In 1968, members of The Fort Garry Horse (Regular) were tasked by the RCAC Corps Commandant, MGen B.F. McDonald, DSO, CD to make an ascent of Mount Worthington, Yukon Territory. The mountain had recently been named in honour of the late MGen F.F. Worthington CB, MC, MM, founder of the Corps. The intent was to climb the mountain on behalf of the Corps, photograph the event, and leave a suitable marker at the summit.
RHQ troop, led by LCol G.J. Martin CD, travelled to Banff in May of 1969 for a week of mountain ops training and flew to Whitehorse on 7 June. The mountain was to be climbed on the 9th, followed by a road move using the RHQ vehicles back to Calgary.
The Climb Team
Lieutenant Colonel G.J. Martin, Commanding Officer
Captain J.A. Watson, Regimental Signals Officer
Lieutenant G.R. Frey, King’s Own Calgary Regiment (instructor)
Chief Warrant Officer R.J. Slaney, Regimental Sergeant Major
Sergeant R.B.E. Clark, RHQ Troop Sgt
Corporal M.L. Davio, RHQ Troop
Corporal J.G. Elliott, RHQ Troop
Corporal L.E. Sayer, RHQ Troop
Corporal R.S. Dort, RHQ Troop
Corporal R.W. Wagg, RHQ Troop
Signalman H. Elhorn, Royal Canadian Signals
Mr. Nick Lees, Reporter, The Edmonton Journal
The Rear Party
Corporal G.H. Lamb, RHQ Troop Cook
Corporal W.C. Burns, R.C.E.M.E. Mechanic
The following is a pictorial accounting of “Exercise Worthy Venture”.
The ascent, by 10 Garrys, Lt Frey of the KOCR and a reporter from the Edmonton Journal was a success and a marker and flag was placed at the summit by noon on the 9th. Photographs were taken and the group began their descent along a different route.
On the descent, LCol Martin’s hand hold on a rock face gave way and he fell to his death. The remainder of the exercise was cancelled and all members returned to Calgary via emergency airlift.
On 13 June 1969, the Regiment with comrades and friends from across the country, bade farewell to LCol Martin with full military honours.
LCol Martin is survived by his wife, three sons, a daughter and brother.