Camp Sussex & The 8th Hussars (Princess Louise’s)

 30.8 x 5.3 mtr (101 x 17.5 ft) The presence of the military dates back to the 1870’s when Hugh McMonagle’s racetrack at Sussex Vale was being used as a training ground for the Militia, not only of the county but for units from around the province, and there was talk of procuring a permanent drill ground somewhere in New Brunswick. In 1879 an option was taken on a 300-acre tract of land and these grounds were transferred to the Department of Militia in 1893. For more than 30 years Camp Sussex was used for the annual training of Militia troops, first in the fall of the year and later for a 10-day period, which included Dominion Day. This was the big day at Camp Sussex. It was the occasion for a “review”, when the grounds were thronged with visitors watching the soldiers going through manoeuvres. Camp Sussex played an even more prominent role during the two World Wars. The Camp, although greatly reduced, is still the headquarters of the 8th Canadian Hussars (Princes Louise’s). This regiment traces its origin back to the American Revolution and the Virginia Regiment of Horse. As such it is the oldest regiment of cavalry in Canada. Brian’s mural shows as a central focus the crest of the Royal Canadian Army Cadets of the 8th Canadian Hussars, and the 8th Hussars official mascot, a cavalry horse named “Princess Louise”. A row of archival images includes portraits of HRH Princess Louise, the Marquis of Lorne, the bread ovens, firing the salute and the Armory. The artist: Brian Romagnoli is a leading Canadian heritage artist, designer and muralist. Born in St. Catherines, Ontario, he is a graduate of both the Ontario College of Art & Design in Toronto and the University of Guelph, and also did a post-graduate study at the British Institute in Florence, Italy. Historical murals have been a central focus and passion for him. Over the past 18 years, he has designed and painted several giant historical murals throughout Canada. An important moment in his career was the 1997 presentation of his mural “500 Years of Royal Canada” to H.M. Queen Elizabeth II. http://www.vintagearts.ca/