Page 10 - Demo

REGIMENTAL MUSEUM & ARCHIVES
by Honorary Colonel Bruce D. Bolton, MMM, CD,
With all the aspirations of having the engineering problem solved in the Museum that had closed the area for close to a year and a reopening later this year, the Covid-19 pandemic changed all that. The armoury was closed to everyone, and the museum staff, Mike Cher and Cynthia Jones-Limeburner, had to adapt to what could be done without the archives, artifacts, and the kit shop readily at hand. Answering information requests (we receive many) and kit shop sales had to be suspended. The computers were moved out and home offices were established. However, it was decided to use the time away productively by upgrading the IT and investigating more use of the “cloud” for our files and the eventual better use of the website. We are glad to report that these aims are being implemented!
We were able to remove some of the archival boxes that needed attention from the armoury and thanks to two young students they have been looked at in detail. Under the McGill University Internship program, Gracie Forgie returned this summer to continue her work from last year. Massimo di Sylvestro, a CEGEP student interested in military history and introduced to us by Professor David O’Keefe of Marionopolis College, volunteered to continue the work he had undertaken on Tuesday mornings during the school year. Just to say, the summer was not lost to the Black Watch archives.
If you recall in the last issue, we were looking to restore the Redan Trophy with two engraved plates: “Redan Trophy – First Battalion The Black Watch (RHR) of Canada Annual Inter-Company Trophy For General Company Proficiency” and “A Russian Artillery Powder Horn Captured By An Officer Of The Black Watch During The Assault On The Great Redan -1855”. It has taken longer than expected, but with the help of some donors it has returned to its place of honour in the Officers’ Mess.
Massimo di Sylvestro is currently pursuing a Bachelor of Arts, with a Major in Political Science and Minor in History at McGill University. He reports that as a student, archiving is an excellent way to build upon the necessary skills to excel in my field of studies; providing the potential to improve one’s researching skills and organization. When asked what he thinks of our collection he said: “What impresses me the most is the vast variety of content available at our fingertips. I can be combing through letters from the likes of Gen. Currie and the next second I find myself at the hands of battle plans for a trench raid from WW1. Each of these items provides me with a wealth of information that furthers my appreciation for the past.
10