Essex Scottish Regiment facts for kids

The Essex Scottish was a brave infantry regiment in the Canadian Army. They served Canada from 1885 until 1954. A regiment is a military unit made up of many soldiers.

The Story of the Essex Scottish

The Essex Scottish Regiment has a long history. It started in 1885 as the 21st Essex Battalion of Infantry. Over the years, its name changed a few times.

How the Regiment's Name Changed

• In 1887, it became the 21st Battalion, Essex Fusiliers.
• By 1900, it was called the 21st Regiment, Essex Fusiliers.
• In 1920, the name changed to The Essex Fusiliers.
• Finally, in 1927, it got its well-known name: The Essex Scottish.

Serving in World War II

During World War II, the Essex Scottish Regiment was one of the first Canadian units to fight in Europe. They were part of the The Dieppe Raid in France. This battle happened in 1942. It was a very tough fight. Many soldiers from the Essex Scottish were hurt or captured. Sadly, 121 soldiers from the regiment died during this raid.

Later, in 1944, the regiment fought in Operation Atlantic. They tried to capture Verrières Ridge. This was another very difficult battle. By the end of World War II, over 550 soldiers from the Essex Scottish had died. They had more than 2,500 soldiers wounded or captured. This was the highest number of casualties for any Canadian army unit in the Second World War.

Joining Forces: The Amalgamation

In 1954, the Essex Scottish Regiment joined with another group. They combined with The Kent Regiment. Together, they formed a new unit called The Essex and Kent Scottish Regiment. This happened because of a report about the Canadian Reserve Army.

Uniforms and Friends

The Essex Scottish Regiment had special uniforms. They also had a close connection with another regiment.

Their Special Uniform

This is the Clan Gregor tartan, which the Essex Scottish Regiment wore.

The soldiers wore a traditional Scottish uniform. It included a balmoral hat with a red and white checkered band. They had a bright scarlet jacket called a doublet. Their sporran, a small pouch, was white with two black points. They also wore red and black socks and spats (covers for their shoes) with black buttons. Pipers and drummers wore a full dress uniform. This included blue shoulder straps with white stripes. They also wore a tall feather bonnet with a white feather. The regiment proudly wore the red and green pattern of Clan Gregor. This pattern is called a tartan.

Allies and Connections

The Essex Scottish Regiment was allied with The Essex Regiment. This was a British army unit. Being allied meant they shared a special bond and history.

Honoring Past Heroes

The Essex Scottish Regiment also "perpetuated" other units. This means they carried on the history and honors of older Canadian units. It's like keeping their memory alive.

Units from the Great War

The regiment honored these units from the First World War:

• 18th Battalion (Western Ontario), CEF
• 99th Battalion (Essex), CEF
• 241st (Canadian Scottish Borderers) Battalion, CEF

Battle Honours: Awards for Bravery

Battle honours are like special awards. They are given to military units for their bravery and success in important battles. The Essex Scottish Regiment earned many battle honours.

First World War Honours

• Ypres, 1915, '17
• Festubert, 1915
• Mount Sorrel
• Somme, 1916, '18
• Flers-Courcelette
• Thiepval
• Ancre Heights
• Arras, 1917, '18
• Vimy, 1917
• Hill 70
• Passchendaele
• Amiens
• Scarpe, 1918
• Hindenburg Line
• Canal du Nord
• Cambrai, 1918
• Pursuit to Mons
• France and Flanders 1915–18

Second World War Honours

• Dieppe Raid (1942)
• Battle of Verrières Ridge (1944)
• liberation of Dieppe (1944)
• Battle of the Scheldt (1944)
• The Rhine (1944–1945)
• Northwestern Europe

Heroes Who Received Special Medals

Some soldiers from the Essex Scottish Regiment received very high awards for their bravery.

Victoria Cross Recipient

• Major Frederick Albert Tilston was awarded the VC. The Victoria Cross is the highest military award for bravery in the British and Commonwealth armed forces. He received it on May 22, 1945.

See also

• Canadian-Scottish regiment