Cameron Highlanders of Ottawa facts for kids

Quick facts for kids The Cameron Highlanders of Ottawa (Duke of Edinburgh's Own)
Regimental badge
Active	1866 - 1875 1881 – present
Country	Canada
Branch	Canadian Army
Type	Infantry
Role	Light infantry
Size	300+(Battalion)
Part of	33 Canadian Brigade Group
Garrison/HQ	Ottawa
Nickname(s)	Camerons, Blue Hackle Mafia
Motto(s)	Advance
March	"The March of the Cameron Men" and "Piobearached o' Donald Dubh"
Engagements	Fenian Raids North-West Rebellion Low Rebellion Second Boer War First World War Second World War War in Afghanistan
Battle honours	See #Battle honours
Commanders
Current commander	Lieutenant-Colonel Ryan Hendy, CD
Regimental Sergeant Major	Chief Warrant Officer Ian Port, CD
Honorary Colonel of the Regiment	Honorary Colonel Dan MacKay, CD
Honorary Lieutenant-Colonel of the Regiment	Hon Lieutenant-Colonel Barbara Farber
Insignia
Tartan	Cameron of Erracht

The Cameron Highlanders of Ottawa (Duke of Edinburgh's Own) is a special group of soldiers in the Canadian Army. They are part of the Primary Reserve, which means they train part-time but can be called upon for full-time duty. This regiment is an infantry unit, meaning their main job is to fight on foot.

What is the Regimental Badge?

The regimental badge is like a special symbol for the unit. It shows Saint Andrew (the patron saint of Scotland) holding a cross. He stands on a small hill with a sign that says "ADVANCE," which is the regiment's motto. All of this is surrounded by a wreath of thistles (a Scottish symbol) and maple leaves (a Canadian symbol). At the bottom, it says "THE CAMERON HIGHLANDERS OF OTTAWA."

How the Regiment's Name Changed Over Time

The Cameron Highlanders of Ottawa has had several names since it started. It began on August 5, 1881, in Ottawa, Ontario, as the 43rd Battalion of Infantry. Over the years, its name changed many times to reflect its role or special connections.

Here are some of the names it has used:

• In 1881, it became the 43rd Ottawa and Carleton Battalion of Rifles.
• In 1902, it was named the 43rd Regiment, Duke of Cornwall's Own Rifles.
• In 1933, it became The Cameron Highlanders of Ottawa.
• In 1936, "Machine Gun" was added to its name for a while.
• Since 2013, it has been known as The Cameron Highlanders of Ottawa (Duke of Edinburgh's Own).

What are Perpetuations?

Perpetuations mean that the Cameron Highlanders of Ottawa keeps alive the history and honors of other older military units. This way, the brave actions of soldiers from the past are never forgotten. The regiment proudly carries on the legacy of the 38th Battalion (Ottawa), CEF and the 207th (Ottawa-Carleton) Battalion, CEF from the First World War.

A Look at the Regiment's History

Early Days of the Regiment

The very first group of volunteer soldiers in Ottawa was formed in 1856. In 1866, a larger group called the 43rd Battalion of Infantry was created. This new battalion included the Ottawa volunteers. Today, this original volunteer company is still remembered as "A" Company of The Cameron Highlanders of Ottawa.

Protecting Canada's Borders

The 43rd Battalion was first called to duty in 1870. They went to Prescott to help defend Canada from attacks by a group called the Fenians. They didn't have to fight there and soon returned home. Because the soldiers were spread out, the unit was disbanded in 1875.

But in 1881, the unit was started again! This time it was called the 43rd "Ottawa and Carleton" Battalion of Rifles. It included soldiers from communities around the Ottawa River.

Soldiers in the Boer War

Over the next 20 years, soldiers from the 43rd Battalion volunteered to fight in conflicts like the North-West Rebellion and the Second Boer War. They also helped during local disturbances, like the Low Rebellion.

During the Boer War, a brave soldier named Private Richard Rowland Thompson from Ottawa received a special award. It was called the Queen's Scarf, crocheted by Queen Victoria herself, for his courage in saving wounded soldiers.

In 1902, the Duke of Cornwall (who later became King George V) was so impressed by the regiment that he became their first honorary colonel. He allowed them to use his name, and they became the 43rd Regiment, Duke of Cornwall's Own Rifles.

The Regiment in World War I

When the First World War started in 1914, the unit was ready for action. However, the entire unit did not go overseas together. Instead, they focused on recruiting and training new soldiers. These soldiers then joined other battalions, especially the 38th and 207th battalions of the Canadian Expeditionary Force.

The 38th Battalion fought bravely in France from 1916 to 1918 and earned many honors. The 207th Battalion also went to France in 1917, serving as a reserve force. The Cameron Highlanders of Ottawa proudly remembers the history of both these battalions.

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  Battle patch of the 38th Battalion, CEF

Between the World Wars

After World War I, the regiment changed its organization and name several times. In 1920, it became a highland regiment and was renamed The Ottawa Regiment (The Duke of Cornwall's Own). It was later called The Ottawa Highlanders in 1922, and then The Cameron Highlanders of Ottawa in 1933. In 1936, "M.G." (for machine gun) was added to its name.

The regiment's motto, "Advance," has been used since 1881. It is also the motto of the City of Ottawa. In 1939, the Cameron Highlanders supported King George VI and Queen Elizabeth during their visit to Canada. They received special regimental colors on Parliament Hill in Ottawa.

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  The Cameron Highlanders of Ottawa on parade, 16 May 1937

The Regiment in World War II

In July 1940, the Cameron Highlanders of Ottawa's active battalion went to Iceland for duty. In April 1941, they sailed to England. On June 6, 1944, a very important day known as D-Day, the Camerons were the only unit from Ottawa to land on Juno Beach in France.

The 1st Battalion had three machine gun companies and one mortar company. They fought in almost every major battle in northwestern Europe. However, their soldiers often supported other units, so the battalion rarely fought as a whole. Meanwhile, the 2nd Battalion in Canada trained new soldiers for overseas duty. A 3rd Battalion was formed in 1945 to serve in Germany after the war.

Modern Missions: Peacekeeping and Afghanistan

Since World War II, the regiment has remained in Ottawa. It is now a light infantry regiment, which means its soldiers are trained to move quickly and fight on foot.

Since 1985, soldiers from the regiment have served in NATO and United Nations missions around the world. They have been part of peacekeeping operations in places like Bosnia, Kosovo, The Congo, and Afghanistan.

During the war in Afghanistan, many Camerons volunteered to join the regular forces. They helped with various tasks, from intense combat to training the Afghan National Army. They also helped with community projects and protected important installations. More Camerons have served overseas in recent years than at any time since World War II.

In 2013, the regiment was given the special title Duke of Edinburgh's Own. This was in honor of Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh, who was their colonel-in-chief from 1967 until his passing in 2021.

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  The regimental flag of the Cameron Highlanders of Ottawa flies above a NATO installation near Tora Bora in Afghanistan

What Makes the Regiment Unique?

The Cameron Highlanders are known as Ottawa's regiment and have the special honor of freedom of the city of Ottawa. Their motto, "Advance," is also the motto of the city.

When new recruits finish their basic training, they receive a special hat called a Balmoral bonnet and their regimental cap badge. After more advanced training, they get a blue feather called a "hackle" to wear with their badge.

As a Highland regiment, the Camerons wear traditional Scottish kilts for their dress uniform. Their kilt pattern is called "Cameron of Erracht." They also wear a leather pouch called a sporran, special socks, and red garter flashes. For very formal events, they wear white spats, a white sporran, and white belts. They also have bright red jackets called "scarlet doublets" and tall feather bonnets for special ceremonies like the annual Remembrance Day parade.

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  The regiment during a Remembrance Day parade in Ottawa.

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  The Colour Party with Lt Busby, Sgt Rivera and 2Lt Fortner shown, participate in the Change of Command Parade on 7 September 2019

How the Regiment is Organized

The regiment has about 265 officers and soldiers. It is organized into different groups:

• Headquarters and Service Company: This group handles the regiment's main operations, supplies, and administration. It also includes the famous Pipes and Drums band.
• A Company: This is a combat company with four rifle platoons and a weapons detachment. They focus on infantry skills.
• B Company: This company focuses on training. They prepare soldiers for leadership courses and basic military qualifications.
• 33 Influence Activities Company: This special company helps the Canadian Armed Forces communicate with people during operations. They train for Civil-Military Cooperation (CIMIC) and Psychological Operations (PSYOPS) to support missions.

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  The pipe band during a Canada Day procession in 2007.

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  Change of Command Parade 7 September 2019 with Regimental Sergeant-Major, Chief Warrant Officer Drummond Robertson along with No 1 Guard.

Training for Soldiers

The main goal of the regiment is to recruit, train, and prepare infantry soldiers for missions both in Canada and overseas. They train every Thursday night from September to June. This training covers basic soldier skills, individual combat tasks, and advanced infantry tactics for small groups of soldiers.

They also conduct Field Training Exercises about once a month. These exercises usually happen at CFB Petawawa or the nearby Connaught Ranges.

During the summer, soldiers attend longer training courses across the country. These courses help them gain new skills and advance in rank. Many courses take place at CFB Meaford, CFB Petawawa, and CFB Gagetown.

In 2019, the regiment was given a special task to train a Reconnaissance Platoon. This platoon will be ready to gather information and scout ahead for other units.

Helping at Home: Domestic Operations

Camerons have also helped people in Canada during emergencies. They were part of the relief efforts during the January 1998 North American ice storm. They helped communities like Maxville, Ontario.

The regiment also helped with flood relief in the Ottawa-Gatineau area in 2017 and in Ottawa and Constance Bay in 2019.

Special Connections with Other Regiments

The Cameron Highlanders of Ottawa has a special connection with The Highlanders, 4th Battalion, Royal Regiment of Scotland (4 SCOTS) in the United Kingdom. This Scottish regiment also carries on the history of the Queen's Own Cameron Highlanders.

•  United Kingdom – The Highlanders

What are Battle Honours?

Battle honours are special awards given to military units for their bravery and success in battles. The Cameron Highlanders of Ottawa has earned 38 battle honours. Twenty of these are so important that they are proudly displayed on the regiment's flag.

Key Battle Honours

Here are some of the major battles for which the regiment has received honours:

• South Africa:
  • SOUTH AFRICA 1899-1900

• World War I:
  • SOMME 1916
  • ARRAS 1917, ‘18
  • VIMY 1917
  • YPRES, 1917
  • PASSCHENDAELE
  • AMIENS
  • HINDENBURG LINE
  • CANAL DU NORD
  • VALENCIENNES

• World War II:
  • NORMANDY LANDING
  • CAEN
  • FALAISE
  • BOULOGNE 1944
  • THE SCHELDT
  • THE HOCHWALD
  • THE RHINE
  • NORTH-WEST EUROPE 1944-1945

• Afghanistan:
  • AFGHANISTAN

Heroes of the Regiment: Victoria Cross Recipients

The Victoria Cross (VC) is the highest award for bravery in the British and Commonwealth armed forces. Two soldiers connected to the Cameron Highlanders of Ottawa have received this incredible honor.

Claude Patrick Joseph Nunney

Claude Nunney

Claude Nunney was a private in the 38th (Ottawa) Battalion during the First World War. This battalion's history is carried on by the Camerons. He earned his VC for amazing bravery on September 1st and 2nd, 1918, during battles near the Drocourt-Quéant Line.

On September 1st, when the enemy attacked, Private Nunney bravely went through heavy gunfire to encourage his fellow soldiers. His fearless actions helped save a difficult situation. The next day, during another attack, he was always ahead of his comrades, inspiring them to push forward.

Sadly, Private Nunney died from his wounds 16 days later, at the age of 25.

Thain Wendell MacDowell

Thain MacDowell

Thain Wendell MacDowell was one of four soldiers to earn the Victoria Cross at the famous Battle of Vimy Ridge on April 9, 1917.

Captain MacDowell, with the help of two runners, reached a German position ahead of his company. He destroyed one machine-gun nest and chased away another. He then tricked two German officers and 75 soldiers into surrendering by making them think he was part of a much larger force. He sent the prisoners back to the Canadian lines in groups.

Even though he was wounded in the hand, Captain MacDowell held the captured position for five days under heavy shelling. He was later promoted to Major for his incredible bravery.

Freedom of the City

The regiment has been given the "freedom of the city" by several places. This is a special honor that allows them to march through the city with drums beating and flags flying.

• May 24, 1969: Ottawa.
• May 8, 2019: Vis-en-Artois, France.

The Drill Hall

The regiment's main building is the Cartier Square Drill Hall in Ottawa. It's a historic building built in 1879, located right by the Rideau Canal. It's a large building that also houses other military units.

Site	Date(s)	Designated	Location	Description	Image
Cartier Square Drill Hall	1879	Classified - 1985 Register of the Government of Canada Heritage Buildings	On the bank of the Rideau Canal, just south of Laurier Avenue W. Ottawa, Ontario	A large and centrally located building with low-pitched gable roof houses The Cameron Highlanders of Ottawa (Duke of Edinburgh's Own), the Governor General's Foot Guards and 2784 Governor General's Foot Guards Army Cadets

The Regimental Museum

The Cameron Highlanders of Ottawa Museum

Location	Cartier Square Drill Hall, Ottawa, ON K1A 0K2 Canada
Type	Regimental Museum

The Cameron Highlanders of Ottawa has its own museum. It helps teach people about the regiment's history. The museum collects documents, pictures, books, and military items. It focuses on the history of the regiment and the units it remembers. It also shows the uniforms, weapons, and traditions of the regiment's past.

See also

• Canadian-Scottish regiment

Order of Precedence