The Royal New Brunswick Regiment (RNBR), a brief history

The Royal New Brunswick Regiment

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

1997.28.100)

RNBR cap badge.

The Regimental colours with the Battle Honours of the Royal New Brunswick Regiment (RNBR).

The RNBR began with the formation of Sunbury County Militia , established on 11 October 1770. Sunbury County was at that time part of Nova Scotia, but today represents all of western New Brunswick. This unit is the oldest forerunner of the Royal New Brunswick Regiment. It pre-dates Canada, and the province of New Brunswick. 11 October 2024 is the 254th Regimental Birthday of the RNBR! SPEM REDUXIT!
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Quoi: Sur le 11 octobre 1770, la milice du comté de Sunbury est créée dans le Comté de Sunbury, Nouvelle-Écosse (maintenant tout l'ouest du Nouveau-Brunswick). Cette unité est le plus ancien précurseur du Royal New Brunswick Regiment. Elle est antérieure au Canada et à la province du Nouveau-Brunswick. 11 octobre, 2021: Bon anniversaire du 251e régiment du RNBR ! SPEM REDUXIT!

The shield is embosssed with the formal heraldic designe of an ancient galley or lymphad, the sails unfurled and oars in action, all in gold. It serves as the central device on the Regimental Colour of the Royal New Brunswick Regiment.

Le bouclier est en relief avec le design héraldique formel d'une ancienne galère ou lymphade, les voiles déployées et les rames en action, le tout en or. Il sert de dispositif central sur le drapeau régimentaire du Royal New Brunswick Regiment.

RNBR

The 1st Battalion, The Royal New Brunswick Regiment (1RNBR) (Carleton and York) is a Primary Reserve infantry regiment of the Canadian Army, and is part of the 5th Canadian Division’s 37 Canadian Brigade Group.  From 1954 to 2012 it consisted of two battalions, but in 2012 the 2nd Battalion was reorganized as a distinct regiment, the North Shore Regiment.  The RNBR holds 65 battle honours.  The regiment is headquartered in Fredericton, with elements in Edmundston, Grand Falls and Saint John, New Brunswick.

Le 1er Bataillon, The Royal New Brunswick Regiment (1RNBR) (Carleton et York) est un régiment d'infanterie de la Première réserve de l'Armée canadienne et fait partie du 37e Groupe-brigade du Canada de la 5e Division du Canada. De 1954 à 2012, il se composait de deux bataillons, mais en 2012, le 2e Bataillon a été réorganisé en un régiment distinct, le North Shore Regiment. Le RNBR détient 65 honneurs de bataille. Le régiment a son quartier général à Fredericton, avec des éléments à Edmundston, à Grand-Sault et à Saint John, au Nouveau-Brunswick.

The music for the bugle call of the Royal New Brunswick Regiment.

La musique pour la sonnerie du clairon du Royal New Brunswick Regiment.

City of Fredericton parade with elements of 1 RNBR and 5 CDSB Gagetown, Mayor Brad Woodside at the saluting stand in front of City Hall, 2011. Major Harold Skaarup with sword at the right.

Défilé de la ville de Fredericton avec des éléments du 1 RNBR et du 5 CDSB Gagetown, le maire Brad Woodside à la tribune de salut devant l'hôtel de ville, 2011. Le major Harold Skaarup avec l'épée à droite.

History of the Royal New Brunswick Regiment

Formed 10 September 1869 in Woodstock, New Brunswick as The Carleton Light Infantry.

(New Brunswick Military History Museum Collection, Author Photo)

Redesignated 5 November 1869 as the 67th The Carleton Light Infantry.

(Library and Archives Canada Photo, MIKAN No. 3642203)

67th Battalion in Brigade Camp, Fredericton, New Brunswick, 22 Sep to 3 Oct 1885.

Redesignated 8 May 1900 as the 67th Regiment "Carleton Light Infantry".

With the 1903 introduction of the ‘Naval’ or ‘staff’ pattern forage cap throughout the Canadian Militia many individual Militia regiments found themselves in need of an appropriate badge to decorate this new style of cap.  Some regiments had previously worn a badge on the Glengarry and simply adopted these as an interim measure. Other regiments, however, had either worn numerals or nothing on their Glengarries. Shortly after the February 1904, General Order (GO 18) approved the ‘Naval’ pattern forage cap for the use the 67th “Carleton Light Infantry”, their Commanding Officer felt that the new forage cap was an opportunity to acquire a new, distinctive, badge. (MilArt)

In early May 1904, Lieutenant-Colonel J. Baker, the Commanding Officer, submitted a design to the District Officer Commanding, Militia District 8. The submission was forwarded to Ottawa and, ultimately, General Order 77 was published in June 1904. This GO described the badge as ‘On a bronze maple leaf, a silver ring, inscribed “67th Regiment Carleton Light Infantry”, surmounted by a beaver, and in gilt, within the ring, a deer in the open with hills in the background. Underneath, on a scroll, the motto “FIDELIS PATRIAE.” The badge is described again in the 1907 Dress Regulations. (MilArt)

(EMedals.com Photo)

No change was made to the badge until the re-organization of the Militia in 1920. The sweeping changes saw a number of amalgamations as well as changes in designations to old units. In the case of the 67th ‘Carleton Light Infantry’ they, along with all of the other numbered Infantry regiments, lost their number and were now to be known as the ‘Carleton Light Infantry’.

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

1997.28.121.

(New Brunswick Military History Museum Collection, Author Photo)

Carleton Light Infantry.

In April 1921, the Commanding Officer submitted a new design which incorporated “1st Battalion” (although, a two battalion Regiment, the Commanding Officer never once made any reference to this second battalion).  The use of the battalion number on the cap badge was objected to by District Headquarters as an unnecessary expense. HQ stated that the battalion number should not be incorporated into the cap badge but could be shown on the shoulder titles, once these were approved. In June 1921, the CO was requested to ‘correct’ the design and to re-submit.  Several months passed before HQ prodded the CO for an answer and, finally, in October received a new badge description. With this in hand the approval process was put into motion and the Deputy Minister of Militia approved the new badges at a meeting of the Militia Council, on 3 March 1922. The approval document read as:

The Quartermaster-General submits for the consideration of the Honourable, the Minister in Militia Council, the question of the provision of badges for the Carleton Light Infantry, being necessary in consequence of the re-organization of the unit.

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

1997.28.90.

In 1925 it was discovered that the CLI badges had been manufactured and supplied to the regiment yet no approval for these had ever been published in General Orders. This oversight was remedied with an amendment to the 1907 Dress Regulations (GO 2, 1926) deleting the old badge description and replacing it with that of the ‘new’ badge.

Redesignated 15 March 1920 as The Carleton Light Infantry.

The CLI made a good reputation amongst Militia regiments in the Maritimes and, in 1930, came second in the Canadian Infantry competition of Militia regiments.  That same year the CO proposed a change to the badge in order to incorporate the “Kentish horse” and a change of the motto to “INVICTA”. These elements were taken from the CLI’s allied British regiment, the Queen’s Own Royal West Kent Regiment. In order to proceed with the change the CO had to agree that public funds could not be used and any costs associated to the replacement badge would be borne by the regiment. The Regiment also proposed collar badges with the Kent horse rearing on a scroll marked “INVICTA”.

HQ turned to Colonel Fortescu Duguid, Director of Historical Section (DHS) for his comments on the proposed badges. Fortescu was an avid heraldist and historian and was deeply involved in early designs for a proposed Canadian flag in the 1930s.

Duguid recommended that the cap badge be amended so that the maple leaves used in the wreath were of the same pattern as those approved for Regimental Colours. He also suggested that, while the white horse of Kent was a ‘traditional’ symbol and not an ‘honour’ bestowed on the West Kent Regiment, the use of “INVICTA” would require Royal assent before the Carleton Light Infantry could adopt it in lieu of their approved motto “FIDELIS PATRIAE”.

Col Duguid also pointed out that the numerals (note 1) should not appear on the badge and that “The name of the unit should read continuously on the scroll, although it is to be noted that the scroll on the badge of the allied unit reads “ROYAL KENT WEST”. In this case the word “CARLETON’ would be better in centre section of scroll; then LIGHT INF. might be further contracted to LI and placed in terminal section.”

Amalgamated 15 December 1936 with The York Regiment and renamed The Carleton and York Regiment.

Redesignated 7 November 1940 as the 2nd (Reserve) Battalion, The Carleton and York Regiment.

Redesignated 1 November 1945 as The Carleton and York Regiment.

(RNBR Digital Archive Photo)

Drum Major JF "Lofty" MacMillan leads the New Brunswick Scottish Pipes & Drums, Camp Utopia, NB, circa 1954.

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

1997.28.58.

The New Brunswick Scottish‍

Amalgamated 31 October 1954 The New Brunswick Scottish and redesignated the 1st Battalion, The New Brunswick Regiment (Carleton and York).

18 May 1956 regiment redesignated as The Royal New Brunswick Regiment.

On 4 May 1951, The Carleton and York Regiment mobilized two temporary Active Force companies designated "E" and "F" Company. "E" Company was reduced to nil strength upon its personnel being incorporated into the 1st Canadian Infantry Battalion (later the 3rd Battalion, The Canadian Guards) for service in Germany with the North Atlantic Treaty Organization, and was disbanded on 29 July 1953. "F" Company was initially used as a reinforcement pool for "E" Company.  On 15 May 1952, it was reduced to nil strength, upon its personnel being absorbed by the newly formed 2nd Canadian Infantry Battalion (later the 4th Battalion, The Canadian Guards) for service in Korea with the United Nations and was disbanded on 29 July 1953.

The York Regiment

Formed 10 September 1869 as The York Provisional Volunteer Battalion.

(New Brunswick Military History Museum Collection, Author Photo)

Redesignated 12 November 1869 as the 71st "York" Volunteer Battalion.

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

1997.28.315.

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

1997.28.482. 1997.28.530.

71st York Regiment (Militia)

The York Regiment was an infantry regiment of the Non-Permanent Active Militia of the Canadian Militia (now the Canadian Army). In 1936, the regiment was Amalgamated with The Carleton Light Infantry to form The Carleton and York Regiment.

The York Regiment originated on 10 September 1869, in Fredericton, New Brunswick, as The York Provisional Volunteer Battalion.  It was redesignated on 12 November 1869, as the 71st York Volunteer Battalion. Redesignated on 8 May 1900, as the 71st York Regiment. Redesignated on 15 March 1920, as The York Regiment. Amalgamated on 15 December 1936, with The Carleton Light Infantry and Redesignated as The Carleton and York Regiment.

Perpetuations: 12th Battalion, CEF, and  140th Battalion (St. John's Tigers), CEF.

On 6 August 1914, Details of the 71st York Regiment were placed on active service for local protective duty.  On 10 August 1914, the 12th Battalion, CEF was authorized for service and on 30 September 1914, the battalion embarked for Great Britain. On 29 April 1915, the battalion was Redesignated as 12th Reserve Infantry Battalion, CEF and tasked to provide reinforcements for the Canadian Corps in the field. On 30 August 1920, the 12th Battalion, CEF was disbanded.On 22 December 1915, the 140th Battalion (St. John's Tigers), CEF was authorized for service and on 25 September 1916, the battalion embarked for Great Britain. On 2 November 1916, the battalion's personnel were absorbed by the depots of The Royal Canadian Regiment and the Princess Patricia's Canadian Light Infantry to provide reinforcements for the Canadian Corps in the field. On 27 July 1918, the 140th Battalion, CEF was disbanded.

Redesignated 8 May 1900 as the 71st York Regiment.

Redesignated 15 March 1920 as The York Regiment.

(New Brunswick Military History Museum Collection, Author Photo)

1997.28.411.

York Regiment.

1992.12.25 a-d (1 of 4).

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

York Regiment, 1922.

(Douglas J. Brown Photo)

Amalgamated 15 December 1936 with The Carleton Light Infantry.

The New Brunswick Scottish

(Douglas J. Brown Photo)

Originated 12 August 1870 in Sussex, New Brunswick as the 74th Battalion of Infantry.

(Douglas J. Brown Photo)

Redesignated 8 May 1900 as the 74th Regiment.

Redesignated 2 November 1903 as the 74th Regiment "The Brunswick Rangers".

Redesignated 15 March 1920 as The New Brunswick Rangers.

(New Brunswick Military History Museum Collection, Author Photo)

The New Brunswick Rangers.

Redesignated 1 January 1941 as the 2nd (Reserve) Battalion, The New Brunswick Rangers.

Redesignated 15 February 1946 as The New Brunswick Rangers.

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Amalgamated 31 August 1946 with The Saint John Fusiliers (Machine Gun) and redesignated as The South New Brunswick Regiment.

(RNBR Archives Photo)

Redesignated 2 December 1946 as The New Brunswick Scottish.

Amalgamated 31 October 1954 with The Carleton and York Regiment and redesignated as the 1st Battalion, The New Brunswick Regiment (Carleton and York).

The Saint John Fusiliers

(Douglas J. Brown Photo)

Formed 22 March 1872 as the 62nd "St. John" Battalion of Infantry.

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

Redesignated 14 April 1882 as the 62nd Battalion "Saint John Fusiliers".

Redesignated 8 May 1900 as the 62nd Regiment "St. John Fusiliers".

(New Brunswick Military History Museum Collection, Author Photo)

The Saint John Fusiliers.

Redesignated 15 March 1920 as The St. John Fusiliers.

Redesignated 2 September 1925 as The Saint John Fusiliers.

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

1997.28.395.

Amalgamated on 15 December 1936 with the Headquarters and Headquarters Squadron of The New Brunswick Dragoons and A Company of the 7th Machine Gun Battalion, CMGC and redesignated as The Saint John Fusiliers (Machine Gun).

Redesignated 1 January 1941 as the 2nd (Reserve) Battalion, The Saint John Fusiliers (Machine Gun).

Redesignated 1 June 1945 as The Saint John Fusiliers (Machine Gun).

Amalgamated 31 August 1946 with The New Brunswick Rangers.

(New Brunswick Provincial Archives Photo, ca 1863)

The Saint John Fusiliers have no lineal connection with the 62nd The St. John Volunteer Battalion, N.B. of 1869 to 1871, shown here.

The Saint John Fusiliers originated in 1872 as the 62nd St. John Battalion of Infantry. It was designated the 62nd Battalion Saint John Fusiliers in 1882 and the 62nd Regiment St. John Fusiliers in 1900. In 1920 the unit became the St. John Fusiliers and in 1925 the Saint John Fusiliers. In 1946, after a series of amalgamations and name changes the Saint John Fusiliers amalgamated with the New Brunswick Rangers.

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

1972.11.2.

The New Brunswick Regiment (Tank)

The 7th Machine Gun Battalion, CMGC amalgamated 15 December 1936 with The Saint John Fusiliers. Headquarters and B Company were re-designated as The New Brunswick Regiment (Tank) (subsequently disbanded in 1959 as the 64th Light Anti-Aircraft Regiment (New Brunswick Regiment), RCA).  Perpetuated by the Royal New Brunswick Regiment. Served as HQ Sqn for 1st Canadian Armoured Brigade during the Second World War. Most of the personnel of the regiment were assigned to front line regiments. This unit never saw battle as a unit and is often left off of unit lists as a result.

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The New Brunswick Dragoons

New Brunswick Dragoons were organized as a two regiment unit, The New Brunswick Dragoons were originally formed in 1911 as the 28th "New Brunswick" Dragoons and redesignated as The New Brunswick Dragoons in 1920, until they were amalgamated with the Saint John Fusiliers in 1936.

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Formed 2 March 1911 in Saint John, New Brunswick as the 28th "New Brunswick" Dragoons.

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

1997.28.5.

New Brunswick Dragoons (NBD).

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

1997.28.2.

Redesignated 15 March 1920 as The New Brunswick Dragoons.

Amalgamated 15 December 1936 with The Saint John Fusiliers.

7th Machine Gun Battalion, CMGC

Formed 1 June 1919 in Saint John, New Brunswick as the 7th Machine Gun Battalion, CMGC.

(New Brunswick Military History Museum Collection, Author Photo)

New Brunswick Tank Regiment.

Amalgamated 15 December 1936 with The Saint John Fusiliers. Headquarters and B Company redesignated as The New Brunswick Regiment (Tank) (subsequently disbanded in 1959 as the 64th Light Anti-Aircraft Regiment (New Brunswick Regiment), RCA).  C Company was amalgamated with other sub-units and redesignated the 104th Field Battery, RCA (reduced to nil strength and transferred to the Supplementary Order of Battle in 1966).

St. John Rifle Company

Formed 8 July 1862 in Saint John, New Brunswick as the Western Militia District Engineer Company.

Redesignated 6 February 1869 as The St. John Engineer Company.

Redesignated 28 May 1869 as The New Brunswick Engineers Company.

(Douglas J. Brown Photo)

Converted to infantry 13 January 1882 and redesignated the St. John Rifles Company.

(Douglas J. Brown Photos)

Amalgamated 1 December 1898 with the 62nd Battalion "Saint John Fusiliers" to form an additional infantry company.

War Of 1812

(New Brunswick Military History Museum Collection, Author Photo)

Northumberland Battalion of Infantry 73.

1st Battalion, Northumberland County Regiment.

2nd Battalion, Northumberland County Regiment.

3rd Battalion, Northumberland County Regiment.

1st Battalion, Saint John County Regiment.

1st Battalion, York County Regiment.

2nd Battalion, York County Regiment.

The regiment also carries two battle honours from the War of 1812 in commemoration of the New Brunswick Fencible Infantry (104th Regiment of Foot) which was recruited in New Brunswick and served during that conflict.

Memorial for the 104th Regiment of Foot, Officer's Square, Fredericton, New Brunswick.

South African War

(Library and Archives Canada Photo, MIKAN No. 4318837)

New Brunswick soldiers, Boer War, ca. 1902-03.  

Both the 62nd Regiment St. John Fusiliers and 71st York Regiment contributed volunteers for the Canadian Contingents during the South African War.

Memorial plaque held in the New Brunswick Military History Museum.

Plaque commémorative conservée au Musée d'histoire militaire du Nouveau-Brunswick.

1914-1918. To commemorate the valour of the men who went out with his majesty's forces of land and sea and air to fight in the great war for honour and freedom, and to perpetuate the memory of the following gallant units going out from New Brunswick.

1914-1918. Commémorer la bravoure des hommes qui sont allés avec les forces terrestres, maritimes et aériennes de Sa Majesté combattre dans la grande guerre pour l'honneur et la liberté, et perpétuer le souvenir des vaillantes unités suivantes sorties du Nouveau-Brunswick.

8th Battery, Canadian Field Artillery, 12th Battery, Canadian Field Artillery, 19th Battery, Canadian Field Artillery, 23rd Battery, Canadian Field Artillery, 24th Battery, Canadian Field Artillery, 36th Battery, Canadian Field Artillery, 58th Battery, Canadian Field Artillery, 65th Depot Battery, Canadian Field Artillery, 1st Heavy battery, 2nd Heavy Battery, No. 1 Siege Battery, No. 4 Siege Battery, No. 6 Siege Battery, No. 9 Siege Battery, Two Sections and part of 3rd 1st Division Ammunition Column, Headquarters and No. 1 Section, 2nd Division Ammunition Column, No. 1 Section, 3rd Division Ammunition Column.

6th Canadian Mounted Rifles, 2 Squadrons, 12th Battalion, 26th Battalion, 55th Battalion, 140th Battalion, 145th Battalion, 165th Battalion, 236th Battalion, 44th Active Militia, Drafts, 62nd Active Militia, Drafts, Machine Gun Draft, Headquarters 2nd Division Train, No. 5 Company, Canadian Army Service Corps, No. 16 Field Ambulance, Canadian Railway Troops, No. 1 New Brunswick Forestry Corps, No. 2 New Brunswick Forestry Corps, Corps of Guides, Signal Company, 1 Section, Army Medical Corps, Canadian Army Service Corps, Canadian Army Dental Corps, Drafts of Engineers to St. Johns, Quebec, Drafts of Canadian Army Veterinary Corps to St. Johns, Quebec, and additional Drafts.

Erected as a grateful tribute by the St. John Canadian Women's Club

The Great War

12th Battalion, Canadian Expeditionary Force (CEF).

(Library and Archives Canada Photo, MIKAN No. 3406004)

Farriers of the 12th Battalion at work on Salisbury Plain, c1914.

12th Battalion. Authorized 10 August 1914, disbanded 30 August 1920.

The 12th Battalion was a composite battalion formed in August 1914 at Camp Valcartier Quebec under authority of Privy Council Order 2067 of August 5th 1914 authorized under General Order 142 of 1914.The 12th Battalion comprised of volunteers from militia regiments from both Quebec and the Maritime provinces. Cavalry volunteers were provided from the 29th New Brunswick Dragoons (17), and the 35th PEI Light horse (11), and the following infantry regiments: 4th Regiment (Chasseurs) (41), 8th Regiment (Royal Rifles) (368), 9th Regiment (Voltigeurs de Quebec) (29), 17th Regiment de Levis (7), 18th Regiment (Franc-Tireurs du Saguenay) (3), 53rd (Sherbrooke) Regiment (107), 54th Regiment (Carabiniers de Sherbrooke) (113), 61st Regiment de Montmagny (6), 62nd Regiment (St. John Fusiliers) (140), 64th (Chateauguay and Beauharnois) Regiment (23), 67th Regiment (Carleton Light Inf.) (30), 71st (York) Regiment (160), 73rd (Northumberland) Regt. (76), 74th Regiment (The New Brunswick Rangers) (73),80th (Nicolet) Regiment (1), 82nd Regiment (Abgeweit Light Infantry) (31), 83rd (Joliette) Regiment (26),84th (St Hyacinth) Regiment (12), 85th Regiment (12), 89th (Temiscouta and Rimouski) Regiment (15),and the 92nd (Dorchester Regiment (9). The Battalion sailed with the First Contingent October 3rd 1914with 45 officers and 1028 other ranks under command of Lieutenant-Colonel H.F. McLeod (71st York Regiment).

26th Battalion, (New Brunswick), CEF, shoulder patch colours.

(Library and Archives Canada Photo, MIKAN No. 3259628)

Transport "Caledonia" leaving Saint John, New Brunswick, with 26th Battalion and Ammunition Column, CEF.

(Library and Archives Canada Photo, MIKAN No. 3261920)

Embarkation of 26th Battalion and Ammunition Column, CEF, Saint John, New Brunswick, 13 June 1915.

(Library and Archives Canada Photo, MIKAN No. 3261910)

The officers and members of the 26th Battalion Second Canadian Expeditionary Force, Saint John, New Brunswick, June 1915.

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

26th Battalion (New Brunswick). Authorized 7 November 1914, disbanded 30 August 1920.

The 26th Canadian Infantry Battalion began recruiting in the Province of New Brunswick on 2 November 1914 at that time part of in Military Area No. 6 which encompassed the three Maritime Provinces of New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, and Prince Edward Island. (New Brunswick did not become Military District No. 7 until 1917.) The 26th Battalion with headquarters at Saint John was authorized under General Order35 of March 15th 1915. The 26th Battalion was raised from the 62nd St. John Fusiliers the regiment previously having contributed 140 volunteers to the 12th Battalion on its formation at Camp Valcartier in August 1914 the regiment later raised the 115th Battalion. The 26th Battalion sailed for England on 13 June 1915 with 42 officers and 1108 OR's under command of Lieutenant-Colonel J.L. McAvity (62nd St. John Fusiliers). The 26th Infantry Battalion served in the 5th Infantry Brigade 2nd Canadian Division for the duration of the war being disbanded under General Order 149 15 September 1920.

From January 1917 reinforcements for the 26th Battalion were provided by the 13th Reserve Battalion. This was formed by the amalgamation of the 115th, 132nd and 140th Battalions under command of Lieutenant-Colonel G.W. Fowler to supply reinforcements to the 26th Battalion serving on the Western Front, and the 104th Battalion this in England assigned as a component of the 15th Infantry Brigade, 5th Canadian Divisions. During the period of its operations the 13th Reserve Battalion absorbed the 165th Battalion. Also in February 1918 the 104th Infantry Battalion from the 5th Division when this was declared moribund and the battalions released for reinforcements.

At this time the 13th Reserve Battalion was assigned as the reinforcing battalion for the New Brunswick Regiment, authorized under General Order 57 of 15 May 1918, reinforcing the 26th and 44th Battalions, this originally from Manitoba but reassigned for reinforcing purposes, both serving with the Canadian Corps on the Western Front. The New Brunswick Regiment was disbanded under General Order 213 of 15 November 1920.

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

44th Battalion, CEF.

The 44th Battalion (Manitoba), CEF, was an infantry battalion of the CEF during the First World War.  The 44th Battalion was authorized on 7 November 1914 and The 44th Canadian Infantry Battalion was authorized to be recruited and mobilized at Winnipeg on 1 February 1915 under General Order 86 of 1 July 1915. Prior to sailing for England on 23 October 1915 the 44th Battalion had provided two reinforcing drafts to the CEF the first of five officers and 250 other ranks sailing on 1 June 1915, a second of five officers and 249 other ranks on 9 September 1915. The 44th Overseas Battalion embarked for England with 36 officers and 1076 other ranks under command of Lieutenant-Colonel E.R. Wayland (95th Lake Superior Regiment) where it was assigned to the 10th Infantry Brigade,4th Canadian Division. The 44th Battalion embarked for France in August 1916 where it served for the duration of the First World War. In August 1918 however the 44th Canadian Infantry Battalion was redesignated as the 44th (New Brunswick) Battalion henceforth being reinforced by the 13th Reserve Battalion. The 44th New Brunswick Battalion was disbanded under General Order 149, 15 September 1920.

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

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

1997.28.562.

55th Battalion (New Brunswick and Prince Edward Island). Authorized 7 November 1914, disbanded 21 May 1917.

The 55th Canadian Infantry Battalion was authorized to be recruited in New Brunswick and Prince Edward Island with mobilization headquarters at Sussex New Brunswick on 2 May 1915 under General Order 86 of 1 July 1915. At this time both part of Military Area No. 6 encompassing Nova Scotia, P.E.I. and New Brunswick. It was not until 1917 that New Brunswick was designated as Military District No. 7. The 55th Battalion was one of three to be raised by the 74th New Brunswick Rangers the regiment had previously contributed 73 volunteers to the 12th Battalion on its formation at Camp Valcartier in August 1914 and later formed the 145th and 235th Battalions. The 55th Battalion sailed for England with 42 officers and 1097other ranks under command of Lieutenant-Colonel J.R. Kirkpatrick where in May 1916 it was absorbed into the 17th Battalion, Training and Reserve. The 17th Canadian Infantry Battalion served as the training unit.

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

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

104th Battalion. Authorized on 22 December 1915, disbanded on 27 July 1918.

The 104th Canadian Infantry Battalion was recruited October 24th 1915 in New Brunswick with mobilization headquarters at Sussex under General Order 151 of 22 December 1915. The 104th Battalion was raised primarily by the 67th Regiment Carleton Light Infantry the regiment had previously contributed30 volunteers to the 12th Battalion on its formation at Camp Valcartier in August 1914 and later raising the 40th Battalion. The 104th Battalion embarked for England on 29 July 1916 under command of Lieutenant-Colonel G.W. Fowler (Cadet Committee and M.P.), with a strength of 42 officers and 1084 OR’s. In January 1917 in a rather complicated shuffle within a number of various New Brunswick Battalions and the105th PEI Battalion then in England, Lieutenant-Colonel Fowler took over Command of the newly formed13th Reserve Battalion. Lieutenant-Colonel Ings of the 105th (PEI) Battalion took over command of the104th Battalion, this assigned as one of the battalions slated for the proposed 15th Infantry Brigade, 5thCanadian Division. In February 1918 the 5th Division was disbanded each of its 11 remaining battalions, (the 199th having previously been absorbed into the 23rd Reserve Battalion), were ordered to send a drafts of 100 men each to units in the field, increasing the establishment of the infantry battalions to around 1100 men each. The remainder were absorbed into the Reserve Battalions. The 104th Battalion being absorbed into the 13th Reserve Battalion. The 104th Canadian Infantry Battalion being fully depleted of all ranks was disbanded effective 27 July 1918 under General Order 101 of 15 August 1918. The 13th Reserve Battalion as a component of the New Brunswick Regiment was disbanded under General Order 213 of 15 November 1920.

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

115th Battalion (New Brunswick). Authorized on 22 December 1915, disbanded on 1 September 1917.

The 115th (New Brunswick) Battalion was recruited in New Brunswick by the 62nd St. John Fusiliers with mobilization headquarters at Saint John under General Order 151 of 22 December 1915 the regiment previously having contributed 140 volunteers to the 12th Battalion on its formation at Camp Valcartier in August 1914 and to the 26th Battalion serving with the 5th infantry Brigade, 2nd Canadian Division. The 115th Battalion embarked for England on 24 July 1916 under command of Lieutenant-Colonel F.V. Wedderburn (8th Hussars), with a strength of 34 officers and 801 other ranks. In January 1917 the 115th Battalion merged with the 112th Battalion forming the 26th Reserve Battalion. Being fully depleted of all ranks the 115th Canadian Infantry Battalion was disbanded effective 1 September 1917 under General Order 82 of 1 June 1918.

(New Brunswick Military History Museum Collection)

132nd Battalion (North Shore). Authorized on 22 December 1915, disbanded on 21 May 1917.

The 132nd (North Shore) Battalion was recruited in Northern New Brunswick with mobilization headquarters at Chatham under General Order 151 of 22 December 1915 by the 73rd Northumberland Regiment this previously having provided 76 volunteers to the 12th Battalion on its formation at Camp Valcartier in August 1914. The regiment also later raised the 165th Battalion. The 132nd Battalion embarked for England October 26th 1916 under command of Lieutenant-Colonel G.W. Mercurial (73rd Northumberland Regiment), with a strength of 32 officers and 809 other ranks. On 9 December 1916 the 132nd Battalion provided 150 reinforcements for the 87th Battalion. In January 1917 the 132nd Battalion amalgamated with other New Brunswick Battalions to form the 13th Reserve Battalion. Being fully depleted of all ranks the 132nd Canadian Infantry Battalion was disbanded effective under General Order 63 of 1 June 1917.

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

140th Battalion (Saint John Tigers). Authorized on 22 December 1915, disbanded on 27 July 1918.

The 140th Canadian Infantry Battalion was recruited in New Brunswick with mobilization headquarters at Saint John under General Order 151 of 22 December 1915 being raised by the 71st York Regiment this previously having contributed 160 volunteers to the 12th Battalion on its formation at Camp Valcartier in August 1914. The 140th Battalion embarked for England on 27 September 1916 under command of Lieutenant-Colonel L.H. Beer (36th P.E.I. Light Horse) with a strength of 33 officers and 820 other ranks where in January 1917 it amalgamated with other New Brunswick battalions to form the 13th Reserve Battalion. The 140th Canadian Infantry Battalion was disbanded under General Order 102 of 15 August 1918.

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

145th Battalion (New Brunswick). Authorized on 22 December 1915, disbanded on 17 July 1917.

The 145th Canadian Infantry Battalion was recruited in Kent and Westmoreland Counties in New Brunswick with mobilization headquarters at Moncton under General Order 151 of 22 December 1915.The 145th Battalion was recruited by the 74th Regiment (The New Brunswick Rangers) this regiment previously having contributed 73 volunteers to the 12th Battalion on its formation at Camp Valcartier in August 1914 and later raising the 55th and 236th Battalions. The 145th Battalion embarked for England on 27 September 1916 under command of Lieutenant-Colonel W.E. Forbes (73rd Northumberland Regiment), with a strength of 19 officers and 524 other ranks. In January 1917 the 145th Battalion amalgamated with other New Brunswick units in England to form the 13th Reserve Battalion. The 145th Canadian Infantry Battalion was disbanded effective 17 July 1917 under General Order 82 of 1 June 1918.

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(D. V. Theriault Photo)

165ieme Bataillon Acadian, 1916 / 165th Battalion Acadian, Valcartier Camp, PQ, 1916.

(New Brunswick Military History Museum Collection, Author Photo)

165th Battalion (Acadiens). Authorized on 22 December 1915, disbanded on 15 April 1918.

The 165th (French Acadian) Battalion was recruited in the maritime provinces from French speaking Acadians with mobilization headquarters at Moncton, New Brunswick under General Order 151 of 22 December 1915 by the 73rd Northumberland Regiment this previously having provided 76 volunteers to the 12th Battalion on its formation at Camp Valcartier in August 1914 later raising the 132nd Battalion. The 165th Battalion embarked for England on 28 March 1917 under command of Lieutenant-Colonel L.C.Daigle (Honorary rank), with a strength of 24 officers and 526 other ranks. After its arrival the Battalion was absorbed into the Canadian Forestry Corps and being fully depleted of all ranks was disbanded under General Order 60 of 15 April 1918.

(New Brunswick Military History Museum Collection, Author Photo)

236th Battalion (New Brunswick Kilties). Authorized on 15 July 1916, disbanded on 30 August 1920.

The 236th (New Brunswick Kilties) Battalion, nicknamed ‘Sir Sam‘s Own’ was authorized to be raised in New Brunswick with mobilization headquarters at Fredericton under General Order 69 of 15 July 1916. The 236th Battalion was one of three battalions to be raised primarily by the 74th Regiment (The New Brunswick Rangers) this regiment previously having contributed 73 volunteers to the 12th Battalion on its formation at Camp Valcartier in August 1914 and later the 55th and 145th Battalions. By mid 1916 the available supply of volunteers for the CEF had slowed down to just a trickle particularly in smaller rural areas. Recruiting for the 236th Battalion was going slowly until the ever energetic Sir Sam Hughes made a swing through the Northern United States with the Pipes and Drums of the 5th Royal Highlanders of Canada (The Black Watch) after which the ranks of the 236th were quickly filled with expatriate Britons and Americans of Scottish ancestry.

(New Brunswick Military History Museum Collection, Author Photo)

MacLean Kilties of America.

In honour of the American volunteers a new Balmoral badge was introduced with the motto ‘MacLean Kilties of America ‘ replacing the former ‘The New Brunswick Kilties’. The 236th Battalion sailed for England on 17 November 1917 with a strength of 27 officers and 1029 other ranks under command of Lieutenant-Colonel P.A. Guthrie (71st York Regiment), this number included the 247th Battalion raised in the counties of Victoria and Haliburton, Ontario, Sir Sam Hughes’s own political riding in which recruiting had dried up completely. In February 1917 the 236th was tentatively assigned to the 5th Canadian Division but was withdrawn in May 1917 and absorbed into the 20th Reserve Battalion, this the reinforcing battalion for the 13th and 42nd (Black Watch) Battalions serving in the field with the Canadian Corps in France and Flanders. The pipes and drums of the 236thamalgamated with other pipe bands to form the pipe and drums of the 20th Reserve Battalion. The 236th Canadian Infantry Battalion was disbanded under General Order 149 of 15 September 1920.

(Royal Canadian Legion Fredericton Collection, Author Photo)

28th Battery, Canadian Field Artillery (CFA). The battery was authorized under Order in Council P.C. 2067/2068 on 6 August 1914 and organized under G.O. 36 of 15 March 1915. The 28th Field Battery was raised at Fredericton on 31 March 1915 under the command of Major R. Crocker with four officers and 143 other ranks assigned to the 7th Field Artillery Brigade, 2nd Divisional Artillery. The battery sailed for England on 9 August 1915 but it was not until 19 January 1916 that the 27th Battery sailed for France when the 5th and 7th Brigades finally arrived in France to join the 2nd Divisional Artillery. On 24 March 1917 on the reorganization of the Divisional Artillery the 28th Battery was disbanded with one two gun section being absorbed into the 15th Battery and the second to the 16th Battery. The 28th Battery CFA was disbanded under G.O. 191 of 1920.

First World War deployments

Details of the 62nd Regiment St. John Fusiliers, 67th Regiment Carleton Light Infantry, 71st York Regiment, and 74th Regiment The Brunswick Rangers were placed on active service on 6 August 1914 for local protective duty.

The 26th Battalion (New Brunswick), CEF, was authorized on 7 November 1914 and embarked for Britain on 15 June 1915.  It arrived in France on 16 September 1915, where it fought as part of the 5th Infantry Brigade, 2nd Canadian Division in France and Flanders throughout the war.  The battalion was disbanded on 30 August 1920.

The 55th Battalion (New Brunswick and Prince Edward Island) CEF, was authorized on 7 November 1914 and embarked for Britain on 30 October 1915, where it provided reinforcements for the Canadian Corps in the field until 6 July 1916, when its personnel were absorbed by the 40th Battalion (Nova Scotia), CEF. The battalion was disbanded on 21 May 1917.

The 104th Battalion, CEF, was authorized on 22 December 1915 and embarked for Britain on 28 June 1916, where it provided reinforcements for the Canadian Corps in the field until 24 January 1917, when its personnel were absorbed by the 105th Battalion (Prince Edward Island Highlanders), CEF.  The battalion was disbanded on 27 July 1918.

The 115th Battalion (New Brunswick), CEF, was authorized on 22 December 1915 and embarked for Britain on 23 July 1916, where it provided reinforcements for the Canadian Corps in the field until 21 October 1916, when its personnel were absorbed by the 112th Battalion (Nova Scotia), CEF.  The battalion was disbanded on 1 September 1917.

The 140th Battalion (St. John's Tigers), CEF, was authorized on 22 December 1915 and embarked for Britain on 25 September 1916, where, on 2 November 1916, its personnel were absorbed by the depots of The Royal Canadian Regiment, CEF and Princess Patricia's Canadian Light Infantry, CEF to provide reinforcements for the Canadian Corps in the field.  The battalion was disbanded on 27 July 1918.

The 145th Battalion (New Brunswick), CEF was authorized on 22 December 1915 and embarked for Britain on 25 September 1916, where, on 7 October 1916, its personnel were absorbed by the 9th Reserve Battalion, CEF to provide reinforcements for the Canadian Corps in the field.  The battalion was disbanded on 17 July 1917.

The 236th Battalion (New Brunswick Kilties), CEF was authorized on 15 July 1916 and embarked for Britain on 30 October and 9 November 1917, where it provided reinforcements for the Canadian Corps in the field until 13 March 1918, when its personnel were absorbed by the 20th Reserve Battalion, CEF. The battalion was disbanded on 30 August 1920.

(Author Photos)

Firearms on display in the RNBR Officers Mess.

Ross Rifle, .303.

Enfield Model 1864, 1900, M.E. 303, A. CIII.

Martini Metford Carbine, 1901.

The Second World War

Details of the New Brunswick Rangers and The Saint John Fusiliers (Machine Gun) were called out on 26 August 1939 and then placed on active service on 1 September 1939 for local protection duties until disbanded on 31 December 1940.

(New Brunswick Military History Museum Collection, Author Photo)

Carleton & York Regiment.

The Carleton and York Regiment mobilized The Carleton and York Regiment, CASF, on 1 September 1939.  It was redesignated the 1st Battalion, The Carleton and York Regiment, CASF, on 7 November 1940.

The regiment embarked for Britain on 9 December 1939 and landed in Sicily on 10 July 1943 and in Italy on 3 September 1943 as part of the 3rd Infantry Brigade, 1st Canadian Infantry Division.  

Soldiers of the 3rd Canadian Infantry Brigade cross the Strait of Messina and approach the shores of the Italian mainland, 3 September, 1943. / Des soldats de la 3e Brigade d'infanterie canadienne traversent le détroit de Messine et s'approchent des côtes du continent italien, 3 septembre 1943. (DND Photo)

(IWM Photo, A17916)

Le débarquement en Sicile, le 10 juillet 1943. / The landings in Sicliy, 10 July 1943.

Troops from 51st Highland Division unloading stores from tank landing craft on the opening day of the Allied invasion of Sicily, 10 July 1943. Just after dawn, men of the Highland Division up to their waists in water unloading stores on a landing beach on the opening day of the invasion of Sicily. Meanwhile beach roads are being prepared for heavy and light traffic. Several landing craft tank can be seen just of the beach (including LCT 622).

(DND Photo)

Soldiers of the Carleton & York Regiment examine the remains of a French-made Italian Dewoitine D.520 fighter plane at Reggio airfield, 3 September, 1943. / Des soldats du Carleton & York Regiment examinent les restes d'un avion de chasse italien Dewoitine D.520 de fabrication française, à l'aérodrome de Reggio, le 3 septembre 1943.

Le 16 mars 1945, il s'est déplacé vers l'Europe du Nord-Ouest dans le cadre de l'opération Goldflake, où il a combattu jusqu'à la fin de la guerre. Le bataillon d'outre-mer a été dissous le 30 septembre 1945. Le 1er juin 1945, un deuxième bataillon de la Force active a été mobilisé pour le service dans le Pacifique, sous la désignation 2nd Canadian Infantry Battalion (The Carleton and York Regiment), CASF. Le bataillon est dissous le 1er novembre 1945.

(Woodstock, NB Memories of the past and present FB page Photo).

LGen McNaughton speaking with officers of the CYR, Sicily, 20 August 1943. L to R: LCol JEC Pangman, LGen McNaughton, Lt Harry Stark, Lt Gray Maxwell, Lt Pete Mackenzie, Maj Bud Steen, unidentified, unidentified. / Le Lgén McNaughton s'entretient avec des officiers de la CYR, Sicile, 20 août 1943. De gauche à droite : Lcol JEC Pangman, Lgén McNaughton, Lt Harry Stark, Lt Gray Maxwell, Lt Pete Mackenzie, Maj Bud Steen, non identifié, non identifié.

(DND Photo)

Soldiers of the Carleton & York Regiment move inland near Pachino, Sicily, 10 July 1943. / Des soldats du Carleton & York Regiment se rendent dans les terres près de Pachino, en Sicile, le 10 juillet 1943.

On 16 March 1945, it moved to North-West Europe as part of Operation Goldflake, where it fought until the end of the war.  The overseas battalion was disbanded on 30 September 1945.  On 1 June 1945, a second Active Force battalion was mobilized for service in the Pacific, under the designation 2nd Canadian Infantry Battalion, (The Carleton and York Regiment), CASF.  The battalion was disbanded on 1 November 1945.

(Author Photo)

Carleton and York Battle Honours and Memorial cairn, beside the 1 RNBR Armoury in Fredericton.

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

New Brunswick Rangers.

The New Brunswick Rangers mobilized the 1st Battalion, The New Brunswick Rangers, CASF, on 1 January 1941.  It was redesignated as The 10th Canadian Infantry Brigade Support Group (The New Brunswick Rangers), CIC, CASF on 1 November 1943 and as The 10th Independent Machine Gun Company (The New Brunswick Rangers), CIC, CASF on 24 February 1944.  The unit served at Goose Bay, Labrador in a home defence role as part of Atlantic Command from June 1942 to July 1943.  It embarked for Britain on 13 September 1943.  On 26 July 1944, the company landed in France as part of the 10th Infantry Brigade, 4th Canadian Armoured Division, and it continued to fight in North-West Europe until the end of the war.  The overseas company was disbanded on 15 February 1946.

(DND Photo)

Vickers machine-gunner in action during the Second World War. / Le mitrailleur Vickers en action pendant la Seconde Guerre mondiale.

The Saint John Fusiliers (Machine Gun) mobilized the 1st Battalion, The Saint John Fusiliers (Machine Gun), CASF, on 1 January 1941.  It served in Canada as part of the 18th Infantry Brigade, 6th Canadian Division, and "C" Company of this unit took part in the expedition to Kiska, Alaska as a component of the 13th Canadian Infantry Brigade Group, serving there from 16 August 1943 to 6 January 1944.  It embarked for Britain on 2 January 1945, where it was disbanded on 10 January 1945.

(DND Photo)

A 4.2-inch mortar crew in action in the Second World War. / Un équipage de mortier de 4,2 pouces en action pendant la Seconde Guerre mondiale.

War In Afghanistan

General Campaign Star - SOUTH-WEST ASIA (GCS-SWA).

The regiment contributed an aggregate of more than 20% of its authorized strength to the various Task Forces which served in Afghanistan between 2002 and 2014.