Royal Westminster Regiment facts for kids

Quick facts for kids The Royal Westminster Regiment
Active	1910–present
Country	Canada
Branch	Canadian Army
Type	Infantry
Part of	39 Canadian Brigade Group
Garrison/HQ	RHQ, New Westminster A Coy, New Westminster D Coy, Chilliwack
Nickname(s)	"The Westies"
Motto(s)	Pro rege et patria (Latin: "For king and country")
March	"The Maple Leaf Forever"
Anniversaries	20 November (Regimental Birthday) 25 May (Melfa Crossing)
Battle honours	Battle honours Mount Sorrel Somme, 1916 Ancre Heights Ancre, 1916 Arras, 1917, '18 Vimy, 1917 Hill 70 Ypres, 1917 Passchendaele Amiens Scarpe, 1918 Drocourt–Quéant Hindenburg Line Canal du Nord Valenciennes France and Flanders, 1916–18 Liri Valley Melfa Crossing Gothic Line Coriano Lamone Crossing Misano Ridge Casale Naviglio Canal Italy, 1944–1945 IJsselmeer Delfzijl Pocket North-West Europe, 1945 Afghanistan
Commanders
Commanding officer	LCol Chuck MacKinnon, CD
Regimental sergeant major	CWO M.W. Bergan
Abbreviation	R Westmr R

The Royal Westminster Regiment, often called the Westies, is a special part of the Canadian Army. It is an infantry regiment, which means its soldiers are trained to fight on foot. The Westies are part of the 3rd Canadian Division's 39 Canadian Brigade Group. They are based in New Westminster, British Columbia and Chilliwack, British Columbia.

The Westies' Journey: How the Regiment Grew

The Royal Westminster Regiment has a long history. It started on April 1, 1910, in New Westminster, British Columbia. Back then, it was called the 104th Regiment.

Over the years, its name and role changed several times:

• In 1913, it became the 104th Regiment Westminster Fusiliers of Canada.
• In 1920, it joined with another regiment to form the 1st British Columbia Regiment.
• In 1924, it was reformed as The Westminster Regiment.
• In 1936, it became The Westminster Regiment (Machine Gun), meaning it used machine guns.
• In 1941, it changed to The Westminster Regiment (Motor), using vehicles for movement.
• In 1954, it went back to being The Westminster Regiment.
• Finally, in 1966, it received its "Royal" title and became The Royal Westminster Regiment.

Honoring Past Heroes

The Royal Westminster Regiment keeps alive the memory of two important battalions from the First World War:

• The 47th Battalion (British Columbia), CEF
• The 131st Battalion (Westminster), CEF

A Look Back: The Westies' History

Fighting in the First World War

The distinguishing patch of the 47th Battalion (British Columbia), CEF.

The 104th Regiment Westminster Fusiliers of Canada began active service in August 1914. They helped protect local areas. Later, they formed the 47th Battalion (British Columbia), CEF. This battalion went to Britain in 1915 and then to France in 1916. They fought bravely in France and Flanders until the war ended. The battalion was officially ended in 1920.

Sergeant Filip Konowal, VC, 47th Battilion, CEF

One soldier from the 47th Battalion, Corporal Filip Konowal, was incredibly brave. He received the Victoria Cross, the highest award for bravery, for destroying a German machine gun position by himself.

Another group, the 131st Battalion (Westminster), CEF, was formed in 1915. Its soldiers later joined other units in Britain to help the Canadian forces fighting in the war.

Between the Big Wars

After the First World War, in 1920, the unit joined with another group. In 1924, it was reformed as The Westminster Regiment. In 1936, it became The Westminster Regiment (M.G.), focusing on machine guns.

The Second World War: A Time of Action

When Germany invaded Poland in 1939, the regiment's 1st Battalion was called to active duty. They served as a machine gun battalion.

During the Second World War, the regiment was part of the 5th Canadian Armoured Division. This division was known as "The Mighty Maroon Machine." The Westies fought in the Italian Campaign. Later, they moved to Europe and helped free Holland. A second battalion, the 2nd Battalion, stayed in Canada as a reserve force.

The regiment trained in Saskatchewan and Vancouver before heading overseas.

Becoming a Motorized Unit

In early 1941, the unit changed to a "motor battalion." This meant they used vehicles for faster movement. They were renamed The Westminster Regiment (Motor). In November 1941, they sailed from Halifax to Great Britain.

Training in Great Britain

In Britain, the Westminsters became part of the 5th Canadian Armoured Division. They continued their training in different locations, preparing for battle.

Fighting in Italy

In November 1943, the regiment sailed to Italy. They joined the 8th Army and soon faced combat near Guardiagrele. They learned to send patrols behind enemy lines at night. These patrols would hide during the day and call in artillery fire.

In February 1944, Lt Col Gordon Corbould took command. He led the unit through its toughest battles.

The Battle of the Melfa River

Major Jack Mahony, VC, OC "A" Coy, The Westminster Regiment (Motor) at the Battle of the Melfa River (Photo from The Royal Westminster Regiment)

One of the Westies' most famous actions was crossing the Melfa River in May 1944. Major Jack Mahony, who led "A" Company, showed incredible bravery and leadership. He was awarded the Victoria Cross for his actions during this battle. This event created a strong friendship between the Westminsters and the Lord Strathcona's Horse (Royal Canadians) regiment.

Breaking the Gothic Line

By August 1944, the Westies were fighting to break through the Gothic Line, a strong German defense. They crossed rivers and fought hard battles, completing their mission by September 5, 1944.

The Battle for Coriano Ridge

After a short break, the regiment was sent into the Battle for Coriano Ridge in September 1944. Despite heavy attacks and losses, they succeeded.

Advancing to the Rubicone River

The Westies were soon back in action, advancing through towns like San Mauro and San Vito. They crossed the Rubicone River, facing minefields and heavy shelling.

Porter Force and Adriatic Battles

In November 1944, the regiment joined "Porter Force." Their job was to hold the line and push the enemy back. They fought across rivers and canals, forcing the Germans to retreat.

In December 1944, the Westies helped capture Ravenna and fought in continuous battles along the Naviglio Canal and the River Senio. After 43 days of constant fighting, they finally got a rest.

The Final Battles in Italy

The regiment returned to action near Villanova in late December 1944. They fought fiercely against German forces, capturing their objective. In the New Year, they faced a strong German counterattack at Conventello. Working with other units, the Westminsters held the line, capturing many enemy soldiers.

In February 1945, the Westies left Italy and traveled to France.

Fighting in Northwest Europe

The regiment then moved to Belgium and the Netherlands. They patrolled river lines and used mortars against German positions. In April 1945, they took part in a major attack, crossing the IJssel River and pushing through Arnhem. They captured airfields and advanced quickly, cutting off thousands of German troops.

Their final action was capturing a German anti-aircraft battery at Termunterzijl. The battle was tough, but the Westminsters' constant pressure forced the Germans to leave.

The War Ends

The Second World War in Europe ended on May 7, 1945. The Westies returned home, traveling through New York City and Toronto before arriving in Vancouver. They marched proudly through New Westminster, and on January 19, 1946, their service was officially ended.

A Strong Record

During the Second World War, 4,236 men served in The Westminster Regiment (Motor). Sadly, 134 of them died in action. The regiment received many awards for its bravery, including one Victoria Cross. They were known for always completing their missions. Major General BM Hoffmeister, their commander, praised their "particularly outstanding accomplishment."

After the Second World War

In 1954, the Westies lost their "Motor" name. But in 1966, they were given the "Royal" title, becoming The Royal Westminster Regiment.

In 1948, the regiment helped during the Fraser River Floods, providing aid for three weeks.

The Royal Westminster Regiment has also sent soldiers to many United Nations missions. These include peacekeeping efforts in Cyprus, Egypt, the Golan Heights, and the former Yugoslavia.

Serving in Afghanistan

Between 2002 and 2014, the regiment sent more than 20% of its soldiers to serve in Afghanistan. They contributed to various task forces there.

Battle Honors: A Mark of Courage

Battle honors are special awards given to military units for their bravery and success in major battles and campaigns. Those in bold are proudly displayed on the regiment's flag.

• First World War
  • Mount Sorrel
  • Somme, 1916
  • Ancre Heights
  • Ancre, 1916
  • Arras, 1917, '18
  • Vimy, 1917
  • Hill 70
  • Ypres, 1917
  • Passchendaele
  • Amiens
  • Scarpe, 1918
  • Drocourt–Quéant
  • Hindenburg Line
  • Canal du Nord
  • Valenciennes
  • France and Flanders, 1916–18

• Second World War
  • Liri Valley
  • Melfa Crossing
  • Gothic Line
  • Coriano
  • Lamone Crossing
  • Misano Ridge
  • Casale
  • Naviglio Canal
  • Italy, 1944–1945
  • IJsselmeer
  • Delfzijl Pocket
  • North-West Europe, 1945

• South-West Asia
  • Afghanistan

Friends and Allies

The Royal Westminster Regiment has a special connection with another military unit:

•  United Kingdom – The Royal Regiment of Fusiliers (from Great Britain)

The Armoury: A Historic Home

The Westies' home is The Armoury at 530 Queens Avenue in New Westminster. This large, historic building was built in 1895. It is recognized as a heritage building in Canada.

Regimental Badges

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  Hat badge of The Westminster Regiment, worn during World War II

• 

  Officers' and Chief Warrant Officers' hat badge of The Royal Westminster Regiment, worn after 1967

• 

  Non-commissioned members' hat badge of The Royal Westminster Regiment, worn after 1967

• 

  Collar badge of the 47th Battalion CEF, worn by the 47th Battalion, The Westminster Regiment and The Royal Westminster Regiment

Cadet Units: Future Leaders

The Royal Westminster Regiment supports several Royal Canadian Army Cadets units in British Columbia. These cadet units include:

• 1789 RCACC in Hope
• 1922 RCACC in CFS Aldergrove
• 2316 RCACC in New Westminster
• 2822 RCACC in Surrey
• 1838 RCACC in Maple Ridge

Cadets in these units receive support from the regiment. They can also wear special parts of the regiment's uniform.

The Royal Westminster Regiment Museum

The museum collects and displays military items and memories from the regiment's history. It helps people understand the important contributions the regiment has made to the community and the country. The museum aims to inspire pride in those who serve today.

Order of Importance

Images for kids

• 

  Sergeant Filip Konowal, VC, 47th Battilion, CEF