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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:
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| 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 |
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4RCR COUNCIL
Terms of Reference
Overview
Prior to 2014 it was known as the 4 RCR Board of Governors.
Role |
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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 |
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Former Serving Members
4RCR Council is continually 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 FORMER SERVING MEMBERS:
All former members who have served with The London and Oxford Fusiliers, 3RCR(M) or 4RCR are invited to REGISTER for publication in the Former Serving Members List.
Only your Name, Rank and E-mail Address and phone number (if supplied) will be published on our Former Serving Members List. You will be sent a password to enter the Former Serving Members List once your application has been approved. CURRENT FORMER SERVING MEMBERS:
For The 4RCR Council to keep you updated on coming events such as The RCR Reunion events and newsletters it is important that you verify
your Email address annually to keep our records up to date.
Please send us the following by clicking on the link below:
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Former Serving Members List
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New Commander-in-Chief: King Charles III
 Photo by Mishall Rehman Canadian Military Family Magazine With the grandeur that is to be expected, King Charles III was officially proclaimed sovereign of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland in a ceremony that dates back hundreds of years. The ceremony, which took place Saturday, Sept. 10, 2022, at St. James’s Palace in London, called upon the Accession Council to acknowledge the new monarch on behalf of the British government, a process carried out according to the constitution.
With this declaration, King Charles is now not only the sovereign of the United Kingdom but also the head of the Commonwealth, which comprises 2.4 billion people and 54 countries. |
Regular Force and Primary Reserve Personnel: Have Your Say!2022-09-15
If you have thoughts or opinions on military personnel programs and policies that affect you, then now is the time to share your thoughts in the 2022 Your Say Survey. This survey is currently open to Regular Force and Primary Reserve members. “The Your Say Survey (YSS) looks at the effectiveness of the Department of National Defence (DND) and the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) from the perspective of individual CAF members. “The YSS allows members to communicate their experience with a variety of personnel programs and services; and senior leaders use the results to evaluate existing and proposed policies, procedures and programs in the CAF,” said Carina Daugherty, Defence Scientist at Director General Military Personnel Research and Analysis (DGMPRA).
Covering a Range of Topics
Questions about the Your Say Survey can be addressed to Carina Daugherty here, Defence Scientist at Director General Military Personnel Research and Analysis (DGMPRA). This research has been approved by the DND/CAF Social Science Research Review Board (SSRRB) in accordance with DAOD 5062-0 and 5062-1. The SSRRB approval # is 2033/22F. |
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4RCR Council Report
NTR |
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4RCR CO's Report
NTR |
Monthly Social Events Calendar
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| Date | Time | Event | Dress | Locn | Remarks |
| 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. |
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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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Monthly Newsletter
From: Sandy McQuarrie |
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! Sandy McQuarrie, Chair |
August Newsletter from The RCR Association HQFrom: Sandy McQuarrie2022-08-10
Renewals of MembershipOn 7 August, our membership list showed that we had 288 members in the Lapsed category.A few weeks ago, one member raised a concern about having to 'renew' his membership every year. His issue was that it took too much time away from many other things he wanted to do. He also felt that if his information had not changed, why should he review it? He has a point! So why do we continue to insist that you 'renew' your membership? The simple answer is that we must ensure that your contact and membership details are current. Our membership software is set to remind you that you need to review your information with nine reminders – 60, 30, and 7 days before your membership status is posted as lapsed; and 7, 14, 30, 60, 90, and 365 days after the lapse date. Each of these reminders includes detailed instructions on how to complete the renewal. Your application is marked as inactive if you do not renew within the year. The process is simple. Go to thercr.ca/main/ and click on the "Members Login" tab. Next, click on the "My Account" tab and select the "Membership" tab in the drop-down menu. On this page, you will see a Renewal Reminder badge. Click on the "Renew now" button and follow the guided steps. If you find that this is not easy, send an email to thercrassociation@gmail.com, and we will help you. As an aside, I have asked the owner of Member365 to tell me if we can add a button to the reminder saying "No Change."
Reunion 140Planning for the Reunion is about to swing into high gear. LCol Jon Cox has agreed to join the Committee as the serving members' representative. He is a welcome addition!A meeting to add details to the program is scheduled in London during the last week of September. It is anticipated that more information will be available after that meeting. For planning purposes, we will soon conduct a short survey on the 140th Reunion.
Bursary ProgramThe deadline for this year's bursary applications is drawing to a close. The good news is that The RCR Trust has increased the bursary amount from $12k to $20k. What this means is that we will be awarding ten (rather than six) bursaries this year.
Fundraising for the Milton F Gregg, VC DocumentaryYour Association's fundraiser for the documentary about one of the Regiment's VC winners (Milton F Gregg) started on 1 April and is scheduled to be closed on 31 December this year.The aim is to raise $35k of the $250k needed to produce this film. So far, the amount raised to date is $3000, so we still have a long way to go if we are to reach our aim. (BTW, many thanks to those who have already donated, especially Howard Clark, whose $1000 is very generous.) The Great War Society's brochure on the documentary can be seen HERE. Please consider donating! Any amount of $100 or over gets a tax receipt. To donate, click HERE.
White House, Black MemoriesCWO (Ret'd) John Barnes' book titled "White House, Black Memories" will be published on 10 August. It is a great read that Afghanistan veterans (and all other Royal Canadians) will enjoy.To purchase a copy, go to https://amzn.to/3zFtqKF. If you enter a review, it will assist in getting a higher rating on Amazon, leading to increased sales. As well as a good story about life in The RCR, John has agreed that all his sales revenue will be donated to the Homes for Heroes Foundation. To learn more about this organization, click HERE. Support a fellow Royal Canadian and Homes For Heroes by purchasing the book.
The Upper Ottawa Valley BranchA group of Royal Canadians in the area around Petawawa (led by Jim Murnaghan) has completed the necessary steps to revitalize the Upper Ottawa Branch. Congratulations to all involved.As noted in the Upcoming Events, the Branch is hosting a Pashmul Day event in Petawawa on 17 September. The new Afghanistan Memorial will be on display there. The CoTR and LGen (Ret’d) Omer Lavoie will be in attendance. Contact Jim at jimmurn@gmail.com to get the details on how you can join them.
The RCR Participation in the AMF(L)As many of you know, battalions of the Regiment served in the AMF(L) for many years. In fact, three Canadians commanded the Force during the lifetime of the Force. The last one was our own Walter Holmes.In 1983, when I was CO of 1RCR, the RSM, 30 soldiers from the unit, and I attended a Change of Command Parade when MGen Mike Reynolds (UK) handed command over to MGen Andy Christie (CA). At that time, I presented Gen Reynolds with an Andy Gauthier statue of a Canadian Infantryman. (See photo) Recently, the Reynolds Family approached me to see if The RCR Museum would be interested in having the statue returned to commemorate him. (He died on 21 October 2015). Recently, they agreed to the donation. Walter and I are trying to convince the Director of The RCR Museum to build a display of the Regiment's involvement with the AMF(L). Many of you participated in exercises as part of the AMF(L), and I am sure you agree that we need to tell the story of this part of the Regiment's history.
Association LeadershipThe leadership of the Association is composed of a Board of Directors with 12 members. According to our By-Laws, Directors shall, collectively as a Board, deliberate, decide on, direct and supervise the management of the activities and affairs of the Association. The Board is made up as follows:A minimum of five (5) and a maximum of seven (7) Directors directly elected by Ordinary Resolution of the Members and who are not serving as Branch Presidents: and A minimum of three (3) and a maximum of five (5) Directors, who shall be elected by Ordinary Resolution of Members from among the serving Branch Presidents. Currently, we have these Royal Canadians serving as Directors:
We are currently on the hunt for a future Chair. If you are interested, contact me. Pro Patria Sandy |
In Hospital
John Fullick.From: John Cook 2022-09-15John’s transplant has been solid and stable for the last three years. However, he has recently developed what is called Post Transplant Lymphoproliferative Disorder, which is a type of blood cancer…in John’s case an aggressive form of lymphoma. Last week, John moved into Parkwood Institute – Veterans Care Program so that he has the medical supports that he needs to cope with this diagnosis and treatment. We are in early stages of treatment, so prognosis is not yet known. It all depends on how his body responds to the recommended treatment protocols. John, and all his family are so appreciative that the Veterans Care Program is available to care for John at this time, and we are hoping for a positive outcome. |
| Recent Passings |
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A Soldier Died Todayby A. Lawrence Vaincourt
He was getting old and paunchy and his hair was falling fast,
And tho' sometimes, to his neighbors, his tales became a joke,
He will not be mourned by many, just his children and his wife,
When politicians leave this earth, their bodies lie in state,
Is the greatest contribution to the welfare of our land
A politician's stipend and the style in which he lives
It's so easy to forget them for it was so long ago,
Should you find yourself in danger, with your enemies at hand,
He was just a common soldier and his ranks are growing thin,
If we cannot do him honor while he's here to hear the praise, © 1987 A. Lawrence Vaincourt
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JOSEPH NOBLE BENNETT
From: mstaple362@rogers.com
Dear Fellow Royal Canadians,
Best regards,
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| In Memorium | NTR |
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Member Submissions
We Are Canadian
The following link takes you to the song We Are Canadian recently composed by Ellis Craig, an 83-year-old resident of a retirement home in Perth, Ontario. Note From Webmaster:
This is YOUR page to keep informed on members health, welfare and happenings. |
EXCLUSIVE: America WILL retaliate with 'a devastating strike' against Russia's Black Sea Fleet or bases in Crimea if Putin follows through on threat to use nuclear weapons in Ukraine, US Army's former European commander warns
PUBLISHED: 06:09 EDT, 21 September 2022 | UPDATED: 11:35 EDT, 21 September 2022 Submitted by: David Bell 2022-09-23 America will retaliate with 'a devastating strike' against Russia's military if Vladimir Putin uses nuclear weapons in Ukraine, the United States Army's former European commander has warned. Retired Lieutenant General Ben Hodges today said any response by America 'may not be nuclear' but warned that if Putin were to use nukes in Ukraine that the US could look to 'destroy the Black Sea Fleet or destroy Russian bases in Crimea'. His comments come after the Russian premier sent shockwaves around the world, as he announced the 'partial mobilization' of his reserve military forces to continue his murderous invasion of Ukraine. Continued... |
Ministry of Defence @DefenceHQ
United Kingdom government organization
Latest Defence Intelligence update on the situation in Ukraine - 17 September 2022
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Test scores drop, disqualification rates rise at Army recruiting shopsBy: Todd South, ArmyTimes.com, Sep 15,Submitted by Brian Colgate/Barry Graham 2022-09-17 Army Lt. Col. Christopher Collins, the Kansas City Recruiting Battalion commander, speaks to U.S. Army recruits during the Kansas City Chiefs training camp, Aug. 18, 2022, in St. Joseph, Missouri. In partnership with the 1st Infantry Division and the KC Chiefs, the KC Recruiting Bn. swore in 18 recruits during the Chiefs Military Appreciation Day. (Spc. Alvin Conley/Army) The Army’s second-in-command for all things training said Thursday that the service saw a 10% drop in aptitude test scores during the pandemic, and that dipped further to 13% this year. Other Army data showed that up to 70% of potential recruits interested in Army service are disqualified in the first 48 hours due to obesity, low test scores or drug use. Previously, that disqualification rate was between 30-40%. The challenges are big — more of the recruits can’t meet weight standards or academic standards, more are using illegal drugs or military-banned substances such as cannabis, and few know much about the Army. And what they do know isn’t flattering. The Army will not meet its end strength goal for this fiscal year, which ends this month.Continued... Editor's Note: Although this article concerns the U.S. Army, what transpires in the U.S. with respect to recruiting stats is usually similar in Canada. |
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The Canadian Press
Soldiers will re-enact Battle of Queenston Heights on 210th anniversaryBy: Somer Slobodian, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, The Lake ReportSubmitted by: David Bell 2022-09-11 Soldiers will step back in time next month as they march from Fort George to Queenston Heights to re-enact the Battle of Queenston Heights on its 210th anniversary. The bloody and deadly battle re-enactment will play out on the weekend of Oct. 15 and 16. The Battle of Queenston Heights was the first major skirmish of the War of 1812. The battle also is famous because it led to the death of Maj.-Gen. Sir Isaac Brock died. |
Salute To The Canadian Army - The Big Picturehttps://youtu.be/4uf9WJhvanUSubmitted by: Bob Mahar/Barry Graham 2022-09-10
A presentation by the US Army during the 1960's on the Canadian Army.
"A little nostalgia for you…. My God … what we have lost !!" |
 Submitted by: David Bell 2022-09-10 Remembering Operation Medusa Photo of Mishall Rehman Sixteen years ago, more than 1,000 Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) members embarked on what would be the largest Canadian combat operation since the Korean War. Considered one of the deadliest operations in recent military history, Operation Medusa had a lasting impact on the war against the Taliban and is a battle that is still reflected upon by many Canadians to this day.
A Combination Assault Therefore, in September, NATO launched Operation Medusa, a Canadian-led offensive that was a combination of ground and aerial offensive to reclaim Pashmal/Panawyi. A force of 1,500 strong gathered for the operation. These soldiers included four companies, one artillery battery, one ISTAR Squadron, one engineer squadron, and elements of the Afghan National Army and the United States Army.
After suffering heavy casualties, the CAF changed its tactics and moved to the north to attack the Taliban. Within a week, the Taliban was destroyed and driven out of the area. NATO forces spent more than two weeks embroiled in the battle.
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New Airborne Tactics
By: Dominic Nicholls - The Telegraph, UK |
How NOT to run a war
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-You could 'fall' from a window
Russians Keep Mysteriously Falling from Windows to Their DeathsBy: Khaleda Rahman - Newsweek MagazineSubmitted by: David Bell 2022-09-02
Although the cause of his death has not yet been confirmed, he is the latest in a series of prominent Russians who have died in seemingly similar circumstances. Lukoil, Russia's second-largest oil producer confirmed Maganov's death, saying it came after "a serious illness." However, Russian media reported that he had been found dead by medical personnel after falling out a sixth-floor window of a Moscow hospital.
This follows a number of cases of prominent Russians dying after falls from windows.
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Canadian Special Operations Regiment Recruiting Operators and OfficersBy Mishall Rehman Canadian Military Family MagazineSubmitted by: Brian Colgate/Barry Graham
The Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) is currently looking to recruit Special Forces Operators and Special Forces Officers for the Canadian Special Operations Regiment (CSOR). According to a CANFORGEN 113/22 announcing the recruitment, “CSOR is a high-readiness special operations unit capable of conducting a broad range of strategic mission sets.” The next Special Forces Operator assessment phase will occur spring 2023. According to the CANFORGEN, the assessment phase is “extremely” demanding and difficult. Therefore, applicants should be physically, mentally and personally prepared to undergo the process. A maximum of three attempts are permitted. Additionally, applicants are warned to maintain operational security through the application and selection process. “Applicants should refrain from discussing their applications outside of their chain of command, partners, and close family. This includes avoiding any disclosure on social media.” Those who succeed will be placed on the Special Forces Course in the summer of 2023.Continued (requirements)... |
NATO chief warns Canada that Russia, China have designs on the ArcticTrudeau, Anand won't commit to NATO exercises on Canadian soil Murray Brewster · CBC News · Posted: Aug 26, 2022 4:52 PM ET | Last Updated: August 26 Submitted by: John Cook
NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg and Prime Minister Justin Trudeau speak with military members about the North Warning System Site in Cambridge Bay, Nunavut,
on Thursday. (Jason Franson/The Canadian Press) |
The Royal Canadian Regiment flag, The Azores, Portugal
From: David Soares de Melo
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Lesson of The Month
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Humour in Uniform |
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Poetry Corner
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Submissions to Poetry Corner
We are eagerly seeking submissions of a military nature to our Poetry Corner. Send submissions to: |
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4RCR Recruiting
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 Wolseley Barracks, London |
 Stratford Armoury, Stratford |
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Join Our Team
Looking for full-time or part-time work? We are hiring and provide excellent career opportunities. Please do not hesitate to call or email our recruiter who will be pleased to answer any questions you may have and provide direction on how to apply to our Regiment. Our Team Recruiter
Name: London Reserve Recruiting Garrison Or contact
Phone: 1-800-856-8488 When We Train September to June:
Thursday evenings |
Trades In Our Unit
Infantry Soldier Equipment Weapons: Browning 9-mm Pistol C6 7.62-mm Medium Machine Gun C7A2 5.56-mm Automatic Rifle C9A2 Light Machine Gun Carl Gustav 84mm Short Range Anti-armour Weapon (Medium) Grenade Vehicles:
Medium Support Vehicle System (MSVS)
Militarized Commercial Off-The-Shelf (MilCOTS)
Light Support Vehicle Wheel (LSVW)
See a list of Canadian Army weapons and vehicles.
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Who We Are 4th Battalion, The Royal Canadian Regiment (4 RCR) is a Primary Reserve Infantry unit based in London and Stratford, ON. The RCR was founded on 21 December 1883 as Canada's first truly-professional regiment of infantry and has fought gallantly in every conflict Canada has been involved in. 4 RCR, specifically, has drawn its soldiers from the London, Woodstock and Stratford area for more than 150 years. Today, 4 RCR is a proud and active unit that strives to set the example in all matters of leadership and soldiering. 4 RCR’s role is to rigourously train its soldiers and officers, as part of 31 Canadian Brigade Group, to be ready for operations both domestically and around the world. The unit, in the past, committed more than 20% of its strength to Canadian operations in Afghanistan and nowadays actively augments operations domestically and in Europe. The role of the infantry is to close-with and destroy the enemy: often under challenging conditions. While the job of an infantryman is a demanding one, it is also a highly rewarding, exciting and fun career and the battalion offers a highly supportive and close-knit family network to all its members. Benefits of Joining When you join our unit, you will receive competitive pay for your part time or full time work as well as be eligible for on the job training that could benefit you in civilian life. Also, there are medical, dental and educational benefits available to Army Reservists. Here are all the details:
London
4th Battalion, The Royal Canadian Regiment
Telephone: 519-660-5275, Ext. 5259 Stratford
4th Battalion, The Royal Canadian Regiment
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4RCR Contacts London
4th Battalion, The Royal Canadian Regiment
Telephone: 519-660-5275, Ext. 5259 Stratford
4th Battalion, The Royal Canadian Regiment |
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Contact 4RCR Council
BGen (ret'd) O'Brien, GJP, Chairperson,
Capt (Ret'd) Mombourquette, JV, Secretary,
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Contact Webmaster
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Regimental Contacts
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The RCR Regimental Site
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The RCR Association 
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The RCR Regimental Warehouse 
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The RCR Museum 
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