Canadian Militia badges, Cavalry Regiments, York Sunbury Historical Society, Fredericton Region Museum

‍Cavalry Regiments of the Canadian Militia, badges in the Fredericton Region Museum collection

The Canadian Militia is a historical title for military units raised for the defence of Canada. The term has been used to describe sedentary militia units raised from local communities in Canada; as well as the regular army for the Province of Canada and post-confederated Canada, referred to as the active militias.

The earliest militia units in Canada dates back to 16^th Century in New France. In the French colony, a compulsory militia of settlers from every parish was raised in order to support the military of New France in the defence and expansion of the colony. Sedentary militia units were also raised by the British, to defend its colonies and to support British military operations on the continent. The sedentary militia eventually fell into disuse in the late-19^thCentury, although vestiges of the sedentary militia system continued into theearly-20^th century.

The Canadian Militia also referred to the regular army established by the Province of Canada under the Militia Act of 1855. The two organizations that originated from the act, the Permanent Active Militia (PAM), and the Non-Permanent Active Militia(NPAM), continued to serve as Canada's regular army following Canadian Confederation in 1867. In Nov 1940, both the PAM and the NPAM were reorganized as the Canadian Army, with the PAM becoming the Army's Regular Force, and the NPAM becoming the Army Reserve. The Army Reserve continues to be informally referred to as the militia in Canada.[1]

During the First World War, the militia was not mobilized, with Canadians serving overseas enlisting with the Canadian Expeditionary Force (CEF), a separate military field force managed by the Ministry of Overseas Military Forces.  The following is a list of the named and numbered Cavalry Regiments of the Canadian Militia roughly from the late 1800s to 1920 when the Otter Commission reforms were instituted.

(Library and Archives Canada Photo, MIKAN No. 2837970)

Canadian Mounted Rifles recruiting poster, 1914-1918.

Permanent Active Militia (Permanent Force)

The Royal Canadian Dragoons

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

Accession Number 1997.28.644.

The Royal Canadian Dragoons

The Royal Canadian Dragoons (RCD) were formed on 21 Dec 1883 as the Cavalry School Corps.  The RCD is the senior cavalry regiment in the Canadian Army and was Canada's first professional, full-time cavalry unit. It was originally organized as a troop(the then company-sized British army cavalry maneuver sub-unit, today regarded as a squadron) and was commanded by Captain (Brevet Lieutenant-Colonel) J.F. Turnbull of Québec City's Queen's Own Canadian Hussars. The first Regimental Sergeant-Major was Sergeant-Major George Baxter, recruited by Lieutenant-Colonel Turnbull from the British army's 4^th Dragoon Guards at Aldershot along with two other British army Sergeant-Instructors from the 7^th Dragoon Guards and the 15^th The King's Hussars.

The Royal Canadian Dragoons (RCD) is the senior Armoured Regiment of the Canadian Army by precedence. It is one of three Armoured Regiments in the Regular Force and forms part of the Royal Canadian Armoured Corps (RCAC). The Colonel-in-Chief of The RCD is Charles III, King of Canada. The Colonel of the Regiment is Major-General Dean Milner, CMM, MSC, CD (Retired). The Commanding Officer is Lieutenant-Colonel N. Forsyth, and the Regimental Sergeant Major is Chief Warrant Officer C. Leblanc. The regiment is composed of Regimental Headquarters, "A", "B", "C", "D" and Headquarters Squadrons. "A", "B" and "D" Squadrons, based at 4 Canadian Support Base Petawawa, are light cavalry squadrons. "C" Squadron is based at 5 Canadian Division Support Base Gagetown, and the squadron consists of both Dragoons and members of 12e Régiment blindé du Canada. Headquarters Squadron, based in Petawawa, provides first-line combat service support to the regiment.

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

Accession Number 1997.28.500.

Royal Canadian Dragoons, Helmet plate, King's crown.

During the Second Boer War on 7 Nov1900, The Royal Canadian Dragoons were engaged in the Action at Leliefontein.The regiment, operating in concert with the two 12 Pounder guns of the LeftSection of D Battery, Royal Canadian Artillery, was acting as the rear guardfor Major-General Sir Horace Smith-Dorrien's column as it withdrew from theKomati River basin. The Boers had recently captured a quantity of Britishartillery ammunition and aggressively pressed the rear guard in an attempt tocapture the two D Battery guns, even conducting a very rare mounted charge. Inthe end, the guns and the column were saved. Three Victoria Crosses wereawarded to members of The Royal Canadian Dragoons for their actions during thecourse of the day:

Lieutenant H.Z.C. Cockburn
Lieutenant R.E.W. Turner
Sergeant E.J.G. Holland

Lord Strathcona's Horse (Royal Canadians)

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

Accession Number 1997.28.220. King's crown.

The Lord Strathcona's Horse (Royal Canadians) (LdSH (RC)

The LdSH (RC)originated on 1 July 1901 in Winnipeg, Manitoba, as an independent Permanent Active Militia corps of mounted rifles, designated as A Squadron, The Canadian Mounted Rifles. Redesignated 1 Oct 1903 as The Royal Canadian Mounted Rifles. Redesignated 1 Oct 1909 as Strathcona's Horse (Royal Canadians)[4]Redesignated 1 May 1911 as Lord Strathcona's Horse (Royal Canadians), (LdSH (RC)). Redesignated 16 Oct 1946 as the 2^ndArmoured Regiment (Lord Strathcona's Horse (Royal Canadians)), RCAC. Redesignated on 2 March 1949 as Lord Strathcona's Horse (Royal Canadians) (2^ndArmoured Regiment). Redesignated 19 May 1958 as Lord Strathcona's Horse (Royal Canadians).

Lord Strathcona's Horse (Royal Canadians), LdSH (RC), is a regular Armoured Regiment of the Canadian Army and is Canada’s only tank regiment. Currently based in Edmonton, Alberta, the regiment is part of 3^rd Canadian Division's 1 Canadian Mechanized Brigade Group. Members of the regiment are commonly called Strathconas or Straths as a short form. It was one of the last regiments in the British Empire to be created and raised by a private individual, Donald Alexander Smith, 1^stBaron Strathcona and Mount Royal. The regimental motto is "Perseverance". The colonel-in-chief of the regiment is King Charles III, while the colonel of the regiment is Colonel Jamie Cade (Retired).

(Library and Archives Canada Photo, MIKAN No. 3216614)

Lieutenant Harvey, VC, of Lord Strathcona's Horse with Regimental Standard presented by Lady Strathcona (February 1919). Lieutenant Frederick Maurice Watson Harvey, VC, MC was an Irish-born Canadian recipient of the Victoria Cross, the Military Cross and the French Croix de Guerre.

(Library and Archives Canada Photo, MIKAN No. 3216613)

Captain Frederick Harvey, VC, of Lord Strathcona's Horse.  Born in Athboy, County Meath, Ireland, Harvey was awarded the Victoria Cross during the Great War. He settled in Medicine Hat, Alberta, in 1908 and enlisted on 18 May 1916 with the 13^th Regiment, Canadian Mounted Rifles, later transferring to Lord Strathcona’s Horse (Royal Canadians) after arriving in France.

(Library and Archives Canada Photo, MIKAN No. 2843458)

Surrender of Commandant Botha to the Canadian Mounted Rifles, South Africa, 1902.

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Non-Permanent Active Militia

The Governor General's Body Guard

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

Accession Number 1997.28.32. King's crown.

The Governor General's Bodyguard (GGBG)

The GGBG was formed in 1822 but it was not until 1866 that the troop became known as the Governor General's Bodyguard. They served in many of the 19^thCentury conflicts such as the 1837 rebellion, the northwest rebellion, and the Boer war. During the first world war the Governor General's Bodyguard and the Mississauga Horse sent thousands of volunteer troops overseas and they served alongside the 4^th Battalion, Canadian Mounted Rifles. In 1936 the Governor General's Bodyguard and the Mississauga Horse amalgamated and became the Governor General's Horse Guards.

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The Governor General’s Horse Guards

Private Collection Photo, GGHG King’s Crown.

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

Accession Number 1997.28.440. GGHG collar dog.

The Governor General's Horse Guards

‍            The Governor General's Horse Guards. Nulli Secundus is Latin for "Second to None" and Honi Soit Quis Mal Y Pense translated from old French is "Shame be to him who thinks evil of it". The reserve was created in 1885 during the NorthWest Rebellion, however the reserve was not given its name until 1889 when it was officially authorized to be formed. The reserve has participated in the South African War (1900), the First World War (1916-1918), and the Second World War (1945).

1^st Hussars

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

Accession Number 1992.12.91.

The 1^st Hussars

The 1^st Hussars was founded in 1856 with the formation of the First London Volunteer Troop of Cavalry. Through the amalgamation of several troops in southwestern Ontario, the 1^st Regiment of Cavalry was formed on 29 May 1872. In Apr 1892, the Regiment was redesignated the First Hussars and thus became the Canadian Cavalry Regiment which has held its name longer than any other. During the South African War, the Regiment contributed officers and men to the Canadian contingent and was awarded the Battle Honour, South Africa 1900.

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2^nd Dragoons

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

Accession Number 1997.28.43. Collardog.

The 2^nd Dragoons

The 2^nd Dragoons were formed in 1872 at St. Catherines, Ontario, under the name 2^nd Regiment of Cavalry. It was designated the 2^nd Dragoons in 1893. The unit participated in the First World War as a local protection unit.

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2^nd/10^thDragoons

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

Accession Number 1997.28.11.

The 2^nd/10^th Dragoons

The Second/TenthDragoons were created in 1936 from an amalgamation ofthe 2^nd Dragoons and the 10^th Brant Dragoons based outof Ontario and the east coast. Members of the Second Tenth Dragoons served werenot mobilized between 1939 and 1942, however 151 soldiers from the Second/Tenthserved overseas with the Royal Hamilton Light Infantry and 206soldiers with the Royal Canadian Dragoons. After the Second World Warthe Second/Tenth Dragoons were converted to artillery and were designated the 57^thLight Anti-Aircraft Regiment, RCA. The inscription Sagittarii is Latinfor archers.

3^rd Prince of Wales' Canadian Dragoons

(Private Collection Photo)

3^rd Prince of Wales' Canadian Dragoons

3^rd Provisional Regiment of Cavalry was formed on 30 April 1875, at Cobourg, Ontario. It was redesignated on 14 Oct 1881, as the 3^rd Provisional Regiment of Cavalry, The Prince of Wales' Canadian Dragoons. Redesignated on 25 Nov 1892, as the 3^rd Regiment of Cavalry, The Prince of Wales' Canadian Dragoons.

Redesignated on 1Jan 1893, as the 3^rd The Prince of Wales' Canadian Dragoons. Amalgamated on 15 Dec 1936, with The Peterborough Rangers and the Headquarters and C Company of the 4^thMachine Gun Battalion, CMGC, and redesignated as The Prince of Wales Rangers (Peterborough Regiment) (Machine Gun). ‍ It is now the 50^thField Artillery Regiment (The Prince of Wales Rangers), RCA, which is currently on the Supplementary Order of Battle).

4^th Hussars of Canada

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

Accession Number 1997.28.15. King'scrown.

4^th Hussars of Canada

Several independenttroops of cavalry in the Province of Canada's volunteer militia were formed inthe Kingston area starting in 1855. Four of these troops(in Kingston, Napanee, Loughborough and Picton) were united under aregimental headquarters in 1875, becoming the 4^th ProvisionalRegiment of Cavalry. This regiment adopted hussaruniforms (with buff facings) and hussar customs in 1893. In Ottawa, the city'sindependent cavalry troop (formed in 1872) came under the patronage of thePrincess Louise, Marchioness of Lorne, during her time there as vice-regal consort(1878–80), and the troop was expanded to an independent squadron named thePrincess Louise Dragoon Guards.

During the SecondBoer War, volunteers from the squadronfought with the Imperial forces in South Africa. The squadron was againexpanded into a regiment in 1903 as the 5^th Princess Louise DragoonGuards. The 4^th Hussars and the 5^th PLDGwere not mobilized in the First World War, but they both contributed volunteersto and aided in the recruiting of the 8^th Regiment, Canadian MountedRifles. The 8^th CMR didnot enter combat as a unit, its personnel being absorbed by the reserves inEngland and the 4^th Battalion, Canadian Mounted Rifles, in France, but enough of itsformer members fought at the Battle of Mount Sorrel that the regiment qualified for a battlehonour, which the PLDG perpetuates. In the 1936 reorganization of the Militia,the PLDG and the 4^th Hussars were amalgamated as the 4^thPrincess Louise Dragoon Guards.

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Princess Louise Dragoon Guards

The regiment, knownas Princess Louise Dragoon Guards, had contributed volunteersto the 2^nd (Special Service) Battalion of the Royal Canadian Regiment, the 1^st Battalion,Canadian Mounted Rifles and the South African Constabulary during theSouth African War of 1899-1902. The 5^th PrincessLouise Dragoon Guards went on to contribute volunteers to the 8^thRegiment, Canadian Mounted Rifles in the First World War. The regiment wasamalgamated with the 4^th Hussars of Canada in 1936.

4^th Princess Louise Dragoon Guards

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

Accession Number 1997.28.547.

4^th Princess Louise Dragoon Guards

The Princess Louise Dragoon Guards was a heavy cavalry regiment of the Non-Permanent Active Militia of the Canadian Militia (now the Canadian Army).First formed in 1872 as an independent cavalry troop, on 1 Jan 1903 it became a full regiment  in Ottawa, Ontario, as the Princess Louise Dragoon Guards. Redesignated on 1 Feb 1903, as the 5^thPrincess Louise Dragoon Guards. Redesignated on 15 March 1920, as The Princess Louise Dragoon Guards. Amalgamated on 15 Dec 1936, with the 4^th  Hussars of Canada and redesignated as the 4^th Princess Louise Dragoon Guards.

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5^th Dragoons

The 5^th Dragoons originated on 30 Nov 1877, in Cookshire, Québec, as the 5^thProvisional Regiment of Cavalry. Redesignated on 21 May 1886, as the 5^th Regiment of Cavalry. Redesignated on 1 Jan 1893, as the 5^th Dragoons. The 5^thDragoons was a cavalry regiment of the Non-Permanent Active Militia of the Canadian Militia (now the Canadian Army). Amalgamated on1 June 1901, with the 6^th "Duke of Connaught's Royal Canadian Hussars" and redesignated as the6^th Duke of Connaught's Royal Canadian Hussars. 1^st Armoured Car Regiment. Originated on 1 June 1919,in Montreal, as the 1^st Motor Machine Gun Brigade, CMGC. Redesignated on 1 Oct 1936, as the 1^st Armoured Car Regiment. Amalgamated on 15 Dec 1936, with the 6^th Duke of Connaught's Royal Canadian Hussars and redesignated as the 6^th Duke of Connaught's Royal Canadian Hussars (Armoured Car).

5^th Princess Louise Dragoon Guards

The Ottawa Troop of Cavalry was authorized in May 1872 and redesignated Dragoon Guards in 1878. The unit became a regiment was an additional squadron on 1 January 1903 and a regimental headquarters was authorized on 1 Feb 1903, being redesignated at that time 5^th Princess Louise Dragoon Guards. The regiment, known as Princess Louise Dragoon Guards, had contributed volunteers to the 2^nd (Special Service) Battalion of the Royal Canadian Regiment, the 1^st Battalion, Canadian Mounted Rifles and the South African Constabulary during the South African War of1899-1902. The 5^th Princess Louise Dragoon Guards went on to contribute volunteers to the 8th Regiment, Canadian Mounted Rifles in the First World War. The regiment was amalgamated with the 4^th Hussars of Canada in 1936.

6^th Duke of Connaught's Royal Canadian Hussars

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

Accession Number 1997.28.31.

6^th Duke of Connaught's Royal Canadian Hussars

The 6^th Duke of Connaught's Royal Canadian Hussars wasa light cavalry regiment of the Non-Permanent Active Militia of the Canadian Militia (now the Canadian Army). First formed in 1855 as an independent cavalrytroop, in 1879 it became a full regiment and was the oldest cavalry regiment in Montreal. In 1958, the regiment was amalgamated with the 17^th Duke of York's Royal Canadian Hussars to form The Royal Canadian Hussars (Montreal),6^th Duke of Connaught's Royal Canadian Hussars. Originated on 14 Nov 1879,in Montreal, as the 6^th Provisional Regiment of Cavalry. Redesignated on 18 Sep 1885,as the 6^th Regiment of Cavalry. Redesignated on 20 June 1890, as the 6^th Regiment of Cavalry “Duke of Connaught's Royal Canadian Hussars”. Redesignated on 1 Jan 1893, as the 6^th“Duke of Connaught's Royal Canadian Hussars”. Amalgamated on 1 June 1901, with the 5^th Dragoons and redesignated as the 6^th Duke of Connaught's Royal Canadian Hussars. Amalgamated on 15 Dec 1936, with the 1^stArmoured Car Regiment and redesignated as the 6^th Duke of Connaught's Royal Canadian Hussars (Armoured Car). Redesignated on 27 Feb 1941,as the 2^nd (Reserve) Regiment, 6^th Duke of Connaught's Royal Canadian Hussars (Armoured Car).Redesignated on 1 April 1941, as the 15^th(Reserve) Armoured Regiment,(6^th Duke of Connaught's Royal Canadian Hussars). Redesignated on 4Feb 1949, as the 6^th Duke of Connaught's Royal Canadian Hussars (15^thArmoured Regiment). Redesignated on 19 May 1958,as the 6^th Duke of Connaught's Royal Canadian Hussars. Amalgamated on 16 Sep 1958, with the 17^th Duke of York's Royal Canadian Hussars and redesignated as The Royal Canadian Hussars(Montreal).

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

Accession Number 1997.28.449.

The 6^th Duke of Connaught's Royal Canadian Hussars

8^th Princess Louise's New Brunswick Hussars

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

Accession Number 1997.28.29.

The 8^th Canadian Hussars(Princess Louise's)

The 8^th CanadianHussars (Princess Louise's), (VIII CH) is a reserve armoured reconnaissanceregiment in the Canadian Army, with two squadrons. It was formed on 4 Apr 1848in the then-colony of New Brunswick, which remains the regiment's home to thisday, its regimental headquarters (RHQ) and A Squadron being in Moncton, with B Squadron in Sussex. In 1957, its name was chosenfor the formation of a new Regular Force regiment to serve alongside thereserve regiment. The regular regiment served in Gagetown, New Brunswick, and Petawawa, Ontario, as well as theSinai, Cyprus, Iserlohn (Fort Beausejour),Soest, and Lahr, West Germany. The Regular Force regiment was disbanded in1998.

The 8^th Hussarsoriginated on 30 Apr 1869, in Apohaqui, New Brunswick, as the NewBrunswick Regiment of Yeomanry Cavalry. Redesignated on 31 May 1872,as the 8^th Regiment of Cavalry.Redesignated on 18 July 1884, as the 8^th Princess Louise's NewBrunswick Regiment of Cavalry (named after Princess Louise, Marchioness ofLorne). Redesignated on 1 Jan 1893,as the 8^th Princess Louise's New Brunswick Hussars. Redesignated on 11 Feb 1941,as the 2^nd (Reserve) Regiment, 8^th Princess Louise's (NewBrunswick) Hussars. Redesignated on 1 April 1941, as the 5^th (Reserve)Armoured Regiment, 8^th Princess Louise's (New Brunswick) Hussars.Redesignated on 4 Feb 1949, as the 8^th Princess Louise's (NewBrunswick) Hussars (5^th Armoured Regiment). Redesignated on 29 Jan 1957, as the 2^nd/8^thCanadian Hussars (Princess Louise's). Redesignated on 1 Jan 1960, as the 8^thCanadian Hussars (Princess Louise's) (Militia). Amalgamated on 15 April 1993,with the 8^th Canadian Hussars (Princess Louise's) (Regular Force)and Redesignated as the 8^th Canadian Hussars (Princess Louise's).

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

Accession Number 1997.28.10.

8^th Canadian Hussars (Princess Louise’s)

9^th Mississauga Horse, (Toronto Mounted Rifles)

(Private Collection Photo)

9^th Mississauga Horse, (Toronto Mounted Rifles)

The Mississauga Horse was a cavalry regiment of the Non-Permanent Active Militia of the Canadian Militia (now the Canadian Army). In 1936, they were amalgamated with The Governor General's Body Guard to form The Governor General's Horse Guards.

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The Queen's Own Canadian Hussars, (10^th Queen's Own Canadian Hussars)

(Doug Hall Collection, Author Photo)

The Queen's Own Canadian Hussars, (10^th Queen's Own Canadian Hussars)

The 10^thQueen's Own Canadian Hussars (QOCH) was a cavalry regiment of the Non-Permanent Active Militia (this was the name of the part-time volunteer Canadian Armed Forces before the formation of the Canadian Army in 1940) which existed between 1856–1913 and 1928–1936. Although the unit did not take part in any fixed actions of its own various officers and men were incorporated as volunteers into Canadian Expeditionary Forces overseas such as the Canadian Mounted Rifles in the Second Boer War, where some distinguished themselves such as Lieutenant-General Richard Ernest William Turner who, as a Lieutenant serving with the Royal Canadian Dragoons (RCD), won the Victoria Cross at Leliefontein, one of three officers from the RCD who were given the award for the same action.

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11^th Hussars

The 11^th Hussars was a light cavalry regiment of the Non-Permanent Active Militia of the Canadian Militia (now the Canadian Army).First raised on 21 Sep 1866, in Sherbrooke, Quebec, as the Sherbrooke Battalionof Infantry. Redesignated on 15 March 1867, as the 53^rd Sherbrooke Battalion of Infantry. Reorganized on 22 March 1867, as two separatebattalions: the 54^th Sherbrooke Battalion of Infantry (later TheSherbrooke Regiment) and the 53rd Melbourne Battalion of Infantry. Redesignatedon 10 May 1867, as the 54^th Richmond Battalion of Infantry.Redesignated on 8 May 1900, as the 54^th Richmond Regiment. Converted to cavalry on 1 August 1903, and redesignated as the 11^th Hussars.Amalgamated on 1 April 1936, with the 7^th Hussars and redesignated as the 7^th/11^th Hussars.

53^rd Sherbrooke Battalion of Infantry

           The 53^rd Sherbrooke Battalion of Infantry was initially formed on 22March 1867.  It was later reorganized into two separate battalions: the 54^th Sherbrooke Battalion of Infantry (later the Sherbrooke Regiment) and the 53^rd Melbourne Battalion of Infantry was authorized. The new regiment had companies at Danville, Melbourne, Richmond, Brompton and Durham. On 10 May 1867, the regiment was redesignated as the 54^th Richmond Battalion of Infantry. On 8 May 1900, the regiment was redesignated as the 54^th Richmond Regiment.

On 1 August 1903,the 54^th Richmond Regiment was converted from infantry to cavalry and redesignated as the 11^th Hussars. With the outbreak of the First World War, the 11^th Hussars along with the 7^th Hussars provided volunteers to help raise the 5^th Canadian Mounted Rifles for service with the Canadian Expeditionary Force. On 1 April 1936, as a result of the 1936 Canadian Militia reorganization, the 11^th Hussars were amalgamated with the 7^th Hussars to form the 7^th/11^th Hussars, which now form part of The Sherbrooke Hussars.

The Sherbrooke Hussars

The Sherbrooke Hussars were formed in 1866 under the name Sherbrooke Battalion Infantry. The regiment was amalgamated with the 7^th/11^thHussars in 1965 and was then designated the Sherbrooke Hussars.

The 12^th Manitoba Dragoons

(Oromocto Legion Branch 93 Collection, Author Photo)

The 12^th Manitoba Dragoons

The 12^thManitoba Dragoons' originated in Brandon, Manitoba on 1 July 1903,when the 12^th Manitoba Dragoons were authorized to be formed. On 31 Jan 1935,it was amalgamated with The Border Horse, retaining its designation.It was redesignated: 12^th (Reserve) Manitoba Dragoons on 7 Nov 1940;18^th Armoured Car Regiment (12^th Dragoons), RCAC' on 1 April1946; 12^th Manitoba Dragoons, (18^th Armoured CarRegiment) on 4 Feb 1949; 12^th Manitoba Dragoons (18^th Armoured Regiment) on 1 Oct 1954; and 12^th Manitoba Dragoons on 19 May 1958.It was reduced to zero strength and transferred to the Supplementary Order of Battle on 31 Dec 1964.

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The 13^th Scottish Light Dragoons

(Private Collection Photo)

The 13^th Scottish Light Dragoons

The 13^thScottish Light Dragoons was a cavalry regiment of the Non-Permanent Active Militia of the Canadian Militia.  Founded as the 52^nd Bedford Battalion of Infantry in Knowlton, Canada East, on 14 Sep 1866, the unit was re-designated the 52^nd Brome Battalion in 1872.Thereafter, the 52^nd Brome Battalion and the 79^th Shefford Regiment were amalgamated to form the 79^th Shefford and Brome Regiment (Highlanders). This regiment was not associated with the 79^th Cameron Highlanders of Canada. The regiment was amalgamated with 52^nd Regiment (Brome Light Infantry) in 1901 under the 79^th’sname. In 1904, the regiment was amalgamated with 'C' and 'D' Squadrons of the 6^thDuke of Connaught's Royal Canadian Hussars and titled the 13^th Scottish Light Dragoons. The regiment was reorganized in 1921. On 1 Feb 1936, The 13^thScottish Light Dragoons were disbanded along with 13 other regiments as part of the 1936 Canadian Militia Reorganization.

King’s Canadian Hussars

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(Private Collection Photo)

The King's Canadian Hussars

The King's Canadian Hussars were a cavalry regiment of the Non-Permanent Active Militia of the Canadian Militia (now the Canadian Army). In Aug 1939, the regiment was converted to artillery and currently exists today as the 87^th Field Battery, RCA. Originated on 12 June 1874, in Kentville, Nova Scotia as the King's Canadian Hussars. Organized on 1 Dec 1903, as a full regiment. Reorganized on 1 April 1904,as the 14^th King's Canadian Hussars.

It was redesignated on 15 March 1920, as The King's (Nova Scotia) Mounted Rifles. Redesignated on 1Dec 1925, as the King's Canadian Hussars. Amalgamated on 1 Dec 1936,with C Company of The Colchester and Hants Regiment and BCompany of the 6^th Machine Gun Battalion, CMGC and redesignated as the King's Canadian Hussars (Armoured Car). Converted on 1 Aug 1939, from Light Armour to Artillery and Formed the 87^th Field Battery, RCA and the 88^th Field Battery, RCA.

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15^th Canadian Light Horse

(Oromocto Legion Branch 93 Collection,Author Photo)

15^th Canadian LightHorse

The 15^thCanadian Light Horse was a light cavalry regiment of theNon-Permanent Active Militia of the Canadian Militia (now the Canadian Army).First formed in 1905 as the 15^th Canadian Light Horse,the regiment was redesignated in 1920 as the 15^th Canadian LightHorse. In 1936, the regiment wasAmalgamated with The South Alberta Horse to form the 15^th Alberta Light Horse (now part of the South Alberta Light Horse).

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16^th Canadian Light Horse

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

Accession Number 1997.28.238.

The 16^th Canadian LightHorse

The 16^th Canadian Light Horse was a light cavalry regiment of the Non-Permanent Active Militia of the Canadian Militia (now the Canadian Army).First formed in 1905 as the 16^th Mounted Rifles,the regiment was Redesignated in 1908 as the 16^th Light Horse and again in 1920 as the 16^th Canadian Light Horse. In 1936, the regiment was amalgamated with The Saskatchewan Mounted Rifles to form the 16^th/22^nd Saskatchewan Horse (now part of The North Saskatchewan Regiment).

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18^th Manitoba Mounted Rifles

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

Accession Number 1997.28.14.

The Manitoba Mounted Rifles

The Manitoba Mounted Rifles was a cavalry regiment of the Non-Permanent Active Militia of the Canadian Militia and later the Canadian Army. In 1946,the regiment was converted to artillery.  The regiment was first formed on2 April 1907, originally as the 18^th Manitoba Mounted Rifles. The regimental headquarters was established at Winnipeg and had squadrons established in Winnipeg, Dominion City, Portage la Prairie and Morden, Manitoba. Originated on 2 April 1907, in Winnipeg, Manitoba, as the 18^th Manitoba Mounted Rifles. Redesignated on 15 March 1920, as The Manitoba Mounted Rifles.

Converted from Cavalry to Artillery on 1 April 1946, and Amalgamated with the 37^thField Battery, RCA and Redesignated as the 67^th Light Anti-Aircraft Regiment (Manitoba Mounted Rifles). Regiment Moved on12 July 1948, from Portage la Prairie to Fort William, Ontario. Amalgamated on1 Dec 1954, with the 118^th Medium Battery, RCA (Port Arthur, Ontario) under the latter unit's name.

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The 19^th Alberta Dragoons

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

Accession Number 1997.28.21. Accession Number 1997.28.20.

The 19^th Alberta Dragoons

The 19^thAlberta Dragoons originated in Edmonton, Alberta on 1 Feb 1908,when the 19^th The Alberta Mounted Rifles were authorized to be formed and was redesignated as the 19^th Alberta Dragoons on 3 Jan 1911. On 16 Feb 1936, it was amalgamated with The Alberta Mounted Rifles. It was redesignated the 19^th(Reserve) Alberta Dragoons on 7 Nov 1940. On 1 April 1946, it was amalgamated with the 2^nd (Reserve) Battalion, The Edmonton Fusiliers and redesignated as the 19^th (Alberta)Armoured Car Regiment, RCAC. It was redesignated the 19^th Alberta Armoured Car Regiment on 4 Feb 1949, the 19^th Alberta Dragoons (19^thArmoured Car Regiment) on 1 Nov 1954 and the 19^thAlberta Dragoons on 19 May 1958. It was reduced to zero strength and transferred to the Supplementary Order of Battle on 28 Feb 1965.

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20^th Border Horse

(Private Collection Photo)

20^th Border Horse

The Border Horse was a cavalry regiment of the Non-Permanent Active Militia of the Canadian Militia (now the Canadian Army). In 1935, the regiment was amalgamated with the 12^th Manitoba Dragoons.  Originated on 1 April 1908, in Estevan, Saskatchewan, as the 20^th Mounted Rifles. Redesignated on 1 March 1910, as the 20^th Border Horse. Redesignated on 15 March 1920, as The Border Horse. Amalgamated on 31 Jan 1935, with the 12^th Manitoba Dragoons.

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21^st Alberta Hussars, (The Alberta Mounted Rifles)

(Private Collection Photo)

21^st Alberta Hussars, (The Alberta Mounted Rifles)

The Alberta Mounted Rifles originated in Medicine Hat, Alberta on 1 April1908, when the 21^st Alberta Hussars were authorized to be formed. It was redesignated 'The Alberta Mounted Rifles' on 15 March 1920. On 1 May 1922, it was amalgamated with the 23^rd Alberta Rangers, retaining its designation.

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22^nd Saskatchewan Light Horse

The Saskatchewan Mounted Rifles

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

Accession Number 1997.28.8.

The Saskatchewan Mounted Rifles

The Saskatchewan Mounted Rifles was a cavalry regiment of the Non-Permanent Active Militia of the Canadian Militia (now the Canadian Army). First formed in1908 as the Saskatchewan Light Horse, the regiment was later redesignated that year as the 22^nd Saskatchewan Light Horse and again in 1920 as The Saskatchewan Mounted Rifles. In 1911, the regiment transferred two of its squadrons (in Saskatoon and Allan) to the newly formed 29^th Light Horse. In 1936, the regiment was amalgamated with the 16^th Canadian Light Horse to form the 16^th/22^nd Saskatchewan Horse (now part of The North Saskatchewan Regiment).

23^rd Alberta Rangers

23^rd Alberta Rangers

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(Doug Hall Collection, Author Photo)

23^rd Alberta Rangers

Amalgamated with 21^stAlberta Hussars to form The Alberta Mounted Rifles 15 May 1920. Alberta Mounted Rifles were split into two Regiments, The Alberta Mounted Rifles and The South Alberta Horse on 1 Jan 1931.

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24^th Regiment Grey's Horse

(Private Collection, D. Wright Photo)

The 24^thRegiment Grey's Horse was a Canadian Militia cavalry regiment and part of the Non-Permanent Active Militia. The regiment was originally formed inOxford County, Ontario and Waterloo County, Ontario, on 2 April 1908, and named in honour of Albert Grey, 4^th Earl Grey, Governor General of Canada. The regiment was headquartered in Woodstock with squadrons in Woodstock and Ingersoll. Its lineage can be traced to 1798 with The Oxford Rifles. In 1914 it joined with the 22^ndRegiment "The Oxford Rifles" to form A Company of the 1^stInfantry Battalion, CEF. Headquarters moved to Wingham, Ontario, after the First World War. In 1921 it was redesignated as the 9^th (Grey's) Horse. On 1 Feb 1936, the 9^thGrey's Horse was disbanded along with 13 other regiments as part of the 1936 Canadian Militia Reorganization.

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25^th Brant Dragoons

(Private Collection Photo)

25^th Brant Dragoons

The 25^thBrant Dragoons was a regiment of the Militia that was authorized on 1 April 1909, at Brantford, Ontario. On 15 March 1920 it was redesignated10^th Brant Dragoons.  The regiment was formed in 1909 when "C" Squadron of the 2^nd Dragoons was split off to become the 25^th Brant Dragoons. The regiment did not mobilize for the First World War. A newspaper article (referring to the Brantford (sic) Dragoons) reported that "D" Squadron volunteered to serve as a unit, however, the mobilization plans did not include the regiment.

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26^th Stanstead Dragoons

(Private Collection, eMedals Photo), collar dog.

26^th Stanstead Dragoons

The regiment wasoriginally formed on 1 April 1910, as the 26^th Canadian Horse(Stanstead Dragoons) in Coaticook, Québec. It had squadrons located in Coaticook, Magog, Stanstead and Ayer's Cliff.  On 3 Sep 1912, the regiment was renamed as the 26^th Stanstead Dragoons.  Redesignated on 15 March 1920, as The astern Townships Mounted Rifles. The unit was converted on 14Dec 1936, from cavalry to artillery and redesignated as the 27^th Field Brigade, RCA (now the 27^th Field Artillery Regiment, RCA - currently on the Supplementary Order of Battle).

Eastern Townships Mounted Rifles

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

Accession Number 1997.28.25.

The Eastern Townships Mounted Rifles.

The Eastern Townships Mounted Rifles was a cavalry regiment of the Non-Permanent Active Militia of the Canadian Militia (now the Canadian Army). In 1936, the regiment was converted from cavalry to artillery and became the 27^thField Artillery Regiment, RCA (currently on the Supplementary Order of Battle). Originated on 1 April 1910, in Coaticook, Québec, as the 26^thCanadian Horse (Stanstead Dragoons).Redesignated on 3 Sep 1912,as the 26^th Stanstead Dragoons. Redesignated on 15 March 1920, as The Eastern Townships Mounted Rifles. Converted on 14 Dec 1936, from cavalry to artillery and redesignated as the 27^th Field Brigade, RCA (now the 27^th Field Artillery Regiment, RCA, currently on the Supplementary Order of Battle).

27^th Light Horse

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

Accession Number 1997.28.17.

14^th Canadian Light Horse

(Oromocto Legion Branch 95 Collection, Author Photo)

The 14^th Canadian Hussars

The 14^thCanadian Hussars was a light cavalry and later light armoured reconnaissance regiment of the Non-Permanent Active Militia of the Canadian Militia and later the Canadian Army. First raised in 1910 as the 27^thLight Horse, the regiment was redesignated in 1920 as the 14^th Canadian Light Horse and again in 1940 as the 14^th Canadian Hussars. On 31 March 1968, the regiment was reduced to zero strength and placed on the Supplementary Order of Battle.

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28^th New Brunswick Dragoons

(Private Collection Photo)

28^th New Brunswick Dragoons.

New Brunswick Dragoons

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

Accession Number 1997.28.5.

The New Brunswick Dragoons

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

Accession Number 1997.28.2.  Accession Number 1997.28.3.    

The New Brunswick Dragoons

Organized as a two regiment unit, The New Brunswick Dragoons were originally formed in 1911 as the28^th New Brunswick Dragoons and redesignated as The New Brunswick Dragoons in 1920, until they were amalgamated with the Saint John Fusiliers in 1936.

30^th Regiment British Columbia Horse

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

Accession Number 1997.28.458.

30^th Regiment British Columbia Horse

The British Columbia Dragoons trace their origins to the formation of theCanadian Mounted Rifles, two independent squadrons of horse inKamloops and Vernon in 1908. In 1910 two additional squadrons were raised andthe regiment was renamed the British Columbia Horse. In 1912 the unit wasrenamed again as the 30^th Regiment, British Columbia Horse. During the First World War, the Regimentwas not mobilized, but in Dec 1914 many volunteers from the Regiment joined thenewly formed 2^nd Regiment, Canadian Mounted Rifles. After some limited service in France ascavalry, the unit was rerolled to infantry as 2^nd Battalion, CanadianMounted Rifles Battalion on 1Jan 1916. The Battalion became part of the 8^th Canadian InfantryBrigade andfought with success on the Western Front. Despite being trained as cavalry butdeployed as infantry, the Regiment managed the war well. In the post warreorganization, the Regiment was renamed The British Columbia Mounted Rifles in1920, and then to the name it still carries today, The British Columbia Dragoons, in 1929.

The British Columbia Dragoons

(Oromocto Legion Branch 93 Collection, Author Photo)

The British Columbia Dragoons, King’s Crown.

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

Accession Number 1997.28.19. Queen’s Crown.

The British Columbia Dragoons

This reserve unit originated in 1911 in Vernon, British Columbia when two four squadron regiments (The British Columbia Horse) were authorized to be formed. The badge name "The British Columbia Dragoons" was not officially used until 1929.Preceding The British Columbia Dragoons was the 30^th Regiment British Columbia Horse (1912) and British Columbia Mounted Rifles (1920).

31^st Regiment British Columbia Horse

(Private Collection Photo)

31^st Regiment British Columbia Horse

The British Columbia Hussars was a light cavalry regiment of the Non-Permanent Active Militia of the Canadian Militia (now the Canadian Army).Originated on 1 April 1908, as the British Columbia Horse. Reorganised on 1 Dec 1911,into two separate regiments: the 1^st Regiment, British Columbia Horse (now The British Columbia Dragoons) and the 2^nd Regiment, British Columbia Horse. Redesignated on 15 April 1912,as the 31^st Regiment, British Columbia Horse. Redesignated on 1 Nov1920, as the 5th British Columbia Light Horse.  Redesignated on 15 Aug 1932, as the British Columbia Hussars. Amalgamated on 15 Dec 1936, with the Headquarters and B Company of the 11^thMachine Gun Battalion, CMGC, and redesignated as the British Columbia Hussars (Armoured Car). Converted on 15 May 1939, from light armour to artillery and redesignated as the 1^st Searchlight Regiment, RCA.

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32^nd Manitoba Horse

(Private Collection Photo)

32^nd Manitoba Horse

32^nd Manitoba Horse was a regiment of cavalry formed in the Canadian Army in 1912 as part of the Militia. 1 April 1912: Formed as the 32^ndLight Horse at Robin, MB, from elements of the 12^thManitoba Dragoons. 2 Nov 1912: Redesignated 32^ndManitoba Horse.15 March 1920: Redesignated as The Manitoba Horse as part of the Otter Committee recommendations for the reorganization of the Militia.

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33^rd Vaudreuil and Soulanges Hussars

The 33^rdVaudreuil and Soulanges Hussars was a short-lived light cavalry regiment ofthe Non-Permanent Active Militia of the Canadian Militia (now the Canadian Army). The 33^rd Vaudreuil and Soulanges Hussars were first authorized on 15 April 1912. The formation of the 33^rd Hussars was an attempt to form a French-speaking cavalry regiment in the Canadian Militia. Its regimental headquarters was temporarily located at Rigaud, Québec. It was to consist of four squadrons lettered A to D. On 15 July 1912, "B" Squadron of the 17^th Duke of York's Royal Canadian Hussars was transferred to the 33^rd Vaudreuil and Soulanges Hussars. In turn, the 17^th DYRC Hussars created a replacement squadron from personnel of the recently disbanded 11^th Infantry Battalion (Argenteuil Rangers).  However, the regiment was never fully organized, and with the outbreak of the First World War, by 1 Oct 1914, the 33^rd Hussars were disbanded. It was the only time the Canadian Militia attempted to form an entirely French-speaking mounted regiment.

34^th Fort Garry Horse

(FGH Museum Photo)

The Fort Garry Horse

The Fort GarryHorse is a Canadian Army Reserve Armoured Regiment based in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada. It is part of 3^rd CanadianDivision's 38 Canadian Brigade Group.It traces its history to a cavalry regiment first formed in 1912 that firsttook up the name "Fort Garry" a year afterwards. Since that time, theregiment has served in the First World War, sending men to battalions of the Canadian Expeditionary Force, and as an Armoured Regiment in the Second WorldWar.

The Fort Garry Horse itself originated in Winnipeg on 15 April 1912,as the 34^th Regiment of Cavalry. The following year it was re-designated the 34^th Fort Garry Horse[1]on 2 Jan 1913 and The Fort Garry Horse following the First World War on 15 March 1920. Winnipeg had originally been established as the expansionary outpost Fort Garry. On 15 Dec 1936, it was amalgamated with The Manitoba Horse. During the Second World War it was mobilised in the Canadian Active Service Force as a reconnaissance unit for the 2^nd Canadian Infantry Division.

The Fort Garry Horse, CASF, was later removed from the 2^nd Canadian Division and converted to an armoured unit with the designation 10^th Canadian Armoured Regiment (Fort Garry Horse). The Non-Permanent Active Militia component remaining in Canada was re-designated the 2^nd Regiment, the Fort Garry Horse on 13 Aug 1940 and the 10^th(Reserve) Armoured Regiment, (The Fort Garry Horse), on 1 April 1941.

After the Second World War it was re-designated as the 10^th Armoured Regiment (TheFort Garry Horse), on 31 Jan 1946, as The Fort Garry Horse (10^th Armoured Regiment), on 4 Feb 1949; The Fort Garry Horse on 19 May 1958, the 2^nd Fort Garry Horse on 11 Oct 1958, The Fort Garry Horse (Militia) on 1 Jan 1960 and finally The Fort Garry Horse on 16June 1970, following the reduction to zero strength of the Regular Force regiment.

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35^th Central Alberta Horse Regiment

Formed in 1913, the 35^th Central Alberta Horse had its headquarters at Red Deer until 1919.

Prince Edward Island Light Horse

(Private Collection Photo)

The Prince Edward Island Light Horse

The Prince Edward Island Light Horse was a cavalry regiment of the Non-Permanent Active Militia of the Canadian Militia (now the Canadian Army). First authorized in 1901 as an Independent Squadron of the Canadian Mounted Rifles, it became a full regiment in1903 and received its regimental number in 1914. The regiment served until 1946when it was amalgamated with The Prince Edward Island Highlanders to form what is now The Prince Edward Island Regiment (RCAC).

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Victoria Independent Squadron

The British Columbia Mounted Rifles

British Columbia Dragoons

The British Columbia Dragoons trace their origins to the formation of the Canadian Mounted Rifles, two independent squadrons of horse in Kamloops and Vernon in 1908. In1910 two additional squadrons were raised and the regiment was renamed the British Columbia Horse. In 1912 the unit was reorganized into two separate regiments: the 30^th Regiment, British Columbia Horse and the 31^st Regiment, British Columbia Horse (later known as the British Columbia Hussars). 1914 saw the formation of the Victoria Independent Squadron on Vancouver Island. In the post-war reorganization, the regiment was renamed The British Columbia Mounted Rifles in 1920, and then to the name still carried today, The British Columbia Dragoons in 1929.

The 2^nd Battalion, Canadian Mounted Rifles

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

Accession Number 1997.28.24.

2^nd Battalion, Canadian Mounted Rifles

The 2^nd Battalion,Canadian Mounted Rifles, (known colloquially as the 2^ndBattalion, CMR or simply 2 CMR) was authorized on 7 Nov 1914 as the 2^ndRegiment, Canadian Mounted Rifles,CEF. The Battalion recruited in Victoria and Vernon, British Columbia and wasmobilized in Victoria.

[1] Daniel Mazéas. Insignes Canadiens -1920-1950 - Canadian Badges, Revised Edition. (Military Historical Society, Canadian Society of Military Medals & Insignia, Military Collectors' Club of Canada, Les Presses Bretonnes of Guingamp, Bretagne, France, 1985). The data in this book is comprised of multiple hand-drawn line illustrations of the cap badges, collar badges and shoulder titles of the various Canadian Army units used, encompassing the years 1920 to 1950, with dated institution taglines, and is considered to be the standard reference book on Canadian Army cap badges.

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