Voltigeurs de Québec facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Les Voltigeurs de Québec
The cap badge of Les Voltigeurs de Québec
Active	7 March 1862–present
Country	Province of Canada (1862–1867) Canada (1867–present)
Branch	Canadian Army
Type	Rifles
Role	Light infantry
Size	One battalion
Part of	35 Canadian Brigade Group
Garrison/HQ	805, avenue Wilfrid-Laurier Quebec City, Quebec G1R 2L3
Motto(s)	Force à superbe mercy à foible (Violence to the strong, mercy to the weak)
Colours	None (rifle regiments have no colours)
March	"Les Voltigeurs de Québec"
Engagements	Fenian Raids North-West Rebellion First World War Second World War War in Afghanistan
Battle honours	See #Battle honours
Commanders
Current commander	Lieutenant Colonel Tony Poulin
Honorary colonel	Marcel Jobin
Honorary lieutenant colonel	Marc-André Bélanger

Les Voltigeurs de Québec is a special army group in the Canadian Forces. It is an infantry regiment, which means its soldiers fight mostly on foot. This group is part of the Primary Reserve, meaning its members are part-time soldiers who train regularly and can be called upon when needed.

The regiment is based in Quebec City, Quebec, Canada, at the Quebec City Armoury. Its name honors an older French-speaking Canadian army unit called the Canadian Voltigeurs. This older unit was formed in 1812 and was known for being quick and agile. The founder of the Canadian Voltigeurs, Lieutenant-Colonel Charles de Salaberry, was the father of the two men who later started Les Voltigeurs de Québec.

The regiment officially began in March 1862. It was created by combining eight smaller volunteer rifle companies. The very first of these companies started in December 1861. Over the years, the regiment has sent soldiers to serve with the United Nations and NATO in many places around the world. These include the Golan Heights, Cyprus, the former Yugoslavia, Egypt, Afghanistan, Sierra Leone, and Haiti.

What is the Cap Badge?

Cap Badge Description

The cap badge of Les Voltigeurs de Québec is a special symbol. It shows the family crest of the Salaberry family inside a green circle. This circle has the words "VOLTIGEURS DE QUEBEC" written in silver letters. Behind this, there is a silver cross from the Order of St. Louis. A royal crown sits on top of the whole design. Below, a silver scroll holds the regiment's motto in red letters.

Cap Badge Symbolism

The Crown on the badge shows that the regiment serves the King or Queen of Canada. The badge honors the original Canadian Voltigeurs unit from 1812. This unit was famous for bravely defending against American forces during the War of 1812. Lieutenant-Colonel Charles-Michel d'Irumberry de Salaberry led them. His son, Lieutenant-Colonel Charles René-Léonidas de Salaberry, was the first leader of Les Voltigeurs de Québec in 1862.

The badge was chosen in 1892. It includes the Salaberry family's crest and their motto: "FORCE À SUPERBE MERCY À FOIBLE" (Violence to the strong, mercy to the weak). This recognizes the family's important service to Canada's military. The Order of Saint Louis was a high honor in New France, started by King Louis XIV of France in 1693. "VOLTIGEURS DE QUEBEC" is simply the name of the regiment.

How the Regiment Grew Over Time

Les Voltigeurs de Québec History

Les Voltigeurs de Québec started in Quebec City on March 7, 1862. It was first known as The 9th Battalion Volunteer Militia Rifles, Canada (or "'Voltigeurs of Quebec'"). Its name changed to the 9th Regiment Voltigeurs de Québec in 1900. After the First World War, it became Les Voltigeurs de Québec in 1920.

During the Second World War, it was called the 2nd (Reserve) Battalion, Les Voltigeurs de Québec and later Les Voltigeurs de Québec (Reserve). In 1946, it was named Les Voltigeurs de Québec (Motor). In 1954, it joined with Le Régiment de Québec (Mitrailleuses) and was called Les Voltigeurs de Québec (Mitrailleuses). The name changed back to Les Voltigeurs de Québec in 1958. In 1965, it briefly joined with The Royal Rifles of Canada, but they separated again in 1966.

Le Régiment de Québec History

Le Régiment de Québec (Mitrailleuses) began in St. Ambroise on April 9, 1869. It was first called The Provisional Battalion of Quebec. Its name changed to the 87th Quebec Battalion of Infantry in 1881, and then the 87th Quebec Regiment in 1900. After the First World War, it became Le Régiment de Québec in 1920. In 1936, it was renamed Le Régiment de Québec (Mitrailleuses).

During the Second World War, it was known as the 2nd (Reserve) Battalion, Le Régiment de Québec (Mitrailleuses). After the war, it went back to being Le Régiment de Québec (Mitrailleuses). In 1954, it joined with Les Voltigeurs de Québec (Motor).

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  Regimental camp flag

Important Connections and History

Regiment's Historical Links

Les Voltigeurs de Québec keeps alive the history of several older military units. These include the Provincial Corps of Light Infantry (Canadian Voltigeurs), the 1st and 2nd Battalions (City of Quebec) from 1812–15, the Beauport Division (1812–15), and the 6th Battalion, Select Embodied Militia.

During the First World War, the regiment also honors the 57th Battalion (Canadien-Français), CEF.

What the Regiment Has Done in Wars

The Fenian Raids

The Voltigeurs of Quebec were called to active duty on March 8, 1866. They served until March 31, 1866. These raids were attacks by Irish-American groups on Canadian borders.

The North West Rebellion

Les Voltigeurs de Québec were called to active service on April 10, 1885. They served in the Alberta Column during the North West Field Force. This was a conflict in western Canada. The battalion finished its active service on July 24, 1885.

The First World War

On August 6, 1914, parts of the 9th Regiment Voltigeurs de Québec and the 87th Quebec Regiment were called to duty. Their job was to protect local areas at the start of the war.

The 57^e Bataillon (Canadien-Français), CEF, was officially formed on April 20, 1915. It sailed to Britain on June 2, 1916. There, its soldiers joined the 69th Battalion (Canadien-Français), CEF. This helped provide more soldiers for the Canadian forces fighting in the war. The battalion was officially ended on April 11, 1918.

The Second World War

On August 26, 1939, soldiers from Les Voltigeurs de Québec and Le Régiment de Québec were called to duty. On September 1, 1939, they were put on active service to protect local areas. These groups were ended on December 31, 1940. Some Voltigeurs were called again on January 1, 1941, but this group was ended on April 5, 1941.

The regiment formed the 1st Battalion, Les Voltigeurs de Québec, CASF, on May 10, 1941. This unit was later changed to an armored unit. It was called the 24th Army Tank Battalion (Les Voltigeurs de Québec), CAC, CASF. Its name changed several times, becoming the 24th Reconnaissance Battalion and then the 24th Reconnaissance Regiment.

On January 16, 1943, it became an infantry unit again, named the 1st Battalion, Les Voltigeurs de Québec, CASF. It served in Canada, helping to defend the country. It went to Britain on July 23, 1943, to provide more soldiers for Canadian units fighting there. It was officially ended on November 1, 1943.

Parts of Le Régiment de Québec were also called to duty on August 26, 1939, for local protection. They were ended on December 31, 1940. The regiment later formed the 1st Battalion, Le Régiment de Québec, CASF, on March 18, 1942. This unit served in Canada and in Newfoundland, helping with defense. The battalion was ended on December 22, 1945, after the war ended.

Afghanistan

Many soldiers from the regiment volunteered to serve in Afghanistan. They were part of different groups that helped in the mission from 2002 to 2014.

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  A Voltigeurs de Québec soldier in 1914.

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  The Music of Les Voltigeurs de Québec at a festival in August 2012.

The Quebec City Armoury Fire

On the night of April 4, 2008, the Quebec City Armoury was badly damaged by a fire. This historic building, also known as Grande-Allée Armoury, was built in 1887. In October 2008, the regiment and its insurance company started a lawsuit. They blamed the Department of National Defence for not letting the insurance company inspect the site after the fire.

In November 2012, the Canadian Government announced that the armoury would be rebuilt. It would continue to be the historic home of the regiment. The rebuilt armoury was planned to be finished by 2017. It officially reopened on May 12, 2018. The Prime Minister of Canada, Justin Trudeau, led the reopening ceremony.

Battle Honours

Battle honours are special awards given to military units for their bravery and service in battles.

• War of 1812:
  • Defense of Canada – 1812–1815
  • Châteauguay
  • Crysler's Farm
• North West Rebellion:
  • North West Canada, 1885
• First World War:
  • Mount Sorrel
  • Somme, 1916
  • Arras, 1917
  • Hill 70
  • Ypres, 1917
  • Amiens
• Second World War:
  • The regiment received a special honor related to the Royal 22e Régiment. This was for helping to provide many soldiers during the Italian campaign.
• South-West Asia:
  • Afghanistan

Regimental Connections

Les Voltigeurs de Québec has special connections with other military groups.

• It is affiliated with the Canadian Navy ship HMCS Ville de Québec (FFH 332).
• It is also connected to The Yorkshire Regiment in the United Kingdom. Before 2006, Les Voltigeurs was allied with The Duke of Wellington's Regiment (DWR) and The Prince of Wales's Own Regiment of Yorkshire (PWO). These regiments later joined to form The Yorkshire Regiment.

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  A historical plaque showing the alliance between Les Voltigeurs de Québec and The Duke of Wellington's Regiment (DWR).

Les Voltigeurs de Québec Museum

Les Voltigeurs de Québec museum

Location	Grande-Allée Armoury, 805 Wilfrid-Laurier Avenue East, Quebec, Quebec G1R 2L3Canada
Type	Regimental Museum

The museum helps people learn more about the regiment's history and traditions. It shows the military history of Les Voltigeurs de Québec, The Royal Rifles of Canada, and The Quebec Regiment. The museum uses old items, uniforms, photos, and documents to tell their stories. You can see military uniforms, weapons, equipment, medals, and war souvenirs. These items are often loaned by veterans and supporters of the museum.

Regiment's Legacy

In 2000, the Royal Canadian Mint made a special 5-cent silver coin to celebrate Les Voltigeurs de Québec. The coin shows a baton, drums, and a sash, which are all parts of the regiment's symbols.

Order of Importance in the Army

In the Canadian Army, regiments have a specific order of importance. Les Voltigeurs de Québec comes after The Black Watch (Royal Highland Regiment) of Canada and before The Royal Regiment of Canada.