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79-644: The Royal Westminster Regiment (commonly referred to as the Westies ) is a Primary Reserve infantry regiment of the Canadian Army . It is currently part of the 3rd Canadian Division's 39 Canadian Brigade Group and is based in New Westminster, British Columbia , at The Armoury and at Colonel Roger Kenwood St. John, OMM, CD Armoury in Chilliwack, British Columbia . The 104th Regiment Westminster Fusiliers of Canada

158-828: A German counterattack in that area with the aim of recapturing Revenna. The attack included massed German artillery and infantry attacks. The result was that the Westminsters in cooperation with the Strathconas' tanks and the Irish Regiment of Canada held the line and 200 wounded and prisoners were taken, with over 200 German dead. On January 13, 1945, the unit was moved to Fano and on to San Severino Marche for rest and refitting. The Westminsters were dispatched to Livorno on February 21, 1945, and from there embarked on United States Navy shipping and conveyed to Marseilles , France . The unit mounted its own transport and drove through

237-502: A combat engineer troop. These combat arms troops will be supported by signals, service, medical and military police combat support sub-units. The brigades are commanded by a colonel and provide a garrison for the reserve units; however, they are usually ready to contribute a battle group to the Division's Task Force and battle school candidates to the Division's Training Centre. The June 30, 2016 / Project number: 16-0209 article published in

316-458: A few days out of the line the regiment was thrown into the Battle for Coriano Ridge, starting on September 13, 1944. The regiment prevailed despite heavy shelling and losses, being relieved by the 4th British Division. The regiment was moved back for rest at the coastal town of Riccione on September 14, 1944 The regiment was soon back in action, following more training. They were assigned to pass over

395-493: A full battalion upon mobilization, although they maintain a standing force that can typically deploy the manpower of a reduced company. This perpetuates the regimental system in the reserve army so that it is available as such for the timely absorption of recruits in case of war or in aid of the civil power. Such as when the need may one day arise, to call out more than 27,000 supplementary reservists and cadet instructors (who are also subjected to provide general service), to reinforce

474-705: A month in continuous combat the unit was put under command of 11th Canadian Infantry Brigade and crossed the Lamone River in a night attack. The lead elements engaged in a difficult battle in the town of Villanova, where "A" and "C" Companies successfully engaged a column of German tanks with small arms and PIATs . The regiment was next engaged in the battles for the Naviglio Canal and the River Senio between 12 and 22 December 1944. Both actions were continuous and involved dealing with heavy German opposition in concert with

553-533: A platoon devoted to inducting recruits and another platoon conducting recruit training. The Training Company provides candidates for basic courses run at the brigade's Battle School and combat arms training conducted at the Divisional Training Centre. Once the soldiers are trade-qualified, they return to their units to serve in the line company (or operational sub-unit) that is ready and equipped to deploy when called to do so. Each unit will usually deploy

632-409: A reduced company of two platoons, one of these usually consisting of younger soldiers who have just passed through qualification training. The line company may be rounded out with a third platoon that is involved with retention duties such as refresher training of mature soldiers (this was once known as warrior training) and holding the non-effective strength, with the goal of returning troops back into

711-610: A strength of 679 all ranks. On 2 January 1917, personnel of the 110th Battalion were absorbed by the 8th Battalion, CEF to provide reinforcements for the Canadian Corps in the field. The 110th Battalion was disbanded on 17 July 1917. The 1st Battalion, The Perth Regiment, was mobilized 1 September 1939 for service in World War II . The 1st Battalion embarked for Great Britain on 9 October 1941. It landed in Italy on 8 November 1943, as part of

790-566: A threat to national security. Examples include: Overseas deployment on operations is voluntary. Members of the Primary Reserve are required to be selected after volunteering and must undergo workup training before being deployed overseas on operations. In case of a severe national emergency, an Order in Council may be signed by the Governor General of Canada acting under the advice of

869-414: A week for administration purposes. Reservists are obliged to accumulate a minimum of 14 full days of service per year and may not exceed 30 days of unauthorized absence during which no fewer than 3 duty periods were conducted by the reservist's unit. Those failing to adhere to these requirements can be deemed to be Non-Effective Strength and can be subject to administrative action. This class of service

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948-597: Is for Reservists employed full-time in a non-operational capacity. The length of service is dependent on the reservist's availability and the needs of the Canadian Forces. Reservists on Class B service receive many of the same benefits as members of the Regular Force, and for members on terms of service longer than six months duration, almost exactly the same benefits aside from pay. Members on Class A and B service are paid 92.8% of their counterparts on Class C service and in

1027-422: Is normally in excess of one year. Typically, a reservist in a Class C term of service fills the role of a Regular Force member and is accordingly paid from the Regular Force budget. Members of the Primary Reserve may serve in routine domestic operations, or be called up in cases of national emergency as an aid to civil power. This may include rescue operations, disaster management, additional security operations or

1106-424: Is represented, though not commanded, at the national level by the chief of reserves and employer support. This is usually a major-general or rear-admiral . The Primary Reserve consists of sailors, soldiers, and aviators who may augment or operate alongside their Regular Force counterparts. Each reserve force is operationally and administratively responsible to its corresponding environmental command; those being

1185-563: Is sometimes referred to by its original and historic name, the "Militia". During operations the Army Reserve is tasked to provide fully trained and equipped troops to augment the regular army. It is the time-tested backbone of the Canadian Army and perpetuates the historic force generation mission. In times of national emergency, it is tasked with providing subordinate units (like platoons and companies) and complete units (battalions). It forms

1264-513: The 11th Infantry Brigade , 5th Canadian Division . The 1st Battalion transferred with the I Canadian Corps to North-West Europe in March 1945, where it fought until the end of the war. It returned home under command of a Perth militia officer, Lt Col MW Andrew and was disbanded on January 31, 1946. The 2nd (Reserve) Battalion, headquartered in Stratford, was authorized in 1940 and trained recruits for

1343-698: The Anzio Bridgehead force had broken out, Rome had fallen and the advance to the Po River commenced. The Westies joined the fight on August 6, 1944, at Montefalco in the advance to the next German defensive position, the Gothic Line which the regiment engaged starting on August 26. The unit was involved in the crossing of the Fogia River. and the Conca River . The unit completed the action on September 5, 1944. After

1422-566: The British Columbia Dragoons , capturing Deelen Airfield. The armoured drive continued against intense German opposition in fluid mobile operations, by-passing points of resistance to clean them up later. The unit advanced through Voorhuizen and Barneveld . German defences were in chaos and many prisoners were taken in the drive to Putten . When the operation had ended on April 18, 1945, the unit had covered 33 miles (53 km) and participated in cutting off thousands of German troops in

1501-513: The Canadian Corps in the field. The battalion disbanded on 17 July 1917. In 1920 the unit was amalgamated with the 6th Regiment (Duke of Connaught's Own Rifles) and in 1924 it was reformed as The Westminster Regiment . The regiment was re-designated as a machine gun battalion and titled The Westminster Regiment (M.G.) in 1936. With the German invasion of Poland , the regiment's 1st Battalion

1580-543: The First World War , details of the regiment were placed on active service for local protection duties. The Canadian Expeditionary Force (CEF) was organized in 1914 and 1915 using numbered battalions, which had little connection with the existing militia regiments. The 110th Battalion (Perth), CEF was authorized on 22 December 1915. The Perth Regiment recruited the 110th Battalion from Perth county. The 110th Battalion embarked for Great Britain on 31 October 1916 with

1659-644: The Meuse ( Maas ) and Waal river lines near Nijmegen , where the Westminsters relieved the 12th Manitoba Dragoons and commenced active patrolling and used the battalion mortars against the German positions across the Waal in Tiel . On April 5, 1945, the regiment was deployed to an area between the Waal and the Neder Rijn in conjunction with two companies of the 2nd Belgian Fusiliers. This

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1738-726: The Militia Department of the Province of Canada , dated 14 September 1866 authorized a regimental headquarters. Robert Service of Stratford was promoted to Lt Col and appointed to command. The Stratford Volunteer Rifle Company became No. 1 Company of the regiment. Other companies were in Listowel and St. Marys The principle of Militia units was voluntary service and year-round training while carrying on with civilian life. The Perth Regiment maintained this principle throughout its peacetime service. On 6 August 1914, during events which led to

1817-507: The Rhone Valley to Belgium , where they leaguered at Deinze . The regiment was deployed to Meulebeke in Belgium as part of the 5th Canadian Armoured Division, now part of the I Canadian Corps, First Canadian Army . Most of the unit was sent on leave when the order came on March 17, 1945, to prepare to move into battle again. The first area of operations was in neighbouring Netherlands , on

1896-614: The Royal Canadian Navy , the Canadian Army and the Royal Canadian Air Force . Primary reservists number approximately 27,000 (all ranks, all services). The reserves are important to sustaining CF operations, particularly following the defence budget cuts of the 90s. The Naval Reserve (NAVRES) is the reserve formation of the Royal Canadian Navy (RCN). It is organized into 24  Naval Reserve Divisions (NRDs), shore-based training facilities in communities across

1975-522: The Witwatersrand Rifles of South Africa . They wore Douglas kilt, green glengarry with green & white diced border, grey sporran with three black points, Douglas hose, and green garter flashes. In the list below, battle honours in small capitals were awarded for participation in large operations and campaigns, while those in lowercase indicate honours granted for more specific battles. The battle honours written in bold are emblazoned on

2054-591: The 1 Canadian Field Hospital Detachment Ottawa. Core tasks assigned to the field ambulances include force-generating trained personnel to support, augment and sustain Canadian Forces Health Services Group 's domestic and expeditionary commitments, to provide health services support to their affiliated Canadian brigade groups and to conduct community outreach activities. The members of the 1 Canadian Field Hospital Detachment Ottawa include specialist clinicians and provide depth and breadth to

2133-567: The 1st Battalion. In 1954, as a result of the Kennedy Report on the Reserve Army , this regiment was amalgamated with The Highland Light Infantry of Canada to form The Perth and Waterloo Regiment (Highland Light Infantry of Canada). This was not a successful amalgamation, and in 1957 the two units reverted to their former designations. In June 1964, The Commission on the Reorganization of

2212-470: The Amsterdam area. The unit commenced coast watching and patrolling near Groningen to prevent the escape or infiltration of German forces still holding the islands off shore. The unit's final action was the capture of the German anti-aircraft battery at Termunterzijl . The battery's 128 mm guns controlled the whole area and the operation was hampered by the lack of artillery and air support. The action

2291-628: The Canadian Army (Militia), commonly called the Suttie Commission, issued its report. The Commission proposed the Supplementary Order of Battle to maintain the name of deactivated units and to facilitate reactivation. The commission further recommended that the Perth Regiment be transferred to the Supplementary Order of Battle and that the regiment's personnel be absorbed by 3 RCR (now 4 RCR). On 28 February 1965, The Perth Regiment

2370-476: The Canadian Army News stated that the Canadian Army trains 11,000 reservists annually on courses from private to lieutenant colonel. The number of courses increased in 2014/15 from the previous year and will see a steady state in 2015/16. The CA continues to generate and train ten Territorial Battalion Groups and four Arctic Company Response Groups each year. The Army Reserve is a true force multiplier, and

2449-516: The Canadian Army over the last decades. In some cases the Army Reserve has contributed as much as 40 percent of the personnel in each deployment in the form of individual augmentation and occasionally formed sub-units (companies). At the peak of the fighting during the War in Afghanistan, almost a quarter of the troops came from the Army Reserve, thus earning new battle honours for Reserve units. While not

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2528-600: The Health Services Group on international operations and in military clinics within Canada. The level of activity associated with being a reservist varies from formation to formation. There are three classes of service available to Reservists: The most common form of employment for reservists; members are employed on a part-time basis within their unit. This form of employment is entirely voluntary, provides no job security and fewer benefits (e.g., medical and dental) than

2607-517: The IJssel River on the night of 12/13 April 1945 and passed through Arnhem. Pressing the attack, the 5th Canadian Armoured Division, in concert with the 1st Canadian Infantry Division . During the attack Lt Oldfield won the Military Cross for the action of his "A" Company Scout Platoon in clearing a German position and taking 40 prisoners. The regiment attacked in concert with the Strathconas and

2686-464: The Naval Reserve supplied all personnel (except two regular forces electricians and one marine engineer) for the 12 Kingston -class Maritime Coastal Defence Vessels (MCDVs), which are used for patrol , minesweeping and bottom-inspection operations. However in 2017, MCDVs were shifted to a blended crew model, skewing more heavily to being primarily manned by Regular Force (RegF) members. This change

2765-746: The Order of the British Empire , 18 Military Medal & 24 Mention In Dispatches . The Regiment was also awarded medals for courage by the Dutch Government. The unit was noted for never having failed to make an objective assigned. The Commander of the 5th Canadian Armoured Division, Major General BM Hoffmeister, described the regiment's war record as "a record of particularly outstanding accomplishment". The Westies lost their "Motor" designation in 1954, but gained their "Royal" title in 1966. In May and June 1948, The Westminster Regiment (Motor) provided aid to

2844-505: The Perth Regiment and sent for rest in Roatti. It was soon re-deployed as part of a battle group under Westminster CO Lt Col Corbould, known as "Corbould Force". The unit took part in the Battle of Monte Cassino , holding the line near the villages of Vallirontonda and Aquafondata, starting on April 11, 1944. The unit was relieved on May 3, 1944, and moved to a rest area at Pignataro. On May 11, 1944,

2923-455: The Regular force. This is the operational level of service. Reservists on Class C service receive an increase in pay to the level that a Regular Force member in the same position would be expected to receive (Reservists employed in either of the other classes of service earn 92.8% of the amount their Regular Force counterparts receive). There is no maximum length of a Class C term of service and it

3002-755: The Ronco River to the Scolo Lama canal, where bitter German resistance was encountered. Consolidating the advances by November 26, 1944, the Westminster's held a line of 7,000 yards (6,400 m), a very long front for a unit of this size in this type of warfare. The campaign to clear the Po River valley was severely hampered by the Italian climate and the rain at this time of year turned the flat valley into lakes and rivers. The Porter Force membership ended with over 40 German prisoners taken and many more casualties inflicted on

3081-568: The Uso River bridgehead held by the Princess Louise Dragoon Guards and take the village of San Mauro. The attack commenced on September 23, 1944, with the bypassing of San Giustina, which had not been captured and was held by stiff German resistance. "A" Company and "B" Squadron of Lord Strathcona's Horse (Royal Canadians) led the advance. The advance continued into the flat country under heavy fire to capture San Vito. On September 25,

3160-694: The attack on the Gustav Line and the Hitler Line commenced with the Westminsters and the 5th Armoured Division forming the exploitation force, hoping to break into the Liri Valley and the assault on Rome . The advance through the Liri valley included the Westminster's most famous action, the assault water crossing at the Melfa River. The Officer Commanding, "A" Company at the Battle of the Melfa River, Major Jack Mahony ,

3239-474: The brigade area of operations. The battle group is usually commanded by a lieutenant-colonel selected on a rotational basis from one of the brigade units. The order of battle will vary depending on the task and the available manpower but generally includes an artillery battery with 105 mm C3 Close Support Guns, several companies of truck-mounted light infantry with support weapons, an armoured reconnaissance squadron with G-Wagons equipped with GPMGs/LAW, and

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3318-593: The civil power during the Fraser River Floods. This operation took place over three weeks. Then in 1954, the Major General Howard Kennedy Report was completed and made some recommendations to reorganizing the army. The report concluded the following: training would be required to be flexible, remove the coastal and air defence units, increase the number of armoured units, decrease the number of headquarters from 35 to 26. Between 1956 and 1964,

3397-447: The community. From coast to coast, regimental depots support Regimental Bands, sponsor Army Cadet Corps, participate in ceremonial duties and parades with some even operating old comrade associations from non-public funds. Many of these activities are overseen by the regimental honorary colonel and honorary lieutenant-colonel. Although the vast Canadian geography and demographic factors impact unit composition they mostly functions in much

3476-472: The concept of the Militia units mobilizing overseas and contributing to those efforts was changed quite dramatically. Therefore, the role of the Militia was changed and the funding and size was reduced. The role in 1957 was changed to civil defence in light of the substantial nuclear threat. From 1964 to 1969 the Militia was further reduced in personnel from 23,000 to 19,000. On 24 May 1963 The Westminster Regiment

3555-419: The country. Each NRD has a small cadre of full-time reservists and regular force members to coordinate training and administration, but is for the most part directed by the division's part-time leadership. Training is conducted year round with regular force counterparts at the three Canadian Forces Fleet Schools and reservists frequently deploy on regular force ships to augment ships' companies. Traditionally,

3634-458: The day that the 47th Battalion CEF had sailed for Europe from the same port. The unit disembarked in Liverpool on November 24, 1941. The brigade and the division were both re-numbered on arrival and the Westminsters were now part of 5th Armoured Brigade of the 5th Canadian Armoured Division under command of Major General Burt Hoffmeister, based at Aldershot for more training. Subsequently, the unit

3713-528: The enemy. The regiment was employed as part of the I Canadian Corps which was given the role in the winter of 1944 of assaulting over the Montone River , capturing Ravenna and the surrounding area, all with the aim of reducing pressure on the Fifth US Army operating near Bologna . The attack was commenced at 0800 hours on December 2, 1944, and the unit captured the town of San Pancrazio quickly. After

3792-550: The federal cabinet to call reserve members of the Canadian Forces into active service. Members of the reserve have not been called to involuntary active service in foreign operations since the Second World War . The 400 , 402 and 438 squadrons are the only air reserve units that operate aircraft. The 400 and 438 squadrons both operate 5 Bell CH-146 Griffon helicopters, while the 402 squadron operates 4 CT-142 Dash 8 trainers. Perth Regiment The Perth Regiment

3871-464: The final dismissal was given on January 19, 1946. During the Second World War 4,236 men passed through The Westminster Regiment (Motor). Of these 134 were killed in action. Awards conferred on members of the 1st Battalion of The Westminster Regiment (Motor) British Commonwealth were: 1 Victoria Cross, 3 Distinguished Service Order , 6 Military Cross , 1 Order of the British Empire , 1 Member of

3950-457: The following night. On February 14, 1944, Lt Col Gordon Corbould, a former Westie company commander and regimental 2IC, returned from his posting as second in command of the Irish Regiment of Canada to assume command of The Westminster Regiment. He would command the unit for the remainder of the war and through its hardest actions. On March 1, 1944, the regiment was relieved from the line by

4029-701: The forward area south of Ravenna . The mission was to hold the existing line, put pressure on the enemy and advance when the opportunity presented itself. Regimental HQ was in Vincoli with "A" and "B" Companies in San Stefano and "C" Company in Gambellara . The action consisted of extensive night patrolling and night advances to contact the enemy. The pressure forced the enemy back across the Uniti Canal and into San Pancrazio . The regiment advanced through patrol actions across

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4108-409: The framework needed to raise a national army during wartime and or insurrection. This fighting mission has not changed much since the Second World War, when the majority of combat units overseas were mobilized reserve battalions detached from their home regiments. In keeping with this mission, regiments of the Army Reserve exist at cadre strength and have a theoretical administrative capacity to support

4187-500: The front. After eight days on the line the unit was withdrawn to the Sangro River on the night of 25–26 January. The regiment returned to the line on January 31, relieving the 1/9 Gurkhas at Sararola. During this action the Westminsters developed the tactic of sending out patrols by night to lay over behind enemy lines in a deserted house through the day, calling in artillery and mortar fire by radio and then returning to their own lines

4266-503: The line. Traditionally the militia has been subdivided into district garrisons, and this system is still used as units are grouped along geographic lines into brigades for the purposes of administration, training and operations. The deployable sub unit from each regiment are often operationally tasked and grouped together by the brigade to form a composite all-arms battle group of battalion strength known as Territorial Battalion Groups for combined arms training or defence of Canada tasks in

4345-720: The official name, the Army Reserves are often referred to as the Milita based on their historical name. The Air Reserve is the reserve element of the Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF). 2,600 air reservists are organized into flights and squadrons that are attached to Regular Force RCAF wings at various bases. Air Reserve personnel conduct training to support wing operations. Air Reserve units are specialized in various areas of surveillance, engineering, and airfield construction. Personnel also conduct further training at Canadian Forces bases and can deploy with Regular Force RCAF crews around

4424-439: The order of battle, bringing it up to war establishment. However, in practice the regimental system exists as an important military institution for Canada. In addition to the tactical contribution provided for today's Total Force they also provide a deep-rooted community tie and focus on Canada's proud military tradition. The true strength of the Army Reserve is the strong connection that the extended regimental family fosters with

4503-502: The order was received to continue the advance and cross the Rubicone River, this time with the tanks of the Governor General's Horse Guards in support. The attack ran into thick minefields and heavy shelling, but no German infantry and regimental casualties were few. The Westminster Regiment was assigned to Porter Force on November 10, 1944. This ad hoc formation was intended to work with Popski's Private Army and Italian partisans in

4582-399: The other classes of service. The Class A contract covers training or employment up to 12 consecutive days. Class A reservists are generally limited to a certain number of paid days per year. Most units provide employment for training in the form of one evening per week or two full days a month during the training year (September – April). Units also normally provide one additional evening

4661-561: The regiment consisted of Battalion HQ, A and B Companies in New Westminster, C Company in Mission and D Company in Chilliwack . The commanding officer was Lt Col C.J Loat, with Major "Little Joe" Sager as deputy commanding officer. Major Sager became CO at the end of 1939. On May 27, 1940, the unit deployed to Camp Dundurn Saskatchewan for additional training. Late in September 1940 the unit

4740-423: The regiment sailed aboard RMS Samaria for Algiers . Next the unit was sent by rail to Phillipeville and immediately embarked on the HMT Cameronia for Naples , Italy where they joined the 8th Army . The regiment went into the line and engaged in combat first at the town of Guardiagrele , near Monte Mariella. The unit's first casualties were suffered on January 22, 1944, during patrolling on this static part of

4819-521: The reservists are always very active preparing for battle and training for war. They are continuously exercised, particularly in the summer months when combined arms field exercises up to the brigade group level are conducted, and also during the wintertime, when the troops must qualify in winter indoctrination and winter warfare exercise. A high degree of winter training is expected as the Army Reserve provides Arctic Response Companies for Northern service. They have participated heavily in all deployments of

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4898-464: The same way. During peacetime the Regimental establishment will only be the equivalent of a much reduced battalion of a couple hundred troops and less in some cases. Normally regiments are commanded by a lieutenant-colonel and consist of a headquarters staff and headquarters company with an administrative and logistical element directed by a small regular force support staff. The regiment's subordinate units consist of one training company that may include

4977-401: The tanks of the Strathconas once again. On December 23, 1944, the regiment was withdrawn for rest at Ravenna after 43 days and nights of continuous combat. The regiment returned to action near the town of Villanova on December 27, 1944. The action was to advance and take the town of Rosetta in the flat country of that area. The battle was against a formation of the Waffen-SS and the fighting

5056-534: The various Task Forces which served in Afghanistan between 2002 and 2014. In the list below, battle honours in small capitals were awarded for participation in large operations and campaigns, while those in lowercase indicate honours granted for more specific battles. Those battle honours in bold are emblazoned on the regimental colour. There are several Royal Canadian Army Cadets units spread across British Columbia which are affiliated with The Royal Westminster Regiment. Primary Reserve The reserve force

5135-508: The voluntary militia was formed, it was distinct from the volunteers. The Stratford Volunteer Rifle Company was formed in 1856, elected its own officers, and carried on entirely at the expense of its members for two years, before it was officially recognized in 1858. In response to the Fenian Raids , a temporary battalion-sized composite unit was formed in 1866 at Thorold , Ontario. It consisted of companies from Stratford, Chatham , Ingersoll , St. Thomas and Guelph . A general order of

5214-449: The war. The battalion disbanded on 30 August 1920. A member of the 47th Battalion, Corporal Filip Konowal , received the Victoria Cross for his single handed destruction of a German machine gun position. The 131st Battalion (Westminster), CEF , was authorized on 22 December 1915 and embarked for Britain on 31 October 1916, where its personnel were absorbed by the 30th Battalion, CEF , on 14 November 1916, to provide reinforcements for

5293-419: The world in support of RCAF missions. Unlike the Naval Reserve and Army Reserve, the Air Reserve is composed principally of former members of the Regular Force and members with civilian qualifications that equate to Air Reserve occupation qualifications. The Health Services Reserve, with approximately 1,700 members, is organized into two functional groups: Primary Reserve units known as field ambulances , and

5372-466: Was an infantry regiment of the Canadian Army . It is currently on the Supplementary Order of Battle . Lineage of The Perth Regiment: In 1838, the Third Regiment of Huron was organized in the territory which is now the south part of Perth County, Ontario . This was a paper organization of the compulsory militia, to which every able-bodied male citizen in theory belonged. It did not have equipment, did not train, and while it continued to exist after

5451-446: Was awarded the Victoria Cross for his gallantry and leadership under fire during that action fought in conjunction with the tanks of Lord Strathcona's Horse (Royal Canadians) . This action cemented a friendship between the two regiments that has endured since the Second World War. The entire division was relieved from the line on May 30, 1944, and carried out "rest and refit" duties near the villages of Baia and Latina. By August 1944

5530-537: Was deployed again, not overseas as they had hoped, but back to Vancouver for winter quarters at the then abandoned Hotel Vancouver . The unit was converted to a motor battalion and designated The Westminster Regiment (Motor) in early 1941. On May 27, 1941, the unit entrained at the CPR station in Vancouver for deployment to Camp Borden . At Borden the unit became part of the 1st Armoured Brigade, 1st Armoured Division. The regiment sailed from Halifax on HMT Andes for Great Britain on November 13, 1941, exactly 26 years from

5609-468: Was due to the loss of seagoing billets on larger ships typically manned primarily by RegF members. As of 2012, the Naval Reserve had a funded manning level of approximately 4,000 members. . It has since grown, in accordance with the Justin Trudeau Liberal government's 'Strong, Secure, Engaged' defence policy unveiled in 2017. The Army Reserve of the Canadian Army is the largest part of the Primary Reserve, with an authorized strength of over 18,000 troops. It

5688-617: Was fierce against the determined resistance. As the Westie tradition dictated the regiment was not deterred and the objective was captured, the enemy forced to withdraw. The unit was relieved by the 1st Battalion of the Welsh Regiment and a squadron of the RAF Regiment on December 29, 1944. Early in the New Year the regiment was sent to fill a gap in the line at Conventello and bore the brunt of

5767-543: Was granted freedom of the city by the City of New Westminster. and in Pitt Meadows, British Columbia on Saturday, Sept. 22, 2012. The Royal Westminster Regiment has provided personnel for many United Nations missions such as Cyprus (UNFICYP), Egypt (UNEF II) 1973–79, Golan Heights (UNDOF) 1974–present and the former Yugoslavia (UNPROFOR) 1992–1993. The regiment contributed an aggregate of more than 20% of its authorized strength to

5846-534: Was hard-fought against stiff German defences built in great depth to protect the battery. Relentless pressure form the Westminsters forced the abandonment of the battery and the withdrawal of the remaining German forces. Hostilities ended in Europe on May 7, 1945. The unit was repatriated after a long wait for sea transport and passed through New York City , Toronto and finally to Vancouver by train. They marched up New Westminster 's Columbia Street to Queen's Park where

5925-515: Was in preparation for a major offensive, which commenced on April 12, with a move to Doesburg , just west of Arnhem . The division was given the task of exploiting the breakthrough created by the British 49th West Riding Division and driving to the Zuider Zee . At this point the unit's anti-tank platoon was issued Stuart tanks , unusual for an infantry regiment. The unit carried out a night attack across

6004-520: Was mobilized on September 2, 1939, as a machine gun battalion. During the Second World War the regiment formed a part of Major General Bert Hoffmeister 's 5th Canadian Armoured Division ("The Mighty Maroon Machine") taking part in the Italian Campaign before being transferred to Europe and participating in the liberation of Holland . The 2nd Battalion, Westminster Regiment served in the reserve force stationed in Canada. At that time of mobilization

6083-461: Was moved to Farnham , Hove , Pippingford Park, and Cranwich Camp Thetford , Norfolk. In March 1943 the Westminsters' commanding officer, Lieutenant Colonel Sager, was promoted to brigadier and given command of 4th Canadian Infantry Brigade . Command of the battalion passed to Lieutenant Colonel R.L. Tindall, who had been recently second in command of the Perth Regiment . On November 15, 1943,

6162-501: Was placed on active service on 6 August 1914 for local protection duties. Subsequently, the regiment raised the 47th Battalion (British Columbia), CEF , which was authorized on 7 November 1914 and embarked for Britain on 13 November 1915. It disembarked in France on 11 August 1916, where it fought as part of the 10th Infantry Brigade, 4th Canadian Division in France and Flanders until the end of

6241-672: Was reduced to nil strength and placed on the Supplementary Order of Battle. At the time it was inactivated, The Perth Regiment consisted of a company in Stratford and a support platoon in St Marys. Before being moved to the Supplementary Order of Battle, The Perth Regiment its final Order of Precedence as 16. The Perth Regiment was allied to the Cameronians , the Otago Regiment of New Zealand , 26th Battalion of Australia , and

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