Pictou Highlanders facts for kids

The Pictou Highlanders was a special group of soldiers, called an infantry regiment, in the Canadian Army. They were active from 1871 until 1954, when they joined with another group called the Nova Scotia Highlanders.

How the Regiment Started

The Pictou Highlanders began in 1871. At first, they were known as the Colchester and Hants Provisional Battalion of Infantry. Over the years, their name changed several times.

For example, in 1871, they became the 78th Colchester and Hants, or Highlanders Battalion of Infantry. Later, in 1921, they were officially named The Pictou Highlanders. In 1946, they added "(Motor)" to their name, becoming The Pictou Highlanders (Motor).

Their History and Service

The Pictou Highlanders played an important role in Canada's military history. They helped during both the First World War and the Second World War.

World War I Contributions

When the First World War began, the 78th Pictou Regiment (Highlanders) asked for volunteers. Many people from the area joined to serve overseas with the Canadian Expeditionary Force. These brave soldiers helped fight in battles far from home.

World War II Duties

During the Second World War, The Pictou Highlanders mostly worked in defense. They were not directly involved in battles overseas. On September 1, 1939, some members were called up for local protection duties. By January 1, 1941, the whole regiment was fully ready for action.

Their first big move was to Newfoundland. They helped defend the coast there from March to August 1943. Later that year, in September, one group of soldiers went to Nassau, Bahamas. They stayed there on duty until March 1946.

Another special group, called the Special Infantry Company (Pictou Highlanders), was formed on September 10, 1942. This company served in Bermuda from November 1942 to April 1946. After their duties were done, both the main group and the Special Infantry Company were officially ended on April 30, 1946. During this time, a second group, called the 2nd Battalion, also served in Canada as part of the Reserve Army.

Joining Other Regiments

In 1954, The Pictou Highlanders joined with The North Nova Scotia Highlanders. Together, they formed the 1st Battalion of The Nova Scotia Highlanders. Another group, The Cape Breton Highlanders, became the 2nd Battalion. This change happened because of a report about the Reserve Army.

Alliances and Uniforms

The Pictou Highlanders had a special connection with another Scottish regiment. They were allied with The Seaforth Highlanders (Rossshire Buffs, The Duke of Albany's). The Pictou Highlanders wore uniforms similar to the Seaforth's. The main differences were their own regimental badges and the color of their bugle cords, which were Royal blue.

Units They Carried On

The Pictou Highlanders helped keep the memory and history of other units alive. This is called "perpetuation."

From the Great War

• 17th Battalion (Nova Scotia Highlanders), CEF
• 246th (Nova Scotia Highlanders) Battalion, CEF

Famous Battles

The Pictou Highlanders earned special honors for their bravery in several important battles. These are called "battle honours."

• Ypres, 1915
• Festubert, 1915
• Mount Sorrel
• Somme, 1916
• Amiens

See also

• Canadian-Scottish regiment