Manitoba Horse facts for kids

The Manitoba Horse was a special group of soldiers who rode horses, like a cavalry unit, in Canada. They were part of the Canadian Militia, which is now called the Canadian Army. This group started in 1912 as the 32nd Light Horse. Later that same year, they changed their name to the 32nd Manitoba Horse. In 1920, they became The Manitoba Horse. Finally, in 1936, this unit joined with another group called The Fort Garry Horse.

How The Manitoba Horse Started

This section shows the history of how The Manitoba Horse unit was formed and changed over time.

• It began on April 1, 1912, in Roblin, Manitoba, as the 32nd Light Horse.
• On November 2, 1912, its name changed to the 32nd Manitoba Horse.
• On March 15, 1920, it was renamed The Manitoba Horse.
• On December 15, 1936, it joined with The Fort Garry Horse.

Keeping History Alive

"Perpetuation" means that a newer military unit carries on the history and honors of an older unit. It's like keeping their memory and achievements alive.

From the North-West Rebellion

• Boulton's Mounted Corps

From the Great War

• 226th Battalion (Men of the North), CEF

Unit History

Early Days

Boulton's Mounted Corps

On April 10, 1885, a group called Boulton's Mounted Corps was formed. They were called into action to help during the North-West Rebellion. This unit worked with a larger force led by General Middleton. On September 18, 1885, the corps was no longer needed and was officially ended.

The 32nd Manitoba Horse

On April 1, 1912, the 32nd Light Horse unit was officially created. Its main office was in Roblin. It also had smaller groups, called squadrons, in Roblin, Russell, and Dauphin.

On November 2, 1912, the unit's name was changed to the 32nd Manitoba Horse.

During the First World War

On August 6, 1914, when the First World War began, soldiers from the 32nd Manitoba Horse were called to duty. Their job was to help protect local areas.

At the start of the war, the 32nd Manitoba Horse was one of six cavalry units from Western Canada. They sent soldiers to help form the 6th Battalion (Fort Garrys), CEF. This new battalion was part of the first group of Canadian soldiers sent overseas, called the Canadian Expeditionary Force. Other units also sent soldiers, including the 34th Fort Garry Horse and the 20th Border Horse.

Later, on July 15, 1916, the 226th Battalion (Men of the North), CEF, was formed. On December 16, 1916, this battalion sailed to Great Britain. Once they arrived, on April 7, 1917, their soldiers joined the 14th Reserve Battalion, CEF. This was to provide new soldiers for the Canadian Corps fighting in Europe. The 226th Battalion, CEF, was officially ended on July 27, 1917.

The 1920s and 1930s

On March 15, 1920, after the First World War, the Canadian military was reorganized. Because of this, the 32nd Manitoba Horse was renamed The Manitoba Horse. This change was based on recommendations from a group called the Otter Commission.

In 1932, the unit was officially allowed to carry on the history and honors of Boulton's Mounted Corps from the North-West Rebellion.

On December 15, 1936, the Canadian Militia was reorganized again. As a result, The Manitoba Horse joined together with The Fort Garry Horse.

Uniform

The soldiers of The Manitoba Horse wore a special uniform for formal occasions. It included a bright red jacket with yellow details.

Honours for Battles

"Battle Honours" are special awards given to military units for their bravery and success in important battles.

North-West Rebellion

• Fish Creek
• Batoche
• North West Canada, 1885

The Great War

• Somme, 1916
• Hill 70
• Ypres, 1917
• Amiens
• Arras, 1918
• Hindenburg Line
• Pursuit to Mons

Famous Members

• Lieutenant Colonel Charles Arkoll Boulton
• Wing Commander William George Barker, VC DSO MC

See Also

• List of regiments of cavalry of the Canadian Militia (1900–1920)