It was here that the Battalion were nicknamed the 'Wonders' by the Canadians as the short Regimental title was 1 DERR. The Battalion  trained and lived under canvas in the camp Gagetown area, in 427 square miles of dense woods, rivers and lakes, hills and scrub-covered plains forming the largest training ground of its kind in the Commonwealth.

The first Exercise in which the Battalion joined its hosts, 3rd Canadian Infantry Brigade Group, was a defensive scheme in which the Black Watch (Royal Highland Regiment) of Canada tried to penetrate the Brigade position. Then came 'Velvet Glove' in which the Battalion counterattacked with Brigade support and finally 'Mixed Foursome' involving 6000 troops. Two battalions of the French speaking 22nd Regiment (Van Doos), the 2nd Battalion of the Black Watch of Canada and the Duke of Edinburgh's. This was a week long test of operational efficiency under simulated nuclear attack, the Infantry being supported by the 1st Regiment, Royal Canadian Horse Artillery, and the Royal Canadian Dragoons, a squadron of the Royal Canadian Navy 'Banshee' jets provided tactical air support and strikes.

During this time the Battalion took part in a 'Military Tournament-at-arms winning the Forced March Prize and the physical fitness competition.

The Battalions last ceremonial parade was beating retreat at Camp Gagetown. Two days later there was a touching farewell at Fredericton Airport, the band of the Black Watch of Canada playing 'Will Ye No come back again' as the Commanding officer Lt Col BALLANTINE M.C. shook hands with the Commander of the Canadian 3rd Infantry Brigade Brigadier DANBY D.S.O.

The Brigadier said :-

"The visit was one hundred per cent successful, the Battalion has proved its self a first class unit. Discipline  right across the brigade group has been outstanding and I attribute the largely to our visitors.

MEMORIES of EXERCISE 'POND JUMP'

The M.T. Platoon arrive in Canada with Ron COLE leading

Lt Col BALLANTINE addresses the locals

Lt Col BALLANTINE on arrival of Battalion in Canada

2 DERR Drummers work as a team to make a bed, prior to going up country

The Battalion arrive in Canada.

Morris HUGH'S of the M.T. Section under instruction. Morris now lives in Bradford on Avon

L/Cpl MILTON (RAPC Att) and Pte Bill HART of the D.E.R.R. with Roger "Black Haw" Ranco a Penobscot Indian

A patrol of the 1st Battalion D.E.R.R. emerging from a covered Bridge whilst on Exercise in Canada

Lt Col D.E. BALLANTINE M.C. C.O. 1st D.E.R.R. presents a replica of the 49th Foots Colours to Ontario's Premier

Lt SPENCE  receives the Trophy from Maj Gen BOGERT D.S.O. G.O.C. Eastern Division for the victory in the forced march Competition.

Pte A WILSON, 1 DERR kneels for a demonstration of tomahawk scalping by Chief Paul SAPPIER.

Morris HUGH'S of the M.T. practicing his driving skills (Wrecking) more like !!

Soldiers of the 1st Bn DERR talk to canadian Soldiers

Pat COONEY and Sid ROE sit it out in a wood. Sid was later Killed in Malta and is buried there

Sgt DICKS (On the left) to Lt HARVEY,"Sir you really are my hero"

Pte HARVEY, Cpl SMART and Pte WARD with two raccoons

Cpl MILTON, Ptes CHARLTON, HART and WILSON

The Officers, 1st Battalion Duke of Edinburghs Royal Regiment in Canada

Drum Major Ford and two D.E.R.R. Drummers 'Pose' for the cameras

The Corps of Drums 'Beating Retreat' at a Ceremony at Chryslers Farm, Near Morrisburg, Ontario, when the Prime Minister of Ontario opened the Battlefield Memorial Park commemorating the War of 1812. in which the 49th Regiment played a major role.