The Royal Canadian Armoured Corps ( RCAC ; French: Corps blindé royal canadien ) is the armoured corps within the Canadian Army , including 3 Regular and 18 Reserve Force regiments, as well as the Royal Canadian Armoured Corps School .
64-627: The 4th Canadian Division is a formation of the Canadian Army . The division was first created as a formation of the Canadian Corps during the First World War . During the Second World War the division was reactivated as the 4th Canadian Infantry Division in 1941 and then converted to armour and redesignated as the 4th Canadian (Armoured) Division . Beginning in 1916 the division adopted
128-696: A Canadian soldier during the Normandy campaign (from 6 June 1944 to the end of August 1944), and the only VC ever awarded to a member of the Royal Canadian Armoured Corps . The then 32-year-old Currie was a Major in The South Alberta Regiment. During the Battle of Falaise, Normandy, between 18–20 August 1944, Currie was in command of a small mixed force of tanks, self-propelled anti-tank guns and infantry which had been ordered to cut off one of
192-660: A battle group context, the Tactics School focusses on tactics, techniques, and procedures at the combat team level. The Tactics School's mission is to educate and train army junior officers in the integration of combat functions at the combat team level on the tactical battlefield. A doctrinal Canadian armoured regiment consists of four squadrons of medium to heavy tanks , as well as a close reconnaissance troop equipped with light tanks and/or armoured cars . When required an armoured regiment will be tasked to provide an armoured squadron to its higher formation to provide it with
256-417: A regimental sergeant major is held by a chief warrant officer, or adjutant held by a captain. In some branches or specific units, rank titles may differ due to tradition. A trained private within the Royal Canadian Armoured Corps is a trooper, whereas the same rank within the artillery is gunner. Other titles for the rank of private include fusilier, sapper, rifleman, craftsman, and guardsman. The ranks of
320-770: A US firm engaged in tank production in order to build the Ram and Grizzly tanks and their variants in Canada. Events of the Second World War thrust Canada into large scale tank production with thousands of Valentine, Ram, and Grizzly (Sherman) tanks and their armoured variants being produced. Canada also went on to build modern armoured fighting vehicles that served during the Cold War, the War in Afghanistan and global peacekeeping operations. In 1955,
384-471: A brigade of militia troops and a small number of regular support staff. Later that decade, in 1997, the four reserve force districts were again reorganized into three brigade groups. At the time of its creation in the early-1990s, it was housed on the grounds of the former base and subsequently moved ca 1993 to the Place Nouveau office tower at Yonge Street north of Finch Avenue ; this was controversial as
448-410: A dessert) provided for soldiers to consume in situations in which meal preparation is not possible. The Canadian Army maintains a variety of different uniforms, including a ceremonial full dress uniform , a mess dress uniform , a service dress uniform , operational/ field uniforms , and occupational uniforms. Canada's uniforms were developed parallel to British uniforms from 1900 to the unification of
512-659: A distinctive green-coloured formation patch as its insignia. In 2013 it was announced that Land Force Central Area would be redesignated 4th Canadian Division. It is currently responsible for Canadian Army operations in the Canadian province of Ontario and is headquartered at Denison Armoury in Toronto. The 4th Canadian Division was formed in Britain in April 1916 from several existing units and others scheduled to arrive shortly thereafter. Under
576-488: A few tracked Carden-Loyd machine gun carriers for training. However, the first tanks since the First World War did not arrive until a few machine gun armed Vickers Mark VI light tanks appeared just one year before Canada went to war with Germany again. Canadian armoured regiments split their heritage between two primary sources. The first being the cavalry corps, from which many armoured regiments were created and in fact
640-561: A formation mounted reconnaissance capability. Units on the Supplementary Order of Battle legally exist, but have no personnel or matériel. List of current vehicles operated by the RCAC include: RCHA on parade without guns: (See note below) RCHA on parade with guns: (See note below) Note: The honour of "The Right of the Line" (precedence over other units), on an army parade, is held by
704-648: A highly developed science and technology sector. Since the First World War , Canada has produced its own infantry fighting vehicle , anti-tank guided missile and small arms for the Army. Regular and reserve units operate state-of-the-art equipment able to handle modern threats through 2030–2035. Despite extensive financial cuts to the defence budget between the 1960s–2000s, the Army is relatively well equipped. The Army currently operates approximately 10,500 utility vehicles, including G-wagons and 7000-MVs , and also operates approximately 2,700 armoured fighting vehicles including
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#1732876102230768-518: Is headquartered in Toronto and covers the province of Ontario . Canadian Army The Canadian Army ( French : Armée canadienne ) is the command responsible for the operational readiness of the conventional ground forces of the Canadian Armed Forces . It maintains regular forces units at bases across Canada , and is also responsible for the Army Reserve, the largest component of
832-651: Is part of the Canadian Joint Operations Command and not part of the Canadian Army. It serves as a deployable headquarters to command a divisional-level deployment of Canadian or allied forces on operations, succeeding the previous Canadian Joint Forces HQ. In addition to the four regional command areas, the Canadian Army Doctrine and Training Centre , commanded by a major-general and headquartered at McNaughton Barracks, CFB Kingston , Ontario,
896-567: Is responsible for the supervision, integration and delivery of Army training and doctrine development, including simulation and digitization. It includes a number of schools and training organizations, such as the Combat Training Centre at CFB Gagetown , New Brunswick, and the Canadian Manoeuvre Training Centre at CFB Wainwright , Alberta. Canadian infantry and armoured regimental traditions are strongly rooted in
960-552: Is the reserve element of the Canadian Army and the largest component of the Primary Reserve . The Army Reserve is organized into under-strength brigades (for purposes of administration) along geographic lines. The Army Reserve is very active and has participated heavily in all Regular Army deployments since 2002, in some cases contributing as much as 40 per cent of each deployment in either individual augmentation, as well as occasional formed sub-units ( companies ). LFR regiments have
1024-686: The Battle of Vimy Ridge in April 1917, the 4th Canadian Division was given the job of capturing Hill 145 , the highest and most important feature of Vimy Ridge . However, when they attempted to capture the hill, they were hampered by fire from the "Pimple", which was the other prominent height at Vimy Ridge. To capture Hill 145, forces which were supposed to attack the Pimple were redeployed and captured Hill 145. 10th Canadian Brigade : 11th Canadian Brigade: 12th Canadian Brigade: Pioneers: 1916: 1917: 1918: The 4th Canadian (Armoured) Division
1088-876: The Canadian Airborne Regiment , which was divided into three commandos). In addition to the Canadian Guards, and the Canadian Airborne Regiment, the Queen's Own Rifles of Canada , and the Black Watch (Royal Highland Regiment) of Canada also fielded units that served in Regular Force. In the years that followed the unification of the Canadian Armed Forces, several units of Regular Force were disbanded, or reduced to nil strength. On 15 September 1968,
1152-572: The Canadian Army Doctrine Bulletin began printing as the successor to the original journal, and in 2004 the publication returned to its original name. Royal Canadian Armoured Corps The corps was formed as the Canadian Armoured Corps in 1940, within the Canadian Army (Active). In August 1945, it was given its "royal" designation, and following the Second World War, several Reserve Force units were incorporated into
1216-696: The Crimean War . This Militia was later subdivided into the Permanent Active Militia and the Non-Permanent Active Militia . Finally, in 1940, an order in council changed the name of the Active Militia to the Canadian Army. On 1 April 1966, prior to the unification of the Canadian Armed Forces , the land forces were placed under a new command called Mobile Command (French: Commandement des forces mobiles ). For two years following,
1280-750: The First Canadian Army . On 19 November 1940, during Second World War , an Order in Council was issued that renamed the Permanent Active Militia as the Canadian Army (Active), supplemented by the Non-Permanent Active Militia , which was named the Canadian Army (Reserve). The Army participated in the Korean War , with the first elements of its participation landed in Korea in December 1950 and formed part of
1344-618: The Gulf War in 1991 and the invasion of Afghanistan in 2001, in addition to various peacekeeping operations under United Nations auspices in different parts of the world. Despite Canada's usual support of British and American initiatives, Canada's land forces did not directly participate in the Suez Crisis , the Vietnam War , or the Iraq War . Command of the Army is exercised by the commander of
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#17328761022301408-781: The LAV-III and the Leopard 2 . The Army also operates approximately 150 field artillery pieces including the M777 howitzer and the LG1 Mark II . In 2016 the Army replaced the RG-31 Nyala and Coyote Reconnaissance Vehicle with the Textron Tactical Armoured Patrol Vehicle . The Army infantry uses the C7 Rifle or C8 Carbine as the basic assault rifle , with grenadiers using
1472-866: The North-West Rebellion , the Second Boer War , the First and Second World Wars , Korean War , and more recently with the Gulf War , and in the War in Afghanistan . Prior to Confederation in 1867, the British Army , which included both " Fencible " Regiments of the British Army—recruited within British North America exclusively for service in North America—and Canadian militia units,
1536-731: The Polish 1st Armoured Division , and later fought in France , the Low Countries , and Germany ; both divisions followed very close paths. The division participated in the later stages of the Battle of Normandy at the Falaise Pocket , the advance from Normandy and spent almost two months engaged at the Breskens Pocket as well as Operation Pheasant . It wintered in the Netherlands and took part in
1600-820: The Primary Reserve . The Army is headed by the Commander of the Canadian Army and Chief of the Army Staff, who is subordinate to the Chief of the Defence Staff . The Army is also supported by 3,000 civilian employees from the public service. Formed in 1855, as the Active Militia , in response to the threat of the United States to the Province of Canada after the British garrison left for
1664-491: The Royal Canadian Regiment . The major operations that regular Canadian troops, in the 19th century, participated in included: the North-West Rebellion in 1885, and the Second Boer War . During the First World War , the Canadian Army raised the volunteer Canadian Expeditionary Force (CEF) for service overseas, and was the primary Canadian participation to the war effort. The Canadian Army also fought during
1728-589: The Second World War . Following the declaration of war on Nazi Germany and her allies by the United Kingdom on 3 September 1939, with Prime Minister William Lyon Mackenzie King consulting with the Parliament of Canada and declaring war on 10 September 1939, the Canadian Army raised the Canadian Active Service Force, which initially consisted of the 1st Canadian Division ; later increased to form
1792-564: The final advance across northern Germany . 1944–1945 David Vivian Currie VC was awarded the Victoria Cross for his actions in command of a battle group of tanks from The South Alberta Regiment , artillery, and infantry of the Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders of Canada at St. Lambert-sur-Dives , during the final actions to close the Falaise Gap . This was the only Victoria Cross awarded to
1856-446: The 1990s, the Regular Force saw further organizational restructuring. The Canadian Airborne Regiment was disbanded in 1995, while the Regular Force regiment of the 8th Canadian Hussars (Princess Louise's) , formed in 1957, was converted to a mixed Regular and Reserve "Total Force" unit with the close-out of 4 Canadian Mechanized Brigade Group at Lahr , Germany, in 1994, before reverting to a Reserve regiment in 1997. The Army Reserve
1920-620: The 2nd Battalion of the Canadian Guards was reduced to nil strength and transferred to the Supplementary Order of Battle; its personnel became a part of 3rd Battalion, The Royal Canadian Regiment . After the Canadian Guards were reduced to nil strength, the role of the Household Troop reverted to the two seniormost infantry regiments of the Reserve. The respective battalions relinquished their numerical battalion designations in 1976. During
1984-478: The 2nd Battalion of the Queen's Own Rifles was reduced to nil strength and transferred to the Supplementary Order of Battle . Several weeks later, the 1st Battalion of the Canadian Guards was disbanded on 1 October 1968. In 1970, several more units were reduced to nil strength. The 1st Battalion of the Queen's Own Rifles was reduced to nil strength and transferred to the Supplementary Order of Battle on 27 April 1970, with
4th Canadian Division - Misplaced Pages Continue
2048-607: The Army adopted CADPAT camouflaged combat uniforms in the late-1990s. With the adoption of CADPAT, the Canadian Armed Forces became the first military force to adopt digital camouflage pattern for all its units. Officers are selected in several ways: In addition, there were other commissioning plans such as the Officer Candidate Training Plan and Officer Candidate Training Plan (Men) for commissioning serving members which are no longer in effect. Occupational training for Canadian Army officers takes place at one of
2112-600: The Army existed as a distinct legal entity before its amalgamation with the Royal Canadian Navy and the Royal Canadian Air Force to form the Canadian Armed Forces. In the 1990s, the command was renamed Land Force Command (French: Commandement des Forces terrestres ), until it reverted to its original name in August 2011. During its history, the Canadian Army has fought in a variety of conflicts, including in
2176-463: The Army regiments originated from the Canadian militia, and was eventually relegated from combat to ceremonial use. The present service dress uniform includes a rifle green tunic and trousers, similar to the older iteration of the service dress, although with a different cut, and an added shoulder strap. The present service dress uniforms were introduced in the late 1980s, alongside the other "distinctive environmental uniforms" issued to other branches of
2240-456: The C7 with an attached M203 grenade launcher , and the C9 squad automatic weapon . The Canadian Army also uses the SIG Sauer P320 and the SIG Sauer P226 . Newer variants of the C7/C8 family have since been integrated into common use throughout the Canadian Armed Forces. The C7 has most recently been updated in the form the C7A2. The major internal components remain the same, however, several changes have been made to increase versatility of
2304-545: The Canadian Armed Forces in 1968, though maintained significant differences. The adoption of a number of separate uniforms for separate functions, also made its uniforms become distinctively "Canadian" in the process. Prior to unification in 1968, the uniforms between the three branches were similar to their counterparts in the forces of the United Kingdom and other Commonwealth countries, save for national identifiers and some regimental accoutrements. The Honourable Peter MacKay, Minister of National Defence, announced on 8 July 2013
2368-449: The Canadian Armed Forces. From the unification of the armed forces in 1968, to the introduction of the distinctive service uniforms in the 1980s, the branches of the Canadian Armed Forces wore a similar rifle green service uniform. The Canadian Army began to issue combat specific uniforms in the early 1960s, with the introduction of "combats," coloured olive-drab shirt. The olive-drab uniforms continued to be used with minor alterations until
2432-463: The Canadian Army are as follows: Field kitchens and catering are used to provide Canadian Army personnel fresh-cooked meals at bases and overseas operation centres. When fresh rations are not practical or available, Individual Meal Packs (IMPs) are issued instead. There are also patrol packs, which are small high-protein snack-type foods (such as beef jerky or shredded cheese) and boxed lunches (consisting of assorted sandwiches, juice, fruit, pasta and
2496-461: The Canadian Army was Chief of the General Staff until 1964 when the appointment became Commander, Mobile Command in advance of the unification of Canada's military forces . The position was renamed Chief of the Land Staff in 1993. Following the reversion to the name Canadian Army in 2011, the position became Commander of the Canadian Army . There are three mechanized brigade groups in the Canadian Army's Regular Force. Approximately two-thirds of
2560-407: The Canadian Army within National Defence Headquarters in Ottawa. The Army is divided into four geographical districts: the 2nd Canadian Division is based in Quebec , the 3rd Canadian Division is based in Western Canada , the 4th Canadian Division is based in Ontario , while the 5th Canadian Division is based in Atlantic Canada . The single operational formation, 1st Canadian Division ,
2624-483: The Germans' main escape routes. After Currie led the attack on the village of St. Lambert-sur-Dives and consolidated a position halfway inside it, he repulsed repeated enemy attacks over the next day and a half. Despite heavy casualties, Major Currie's command destroyed seven enemy tanks, twelve 88 mm guns and 40 vehicles, which led to the deaths of 300 German soldiers, 500 wounded and 1,100 captured. The remnants of two German armies were denied an escape route. The LFCA
4th Canadian Division - Misplaced Pages Continue
2688-525: The Government of Canada's intent to restore Canadian Army rank insignia, names and badges to their traditional forms. The Canadian Army's universal full dress uniform includes a scarlet tunic , midnight blue trousers with a scarlet trouser stripe, and a Wolseley helmet . However, a number of regiments in the Canadian Army are authorized regimental deviations from the Army's universal design; including some armoured, Canadian-Scottish regiments , and all rifle / voltigeur regiments. The full dress uniforms of
2752-500: The Regular Force is composed of anglophone units, while one third is francophone . The mechanized brigades include battalions from three infantry regiments, the Royal Canadian Regiment , Princess Patricia's Canadian Light Infantry , and the Royal 22 Regiment . Between 1953 and 1971, the Regular infantry consisted of seven regiments, each maintaining two battalions (except the Royal 22 Régiment, which had three; The Canadian Guards which had four battalions between 1953 and 1957; and
2816-471: The command comprises the Canadian Army Doctrine and Training Centre , which includes the following establishments: Military rank in the Canadian Army is granted based on a variety of factors including merit, qualification, training, and time in-rank. However, promotion up to the rank of corporal for non-commissioned members, and to captain for officers, is automatic based on time in previous rank. Some ranks are associated with specific appointments. For example,
2880-467: The command of Major-general David Watson , the Division embarked for France in August of that year where they served both in the Western Front in France and in Flanders until Armistice Day . The 4th Canadian Division was a part of the Canadian Corps in the Battle of Vimy Ridge , which attacked and defeated the Germans, driving them from the ridge. As a result, the Canadians became known as masters of offensive warfare and an elite fighting force. In
2944-572: The corps was given an official French title ( Corps blindé royal canadien ) in addition to the English title. In 1968, with the unification of the Canadian Army into the Canadian Armed Forces , the name of the Royal Canadian Armoured Corps was changed to simply the Armour Branch . Despite the change however, the Corps continued to use its traditional title. In 2003, Canada planned to replace all its tanks with lightweight M1128 mobile gun systems . In 2007, due to experience gained during Afghanistan , Leopard tanks were purchased. As of April 2013,
3008-411: The corps. From 1968 until 2013, it was officially named the Armoured Branch . Originally formed as the Canadian Cavalry Corps in 1910, Canada's first tank units were not raised until late in 1918. Initially these units were considered to be part of the Machine Gun Corps and the 1st Canadian Tank Battalion, 2nd Canadian Tank Battalion and the 3 Bataillon de chars d'assaut were all too late to join
3072-401: The course of the war from 1939 to 1944, the Armoured Corps gradually took over responsibilities from other corps, such as tank regiments all being converted to armoured regiments, the transition of infantry reconnaissance battalions to the Armoured Corps, as well as anti-armour responsibilities from the Artillery Corps. Towards the close of the Second World War, the corps was subsequently bestowed
3136-409: The fighting in the First World War. However, the 1st Canadian Tank Battalion was still training in Mark V tanks in the U.K. when the Canadian Tank Corps was finally authorized two days after the armistice. It seems like tanks were forgotten by the Cavalry after the war. Although, in the 1930s there were some small attempts at mechanization with motorcycles, experimental armoured cars and the purchase of
3200-548: The first "armoured" regiments were titled "mechanized cavalry" regiments, and the second being the tank corps (which formerly belonged to first the infantry and then the machine gun corps). This began in 1936 with the creation of tank battalions and continued on from 1940 when many other types of regiment were mobilized as armoured units for the Second World War. From these modest beginnings the modern Canadian Armoured Corps began on 13 August 1940 with Major-General (then Colonel) F. F. Worthington as its first colonel-commandant. Over
3264-417: The forces who took part in Operation Killer and the Battle of Kapyong . Canadian troops were also committed to the NATO presence in West Germany during the Cold War . In the years following its unification with the navy and air force in 1968, the size of Canada's land forces was reduced, however, Canadian troops participated in a number of military actions with Canada's allies. These operations included
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#17328761022303328-431: The honour of the 'royal' designation by King George VI in 1945. Initially its equipment was 219 US M1917 tanks – a First World War design – obtained at scrap prices. They were sufficient for some training and familiarisation, but otherwise of very limited combat use. To form the 1st Army Tank Brigade, Valentine tanks were ordered. This British design was to be built in Canada. Aside from
3392-413: The necessary adjustments to the design to incorporate local engineering standards and available components, the Canadian Valentines used a GMC engine. This engine, being an improvement over the original, was later applied to British production. In practice, Canada never used most of the 1,400 Valentines they built as they were supplied under lend-lease to the Soviet Union. In early 1941 the 1st Tank Brigade
3456-399: The offices of the area commander, Major-General Brian Vernon, were lavishly renovated, attracting political criticism and attention from the Auditor General of Canada . In 2013, the LFCA was renamed the "4th Canadian Division". With this change of name, the formation was also granted the identifying patch and historical lineage of the division that fought in the two world wars. The division
3520-411: The rifle. Tactical communication is provided via the Iris Digital Communications System . The badge of the Canadian Army consists of: Since 1947, the Canadian Army has produced a peer-reviewed academic journal called the Canadian Army Journal . In 1965, prior to the unification of the Canadian Armed Forces, the journal was merged with similar publications from across the services. In 1980,
3584-399: The schools of the Combat Training Centre for Army controlled occupations (armour, artillery, infantry, electrical, and mechanical engineers, etc.), or at a Canadian Armed Forces school, such as the Canadian Forces School of Administration and Logistics, or the Defence Public Affairs Learning Centre for Officers from career fields controlled outside the Army. Canada is an industrial nation with
3648-442: The theoretical administrative capacity to support an entire battalion , but typically have the deployable manpower of only one or two platoons . They are perpetuated as such for the timely absorption of recruits during times of war . Current strength of the Army Reserve is approximately 18,500. On 1 April 2008, the Army Reserve absorbed all units of the former Communications Reserve. The Canadian Army comprises: Additionally,
3712-610: The traditional designation of the Royal Canadian Armoured Corps has been restored for official use. The Royal Canadian Armoured Corps School at CFB Gagetown , New Brunswick, designs and conducts tactical and technical training for armoured crewmen and officers, in addition to maintaining specialized qualifications on behalf of the Canadian Army. Crewmen and officers are trained on the Leopard 2A4 MBT , Coyote Reconnaissance Vehicle , LAV-6 , and Textron Tactical Armoured Patrol Vehicle . The Tactics School at CFB Gagetown develops, conducts and monitors combined-arms operations . Within
3776-479: The traditions and history of the British Army . Many regiments were patterned after regiments of the British Army, and a system of official "alliances", or affiliations, was created to perpetuate a sense of shared history. Other regiments developed independently, resulting in a mixture of both colourful and historically familiar names. Other traditions such as battle honours and colours have been maintained by Canadian regiments as well. The senior appointment within
3840-424: The unit's personnel forming the 3rd Battalion, Princess Patricia's Canadian Light Infantry. Further reductions occurred from mid-June to early-July 1970, with the Regular Force unit from the Fort Garry Horse being disbanded on 16 June 1970. The 1st and 2nd Battalions of the Black Watch were reduced to nil strength on 1 July 1970, and transferred to the Supplementary Order of Battle. Several days later, on 6 July 1970,
3904-428: Was created during World War II by the conversion of the 4th Canadian Infantry Division at the beginning of 1942 in Canada . The division proceeded overseas in 1942, with its two main convoys reaching the United Kingdom in August and October. The division spent almost two years training in the United Kingdom before crossing to Normandy in July 1944. In the United Kingdom, it participated in war games together with
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#17328761022303968-406: Was created on 1 September 1991, taking command of what was previously Central Militia Area and the Regular Force Army units and formations in Ontario from the northern Lakehead region to the border with Quebec. At that point in time, the six subordinate militia districts were reorganized into four: Northern Ontario District, London District, Toronto District, and Ottawa District each one garrisoned by
4032-428: Was responsible for the defence of Canada. Some current regiments of the Canadian Army trace their origins to these pre-Confederation militia and Fencible units. Following the passage of the Militia Act of 1855 , the Permanent Active Militia was formed, and in later decades several regular bodies of troops were created, their descendants becoming the Royal Canadian Horse Artillery , the Royal Canadian Dragoons , and
4096-412: Was sent to Britain and equipped with the Matilda infantry tank . For the formation of two armoured divisions it was expected that 1,200 cruiser tanks were needed. The United Kingdom was not in a position to supply them, as it had shortfalls in supply for its own needs. This meant that Canada had to develop its own production. To this end a tank arsenal was set up under the management of a subsidiary of
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