“Afghanistan” is a Theatre Honour (rather than a specific Battle Honour for a single engagement) awarded to the Governor General’s Foot Guards to recognize the significant contribution the Regiment made as a force generator to the mission.
The Theatre Honour “Afghanistan”
• Nature of Service: Unlike previous wars where the Regiment deployed as a complete battalion or regiment, service in Afghanistan involved individual members or groups augmenting Regular Force battle groups. The Regiment filled positions ranging from Guardsmen in the battle group to Lieutenant-Colonels in ISAF Headquarters.
• Key Date: The Regimental list of important historical dates marks May 9 as the day of celebration for Afghanistan. This coincides with the National Day of Honour held on May 9, 2014, which officially marked the end of Canada’s involvement in the mission.
• Valour: A notable incident occurred on October 16, 2006, when Corporal John Makela prevented a fatal suicide bomber attack on a logistics patrol. As a turret gunner, he identified a suspicious vehicle and engaged it, causing it to detonate prematurely. For his actions, which saved the lives of others in the convoy, he was awarded the Medal of Military Valour.
• Casualties: The Regiment suffered casualties during the mission, including Sergeant Dominique Kowlessar, who was wounded on November 21, 2008, when his vehicle struck an improvised explosive device (IED).
Comments?
Fill out the form below to provide any comments on the event above.
