Cape Breton Highlanders facts for kids

Quick facts for kids The Cape Breton Highlanders
Active	1871–present
Country	Canada
Branch	Canadian Army
Type	Line infantry
Role	Infantry
Size	One battalion
Part of	36 Canadian Brigade Group
Garrison/HQ	Sydney, Nova Scotia
Motto(s)	Scottish Gaelic: Siol na fear fearail, lit. 'Breed of manly men'
Colours	Facing colour yellow
March	Quick – "Highland Laddie"
Engagements	First World War Second World War War in Afghanistan
Insignia
Tartan	Black Watch

The Cape Breton Highlanders is a special group of soldiers in the Canadian Army. They are an infantry regiment, which means they are trained to fight on foot. This group was first started in 1871.

Over the years, the regiment changed its name and even joined another group called The Nova Scotia Highlanders in 1954. But in 2011, they became their own distinct regiment again. Today, they are part of the 5th Canadian Division's 36 Canadian Brigade Group. Their main home base is in Sydney, Nova Scotia.

History of the Cape Breton Highlanders

The Cape Breton Highlanders have a long history with many name changes. They started on October 13, 1871, in Baddeck, Nova Scotia. Back then, they were called the Victoria Provisional Battalion of Infantry. This name came from Victoria County.

Over the years, their name changed several times:

• In 1879, they became the Victoria "Highland" Provisional Battalion of Infantry.
• In 1880, they were called the Victoria Provisional Battalion of Infantry "Argyll Highlanders".
• By 1885, they were known as the 94th "Victoria" Battalion of Infantry, "Argyll Highlanders".
• In 1900, they became the 94th Victoria Regiment "Argyll Highlanders".
• Finally, on March 29, 1920, they were officially named The Cape Breton Highlanders.

During the Second World War, they were called the 2nd (Reserve) Battalion, The Cape Breton Highlanders. After the war, in 1946, they went back to being The Cape Breton Highlanders.

In 1954, they joined with another group and were called the 2nd Battalion of The Nova Scotia Highlanders. But on December 9, 2010, they became a separate regiment once more.

On January 16, 2011, Canada's Defence Minister, Peter MacKay, announced that the group would go back to being called The Cape Breton Highlanders. A special ceremony was held on September 10, 2011, to celebrate this change.

Carrying on History

The Cape Breton Highlanders carry on the history and traditions of two older Canadian Army units. These are:

• The 85th Battalion (Nova Scotia Highlanders), CEF
• The 185th Canadian Infantry Battalion (Cape Breton Highlanders), CEF

This means they remember and honor the brave actions of these past soldiers.

What They Did in Wars

First World War

When the First World War began, parts of the 94th Victoria Regiment "Argyll Highlanders" were called to active duty on August 6, 1914. Their job was to help protect local areas.

Later, two special battalions were formed:

• The 85th Battalion (Nova Scotia Highlanders), CEF was created in 1915. They traveled to Great Britain and then to France in 1917. They fought as part of the 12th Infantry Brigade, 4th Canadian Division, until the war ended.
• The 185th Canadian Infantry Battalion (Cape Breton Highlanders), CEF was formed in 1916. They also went to Great Britain. Their role was to send new soldiers to help the Canadian forces already fighting. In 1918, their soldiers joined another unit.

• 

  Cap badge of the 85th Battalion Nova Scotia Highlanders

Second World War

Before the Second World War officially started for Canada, parts of The Cape Breton Highlanders were called to duty on August 26, 1939. They were put on active service on September 1, 1939, to help protect local areas.

On January 1, 1941, the regiment formed the 1st Battalion, The Cape Breton Highlanders. This battalion went to Great Britain in November 1941. They then landed in Italy on November 10, 1943. There, they fought as part of the 11th Infantry Brigade, 5th Canadian Armoured Division.

In February 1945, the battalion moved to North-West Europe as part of Operation Goldflake. They continued to fight there until the war ended. This overseas battalion was officially disbanded on February 15, 1946.

War in Afghanistan

The Cape Breton Highlanders also played a part in the War in Afghanistan. Between 2002 and 2014, more than 20% of their soldiers served in Afghanistan. They were first part of The Nova Scotia Highlanders and later as their own regiment.

• 

  Dave P. Standings, left, A Platoon, 2nd in command with Cape Breton Highlanders attached to the 36th Canadian Brigade

Battle Honours

"Battle honours" are special awards given to military units for their bravery and success in battles or campaigns. They are like badges of honor that show where the regiment fought with courage. The ones in bold letters are so important that they are displayed on the regiment's special flags, called "colours."

First World War Honours

Second World War Honours

War in Afghanistan Honours

• Afghanistan

Media

• The Breed of Manly Men: The History of the Cape Breton Highlanders by Alex Morrison, Ted Slaney (2003)

Notable people

• Daniel J. MacDonald

See also

• Canadian-Scottish regiment