42nd Field Artillery Regiment (Lanark and Renfrew Scottish), RCA facts for kids

The 42nd Field Artillery Regiment (Lanark and Renfrew Scottish), RCA is a special group of soldiers in the Canadian Army. They are part of the Army Reserve, which means they are not full-time soldiers but train regularly. This regiment is based in Pembroke, Ontario. They are part of a larger group called the 4th Canadian Division's 33 Canadian Brigade Group.

This regiment has a long history! It started way back in 1866 as the 42nd Brockville Battalion of Infantry. Over the years, it moved to Pembroke, Ontario, and changed its name several times. In 1927, it became a Scottish regiment. It also changed its main job a few times, from infantry (foot soldiers) to air defence (protecting against planes) and then to field artillery (using big guns). Its current name was given in 2011.

How the Regiment Grew Over Time

The 42nd Field Artillery Regiment has changed its name and role many times since it began. Here's a look at its journey:

The Lanark and Renfrew Scottish Regiment

• October 5, 1866: It started in Brockville, Ontario, as the 42nd Brockville Battalion of Infantry.
• December 1, 1897: It was renamed the 42nd Lanark and Renfrew Battalion of Infantry. Its main base moved to Pembroke, Ontario.
• May 8, 1900: The name changed again to the 42nd Lanark and Renfrew Regiment.
• March 12, 1920: It became The Lanark and Renfrew Regiment.
• July 15, 1927: It was renamed The Lanark and Renfrew Scottish Regiment. This is when it officially became a Scottish unit.
• April 1, 1946: The regiment changed its job to air defence artillery. It was called the 59th Light Anti-Aircraft Regiment (Lanark and Renfrew Scottish), RCA.
• December 1, 1959: It went back to being an infantry regiment, named The Lanark and Renfrew Scottish Regiment.
• November 10, 1992: It changed back to air defence artillery, becoming the 1st Air Defence Regiment (Lanark and Renfrew Scottish), RCA.
• 2011: It changed to its current role as field artillery and was renamed 42nd Field Artillery Regiment (Lanark and Renfrew Scottish), RCA.

Important Groups the Regiment Keeps Alive

The regiment "perpetuates" or keeps alive the memory and history of two other important Canadian Army groups from the past:

• 130th Battalion (Lanark and Renfrew), CEF
• 240th Battalion, CEF

Regiment's Early History

On October 5, 1866, the 42nd Brockville Battalion of Infantry was officially created. It had its main office in Brockville, Ontario. Its different companies (smaller groups of soldiers) were in towns like Almonte, Brockville, Perth, and Falls.

Fenian Raids

On May 24, 1870, the battalion was called to active duty. This was to help protect the border during the Fenian Raids. These raids were attacks by Irish-American groups on Canadian land. After helping out along the St. Lawrence River, the battalion finished its active duty on June 2, 1870.

Later, on December 1, 1897, the main office of the battalion moved to Pembroke, Ontario. This is when it was renamed the 42nd Lanark and Renfrew Battalion of Infantry. On May 8, 1900, it became the 42nd Lanark and Renfrew Regiment.

The Regiment in World Wars

First World War (1914-1918)

The 42nd Lanark and Renfrew Regiment itself did not go overseas to fight in the First World War. However, many of its soldiers volunteered to join other Canadian units that did go.

Two special battalions, the 130th Battalion (Lanark and Renfrew), CEF and the 240th Battalion, CEF, were created for service. Soldiers from these battalions traveled to Great Britain. Once there, they joined other larger groups to become reinforcements. These reinforcements were sent to help the Canadian Corps fighting on the front lines. Both the 130th and 240th Battalions were later officially disbanded.

Between the Wars (1920s-1930s)

After the First World War, the Canadian military was reorganized. On March 12, 1920, the 42nd Lanark and Renfrew Regiment was renamed The Lanark and Renfrew Regiment. It was set up with two battalions. One of these battalions was mainly on paper, meant to keep the history of the war-time battalions alive.

On July 15, 1927, the regiment changed again. It became a Scottish unit and was renamed The Lanark and Renfrew Scottish Regiment. They started wearing the Government (Black Watch) tartan as part of their uniform.

The regiment had three mottos on its badges:

• Latin: Fac et spera (meaning "Work and hope")
• German: Ich dien (meaning "I serve")
• Latin: Nemo me impune lacessit (meaning "No one provokes me with impunity")

In 1930, the regiment was given special "battle honours" for its service in the First World War. These honors recognized their bravery in major battles. However, when the regiment later changed to artillery, these specific honors were replaced by the Royal Canadian Artillery's general honor, Ubique (meaning "Everywhere").

Second World War (1939-1945)

Protecting Canada

At the start of the Second World War, the regiment was not immediately sent overseas. However, the 1st Battalion, The Lanark and Renfrew Scottish Regiment, CASF, was called to duty on March 5, 1942. They served in Canada, helping to defend the country as part of the Army's Atlantic Command. This battalion was later disbanded on October 15, 1943.

Fighting Overseas

In July 1944, the 5th Canadian Division needed more infantry soldiers (foot soldiers). A new group, the 12th Canadian Infantry Brigade, was formed. One of the units in this new brigade was created from anti-aircraft units. This happened because the Allies (the good guys) had air superiority, meaning they controlled the skies.

This new unit asked The Lanark and Renfrew Scottish Regiment if they could use their name and symbols. They felt it was a better fit for an infantry group. Permission was given! So, The Lanark and Renfrew Scottish served in the 12th Brigade until March 1945. After Canadian forces in Italy moved to Northwest Europe, the brigade was dissolved. The Lanark and Renfrew Scottish battalion then went back to its original duties and name.

The regiment earned more battle honors for its service in the Second World War. Like before, these specific honors were later included under the general artillery honor, Ubique.

How the Regiment Was Organized

The regiment has been organized in different ways throughout its history.

42nd Brockville Battalion of Infantry (October 5, 1866)

• No. 1 Company (Almonte, ON)
• No. 2 Company (Brockville, ON)
• No. 3 Company (Perth, ON)
• No. 4 Company (Fitzroy (Kinburn), ON)
• No. 5 Company (Lansdowne, ON)
• No. 6 Company (Smith's Falls, ON)

The Lanark and Renfrew Scottish Regiment (July 15, 1927)

• Regimental Headquarters (Perth, ON) - This was like the main office.
• HQ Company (Renfrew, ON) - The headquarters company.
• A Company (Pembroke, ON)
• B Company (Arnprior, ON)
• C Company (Smith's Falls, ON)
• D Company (Perth, ON)

Special Connections

Alliances with Other Regiments

The 42nd Field Artillery Regiment has special connections, called alliances, with other military groups. This helps them share history and traditions.

•  United Kingdom - Royal Regiment of Scotland (This is a famous Scottish regiment in the United Kingdom.)

Cadet Corps Affiliation

The regiment also supports two Royal Canadian Army Cadet Corps. These are youth programs that teach young people about leadership, citizenship, and physical fitness.

• 2677 Army Cadet Corps - Pembroke, Ontario
• 2360 Army Cadet Corps - Arnprior, Ontario

See also

• Canadian-Scottish regiment
• Military history of Canada
• History of the Canadian Army