On to the 90’s
Prior to Camp Wainwright’s transferral to Mobile Commands, the General Information booklet stated:
Ninety four PMQ’s are available on camp and a school with instruction of kindergarten to Grade IX. There is also a theatre, a gymnasium, bowling alley and 100-bed hospital.
The camp employs approximately 325 civilian staff throughout the year and about 200 extra employed during the summer. The annual civilian payroll is close to one and a quarter million dollars.
During the 60’s the camp’s only major addition was Airfield 21, capable of accepting Hercules aircraft year round. Upon its completion, 51 World War II buildings were moved after being purchased by local individuals.
Construction of a new fire hall in 1974, a battery shop, a gatehouse, and 4 detached MQ’s with garages in 1978 finalized additions for this decade. Various upgrading and renovation was completed as well, including the disposal of three more World War II buildings.
Improvement of buildings, utilities, roads and ranges in the 80’s included: upgrading of numerous existing structures; modernizing of all utilities; upgrading of abuttments on Battle River Bridge and replacement of Cattalo Bridge (1989); construction of a 24-target conventional range; a rappel tower (1980); two obstacle course; two indoor target ranges; three British unit buildings; Range Control building; a target shop; new fuel strorage facilities; an outdoor skating rink; and a six pad mobile home park. Also significant of the 80’s were the openings of Bud Cotton Buffalo Paddock and Energy Industry.
Improvements to the taining facility were a direct result of a new intensity of training unfolding as Camp Wainwright experienced Rendezvous.
Camp Commanders
LCol N.M. Gemmell, DSO, CD
18 Aug 54 - 18 Apr 61
LCol R.G. Hitchman, CD
18 Apr 61 - 10 Aug 61
LCol H.F. Hoskin, DSO, CD
10 Aug 61 - 12 Jul 63
LCol D.M. Pilley, CD
12 Jul 63 - 22 Jul 65
LCol G.A. Donaldson, CD
22 July 65 - 16 Sep 68
Maj J.A. MacKendrick, CD
17 Sep 68 - 17 Oct 69
Maj R.G. Neelin, CD
18 Oct 69 - 3 Aug 73
Capt. D.L.T. Roe, CD
4 Aug 73 - 26 Oct 73
Maj R.G. Bridgeman, CD
15 Jul 74 - 8 Sep 76
Maj R.S. McConnell, CD
9 Sep 76 - 6 Jul 77
LCol M.R. Gentles, CD
7 Jul 77 - 14 Aug 81
LCol A.K. Beare, CD
15 Aug 81 - 30 Aug 85
LCol K.H. Mulligan, OMM, CD
1 Aug 85 - 24 Jul 89
LCol L.A. Branum, CD
24 Jul 89 -
The commander’s residence is located just inside the camp gates, originally occupied by the Buffalo Park Superintendet. Its title, Denwood House, commemorates the tiny settlement of Denwood which disappeared when Wainwirght became the townsite in 1908, due to the route of the railway.