Cumberland Highlanders facts for kids
Quick facts for kids The Cumberland Highlanders |
|
|---|---|
| Active | 1871-1936 |
| Country |  Canada |
| Branch | Canadian Militia |
| Type | Line Infantry |
| Role | Infantry |
| Size | One Regiment |
| Part of | Non-Permanent Active Militia |
| Garrison/HQ | Amherst, Nova Scotia |
| Motto(s) | Scottish Gaelic: Cos Cheum Nach Gabh Tilleadh, lit. 'Our footsteps will not allow us to go backwards' |
| Engagements | Second Boer War First World War |
| Battle honours | See #Battle Honours |
The Cumberland Highlanders was a special group of soldiers in the Canadian Militia. This was like Canada's army before it became what it is today. They were an infantry regiment, which means they were foot soldiers. They existed from 1871 to 1936.
In 1936, this regiment joined with another group called The Colchester and Hants Regiment. Together, they formed a new regiment known as The North Nova Scotia Highlanders.
Contents
How the Regiment Changed Over Time
This section shows how The Cumberland Highlanders changed its name and organization over the years. It's like tracing the family tree of the regiment!
- April 6, 1871: It started in Amherst, Nova Scotia. It was first called the Cumberland Provisional Battalion of Infantry.
- June 12, 1885: Its name changed to the 93rd Cumberland Battalion of Infantry.
- May 8, 1900: It became the 93rd Cumberland Regiment.
- March 29, 1920: The name changed again to The Cumberland Regiment.
- June 15, 1927: It was renamed The Cumberland Highlanders.
- December 1, 1936: The regiment joined with other groups. It was then called The North Nova Scotia Highlanders (Machine Gun).
Keeping Their Memory Alive
This section explains which other military units keep the history and traditions of The Cumberland Highlanders alive today.
- The 193rd Battalion (Nova Scotia Highlanders), CEF is one of the units whose memory is carried on by later regiments.
A Look at Their History
Early Days
On April 6, 1871, the Cumberland Provisional Battalion of Infantry was formed. It was made up of four smaller companies. These companies came from towns like Amherst, River Philip, Maccan, River Herbert, and Tidnish.
Later, on June 12, 1885, this group was renamed the 93rd Cumberland Battalion of Infantry.
The South African War
During the South African War (1899-1902), soldiers from the 93rd Cumberland Battalion of Infantry volunteered to fight. Many of them joined other Canadian groups. They notably helped the 2nd (Special Service) Battalion, Royal Canadian Regiment.
The Early 1900s
Canada's military was reorganized in the early 1900s. As part of these changes, on May 8, 1900, the regiment was renamed the 93rd Cumberland Regiment.
The Great War (World War I)
On July 15, 1916, a new group was created for World War I. It was called the 193rd Battalion (Nova Scotia Highlanders), CEF. CEF stands for Canadian Expeditionary Force. This battalion was authorized to serve overseas.
On October 12, 1916, the battalion sailed to Great Britain. Once there, its soldiers helped reinforce other Canadian units fighting in Europe. On January 20, 1917, the soldiers from this battalion joined the 17th Reserve Battalion, CEF. The 193rd Battalion itself was officially disbanded on February 18, 1918.
The 1920s and 1930s
After World War I, the Canadian Militia was reorganized again. On April 1, 1920, the 93rd Cumberland Regiment was renamed The Cumberland Regiment.
Then, on June 16, 1927, the regiment got its final name: The Cumberland Highlanders.
Finally, on December 1, 1936, another big change happened. The Cumberland Highlanders joined with The Colchester and Hants Regiment. They also joined with a company from the 6th Machine Gun Battalion. Together, they formed a new unit called The North Nova Scotia Highlanders (Machine Gun). This unit is now part of The Nova Scotia Highlanders.
Battle Honours
Battle honours are special awards given to military units. They recognize bravery and success in important battles. The Cumberland Highlanders earned several battle honours for their service.
South African War
Great War
- Arras, 1917
- Arras, 1918
- Ypres, 1917
- Amiens
- Hindenburg Line
- Pursuit to Mons
See also
