Les Voltigeurs de Québec facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Les Voltigeurs de Québec |
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The cap badge of Les Voltigeurs de Québec
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| Active | 7 March 1862–present |
| Country |  United Kingdom (1862-1867) Canada (1867-present) |
| Branch | Canadian Army |
| Type | Rifles |
| Role | Light infantry |
| Size | One battalion |
| Part of | 35 Canadian Brigade Group |
| Garrison/HQ | 805, avenue Wilfrid-Laurier Quebec City, Quebec G1R 2L3 |
| Motto(s) | Force à superbe mercy à foible (Violence to the strong, mercy to the weak) |
| Colours | None (rifle regiments have no colours) |
| March | "Les Voltigeurs de Québec" |
| Engagements | See #Battle honours |
| Commanders | |
| Current commander |
Lieutenant Colonel Tony Poulin |
| Honorary colonel | Marcel Jobin |
| Honorary lieutenant colonel | Marc-André Bélanger |
Les Voltigeurs de Québec is a special army unit in Canada. It is part of the Primary Reserve, which means its soldiers are part-time. This infantry (foot soldier) regiment is based in Quebec City, Quebec.
The name "Voltigeurs" comes from an older French-speaking Canadian army unit. This unit was called the Canadian Voltigeurs. It was formed in 1812 and stopped being active in 1815. The person who started the Canadian Voltigeurs, Lieutenant-Colonel Charles de Salaberry, had two sons. These sons later helped create Les Voltigeurs de Québec.
The regiment was officially formed in March 1862. It brought together eight smaller volunteer rifle companies. The very first of these companies started in December 1861. Over the years, the regiment has sent soldiers to help with missions around the world. They have served with the United Nations and NATO. These missions took them to places like the Golan Heights, Cyprus, and Afghanistan.
Contents
Cap Badge: What it Means
What it Looks Like
The cap badge of Les Voltigeurs de Québec shows the family symbol of the Salaberry family. This symbol is inside a green circle. The circle has the words "VOLTIGEURS DE QUEBEC" written in silver. Behind this, there is a silver cross, which is the cross of the Order of St. Louis. A royal crown sits on top of everything. Below it, a scroll has the motto written in red letters.
Why it's Important
The Crown on the badge shows that the unit serves the King or Queen. The badge also honors the Voltigeurs Canadiens (1815). This was a temporary British Army unit. It was led by Lieutenant-Colonel Charles-Michel d'Irumberry de Salaberry. This unit was famous for stopping American forces many times during the War of 1812.
His son, Lieutenant-Colonel Charles René-Léonidas de Salaberry, was the first leader of Les Voltigeurs de Québec in 1862. The badge was chosen in 1892. It includes the Salaberry family's symbol and their motto. This was to remember their important service to Canada's military. The Order of Saint Louis was a special award in New France. "VOLTIGEURS DE QUEBEC" is part of the regiment's name.
Regiment's History and Name Changes
Les Voltigeurs de Québec started in Quebec City on March 7, 1862. It was first called The 9th Battalion Volunteer Militia Rifles, Canada. It was also known as the "'Voltigeurs of Quebec'".
Over the years, the regiment's name changed several times:
- On May 8, 1900, it became the 9th Regiment Voltigeurs de Québec.
- After the First World War, on March 29, 1920, it was named Les Voltigeurs de Québec.
- During the Second World War, it had names like 2nd (Reserve) Battalion, Les Voltigeurs de Québec.
- After the Second World War, it became Les Voltigeurs de Québec (Motor).
- In 1954, it joined with another unit called Le Régiment de Québec (Mitrailleuses). They became Les Voltigeurs de Québec (Mitrailleuses).
- On April 11, 1958, it went back to being called Les Voltigeurs de Québec.
- In 1965, it briefly joined with The Royal Rifles of Canada. But they separated again in 1966.
Another unit, Le Régiment de Québec (Mitrailleuses), also had a long history. It started in 1869 as The Provisional Battalion of Quebec. It also changed names many times before joining Les Voltigeurs de Québec in 1954.
Honoring Past Units
Les Voltigeurs de Québec keeps the memory of several older military units alive. This is called "perpetuating" them.
- War of 1812: They honor the Provincial Corps of Light Infantry (Canadian Voltigeurs). They also remember other units from Quebec City that fought in the War of 1812.
- The Great War (First World War): The regiment honors the 57th Battalion (Canadien-Français), CEF. This unit sent soldiers to fight in Europe.
What the Regiment Has Done
The Fenian Raids (1866)
The Voltigeurs of Quebec were called to active duty on March 8, 1866. They served until March 31, 1866, during the Fenian Raids. These raids were attacks by Irish-American groups on Canadian border towns.
The North West Rebellion (1885)
Les Voltigeurs de Québec were called to active service on April 10, 1885. They served in the Alberta Column during the North West Rebellion. This was a conflict in Western Canada. The battalion finished its service on July 24, 1885.
The Great War (First World War)
On August 6, 1914, the 9th Regiment Voltigeurs de Québec helped with local protection duties.
A unit called the 57e Bataillon (Canadien-Français), CEF, was formed on April 20, 1915. Its soldiers went to Britain in 1916. There, they joined other units to send more soldiers to the Canadian Corps fighting in Europe.
The Second World War
When the Second World War started, parts of Les Voltigeurs de Québec were called to duty. They helped with local protection starting in August 1939.
In May 1941, the regiment formed the 1st Battalion, Les Voltigeurs de Québec. This unit later changed to an armored (tank) unit. It was called the 24th Army Tank Battalion. Then it became a reconnaissance (scouting) unit. In 1943, it changed back to an infantry unit. This battalion served in Canada to defend the country. It also went to Britain to provide more soldiers for Canadian units fighting overseas.
Another unit, Le Régiment de Québec, also helped with local protection duties. It later formed its own battalion. This battalion served in Canada and Newfoundland during the war.
Afghanistan (2002-2014)
The regiment sent many volunteers to serve in Afghanistan. They were part of different missions there from 2002 to 2014.
Fire at the Armoury
On April 4, 2008, the historic Quebec City Armoury was destroyed by a fire. This building was built in 1887. The regiment and its insurance company later sued the government. They said the government was careless and didn't let them check the site after the fire.
In November 2012, the Canadian government announced that the armoury would be rebuilt. It would remain the historic home of the regiment. The new building was finished by 2017. It officially reopened on May 12, 2018. The Prime Minister of Canada, Justin Trudeau, was there for the ceremony.
Battle Honours
Battle honours are special awards given to military units. They show the battles or campaigns where the unit fought bravely.
- War of 1812
- Defence of Canada – 1812–1815
- Châteauguay
- Crysler's Farm
- North West Rebellion
- North West Canada, 1885
- First World War
- Second World War
- The regiment received an honorary award. This was for helping the Royal 22e Régiment during the Italian campaign.
- South-West Asia
- Afghanistan
Alliances and Connections
Les Voltigeurs de Québec has special connections with other military groups:
- They are connected to the Canadian Navy ship, HMCS Ville de Québec (FFH 332).
- They also have an alliance with a British army unit, The Yorkshire Regiment. Before 2006, they were allied with The Duke of Wellington's Regiment (DWR).
Les Voltigeurs de Québec Museum
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| Location | Grande-Allée Armoury, 805 Wilfrid-Laurier Avenue East, Quebec, Quebec G1R 2L3Canada |
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| Type | Regimental Museum |
The museum helps people learn about the regiment's history. It shows how the regiment and other related units like the Royal Rifles of Canada have grown. You can see old uniforms, weapons, and medals there. There are also photos, documents, and war items. Many of these items are loaned by veterans and supporters of the museum.
Legacy
In 2000, the Royal Canadian Mint made a special 5-cent silver coin. This coin celebrated Les Voltigeurs de Québec. It showed a drum, a baton, and a sash from the regiment's symbols.
Images for kids
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The camp flag of Les Voltigeurs de Québec.
