Prince Albert Volunteers facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Prince Albert Volunteers |
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|---|---|
| Active | 1885, 1913–1936, 1941–1946 |
| Country |  Canada |
| Branch | Canadian Militia (1885, 1913-1936) Canadian Army (1941-1946) |
| Type | Line Infantry |
| Role | Infantry |
| Size | One Regiment |
| Part of | Non-Permanent Active Militia (1885, 1913-1936) Royal Canadian Infantry Corps (1942–1946) |
| Garrison/HQ | Prince Albert, Saskatchewan |
| Anniversaries | Battle of Duck Lake |
| Engagements | North-West Rebellion First World War Second World War |
| Battle honours | See #Battle Honours |
| Disbanded | 1946 |
The Prince Albert Volunteers (PAV) were two different groups of soldiers from Prince Albert, Saskatchewan. These groups were part of Canada's army. The first group was formed in 1885 during a conflict called the North-West Rebellion. They were disbanded after the fighting ended.
Later, in the 20th century, another unit with the same name existed. This unit was active from 1913 to 1936 and again from 1941 to 1946. Today, the history of the Prince Albert Volunteers is carried on by the North Saskatchewan Regiment (N Sask R).
Contents
What is a Lineage?
Lineage means tracing the history of something, like a family tree. For military units, it shows how they changed names, merged with other units, or split over time.
The Prince Albert Volunteers' Journey
The Prince Albert Volunteers unit changed its name and merged with other groups many times. It started on January 2, 1913, as the 52nd Regiment Prince Albert Volunteers.
Over the years, it combined with other regiments like the 105th Regiment Saskatoon Fusiliers. It also became part of The North Saskatchewan Regiment. In 1924, it became its own regiment again, called The Prince Albert Volunteers.
Later, it merged with The Battleford Light Infantry. This new unit was called The Prince Albert and Battleford Volunteers. The unit changed names a few more times, including becoming the 2nd (Reserve) Battalion, The Prince Albert Volunteers during World War II.
Finally, in 1955, it merged with The Saskatoon Light Infantry. This created The North Saskatchewan Regiment (Machine Gun). In 1958, it became the 1st Battalion, The North Saskatchewan Regiment (The Prince Albert and Battleford Volunteers).
Perpetuations
Perpetuation means that a current military unit carries on the history and honours of an older unit. The Prince Albert Volunteers carried on the history of the 53rd Battalion (Northern Saskatchewan), CEF. This means they remember and honour the soldiers from that earlier unit.
History of the Volunteers
The North-West Rebellion
The first group of Prince Albert Volunteers, also known as the Prince Albert Rifles, was formed in 1885. This was during the North-West Rebellion. This conflict involved the Canadian government and Métis people, led by Louis Riel.
A scout named Joe McKay helped gather about 20 men in Prince Albert. They joined the Canadian Militia on March 20, 1885. These volunteers were given Snider-Enfield rifles.
Battle of Duck Lake
The Prince Albert Volunteers fought their only battle at Battle of Duck Lake on March 26, 1885. They fought alongside the police against Gabriel Dumont's Métis forces. It was a tough fight.
Out of 41 Volunteers, nine were killed. This was the highest number of casualties in the battle. Their bodies were left on the field. Later, people from Prince Albert were able to get them back. Most of these soldiers are buried at St. Mary's Anglican Church cemetery.
After this battle, the Volunteers stayed in Prince Albert. They protected the community until more soldiers arrived. These soldiers were led by General Frederick Dobson Middleton. They arrived after the Battle of Batoche.
All the Volunteers who served in the rebellion received a special medal. It was called the North West Canada Medal. They also received a grant of 320 acres of land or $80.
Soldiers Killed at Duck Lake
- Private Joseph Anderson
- Constable James Bakie
- Constable Skeffington C. Elliott
- Constable Alexander Fisher
- Constable Daniel McKenzie
- Constable Daniel McPhail
- Constable Robert Middleton
- Captain John Morton
- Corporal William Napier
The 20th Century Volunteers
A new infantry unit was created in Prince Albert on January 2, 1913. It was called the 52nd Regiment Prince Albert Volunteers. This unit was connected to the Oxfordshire and Buckinghamshire Light Infantry in England.
During the First World War, the 52nd Regiment itself did not go to war as a whole unit. However, many of its soldiers joined other units. Many signed up with the 53rd Battalion (Northern Saskatchewan), CEF.
After the war, the 52nd Regiment merged with another unit in 1920. It became the 2nd Battalion (Prince Albert Volunteers) of the North Saskatchewan Regiment. In 1924, it became a separate regiment again, known as the Prince Albert Volunteers.
World War II Service
In 1936, the Prince Albert Volunteers merged with The Battleford Light Infantry. They became the Prince Albert and Battleford Volunteers (PABV). This unit helped prepare soldiers for the Second World War.
In 2015, the PABV's efforts were recognized. Their successor unit, the N Sask R, received a special honour. It was allowed to display the wartime badge of the Regina Rifle Regiment. This was to remember the PABV's role in getting soldiers ready for the war.
In 1941, the Prince Albert Volunteers became a separate unit again. On March 5, 1942, the 1st Battalion PAV was formed for active service. This battalion was stationed in Vernon, British Columbia. It was later moved to northern British Columbia. This unit was disbanded on November 30, 1945.
After the Second World War, in 1946, the infantry units from Battlefords and Prince Albert merged again. They formed the Prince Albert and Battleford Volunteers. Today, the infantry unit in Prince Albert is part of the N Sask R. The officers' mess in Prince Albert was renamed the "Prince Albert Volunteers Mess" in 2014. This honours the soldiers who served in the Prince Albert Volunteers.
Regimental Badge
A regimental badge is a special symbol for a military unit. The Prince Albert Volunteers' badge showed the head of an American bison. It was facing to the right. Below the bison was a scroll with the regiment's name.
Alliances
In 1927, the Prince Albert Volunteers formed an alliance with the Bedfordshire and Hertfordshire Regiment in England. An alliance means they had a special connection or friendship between the two units.
Battle Honours
Battle honours are special awards given to military units. They recognize brave actions in battles. The Prince Albert Volunteers received nine battle honours in 1930. These honours were for the service of soldiers who joined the regiment during the First World War. The honours written in bold could be displayed on the regiment's flag.
North West Rebellion
The Great War
