RMR Cap Badge Plaque Unveiled at Liberation Ceremony in the Netherlands
Honouring the Battle of the Leopold Canal and the Liberation of Eede
Westmount, Quebec – 30 March 2025: On March 13, 2025, members of The Royal Montreal Regiment (RMR) travelled to Eede, Netherlands, to participate in a ceremony commemorating the RMR’s role in the liberation of the region during the Second World War. The event centred on the unveiling of new regimental cap badge plaques to be mounted on the town’s Bren-Gun Carrier monument—an initiative first proposed by the Royal Regina Rifles (RRR) to honour the units involved in the bitter fighting during the Battle of the Leopold Canal.
Representing the RMR were members of each mess: Major Dexter Ruiz-Laing represented the Officers’ Mess, Warrant Officer Jonathan Carson represented the Warrant Officers’ and Sergeants’ Mess, and Corporal Kenton Townsend represented the Junior Ranks Club. Also attending were members of the Royal Regina Rifles and representatives from the town of Eede.
The idea to add cap badges to the monument was first discussed in 2023, with planning and coordination extending into early 2025. With the help of the RMR Foundation, who generously supported the RMR’s participation and associated costs, the Regiment confirmed its role in the event. On 13 March 2025, the ceremony unfolded with dignity and reflection—underscoring the enduring ties between Canada and the Netherlands forged through shared sacrifice in wartime.
The presentation of the RMR’s cap badge plaque adds a meaningful layer to the monument, ensuring that the Regiment’s courage and service during the liberation of Eede will be remembered by generations to come.
Reflections from the Ground: Corporal Kenton Townsend’s Trip Report
It was an honour to be nominated and chosen by the Commanding Officer, LCol M. Jonasz, to represent the unit at the military ceremony in Eede, Netherlands. The town was commemorating its liberation, a significant event in which the RMR played a crucial role.
During the ceremony, commemorative RMR and RRR (Royal Regina Rifles) cap badge plaques were mounted on the Bren-Gun Carrier monument, marking this momentous occasion and highlighting the town’s liberation and the unit’s awarded battle honour.
Three members of The Royal Montreal Regiment participated in this special occasion: myself, Cpl. Kenton A. Townsend CD; WO Jonathan Carson CD; and Maj Dexter Ruiz-Lang. We were joined by members from the RRR, including MWO Slywka CD and WO Head CD.
The Royal Montreal Regiment played a pivotal role in the liberation of northwestern Europe, including the Netherlands, during the Battle of the Leopold Canal in October 1944—a turning point in the Second World War. The battle was long and bloody for all units involved. Once the occupying German forces were defeated, the town of Eede was liberated.
The Royal Regina Rifles also fought in the Netherlands, participating in the Battle of the Scheldt and other significant engagements.
On Thursday, March 13th, the day’s events unfolded as follows:
- 14:30: Remembrance Ceremony at Queen Wilhelmina Square, featuring speeches, a performance of the pipes, the Last Post, wreath laying, and poems read by students from St-Josph.
- 15:15: Opening of a photo exhibition in the Old Church (St. Alexander). A “war and peace” exhibition was also held in the St-Josph school.
Special thanks go to the RMR Foundation, RMR Museum Curator Ron Zemancik, and the RMR BOR Team for their outstanding coordination in supporting this event. And finally, a personal thank you to my wife, Paulla Dryden, for taking amazing photos and videos to help preserve the memory of this historic occasion.
