Royal Regiment of Canada facts for kids
Quick facts for kids The Royal Regiment of Canada |
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| Active | 1862–present |
| Country |
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| Branch | Canadian Army |
| Type | Infantry |
| Size | One battalion |
| Part of | 32 Canadian Brigade Group |
| Garrison/HQ | Fort York Armoury, Toronto |
| Nickname(s) | Royals |
| Motto(s) |
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| March |
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| Engagements |
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| Battle honours | See #Battle honours |
| Commanders | |
| Commanding officer | LCol Adam West |
| Regimental sergeant major | CWO Mariangeles Najlis |
| Colonel-in-chief | King Charles III |
The Royal Regiment of Canada is a special kind of army unit called an infantry regiment in the Canadian Army. It's like a local army group that people can join part-time, known as the Primary Reserve.
This regiment is based in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. It's part of a larger group called the 4th Canadian Division's 32 Canadian Brigade Group.
When they have special events, the soldiers of the Royal Regiment of Canada wear a bright red jacket called a scarlet tunic. They also wear a tall, furry hat called a bearskin and a red-and-white feather plume. This uniform looks a lot like the one worn by the old Canadian Guards regiment.
Contents
The History of the Regiment
The Royal Regiment of Canada has a long and interesting history, going back to 1862. It was formed by combining different military groups over the years.
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This is the special flag, called a regimental colour, of the Royal Regiment of Canada.
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The camp flag of the Royal Regiment of Canada.
How the Regiment Started
The regiment began on December 21, 1861, in Toronto as "The Toronto Engineers and Mechanics Rifle Corps." Over time, its name changed several times.
- In 1862, it became the "10th Battalion Volunteer Militia Rifles, Canada."
- Later that year, it was called the "10th Battalion Volunteer Militia (Infantry), Canada."
- In 1863, it got the name "Tenth or 'Royal Regiment of Toronto Volunteers'."
- In 1881, it was renamed the "10th Battalion 'Royal Grenadiers'."
- In 1900, it became the "10th Regiment 'Royal Grenadiers'."
- During the First World War, it was known as the "123rd Battalion, Royal Grenadiers."
- In 1920, it was simply "The Royal Grenadiers."
Joining Forces: The Toronto Regiment
Another important group, "The Toronto Regiment," started in 1920. It was mainly made up of soldiers from the 3rd Battalion (Toronto Regiment), CEF who fought in the First World War.
Becoming The Royal Regiment of Canada
On December 15, 1936, "The Royal Grenadiers" and "The Toronto Regiment" joined together. They were first called "The Royal Regiment of Toronto Grenadiers."
Then, on February 11, 1939, the name was changed to "The Royal Regiment of Canada," which it still is today. During the Second World War, a second battalion was formed in 1940 to help with home service.
Past Military Groups They Represent
The Royal Regiment of Canada "perpetuates" (or keeps alive the memory of) several battalions that fought in the First World War. This means they carry on the traditions and battle honours of these older units.
Battalions from the First World War
- 3rd Battalion (Toronto Regiment), CEF
- 58th Battalion, CEF
- 123rd Battalion (Royal Grenadiers), CEF
- 124th Battalion (Governor General's Body Guard), CEF
- 170th Battalion (Mississauga Horse), CEF
- 204th Battalion (Beavers), CEF
What the Regiment Has Done
The Royal Regiment of Canada has been involved in many important events throughout Canadian history.
The Fenian Raids
In 1866, the "10th or Royal Regiment of Toronto Volunteers" was called to action twice. They helped protect the Niagara frontier during the Fenian Raids, which were attacks by Irish-American groups on Canadian borders.
North West Rebellion
In 1885, the "10th Battalion, Royal Grenadiers" was called to serve in the North-West Rebellion. They fought in important battles like the Battle of Fish Creek and the Battle of Batoche.
South African War
During the Second Boer War (also known as the South African War) around 1899-1900, soldiers from the "10th Battalion Royal Grenadiers" volunteered to join another Canadian unit that fought overseas.
The First World War
When the First World War began in 1914, parts of the "10th Regiment Royal Grenadiers" helped with local protection duties.
Many battalions linked to the regiment fought bravely overseas:
- The 3rd Battalion (Toronto Regiment), CEF went to France in 1915 and fought until the end of the war.
- The 58th Battalion, CEF also fought in France and Flanders from 1916 until the war ended.
- The 123rd Battalion (Royal Grenadiers), CEF and the 124th Battalion (Governor General's Body Guard), CEF were converted into pioneer (engineering) battalions. They helped build and repair things on the front lines in France.
- Other battalions, like the 170th Battalion (Mississauga Horse), CEF and the 204th Battalion (Beavers), CEF, sent their soldiers to reinforce other Canadian units already fighting.
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This is the special patch worn by the 3rd Battalion (Toronto Regiment), CEF.
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The special patch of the 58th Battalion, CEF.
The Second World War
In 1939, the regiment formed a unit for active service called the Royal Regiment of Canada, CASF (Canadian Active Service Force).
- In 1940, they were sent to Iceland for garrison duty, which means they helped guard the area.
- Later that year, they moved to Great Britain.
- On August 19, 1942, the 1st Battalion of the regiment took part in the difficult Dieppe Raid.
- They landed in France again in July 1944 and fought in North-West Europe until the war ended in 1945.
The Dieppe Raid: Blue Beach
The Dieppe Raid was a tough battle during the Second World War. The Royal Regiment of Canada landed on a beach near Puys, known as Blue Beach. They were supposed to surprise the German defenders, but the Germans were ready.
As soon as the Canadian soldiers reached the shore, they were caught under heavy machine-gun fire from cliffs above. They were stuck against a seawall and couldn't move forward. The regiment faced very high losses during this raid. Out of 556 soldiers, 200 were killed and 264 were captured.
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Soldiers from the Royals who died on Blue Beach at Puys. You can see how high the seawall was, and how well-placed the German machine gun positions were.
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A tombstone at the Sai Wan War Cemetery. This soldier was from the Royal Rifles of Canada, not the Royal Regiment of Canada, but the inscription was made in error.
War in Afghanistan
More recently, the regiment also contributed soldiers to the War in Afghanistan.
Friends Around the World
The Royal Regiment of Canada has special connections, called alliances, with other military units in different countries.
United Kingdom – The Duke of Lancaster's Regiment (King's Lancashire and Border) in the United Kingdom.
Australia – The Royal Victoria Regiment in Australia.
Battle Honours
Battle honours are special awards given to military units for their bravery and success in battles or campaigns. They are like a list of important achievements. Some of these honours are even shown on the regiment's special flags, called colours.
- North West Canada, 1885
- South Africa, 1899–1900
- First World War
- Ypres, 1915, '17
- St. Julien
- Festubert, 1915
- Mount Sorrel
- Somme, 1916, '18
- Arras, 1917, '18
- Vimy, 1917
- Passchendaele
- Amiens
- Hindenburg Line
- France and Flanders, 1915–'18
- Second World War
- Dieppe
- Faubourg de Vaucelles
- Verrières Ridge–Tilly-la-Campagne
- Falaise
- The Scheldt
- The Rhineland
- The Hochwald
- Xanten
- Twente Canal
- North-West Europe, 1942, 1944–1945
- South-West Asia
- Afghanistan
The Regiment's Band
The Band of The Royal Regiment of Canada is very old and famous. It's the oldest continuously running band in the entire Canadian Armed Forces, starting in 1863! They are based at Fort York in Toronto.
The band has performed for many important people, including members of the Royal Family like Queen Elizabeth II and King Charles III (when he was Prince Charles). They have also traveled internationally, playing for the United Nations in Cyprus and at Wembley Stadium in London, England. In 2006, they performed at a military band festival in Kraków, Poland.
Images for kids
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Presentation of Colours March Past
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Presentation of Colours March Past
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King Charles III (when he was Prince Charles, Prince of Wales), presents new colours to the Royal Regiment of Canada and Toronto Scottish Regiment at Varsity Stadium in Toronto, 5 November 2009.
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Presentation of Colours March Off
The Royal Regiment of Canada Association
This group is made up of people who used to be members of the regiment. They meet regularly to keep their friendships strong and remember their time serving together. In 2008, they helped raise money to make sure the regiment had enough of their special scarlet and blue uniforms for ceremonial events.
The Museum of The Royal Regiment of Canada
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| Location | Fort York Armoury, 660 Fleet Street West, Toronto, Ontario, Canada |
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| Type | Regimental Museum |
The museum is located at the Fort York Armoury. It collects and shows off the history of the Royal Regiment of Canada and the older units that came before it. You can see old weapons, uniforms, medals, photos, and other items. The museum offers displays and tours for schools by appointment.
Fort York Armoury
This is the home base for the Royal Regiment of Canada.
- 660 Fleet Street West, Toronto, ON M5V 1A9
Order of Precedence
| Preceded by Les Voltigeurs de Québec |
Royal Regiment of Canada | Succeeded by The Royal Hamilton Light Infantry (Wentworth Regiment) |
This means that in official military parades and ceremonies, the Royal Regiment of Canada marches after Les Voltigeurs de Québec and before The Royal Hamilton Light Infantry (Wentworth Regiment).
See also
- The Canadian Crown and the Canadian Forces
- List of Canadian organizations with royal patronage
- List of armouries in Canada
- Military history of Canada
- History of the Canadian Army
- Canadian Forces
