate freedom. We hope everyone can raise a glass to celebrate in your own way and keep the spirit of family alive. We would love to hear from your groups on how you celebrated our celebrated period in history.

Bold and swift

04/15/2026

Congratulations to all