Errol Eric Patrick

Master Gunner Errol Eric (E. E.) Patrick joined the Canadian Army intending to fight in the Korean War and chart his own path in life. E. E. was born in Montreal, Quebec and raised by his grandfather in Trinidad. He returned to Canada at sixteen years of age and enlisted in the Canadian Army in British Columbia in 1950 against his father’s wishes. His original plan was to enter university after the war, but he served in the military with distinction for 35 years.

Patrick trained at the Royal Canadian School of Artillery in Shilo, Manitoba, as a gunner and served in Korea from January 1952 to March 1953. He served with the 1 RCHA and 2 RCHA and was grateful for the seasoned Second World War veterans in his battery who shared their battlefield knowledge. Patrick recalled feeling supported by his fellow soldiers despite working with dangerous recycled artillery in rugged terrain and harsh climates. He served with the Commonwealth Division’s artillery in the defence of Hill 355 (Little Gibraltar), a strategically important site and a point of heavy fighting and significant loss for the Canadians.

Upon returning from Korea, he trained with the 1st Light Battery, becoming a paratrooper and being promoted to sergeant. Over his military career, he served in Korea, Germany, and Canada, rising to Master Gunner and Chief Warrant Officer. He was a three-time Regimental Sargeant Major, a paratrooper, a member of four Royal Canadian Horse Artillery regiments, and a Sargeant Major Instructor-in-Gunnery. He was a proud Korean War veteran and actively advocated for veterans’ well-being and Remembrance Day in Canada. Patrick passed away on 5 January 2021 in Ottawa, Ontario. He leaves behind a legacy of exemplary service and is remembered with admiration by those who knew him.

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