Tribute to Air OP Otter Mystery Cache
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This is another in my continuing series dedicated to those who lost their life in a plane crash. This is an offset cache. The cache is NOT at the posted coordinates. From this memorial cairn go 183 meters at a bearing of 219' True North. You are looking for a camo'd small peanut butter jar w/usual goodies. BYOP.
This cache is dedicated to Lieutenant Ronald Edward Ehrne, of 401 Air Reserve Squadron, who lost his life 2 May 1971 when the Twin Otter aircraft he was flying crashed at Camp Petersville Air Strip during Exercise Running Jump II. Lt Ehrne was flying as an Air Observation Post (OP) during artillery training exercise.
Air OP was first introduced to the battlefield during The Great War, when artillery observers were placed in aerial balloons. Their mission was to direct the artillery Fall of Shot onto the target; a bunker, an enemy fortification, or other target needing to be neutralized while the ground force manoeuvered on the battlefield with impunity. With the advent of flying machines, Air OPs were more mobile and versatile. Initially the Air OP sat in the aircraft to control the artillery. Eventually they also piloted the aircraft.
In the Canadian Army, each Artillery Regiment had an Air OP Troop consisting of four Cessna L-19 light aircraft flown by Artillery pilots and the necessary ground support. My first regiment was the Third Regiment Royal Canadian Horse Artillery stationed at Fort Osborne Barracks in Winnipeg, MB. Because of lack of proper facilities, the Air OP Troop was stationed at Camp Shilo, Home of the Royal Canadian Artillery and the Royal Canadian School of Artillery. The 3 RCHA Air OP Troop was commanded by Major “Ace” Card!! I remember my first L-19 ride when Lt McGregor took me for a night flight & made me spill my cookies!! Man, I was sick!
In addition to directing the Fall of Shot, the Air OP Troop also conducted aerial reconnaissance, radio relay, and other command & control missions.
Lieutenant Ronald Edward Ehrne was born in Mission City BC 16 May 1939. He was married to Dina Gilberta (nee Semadeni) Ehrne and was father of Brian and Leanne Ehrne of Pierrefonds, Quebec. He was 33.
Congrats to mkleggs for FTF!
Additional Hints
(Decrypt)
irel pybfr gb n ynetr ovepu