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The Lincoln and Welland Regiment
L&W Regt Badge.jpg
Regimental badge
Active 1863–present
Country
  • Province of Canada (1863–1867)
  • Canada (1867–present)
Branch Canadian Army
Type Line infantry
Role Light Infantry
Size One battalion
Part of 32 Canadian Brigade Group
Garrison/HQ St. Catharines, Ontario
Motto(s) Non nobis sed patriae (Latin for 'Not for ourselves but for our country')
March "The Lincolnshire Poacher"
Engagements
Battle honours See #Battle honours
Commanders
Current
commander		 LCol P. Dyson
RSM CWO T. Feletar
Colonel-in-chief Sophie, Duchess of Edinburgh

The Lincoln and Welland Regiment is a special group of soldiers in the Canadian Army. They are part of the Primary Reserve, which means they are trained soldiers who can be called upon when needed. This regiment is based in St. Catharines, Ontario.

The regiment's special leader is the Duchess of Edinburgh. Their motto is in Latin: Non nobis sed patriæ, which means "Not for us but for our country." This shows their dedication to serving their nation.

A Look at the Regiment's History

Early Days: From Militia to Regiment

The Lincoln and Welland Regiment has a long history, starting way back in 1794. At that time, local groups of citizen-soldiers, called militias, were formed to protect the area. These groups were known as the Lincoln Militia. Many of these early soldiers had fought in the American Revolution.

During the War of 1812, these local militias played a big role. They fought in important battles like Queenston Heights and Lundy's Lane. They helped defend Canada against invaders. Later, in the Rebellions of 1837–1838, they helped keep peace in the Niagara area.

Protecting the Border: Fenian Raids

In the 1860s and 1870s, the regiment, then called the 19th Battalion Volunteer Militia (Infantry), Canada, was called to active duty. They helped guard the border during the Fenian Raids. These were attacks by Irish-American groups who wanted to invade Canada.

The Great War (World War I)

When World War I started in 1914, the regiment helped protect important places like the Welland Canal. Many soldiers from the Lincoln and Welland area also joined other battalions. These battalions went overseas to fight in Europe. They helped the Canadian Corps in major battles.

The regiment earned several battle honours for their bravery. These included Ypres, Festubert, Somme, Arras, and Hill 70.

Soldier from the 19th Lincoln Regiment on guard at the Toronto Power Plant Building
A soldier from the 19th Lincoln Regiment on guard at the Toronto Power Generating Station in 1914.

Between the World Wars

After World War I, the regiment continued to train, though with fewer resources. In 1936, two units, the Lincoln Regiment and the Lincoln and Welland Regiment, joined together. They became the single Lincoln and Welland Regiment we know today.

World War II: Fighting Overseas

When World War II began in 1939, the regiment was called to serve again. They first helped with local defence in Canada. Later, in 1943, the 1st Battalion of the regiment went to Britain. In 1944, they landed in France and fought bravely across North-West Europe until the war ended.

The regiment was involved in many tough battles. They showed great courage from Tilly-la-Campagne in France to Bad Zwischenahn in Germany. More than 1,500 soldiers from the regiment were injured or lost their lives. Only a small number of the original soldiers returned home in 1946.

One special tank, nicknamed "Press-On," became a mascot for the regiment. It was damaged in battle but repaired and used as a command vehicle. Today, this tank stands proudly in front of the armoury in St. Catharines.

After the Wars: Peacekeeping and Community Help

Since World War II, the regiment has continued to serve Canada in peacetime. They take part in ceremonies and provide guards of honour for important visitors. This included visits from Queen Elizabeth II and the Queen Mother.

The regiment also helps out in emergencies. During the Blizzard of 1977 in Niagara, they rescued over 1,500 stranded schoolchildren. They also helped during the 1997 Red River flood and the 1998 Ice Storm in Eastern Canada.

In 1994, the regiment celebrated its 200th anniversary. This was a time to remember their long history of service and sacrifice. In 2012, new regimental colours were presented, recognizing their connection to the War of 1812 battles.

Bermuda Regiment - Lincoln and Welland NCO in Jamaica
A Lincoln and Welland Regiment NCO attached to a rifle company of the affiliated Bermuda Regiment, training in Jamaica, 1996.

Modern Service: War in Afghanistan

From 2002 to 2014, many soldiers from the Lincoln and Welland Regiment served in Afghanistan. They made up more than 20% of the regiment's strength.

Sadly, on March 3, 2009, Warrant Officer Dennis R. Brown was killed in Afghanistan by a roadside bomb. He was a dedicated soldier and a special constable in his civilian life.

Units Remembered by the Regiment

The Lincoln and Welland Regiment keeps the memory of several older units alive. These include:

  • The Battalion of Incorporated Militia of Upper Canada from the War of 1812.
  • The Coloured Corps (Captain Runchey's Company of Coloured Men) from the War of 1812.
  • The 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th, and 5th Regiments of Lincoln Militia from the War of 1812.
  • Three battalions from World War I: the 81st Battalion, CEF, the 98th Battalion (Lincoln & Welland), CEF, and the 176th Battalion (Niagara Rangers), CEF.

Regimental Badge: What it Means

The regiment's cap badge has special symbols:

  • The crown shows their loyalty to the King or Queen.
  • The overall shape comes from the badge of the old Lincoln Regiment.
  • The scallop shell, called an escallop, was used by the former County of Welland.
  • The words "Lincoln and Welland" are the regiment's name.
  • The motto, non nobis sed patriae, means "not for ourselves but for our country."

Regimental Alliances

The Lincoln and Welland Regiment has special friendships, called alliances, with other military units around the world. These include:

They also work with local cadet groups, helping to train young people. These include 68 Lincoln and Welland Regiment RCACC, 613 Lincoln and Welland Regiment RCACC, and the Robert Land Academy army cadet corps.

Battle Honours: A Record of Bravery

Battle honours are special awards given to regiments for their bravery in important battles and campaigns. The Lincoln and Welland Regiment has earned many:

  • South-West Asia
    • Afghanistan

The Lincoln and Welland Regimental Museum

The Lincoln & Welland Regimental Museum
Butler's Barracks NOTL 1.JPG
Location Butler's Barracks in Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ontario, Canada

You can learn more about the regiment at The Lincoln and Welland Regimental Museum. It is located at Butler's Barracks in Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ontario. The museum shows the regiment's history from the 1700s to today. You can see uniforms, weapons, medals, photos, and other cool items. The displays cover their role in local battles, World War I, World War II, and peacekeeping missions.

Images for kids

  • LincolnAndWellandRegimentSoldiersInCanoe1945

    Infantrymen of the Lincoln and Welland Regiment in a canoe, training for the assault on Kapelsche Veer, Netherlands, January 26, 1945

  • Linc & Weld Regt Colour

    Regimental colour

  • Linc & Weld Camp Flag

    Camp flag

  • Lincoln and Welland Regiment Flag in Afghanistan

    The Lincoln and Welland camp flag, Afghan flag and the U.S. flag flying at a base in the vicinity of Spin Boldak in February 2009.

See also

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