The Captain G.B. McKean, VC, MC, MM Trophy is awarded annually at the Church Parade to the best soldier in the Regiment. Section commanders will forward their nominations through the chain of command, and officers commanding companies will defend their selections before the Commanding Officer. Selection criteria will include: attendance, technical ability, leadership potential, relations with peers and superiors, dress, and the extent to which he/she embodies the Regimental spirit.
Named after one of the Regiment’s heroes, Captain G.B. McKean, VC, MC, MM embodied the warrior ethos (being one of Canada’s soldiers the most decorated for bravery) and he was awarded the VC for his actions in 1918: “FOR MOST CONSPICUOUS BRAVERY AND DEVOTION TO DUTY DURING A RAID ON THE ENEMY’S TRENCHES (APRIL 27th – 28th, 1918, IN THE GAVRELLE SECTOR)”.
In 2015 the trophy was awarded to Corporal J. David, who is currently serving as CQ for the rifle company. He joined the RMR in September 2011 and has been very active in the unit ever since, even being selected to join the RMR’s 2014 Centennial Nijmegen marching contingent. In fact, his favourite memory of serving with the Regiment includes the gruelling preparation where the RMR team accumulated over 1,000 kilometres of marching together over several months.
Born and raised in Montreal, Corporal David works on movie props in his civilian life and is an avid gun collector. He admits to being “happy, proud, and a little intimidated” on being awarded the McKean Trophy for being recognized as the best soldier in the Regiment. His advice to other soldiers who might want to win the same trophy in the future is to “always give all you got, and nothing less!”
Congratulations to Corporal David, he truly sets the standard for the rest of us!
Honi Soit Qui Mal Y Pense.