Historic Opening of Cairns Armoury in Saskatoon by Prime Minister Diefenbaker in 1960
On this day in 1960, the newly constructed Cairns Armoury in Saskatoon was officially inaugurated in a grand ceremony presided over by Prime Minister John Diefenbaker. The event, which took place on April 16, 1960, was attended by approximately 500 invited guests, including military officers, civic dignitaries, and their spouses, marking a significant moment in the city's military and architectural history.
A Ceremony Steeped in Military Tradition
The opening ceremony featured a colorful display by army garrison units who would utilize the facility. As guests assembled, the regimental band of the Princess Patricia’s Canadian Light Infantry from Edmonton, under the direction of Lieutenant H.A. Jeffrey, performed selected compositions to set the tone for the evening.
Upon his arrival at the armoury, Prime Minister Diefenbaker was greeted with a general salute by a 50-man guard of honor from the 2nd North Saskatchewan Regiment, commanded by Captain A.J. Balcaen. The unit’s pipe and drum band, led by Pipe Major H.D. Fraser, accompanied the guard and played martial music during the salute and the subsequent inspection conducted by the prime minister.
Distinguished Guests and Honored Legacy
The platform party included numerous notable figures, such as the Prime Minister's wife, Major General G. Walsh (Commanding Officer of Western Command), Colonel J.W. Moogk (Commanding Officer of the Saskatchewan Area), Colonel J.A. Pringle (Commanding Officer of 21 Militia Group) and Mrs. Pringle, Mayor Sid Buckwold and Mrs. Buckwold, Chief Justice Emmett Hall, Dr. J.W.T. Spinks (President of the University of Saskatchewan) and Mrs. Spinks, H.S. Jones (Member of Parliament for Saskatoon), and Mr. and Mrs. George Cairns.
The armoury was named in honor of Sergeant Hugh Cairns, VC, DCM, a World War I hero who was killed in action. George Cairns, who attended the ceremony, is the nephew of the late sergeant, adding a personal connection to the commemorative event.
Prime Minister Diefenbaker's Remarks and Hopes for Peace
In his address, Prime Minister Diefenbaker reflected on the long-awaited completion of the building, recalling his own training in the old facility with the former 105th Saskatoon Fusiliers back in July 1916. He expressed a poignant hope, stating, "I hope this armory is never used in war," while emphasizing the importance of maintaining Canada's defenses to ensure peace. Following a speech on disarmament, he officially opened Cairns Armoury and presented the keys to Colonel Pringle, expressing his desire that the training conducted there would embody the same spirit of service and sacrifice as Sergeant Hugh Cairns.
Additional Honors and Celebrations
During the ceremony, Prime Minister Diefenbaker also presented a commission scroll to Dr. J.W.T. Spinks, appointing him as honorary colonel of the University of Saskatchewan Canadian Officer Training Corps. This appointment was notable, as the local COTC was one of the few in Canada to receive such recognition.
The event concluded with a reception held in the garrison officers' mess, where Prime Minister Diefenbaker and Mrs. Diefenbaker personally greeted the guests, fostering a sense of community and celebration around this historic milestone for Saskatoon.
