The Gzowski Cups

The competitive spirit is a quality that has never been found lacking in the Canadian engineer. National level competitions date back to 1885 when Colonel (later Sir) Casimir Stanislaus Gzowski donated the first recorded Canadian Engineer trophies, two silver cups for annual competition among companies of engineers of the Canadian Militia. Originally, the Gzowski Cups were awarded as first and second prizes based on the execution of a significant sized task. The cups were withdrawn from competition on the outbreak of WW I and not competed for again until 1949, when they were awarded to the best engineer unit in each of the East and West Militia summer camps. In October 1998 the Gzowski No. 1 Cup was assigned to the Land Forces Atlantic Area Engineer’s Evaluation, while Growski No. 2 Cup was designated for the Land Forces Central Area Engineer’s Evaluation.

In 1999 the Gzowski #1 Cup was awarded to 56 Field Engineering Squadron (FES). A ‘keeper’ plaque was presented to the unit during their 50th anniversary celebrations. The Area Engineer’s evaluation was based on assessment of 45 FES and 56 FES while performing engineering tasks in a tactical advance.

The Gzowski Cups have been awarded as follows: