Brockville Rifles

Last updated

The Brockville Rifles
The Brockville Rifles badge.png
Cap badge
Active1866-present
CountryCanada
Branch Primary Reserve
Type Rifles
Role Light infantry
SizeOne battalion
Part of Royal Canadian Infantry Corps
Garrison/HQ Brockville
Motto(s) Semper paratus
March"Bonnie Dundee"
AnniversariesRegimental birthday - 5 October 1866
Engagements Fenian Raids
First World War
Second World War
War in Afghanistan
Battle honours See #Battle honours
Website canada.ca/en/army/corporate/4-canadian-division/the-brockville-rifles.html OOjs UI icon edit-ltr-progressive.svg
Commanders
Current
commander		LCol Sean McDonaugh

The Brockville Rifles is a Primary Reserve infantry regiment of the Canadian Army. The unit is a part of the 33 Canadian Brigade Group, 4th Canadian Division. [1] It is fifteenth in the order of precedence of Canadian Army Infantry Regiments. [2] [3]

Contents

Badge

Description

A hunting horn is hung from a silver cord in the center of a gules (red) background, all of which is in a silver-bordered black ring with "The Brockville Rifles" inscribed in silver, all centered on a silver-and-black Maltese cross whose upper branch reads "Amiens" and the lower branch reads "Pursuit to Mons," both in silver. Over the cross is a crown. [4]

Symbolism

The Maltese cross and the bugle are typical among badges of light infantry and rifle regiments. "The Brockville Rifles" is the regimental title, and "Amiens" and "Pursuit to Mons" are battle honors from the First World War. The crown represents service to the Crown. [5]

Lineage

The Brockville Rifles

32nd Anti-Tank Battery (Self-Propelled), RCA

Lineage chart

Lineage chart [6]
1812Bn of Incorporated Militia of Upper Canada1st and 2nd Regts of Leeds Militia
1815DisbandedDisbanded
1855Independent rifle coysVolunteer Militia Coy of Foot Arty of Kingston
1856Volunteer Militia Field Bty of Arty of Kingston
186641st "Brockville Bn of Rifles"
1894No. 5 "Kingston" Field Bty
18955th "Kingston" Field Bty, CA
190041st Regt "Brockville Rifles"
1915156th "Overseas" Bn, CEF32nd "Overseas" Bty, CFA, CEF
1918Absorbed by 6th Reserve Bn, CEF
19201st Bn (156th Bn, CEF), The Brockville Rifles2nd Bn, [lower-alpha 1] The Brockville RiflesDisbanded32nd (Kingston) Bty, CFA [lower-alpha 2]
192532nd (Kingston) Field Bty, CA
1935
1936The Brockville RiflesDisbanded
194032nd (Reserve) (Kingston) Field Bty, RCA
194032nd/34th Field Bty, RCA, CASF3rd/32nd (Reserve) Field Bty, RCA
194132nd (Kingston) Light Anti-Aircraft Bty, RCA, CASF34th Field Bty, RCA, CASF
19421st Bn, The Brockville Rifles, CASF2nd (Reserve) Bn, The Brockville Rifles
194332nd (Reserve) Anti-Aircraft Bty (Type 2H), RCA
19433rd/32nd (Reserve) Field Bty, RCA
1945Disbanded2nd 32nd Light Anti-Aircraft Bty, RCA, CAOF
1946Disbanded60th Light Anti-Aircraft Regt (Brockville Rifles), RCADisbanded32nd Anti-Tank Bty (Self-Propelled), RCA [lower-alpha 3]
195432nd Locating Bty (Brockville Rifles), RCA
1959The Brockville Rifles
2012

Perpetuations

The Brockville Rifles perpetuate the Battalion of Incorporated Militia of Upper Canada ; the 1st and 2nd regiments of Leeds Militia (1812–15); the 156th Battalion, CEF; and 32nd Battery, Canadian Field Artillery, CEF.

The Brockville Rifles perpetuate units dating back to 1796 with the formation of the 1st Battalion, Leeds Militia at Elizabethtown (later Brockville). At its peak, Leeds County had raised a total of nine battalions. During the War of 1812, regiments that the Brockville Rifles perpetuate were involved in the capture of Ogdensburg and the Battle of Crysler's Farm. [7]

Operational history

Fenian Raids

The 41st Brockville Battalion of Rifles was called out on active service from 24 May 1870 to 1 June 1870 and served on the St. Lawrence River frontier. [2]

Great War

The 156th Battalion (Leeds and Grenville), CEF, was authorized on 22 December 1915 and embarked for Britain on 19 October 1916, where, on 1 November 1916, the battalion's personnel were absorbed by the 109th Battalion (Victoria & Haliburton), CEF; 119th Battalion (Algoma), CEF; 120th Battalion (City of Hamilton), CEF; 123rd Battalion (Royal Grenadiers), CEF; and 124th Battalion (Governor General's Body Guard), CEF. On 27 December 1916, the battalion was reformed to provide reinforcements to the Canadian Corps in the field until being absorbed by the 6th Reserve Battalion, CEF, on 15 February 1918. The battalion was disbanded on 29 November 1918. [2]

The 32nd Battery, CFA, CEF, was authorized on 15 August 1915 and embarked for Britain on 5 February 1916, disembarking in France on 14 July 1916, where it fought as part of the 9th Brigade, CFA, CEF, from 15 July 1916 to 1 July 1917, and subsequently with the 8th Army Brigade, CFA, in France and Flanders, from 5 July 1917 until the end of the war. The battery was disbanded on 23 October 1920. [2]

Second World War

The regiment mobilized the 1st Battalion, The Brockville Rifles, CASF, on 18 March 1942. It served in Canada in a home defence role as part of the 13th Infantry Brigade, 6th Canadian Division, and in Jamaica on garrison duty from 5 August 1944 to 27 March 1946. The battalion was disbanded on 30 April 1946. [2]

The regiment provided No. 2 Company of The Stormont, Dundas and Glengarry Highlanders, CASF, for active service on 24 May 1940. [2]

The 32nd (Kingston) Field Battery, RCA, in conjunction with the 34th Field Battery, RCA, mobilized the 32nd/34th Field Battery, RCA, CASF, on 24 May 1940. This unit was reorganized as two separate batteries on 1 January 1941, designated the 32nd (Kingston) Field Battery, RCA, CASF, and the 34th Field Battery, RCA, CASF, (which was redesignated the 32nd (Kingston) Light Anti-Aircraft Battery, RCA, CASF, on the same day). It provided light anti-aircraft artillery support as part of the 4th Light Anti-Aircraft Regiment, RCA, CASF, in North-West Europe until the end of the war. The overseas battery was disbanded on 13 November 1945. The battery subsequently mobilized the 2nd/32nd Light Anti-Aircraft Battery, RCA, Canadian Army Occupation Force, on 1 June 1945, for active service with the Canadian Army Occupation Force in Germany. The battery was disbanded on 4 April 1946. [2] [8]

War in Afghanistan

The regiment contributed an aggregate of more than 20% of its authorized strength to the various task forces which served in Afghanistan between 2002 and 2014. [9]

History

Early history

The Brockville Rifles originated in Brockville, Ontario on 5 October 1866, when the 41st Brockville Battalion of Rifles was authorized with six companies located as follows: 1 Company was in Brockville, 2 Company was in Gananoque, 3 Company was in Perth, 4 Company was in Merrickville, 5 Company was in Carleton Place, and 6 Company was in Pakenham. It was designated the 41st Regiment "Brockville Rifles" on 8 May 1900; The Brockville Rifles on 12 March 1920; and the 2nd (Reserve) Battalion, The Brockville Rifles on 18 March 1942.

First World War

On 22 December 1915, during World War I, the 156th Leeds & Grenville Battalion, Canadian Expeditionary Force, was authorized. The unit moved to England as part of the proposed 5th Canadian Division. However, a pressing need for troops and reinforcements on the front caused the disbanding of the unit; and its men were transferred to other units. [10]

1920s–1930s

Following World War I, the regiment was once again designated The Brockville Rifles. In April 1926, the Colonel Commandant of the King's Royal Rifle Corps invited the unit to ally with them. Today, following a series of amalgamations within the British Army, The Brockville Rifles are allied with The Rifles.

Second World War

On 24 May 1940, during World War II, the regiment provided No. 2 Company of The Stormont, Dundas and Glengarry Highlanders, Canadian Active Service Force. On 18 March 1942, the regiment mobilized the 1st Battalion, The Brockville Rifles, into the Canadian Active Service Force. It served in Canada, in a home defence role, as part of the 13th Infantry Brigade, 6th Canadian Division, and, from 5 August 1944 to 27 March 1946, in Jamaica on garrison duty. On 30 April 1946, the battalion was disbanded. The 2nd (Reserve) Battalion served on a part-time basis in the Reserve Army at home, in Brockville.

Post War

On 1 April 1946, The regiment (the "Brocks") was converted to artillery and redesignated the 60th Light Anti-Aircraft Regiment (Brockville Rifles), RCA. On 1 September 1954, it was amalgamated with the 32nd Anti-Tank Battery (Self-Propelled), RCA, and redesignated as the 32nd Locating Battery (Brockville Rifles), RCA. On 1 December 1959, it once again reverted to infantry and was redesignated The Brockville Rifles. [11]

Since the end of the Second World War, Members of The Brockville Rifles have served on operations in Afghanistan, Bosnia, The Former Republic of Georgia, among other deployments. The unit prepares soldiers to be employable as effective individual augmentees to Canadian Forces operations and deployments.

Alliances

Battle honours

In the list below, battle honours in capitals were awarded for participation in large operations and campaigns. Those in lowercase indicate those granted for more specific battles.

War of 1812

First World War

Second World War

War in Afghanistan

Recruiting

The unit recruits infantry soldiers and officers from Brockville and surrounding communities, traditionally west to Kingston and north to Kemptville and Ottawa. Basic training for the Primary Reserve is typically conducted every second weekend over a period of 6 months, during the fall and winter. Infantry soldiers must complete an 8-week qualification course at CFB Meaford. Infantry officers must complete basic training as well as two additional qualification courses at the Infantry School in CFB Gagetown, which require a further 10- and 12-week commitment.

Training

The Brocks train regularly at Canadian Armed Forces ranges and training areas, such as CFB Petawawa and CFB Kingston, as well as within Brockville, Prescott, and other local communities. Members of the unit are expected to train a minimum of one night a week and participate in one weekend exercise a month. Training consists of basic infantry soldier skills, individual battle-task standards, and more advanced training, such as urban operations and live-fire field exercises. The unit often trains with its sister unit—The Stormont, Dundas and Glengarry Highlanders—as well as participating in brigade-level training exercises with 33 Canadian Brigade Group as part of the 33 Territorial Battalion Group formation, encompassing units from across 33 CBG.

Armoury

SiteDate(s)DesignatedDescriptionImage
Brockville Armoury
1-9 East Avenue facing King Street		1900-11990 Recognized - Register of the Government of Canada Heritage BuildingsHousing The Brockville Rifles, this centrally located, large, low-massed, stone structure in the Romanesque style features a low-pitched gable roof.

See also

Notes

  1. ↑ Reserve order of battle
  2. ↑ 9th Field Brigade, CFA
  3. ↑ 9th Anti-Tank Regiment (Self-Propelled) (Argyll Light Infantry), RCA

Related Research Articles

12<sup>e</sup> Régiment blindé du Canada Military unit

The 12e Régiment blindé du Canada is a Canadian Army armoured regiment based in CFB Valcartier, on the outskirts of Quebec City. The regiment has both a Regular Force and a Primary Reserve unit. The 12e Régiment blindé du Canada's abbreviation is 12e RBC.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Nova Scotia Highlanders</span> Military unit

The Nova Scotia Highlanders is an infantry regiment in the primary reserve of the Canadian Army. It is part of 36 Canadian Brigade Group, 5th Canadian Division.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Princess of Wales' Own Regiment</span> Military unit

The Princess of Wales' Own Regiment (PWOR) is a Primary Reserve infantry regiment of the Canadian Army.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Hastings and Prince Edward Regiment</span> Military unit of Canada

The Hastings and Prince Edward Regiment is a Primary Reserve infantry regiment of the Canadian Army. The regiment is part of 33 Canadian Brigade Group, one of four brigade groups of 4th Canadian Division. The regimental headquarters and one company are at 187 Pinnacle Street in Belleville and on Willmott Street in Cobourg, with another rifle company in Peterborough. The Peterborough Armoury houses what was traditionally B Company or Moro Company. Moro Company also serves as the headquarters for the regiment’s Assault Pioneer Platoon. Normally, the regiment deploys as a composite, Ortona Company, while the headquarters and administration form Somme Company.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">North Saskatchewan Regiment</span> Military unit

The North Saskatchewan Regiment is a Primary Reserve infantry regiment of the Canadian Army, headquartered in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, with companies in Saskatoon and Prince Albert. Its current commanding officer is Lieutenant-Colonel Mike Graver, and the Regimental Sergeant-Major is Chief Warrant Officer Jason Balcaen. The N Sask R is part of the 3rd Canadian Division's 38 Canadian Brigade Group.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Canadian Scottish Regiment (Princess Mary's)</span> Military unit

The Canadian Scottish Regiment (Princess Mary's) is a Primary Reserve infantry regiment of the Canadian Army based on Vancouver Island in British Columbia.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Royal Montreal Regiment</span> Military unit

The Royal Montreal Regiment is a Primary Reserve infantry regiment of the Canadian Army based in Westmount, Quebec. It is part of the 2nd Canadian Division's 34 Canadian Brigade Group.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Royal Regina Rifles</span> Military unit

The Royal Regina Rifles is a Primary Reserve infantry regiment of the Canadian Army. Prior to 1982 the regiment was known as The Regina Rifle Regiment. The Royal Regina Rifles are part of 3rd Canadian Division's 38 Canadian Brigade Group.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Fusiliers de Sherbrooke</span> Military unit

Les Fusiliers de Sherbrooke is a Primary Reserve infantry regiment of the Canadian Army. It is based in Sherbrooke, Quebec, with a sub-unit in Granby.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Irish Regiment of Canada</span> Military unit

The Irish Regiment of Canada is a Primary Reserve infantry regiment of the Canadian Army based in Sudbury, Ontario. It is part of the 4th Canadian Division's 33 Canadian Brigade Group. Currently one battalion of the regiment exists.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Royal Rifles of Canada</span> Military unit

The Royal Rifles of Canada was a rifle regiment in the Canadian Army and fought alongside The Winnipeg Grenadiers in the Battle of Hong Kong during World War II. In November 1966, it was reduced to nil strength and placed on the Supplementary Order of Battle.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">North Shore (New Brunswick) Regiment</span> Military unit

The North Shore Regiment is a Primary Reserve infantry regiment of the Canadian Army, and is part of the 5th Canadian Division's 37 Canadian Brigade Group. The regiment is headquartered in Bathurst, New Brunswick, with sub-units located in Newcastle, Campbellton and Moncton.

49th Field Artillery Regiment, RCA, is a Canadian Forces Primary Reserve regiment based in Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario. The regiment is part of 4th Canadian Division's 33 Canadian Brigade Group.

The 24th Field Artillery Regiment, Royal Canadian Artillery was a Canadian Army Reserve artillery regiment based in Trail, British Columbia. It was formed in 1936 when The Kootenay Regiment was converted from infantry to artillery. The regiment currently exists on the Supplementary Order of Battle.

The 50th Field Artillery Regiment, Royal Canadian Artillery was a Canadian Army Reserve artillery regiment based in Peterborough, Ontario. The regiment exists "on paper" on the Supplementary Order of Battle.

The 56th Field Artillery Regiment, Royal Canadian Artillery is a Canadian Army Reserve artillery regiment based in Brantford, Ontario. The regiment is currently part of 4th Canadian Division's 32 Canadian Brigade Group.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Irish Fusiliers of Canada (The Vancouver Regiment)</span> Canadian infantry regiment

The Irish Fusiliers of Canada (The Vancouver Regiment) was an infantry regiment of the Canadian Army. It was placed on the Supplementary Order of Battle in 1965. In 2002, it was taken off the Supplementary Order of Battle and amalgamated with The British Columbia Regiment (Duke of Connaught's Own).

The 42nd Field Artillery Regiment, RCA is a Canadian Army Reserve artillery regiment based in Pembroke, Ontario. It is part of the 4th Canadian Division's 33 Canadian Brigade Group.

The 5th Field Regiment, Royal Canadian Artillery is a Canadian Army Reserve artillery regiment based at the Bay Street Armoury in Victoria, British Columbia. It is part of the 3rd Canadian Division's 39 Canadian Brigade Group. Although having served for nearly one-hundred and sixty years as a field artillery unit, the early history of the regiment is inextricably intertwined with the defences of the naval base at Esquimalt. The regiment is currently equipped with C3 towed 105mm gun-howitzers.

The 10th Field Artillery Regiment, RCA is an artillery regiment of the Canadian Army Primary Reserve. Based in Regina, Saskatchewan, the regiment forms part of the 38 Canadian Brigade Group of the 3rd Canadian Division.

References

  1. ↑ 1000-1 Organization Message - Canadian Army 181202Z JUL 13
  2. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 Defence, National (24 October 2018). "The Brockville Rifles". www.canada.ca. Retrieved 27 August 2022.
  3. ↑ "The Brockville Rifles [Canada]". 16 November 2007. Archived from the original on 16 November 2007. Retrieved 27 August 2022.
  4. ↑ A-DH-267-003/AF-002 -- Volume 3: Combat Arms Regiments Part Two: Infantry Regiments
  5. ↑ A-DH-267-003/AF-002 -- Volume 3: Combat Arms Regiments Part Two: Infantry Regiments
  6. ↑ "The Brockville Rifles". www.canada.ca. 24 October 2018. Retrieved 10 March 2022.
  7. ↑ Insignia and Lineages of the Canadian Forces A-DH-267-003/AF-002 -- Part Two: Infantry Regiments
  8. ↑ Insignia and Lineages of the Canadian Forces A-DH-267-003/AF-002 -- Part Two: Infantry Regiments
  9. ↑ "South-West Asia Theatre Honours | Prime Minister of Canada". Archived from the original on 12 May 2014. Retrieved 11 May 2014.
  10. ↑ A-DH-267-003/AF-002 -- Volume 3: Combat Arms Regiments Part Two: Infantry Regiments
  11. ↑ A-DH-267-003/AF-002 -- Volume 3: Combat Arms Regiments Part Two: Infantry Regiments
  12. ↑ Insignia and Lineages of the Canadian Forces A-DH-267-003/AF-002 -- Part Two: Infantry Regiments
  13. ↑ "South-West Asia Theatre Honours | Prime Minister of Canada". Archived from the original on 12 May 2014. Retrieved 11 May 2014.

Order of precedence

Preceded by The Brockville Rifles Succeeded by
This page is based on this Wikipedia article
Text is available under the CC BY-SA 4.0 license; additional terms may apply.
Images, videos and audio are available under their respective licenses.