Canadian Militia badges, Manitoba, Saskatchewan, Alberta, British Columbia, Yukon, York Sunbury Historical Society, Fredericton Region Museum collection

Canadian Militia badges, Manitoba, Saskatchewan, Alberta, British Columbia, Yukon

(Library and Archives Canada Image, MIKAN No. 2837873)

Uniforms of the Canadian Militia, 1898. Arthur H. Hider (1870-1952).

The Canadian Militia is a historical title for military units raised for the defence of Canada. The term has been used to describe sedentary militia units raised from local communities in Canada; as well as the regular army for the Province of Canada and post-confederated Canada, referred to as the active militias.

The earliest militia units in Canada dates back to 16th century in New France. In the French colony, a compulsory militia of settlers from every parish was raised in order to support the military of New France in the defence and expansion of the colony. Sedentary militia units were also raised by the British, to defend its colonies and to support British military operations on the continent. The sedentary militia eventually fell into disuse in the late-19th century, although vestiges of the sedentary militia system continued into the early-20th century.

The Canadian Militia also referred to the regular army established by the Province of Canada under the Militia Act of 1855. The two organizations that originated from the act, the Permanent Active Militia (PAM), and the Non-Permanent Active Militia (NPAM), continued to serve as Canada's regular army following Canadian Confederation in 1867. In November 1940, both PAM and NPAM were reorganized as the Canadian Army, with PAM becoming the Army's Regular Force, and NPAM becoming the Army Reserve. The Army Reserve continues to be informally referred to as the militia in Canada. (Wikipedia)

During the First World War, the militia was not mobilized, with Canadians serving overseas enlisting with the Canadian Expeditionary Force (CEF), a separate military field force managed by the Ministry of Overseas Military Forces. Cavalry Regiments are listed on a separate page on this website.

Militia

Manitoba

The Manitoba Horse

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(Internet Photo)

The Fort Garry Horse (Militia).

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91st Winnipeg Light Infantry Battalion

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91st Battalion Manitoba Light Infantry

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95th Battalion Manitoba Grenadiers

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The Manitoba Rangers

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The Manitoba Mounted Rifles

(York Sunbury Historical Society, Fredericton Region Museum Collection, Author Photo)

Accession No. 1997.28.14.

The 1st Battalion, Canadian Mounted Rifles was formed in Brandon, Manitoba. in 1920, the 1st battalion was disbanded and perpetuation of the 1st battalion continued through the Manitoba Mounted Rifles and the Saskatchewan Mounted Rifles. The Manitoba Rifles converted to artillery in 1946.

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The Border Horse

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Manitoba Dragoons

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12th Manitoba Dragoons

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The Winnipeg Light Infantry

(York Sunbury Historical Society, Fredericton Region Museum Collection, Author Photo)

Accession No. 1997.28.122.

The Winnipeg Light Infantry was an infantry regiment of the Non-Permanent Active Militia of the Canadian Militia (now the Canadian Army). In 1955, the regiment was amalgamated with The Royal Winnipeg Rifles. Originated on 1 April 1912, in Winnipeg, Manitoba, as the 106th Regiment, Winnipeg Light Infantry. Redesignated on 12 March 1920, as The Winnipeg Light Infantry. Redesignated on 15 December 1936, as The Winnipeg Light Infantry (Machine Gun).Redesignated on 18 March 1942, as the 2nd (Reserve) Battalion, The Winnipeg Light Infantry (Machine Gun). Redesignated on 1 June 1945, as The Winnipeg Light Infantry (Machine Gun).Redesignated on 1 April 1946, as The Winnipeg Light Infantry. Amalgamated on 30 June 1955, with The Royal Winnipeg Rifles.

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The 90th Battalion of Winnipeg Rifles

(York Sunbury Historical Society, Fredericton Region Museum Collection, Author Photo)

Accession No. 1997.28.18.

The 90th Battalion of Winnipeg Rifles (c1885).

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The 90th Regiment Winnipeg Rifles

(York Sunbury Historical Society, Fredericton Region Museum Collection, Author Photo)

Accession No. 1997.28.558.

The 90th Regiment Winnipeg Rifles.

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The Royal Winnipeg Rifles

The Royal Winnipeg Rifles originated in 1883 as the 90th Winnipeg Battalion of Rifles. In 1900 the unit was designated the 90th Regiment Winnipeg Rifles and the Winnipeg Rifles in 1920. In 1935 the unit became The Royal Winnipeg Rifles and in 1955 the unit amalgamated with the Winnipeg Light Infantry but remained The Royal Winnipeg Rifles which still exist today.

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The Winnipeg Grenadiers

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The Queen’s Own Cameron Highlanders of Canada

(York Sunbury Historical Society, Fredericton Region Museum Collection, Author Photo)

Accession No. 1997.28.457.

The Queen’s Own Cameron Highlanders of Canada. 79th.

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2nd Armoured Car Regiment (12th Manitoba Dragoons)

(York Sunbury Historical Society, Fredericton Region Museum Collection, Author Photo)

Accession No. 1997.28.18.

2nd Armoured Car Regiment (12th Manitoba Dragoons).

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The Manitoba Regiment

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Saskatchewan

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18th Canadian Light Horse

(Canadian Soldier Photo)

18th Canadian Light Horse.

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The Assiniboia Regiment

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The Yorkton Regiment

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14th Canadian Hussars

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14th Princess of Wales Own Rifles

(York Sunbury Historical Society, Fredericton Region Museum Collection, Military Antiques Photo)

Accession No. 1997.28.475.

The 21st Canadian Infantry Battalion was authorized to be recruited in Eastern Ontario with mobilization headquarters at Kingston effective October 21st 1914 under General Order 35 of 15 March 1915. The 21st Battalion was formed by the 14th Princess of Wales Own Rifles, 15th Argyll Light Infantry, the 15th Prince Edward Regiment, the 42nd Lanark and Renfrew Regiment, the 49th Hastings Rifles and the 59th Stormont and Glengarry Regiment these regiments previously having contributed volunteers to the 2nd Battalion on its formation at Camp Valcartier in August 1914. The 21st Infantry Battalion sailed for England on 4 May 1915 with 42 officers and 1,057 other ranks under command of Lieutenant-Colonel W. St. P. Hughes (14th Princess of Wales Own Rifles), assigned to the 4th Infantry Brigade, 2nd Canadian Division. The 21st Battalion served in the 4th Infantry Brigade 2nd Canadian Division for the duration of the war being disbanded under General Order 149 on 15 September 1920.

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The Royal Military College

(York Sunbury Historical Society, Fredericton Region Museum Collection, Military Antiques Photo)

Accession No. 1997.28.468. Helmet plate.

The Royal Military College. "Following the withdrawal of British forces from Canada in 1870–71, the federal government recognized the need for an officer training college in Canada. In 1874, during the administration of the Hon. Alexander Mackenzie, enabling legislation was passed. Located on Point Frederick, the site of the former Royal Naval Dockyard, the new college opened on June 1, 1876, with 18 cadets under Lt.-Col. Edward O. Hewett, R.E. Named the Royal Military College of Canada in 1878, it offered academic and military training courses designed to prepare cadets for both military and civil careers. The college was reorganized in 1948 as a tri-service institution and, in 1959, it became the first military college in the British Commonwealth to achieve degree-granting statusThe Royal Military College of Canada (French: Collège militaire royal du Canada), abbreviated in English as RMC and in French as CMR,[4][5] is a military academy and, since 1959, a degree-granting university of the Canadian Armed Forces. It was established in 1874 and conducted its first classes on June 1, 1876. The Government of Ontario empowered RMC to confer degrees in the Social Sciences and Humanities, Science, and Engineering through The Royal Military College of Canada Degrees Act, 1959. Programs are offered at the undergraduate and graduate levels, both on campus as well as through the college's distance learning programme via the Division of Continuing Studies.

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60th Rifles of Canada (1913-1920)

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The Saskatchewan Dragoons

(York Sunbury Historical Society, Fredericton Region Museum Collection, Author Photo)

Accession No. 1997.28.70.

The Kings Own Rifles of Canada originated as a 'regiment of infantry' in 1905. In 1907 the unit was designated the 95th Regiment and in 1909 the 95th Saskatchewan Rifles. In 1920 the unit amalgamated with the 60th Rifles of Canada and was designated the South Saskatchewan Regiment. In 1924 it was designated The Kings Own Rifles of Canada. In 1949 the unit became the 20th Saskatchewan Armoured Regiment and in 1954 The Saskatchewan Dragoons.

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The Weyburn Regiment

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The Saskatchewan Border Regiment

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South Saskatchewan Regiment

(York Sunbury Historical Society, Fredericton Region Museum Collection, Author Photo)

Accession No. 1997.28.527

South Saskatchewan Regiment

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The Regina Rifle Regiment

The Regina Rifle Regiment originated in 1905 as a regiment of infantry in the districts of Assiniboia and Saskatchewan. It was designated the 95th Regiment in 1907, and the 95th Saskatchewan Rifles in 1909. In 1920, the unit amalgamated with the 60th Rifles of Canada and was designated The South Saskatchewan Regiment. In 1936 the unit amalgamated with Headquarters and A Company of the 12th Machine Gun Battalion. In 1940 it was designated the Regina Rifles. The unit became the Royal Regina Rifles in 1982.

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The Saskatchewan Mounted Rifles

(York Sunbury Historical Society, Fredericton Region Museum Collection, Author Photo)

Accession No. 1997.28.7.

The Saskatchewan Mounted Rifles.

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16th Canadian Light Horse

(York Sunbury Historical Society, Fredericton Region Museum Collection, Mychaela Igarik Photo)

Accession No. 1997.28.238.

The 16th Canadian Light Horse was a light cavalry regiment of the Non-Permanent Active Militia of the Canadian Militia (now the Canadian Army). First formed in 1905 as the 16th Mounted Rifles, the regiment was Redesignated in 1908 as the 16th Light Horse and again in 1920 as the 16th Canadian Light Horse. In 1936, the regiment was amalgamated with The Saskatchewan Mounted Rifles to form the 16th/22nd Saskatchewan Horse (now part of The North Saskatchewan Regiment).

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16th/22nd Saskatchewan Horse

(York Sunbury Historical Society, Fredericton Region Museum Collection, Author Photo)

Accession No. 1997.28.28.

In 1936 the 16th Canadian Light Horse amalgamated with the Saskatchewan Mounted Rifles to form the 16th/22nd Saskatchewan Horse. In 1946 the 16th/22nd Saskatchewan Horse amalgamated with The Prince Albert Volunteers and designated The Prince Albert and Battleford Volunteers

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The Battleford Light Infantry

(York Sunbury Historical Society, Fredericton Region Museum Collection, Author Photo)

Accession No. 1997.28.98.

The Battleford Light Infantry.

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The Prince Albert Volunteers

(York Sunbury Historical Society, Fredericton Region Museum Collection, Author Photo)

Accession No. 1997.28.86.

The Prince Albert Volunteers originated in 1912 as the 105th Regiment (Fusiliers). In 1920 the unit amalgamated with the52nd Regiment Prince Albert Volunteers and became the North Saskatchewan Regiment. In 1924 the unit was separated into four regiments including The Prince Albert Volunteers. In 1936 The Prince Albert Volunteers amalgamated with the Battleford Light Infantry and became The Prince Albert and Battleford Volunteers and amalgamated in 1946 with the Battleford Light Infantry.

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The Prince Albert and Battleford Volunteers

(York Sunbury Historical Society, Fredericton Region Museum Collection, Author Photo)

Accession No. 1997.28.102.

The Prince Albert and Battleford Volunteers.

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105th Regiment (Saskatoon Fusiliers)

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The North Saskatchewan Regiment

(Private Collection Photo)

The Saskatoon Light Infantry

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The North Saskatchewan Regiment

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Alberta

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Red Deer Independent Squadron of Light Horse

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Pine Lake Independent Squadron of Light Horse

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35th Central Alberta Horse

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31st (Alberta) Reconnaissance Regiment

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23rd Alberta Rangers

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21st Alberta Hussars

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The Alberta Mounted Rifles

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The Alberta Mounted Rifles

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The South Alberta Horse

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15th Canadian Light Horse

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15th Alberta Light Horse

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The Alberta Regiment

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The North Alberta Regiment

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The South Alberta Regiment

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The South Alberta Light Horse

(York Sunbury Historical Society, Fredericton Region Museum Collection, Author Photo)

Accession No. 1997.28.45.

(York Sunbury Historical Society, Fredericton Region Museum Collection, Author Photo)

Accession No. 1997.28.41.

The South Alberta Light Horse originated in 1905 under the name "The 15th Light Horse". The unit was designated the 15th Canadian Light Horse in 1920. Amalgamated with the South Alberta Horse in 1936; in 1946 the unit amalgamated with 22nd Field Battery; in 1954 the unit amalgamated with the South Alberta Regiment and the 41st Anti-Tank Regiment.

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The Edmonton Regiment

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19th Alberta Dragoons

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The Edmonton Fusiliers

(York Sunbury Historical Society, Fredericton Region Museum Collection, Author Photo)

Accession No. 1997.28.88.

The Edmonton Fusiliers originated in 1908 as the 101st Regiment and was designated the 101st Regiment Edmonton Fusiliers in 1909 and the Edmonton Regiment in 1920. In 1924 the unit was separated unit two regiments including the Edmonton Fusiliers. In 1946 The Edmonton Fusiliers amalgamated with 19th Alberta Dragoons.

(York Sunbury Historical Society, Fredericton Region Museum Collection, Author Photo)

Accession No. 1997.28.20.

(York Sunbury Historical Society, Fredericton Region Museum Collection, Author Photo)

Accession No. 1997.28.21.

The Edmonton Fusiliers were the 19th Armoured Car Regiment between 1946 and 1949 when they were renamed to the 19th Alberta Armoured Car Regiment. Details of The Edmonton Fusiliers were called out on service on 26 August 1939 and then placed on active service on 1 September 1939 for local protection duties. These details were disbanded on 31 December 1940. The regiment mobilized the 1st Battalion, The Edmonton Fusiliers, CASF, on 24 May 1940. It served in Canada in a home defence role as part of the 13th Infantry Brigade,6th Canadian Infantry Division. The 1st Battalion disbanded on 14 November 1945. The regiment also mobilized the 3rd Battalion, The Edmonton Fusiliers, CASF, for active service on 12 May 1942, which served in Canada in a home defence role as part of the 16th Infantry Brigade,8th Canadian Infantry Division. The 3rd Battalion disbanded on 15 August 1943.

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The Loyal Edmonton Regiment

(Private Collection Photo)

The Loyal Edmonton Regiment

The Calgary Regiment

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The Calgary Highlanders

(York Sunbury Historical Society, Fredericton Region Museum Collection, Author Photo)

Accession No. 1997.28.46.

The Calgary Highlanders.

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The King’s Own Calgary Regiment

(York Sunbury Historical Society, Fredericton Region Museum Collection, Author Photo)

Accession No. 1997.28.532.

The King’s Own Calgary Regiment.

Legion of Frontiersmen

(York Sunbury Historical Society, Fredericton Region Museum Collection, Author Photo)

Accession No. 1997.28.117.

The Legion of Frontiersmen was a civilian organisation formed in Britain in 1905 by Roger Pocock, a former constable with the North-West Mounted Police and Boer War veteran. Prompted by fears of an impending invasion of Britain and the Empire, the organisation was founded to be a field intelligence corps that would watch over and protect the boundaries of the Empire. Headquartered in London, the Legion of Frontiersmen formed branches throughout the Empire to prepare enlistees for war and to foster vigilance in peacetime. Despite efforts, the Legion never achieved significant official recognition; in part because many Commonwealth nations' laws prohibit militia groups.

Casualties in the First World War devastated the Legion of Frontiersmen, and except for a brief resurgence in the interwar period, a series of schisms and sectarianism prevented attempts to reinvigorate the movement. In the late 1930s, the Legion of Frontiersmen in Canada was formally affiliated with the Royal Canadian Mounted Police, but after a schism split within the Canadian Frontiersmen, the RCMP severed formal ties. Various Legion of Frontiersmen groups still exist throughout the Commonwealth, but as a whole, it has been unable to define its niche post Second World War; especially because the organisation generally refuses to provide information about its activities to prospective applicants.

Colonel Daniel Patrick Driscoll DSO, raised the 25th Battalion, Royal Fusiliers from Frontiersmen. During the First World War, the Legion of Frontiersmen helped raise and fill the ranks of the Princess Patricia's Canadian Light Infantry, the 19th Alberta Dragoons, the 49th Battalion - Canadian Expeditionary Force (today's Loyal Edmonton Regiment), the 210th Battalion (Frontiersmen), - Canadian Expeditionary Force, the 25th (Frontiersmen) Battalion, Royal Fusiliers, and the Newfoundland Regiment. Despite the nature of the organisation, many of its members had no military experience and were probably no better (or worse) than other recruits to other wartime raised units.

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British Columbia

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British Columbia Hussars

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Kootenay Rifles

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107th East Kootenay Regiment

(York Sunbury Historical Society, Fredericton Region Museum, Author Photo)

Accession No.1997.28.476.

This Reserve Force regiment originated in Fernie, British Columbia on 1 May 1914, when an "eight company regiment of infantry" was authorized to be formed. It was redesignated: '107th (East Kootenay) Regiment' on 2 November 1914;and 'The Kootenay Regiment' on 12 March 1920.On 15 December 1936 it was converted to artillery and redesignated the '24th (Kootenay) Field Brigade, RCA'.4It was redesignated: '24th Reserve (Kootenay) Field Brigade, RCA' on 7 November 1940;5'24th Reserve (Kootenay) Field Regiment, RCA' on 15 March 1943;6'24th Field Regiment, RCA' on 1 April 1946;7'24th Heavy Anti- Aircraft Regiment, RCA' on 5 February 1948;8'24th Medium Anti-Aircraft Regiment, RCA' on 22 August 1955;9'24th Medium Anti-Aircraft Artillery Regiment, RCA' on 12 April 1960;10and '24th Field Artillery Regiment, RCA' on 10 December 1962.11It was reduced to nil strength and transferred to the Supplementary Order of Battle on 28 February 1965.

The North British Columbia Regiment

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The Prince Rupert Regiment

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5th British Columbia Regiment of Garrison Artillery

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6th Regiment (The Duke of Connaught’s Own Rifles)

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The British Columbia Regiment (Duke of Connaught’s Own)

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104th Regiment (Westminster Fusiliers of Canada)

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The Westminster Regiment

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The Irish Fusiliers of Canada (The Vancouver Regiment)

(York Sunbury Historical Society, Fredericton Region Museum Collection, Author Photo)

Accession No.1997.28.526.

Irish Fusiliers of Canada (The Vancouver Regiment).

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The Rocky Mountain Rangers

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The Seaforth Highlanders of Canada

(York Sunbury Historical Society, Fredericton Region Museum Collection, Author Photo)

Accession No. 1997.28.50.

(York Sunbury Historical Society, Fredericton Region Museum Collection, Author Photo)

Accession No. 1997.28.257.

The Seaforth Highlanders of Canada was established in 1910 by Vancouver citizens of Scottish descent. Upon recognition of the British Army, the 72nd Highlanders of Canada were designated the 72nd Seaforth Highlanders of Canada in 1912.  GUIDICH'N RIGH - "HELP THE KING".

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50th Regiment (Gordon Highlanders)

(York Sunbury Historical Society, Fredericton Region Museum Collection, Author Photo)

Accession No. 1997.28.463. Helmet plate.

The 50th Regiment (Gordon Highlanders of Canada) was a regiment based in Victoria, British Columbia. Soldiers from the regiment were drawn for the 16th (Canadian Scottish) Battalion, CEF in 1914.

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88th Regiment (Victoria Fusiliers)

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The Canadian Scottish Regiment (Princess Mary’s)

(York Sunbury Historical Society, Fredericton Region Museum Collection, Author Photo)

Accession No. 1997.28.542.

The Canadian Scottish Regiment (Princess Mary’s).

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The British Columbia Dragoons

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The reserve originated in 1911 in Vernon, British Columbia when two four squadron regiments (The British Columbia Horse) were authorized to be formed. The badges name "The British Columbia Dragoons" was not officially used until 1929. Preceding The British Columbia Dragoons was the 30th Regiment British Columbia Horse (1912) and British Columbia Mounted Rifles (1920).

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1st British Columbia Regiment

(York Sunbury Historical Society, Fredericton Region Museum Collection, Author Photo)

Accession No. 1997.28.104.

1st British Columbia Regiment, a bronze badge with two lions standing on a rock ledge. Inscribed beneath the ledge is ALACRITER (courageous ready).

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Pacific Coast Militia Rangers

(York Sunbury Historical Society, Fredericton Region Museum Collection, Author Photo)

Accession No. 1997.28.115.

The Pacific Coast Militia Rangers began as the Coastal Defence Guards and were finally recognized as the Pacific Coast Militia Rangers (PCMR). The PCMR were unique to the west coast of Canada and were formed in early 1942 to protect British Columbia (BC) and calm public unease over possible enemy activities. After the attack at Pearl Harbour and declaration of war against Japan, patrols of BC’s rugged country appeared to be a necessity, one that could not be carried out by local militia forces, who were deemed more suited to populated areas.

Experienced men such as loggers, trappers, prospectors and ranchers were sought for this distinctive role. These men had knowledge of the local topography and terrain. Those who were close to populated centres were trained and employed at a local Ranger Training Camp in intelligence duties and local defence against minor raids. They were also instructed in tactical situations that included observation, especially coast watching against the possible Japanese invasion, anti-sabotage measures and protection of lines of communication and transportation. On September 30, 1945 at Brockton Point Oval, the PCMR were stood down.

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Yukon

‍Dawson Rifle Company

The Yukon Regiment

(York Sunbury Historical Society, Fredericton Region Museum Collection, Author Photo)

Accession No. 1997.28.126.

The Yukon Regiment was a short lived infantry regiment of the Canadian Army Reserve, currently on the Supplementary Order of Battle. The regiment originated in Whitehorse, Yukon on 19 March 1962, when 'The Yukon Regiment' was authorized to be formed. It was reduced to nil strength and transferred to the Supplementary Order of Battle on 15 June 1968.