Philip Daniels Called to Serve in Military

Philip Daniels Called to Serve in Military

Michelle Pinon - News Advertiser

Philip Daniels comes from a long line of military men. Four generations to be exact.

Philip said he always wanted to serve, and at 20 years of age he took his basic training in Cornwallis, Nova Scotia before taking his artillery basic training at the Canadian Forces Base (CFB) in Shilo, Manitoba. That is where he was posted afterwards.

CFB Shilo is home to First Regiment Royal Canadian Horse Artillery, (RCHA) and the Second Battalion Princess Patricia’s Canadian Light Infantry, (2PPCLI). Both units are part of 1 Canadian Mechanized Brigade Group. Philip served as a gunner with the RCHA.

Shilo is located 35 kilometres east of Brandon, and that’s where he and his buddies would go on Remembrance Day. They always went to the Royal Canadian Legion there following the Remembrance Day Service.

“I found through my experience they, (war veterans) didn’t talk to people about their experiences because they thought they wouldn’t understand.” He was grateful to be in their presence and to listen to their stories and experiences.

Philip said that nine out of 12 months in a year were spent training in his field unit. He recalls spending many nights ironing and polishing boots.

Philip Daniels graduation photo from Basic Training at CFB Cornwallis.

(Philip Daniels/Submitted Photo)

He served overseas in England, Ireland, Scotland and Cypress during his seven years in the military. Philip said he loved going on training exercises, and every year he went to Wainwright and Suffield to participate in training exercises there.

When Philip wasn’t driving the M109 self-propelled howitzer, he was doing mechanical duties. He said the unit he operated was built in 1945 and weighed 37 tons. The barrel alone, was 155 mm in diameter weighed 2 tons. While it was a good unit, it had served its time and was disbanded several years ago.

Reflecting on his time in the military, Philip said it was a different life and a good life. He would recommend the service to anyone and said it provides opportunities for further education and opportunities to try different careers as well as ability to transfer to other units and branches of the military.

Philip said he and his wife were looking for a peaceful rural community and moved to Holden five years ago and wanted to get involved with the Legion. Today, he serves as the Sergeant-at-Arms. “It’s important to honour the legacy and sacrifice of war veterans, soldiers, and other men and women who have served their country.

He defines a hero as someone who never made it home and is proud to be a part of a contingent who are keeping their memory alive so generation upon generation

of Canadians will truly understand the true meaning of service and the ultimate price paid for the freedoms we have today.