26th Field Artillery Regiment (Canada) facts for kids

The 26th Field Artillery Regiment, Royal Canadian Artillery, is a special group in the Canadian Army. They are a Reserve artillery regiment, which means they train part-time but are ready to serve when needed. This regiment is based in two towns in Manitoba: Brandon and Portage la Prairie.

In Brandon, you'll find the 71st Field Battery, the Headquarters, and the Service Battery. The 13th Field Battery is located in Portage la Prairie. The regiment's motto is Ubique. Quo fas et gloria ducunt., which means "Everywhere. Whither right and glory lead." This shows they are ready to go wherever they are needed.

What Makes Up the Regiment?

The 26th Field Artillery Regiment is made up of different parts, called batteries. These are like smaller teams within the main group.

• 13th Field Battery, RCA
• 71st Field Battery, RCA

How the Regiment Started and Changed Over Time

The 26th Field Artillery Regiment has a long history. It started over 100 years ago and has changed its name and structure many times.

The Manitoba Rangers: Early Days

The regiment first began on April 1, 1908, in Brandon, Manitoba. It was called the 99th Regiment back then.

• On May 1, 1911, its name changed to the 99th Manitoba Rangers.
• Then, on March 12, 1920, it became simply The Manitoba Rangers.

Joining Forces: Becoming the 26th Field Brigade

Later, The Manitoba Rangers joined with another group, the 59th Field Battery, RCA. This joining is called an amalgamation.

• On December 15, 1936, they became the 26th Field Brigade, RCA.
• The name changed again on November 7, 1940, to the 26th (Reserve) Field Brigade. A "reserve" unit trains part-time.
• On April 1, 1943, it was renamed the 26th (Reserve) Field Regiment.
• After World War II, on April 1, 1946, it became the 26th Field Regiment (Self-Propelled), RCA. "Self-Propelled" means their artillery could move on its own.
• On April 12, 1960, it was renamed the 26th Field Artillery Regiment (Self-Propelled), RCA.
• Finally, on November 1, 1964, it got its current name: the 26th Field Artillery Regiment, RCA.

The 59th Field Battery: Its Own Story

The 59th Field Battery, RCA, also has its own history before it joined with The Manitoba Rangers.

• It started on February 2, 1920, in Portage la Prairie, Manitoba, as the 59th Battery, Canadian Field Artillery.
• On July 1, 1925, it was renamed the 59th Field Battery, CA.
• Its name changed again on June 3, 1935, to the 59th Field Battery, RCA.
• As mentioned, it joined with The Manitoba Rangers on December 15, 1936.

Keeping the History Alive: Perpetuations

"Perpetuations" means that the 26th Field Artillery Regiment carries on the history and honors of older military units. It's like they are keeping the spirit and achievements of these past groups alive.

Units from the Great War

The 26th Field Artillery Regiment carries on the history of these units from the Great War (World War I):

• 45th Battalion (Manitoba), CEF
• 79th Battalion (Manitoba), CEF
• 181st Battalion (Brandon), CEF

What They Did: Operational History

During the Great War, parts of the 99th Manitoba Rangers were called to active service on August 6, 1914. Their job was to help protect local areas.

Other battalions (large groups of soldiers) connected to the regiment also played important roles:

• The 45th Battalion (Manitoba) CEF was officially formed on November 7, 1914. They traveled to Britain on April 1, 1916. In Britain, they helped provide new soldiers for the Canadian Corps fighting in the war. This battalion was later closed down on July 17, 1917.
• The 79th Battalion (Manitoba) CEF was formed on July 10, 1915. They went to Britain on April 24, 1916, and also sent new soldiers to the Canadian Corps. This battalion was closed down on October 12, 1917.
• The 181st Battalion (Brandon) CEF was formed on July 15, 1916. They traveled to Britain on April 18, 1917. Their soldiers joined other units to help the Canadian Corps. This battalion was closed down on July 17, 1917.

26th Field Artillery Regiment Museum

The 26th Field Artillery Regiment has its own museum! This museum collects and keeps important military items, especially those from the Western Manitoba area. They also do research and show these items to the public.

The museum works with several important organizations, including the CMA, the CHIN, the OMMC, and the Virtual Museum of Canada. These connections help the museum share its history and learn from others.