First Year in and the first year that there was a whole platoon of Females and we were up at Meford on excerise, and some how the kitchen tent went up in flames, and we all had to be evacuated out of our tent lines, just in case the whole camp started fire. Well I rememeber one female coming out (after much coxeing) and she had pink baby doll Pj\'s on and pink curlers in her hair. We still laugh about that.

I was a part of the first year of girls....we had our own platoon for basic training during the summer of 1975. I think we changed the face of the Rileys that year.

Also served in LFCAHQ, CMAHQ & QOR. Served 20 years total.

Great Memories! First joining as an RHLI Cadet. We never had much as children but my brother Bill and I had the RHLI. We walked or hitched a ride to the Armouries. I used to march along with the sound of my heels clicking - I was so proud! I then followed my older brother to join the RHLI Reserves and spent my young adult life serving. Along came Civil Defence. Lots of my friends left as they wanted to be soldiers and CD did not sit well with them. I later left to go to work. I will never forget friends that I made while there, I still chum with some of them. Cornel Brown was there and who could forget Percy Martin, our cook; Ron Falla in the Bugle Band. One of the fun things I remember was being in the Precision Drill Squad – I got to enjoy it very much. Still have a picture of us in front of the armouries. Got to wear the red tunics and white pith spiked helmet. Man was I proud! I've always been a Riley by heart!

Thanks for the opportunity to serve. I will pass this site to my Riley friends.

Thanks - still in my heart.

Too Many to list.

There are too many to list. Sgts Nanton and Hoekstra left me many fine memories from the drill square!

Ended up serving 24 yrs total, 2RCR, 3RCR, CFLRS, CF Leadership Academy, and more. Enjoyed my time as a "Riley", and also when I was attached to the unit.

The 1972 Grey Cup color guard opening ceremonies. Served a total of 23 years, also with CAF Engineers/Firefighters.

The fire at Meaford, the first weekend away after the infiltration of "3 Platoon". Served 1975-1978.

Served 1960-1977

I was given a post in charge of a morning march/run of platoon #3 (all women) at Petawawa.  Was so nervous, and wouldn't you know it! on our path, heading straight for us...officers!

Had to call the eyes left, and do personal salute, ..was so scared it would not go right ..but 3rd platoon was so perfect and reacted without fail.  I was so proud of 3rd platoon that day! No one missed a step, no one missed the "Eye's Right".  We are women, we are proud, we ARE the 3rd platoon of RHLI (and did so much more then just march!)...

  And, ummmmm.. there was that 'hanging' the 'camouflage netting' over the outdoor shower's at Petawawa ...because CRAP!!  they can see us from 'up there'!

 3rd Platoon ..best of all time!  Love you all!!!!

The May 1975 weekend in Meaford was the first time the girls were on exercise and it proved to be a great bonding experience. Although I have no recollection of what we actually did that weekend, I do remember that we wore coveralls that were far too large for us and were given these huge boots that we could barely walk in.

The most memorable part of the weekend was the first night and the fire. We woke to shouts of "Fire! Fire! Fire!" and what we thought was gunfire. I remember thinking, "Why are they shooting at night?" and tried to get back to sleep. It wasn't long before the NCOs were ordering us to get out of our tents because they might catch on fire ... I'm sure they were ill prepared for the sight of teenage girls in their pyjamas (and one in curlers) running out of the tents.

Even though the RHLI wasn't too sure what to do with us, we sure had good times and forged strong friendships, some of which have lasted for 35 years.

And, we still laugh about that weekend in Meaford.

Served 1976 - 1979

I loved to serve in the Support Company and the RHLI Rifle Team.

The RHLI has always been part of my life...I grew up hearing about the Rileys as both my Grandfather and Father were veterans of the unit. I remember the look of happiness on my father's face when I informed him that I had joined. When I was in grade school, I had to write a composition about my hero and had chosen John Foote as I had read about him in a scrap book my mother had kept. One of the highlights of my time with the RHLI was meeting him in person. He spent time talking to me and answering my questions, he was an awesome person. I made many many friends, some are still here some have gone to a better place but they all have helped make me the person I am today and will always consider them my friends, whether we see each other all the time or not.

I remember on my Jr. NCO course being woken by a peer telling me it was raining and not being able to go back to sleep. I found a bottle of rye already mixed in my pack with a note from my mother saying she had put it in my pack. I shared that with a great friend who I'm sure remembers this story.

All the things we did as members of the Senior NCOs Mess...  the Our Friend's Trophy Shoots...  the Military Balls in the States.....  Streaking the Ball with Ed Francis....he was a great friend and lots of laughs...  England with the Unit.... we all had a great time and met some wonderful people...  Teaching the summer course with the first Females and finding out I was one of their least favourite instructors....LOL....

My main memory was all the wonderful people that I have met because I was a RILEY....once a RILEY..always a RILEY.... Thanks everyone who's paths I have crossed.....

Served 1979 - 1986. There are so many awsome memories from my time as a member of the RHLI. I met so many people and had been to many places.

"Semper Paratus"

Served 4 yrs in RHLI, 20 as Military Police (Reg).

Served 6 years in the RHLI

Working within a multidisciplinary team during Operation Recuperation. That experience was life changing for me as it developed skills which are vital for me today in my civilian life.

Becoming a Sergeant at a very young age.

Served (1974-1978) with the RHLI, and Linc & Welld R, CF Regular (Logistics Branch) & New Zealand Army (Regular)

Always enjoyed the Associates Mess Dinners - meeting the 'old and the bold'...