STOTHERS, JOHN
John Stothers enlisted in the 48th Highlanders of Canada, Toronto, Ontario in 1969. After basic training he attended the Royal Military College, Kingston, Ontario and in 1974 was commissioned as Lieutenant. Between 1974 and 1977 he served in the Canadian Airborne Regiment, Edmonton, Alberta (promoted to Captain) and commanded 20 men in a parachute platoon for two years and served as Intelligence Officer for one year. He qualified as Mountain Warfare Instructor and was selected for Monte Bianco, a multinational mountaineering exercise in Europe, which included climbing Mont Blanc. Between 1977 and 1979 he became Regular Army Advisor to Reserve Army Regiment of 150 men and women in Montreal, Quebec, responsible for training and administration. From 1979-1981 he was posted to 1st Battalion, Royal 22nd Regiment in Lahr, West Germany where he commanded a mechanized platoon of 30 for one year and was transport officer for one year. While there he qualified as Nuclear, Biological and Chemical Warfare Defense Officer. Between 1981 and 1983 he was Company Commander, The Black Watch (Royal Highland Regiment) of Canada, Montreal, Quebec - promoted to Major. Between 1983 and 1986 John commanded the Black Watch (Royal Highland Regiment) of Canada, Montreal, Quebec, a reserve unit of 230 men and women - promoted to Lieutenant-Colonel. From 1986-1990 he served in the Canadian Forces Supplementary Ready Reserve.
Above, Lieutenant Colonel John Stothers then commanding the Black Watch, Royal Highland Regiment of Canada, is presented to Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth the Queen Mother in her role as Colonel In Chief of the Black Watch, Royal Highland Regiment of Canada, 1983.
