Voice of Algonquin Regiment.
“Long Live the Algonquin Regt!” – Sign at main street corner in Wierden, Holland.
TEEPEE TABLOID
Looking at it today, the masthead of the Wartime publication of Canadian Algonquin Regiment’s Teepee Tabloid seems perhaps, well, the term “systemic racism” comes to mind.
But during that time it was meant to be a celebration and recognition of the people of our Northland’s founding culture with a touch of gentle humour.
My Father served with the Algonquins, fought side by side with them during the heroic Liberation of Holland and the bloody drive into Germany. He was proud of all the men of his Regiment, including the First Nations members. Told me stories of their friendship. He once said of the Northern Cree he served with, “They were true friends — they always had your back.”
And yet, many brief articles and histories of the Algonquins never even mention the strong First Nation membership in that Canadian Army Regiment. It’s as if they were all white, especially the officers. Well, looking at the muster rolls, perhaps the officers…
The Algonquin Regiment, CASF
The Algonquin Regiment was formed as a Northern Ontario unit on Dominion Day, 1900. Their motto, their very name, celebrated those cultural origins. Their story from WWI, through WWII and into the recent Afghanistan conflict is a tremendous story of hardship, valour and victory.
Perhaps outsiders may ignore the full story of the Algonquins, but each and every member of the Regiment deserves our remembrance. They’ve earned it. Just ask those still with us what they think of their history. And ask the people they fought to free.
A Hearty Friendship Arose
Created to be a regimental version of the Canadian Army’s Maple Leaf, the Teepee Tabloid was a four-page paper tapped out on a captured German typewriter by Captain Ruthven McNairn.
“Pop” McNairn quickly gathered an avid staff of writers, photographers and artists.
The Teepee Tabloid published everything from “newsy” articles about Army life to crack-em-up cartoons (soldiers love humour). As well as photos and a sports section. And even local letters.
After the Algonquin’s liberation of the town of Wierden, Holland, the Tabloid published this letter from the Minister of the Dutch Reformed Church at Wierden:
“To the Algonquin Regiment
“Dear Friends:-
“It was for the Dutch Reformed Church in Wierden a glad and thankful day when they saw themselves liberated from the Nazis, who are enemies to God.
“They paid therefore thanks to the Lord and welcomed the Algonquin Regiment as their Liberators.
“And it was a wonderful surprise that a few months after the Liberation this regiment entered Wierden to stay there for quite a long time.
“A hearty friendship arose between many Canadians and many inhabitants of Wierden — a friendship that became stronger because on Sunday we were in the same church and we bowed down for the same God.
“Because the Algonquins are leaving our village now, we all will greet them heartily and wish them a happy return to their native soil. We hope that God will be with you on your way and bless you all…”
Teepee Tabloid Humour
Our guy’s favourite reading was the light-hearted stuff. Stories. Jokes. And cartoons, especially the popular “Hoiman The Goiman”…
The moment I saw this cartoon, I knew the story behind it. Dad had told me.
After crossing the Leopold Canal under constant fire, our guys found themselves cut off from support and supplies. Material, including ammunition, was scarce and the order came down: “One round, one German.”
And enemy reinforcements had arrived.
When he heard the “One round” order a Cree buddy of Dad’s slapped a hand on his empty Bren gun and said, “Tell Battalion HQ not to worry about us. We brought our bows and arrows, eh?”
After VE Day, Teepee Tabloid reports took on an almost domestic tone:
“Move to New Area on the 11th.
“The entertainment field is quite promising. The Unit has a theatre which will operate between 1800 and 2000 hrs for the benefit of the Regt, without cost, of course. A large hall has been taken over by Bde for stage shows. In addition, the Regt has a dance hall that will provide accommodation for one Coy at a time.”
And:
“Tours in Coy Strength to Start Soon.
“Soon after we arrive in our new area trips will be started to revisit the battle areas of this war and some of those of the 14-18 war. Unit transport will be used and night stops will be made in bivouac areas.
“All parties start from Arnhem and return to it. Biv areas, ration and petrol points have been laid out along each route so that only one day’s supplies need to be carried.
“Tour No. 1 takes four days and includes the towns of Cleve, Dusseldorf, Cologne, Liege and Roermond…
“Bastogne, Breda, Kobleze, Remagen…”
To Read My Popular Post “Dad’s War, Algonquin Regiment & the Liberation of Holland” CLICK HERE!
Live Free, Mon Ami! – Brian Alan Burhoe
This is posted on November 8th, 2021, National Aboriginal Veterans Day here in Canada.
“Lest we forget and therefore let’s keep the past alive together!” – Vrijheid Wierden (Freedom Wierden)
For more, see The Liberation Of Netherlands – Legion Magazine
TEEPEE TABLOID: Voice of Algonquin Regiment in WW2 Holland & Canada
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