History
The Royal Canadian Regiment
Prepared by: Capt Michael O'Leary, CD (2011, updated 2013)
The Royal Canadian Regiment (The RCR) was authorized as a unit of Canada’s Permanent Force, now known as the Regular Force, on 21 December 1883. Created for the purpose of instructing the Canadian Militia, the Regiment was originally known as the Infantry School Corps. The Regiment’s first garrisons, each occupied by a company plus the supported Instructional Cadre, were at Fredericton, St Jean (PQ) and Toronto. A fourth Company was established in London, Ontario, in 1888.
Shortly after its formation, “C” Company of the Regiment saw action in the North-West Rebellion of 1885. In 1898, the Regiment provided men to the Yukon Field Force, which assisted with the policing of the Yukon Territory during the gold rush.
During the 1890s, the Regiment saw three changes to its title:
In November 1901, the Regiment changed its name one more time, becoming “The Royal Canadian Regiment.”
At the outbreak of the First World War, The RCR was assembled at Halifax where Regimental Headquarters and six of the Regiment’s ten companies had been located since 1905, having replaced the last British Army garrison in Canada. The RCR was brought up to wartime strength in late 1914 as it started its first task which was to serve for a year as the garrison battalion in Bermuda until August 1915. The RCR then proceeded to England and onward to France as a battalion of the 7th Canadian Infantry Brigade in the 3rd Canadian Infantry Division.
The RCR was awarded 16 battle honours for its actions during the First World War, including the Somme 1916, Vimy Ridge and the Pursuit to Mons. One member of The RCR, Lieutenant Milton Fowler Gregg, was awarded the Victoria Cross.
In 1919, the Regiment received a singular honour when King George V granted the Regiment the right to wear Queen Victoria’s cypher – “VRI” – on its buttons and badges in perpetuity in recognition of its service in the First World War. This made the RCR the only Commonwealth regiment to wear a deceased sovereign’s cypher with no requirement to change cyphers following the coronation of a new King or Queen.
The RCR sailed for England shortly after the start of the Second World War where it trained for three years as a battalion of the 1st Canadian Infantry Brigade of the 1st Canadian Infantry Division. The Regiment entered combat when it landed on the beaches of Sicily on 10 July 1943 – a date still commemorated within the Regiment as “Pachino Day.” The RCR fought their way through Sicily and Italy over almost 18 months including participation in the battles at Ortona, the Hitler Line at Pontecorvo and the Gothic Line on the Adriatic coast.
In February, 1945, The RCR joined the final push to liberate Northwest Europe, fighting their last battle at Apeldoorn, Holland. In the closing days of the war, a second battalion of the Regiment was created in Canada, its planned employment being in the Pacific Force. With the capitulation of Japan, this requirement disappeared and, following the return and disbandment of the overseas battalion, the newly created 2nd Battalion became the single battalion of The Royal Canadian Regiment in the post-war Canadian Army.
On the outbreak of the Korean War, The RCR still consisted of a single Regular Force battalion. During the three years of the war, two new battalions would be formed for the Special Force which fought in Korea, and all three battalions would serve in Korea in turn. The 2nd Battalion deployed in 1951, the 1st Battalion in 1952 and the 3rd Battalion in 1953. Following the Korean War, the 3rd Battalion was disbanded and the 2nd Battalion remained a unit of the Regular Force.
In July 1954, The Royal Canadian Regiment gained a Reserve Force battalion, formed by the amalgamation of The Canadian Fusiliers (City of London Regiment) (Machine Gun) and The Oxford Rifles. This new unit was designated the London and Oxford Fusiliers (3rd Battalion, The Royal Canadian Regiment).
The Oxford Rifles
The Oxford Rifles originated in Woodstock, Ontario, on 14 August 1863, when the '"Twenty-second Battalion Volunteer Militia Rifles, Canada" or "The Oxford Rifles"' was authorized. In its early years, the unit was called out for service on the St Clair frontier during the Fenian Raids in 1866. The unit also provided some soldiers to the Canadian Contingents for South Africa.
From 1920 until 1936, the unit briefly had a two-battalion structure, with one battalion part of the Non-Permanent Active Militia and the second battalion on the Reserve establishment (i.e, without personnel). During the Second World War, the 1st Battalion, The Oxford Rifles, CASF, was mobilized for active service in March 1942. It served in Canada in a home defence role until January 1945 when it embarked for Britain where it was disbanded in England later that month.
Having undergone several changes in naming, the regiment was redesignated The Oxford Rifles on 1 June 1945. On 1 October 1954, it was amalgamated with 'The Canadian Fusiliers (City of London Regiment) (Machine Gun) and redesignated 'The London and Oxford Fusiliers (3rd Battalion, The Royal Canadian Regiment)'.
The Oxford Rifles perpetuated the 71st and 168th Canadian Infantry Battalions of the Canadian Expeditionary Force and carried the honours, awards and accomplishments of those units into the regimental history of The RCR.
The Canadian Fusiliers (City of London Regiment) (Machine Gun)
The Canadian Fusiliers (City of London Regiment) (Machine Gun) originated in London, Ontario on 27 April 1866 as the 7th Battalion Infantry, "Prince Arthur's Own". During the regiment’s early years, two companies were called out on active service in April 1870 during the Fenian Raids, serving on the St. Clair frontier. The unit also mobilized in 1885, serving in the Alberta column of the North West Field Force and provided troops to the Canadian Contingents in the South African War.
Undergoing several changes of name, including a brief period as a three-battalion regiment titled the Western Ontario Regiment during the early 1920s, the unit was designated The Canadian Fusiliers (City of London Regiment) on 1 August 1924.21 On 15 December 1936 it was amalgamated with the 'Headquarters' and 'A Company' of the 2nd Machine Gun Battalion, CMGC, and redesignated The Canadian Fusiliers (City of London Regiment) (Machine Gun). During the Second World War, the regiment formed a second battalion; the 1st Battalion served as part of the Canadian Active Service Force (CASF) and the 2nd Battalion remained in the Reserve establishment.
The 1st Battalion, The Canadian Fusiliers (City of London Regiment), CASF, was mobilized in 1942 and served on home defence duties as part of Pacific Command, taking part in the August 1943 expedition to Kiska, Alaska, with the 13th Canadian Infantry Brigade Group. The unit arrived in Britain in May 1944 where it was redesignated the 2nd Canadian Infantry Training Battalion, Type A (Canadian Fusiliers), CASF, and remained so until being disbanded in August 1945.
Following the Second World War, the Reserve battalion of the Canadian Fusiliers regained its single-battalion designation: The Canadian Fusiliers (City of London Regiment) (Machine Gun). On 1 October 1954, it was amalgamated with 'The Oxford Rifles.
The Canadian Fusiliers perpetuated the 1st, 33rd and 142nd Canadian Infantry Battalions of the Canadian Expeditionary Force and carried the honours, awards and accomplishments of those units into the regimental history of The RCR.
2nd Machine Gun Battalion, Canadian Machine Gun Corps (CMGC)
The 2nd Machine Gun Battalion, CMGC, of the Canadian Militia originated when the 2nd Machine Gun Brigade, CMGC was authorized on 1 June 1919. The battalion was disbanded on 14 December 1936 with its HQ and companies amalgamating with a number of Militia units.
The 2nd Machine Gun Battalion, CMGC, of the Canadian Militia perpetuated the 2nd Machine Gun Battalion, CMGC, of the Canadian Expeditionary Force and carried the honours, awards and accomplishments of this unit into the regimental history of The RCR.
CEF Perpetuations
Through the amalgamations with The Canadian Fusiliers and The Oxford Rifles, the following units of the Canadian Expeditionary Force (1914-1919) are perpetuated by The Royal Canadian Regiment:
One of the most significant effects these perpetuations had on The RCR was to increase the list of battle honours carried by the Regiment for the First World War. The combined awards of First World War battle honours for The Royal Canadian Regiment, the 1st Canadian Infantry Battalion and the 2nd Battalion, CMGC, represent 49 separate unit battlefield actions and are represented by the 25 battle honour names carried today by The RCR for the Great War. (Additionally, The Oxford Rifles were awarded eight Great War battle honours in 1930. These, however, are not related directly to the perpetuated CEF battalions and likely based on the total number of soldiers from the perpetuated units who were known to be at these battles, though possibly dispersed between a number of units.)
One member of the 1st Canadian Infantry Battalion, Lieutenant Frederick William Campbell, was awarded the Victoria Cross. Although chronologically earlier than Milton Gregg’s award, it was through the amalgamation of Regiments in 1954 that this became the second such award to be commemorated with the history of The RCR. In addition to the recognition of Campbell’s VC by The RCR, the Regiment maintains an equal responsibility to recognize all other honours and awards received by members of the perpetuated units.
The 3rd Battalion, The Royal Canadian Regiment (London and Oxford Fusiliers) was established in 1954 with garrisons in London and Woodstock. A third location in Stratford was established in 1965, followed five years later with the close of the Woodstock garrison in 1970. In 1970, with a major reorganization of the Army, the Reserve battalion was re-designated as the 4th Battalion, The RCR, when a new 3rd Battalion was created in the Regular Force establishment. Since 1970, the Reserve Battalion has maintained its garrisons in London and Stratford, Ontario.
Throughout the 1960s, 70s and 80s, and into the 1990s, the Regular Force battalions of The Royal Canadian Regiment served in Canada, Germany and on 13 separate unit rotations in Cyprus. Between 1977 and 1995, the 3rd Commando of the Canadian Airborne Regiment was also a regimental unit of The RCR. As well, a regimental Battle School which trained new infantry soldiers for the Regular Force battalions existed as a separate CF unit between 1978 and 1997.
In 1983, the Regiment marked its centenary with events in all battalions and a major reunion gathering in London, Ontario. In July of that year the Colonel-in-Chief, His Royal Highness The Prince Philip, reviewed and addressed the Regiment on parade in London during a trooping of the colours from all four battalions and the affiliated 3 (Airborne) Commando.
The Royal Canadian Regiment has served Canada at home and abroad; including domestic operations ranging from assistance to civil authority during the FLQ Crisis (1970), Akwesasne (1990) and Oka (1990) to emergency response at the Manitoba Floods (1997), the Ice Storm (1998), and Hurricane Juan in Halifax (2003). It was for Op RECUPERATION, the response to the Ice Storm in 1998, that formed elements of all four battalions of the Regiment were deployed simultaneously on a single operation.
Since the 1990s, the Regular Force battalions of The RCR have provided formed units and sub-units to Canada’s missions in the first Gulf War, the Former Yugoslavia, Africa and Afghanistan. All four battalions and the Regiment’s extra-regimentally employed (ERE) personnel have provided individual augmentation to many of Canada’s UN and NATO missions. The Afghanistan mission has included the deployment of formed battle groups based on each of the three Regular Force battalions, and the 4th Battalion has seen the deployment of up to 30 of its officers, NCOs and soldiers at a time depending on available tasks in each operational cycle.
The Royal Canadian Regiment is Canada’s senior Regular Force infantry regiment. Through its amalgamated regiments, the regimental lineage of The RCR dates from 14 August 1863; although 21 December 1883, the creation of the Infantry School Corps, is celebrated as the regimental birthday by regimental tradition.
In 2012, the Canadian Government decided to create battle honours for the War of 1812 and award perpetuations of the recipient War of 1812 units to current units of the Canadian Army. Federal Government announcements identifying awards and the units receiving the perpetuations were made in August and September 2012. As a result of these ammouncements, The Royal canadian Regiment added the Battle Honours “Detroit” and Niagara”, as well as the Honorary Disticntion “Fefence of Canada 181-1815” to its list of honours. These honours represent the perpetuations of the following units of that conflict:
The four battalions of The Royal Canadian Regiment continue to serve Canada, with regimental garrisons at ASU London (Home Station and 4RCR), CFB Petawawa (Regimental HQ, 1RCR and 3RCR) and CFB Gagetown (2RCR). Extra-Regimentally Employed Royal Canadians serve in units, training establishments and headquarters across the Canadian Forces, both in Canada and abroad.
Pro Patria
Prepared by: Capt Michael O’Leary, CD (2011, updated 2013)
"An eight-pointed diamond cut star; upon the star a raised circle surmounted by the crown; within the raised circle, the block letters "VRI", the Imperial Cypher of Queen Victoria."
Regimental Affiliation:
|
Wars and Operations | Battle Honour | Date |
War of 1812 |
Detroit Niagara Defence of Canada – 1812-1815 Défense de Canada |
15 Aug 1812 19 Dec 1813 to Sept 1814 |
North-West Rebellion |
Saskatchewan North West Canada 1885 | |
South African War |
Paardeberg South Africa 1899-1900 | |
First World War | ||
Summer Operations, 1915. (March-October) |
Ypres, 1915 Gravenstafel Ridge St Julien Festubert, 1915 |
22 April – 25 May 1915 22-23 April 1915 24 April – 4 May 1915 15-25 May 1915 |
Local Operations, 1916. (Previous to the Allied Offensive) |
Mount Sorrel |
2-13 June 1916 |
Operations on the Somme. (1 July – 18 November, 1916) |
Somme, 1916 Pozieres Ridge Flers-Courcelette Ancre Heights |
1 July – 18 November 1916 23 July – 3 September 1916 15-22 September 1916 1 October – 11 November 1916 |
The Arras Offensive (9 April – 15 May, 1917 |
Arras, 1917 Vimy, 1917 Arleux Scarpe, 1917 Hill 70 |
9 April – 4 May 1917 9-14 April 1917 28-29 April 1917 3-4 May 1917 15-25 August 1917 |
The Flanders Offensive (7 June – 10 November, 1917) |
Ypres, 1917 Passchendaele |
31 July – 10 Nov. 1917 12 October 1917 and/or 26 October – 10 November 1917 |
The Advance in Picardy (8 August – 3 September, 1918) |
Amiens Arras, 1918 Scarpe, 1918 |
8-11 August 1918 26 August – 3 September 1918 26-30 August 1918 |
The Breaking of the Hindenburg Line (26 August – 12 October, 1918) |
Drocourt-Quéant Line Hindenburg Line, Battles of Canal du Nord Cambrai, 1918 |
2-3 September 1918 12 September – 9 October 1918 27 September – 2 October 1918 8-9 October 1918 | Picardy (17 October – 11 November). | Pursuit to Mons | 11 November 1918 | FRANCE AND FLANDERS, 1914-18 | FRANCE AND FLANDERS, 1914-18 |
Second World War | ||
LANDING IN SICILY | LANDING IN SICILY | 9-12 Jul 43 |
Agira | 24-28 Jul 43 | |
ADRANO |
ADRANO Regalbuto |
29 Jul – 7 Aug 43 29 Jul - 3 Aug 43 |
SICILY 1943 |
SICILY 1943 Landing at Reggio Motta Montecorvino Campobasso Torella San Leonardo The Gully Ortona |
9 Jul 43 – 17 Aug 43 3 Sep 43 1-3 Oct 43 11-14 Oct 43 24-27 Oct 43 8-9 Dec 43 10-19 Dec 43 20-28 Dec 43 |
CASSINO II | CASSINO II Gustav Line |
11-18 May 44 11-18 May 44 |
LIRI VALLEY |
LIRI VALLEY Hitler Line |
18-30 May 44 18-24 May 44 |
GOTHIC LINE |
GOTHIC LINE Misano Ridge |
25 Aug-22 Sep 44 3-5 Sep 44 |
RIMINI LINE |
RIMINI LINE San Martino – San Lorenzo Pisciatello |
14-21 Sep 44 14-18 Sep 44 16-19 Sep 44 |
LAMONE CROSSING |
LAMONE CROSSING Fosso Vecchio |
2-13 Dec 44 16-18 Dec 44 |
ITALY 1943-45 | ITALY 1943-45 Apeldoorn | 3 Sep 43 – 22 Apr 45 11-17 Apr 45 |
NORTH-WEST EUROPE 1945 | ||
Korean War | ||
United Nations Operations - Korea, 1950-1953 | KOREA, 1951-1953 | |
Afghanistan War | Pashmul, - 2006 |
Why Does Canada Celebrate Victoria Day?By Gwyn Evans - May 22, 2022 / 4:00 am | Story: 369589 (Gwyn Evans is the research and communications co-ordinator with the Museum and Archives of Vernon.)The Victoria Day Long Weekend is long-standing tribute to Queen Victoria and has been celebrated in Vernon for decades LONG LIVE THE QUEEN
Although many of us now think of the May Long Weekend as the beginning of camping season in B.C., the history of Victoria Day is a bit more complicated. In 1845, the Legislative Assembly of the Province of Canada decided to officially recognize the birthday of Queen Victoria on May 24 with public celebrations. But it wasn’t until 1901, following the Queen’s death, that May 24 became officially known as “Victoria Day” in her memory. At the turn of the 20th century, the settler population in Vernon eagerly celebrated Queen Victoria’s birthday, as well as her reign in general. On June 22, 1897, Vernon celebrated the Diamond Jubilee with a series of sporting events, including baseball, lacrosse, trap shootings and tug-of-war. Other outlying communities, including Enderby, came to compete in the day’s activities, and it is noted that Vernon won all events except the tug-of-war. May Long Weekends in Vernon were also marked with sporting events and special activities in celebration of the queen’s birthday. On May 24, 1895, a cricket match was held between Kelowna and Vernon, with the SS Fairview offering special trips between the two cities for individuals who wished to attend. In 1900, Enderby hosted Vernon and other nearby communities for a series of foot, horse and canoe races. A football match was also held between the community of Lumby and employees of the Coldstream Ranch, followed by a grand ball in Morand’s Hall. Queen Victoria’s passing in 1901 was announced in large font on the front page of the January 24th edition of the Vernon News, as the City mourned the loss of its “Most Respected Sovereign.” Later that year, Vernon officially celebrated “Victoria Day” for the first time, with — you guessed it — sporting events, including three-legged and ladies races.Queen Victoria: The woman who redefined Britain’s monarchyA headstrong head of stateQueen Victoria restored the reputation of a monarchy tarnished by the extravagance of her royal uncles. She also shaped a new role for the Royal Family, reconnecting it with the public through civic duties. At just 4ft 11in tall, Victoria was a towering presence as a symbol of her Empire. She and her husband Albert and their nine children came to symbolise a new, confident age. Read more |
4RCR COUNCIL
Terms of Reference
Overview
Prior to 2014 it was known as the 4 RCR Board of Governors.
Role |
4RCR COUNCIL
Membership List | |||||
Last Name | First Name | Rank | Phone | Posn | |
Anderson | Martin | LCol | martin_anderson@rogers.com | Member | |
Bassarab | Rusty | LCol | rbassarab@cogeco.ca | Member | |
Bell | Dave | Capt | davidbell@tcc.on.ca | Webmaster | |
Boon | Art | CWO | 190 Queen St, Stratford, ON,N5A 4N7 | Member | |
Burke | Jeff | CWO | burkeja54@outlook.com | Member | |
Campbell | Mark | BGen | mcamp@rogers.com | Member | |
Cook | John | Lcol | John_cook_9@yahoo.ca | 519-668-7595 | Member |
Denne | Don | Col | djdenne@msn.com | Assn Rep | |
Ellyatt | David | CWO | dellyatt@police.london.ca | Member | |
Graham | Barry | Lcol | barrygraham533@hotmail.com | Member | |
Griffin | Declan | Lcol | dgriffin@wightman.ca | Member | |
Hutton | Geoff | Maj | geoff.hutton@sympatico.ca | Member | |
Klausnitzer | Henry | CWO | hklaosni@london.ca | Member | |
Lucas | Curtis | MWO | curtis_is@rogers.com | Member | |
Mombourquette | John | Capt | fj3@rogers.com | Secretary | |
O'Brien | Gary | Bgen | gary.obrien@hotmail.com | Chairperson | |
O'Leary | Mike | Capt | m.m.oleary@gmail.com | Museum rep | |
Olglesby | John | Lcol | Member | ||
O'Quinn | John | Maj | johnandglad@rogers.com | Cadet rep | |
Prince | Matt | Maj | matt.a.prince@gmail.com | Member | |
Rennie | Bob | CWO | bobandninaare@gmail.com | Member | |
Reintjes | Pete | LCol | peter.reintjes@forces.gc.ca | CO | |
Robinson | Joseph | Lcol | jwrobins2@gmail.com | Member | |
St. George | Gary | CWO | 519-453-5321 | Member | |
Stapleton | Mike | MWO | mstaple362@rogers.com | Member | |
Talach | Rob | CWO | rtalach@ledroitbeckett.com | Member | |
Weldon | Doug | Lcol | doug.weldon@yahoo.ca | Member | |
Willaert | Gary | Lcol | rcrgary@yahoo.ca | Member |
Former Serving Members
"Once a Royal Canadian, always a Royal Canadian!" |
4RCR is currently updating its former members database to provide former serving members with social events, re-unions, mailings and to provide a means for former members to keep in contact with each other.
NEW MEMBERS:
All former members who have served with The London and Oxford Fusiliers, 3RCR(M) or 4RCR are invited to submit their particulars to the WEBMASTER for publication in the Former Members List. CURRENT MEMBERS:
NOTE: If you are a member and updating your current information, note same.
Only your Name, Rank and E-mail Address and phone number (if submitted) will be published on our Former Members List.
You will be sent a password to enter the Former Members List once your application has been approved.
Former Members List
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Male Veteran or First-Responders (VFR), 50 years or older, facing a key career change?...then this program may be of benefit to you
Submitted by Barry Graham
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Date: 2022-07-26 16:00 (GMT-05:00)
To: president@vimylondon.ca, vp1@vimylondon.ca, vp2@vimylondon.ca, vp3@vimylondon.ca
Subject: Online Meaning-Centered Men's Group
Good afternoon, Members of the Royal Canadian Legion Branch 145,
This email is sent on behalf of Dr. Marnin Heisel, clinical psychologist and researcher at Western University in London, Ontario.
I am writing to tell you about a voluntary program that will be offered to male Veterans and First-Responders (VFR), 50 years of age or older, who are facing a key career transition.
Meaning-Centered Men’s Groups (MCMG) were designed to help promote well-being and prevent the development of psychological difficulties. These groups have already shown promise with men over the age of 55 who were concerned about or struggling with the transition to retirement; we now plan to evaluate them with VFR in career transition.
This study is being funded by Movember, and will involve men who have transitioned out of the military or from a police, fire, or emergency medical service in the past 2 years, or anticipate doing so within the next few years.
I am hoping that you might be willing to pass along information about our research study to male VFR, who are 50 years or older, reside in Ontario, and are facing such a career transition.
Those who wish to participate would be invited to take part in a 45-75 minute research interview to determine their eligibility for this study. Those eligible would then be invited to participate in a 12-week course of 90-120-minute group sessions with 10-12 men, and 2-3 facilitators. They may also be asked to complete up to 5 additional research interviews lasting 60-90 minutes each over the coming year to evaluate the groups. Participants initially assigned to join a Wait-List will be given the opportunity to join a future men’s group, after completion of post- group assessments. Participation is completely voluntary.
All study assessments and initial courses of MCMG groups will be offered online/virtually. Laptops may be made available to those who don’t have one. Depending on the state of the pandemic, and as pandemic-related public health restrictions lessen, we may offer future group sessions in-person.
Please feel free to be in touch if you have any questions or concerns about this study or would like to discuss it further. If you know someone who you feel might be appropriate for this study, please feel free to provide them with my contact information or contact me yourself.
With sincere thanks for your consideration.
Dr. Marnin J. Heisel, Ph.D., C.Psych.
Associate Professor,
Thank you,
Rebecca Hocke, B.Sc.,
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![]() Important Information For All Veterans
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![]() Countering disinformation with facts - Russian invasion of Ukraine2022-07-09The Kremlin has long spread disinformation and propaganda to achieve its objectives. It continues to disseminate lies to justify its unprovoked, unjustifiable invasion of Ukraine. Below, you will find a sample of the many lies by the Russian regime about its invasion of Ukraine, along with the truth. This information is based on Government of Canada intelligence. You can limit the spread of disinformation by knowing how to identify it and being critical about what you read. Continues... |
![]() Changes to the Canadian Forces Dress InstructionsFrequently Asked Questions Regarding Changes to the Canadian Forces Dress Instructions2022-07-08
On this page
GeneralWhy are changes to the Canadian Forces Dress Instructions being introduced now?Discussions have been ongoing for quite some time – the decision to update the Canadian Forces Dress Instructions was not made lightly, and much thought was given to the approach because of the exacting specifications as to the dress and appearance of our military in various scenarios. Many discussions were required, including with the Defence Advisory Groups, Gender Advisors, with current military members as well as the next generation of Canadians who will follow us. The bottom line is, the Canadian Forces Dress Instructions are about fifty years old and so the policy as a whole was overdue for revision. The appearance of the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) has not kept pace with the Canadian society which it serves. When will the changes to the Canadian Forces Dress Instructions take effect? The updated Dress Instructions will take effect in early September 2022. This will allow time for CAF Members and leaders at all levels to review and understand the changes. Who makes the decisions about the Dress Instructions? Is there some process you follow or is your Dress and Ceremonial Section just doing what it feels is appropriate? In the matter of military dress and appearance, the Chief of the Defence Staff (CDS) and Chief of Military Personnel (through the Dress and Ceremonial Section of the Directorate of History and Heritage) are advised by:
the environmental Commanders of the Royal Canadian Navy, Canadian Army and Royal Canadian Air Force, who are the principal advisers on Navy, Army and Air Force distinctive
environmental uniforms (DEU); Commanders at all levels are charged with ensuring that personnel under their command, whether environmentally or extra-environmentally employed, are dressed in accordance with the Canadian Forces Dress Instructions. What if a CAF member’s religious beliefs require them to dress in a way that isn’t covered by the new Dress Instructions? Or conversely, what if their appearance does not conform to the regulations outlined in Section 2 – Appearance but it conforms to their cultural beliefs? One of the goals of the Canadian Forces Dress Instructions update was to make the rules more inclusive and therefore limit the need for accommodations. However, accommodations will always be available to CAF members who have special requirements related to religious or spiritual belief. Members should communicate these requirements with their chain of command, as leaders retain the right to order restrictions based on the need to meet safety and operational requirements. The following text has been removed: “Behaviour such as chewing gum, slouching, placing hands in pockets, smoking or eating on the street and walking hand in hand, is forbidden.” Does that mean CAF members can now do all those things when in uniform? Pursuant to QR&O 17.02, the deportment and appearance of all ranks, in uniform or when wearing civilian attire, shall on all occasions reflect credit on the CAF and the individual. It is the responsibility and duty of all CAF members to ensure that, while in uniform, they comport themselves in a manner which projects a positive military appearance. Leaders at all levels have a role to play in this regard. What happens if a CAF member doesn’t follow the updated Dress Instructions? When a uniform is required to be worn, all CAF members shall wear the applicable uniform described in this manual in accordance with the instructions contained herein. Pursuant to QR&O 17.02, the deportment and appearance of all ranks, in uniform or when wearing civilian attire, shall on all occasions reflect credit on the CAF and the individual. It is the responsibility and duty of all CAF members to ensure that, by their vigilance, actions and example, the policies, regulations and instructions contained herein are adhered to. Are any more changes expected to the Dress Instructions? The update is occurring in three phases. The first phase involves a rewrite of critical policy where significant change is necessary (Section 2, Chapter 2); changing exclusive or gendered language to inclusive throughout the policy; and reducing the need for accommodations. Also as part of this phase, the Logistik online clothing catalogue was opened to all members in September 2021, so that clothing choice was no longer restricted by gender. Later phases of the update will revisit the functional authority changes from 2017 (where each Environment has its own specifications); change terminology in catalogues and supply manuals; and make design changes to the clothing itself. Going forward, the intention is to continually review the updated Dress Instructions, in order to provide additional clarity where necessary and to include any elements previously overlooked.
DetailsCan the different gender design of the DEU uniforms be intermixed or must CAF members only wear either the “female” pattern or the “male” pattern?DEUs are no longer gender based. Both catalogues are open to all members and they may be intermixed. CAF members may choose whichever design best fits, as long as it is worn as per the Dress Instructions. Some restrictions may be imposed in certain circumstances such as on parade. References to gender have been removed but traditionally gendered items like skirts, nylons, and purses are still part of CAF dress. Does this mean that CAF members who identify as men can wear skirts? Yes, it does. The overall aim of the updated Canadian Forces Dress Instructions is to make the policy more inclusive and less prohibitive, and to allow CAF members increased freedom to make personal choices regarding their appearance, providing that safety and operational effectiveness are always maintained. Will recruits need to shave their head on basic training? No, the updated hair policy applies to all CAF members from recruitment to retirement. Is there a maximum length for hair? No, there are no restrictions on the length of hair. However, long hair must be tied when extending below the top/ridge of the shoulder or that extends below the service dress collar for ceremonial occasion. It must not prevent the proper wear of headdress and must not impede the visibility of the member’s face. Safety and operational requirements shall be met. What types of braids are considered acceptable? Any style braid(s) may be used, as long as it remains in line with safety and operational requirements. Hair must be tied to ensure the headdress can be worn properly and the face is visible. A bun, braids, or ponytail are examples of appropriate ways to tie the hair. Specific exceptions are listed at DAOD 5340-3. Is unnatural-coloured hair acceptable in ceremonial orders of dress? And must accessories match the colour of hair? Yes, the colouring of hair is permitted in all orders of dress unless it inhibits an operational duty. For example, bright coloured hair may have a negative operational impact during field operations or training. Leaders are invited to discuss with their members to find a simple, suitable accommodation, such as a scarf to cover the hair. Accessories do not have to match the colour of the member’s hair. However, all accessories shall meet safety and operational requirements and not must not discredit the CAF. Is there any change on the beard policy? Yes, the wearing of sideburns, beards, moustaches and goatees, or combination of style, is authorized for all members of the CAF from recruitment to release. There is no maximum or minimum length. Only, they must be kept neatly groomed and symmetrical in style while always complying with safety requirements and operational requirements. Can CAF members be asked to shave their facial hair? Yes, Commanders of Commands, Task Force Commanders, Formation Commanders and Commanding Officers retain the right to order restrictions on the wearing of facial hair to meet safety and operational requirements. This instruction does not supersede Federal or National safety codes or regulations. Since multiple facial hair styles are approved, must a person request a period of transition for each change in facial hair? No, as long as it is neat and evenly trimmed. For example, a member going from a goatee to a full beard should shave down the goatee so facial hair appears evenly and symmetrically trimmed. Are tattoos on the face permitted? And what is considered the face? The face is the front part of the head that extends from the forehead to the chin and from the anterior part of one ear to the other. Tattoos are permitted on the face as long as they conform to the regulations outlined in Section 2 – Appearance. “Tattoos that the member knows, or ought to know, are associated with criminal activities (e.g. criminal gangs), tattoos that promote and/or express, on the basis of a prohibited ground of discrimination as defined in the Canadian Human Rights Act (CHRA), the following: hatred, violence, discrimination, or harassment: and tattoos that a CAF member knows, or ought to know, promote and/or express: racism, sexism, misogyny, xenophobia, homophobia, ableism, or sexual explicit material.” Are hoops and long earrings acceptable in uniform? Yes, ear piercings, hoops and spacers are authorized but can be no more than 2.5 cm in length from the bottom of the ear. Safety and operational requirements must always be met. Spacers must not extend 2.5 cm in diameter. In all ceremonial orders of dress (No. 1), only one single stud type (one in each ear) is permitted in the lobe not to exceed 1 cm. What jewelry is acceptable for ceremonial orders of dress? The following is acceptable:
Rings: a maximum of two rings which are not of a costume jewelry nature. Additional rings may only be worn when they indicate professional standing, such as an engineer,
or are worn with a wedding band as a single set indicating betrothal or fidelity, e.g., an engagement or an anniversary ring. Rings shall not inhibit the execution of proper
arms drill or cause an unsightly bulge in white or black gloves. In operational dress (order of dress 5), is there a limit to the number of ear-piercing's that are acceptable? In general, there are no restrictions unless there is a safety issue or operational effectiveness may be jeopardized. Following both the jewelry and piercing's policy, can two piercing's be connected with a chain in one ear? Yes, as long as both piercing's and chain are within 2.5 cm in diameter or length, and safety or operational effectiveness is not compromised. However, only one single stud (max 1 cm) or spacer(max 2.5 cm) per ear is authorized in ceremonial orders of dress (order of dress No. 1). If a CAF member recently had their upper ear pierced and cannot remove this earring for 2 months, what should they do when asked to wear a ceremonial order of dress? Members should communicate with their chain of command to find a solution. Can CAF members with eye lash extensions be ordered to have them removed? Yes, if they affect operational duties, as in the case of wearing night-vision goggles (NVGs). Are CAF members permitted to have long fingernails in uniform? Yes, long fingernails are permitted so long as they do not impede the member’s ability to perform their duties. An example of this is being unable to do weapons drills due to long fingernails. Safety and operational requirements must always be met. Are CAF members required to wear gloves at all times while wearing a toque? No, gloves do not need to be worn when the toque is worn or vice versa. The toque is authorized as alternative winter headdress and can be worn with all orders of dress. Are sunglasses permitted for wear on a ceremonial parade? Are transition (photochromic) lenses, mirrored lenses and clip-ons permitted? Yes, sunglasses are permitted for wear in all orders of dress, including ceremonial (No. 1) dress. Eyeglasses and sunglasses are permitted for wear in all orders of dress, including transition lenses, mirrored lenses, and clip-on lenses. Are backpacks required to be slung over both shoulders?
A backpack can be worn slung over both shoulders, or over the left shoulder; this leaves the right arm free to salute.
Editors note: There have been many responses to the updated Canadian Forces Dress Regulations recently released and due to come into effect in September of this year. None of these comments were positive and shock, disbelief and dismay were expressed by the writers. These comments are still pouring in. Some of these comments are:
Canadian veterans, understand the pressure from self interest, minority groups on the Government to conform to their standards but if we acquiesce to these standards the CAF will lose its own proud identity and become a mongrel without a definable identity that garners the respect it has earned around the world through hard work and sacrifice. When a military loses its self respect and discipline it becomes a sea of discontent and no longer able to perform with dedication and purpose. The military is not a nine to five job, nor can it be. It is a family with many brothers and sisters. Dedication and purpose go hand in hand with self respect, discipline, deportment and pride in ones own unit and traditions. David Bell |
4RCR Council Report
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4RCR CO's Report
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Monthly Social Events Calendar
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Date | Time | Event | Dress | Locn | Remarks |
Fri 09 Sep 2022 | 1330 for 1400 | Pashmul(2) | TBA | (TBA)Victory Branch RCL | Stapleton/Graham | Sun 23 Oct 2022 | 1130 for 1200 | Kowang San Lunch(2) | TBA | (TBA)Victory Branch RCL | Stapleton/Graham | Wed 21 Dec 2022 | 1130 for 1200 | Regimental Birthday(2) | TBA | (TBA)Victory Branch RCL | Stapleton/Graham |
NOTES: (1) Denotes meal preceded by AGM. (2) Denotes meal served (3) Locations are as yet "To Be Confirmed" as the Legion venue may not be dsesired by membership based on prices for meals, however Victory Branch has been tentatively booked. |
The RCR Regimental Museum
RCRM DIGITAL We are very happy to welcome everyone from everywhere to our community! We continue to remain active online while observing the restrictions recently enforced by the Province of Ontario. Our website offers interactive activities, online or printable games, as well as lessons for elementary and secondary levels. The online guided tours and drop-in Wednesday live streaming will resume once the Province of Ontario rescinds the current stay-at-home order. Until then, educational videos are available through the museum's Youtube channel. Stay connected and become a Subscriber. The museum is not charging membership fees, but financial donations are appreciated (payments by cheque preferred, credit cards also accepted). COLLECTIONS Stories from the Collection highlight artifacts in our holdings, as well as the fascinating stories they bring to light. This month's story features The Royals of CFB Baden-Soellingen. It was 3RCR's hockey team, and they competed in the Canadian Forces Europe Hockey League (CFEHL) from 1977 to 1984. The team won the CFEHL championship in 1980 and 1981. Were you or someone you know involved in this league? We would love to hear your story, just email us! EVENTS Season 2 of the RCRM Speakers Series was launched on 21 Jan, with Professor Gord Heath and his reflections on The Trauma of War and the Rise of Religious Pacifism in the Interwar Years, 1919-1939. This season will explore various aspects of loss in the context of military conflict. Complex facets of the dynamic between mourning and commemoration, deprivation and rejection or disposal of war by-products surface. PODCAST All 10 episodes of the RCRM Speakers Series Season 1 are now available via Simplecast, Apple Podcasts or Spotify.
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The RCR Association
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RE: August Newsletter from The RCR Association HQFrom: Sandy McQuarrie2022-08-13 MEA CULPA
A long time ago, I learned that it is better to admit your mistakes than try to bluff through them (courtesy of some great NCOs)
So, my mistake. I stand ready to do extras!
THANK YOU FOR VISITING WITH US |