Two individuals helped to create this replica trophy – Mr. Mark Magee of Magee’s Jewellery and Mr. Paul Inman.
The Fredericton Region Museum presented a trophy to the winners of the snowshoe race. Fifty years ago, Lieutenant-General E.W. Sansom, then the President of the York-Sunbury Historical Society, determined that something should be done to commemorate the 150th anniversary of the departure of New Brunswick’s 104th Regiment of Foot from Fredericton. His idea was to create the 104th Regiment of Foot Trophy. The centre of the trophy was a silver platter that had belonged to Lieutenant W.B. Phair of the 104th. Thus the trophy itself created a link between 1813 and 1963. General Sansom challenged the units of 3 Canadian Infantry Brigade at Camp Gagetown to compete for it. The trophy was awarded in 1963 and 1964 before becoming dormant.
B Company, Recce Platoon Team competed in a snowshoe race from the St. Francis of Assisi Church in Lincoln to the newly named New Brunswick’s 104th Regiment of Foot Bridge. They ran the 10km in 1 hour, 20 minutes, and 40 seconds.
Another fifty years passed and we were looking for a way to commemorate the 200th anniversary of the epic march of the 104th. What better way, we thought, than to re-offer the trophy? This would link 1813 to 1963 to 2013. While 3 Brigade was long gone from Camp Gagetown, a more appropriate competitor appeared in September 2012 when the Royal New Brunswick Regiment was designated to perpetuate the 104th Regiment of Foot and to carry its battle honour NIAGARA.
The trophy was presented by His Honour, Lieutenant-Governor Graydon Nichols, in his role of Honorary Patron of the York-Sunbury Historical Society and Fred White, President of the York Sunbury Historical Society.
The Commanding Officer of 1 RNBR, Lieutenant-Colonel Ron Bertin agreed to compete for the trophy on an intra-unit basis. Because they plan to compete for the trophy on an annual basis, we have created a replica trophy that will be given to the unit. The original trophy is now an artefact and is on display in the War of 1812 exhibit in the Fredericton Region Museum. Two individuals helped to create this replica trophy – Mr. Mark Magee of Magee’s Jewellery and Mr. Paul Inman. The regimental family connection continues as Mr. Inman’s ancestor was Private Richard Inman of the 104th.
B Company, Recce Platoon Team competed in a snowshoe race from the St. Francis of Assisi Church in Lincoln to the newly named New Brunswick’s 104th Regiment of Foot Bridge. They ran the 10km in 1 hour, 20 minutes, and 40 seconds. The trophy was presented by His Honour, Lieutenant-Governor Graydon Nicholas, in his role of Honorary Patron of the York-Sunbury Historical Society and Fred White, President of the York Sunbury Historical Society, to the winning team.
Text provided to us by Gary Campbell
Just wanted to say a special Thank You for all your work and the Wonderful Day both myself and Mrs Ruth Stanley enjoyed at your celebrations on Saturday. You did as tremendous job and made everyone feel so welcome. It was all Mrs Stanley could talk about all the way home. Thank you sincerely for all you did to make the day so special for her and I.
Sincerely Alice Folkins
You are very welcome!