Royal Hamilton Light Infantry (Wentworth Regiment) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids The Royal Hamilton Light Infantry (Wentworth Regiment) |
|
|---|---|
Cap badge of the regiment
|
|
| Active | 1862–present |
| Country |
|
| Branch | Canadian Army |
| Type | Light infantry |
| Role | Light infantry |
| Size | Battalion |
| Part of | 31 Canadian Brigade Group |
| Garrison/HQ | John Weir Foote VC Armoury, 200 James Street North, Hamilton, Ontario |
| Nickname(s) | The Rileys |
| Motto(s) | Semper paratus (Latin for 'always ready') |
| March | Quick: "Mountain Rose" |
| Engagements |
|
| Battle honours | See #Battle honours |
| Commanders | |
| Current commander |
LCol N. Arakgi |
| Colonel-in-chief | Vacant |
| Honorary Colonel | Don Cranston |
| Honorary Lieutenant-Colonel | Glenna Swing |
| Notable commanders |
John Meredith Rockingham |
The Royal Hamilton Light Infantry (Wentworth Regiment) (RHLI) is a special army unit in Canada. It's part of the Canadian Army and is based in Hamilton, Ontario. This group is known as "The Rileys" and has a long history of serving Canada in different conflicts around the world.
Contents
Regimental Badge
What the Badge Looks Like
The RHLI badge shows a bugle (a type of horn) on a colorful maple leaf. The letters "RHLI" are inside the bugle. Above it is a crown. At the bottom of the leaf, there are two scrolls. These scrolls say "WENTWORTH REGIMENT" and "SEMPER PARATUS".
What the Badge Means
The maple leaf on the badge stands for serving Canada. The crown shows loyalty to the King or Queen. The bugle represents the regiment's history as "light infantry," which means they were fast-moving soldiers. The words "RHLI" and "WENTWORTH REGIMENT" are parts of the unit's name. "SEMPER PARATUS" is their motto, which means "always ready" in Latin.
Regimental History and Changes
The Royal Hamilton Light Infantry has a long and interesting past. It started in Hamilton, Ontario, way back on December 11, 1862. Back then, it was called the 13th Battalion Volunteer Militia (Infantry), Canada.
Over the years, the unit's name changed several times. It became the 13th Regiment in 1900 and then the 13th "Royal Regiment" in 1910. In 1920, it was renamed the Royal Hamilton Regiment.
In 1927, it became the Royal Hamilton Light Infantry. Then, in 1936, it joined with another unit called the Wentworth Regiment. This is how it got its current name: The Royal Hamilton Light Infantry (Wentworth Regiment).
During the Second World War, the regiment had different battalions. Some served overseas, while others stayed in Canada. After the war, the unit continued to serve, even sending soldiers to Germany for NATO and to Korea for the United Nations.
The Wentworth Regiment's Story
The Wentworth Regiment started in Dundas, Ontario, on May 23, 1872. It was first known as the 77th "Wentworth" Battalion of Infantry. Like the RHLI, its name changed over time. It became the 77th Wentworth Regiment in 1900 and then simply the Wentworth Regiment in 1920. This unit officially joined with the Royal Hamilton Light Infantry in 1936.
Remembering Past Units
The RHLI "perpetuates" (or keeps alive the memory of) several older military units. This means they honor the history and achievements of these groups.
War of 1812
- 2nd Regiment of York Militia
First World War
- 4th Battalion (Central Ontario), CEF
- 86th Battalion (Machine Gun), CEF
- 120th Battalion (City of Hamilton) CEF
- 129th Battalion (Wentworth), CEF
- 205th Battalion (Hamilton), CEF)
Friends in Arms
The RHLI has a special connection with a British army unit called The Rifles. This is like having a sister regiment in another country.
Battles and Missions
Early Conflicts
The 13th Battalion Volunteer Militia (Infantry), Canada, was called to action during the Fenian Raids in 1866. They helped protect the Niagara border.
Later, during the Second Boer War (1899-1902) in South Africa, many volunteers from the 13th Regiment joined other Canadian units to fight.
The First World War (1914-1918)
When the First World War began, soldiers from the 77th Wentworth Regiment helped with local protection duties. Many members of the 13th Royal Regiment also volunteered to serve overseas with the Canadian Expeditionary Force (CEF).
One important unit, the 4th Battalion (Central Ontario), CEF, went to Britain and then to France in 1915. They fought in many battles until the war ended. Other battalions, like the 86th, 120th, 129th, and 205th, also played important roles. They provided reinforcements or specialized support during the war.
The Second World War (1939-1945)
The RHLI formed an active service battalion on September 1, 1939, when the Second World War started. This unit, later called the 1st Battalion, went to Britain in 1940.
A very tough day for the RHLI was during the Dieppe Raid on August 19, 1942. Many soldiers were killed, wounded, or captured. General Denis Whitaker, who was a captain with the RHLI at Dieppe, later said that the difficult experience helped the regiment become stronger.
The RHLI returned to France in July 1944, after D-Day. They fought through many battles in North-West Europe until the war ended in 1945.
After the Wars
After the Second World War, the RHLI continued to serve. In 1951, they sent two temporary companies, "E" and "F," for special missions. "E" Company went to Germany for NATO duty, and "F" Company helped with United Nations duty in Korea.
War in Afghanistan (2002-2014)
Between 2002 and 2014, many RHLI soldiers volunteered to serve in Afghanistan. They were part of different task forces and took part in combat operations. This was the first time since the Second World War that RHLI members were in combat. They served in various roles, including infantry, support teams, and special operations.
Regimental History Highlights
The RHLI's history includes remembering the 2nd Regiment of York Militia from the War of 1812. The unit officially started on December 11, 1862. They have earned many battle honors in the two World Wars.
One of their earliest battles was in June 1866 at the Battle of Ridgeway. They fought against an invading group of Irish-American soldiers. The RHLI, along with another unit, faced tough fighting and suffered many casualties.
In 1870, some RHLI soldiers served in Manitoba during the Red River Rebellion. During the Second Boer War (1899-1902), many members joined other Canadian units in South Africa.
During the First World War, the RHLI helped train and send soldiers to the Canadian Expeditionary Force (CEF) overseas. Many RHLI members went with the 4th Battalion, CEF.
The Dieppe Raid on August 19, 1942, was a very difficult day for the RHLI. Of the 582 soldiers who landed, only 102 were not casualties. The regiment's chaplain, Honorary Captain the Reverend John Weir Foote, was awarded the Victoria Cross for his bravery at Dieppe. He stayed with the wounded and captured soldiers to help them.
After the Second World War, the RHLI continued to serve. Their armoury (military building) was renamed in honor of Padre Foote, VC. In 1978, Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh, became the regiment's colonel-in-chief, a special honorary role.
The town of Dieppe, France, has a memorial park dedicated to the Canadians who fought there. It honors the strong connection between Canadians and the people of Normandy.
In recent years, RHLI members have served in many international missions, including in the Balkans, Cyprus, and Haiti. They also helped with local duties, like preparing for the Y2K crisis.
Today, the RHLI is one of the largest reserve regiments in the Canadian Armed Forces. They have different companies, including a rifle company and an Information Activities (IA) company. IA involves things like Psychological Operations (PSYOPS) and Civil-Military Cooperation (CIMIC), which help with communication and working with local communities.
Battle Honors
Battle honors are special awards given to military units for their bravery and success in important battles or campaigns. The RHLI has earned many of these honors. Those in bold can be displayed on the regiment's flag.
- War of 1812
- DEFENCE OF CANADA – 1812–1815
- DETROIT
- QUEENSTON
- NIAGARA
- South African War
- SOUTH AFRICA, 1899–1900
- First World War
- YPRES, 1915, '17
- Gravenstafel
- ST. JULIEN
- FESTUBERT, 1915
- Mount Sorrel
- SOMME, 1916
- Pozières
- Flers–Courcelette
- Ancre Heights
- ARRAS, 1917, '18
- VIMY, 1917
- Arleux
- Scarpe, 1917, '18
- Hill 70
- PASSCHENDAELE
- AMIENS
- Drocourt–Quéant
- HINDENBURG LINE
- Canal du Nord
- PURSUIT TO MONS
- FRANCE AND FLANDERS, 1915–18
- Second World War
- DIEPPE
- VERRIÈRES RIDGE–TILLY-LA-CAMPAGNE
- FALAISE
- Falaise Road
- CLAIR TIZON
- FORÊT DE LA LONDE
- THE SCHELDT
- WOENSDRECHT
- South Beveland
- THE RHINELAND
- GOCH–CALCAR ROAD
- THE HOCHWALD
- XANTEN
- Twente Canal
- GRONINGEN
- Oldenburg
- NORTH-WEST EUROPE, 1942, 1944–1945
- South-West Asia
- AFGHANISTAN
Royal Canadian Army Cadets
The RHLI supports two Royal Canadian Army Cadets groups. One is in Hamilton (62 Canadian Cadet Corps) and the other is in Burlington (2379 Canadian Cadet Corps). These groups offer great training programs. Many cadets from these corps have gone on to join the Canadian Armed Forces.
Famous Soldiers
- Isaac Buchanan: He founded the 13th Battalion Volunteer Militia (Infantry) and was its first leader.
- Denis Whitaker: A former professional football player, he led the 1st Battalion during the Second World War. He later became a brigadier and wrote many books about Canadian military history.
- Rev. John Wier Foote, VC: He received the Victoria Cross for his incredible bravery at Dieppe. He helped wounded soldiers and chose to be captured so he could continue assisting them.
- William Merrifield: Another soldier who received the Victoria Cross.
- John M. Rockingham: He was a commanding officer during the Second World War. He later led the Canadian Special Force in Korea and became a major general.
Regimental Traditions
- The Rileys: Soldiers of the regiment are often called "Rileys." This nickname comes from how the letters RHLI sound when spoken quickly.
- Exercise Resolute Riley: This is an annual event held since 1997. It tests soldiers' physical fitness and teamwork through challenges like swamp crossings and cross-country runs. The winning team receives the Nicolazzo Trophy, named after Master Corporal Frank Nicolazzo, who died in 1996.
- Silver Cap Badge: This special award is given each year to the top soldier in different rank groups. The winner gets to wear a Silver Cap Badge for one year.
- RHLI 13th Battalion Ceremonial Guard: This is a special group that performs public duties and shows off the regiment's history. They demonstrate old weapons, tactics, and drills from when the regiment first started. All members are serving or retired RHLI soldiers. They perform at various ceremonies, including Canada Day events.
Royal Hamilton Light Infantry Heritage Museum
 |
|
| Location | John Weir Foote VC Armoury 200 James Street North Hamilton, Ontario |
|---|---|
| Type | Regimental museum |
This museum helps keep the regiment's history alive. It collects and displays items that tell the story of the RHLI. It's a great place to learn about their past.
Media and Culture
Books
- Semper Paratus: The History of The Royal Hamilton Light (Wentworth Regiment) 1862-1977. This book tells the detailed history of the regiment.
Music
- Some musical pieces were dedicated to the 13th Battalion and the RHLI in the late 1800s and early 1900s. These include "Memory: valse" and "Happy steps: polka for the piano."
Video Games
- The Royal Hamilton Light Infantry is featured as a playable unit in the video game Day of Infamy.
Images for kids
-
Full dress uniform from the 13th Battalion Volunteer Militia, 1862. The Royal Hamilton Light Infantry traces its lineage to the 13th Battalion.
-
The regimental colour of the Royal Hamilton Light Infantry (Wentworth Regiment).
-
The camp flag of the Royal Hamilton Light Infantry (Wentworth Regiment).
-
Dieppe Raid memorial plaque for the Royal Hamilton Light Infantry
-
Dieppe Memorial for the RHLI
-
The Royal Hamilton Light Infantry Carrier move through the Dutch village of Krabbendijke on the Beveland Causeway, 27 October 1944
-
The Royal Hamilton Light Infantry SF
-
The Royal Hamilton Light Infantry move towards South Beveland during the Battle of the Scheldt
-
Sergeant F. Beal (fourth from left), Canadian Army Film and Photo Unit, talking with infantrymen of the Royal Hamilton Light Infantry (R.H.L.I.), Speldrop, Germany, 24 March 1945.
-
RHLI Church Parade 2007
.jpg)
.jpg)
.jpg)
