The longstanding Windsor military tradition, once known as the Hochwald Dinner, has undergone a significant transformation with a new name and a profound historical focus. The Essex and Kent Scottish Regiment is now hosting the Victoria Cross Dinner, an annual gathering that this year celebrates not just one, but two Canadian soldiers who were awarded the Victoria Cross, the highest military honor for valor in the presence of the enemy.
A Tradition Reimagined to Honor Legacy
According to the regiment's commanding officer, Lt.-Col. Chris van den Berg, this change reflects a deep commitment to honoring the legacy of those who served before. "We have a responsibility to honor the legacy of those who came before us by perpetuating the traditions of the regiment," van den Berg stated. "This dinner is one of the ways that we honor the legacy of those that came before us by showcasing the traditions of the regiment to the communities from which we draw our soldiers and that we serve."
Honoring Two Distinguished Heroes
The dinner specifically pays tribute to two heroes from the Essex and Kent Scottish Regiment: Major Frederick Albert Tilston and Lance-Sgt. Ellis Wellwood Sifton. Organizers noted that it was "long overdue" to include recognition of Sifton, who served in the First World War, alongside Tilston, whose heroics in the Second World War originally inspired the banquet's name.
The Valor of Major Frederick Albert Tilston
Major Frederick Albert Tilston, born in Toronto on June 11, 1906, earned the Victoria Cross for his extraordinary bravery and leadership during the Battle of the Hochwald Gap along the Rhine River in western Germany. This battle was part of the final push into German territory, where Canadian and British armies faced intense German resistance but ultimately helped lead to the end of the war.
As described in historical accounts, the Hochwald was a scene of fierce combat, with Windsor Star columnist Gord Henderson writing in 2018: "Hochwald was a forest of fire and fury and a place of immense courage, where Essex County's much-bloodied infantry regiment, the Essex Scottish, fought to eliminate Nazi Germany's last bastion on the west bank of the Rhine River."
Tilston's actions were nothing short of heroic. Leading his company across open ground into German positions and fending off ferocious counterattacks, he sustained severe injuries, losing an eye, an ear, and both legs. The Victoria Cross citation, available on the Government of Canada website, highlights his unwavering leadership despite being wounded three times, making at least six trips under fire to resupply troops with desperately needed ammunition.
"By his calm courage, gallant conduct and total disregard for his own safety, he fired his men with grim determination and their firm stand enabled the Regiment to accomplish its object," the citation reads.
In recognition of his service, the joint training facility for the Essex and Kent Scottish Regiment and the Windsor Police Service, located at 4007 Sandwich St., was named the Major F Tilston Armoury and Police Training Centre. After a successful business career in Windsor, Tilston passed away on September 23, 1992, in Toronto.
Expanding the Honor to Include Lance-Sgt. Ellis Wellwood Sifton
By renaming the dinner to the Victoria Cross Dinner, the regiment ensures that both Tilston and Sifton are remembered and celebrated. This move not only preserves military traditions but also educates the community about the sacrifices and bravery of these soldiers. The event serves as a poignant reminder of the courage displayed by Canadian forces in times of conflict, fostering a deeper connection between the regiment and the Windsor community it serves.
