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Royal Canadians


Military History Army Commonwealth Forces Royal Canadians

[UP] - Indian Army - Royal Niger Haussas - Royal Canadians - South Australian Cavalry - African Forces
Photographs and history of the Canadian Forces, during the reign of Queen Victoria.
Canadian Forces - Part I                                                                                (2nd April 1898)

In treating of the forces which exist for the defence of our Colonies, it appears only natural and fitting that Canada should receive the first attention.  The vast extent of the Dominion - something like three and a half million square miles - is in itself a sufficient pretext for the distinction of

Some Canadian Army Chiefs

The central figure in the picture above is that of Colonel the Hon. Matthew Aylmer, the Adjutant-General of Militia, a post which he has held for about two years, after serving on the staff in Canada for a long period.  He was formerly in the City of London Regiment, and served in Canada during the Fenian raids of 1866 and 1870; but he left the regiment in 1871, as lieutenant, on obtaining the post on the staff of the Canadian Militia, and there he has been ever since, steadily climbing to the top of the tree.  The other officers are Major Evans, of the Royal Candian Dragoons, to the left, and Captain McDougall, of the Royal Regiment of Canadian Infantry - both regulars, as we shall see.  All these officers were in England for the Jubilee last year.  Colonel Aylmer acting as chief of staff to the whole Colonial contingent, and Captain McDougall as adjutant to the Canadians.  In noticing the various regiments, etc., precedence is naturally given to the cavalry, and, among them, to the Royal Canadian Dragoons, mustering 145 all told, one being stationed at Toronto, and the other at Winnipeg.  One point which will be very much in evidence in our Candian pictures is the close resemblance which all the uniforms bear to corresponding branches of the British Army.  The military authorities in Canada appear to have set their faces against the picturesque but somewhat fanciful dresses which have been so largely adopted in our other colonies, and gone in for good old fashioned dragoon and hussar, infantry scarlet, and rifle green uniforms.  They have been influenced, perhaps, in this choice by their string loyal and conservative spirit, and also possibly by some desire to emulate the British Army in their general efficiency of turn out.  In this latter respect no one who saw the cavalry paraded with their fine mounts at Chelsea Barracks would hesitate in saying that they succeeded; and most of the infantry men were nearly up to the standard of guards - picked men, of course, both cavalry and foot; but if they have plenty more of the same kind in Canada, they will prove awkward customers for any invader to tackle.  The Royal Canadian Dragoons were originally raised as a Troop of Instruction in 1884, but with the development of the permanent force they were given, some years later, the title of Canadian Dragoons; and in 1893 they were placed on their present footing, and received Her Majesty's permission to assume the prefix of "Royal", and to wear the Imperial cipher V.R.I. on the uniforms and mountings.  They are commanded by Major Lessard, who is also an Inspector of Cavalry on the Headquarter Staff.  Some of the officers appear in our next illustration; there are, however, ten officers in all, including surgeon and veterinary surgeon.  There is also, as will be observed, a strong staff of non- commissioned officers more than are really necessary, under ordinary circumstances, for the complement of men.  

      

Officers, Royal Canadian Dragoons          Non-Commissioned Officers of the Royal                                                                  Canadian Dragoons

The Dragoons are, however, still utilised as an instructional body, though they have attained to a more honourable title, and a certain number of non-commissioned officers are required for duties in this connection.  Three of the sergeants come, indeed, from the Imperial cavalry, to wit, Sergeant-Major Baxter, 4th Dragoon Guards, Sergeant-Instructor Dingley, 15th Hussars, and Sergeant-Instructor Charlwood, 7th Dragoon Guards; and the presence of these men is a guarantee that the Royal Canadian Dragoons, and other cavalry which may be trained by them, will preserve the best traditions of our fine cavalry regiments.  In the picture of the squad on parade below, it will be noted that the men carry lances.  The practice has been adopted in Canada, as at home, of arming some of the dragoons with lances - the front rank men as a rule - though there are no lancers, properly so-called, among the Canadian Militia regiments.  The horses are very good, serviceable animals, ranging from 15.2 to 16.1 hands, and very much the same type as those of the Imperial cavalry, though they are said to be more hardy, and to stand the severe winter better.  We must not forget our sentry in the second illustration below.  His rig is not exactly a Dragoon's turn out, though he makes a fine picture of a soldier, and is nonetheless efficient as a sentry on account of being adequately protected form frost-bite.  Even the Imperial regiments who are called upon to serve in Canada are glad to some such dress during the winter, for when the mercury runs out at the bottom of the thermometer appearances must be sacrificed to expediency.  Canadians complain, however, that their climate is much maligned in England, and maintain that, as a matter of fact, the clear dry atmosphere renders quite pleasant and bearable a degree of cold which would be intolerable in England.  This is perfectly true no doubt, and it carries with it another truth, and that is, that a greenhorn may have his ears or his nose partly frost bitten before he realises how cold it is!

                 

A Squad of Royal Canadian Dragoons on Parade   Royal Canadian Dragoons - Sentry in                                                                                  Winter Uniform

Also while their summer lasts - which is most places quite as long as ours does - it beats our record in the upper register as much as the winter does in the lower; so that, on the whole, there is no lack of "weather" in Canada such as we have been twitted with who dwell, it is said, as regards climatic consistency, in a land of "samples".  Of actual fighting, the Royal Canadian Dragoons can scarcely be said to have seen any; they were engaged in the expedition sent to quell the rebellion in the North West Provinces in 1885, and rendered excellent service in scouting and keeping open communications, which can scarcely be over rated, under the circumstances, though they may not have been actually under fire.  The expedition was undertaken in March, when the weather was still bitterly cold, so much so that a man falling accidentally into a stream became on emerging immediately frozen as hard as a board.  A long day in the saddle under such conditions is not precisely what would be selected as a treat; and the Royal Canadians had many such days, acquitting themselves with characteristic courage and hardihood.  Indeed, the conduct of a campaign of any description under such circumstances must of necessity demand a higher degree of fortitude and discipline than is entailed in a brush with the enemy in hot blood, and those who come out of it with credit are good men. The Royal Canadian Dragoons were represented in England last year by eight men, including Sergeant Dingley.  In our next notice it is intended to deal with the remainder of the cavalry.

Extract from "The Navy and Army Illustrated Vol. VI" (April 2nd 1898)

 
Canadian Forces - Part II                                                                                (16th April 1898)

The rumours which are rife as to the possibility of war in more than one quarter of the globe, render the question of colonial defence a peculiarly interesting one at the present moment.  Should England unhappily be involved, it would behove us to have every available man at his post, and the Canadian Militia would of necessity be called out to maintain the integrity of our vast North American Dominion.  The first corps in precedence among the Militia Cavalry is the Governor-General's Body Guard, raised in 1855.  The headquarters are at Toronto, and the regiment numbers about 230; the uniform being blue with white facings, a white plume on steel helmet, and silver lace.  The first and second pictures represent members of this fine corps, the troop sergeant-major in full dressand the officers in undress, with white helmets for warm weather.

            

              Troop Sergeant Major                                     Officers of the Governor-General's     Governor-General's Body guard                                               Body Guard             

They are a city corps of militia, putting in, no doubt, a large number of drills in excess of the compulsory amount, and ready to turn out promptly on any emergency, as they proved on the occasion of the North West rebellion in 1885, when they were among the first to present themselves in service trim, with a full roll-call, and were attached to the column under Colonel Otter.  They were not required, however, to go to the front, but were stationed at Humboldt, being employed, no doubt, in keeping communications open and assisting as escorts to transport trains.  The Militia Cavalry consists, in addition to the Governor-General's Body Guard, of the following :- 1st Hussars, 2nd and 3rd Dragoons, 4th Hussars, 5th Dragoons, 6th and 8th Hussars, King's Canadian Hussars, Manitoba Dragoons, Montreal Hussars.  Independent troops: Princess Louise's Dragoon Guards, Winnipeg Dragoons.  The regiments usually consist of 226 rank and file, though the 8th Hussars muster 350; a squadron is eighty-five strong as a rule, and a troop forty-five.  The total number of Militia Cavalry available is therefore about 2,350, exclusive of the 145 regulars.  The uniforms, as has been stated, follow closely the lines of the Imperial cavalry, the Hussars almost exactly resembling that of the 13th Hussars, but with white helmets except in the case of the 8th and the Queen's Own, who wear busbies.  The 3rd Dragoons wear red with yellow facings, yellow metal helmets, black and red plumes.  The Manitoba Dragoons have red with white facings and white helmets.  The remaining dragoons are dressed similarly to the 6th Carabiniers, namely, blue with white facings.  The tall young sergeant of Hussars represented in the next picture is wearing the laced forage cap, which is common to all.  he certainly looks very juvenile for a responsible position as sergeant, but doubtless in the Canadian Militia, as in our own regular Army, young men sometimes come along who rise very rapidly.  

Sergeant of the Canadian Hussars

The last illustration contains some examples of several cavalry corps, both Hussars and Dragoons.  The four nearest men are all Hussars, and wear the braided tunic which has become characteristic of them.  The two first, with white helmets, belong respectively to the King's Canadian Hussars from Nova Scotia, and the 1st Hussars from London, Ontario.  The next two, with busbies, belong to the Queen's Own Canadian Hussars from Quebec, and the 8th from New Brunswick; the latter being the strongest cavalry regiment in Canada.  The other men represent the Royal Canadian Dragoons (described in our last notice), the Princess Louise's Dragoon Guards from Ottawa, and the 3rd Dragoons.  The right hand man is of the North West Mounted Police, of whom we shall have more to say later on.  The other picture below shows the animated scene at Montreal on the 22nd June last year, when a grand review of the Militia was held in honour of the Queen's Jubilee.  There was, unfortunately, a strong breeze blowing - as will be gathered from the attitude of the large flag at the saluting point and the elegant curve described by the flag-staff - and the dust it carried rather tended to damp, or perhaps to dry up, the enthusiasm of the spectators.  The Militia turned out, however, in force, and made a brave show, though it is stated that some of their uniforms afforded evidence of the long duration of "piping times of peace", having obviously suffered from being put away too long.  The old idea that if you put a shabby coat away long enough it will come out new does not apply to uniforms, or at any rate not to scarlet ones.  The moment at which this picture is taken is during the passing of the A Squad of the 6th Duke of Connaught's Royal Canadian Hussars; and it is interesting to learn that, only a month afterwards, this was made an independent squadron, under the name of the Montreal Hussars.  The reason for detaching this squadron from the 6th Hussars - which are presumably filled up to their former strength - does not appear, unless some explanation is to be found in the fact that A Squadron came out at the head of the last efficiency return, and w2as therefore selected for special distinction.  However this may be, the amputation of the squad is a fait accompli, and it is commanded by Major F Whitely.  

 

         

        Various Canadian Cavalry Types                   Squad of 6th Duke of Connaught's                                                                            Royal Canadian Hussars

The Governor-General's Body Guard dates, as has been stated, from the year 1855; and this was in fact the year in which the military force of Canada was first instituted in anything like its present organisation, being divided into two bodies, the active and sedentary Militia.  The latter consists of all those of eligible age who have not come forward to join the colours and go through their drills; so that every man in Canada is, if only in a negative sense, a militiaman, whether he likes it or not.  In those days, however, matters were on a very different footing from that of the present day, for a considerable force of Imperial troops was always maintained in Canada, and the Militia consequently was not of the same importance or efficiency, though there was always an excellent spirit, and no difficulty was experienced in filling the ranks.  In 1870 came a momentous change; it was determined to withdraw the Imperial troops, except those at Halifax, which has to be protected as a coaling station for the fleet, and to throw upon Canada the responsibility of maintaining her own defences.  This, as will readily be realised, was a radical step, and it was carried out in a radical manner.  The withdrawal was so complete that the stores were sold, the guns passed over to Canada, and even the sentry boxes were shipped for England; which latter might have been interpreted by ingenious pessimists as typical of the complete desertion of the colony by the Imperial Government, and the withdrawal of all protection.  Whether the pessimists had their say about it or not is not related; but the point which most concerns us is the fact that a large proportion of the Militia Cavalry regiments, as now existing, date their organisation from 1872 and the few succeeding years, which affords convincing proof that the Canadians had no intention of sitting down and wringing their hands over the departure of the Imperial regiments, though it was undoubtedly a great blow to them, both socially and commercially. To enter more into detail, the 1st Hussars, 2nd Dragoons, and Princess Louise's Dragoon Guards date from 1872, the King's Canadian Hussars from 1874, the 3rd Dragoons and 4th Hussars from 1875, the 5th Dragoons from 1877, the Winnipeg Dragoons from 1878, and the 6th Hussars from 1879.  The 8th Hussars and the Queen's Own Canadian Hussars - the only wearers of the busbies, it will be recollected - have an older date, going back respectively to 1869 and 1856; while the Manitoba Dragoons came later, in 1893.  Being left to their own resources, the Canadians at once commenced to improve and extend their organisation.  While the British troops were among them, it had been customary to permit individual officers and men who desired to perfect themselves to spend a short time with various regiments for that purpose.  The departure of the Linesmen was followed by the institution of military schools, and subsequently of a Royal Military College at Kingston, which is conducted on the model of Sandhurst, and four commissions are given annually by the British Government to successful competitors.  The Imperial troops, however, had some work found for them before finally departing.  Canada was passing through an interesting phase of its history just then, and one event led to another.  In 1867 was passed the Act of Confederation of the British North American Provinces by which all were included in the Dominion of Canada; and the consummation of this Act had the effect of drawing attention to the territory in the North West, then almost entirely in the hands of Hudson's Bay Company; and following on the precedent afforded by the cession of India and the extinction of the East India Company, it was considered that the time had arrived for a similar policy in the North West Provinces.  It will be necessary for us to go a little into the history of these occurrences, in explanation of subsequent events which compelled the Dominion Government to call out part of her Militia, assisted in the first instance by some Imperial troops, though in after years they "ran the whole show" themselves, and with credit, as will be seen; but the details must be reserved for a future number.

Extract from "The Navy and Army Illustrated Vol. VI" (April 16th 1898)

 

 

Officers of the Royal Regiment of Canadian Infantry. (1896)

Our illustration shows Canada's Royal Regiment of Infantry, commonly termed the "Royal Canadians".  In these days of Imperial unity, it may be interesting to see representations of a regular Colonial Regiment on parade.  This regiment very rarely meets together, as its two most distant depots are over 1,000 mile apart, but a concentration at Quebec was specially arranged for by Colonel Herbert, grenadier Guards, then local Major-General commanding the Canadian Forces.  He was present himself during the period of concentration of some seven weeks.  The Battalion consists of four companies, and two more companies of Militia, made up of Militiamen from all parts of Canada, were attached for instruction, as also a few Militia Officers (distinguishable by their white belts).  This regiment is a very smart and reliable body of men, under the same discipline and regulations as Her Majesty's Imperial Forces.  The men are enlisted for three years' service, with the option of a further re-engagement.  The privates 1s. 8d. per day, with full rations.

A Parade of the Royal Regiment of Canadian Infantry. (1896)

It has been suggested, both here and in the Dominion, that this Battalion should be linked with the Prince of Wales's Leinster Regiment (Royal Canadians) of the British Army, of which the 1st Battalion was originally the old 100th Foot (Royal Canadians), by this means one of the three battalions could always be retained in Canada, a suggestion which, if acted upon, would produce the best results, in tending to bind together the forces of the Empire and in maintaining efficiency in the /colonial portion of that force.  In addition to its garrison duties it forms at its several depots, School of Instruction for Militia Officers and men, who attend for three months at a time, and are quartered in barracks under the command of one of the officers of the regiment.  By this means they learn, by example and rule, the duties of a soldier in all its branches, and become of much use in themselves instructing their Militia Battalions during their twelve days' training.  The Permanent or regular force also comprises cavalry, field and garrison artillery, but the Act under which it is maintained restricts it to 1,000 men, so great is the fear of paying for a standing Army in the Colonies.

Gunners of "A" Battery of the Royal Canadian Artillery Equipped for Winter Service. (1896)

These are some of the Gunners of "A" Field Battery of the Royal Canadian Artillery in their winter garb, equipped with snow shoes and ready for campaigning amid ice and snow.  The Dominion Government keeps up a regular Corps of Artillery, distributed into three batteries, of which "A" Field Battery is the senior.  There are also fifteen Militia Field Batteries on the Canadian Establishment, mobilized for training at fixed periods.

Troopers of the Royal Canadian Dragoons (Hussars) (1896)

The defensive forces of Canada are the Militia of the Dominion.  This Militia (under a Major-General of the British Army with headquarters staff) is divided into an Active and a Reserve force, the Active force comprising men called out for training annually.  From among these, seven regiments, two squadrons and four independent troops of cavalry are accounted for, in addition to batteries of artillery (eighteen field and forty-two garrison), three companies of engineers and ninety-five battalions of infantry, with nine permanently embodied corps - two troops of cavalry (typical men of one of which we show here), three batteries of artillery and four companies of infantry, numbering in all 1,000 rank and file, comprised of men enlisted for three years permanent service, officered from the Royal Military College at Kingston, and trained in every respect up to the standard of the British Imperial Army.

Lt.-Col. J.F. Wilson, Royal Canadian Artillery

Staff Sergeants and Sergeants, 9th (Toronto) Field Battery.

Battery in Action, Artillery Practice Camp, Deseronto

The 3rd Montreal Field Battery (1898)

The North West Mounted Police of Canada. (1898)

A Canadian Racing Team

Sergeant-Major Kendall, 3rd Field Battery, Canadian Artillery. (1898)

Trumpeter Bishop, 3rd Field Battery, Canadian Artilley.

North West Mounted Police - Summer Dress (1898)

Officers of the Governor-General's Foot Guards

The 65th "Mount Royal" Rifles, Montreal - Sergeant and Private (1898)

Two non-commissioned Officers and a Private of the 10th Grenadiers (1898)

Canada's only Grenadier regiment at the time.

A Review of the Governor-General's Foot Guards (1898)

A Bugle-Major of the 2nd Queen's Own Rifles.

The Band of the 2nd Queen's Own Rifles (1898)

The 3rd Victoria Rifles at Drill. (1898)

An Inspection of the 5th Royal Scots (1898)

The Bicycle Corps of the 3rd Victoria Rifles (1898)

A Group of all Arms - Representing Canada (1898)

Officers of the 13th Battalion of Infantry (1898)

The Officers of the Contingent

The Jubilee Contingent at Quebec (1898)

The Highland Cadets of Canada on Rifle Exercise

Major Lydon and the Cadet Non-Commissioned Officers

The Officers of the 48th Highlanders

 

HAMPDEN ZANE CHURCHIL COCKBURN  (Liieutenant, now Major)  Royal Canadian Dragoons             On November 7th 1900, at Komati River, the guns were in great danger of being captured by the Boers, but Lieutenant Cockburn behaved with conspicuous coolness and bravery, and with only a few men, held off the enemy long enough to enable the guns to be got successfully away to safety, not, however without severe loss among his gallant followers, all whom were killed, wounded, or taken prisoners, he himself being wounded.   Major Cockburn is the son of Mr George Ralph Richardson Cockburn, now a director of the Ontario Bank in Toronto, and for many years M.P. for that city, as well as Principal of Upper Canada College.  Born on November 19th 1867, he was educated at Upper Canada College, and Rugby School, Engalnd.  On November 20th 1891, entered Governor-General?s Body Guard as 2nd Lieutenant, and early in 1900 volunteered for service in South Africa, where in addition to the Victoria Cross, he gained the Queen?s Medal with clasps for Cape Colony, Diamond Hill, Johannesburg, and Orange Free State, in all of which actions, and during the entire service (when the regiment marched 1,700 miles and took part in forty-five engagements), he commanded a troop.  The officers undr whose command the Victoria Cross was gained by him were Colonel Lessard, in command of unit, and Major-General Smith-Dorrien, G.O.C., and it was presented to him by H.R.H. the Duke of Cornwall and York at Toronto on October 11th 1901, as was also on the same occasion, a sword of honour voted to him by the counciil of that city.  Major Cockburn possesses also the Royal Cabadian Humane Society?s medal for having, at great personal risk, saved the lives from drowning of two brothers, Robert and James Harris, in Lake Rosseau, on September 20th 1897. 

RICHARD ERNEST WILLIAM TURNER D.S.O.  (Lieutenant, now Lieut-Colonel, queen?s Own Canadian Hussars)  Royal Canadian Dragoons            At Komati River, Novemebr 7th 1900, when the Canadians did such splendid work-as, indeed, they did throughout the whole of they South African service-Lieutenant Turner?s conduct was particularly noticeable, especially when the boers made a most determined attack upon the guns, very nearly succeeding in capturing them.  Although he had been twice wounded earlier in the day, Lieutenant Turner dismounted, deployed his men at close quarters, repelled and finally repulsed the Boers, and it was to the courageous initiative and splendid handling of the gallant men by himself and Lieutenant Cockburn, and the brave conduct of Sergeant Holland, that the saving of the guns was chiefly due. Son of Richard Turner, Esq., of Quebec, where he was born on July 25th 1871, Colonel turner entered the Queen?s Own Canadian Hussars on April 22nd 1892.  The senior officers under whom the Cross-was gained were Major-General Smith-Dorrien and Colonel Lissard, C.B.  Possesses the Coronation Medal in addition to that for South Africa with six clasps.  The Cross-was presented to him by H.R.H. the Prince of Wales at Quebec during His Royal Highness?s visit to the Dominion in 1902.  Three times ?named? in despatches, and severely wounded.  

E. HOLLAND  (Seragent)  Royal Canadian Dragoons               On November 7th 1900, during the operations at Komati River, Sergeant Holland was associated with Lieutenants Cockburn and Turner in the splendid work done by those officers and their men on that day.  When the Boers attacked, and nearly captured, the two 12-pounders guns, it was greatly owing to the fine work done by Holland with a Colt-gun that the enemy were kept in check; and later, finding them so close upon him that therer waas no chance of his escaping with the gun and carriage, owing to his horse being too exhausted, with the utmost coolness and selfpossession, he lifted the gun off the carriage mounted the horse, and rode away with it under his arm. 

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