UPDATE 4: I'm actually reminded that this isn't the first story of far-right individuals who are or have been members of the Canadian military:
On Canada day, while members of the Mi'kmaw Nation held a memorial remembering MMIWG in Halifax, a local contingent of "Proud Boys" arrived to disrupt the event, because the "Proud Boys" are classy that way:
While two of the group were rather reticent about providing their names, the others were quite happy to do so:
UPDATE 1: There's a second video as well:
The gang later hit the pubs to celebrate their.... victory?
As they kindly provided their names, it wasn't all that difficult to track down information about them. And the kicker is that all five of them are members of the Canadian Armed Forces:
So let's take a look at our new friends:
First we have a "Proud Boy" who doesn't seem to be so proud that he is willing to provide a name. That is something that can easily be rectified:
First, the hair. That neo-fascist style? No.... just no.
Also, and perhaps it's just me, but I can't seem to find his Facebook profile any longer. Again, why would a "Proud Boy" wish to disappear himself?
In any case, as evidenced by the caption provided by another participant in yesterday's desecration, Braidyn Pollitt is a member of the Royal Canadian Navy as are three of the remaining four who will be profiled:
More on Grant very soon.
Then we have the first to bravely provide his name, John Eldridge:
We follow John with his brother Dave Eldridge:
Also surprisingly shy for a "Proud Boy" is Eric Maurice who, since his identity has been discovered, has tightened up his Facebook profile, though not before someone was able to get the following screen shots:
It looks as though Eric might be in a different branch of the Canadian Armed Forces and not in the Canadian Royal Navy like the others (UPDATE: seems he too is likely in the navy).
Last the fella who insisted that anyone watching the video get his name right, Grant Gauchier:
Dear god, you can smell the douchiness even before looking at the screen shots. These are from the day they disrupted the memorial:
And these are him in uniform:
Now, if anyone thinks that the Canadian Royal Navy should be made aware of what Braidyn Pollitt John Eldridge, David Eldridge, Grant Gauchier, and Eric Maurice are up to (because goodness knows nothing bad has ever happened with overt far-right nationalists in the Canadian military before), who am I to stand in your way?
The Honourable Harjit Singh Sajjan: Minister of National Defence
UPDATE 3: I have the feeling that these young men have very much come to regret engaging in what they termed as a "patriotic bub crawl"
- GermBrit Comments on ARC
- More Trouble For Boneheads Planning on Attending Calgary Rally
- Paulie Plays Fast and Loose With the Truth
On Canada day, while members of the Mi'kmaw Nation held a memorial remembering MMIWG in Halifax, a local contingent of "Proud Boys" arrived to disrupt the event, because the "Proud Boys" are classy that way:
While two of the group were rather reticent about providing their names, the others were quite happy to do so:
The gang later hit the pubs to celebrate their.... victory?
 |
| Left to Right: Braidyn Pollitt John Eldridge, David Eldridge, Grant Gauchier, and Eric Maurice |
As they kindly provided their names, it wasn't all that difficult to track down information about them. And the kicker is that all five of them are members of the Canadian Armed Forces:
These are John Eldridge, David Eldridge, Eric Maurice, Grant Gauchier, and one guy haven't confirmed the name yet [Braidyn Pollitt]: so-called "Proud Boys" - members of a far-right ultra-nationalist group - that turned up at the park where some Mi'kmaw folk were having a ceremony to mourn those kidnapped and murdered by the Canadian state. Most of them are also members of the armed forces [Note: all are in the Armed Forces].
We think it's important to spread their names and faces around so they can be held accountable, and also so folk can stay safe. One of the stages of membership in the organization requires committing an act of violence against an "antifascist". They might be some cowardly little shitweasles, but they *want* to be a white supremacist street organization, so keep your guard up.
So let's take a look at our new friends:
First we have a "Proud Boy" who doesn't seem to be so proud that he is willing to provide a name. That is something that can easily be rectified:
First, the hair. That neo-fascist style? No.... just no.
Also, and perhaps it's just me, but I can't seem to find his Facebook profile any longer. Again, why would a "Proud Boy" wish to disappear himself?
In any case, as evidenced by the caption provided by another participant in yesterday's desecration, Braidyn Pollitt is a member of the Royal Canadian Navy as are three of the remaining four who will be profiled:
More on Grant very soon.
Then we have the first to bravely provide his name, John Eldridge:
Also surprisingly shy for a "Proud Boy" is Eric Maurice who, since his identity has been discovered, has tightened up his Facebook profile, though not before someone was able to get the following screen shots:
It looks as though Eric might be in a different branch of the Canadian Armed Forces and not in the Canadian Royal Navy like the others (UPDATE: seems he too is likely in the navy).
Last the fella who insisted that anyone watching the video get his name right, Grant Gauchier:
Dear god, you can smell the douchiness even before looking at the screen shots. These are from the day they disrupted the memorial:
And these are him in uniform:
Now, if anyone thinks that the Canadian Royal Navy should be made aware of what Braidyn Pollitt John Eldridge, David Eldridge, Grant Gauchier, and Eric Maurice are up to (because goodness knows nothing bad has ever happened with overt far-right nationalists in the Canadian military before), who am I to stand in your way?
The Honourable Harjit Singh Sajjan: Minister of National Defence
Royal Canadian Navy
Vice-Admiral Maurice Frank Ronald "Ron" Lloyd
UPDATE: Well, it seems that this has become quite a popular article as it has, in less than a day, passed "The History of Violence" as ARC's most read article.... and the numbers are still climbing.
It also seems that the collective efforts of those who are disgusted with the display by these five men are yielding some results:
UPDATE 3: I have the feeling that these young men have very much come to regret engaging in what they termed as a "patriotic bub crawl"
Hardly the sort of people we want representing Canada.
ReplyDeleteHave you written ?
I am posting anonymously coz these sorta folk scare the shit outta me.
I'm glad you are exposing them but don't think you should descend into insults like "douchiness" as it weakens your point.
Also though I am not crazy about the Union Jack it does not conjure up the same views as the Confederate flag.
Allow me to ease your worries by saying that from my personal observation of Mr Gauchier, he is simply a person who enjoys controversy. His political beliefs are not genuine; he simply enjoys raising people's dander.
DeleteThese young men may have expressed their opinions in the least effective way and as members of the military they should not be getting involved in political organizations or public protests. However to suggest they are a "White supremacist gang" is completely ridiculous. The Proud Boys are nothing but a satirical opinionated group founded by a comedic political commentator.
ReplyDeleteThe only person doing real harm here is you. You know this post is going to harm their careers and livelihood. All you're going to do is push these young men further in the direction you're so opposed to. If you really cared you would reach out and try to have a logical and adult conversation.
People need to be accountable for their actions. If their actions are worthy of job loss so be it. - member of the CAF
DeleteGavin McInnes is pretty open about his "western" chauvinist views and making numerous threats of violence.
DeleteSuch execrable troglodytes don't deserve careers or livelihoods.
Wow someone saying proud boys aren't white supremacists, must be on the take from them. As for suggesting debate, they don't debate.
DeleteIf they find delight in spreading hate, they should have their careers ruined. My dad was a WW2 and Korean War veteran. He would be disgusted. Way to represent our country. Although I do know of a couple of boys who joined the forces and they were admitted white supremacists. It's there. It was a very ignorant thing to do. Fire their asses or give them KP duty for a year! I don't want people like this representing me.
DeleteWhat are you talking about - you are excusing this as really a joke? A satirical opinionated group - I'll watch for them on 22 minutes. What you say here is the joke and you are a remiss collaborator in their ignorance.
DeleteThese individuals chose to participate in a very public and political event therefore nobody should expect that their identities should be kept private. Their behaviour was deplorable and because of the careers that they have chosen... (representing Canada) any diversion from their code of conduct and behaviour should be made available to the public and theit superiors. And hopefully they will be disiplined accordingly
DeleteDoing harm to their careers - oh, boo to the hoooo. You sound just like the American judges and some of the families of the college boy rapists who are going to loose so much for just a few minutes of wrong thinking... seriously. They are adults, they made the choice to go out and be trashy to people who were not hurting, bothering, or even inviting them into their memorial service. They clown arsed their way into something they were not a part of, acted completely trashy, then went down the pub to giggle about it over a pint.
DeleteIf they want to be treated like respectable adults and be able to keep their careers and such - maybe they should act like respectable adults and not a bunch of rowdy playground bullies.
There is a second video up on our channel as well https://youtu.be/l4eBFo3Hx0U
ReplyDeleteBeing that you did the research on this, and put this together, it seems only appropriate to copy and paste the link, at the very least to Harjot Singh and, either the CBC or the Toronto Star.
ReplyDeleteDone!
DeleteKe'we,
ReplyDeleteThe link to this web page is making its way around the unofficial Navy communications channels, and will eventually make its way to their chain of command.
Why are these disgracefull assholes are representing our navy even allowed to remain in service.Why are they even allowed in Canada for that matter.I will wait and see if they are dealt with,but I promise you this.Halifax has never seen an outcry like the one that wiil take place if these assholes are not dealt with.And that includes a dishonorable discharge from the forces.Noone in this city is going to tolerate this.
ReplyDeleteKeep ahead on this and I hope I read someday that these disgraceful people are fired, no pension!
DeleteYes!
DeleteZero evidence they have done anything racist. They made no racist comments, they held an antiquated Canadian flag, and asked the protestors to be more respectful of Canada Day.
ReplyDeleteAlso the Proud Boys are not a far right group, they only promote the preservation and celebration of Western Civilization, completely absent of racial leanings one way or another - something the group was founded on because other right wing groups propping up had White supremacist leanings and they believe right wing beliefs should not involve any form of racial preferences.
Celebrating 'Western Civilization' is an odd way to put it. The Native people deserve respect too, being here over 1500 years and welcomed their ancestors into this country. Nope, not buying your opinion, they were ignorant and disrespectful...period!
DeleteMade no racist comments - are you certain? Were you there to stop them interfering with other people going about their legitimate and legal ceremony?
DeleteThe settlers from your glorious Western Civilization came in rough shod and trampled over the people, their people who had been on the land for millennia. The settlers didn't give a great fig if they destroyed the people already here - as far as they were concerned - it was their Entitled Right Ordained by God - and that is still far too often how the Western Civilization looks a everything. So, no, not finding any real value or worth in your contention that there wasn't really anything wrong here in their behavior.
"Western civilization" is not under threat, and certainly not under threat by indigenous groups. The Natives have been fighting their genocide for hundreds of years, and deserve to be seen and heard and have their stories told.
DeleteThese guys claim to be patriotic, but the Queen would be outraged by their behaviour!
There is a difference between being disrespectful and racist. The military will take action. My question is, what are you doing against the people protesting that are not military. Why have you singled them out as military? 65,000 RegF members and I bet you don't know if they are PRes or RegF. If they were PRes, it causes problems since they were not representing the military at that time and will be considered civilians.
DeleteShould be charged by their commanding officers!
ReplyDeleteAccord to whom, exactly, is the Red ensign the "Canadian Equivalent" of the Confederate Flag? Please Cite your source.It was the flag used before 1965, not a flag designed by a seperatist movement dedicated to preserving slavery. These guys are dicks, but so is the person making that analogy
ReplyDeleteThe Red Ensign is the flag of colonization and under this flag as well as the Union Jack most if the atrocities were committed against the First Nations people. So yes, as far as racist sentiment is concerned, it is the equivalent to the Confederate flag and meant to taunt and intimidate in these norinic hands.
DeleteThey can't be charged for being assholes. But if this sort of behavior affects their careers, so be it. We should not have the people who are suppose to protect our country and it's citizens going around terrorizing it's citizens. This event might have been low key, but these things tend to escalate
ReplyDeleteThese guys are losers but its not helpful for you to make racialized comments about the appearence of people with red hair
ReplyDeleteStop trying to appropriate the OG black and yellow fred perry colorway just because your leader wears one. Stop trying to be Gavin mcinnes he isnt cool he is a dork everyone thinks he is a dork. Also is anyone else's gaydar off the hizoook with these guys? All the power to you but guys but way to perpetuate that navy stereotype. You would all be cute if you weren't bigoted little shits
ReplyDeleteWhen you join the CAF you make a declaration indicating you understood and respect the diversity of our country and of those you will work alongside. It is a necessary condition of employment and is to be upheld by all members. Confronting peaceful protests in quasi uniformed nature is also probably not in line with the Canadian Forces ethos. The CAF takes these things very seriously and these sailors will likely be reprimanded or receive an earful whether they violated any policies or not.
ReplyDeleteI think you all need to shake your heads!
ReplyDelete"Accord to whom, exactly, is the Red ensign the "Canadian Equivalent" of the Confederate Flag? Please Cite your source.It was the flag used before 1965, not a flag designed by a seperatist movement dedicated to preserving slavery. These guys are dicks, but so is the person making that analogy"
ReplyDeleteARC didn't make the claim and in and of itself the flag isn't, in this blog's view, the Canadian equivalent of the Stars and Bars. Unfortunately the Red Ensign HAS been adopted by the far-right in Canada who feel the flag used since 1965 reflects a multicultural vision of the country which they are repulsed by. Paul Fromm, a white nationalist based in Ontario, flies the Red Ensign at his events as did members of the Aryan Guard at their "White Pride" rallies:
http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_a2A_lnEkDQA/Sw4qEO7By0I/AAAAAAAAB5I/DWwhZ_WbD4c/s1600/AGpaulfromm_03.JPG
http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-BFi4QcUK0k4/VOEMEySrHJI/AAAAAAAAPq0/7C_sV2zsBiM/s1600/August%2B9%2C%2B2010%2B-%2BAryan%2BGuard%2Bprotest%2B-%2BCalgary%2C%2BAB%2B-%2BMike%2BWhite%2Band%2BAndrew%2BBenson%2B-%2B3.jpg
https://2.bp.blogspot.com/_a2A_lnEkDQA/R7ENDzu7GNI/AAAAAAAAAF4/q1Tg2QGhIjo/s320/Jason+Harley+-+Calgary,+AB+-+Facebook+-+3.jpg
Could I ask you to please blur out John's s/o? She was nowhere near the protesting, yet is still receiving harassing messages. To be honest, she's a bit daft when it comes to politics or current events & in no way deserves this kind of treatment. One of the most kindhearted, inclusive people I've ever met & seeing her name up here makes her a target for harassment. Thanks for listening.
DeleteSend the link to CTV or CBC. They'll do a proper investigation before they publish the story.
ReplyDeleteBut I agree that before anyone labels or convicts these guys in the court of public opinion, there needs to be more research...We're talking about ruining these guys careers, and possibly lives, based on a partial narrative.
Having said that, IF they are found to be white supremacists, the military will deal with them. These guys have publicly embarrassed the Canadian Forces...they won't walk on this, nor should they!
Should have considered their careers, even their positions in the military, before doing something so stupid. Anyone who worries about their careers....this is right up there with the judge who gave the rapist of an unconscious girl probation because it would ruin his basketball career if he went to jail!! It was stupid, even if it was in 'fun'! No excuses, they were immature and just...stupid! To hell with them if they lose their jobs. They walked into it as so-called mature dignified men of an auspicious thing as the Canadian Military: they should pay the price of public opinion. Sad really.
DeleteI think it started when a flower was placed for missing and murdered Indigenous girls and women, and one of them took it out and put it in the garbage. I'd be pissed too!
DeleteI've passed this to some friends of mine. These losers do not represent the CAF and I hope they're fired.
ReplyDelete- a real soldier.
I don't know what they did prior to the video start. I hope it is dealt with appropriately though . In the 8 minute video I see in both groups an antagonizer. The young woman with braids and shaved head being the most aggressive. Also, the protesters have an upside down defaced Canadian flag. Although that is their right, that is a provocative action. Had the "Proud Boys" group showed up with a defaced Mi'gmaq flag, that would have been called a racist act/hate act. Either way, inappropriate to try to insert themselves or interfere with their ceremony.
ReplyDeleteThe Chronical Herald just published that National Defense has confirmed 2 of them are with the Navy. http://thechronicleherald.ca/canada/1483167-two-navy-members-linked-to-canada-day-incident-at-indigenous-ceremony
ReplyDeleteI sent a link about this to the CBC reporter who covered the Mikmaq protest, so expect something by them now that the Herald ha picked this up.
And to the person who doesn't get it, Corwallis scalped people. Who the hell hauls our old flag and claims you can disrespect someone who signs proclamation calling for men women and children to be scalped? It's like Hitler inventing the Volkswagen. The bad they did far outweighs any good either one did. :-(
http://www.huffingtonpost.ca/2015/12/13/nova-scotia-premier-to-discuss-statue-mi-kmaq-community-says-is-racist_n_8799638.html
Terrible!
ReplyDeleteI'm a retired Member of the Canadian Forces if they are serving members they will most likely be removed from duty charged and released as per the CDS orders they do not represent the Canadian Forces and Disgrace those that have made the Ultimate Sacrifice
ReplyDeleteWhile the actions of the "Proud Boys" was wrong in regards to their careers lets not kid ourselves the social justice warriors they are against are totally and mentally insane. Would these nut job sjw's have preferred that America defeated British Canadians in the war of 1812 and conquered the whole of north america?
ReplyDeleteNice red herring. Nobody is making any statement about the War of 1812, so that's complete bullshit. And these are Native peoples taking a brief moment in time to commemorate and remember the travesties they have experienced. A genocide that existed well into the 20th century. Not some "sjw's". Way to label something with a group you don't like so that you can justify brownshirt behaviour.
DeletePathetic.
CTV is on the case and the navy looks like it's fixing to do something... http://atlantic.ctvnews.ca/disruptions-of-first-nations-gathering-causes-outrage-1.3487255#_gus&_gucid=&_gup=Facebook&_gsc=4A8sPmP
ReplyDeleteI just posted it to the hmcs preserver fb page and the admiral is a member.
ReplyDeleteJust so everyone knows the red ensign is NOT a racist flag. One is flown in Vimmy Ridge. Its just the flag we had before the one we know today. Who ever said that above do some research before running your mouth.
ReplyDeleteBut why did they choose to bring that one instead of the 🍁? As has been pointed out, the Red Ensign has been adopted by white nationalists and alt-right racist groups like the Proud Boys. If they're not racists, they're sure going out of their way to look like they are.
DeleteYa CTV and The Globe both stole your story with no credit
ReplyDeleteOh, that's not at all unexpected. Some in the msm have taken whole chunks of text without giving credit to the blog in the past.
ReplyDeleteI'm actually completely fine with that. I would rather the message be widely disseminated and I don't have so big an ego as to care if I get credit or not.
While I ABSOLUTELY DO NOT support any form of Anonymouse, as a serving member, I DO NOT support these clowns. All I can hope is that their Cox'n's are able to view their despicable behavior and straighten them out...people are people and demand respect.
ReplyDeleteAs a retired member of out Armed Forces I am very offended with the Proud Boys actions. Back in the day, once we put on that uniform we wore it proudly. There was not a hint of racism or we would've been sent packing. I still believe in the Armed Forces and I know their superiors will do the right thing. This type of behaviour will not be condoned.
ReplyDeleteCTV or CBC ?? Those assclowns are similar to the rcmp...couldn't find their own arses with their owns hands and a GPS...fail clown school ?? become a journalist or cop...
ReplyDeleteAn Eye for an eye makes the whole world blind. I agree with sharing this story but not with adding more hate.
ReplyDeleteThese guys should be charged with committing a hate crime and I look forward to seeing how the cf deals with this.
I feel bad for the friends and family of these men, I feel terrible for the all those affected by there hate.
I hope that this can help unit us in the pain and show how strong we are together.
LS John Eldridge from HMCS Ville De Quebec
ReplyDeleteOS David Eldridge HMCS VDQ
CPL Eric Maurice 36 Signal Regiment
OS Grant Gauchier HMCS Scotian
OS Braidyn Pollitt HMCS Montreal
OS Gauchier is now Regular Force
DeleteNo longer associated with HMCS SCOTIAN. His outlook account just not updated. All are full time Regular Force members, for now at least.
OS Gauchier is now Regular Force No longer associated with HMCS SCOTIAN
Delete"You know this post is going to harm their careers and livelihood." No, their ACTIONS are going to harm their careers and livelihood. People who don't consider the consequences of their actions have no place in the military.
ReplyDeleteWhere'd they get that Red Ensign? It's not an overly common flag these days, though it's the sort of thing one might expect to find on a naval base. Did they pinch a government asset to use in harassing these folks?
ReplyDeleteSmall gripe here, but why black out one "man's" fianceé's name and face, then show the name and face of the next guy's girlfriend? You should block out her name too. She's probably also a dirtbag because she dates this moron, but there's no reason to expose her to online lynch-mob justice.
ReplyDeleteThey calls themselves boys cause that's what they are BOYS not men they are immature little boys with no understanding of history.
ReplyDeleteI do agree that the choice of flag was not the best by no means. And I believe that those in uniform are held to a higher standard than other citizens. However, they are still Canadian citizens and with that comes the right to freedom of opinion and expression as dictated by the Charter of Rights and Freedoms. I have read from witnesses who posted the video that they did not raise their voices or create a violent scene. I am not condoning the actions of the "Proud Boys" by any means, but I do feel there is a huge double standard and people are very quick to quote "racism" and have an uproar when a white male is involved with stating their beliefs or religion. And trust me, these individuals will be facing severe disciplinary action from the military, if they are even in uniform still by the end of the investigation. I would just like to see actual equality across the board for any nationality, religion, race, sex, etc.
ReplyDeleteThe girlfriend whose name is not blocked out is in the military and was picking fights with people over FB and Twitter all during this and bragging about how proud she was of her Proud Boy boyfriend. I'd bet money she was sat down in front of the Admirals too.
ReplyDeleteI am a proud military veteran and a proud mi'kmaq, please do not judge everyone in the Canadian Armed Forces based on these fools. As we have seen in recent news, both the military and the government is taking this very seriously and investigations are ongoing.
ReplyDeleteIf you are a serving member of military, regular or reserve, you are still subject to QR and Os and the national defence act at all times. They will all be charged, at the very least with, art 129 "actions becoming of a CAF member"
They have brought shame upon themselves, their friends and family, the military and even Canada.
I like this article and will take action but I don't like the statement overt far right nationalists in the Canadian military. It looks like you are saying the Canadian military is overrun by these types. You should know that part of racism is describing all of a group that shares a superficial quality as sharing terrible qualities. So stop it please
ReplyDeleteHiya. Scots-Injun from down south (Oklahoma, but gramps was from Boissevain). Never heard of Proud Boys. White power masking as white pride stuff ? Yeah, we have lots of that, too.
ReplyDeleteAnyhow, Raveen,
Conky