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Royal Grenadiers facts for kids

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This page is about the Canadian militia unit. For the movie, see The Royal Grenadiers (1925 film).
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The Royal Grenadiers
Active 1862-1936
Country  Canada
Branch Canadian Militia
Type Grenadiers
Role Infantry
Part of Non-Permanent Active Militia
Garrison/HQ Toronto, Ontario
Nickname(s) The 10th Grenadiers
Motto(s) "Ready Aye Ready"
March Quick: "The British Grenadiers"
Engagements Fenian Raids
North-West Rebellion
Second Boer War
First World War
Battle honours See #Battle Honours

The Royal Grenadiers was a special army group in Canada. They were an infantry regiment, which means they were soldiers who fought on foot. This group was part of the Canadian Militia, which is now called the Canadian Army.

What made them unique? They were one of only two regiments in the Canadian Army to be called a "Grenadier" Regiment. Grenadiers were historically soldiers who threw grenades. They were often chosen for being strong and brave. The other Grenadier unit was The Winnipeg Grenadiers.

In 1936, The Royal Grenadiers joined with another group called The Toronto Regiment. Together, they became The Royal Regiment of Toronto Grenadiers. This group is now known as The Royal Regiment of Canada.

How the Royal Grenadiers Started

The Royal Grenadiers began their journey on March 14, 1862. They were first known as The 10th Battalion Volunteer Militia Rifles, Canada. They were based in Toronto, Ontario.

At first, they were set up as a "rifle regiment." This meant they would wear green uniforms, like other rifle units. But the soldiers wanted to be a "line infantry" unit instead. Line infantry wore bright red uniforms.

So, on November 21, 1862, their name changed to The 10th Battalion Volunteer Militia (Infantry) Canada. Then, on April 10, 1863, they got another new name: the 10th or "Royal Regiment of Toronto Volunteers".

Becoming the Royal Grenadiers

On August 5, 1881, the regiment changed its name again. They became the 10th Battalion Royal Grenadiers. This was a big deal! At that time, they were the only other "Grenadier" regiment in the entire British Empire, besides the famous The Grenadier Guards in London.

Later, on May 8, 1900, their name was updated slightly to the 10th Regiment, Royal Grenadiers. Finally, on May 1, 1920, they were simply called The Royal Grenadiers.

Their story ended on December 15, 1936. That's when they joined with The Toronto Regiment to form The Royal Regiment of Toronto Grenadiers. This new group is now known as The Royal Regiment of Canada.

Important Battles and Service

The Royal Grenadiers took part in several important events and battles throughout their history.

The Fenian Raids

The 10th or Royal Regiment of Toronto Volunteers was called to action in 1866. They served from March 8 to 31, and again from June 1 to 22. They helped protect the Niagara frontier. They also helped clean up after the difficult Battle of Ridgeway.

Fighting in the North-West Rebellion

On March 27, 1885, the 10th Battalion, Royal Grenadiers were called to fight again. They marched out the very next day. They joined General Middleton's army group in the North West Field Force. They stayed on active duty until July 24, 1885.

The 10th Royal Grenadiers fought bravely in two major battles:

They showed great courage during this campaign. Because of their actions, they earned their first special "battle honours." These are awards given to military units for their bravery in battle.

The South African War

During the South African War (also known as the Boer War), many soldiers from the 10th Battalion Royal Grenadiers volunteered. They joined another unit called the 2nd (Special Service) Battalion, The Royal Canadian Regiment of Infantry.

The First World War

When the Canadian Expeditionary Force (CEF) was formed for the First World War, the 10th Royal Grenadiers played a big part. They sent many soldiers to help create the 3rd Battalion (Toronto Regiment), CEF. Soldiers from The Queen’s Own Rifles of Canada and The Governor General’s Body Guard also joined this new battalion.

Two other battalions were also formed with ties to the Royal Grenadiers:

  • The 58th Battalion, CEF: This group was created on April 20, 1915. They sailed to Great Britain in November 1915. In February 1916, they arrived in France. They fought in France and Flanders as part of the 9th Canadian Brigade and 3rd Canadian Division until the war ended.
  • The 123rd Battalion (Royal Grenadiers), CEF: This battalion was formed on December 22, 1915. They traveled to Great Britain in August 1916. In January 1917, they became a "Pioneer Battalion." Pioneer battalions helped build things like trenches and roads for the army. They were renamed the 123rd Canadian Pioneer Battalion, Royal Grenadiers, CEF. They arrived in France in March 1917 and served with the 3rd Canadian Division.

How the Royal Grenadiers Were Organized

Over the years, the Royal Grenadiers changed how they were set up.

Early Organization (1862)

When they first started as The 10th Battalion Volunteer Militia Rifles, Canada, they had:

  • A main office (Regimental Headquarters) in Toronto, Ontario.
  • Seven different companies (groups of soldiers), all based in Toronto, Ontario.

Organization in 1915

By June 5, 1915, when they were the 10th Regiment Royal Grenadiers, their structure was:

  • Regimental Headquarters in Toronto, Ontario.
  • Four companies: A Company, B Company, C Company, and D Company, all in Toronto.

Organization in 1921

After the First World War, on February 21, 1921, The Royal Grenadiers were reorganized. They had:

  • 1st Battalion: This group honored the 58th Battalion, CEF, from the war.
  • 2nd (Reserve) Battalion: This was a reserve group that honored the 123rd Battalion, CEF.

Special Friends and Allies

The Royal Grenadiers had a special friendship, or "alliance," with another military unit. This was with  United Kingdom The Prince of Wales's Leinster Regiment (Royal Canadians) from Great Britain. This alliance lasted until 1922.

The Uniforms of the Royal Grenadiers

The uniforms of the Royal Grenadiers changed over time, showing their history.

Line Infantry Uniform

When the 10th Regiment first started, they were supposed to be a rifle regiment. Riflemen wore green uniforms, like The King’s Royal Rifle Corps or 2nd Queen’s Own Rifles.

But they became a line infantry unit instead. So, the 10th Royals wore the bright red uniform of line infantry. Their uniform had a red jacket (called a tunic) with dark blue parts (called facings) and dark blue pants with a red stripe. Officers wore similar uniforms but made from nicer materials. For everyday wear, officers had a dark blue jacket.

Their hats were also special. At first, they wore a tall, stiff hat called a "shako" with a ball-shaped tuft. Later, in 1879, the shako was replaced by a blue "home service helmet." After that, they wore a white Canadian Service Helmet. For less formal times, soldiers wore a dark blue cap with their regiment number on it. Officers wore a peaked cap.

Grenadier Uniform

When the battalion became a Grenadier regiment in 1881, they adopted a new, very fancy uniform. It was similar to the uniforms worn by the famous Brigade of Guards in London and the Governor General’s Foot Guards in Ottawa.

This Grenadier uniform included a special tunic with royal blue facings. The buttons on their tunic were placed in single rows, just like the Grenadier Guards in London.

Even though they were called Grenadiers in 1881, they kept wearing the Canadian Service Helmet for a while. In the early 1890s, they finally switched to the tall, furry "bearskin cap" for their formal uniform. This cap was worn with a white feather plume, which later changed to a red-over-white plume.

Today, after The Royal Grenadiers joined with The Toronto Regiment to become The Royal Regiment of Canada, this Grenadier uniform is still their main formal uniform. They wear it for special ceremonies.

Battle Honours

Battle honours are special awards given to military units for their bravery and service in battles. The Royal Grenadiers earned many of these.

North-West Rebellion

The South African War

The Great War

Notable Members

Some important people who were part of the Royal Grenadiers include:

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