Royal Regiment of Canada

Royal Regiment of Canada is a Primary Reserve infantry regiment of the Canadian Army. Based at Fort York Armoury in Toronto, it is part of 32 Canadian Brigade Group within the 4th Canadian Division. The regiment has a long and distinguished history, with service in major conflicts including the First World War and the Second World War.

History

The regiment's lineage originates with the 10th Battalion of the "Royal Grenadiers" formed in Toronto in 1862, which saw early service during the Fenian Raids. It later contributed volunteers to the North-West Rebellion and the Second Boer War. During the First World War, the regiment raised several battalions for the Canadian Expeditionary Force, most notably the 3rd Battalion (Toronto Regiment), CEF, which fought with distinction at battles such as the Somme, Vimy Ridge, and Passchendaele. In the Second World War, the regiment's 1st Battalion served as part of the 2nd Canadian Infantry Division, landing at Dieppe in 1942 where it suffered severe casualties. It later fought through the Normandy Campaign, the Battle of the Scheldt, and the final advance into Germany. The regiment was amalgamated with The Toronto Scottish Regiment (Queen Elizabeth The Queen Mother's Own) in 1954, though the latter was later re-separated.

Organization

As a Primary Reserve unit, the regiment currently consists of a single battalion. It falls under the operational command of 32 Canadian Brigade Group, headquartered in Toronto, which itself is part of the 4th Canadian Division. The regiment's headquarters and A Company are located at its historic home, Fort York Armoury. The regiment maintains a close relationship with its affiliated Regular Force unit, The Royal Canadian Regiment.

Battle honours

The regiment bears a comprehensive list of battle honours earned over more than a century of service. Its honours for the First World War include Mount Sorrel, Somme, 1916, Arras, 1917, Hill 70, and Amiens (1918). From the Second World War, its honours encompass the Dieppe Raid, the Normandy Landing, the Scheldt, the Rhine, and the North-West Europe campaign. These honours are emblazoned on the regiment's colours.

Traditions and insignia

The regiment's motto is Nulli Secundus, meaning "Second to None". Its quick march is "Auld Lang Syne", while its slow march is "The Royal Regiment of Canada". The cap badge features a St. Edward's Crown surmounting a Garter Star, within which is a maple leaf bearing the regiment's title and motto. The regiment wears a scarlet tunic with blue facings, a tradition of royal infantry regiments. Members who served at Dieppe are permitted to wear a special "Dieppe" shoulder flash.

Notable members

Notable individuals who have served with the regiment include John Keiller MacKay, a Lieutenant Governor of Ontario and recipient of the Military Cross; Sir Henry Pellatt, who commanded the regiment and is famous for building Casa Loma; and George "Buzz" Beurling, Canada's top Second World War fighter ace, who served briefly with the regiment before transferring to the Royal Air Force. Several former Chiefs of the Defence Staff also began their service in the regiment's ranks.

Affiliations

The regiment maintains formal affiliations with several other military units. Its primary affiliation is with the Regular Force's The Royal Canadian Regiment. It is also affiliated with the British Army's Royal Regiment of Fusiliers and the Royal Australian Regiment. These affiliations foster exchanges, shared traditions, and operational cooperation. The regiment is a founding member of the Toronto Military Family of Regiments.