Today marks the 52nd anniversary of the Fallen Paratroopers tragedy.
Let us take a moment of silence to remember our brothers at arms that lost their lives on that terrible evening.
On 3 May 2020, 2 CMBG HQ & Sig Sqn (2 Sigs) held a small and video recorded ceremony to remember the seven gallant soldiers from 2 Sigs and the Royal Canadian Regiment who tragically perished on the evening of 8 May 1968 in the service of their country.
The ceremony was conducted while respecting the proper COVID-19 social distancing protocols. The Commanding Officer of 2 Sigs, Lieutenant-Colonel Patrick Perron and the Regimental Sergeant Major, Chief Warrant Officer Scott Tanner, laid a wreath at the n
ewly refurbished cairn near the Memorial Park to honour the seven jumpers who served and sacrificed in days gone by. For 52 years, survivors, family, friends, retired and serving Canadian Armed Forces members have gathered to commemorate those who lost their lives in what is known as the Fallen Jumpers memorial service.
On 8 May 1968, the airborne soldiers were participating in an exercise called “Ex NEW SHAKEDOWN” over the Petawawa training area. Unfavourable weather resulted in all paratroopers being blown off course from their desired drop zone on the Mattawa plains. Only four paratroopers landed safely on the ground. The others ended up in the Ottawa River just as the sun was going down. Seven men died tragically that evening: Master Warrant Officer Reginald Riddell, Warrant Officer Michael McDonnell, Cpl Hugh Fields, Cpl Bob Knight, Cpl Dennis Clements, Cpl Jim Misener, and Cpl Bruce Chiswell.
8 May 1968 will remain an important date, which soldiers from the Royal Canadian Regiment and 2 Sigs will continue to remember. Once the restrictions due to COVID-19 are lifted, the memorial cairn in its new location will provide an opportunity for the community to continue to teach soldiers, family members, daughters and sons to never forget the sacrifice of the seven gallant paratroopers.
Those who would like to request individual copies of the 52nd ceremony video can contact our unit Public Affairs Representative, Captain Natasha Germain, at [email protected].
Cpl. Bruce Chiswell and I were best friends while stationed in Germany from 1963 to 1966, Bruce with the RCR’s and I with Signals. I was stationed in Cyprus when I was given the news of Bruce’s airborne tragedy in 1968.
I kept in touch with Bruce’s wife, Joyce for many years until her untimely passing. Let it be known that Cpl. Chiswell was a great husband, dad to Kim,Carrie,Cheryl and Leslie. A star athlete and participated regularly for his regiment. RIP Bruce