56 Transport Coy Convoy 1952 At 1400 hours 2 October 1952, 56 Canadian Transport Company of RCASC completed on schedule a 2200 mile trek over the Trans Canada Highway from Wainwright to Camp Borden, Ontario, the unit’s home station. The column consisted of 84 vehicles and 186 company personnel completing the 14 day trip. Canadian military history was made with the longest and largest convoy undertaken by the Canadian Army to this date. Upon completion of BUFFALO III exercise, Major E.G. Hession, OC of the Company, was notified that 56 Coy would return to Camp Borden by road. Tents were struck, stores returned, men medically inspected, Westerners sent on leave and advance party cleared for Camp Borden. The Workshop Platoon began a day and night shift and within one week’s time completed the inspection, repairs, painting, signing and outfitting of all unit vehicles. This included 6 Jeeps complete with wireless, 6 3/4-ton Dodge trucks, 66 3-ton GS trucks, and M-lorry (machinist), 2 stores lorries (spare parts), and 2 medium wreckers. Capt J.M.C. Venus handled arrangements with local authorities and police along the route for traffic control and publicity. Sgt J. McQueen was in charge of the advance party including cooks and helpers. The main party was divided into five packets, 15 vehicles in each including a pace setter. The last packet included workshop personnel for day and night shifts and recovery vehicles. The convoy was to be an operational move, travelling at a speed to average the coverage of 40 miles in 2 hours. Each man was issued Arctic gear as they would sleep out when necessary. Dress was berets, web belts, boots and puttees. Regular stops were scheduled to fuel (from jerry cans), switch drivers, and lunch. Overnight stops began in late afternoon, all vehicles spaced in columns to allow tankers to drive between and replenish jerry cans. Daily consumption of fuel for the convoy totalled 2000 gallons. Repairs not able to be completed enroute each day, were tackled at overnight stops by both day and night shifts. Portable lighting was available for the workers' convenience. Most troubles were with fuel lines blocking, fuel pump or carburetor problems, overheating and fan belts. Also during the overnight stop, men would tend to personal needs such as shaving and bathing; even a haircut was possible in the transient camp. Maps designating the proposed route for the following day were reviewed and traced on the windshield in front of the spare driver for reference during the next day’s travel. Cooks, arriving a couple of hours prior to the company, served hot meals and proceeded with cleanup before preparing haversack lunches for tomorrow’s noon meal. Breakfasts were served between 4 and 6 AM consisting of hot cereal, coffee, bacon, eggs, bread and jam. Organization of the road move, prior to and during the two weeks; travel time proved to be exceptional, allowing the effiecient and timely completion of the convoy which set precedent for such undertakings in the future.