Fusiliers Mont-Royal facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Les Fusiliers Mont-Royal |
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The cap badge of Les Fusiliers Mont-Royal
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| Active | 1869–present |
| Country | Canada |
| Branch | Canadian Army |
| Type | Light infantry |
| Size | 1 battalion |
| Part of | 34 Canadian Brigade Group |
| Garrison/HQ | Montreal, Quebec |
| Motto(s) | Nunquam retrorsum (Latin for 'never backward') |
| March | "The Jockey of York" |
| Engagements |
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| Battle honours | See #Battle honours |
| Commanders | |
| Notable commanders |
Lt.-Col. (later Gen.) Jacques Alfred Dextraze |
Les Fusiliers Mont-Royal is a special army group in Canada. It's a reserve infantry regiment of the Canadian Army. This means its members are part-time soldiers. They train regularly and can be called upon to serve when needed. The regiment has a long and proud history, dating back to 1869.
Contents
A Look at Their History
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The regimental colour of Les Fusiliers Mont-Royal.
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The camp flag of Les Fusiliers Mont-Royal.
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The entrance to the Fusiliers Mont-Royal building.
Les Fusiliers Mont-Royal started in Montreal, Quebec. It began on June 18, 1869, as "The Mount Royal Rifles." Over the years, its name changed several times. It became the "65th Battalion, Mount Royal Rifles" in 1869. Later, it was called "Les Carabiniers Mont-Royal" in 1920. Finally, it became "Les Fusiliers Mont-Royal" on April 15, 1931.
During its history, the regiment sometimes had different parts. For example, in 1920, it had two battalions. One was for active duty, and the other was a reserve unit. These different parts helped the regiment serve Canada in various ways.
In the 1950s, the regiment even helped form new companies. These companies sent soldiers to serve in Germany with NATO. They also sent troops to Korea with the United Nations. This shows how the regiment has always been ready to help.
Honoring Past Units
Les Fusiliers Mont-Royal remembers and honors several older military units. This is called "perpetuation." It means they carry on the history and traditions of these groups. They honor the 2nd and 3rd Battalions (City of Montreal) from 1812–1815. They also honor the Longue-Pointe and Pointe-Claire Divisions from the same time. Two other units they remember are the 69th Battalion (Canadien-Français), CEF and the 150th Battalion (Carabiniers Mont-Royal), CEF. These units fought in the First World War.
Times of Action
Les Fusiliers Mont-Royal has been involved in many important events. They have served Canada in different conflicts around the world.
North-West Rebellion
The regiment was called to active duty on April 10, 1885. They were known as the "65th Mounted Rifles, Mount Royal Rifles." They served in the Alberta Column during the North-West Rebellion. This was a conflict in western Canada. Their active service ended on July 24, 1885.
The First World War
When the First World War began in 1914, parts of the regiment helped with local defense.
Two special battalions were formed for this war. The 69th Battalion (Canadien-Français), CEF was created in 1915. It traveled to Britain in 1916. This battalion sent many soldiers to help the Canadian forces fighting in Europe. It was later combined with another unit in 1917.
The 150th Battalion (Carabiniers Mont-Royal), CEF was formed in 1915 as well. It also went to Britain in 1916. This battalion also sent soldiers to the front lines. In 1918, its members joined the 10th Reserve Battalion.
The Second World War
The regiment played a big role in the Second World War. On September 1, 1939, they formed the "Les Fusiliers Mont-Royal, CASF." CASF stands for Canadian Active Service Force.
They went to Iceland in 1940 for garrison duty. Later that year, they moved to Great Britain. The regiment took part in the famous Dieppe Raid on August 19, 1942. This was a difficult raid on the coast of France.
In July 1944, they returned to France. They fought in North-West Europe until the war ended. This overseas battalion was officially disbanded in November 1945.
Another part of the regiment, the 3rd Battalion, was formed in 1942. It stayed in Canada for home defense. This battalion was disbanded in October 1943.
War In Afghanistan
From 2002 to 2014, many members of the regiment served in Afghanistan. More than 20% of their soldiers helped in different missions there. This shows their continued commitment to international peace and security.
Battle Honours
Battle honours are special awards given to military units. They recognize brave actions and important victories in battles and campaigns. These honors are a big part of a regiment's history. The ones in bold are proudly displayed on the regiment's flag, called the regimental colour.
- Defence of Canada – 1812–1815 (This is an honorary award for defending Canada.)
- North-West Canada, 1885 (For their service in the North-West Rebellion.)
- First World War:
- Ypres, 1915, '17
- Festubert, 1915
- Somme, 1916
- Arras, 1917, '18
- Hill 70
- Amiens
- Hindenburg Line
- Pursuit to Mons
- Second World War:
- Dieppe
- St. André-sur-Orne
- Verrières Ridge–Tilly-la-Campagne
- Falaise
- Dunkirk, 1944
- Antwerp–Turnhout Canal
- South Beveland
- The Hochwald
- Xanten
- The Rhine
- Groningen
- South-West Asia:
- Afghanistan
Regimental Connections
Former members of Les Fusiliers Mont-Royal can join special groups. These groups help keep the spirit of the regiment alive. They include associations from the Officers Mess and the Sergeants Mess. There's also "L'Association les Anciens Sergents Les Fusiliers Mont-Royal." This group welcomes retired junior members.
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The building of Les Fusiliers Mont-Royal.
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Infantrymen of Les Fusiliers Mont-Royal in front of Charlottenburger Tor, Berlin, Germany, July 14, 1945.
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Infantrymen of Les Fusiliers Mont-Royal in Groningen, Netherlands.
Where to Find Them
The main office for Les Fusiliers Mont-Royal is in Montreal.
- Les Fusiliers Mont-Royal
- 3721 Henri-Julien Street
- Montreal, QC H2X 3H4
Their Home Base
The regiment's main building is called Manège Henri-Julien. It's located at 3721 Henri Julien Street in Montreal. This historic building was built in 1911. It is recognized as a heritage building in Canada. It stands on a corner in a busy neighborhood.
Les Fusiliers Mont-Royal Museum
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| Location | 3721 Henri-Julien Avenue Montreal, QC Canada |
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| Type | Regimental Museum |
The Armoury of the Fusiliers Mont-Royal was designed by Raoul Adolphe Brassard. He was an officer in the 65th Regiment.
The museum inside the armoury is a great place to learn about the regiment. It displays uniforms, medals, and old photographs. You can also see other items that tell the story of the unit. The museum is open on Tuesday evenings. You can also visit by making an appointment. It collects and shows items that highlight the regiment's military life. This includes their history in Montreal during both peace and war. The museum works with other museum groups in Canada.
See also
