14th Army Tank Regiment (The Calgary Regiment)

14th Army Tank Regiment (The Calgary Regiment)
Unit name	14th Army Tank Regiment (The Calgary Regiment)
Dates	1936–1954
Country	Canada
Branch	Canadian Army
Type	Armour
Role	Tank regiment
Size	Regiment
Garrison	Calgary
Motto	Onward
Battles	Second World War

14th Army Tank Regiment (The Calgary Regiment) was an armoured regiment of the Canadian Army that served with distinction during the Second World War. It is best known for its role as the first Allied unit to deploy Churchill tanks in combat during the Dieppe Raid in 1942. The regiment later fought in the Italian Campaign and the Northwest Europe campaign, contributing to key Allied victories.

History

The regiment's history is deeply intertwined with the development of Canadian armoured forces and its service in major theatres of the Second World War. Its lineage traces back to militia units formed in Alberta in the early 20th century, evolving through several designations before its notable wartime mobilization. The unit's legacy is preserved within the modern The King's Own Calgary Regiment (RCAC).

Formation and early years

The regiment was formed on 15 December 1936 as part of a major reorganization of the Non-Permanent Active Militia, amalgamating the The Calgary Regiment (Tank) with the 103rd Regiment (Calgary Rifles). It was initially designated as a machine gun battalion before converting to a tank unit. Based in Calgary, the regiment trained with outdated equipment like the Vickers Medium Mark II tank until the outbreak of war spurred modernization and expansion of Canada's armoured capabilities.

Second World War

The regiment mobilized for active service on 1 September 1939 and was redesignated the 14th Army Tank Battalion (The Calgary Regiment), Canadian Armoured Corps, in 1940. After training in Britain, it was equipped with the new Churchill tank. In August 1942, C Squadron of the regiment participated in the disastrous Dieppe Raid, suffering heavy losses while providing direct fire support to the Royal Regiment of Canada and other Allied infantry on the beaches. The regiment was redesignated the 14th Armoured Regiment (The Calgary Regiment) in 1942. Redeployed to the Mediterranean Theatre, the regiment fought throughout the Italian Campaign from late 1943, seeing action at the Hitler Line, the Gothic Line, and the battles for Rimini and the Lamone River. In early 1945, the regiment was transferred to Northwest Europe, joining First Canadian Army operations in the Netherlands and Germany, including the final advance into Friesland and across the Küsten Canal.

Post-war and amalgamation

Following the end of hostilities, the regiment was demobilized and reverted to the Reserve Force in 1946, regaining its pre-war designation. In the post-war reorganization of the Canadian Army, it was amalgamated with the 41st Infantry Battalion (The Calgary Regiment) on 1 September 1954 to form The Calgary Regiment (King's Own) (later renamed The King's Own Calgary Regiment (RCAC)). This amalgamation consolidated Calgary's militia armoured heritage into a single unit.

Battle honours

The regiment was awarded numerous battle honours for its service, a testament to its combat record. Those in bold are emblazoned on the regimental guidon of its successor unit. They include: Dieppe, Landing in Sicily, Liri Valley, Hitler Line, Gothic Line, Lamone Crossing, Misano Ridge, Rimini Line, San Fortunato, Savio Bridgehead, Italy 1943–1945, Delfzijl, Küsten Canal, North-West Europe 1945, and The Second World War.

Regimental lineage

The regiment's formal lineage begins with its creation in 1936. Its direct predecessor was the The Calgary Regiment (Tank), formed in 1921. Upon amalgamation in 1954, its lineage, traditions, and battle honours were perpetuated by The King's Own Calgary Regiment (RCAC). This unit remains part of the Canadian Army Reserve, headquartered at the Mewata Armoury in Calgary.

Category:Armoured regiments of Canada Category:Military units and formations established in 1936 Category:Military units and formations disestablished in 1954 Category:1936 establishments in Canada