Canadian Expeditionary Force (15) Royal Regiment of Canadian Artillery

Royal Regiment of Canadian Artillery

(York Sunbury Historical Society, Fredericton Region Museum Collection, Author Photo)

Possibly 1997.28.280

(Library and Archives Canada Photo, MIKAN No. 3194797)

Pack horses taking up ammunition to guns of 20th Battery, CFA, Neuville St. Vaast, April 1917.

(Library and Archives Canada Photo, MIKAN No. 3404888)

Canadian Artillery getting fodder from a forage dump for their horses, May 1918.

Royal Canadian Horse Artillery Brigade

The Royal Canadian Horse Artillery was placed on active service on 6 August 1914 for instructional and camp administration duties. On 26 August 1914 it mobilized the 'Royal Canadian Horse Artillery Brigade, CEF', which embarked for England on 30 September 1914. The regiment disembarked in France on 20 July 1915, where it provided mobile field artillery support as part of the 'Canadian Cavalry Brigade, CEF' in France and Flanders until the end of the war. The brigade was disbanded on 23 October 1920.

The 8th Army Brigade Canadian Field Artillery was authorized on 4 January 1916 as the '8th Brigade, CFA, CEF'.  The brigade sailed to Britain on 5 February 1916.  It disembarked in France on 14 July 1916, where it provided field artillery support as part of the 3rd and 4th Canadian Divisional Artilleries in France and Flanders until the end of the war. The 8th Canadian Field Artillery Brigade, 3rd Divisional Artillery was reorganized and redesignated as the 8th Army Brigade CFA. in France on 8 July 1917 under command of Lieutenant-Colonel J.C. Stewart D.S.O. (27th Battery CFA). From the original establishment the Brigade retained only the 30th Battery and taking the 32nd Battery from the 9th Brigade, the 43rd (Howitzer) Battery from the 10th Brigade and a new ad hoc 24th Battery formed with surplus personnel. The brigade was disbanded on 23 October 1920.  G.W.L. Nicholson, The Gunners of Canada. The History of the Royal Regiment of Canadian Artillery, 1534-1919, Vol. 1 (Toronto, 1967)

(Library and Archives Canada Photo, MIKAN No. 3395600)

Canadian Artillery Observation Post in reserve line, Jan 1918.

‍

Numbered Canadian Field Artillery Batteries

18th Battery, CFA

Authorized under Order in Council P.C.2067/2068, 6 August 1914, being organized under G.O. 36 of 15 March 1915. Raised by the 26th (Regina) Independent Battery.  Mobilized at Regina as a four-gun battery and sailed to England on 10 August 1915. Assigned to 5th Brigade, 2nd Division Artillery where it served to the end of the war. The 18th Battery was disbanded under G.O.191 on 1 November 1920.

24th Field Battery

(NB and NS mobilized at Fredericton). Authorized under Order in Council P.C.2067/2068 August 6th 1914 being organized under G.O. 36 of March 15th 1915. The 24th Battery sailed for England February 23rd 1915 under command of Major B.A. Ingraham with four officers and 151 other ranks where along with the 21st, 22nd and 23rd Batteries became the Reserve Brigade C.F.A. for the 1st Divisional Artillery. In the spring of 1917 reorganization of the Divisional Artillery the 24th Field Battery was assigned to the 8th Army Field Brigade. The 24th Battery served in the 8th Army Field Brigade until the conclusion of the First World War. (The 24th Battery claimed to have fired the last shot of the war but this claim was disputed and two other claimants were awarded the honour the 36th (Howitzer) Battery, 9th Brigade and the 39th Battery from the 10th Brigade.) The 24th Battery C.F.A. was disbanded under G.O. 191 November 1st 1920.

30th Overseas Depot Battery

(Toronto). The battery was Authorized under Order in Council P.C.2067/2068 August 6th 1914 mobilizing at Niagara Camp June 2nd 1915 under G.O. 103a of August 15th1915 under command of Major A.B. Gillies with ten officers and 192 other ranks. The 30th Battery arrived in England February 14th 1916 and France July 14th 1916 assigned to the 8th Brigade, 3rd Divisional Artillery serving until May 5th 1917. In March 28th 1917 the 30th Battery absorbed a two gun section from the disbanded 41st Battery (11th Brigade, 4th Divisional Artillery). Effective July 8th 1917 on the reorganization of the Divisional Artillery the 8th Brigade was reorganized and reassigned as Canadian Corps Artillery serving in this position until the Armistice. (The 30th Battery being the only battery retained from the original 8th Brigade absorbing a currently unidentified two gun section from the Reserve Artillery Brigade.) The 30th Battery served a for the duration of the First World War, being demobilized at Montreal April 9th 1919 under G.O. 191 November 1st 1920.

31st Battery, CFA

32nd Field Battery

Authorized under Order in Council P.C. 2067/2068 August 6th 1914 being organized at Barriefield under G.O. 103a of August 15th 1915 under command of Major S.A. McKenzie with seven officers and 191 other ranks. The 32nd Battery arrived in England in February 1916 assigned to the with 9th Brigade, 3rd Divisional Artillery. The battery arrived in France July 14th 1916 in March 1917the 32nd Battery absorbed a two gun section from the disbanded 29th Battery. On the reorganization of the Divisional Artillery in July 1917 the battery was reassigned to the 8th Army Field Brigade, serving as Corps troops. The 32nd Battery served as Corps troops for the duration of the First World War. The 32nd Field Battery was disbanded under G.O. 191 November 1st 1920.

33rd Overseas Battery, CFA

34th Overseas Battery, CFA

35th Field Battery

36th Overseas Field Battery, re-designated 36th (Howitzer) Battery

37th Overseas Field Battery

43rd Overseas Field Battery, re-designated 43rd (Howitzer) Battery

Authorized under Order in Council P.C.2067/2068 or 2831 6/8/1914. Organized under G.O. Organized under G.O. 151 December 22nd 1915.Sailed for England as the 43rd (Howitzer) Battery where it was assigned to the 10th Brigade serving until the March 1917 reorganization of the Divisional Artillery when the battery was reassigned to the 8th Army Brigade absorbing a two gun section from the disbanded 44th Battery. The 43rd (Howitzer) Battery served in the 8th Army Field Brigade for the duration of the First World War. The 43rd Overseas Field Battery was disbanded under G.O. 191, on 1 November 1920.

46th Overseas Depot Battery

49th Overseas Depot Battery

50th Overseas Depot Battery

51st Overseas Depot Battery

52nd Overseas Depot Battery

53rd Overseas Depot Battery

54th Overseas Depot Battery

55th Overseas Depot Battery

56th Field Battery

57th Overseas Depot Battery

58th Overseas Depot Battery

59th Overseas Depot Battery

60th Overseas Depot Battery

61st Overseas Depot Battery

62nd Overseas Depot Battery

63rd Overseas Depot Battery

64th Overseas Depot Battery

65th Overseas Depot Battery

66th Overseas Depot Battery

(York Sunbury Historical Society, Fredericton Region Museum Collection, Bella Doherty Photo)

1997.28.297.

67th Overseas Depot Battery

2nd 67th Battery (North Russian Expeditionary Force)

68th Overseas Depot Battery

2nd 68th Battery (North Russian Expeditionary Force)

69th Overseas Depot Battery

70th Overseas Depot Battery

(York Sunbury Historical Society, Fredericton Region Museum Collection, Bella Doherty Photo)

1997.28.296.

71st Overseas Depot Battery

72nd Overseas Depot Battery

(York Sunbury Historical Society, Fredericton Region Museum Collection, Bella Doherty Photo)

1997.28.299.

73rd Overseas Depot Battery

(York Sunbury Historical Society, Fredericton Region Museum Collection, Bella Doherty Photo)

1997.28.304.

74th Overseas Depot Battery

75th Overseas Depot Battery

76th Overseas Depot Battery

77th Overseas Depot Battery

(York Sunbury Historical Society, Fredericton Region Museum Collection, Bella Doherty Photo)

1997.28.300.

78th Overseas Depot Battery

79th Overseas Depot Battery

80th to 84th were authorized but never formed

Headquarters Reserve Artillery in England

‍

8th Army Brigade Ammunition Column

The 8th Army Brigade CFA was the only brigade to retain a brigade ammunition column. The reorganization of the Divisional Artillery in the late spring of 1916 saw the Brigade Ammunition Columns absorbed into Divisional Ammunition Columns

‍

"E" Anti-Aircraft Battery

(Library and Archives Canada Photo, MIKAN No. 3194240)

 Anti-aircraft gunners preparing to engage German fighters in October 1916.

(Library and Archives Canada Photo, MIKAN No. 3395208)

13-pounder 9-cwt QF Anti-Aircraft Gun in action, Oct 1916.

‍

Canadian Corps Heavy Artillery

( Library and Archives Canada Photo, MIKAN No. 3522087)

8-inch BL Mk. VI Howitzer, Canadian Siege Gun firing into Lens, Jan 1918.

(Library and Archives Canada Photo, MIKAN No. 3395353)

6-inch 26 cwt BL Heavy Howitzer, Canadian Front, Feb 1918.

(Library and Archives Canada Photo, MIKAN No. 3395220)

9.2-inch Heavy Howitzer on the Somme, Nov 1916.

(Library and Archives Canada Photo, MIKAN No. 3522407)

12-inch Naval Howitzer in Action, November 1917.

‍

(Library and Archives Canada Photo, MIKAN No. 3522268)

Canadian Corps Heavy Artillery in action. Advance East of Arras. September, 1918.

Artillery Heavy and Siege Batteries, were composed of sections, each having two guns. Batteries were reduced to four guns each in December 1914 but returned to six guns each in March 1917. There were four batteries in each artillery brigade. Most field batteries did not have war diaries; accounts of their activities were recorded in the diary of their brigade.

(Library and Archives Canada Photo, MIKAN No. 3195150)

Large Naval guns being fired behind Canadian lines, April 1917.

In January 1917 the siege and heavy artillery that had served under Imperial Command since their entry into France came under command of the Canadian Corps. On the 1917 reorganization of the Canadian Field Artillery the 8th Brigade CFA was also brought under command of Canadian Corps.

1st Brigade Canadian Garrison Artillery

1st Siege Battery

The 1st Canadian Siege Battery was organized in June as No. 1 Heavy Battery Depot under the command of Lieutenant-Colonel F. Minden Cole. Authorization published in General Order 103a of 15 August 1915. Became No.1 Overseas Battery Canadian Siege Artillery on 1 October 1915. Mobilized at Halifax. Recruited in Montreal, Saint John and Cobourg. Left Halifax 22 November 1915 aboard SAXONIA. 1st Canadian Siege Battery is the third Artillery Heavy and Siege Battery to arrive in England. Arrived in England 30 November 1915. Strength: 6 officers, 210 other ranks. Became 97th Canadian Siege Battery, Canadian Siege Brigade on 24 February 1916. Arrived in France 14 June 1916. Became 1st Canadian Siege Battery on 29 January 1917. 1st Canadian Heavy Artillery Group, which, on 12 January 1918, became 1st Brigade Canadian Garrison Artillery. Demobilized at Montreal and Toronto in May 1919. Disbanded by General Order 191 of 1 November 1920. Perpetuated by 21st Medium Battery, Toronto.

(York Sunbury Historical Society, Fredericton Region Museum Collection, Bella Doherty Photo)

1997.28.271.

(York Sunbury Historical Society, Fredericton Region Museum Collection, Author Photo)

1997.28.271.

3rd Overseas Battery Siege Artillery

3rd Siege Battery organized in September 1915 as 3rd Overseas Battery Siege Artillery under the command of Major E. G. M. Cape. Authorization published in General Order 151 of 22 December 1915. Mobilized at Montreal. Recruited in Montreal. Left Saint John 18 December 1915 aboard MISSANABIE. Arrived in England 27 December 1915. Strength: 6 officers, 216 other ranks. Became 107th (Canadian) Siege Battery on 24 February 1916. Arrived in France 19 June 1916. Became 3rd Canadian Siege Battery on 29 January 1917. 1st Canadian Heavy Artillery Group and, on 12 January 1918, 1st Brigade Canadian Garrison Artillery. Demobilized at Montreal in May 1919. Disbanded by General Order 191 of 1 November 1920. Perpetuated by 3rd Medium Battery (Howitzer), Montreal.

7th Siege Battery organized as No.6 (McGill) Overseas Siege Battery in April 1916 under the command of Major W. D. Tait. Authorization published in General Order 69 of 15 July 1916. Mobilized at Montreal. Recruited from McGill University graduates, students and friends. Left Halifax 19 September 1916 aboard OLYMPIC.Arrived in England 25 September 1916. Strength: 6 officers, 150 other ranks. Redesignated as No.271 (Canadian) Siege Battery on 6 October 1916. Redesignated as No.7 Canadian Siege Battery on 29 January 1917. Arrived in France 15 March 1917. 1st Brigade Canadian Garrison Artillery.Demobilized at Montreal in May 1919. Disbanded by General Order191 of 1 November 1920. Perpetuated by the 7th Medium Battery (Howitzer), Montreal.

9th Overseas Siege Battery

(York Sunbury Historical Society, Fredericton Region Museum Collection, Bella Doherty Photo, one of two badges)

(York Sunbury Historical Society, Fredericton Region Museum Collection, Bella Doherty Photo)

(York Sunbury Historical Society, Fredericton Region Museum Collection, Author Photo)

1970.23.1.

9th Overseas Siege Battery

9th Siege Battery organized as No. 8 Overseas Battery, Canadian Siege Artillery in April 1916 under the command of Major S. A. Heward. Authorization published in General Order 69 of 15 July 1916. Mobilized at Halifax Recruited in Halifax, Saint John and Esquimalt from personnel of Royal Canadian Garrison Artillery. Left Halifax 27 September 1916 aboard LACONIA. Arrived in England 6 October 1916. Strength: 6 officers, 152 other ranks. Redesignated as 273rd (Canadian) Siege Battery, Royal Garrison Artillery on 15 October 1916. Redesignated as No. 9 Canadian Siege Battery, Canadian Garrison Artillery on 29 January 1917. Arrived in France 22 March 1917. 1st Brigade, Canadian Garrison Artillery. Demobilized at Halifax in May 1919. Disbanded by General Order 191 of 1 November 1920. Perpetuated by 9th Heavy Battery (Howitzer), Halifax.

Also listed as: The battery was formed in June 1916 as a draft giving depot battery at Saint John, New Brunswick under command of Major P.W. Wetmore. The 9th Overseas Battery Siege Artillery was disbanded under G.O.191 of 15 November 1920.

2nd Brigade Canadian Garrison Artillery

1st Heavy Battery

(Library and Archives Canada Photo, MIKAN No. 3194805)

Large Naval gun in action at night behind Canadian lines, May, 1917.

‍

(York Sunbury Historical Society, Fredericton Region Museum Collection, Author Photo)

(York Sunbury Historical Society, Fredericton Region Museum Collection, Bella Doherty Photo)

1997.28.302.

Cobourg Heavy Battery Overseas.

The Cobourg Heavy Battery was placed on active service on 6 August 1914 and served in Lévis, Quebec, and Vancouver, British Columbia, providing coastal artillery support in the fall of 1914. The 2nd Heavy Battery, which was authorized on 7 November 1914 as the '2nd Heavy Battery, CGA, CEF' embarked for Britain on 15 June 1915.  The battery disembarked in France on 16 September 1915, where it provided heavy artillery support as part of the 2nd Brigade, CGA, CEF in France and Flanders until the end of the war. The battery was disbanded on 23 October 1920.

The 2nd Heavy Battery was organized in November 1914 under the command of Lieutenant-Colonel J. W. Odell. Authorization published in General Order 36 of 15 March 1915. Mobilized at Halifax. Recruited men from Montreal Heavy Brigade, Prince Edward Island Heavy Brigade, Cobourg Heavy Battery, 1st Garrison Artillery at Halifax, 3rd Garrison Artillery at Saint John and 6th Garrison Artillery at Lévis and Quebec. 2nd Heavy Battery is the second Artillery Heavy and Siege Battery to arrive in England. Left Halifax 15 June 1915 aboard CALEDONIAN. Arrived in England 22 June 1915. Strength: 7 officers, 212 other ranks. Arrived in France 16 September 1915. Attached to British formations until March 1917 when it became part of 2nd Brigade, Canadian Heavy Artillery. Demobilized at Kingston in May 1919. Disbanded by General Order 191 of 1 November 1920. Perpetuated by 22nd Medium Battery, Cobourg.

The 2nd Canadian Siege Battery was organized in July 1915 as No. 2 Heavy Battery Depot under the command of Major A. G. Peake. Authorization published in General Order 103a of 15 August 1915. Became No.2 Overseas Battery, Canadian Siege Artillery on 29 September 1915. Mobilized at Charlottetown. Recruited in Prince Edward Island. Left Halifax 27 November 1915 aboard LAPLAND. 2nd Siege Battery was the fourth Artillery Heavy and Siege Battery to arrive in England. Arrived in England 5 December 1915. Strength: 6 officers, 273 other ranks. Became 98th Canadian Siege Battery, Canadian Siege Brigade on 24 February 1916. Arrived in France 1 June 1916. Became 2nd Canadian Siege Battery on 29 January 1917. 1st Canadian Heavy Artillery Group and, on 12 January 1918, 2nd Brigade Canadian Garrison Artillery. Demobilized at Charlottetown and Kingston in May 1919. Disbanded by General Order 191 of 1 November 1920. Perpetuated by 2nd Medium Battery (Howitzer), Charlottetown.

The 4th Siege Battery was organized in October 1915 as No. 4 Overseas Siege Battery under the command of Major L. W. Barker. Authorization published in General Order 151 of 22 December 1915. Mobilized at Partridge Island, Saint John, New-Brunswick. Recruited from 3rd Regiment, Canadian Garrison Artillery at Partridge Island in Saint John, Fredericton and Moncton. Left Halifax 5 April 1916. Strength: 6 officers, 212 other ranks. Redesignated 131st (Canadian) Siege Battery, RGA on 7 May 1916. Became No.4 Canadian Siege Battery on 29 January 1917.Arrived in France 31 July 1917. 1st Canadian Heavy Artillery Group and, on 12 January 1918, 2nd Brigade, Canadian Garrison Artillery. Demobilized at Saint John in May 1919. Disbanded by General Order 191 of 1 November 1920. Perpetuated by 4th Medium Battery (Howitzer), Saint John.

The 5th Siege Battery was organized as 165th (Canadian) Siege Battery at Horsham in June 1915 under the command of Major G. M. Maxwell. Formed from personnel of Canadian Siege Artillery Depot at Horsham, mainly from 97th, 131st, 98th and 107th Canadian Siege Batteries. Arrived in France 21 September 1916. Redesignated 5th Canadian Siege Battery on 29 January 1917. Attached to 1st Canadian Heavy Artillery Group, then, in January 1917, to 2nd Brigade, Canadian Garrison Artillery. Demobilized at Vancouver in May 1919. Disbanded by General Order 191 of 1 November 1920. Perpetuated by 5th Medium Battery, Vancouver.

The 6th Siege Battery was organized as No. 7 Canadian Overseas Siege Battery in April 1916 under the command of Major L. T. Allen. Authorization published in General Order 69 of 15 July 1916. Mobilized at Partridge Island, Saint John. Recruited in New Brunswick, mainly from composite battery at Partridge Island. Left Halifax 2 June 1916 aboard OLYMPIC. Arrived in France 27 September 1916. 1st Canadian Heavy Artillery Group. Redesignated as No.6 Canadian Siege Battery on 29 January 1917. 2nd Brigade, Canadian Garrison Artillery. Demobilized at Saint John in May 1919. Disbanded by General Order 191 of 1 November 1920. Perpetuated by 6th Medium Battery (Howitzer), Saint John.

(Library and Archives Canada Photo, MIKAN No. 3522237)

BL 60-pounder field guns in action. Battle of Amiens. August 1918.

‍

3rd Brigade Canadian Garrison Artillery

8th Siege Battery

Organized as No. 5 Overseas Siege Battery in April 1916 under the command of Major A. G. Peake. Authorization published in General Order 69 of 15 July 1916. Mobilized at Charlottetown. Recruited in Prince Edward Island. Left Halifax 27 September 1916 aboard SOUTHLAND. Arrived in England 6 October 1916. Strength: 6 officers, 132 other ranks. Redesignated as 272nd (Canadian) Siege Battery, Royal Garrison Artillery on 15 October 1916. Redesignated as No.8 Canadian Siege Battery, Canadian Garrison Artillery on 29 January 1917. Arrived in France 1 April 1917. XI Corps, then 3rd Brigade, Canadian Garrison Artillery. Demobilized at Halifax in May 1919. Disbanded by General Order 191 of 1 November 1920. Perpetuated by 8th Medium Battery (Howitzer), Charlottetown.

10th Siege Battery organized at Shorncliffe in May 1917 from personnel of Reserve Artillery. Depot Commanded by Lieutenant G. B. Wetmore. Arrived in France 18 October 1917. Personnel absorbed into 4th, 6th and 7th Canadian Siege Batteries.

11th Siege Battery

Organized at Witley in November 1917 from personnel of 2nd Brigade, Canadian Reserve Artillery. Commanded by Major A. G. Peake. Arrived in France 3 April 1918. 3rd Brigade, Canadian Garrison Artillery. Demobilized at Winnipeg in May 1919. Disbanded by General Order 191 of 1 November 1920. Perpetuated by 11th Medium Battery (Howitzer), Winnipeg.

12th Siege Battery‍

Organized at Shorncliffe in May 1917 from personnel of Reserve Artillery Depot. Arrived in France 18 October 1917. Personnel absorbed in to 2nd, 3rd and 9th Canadian Siege Batteries.

(York Sunbury Historical Society, Fredericton Region Museum Collection, Author Photo)

(York Sunbury Historical Society, Fredericton Region Museum Collection, Bella Doherty Photo)

1997.28.551.  1997.28.303.

(York Sunbury Historical Society, Fredericton Region Museum Collection, Author Photo)

1997.28.551.

4th Divisional Ammunition Column

‍

5th Divisional Artillery

13th Brigade Canadian Field Artillery

(York Sunbury Historical Society, Fredericton Region Museum Collection, Author Photo)

1997.28.228.

52nd Overseas Depot Battery

(York Sunbury Historical Society, Fredericton Region Museum Collection, Author Photo)

1997.28.230.

53rd Overseas Depot Battery

(York Sunbury Historical Society, Fredericton Region Museum Collection, Author Photo)

(York Sunbury Historical Society, Fredericton Region Museum Collection, Bella Doherty Photo)

1997.28.231.

(York Sunbury Historical Society, Fredericton Region Museum Collection, Author Photo)

1997.28.227.

51st Howitzer Battery

‍

14th Brigade Canadian Field Artillery

60th Field Battery

(York Sunbury Historical Society, Fredericton Region Museum Collection, Author Photo)

1997.28.233.

61st Overseas Depot Battery

(York Sunbury Historical Society, Fredericton Region Museum Collection, Author Photo)

(York Sunbury Historical Society, Fredericton Region Museum Collection, Bella Doherty Photo)

1997.28.297.

66th Overseas Depot Battery (Montreal)

Authorized under Order in Council P.C.2067/2068 of 6 August 1914 and organized 13 March 1916 under G.O. 69 of 15 July 1916 under command of Major R.A. Brock. The battery was designated the 66th Overseas Field Battery CFA in mid April 1916 and the 66th Battery CFA in early September 1916 prior to sailing for England arriving 22 September 1916 and sailing for France March 21st 1917 where on arrival it is believed to have absorbed a two gun section from the disbanded 83rd (Howitzer) Battery. The 66th Battery CFA served as a component of the 14th Brigade, 5th Divisional Artillery, Corps Troops for the duration of the First World War. The 66th Overseas Depot Battery was disbanded under G.O. 191 November 1st 1920

‍

58th Howitzer Battery

(Library and Archives Canada Photo, MIKAN No. 3517339)

 8-inch Mk. VI Howitzer, April 1917.

5th Divisional Ammunition Column

(York Sunbury Historical Society, Fredericton Region Museum Collection, Author Photo)

1997.28.226.

50th Overseas Depot Battery

Divisional Ammunition Column

(York Sunbury Historical Society, Fredericton Region Museum Collection, Author Photo)

1997.28.305.

13th Brigade Ammunition Column

This unit was unique in the Canadian Field Artillery by adopting an unauthorized regimental cap badge. The Motto on wheel reads ‘Brigade Ammunition Column’.

‍

Royal Canadian Horse and Garrison Artillery

(York Sunbury Historical Society, Fredericton Region Museum Collection, Bella Doherty Photo)

1997.28.229.

RCA badge, QUO FAS ET GLORIA DUCUNT - Where right and glory lead.

The histories of the permanent force Royal Canadian Artillery and the militia Canadian Artillery during the war is extremely complicated. The non-permanent militia Canadian Artillery was established in 1857 long before the permanent force Royal Canadian Artillery. On the withdrawal of the bulk of the British troops from Canada during the period of the Crimean war in 1857, the Canadian Government issued a ‘white paper’ reorganizing the Canadian Militia. At this time a small non permanent artillery component of seven batteries was established. By 1892 this number had grown to 31 batteries of Garrison and 17 batteries of Field Artillery. The Permanent Force Artillery was established on 20 October 1871 when two batteries of Garrison Artillery, ‘A’ Battery located at Kingston, with a battery at Toronto, and ‘B’ Battery at Quebec City, were formed on the withdrawal of the British garrisons from these cities. These batteries were designated as Schools of Gunnery on 6 February 1880 and as Royal Schools of Gunnery on 10 August 1883. On this date a third battery, ‘C’ Battery was authorized for Victoria on Vancouver Island but this was not activated until 1887.

On 23 May 1893 the permanent force artillery was designated as the Royal Canadian Artillery. Also in 1893 ‘C’ Battery located at Victoria was disbanded and its personnel returned to Quebec City. The withdrawal of the Canadian gunners being occasioned by the British Government decision to build a Fortress at Esquimalt, initially manned by gunners of the Royal Marines Artillery, later replaced by No. 58 Company Royal Garrison Artillery. On 23 May 1893 the Canadian permanent force artillery was designated as the Royal Canadian Artillery (RCA). Under General Order No. 50 of 18 August 1893 the permanent force artillery was reorganized into two components; the Royal Canadian Field Artillery and the Royal Canadian Garrison Artillery. The R.C.F.A. with lettered batteries, ‘A’ Battery located at Kingston, and ‘B’ Battery at Quebec City. The R.C.G.A. was formed with numbered companies No. 1 and No.2 both being located at Quebec City. The nucleus of No. 2Company R.C.G.A. being formed mainly from the personnel of the disbanded ‘C’ Battery. In 1905 the last remnants of the British Army in Canada returned to England turning over the great coastal forts at Halifax and Esquimalt in BC to the Dominion Government. Effective 5  September 1905 the Royal Canadian Field Artillery was designated the Royal Canadian Horse Artillery and the Royal Canadian Garrison Artillery increased from two to five companies.

(York Sunbury Historical Society, Fredericton Region Museum Collection, Author Photo)

Royal Garrison and Royal Canadian Horse Artillery 1911 - 1918

In 1910 the Royal Cypher of King George V was adopted replacing that of King Edward VII for the insignia throughout the British Empire.