Reserve units celebrate 100 years

Calgary, Alberta — In the midst of a freak spring snowstorm, three western Reserve units marked 100 years of service to Canada. The centennial parade was held in honour of The King’s Own Calgary Regiment (Royal Canadian Armoured Corps [RCAC]), The Calgary Highlanders and 41 Service Battalion (41 Svc Bn). Despite the weather, hundreds of spectators took in what may be the last military event on the parade square of the old Currie Barracks; the site will soon make way for a housing development.

The celebration, which included both a march past and a roll past, was the first military event in Calgary presided over by Alberta’s newly installed lieutenant-governor, The Honourable Colonel (retd) Donald S. Ethell. The parade also featured members of the old guard, composed of former members from all three units, including Second World War and Korean War veterans.

100 years of history
“It’s a big thing,” said Captain Malcolm Day, officer commanding of A Squadron, RCAC. “I’ve been in the unit for 18 years now so … to think back to what was happening in 1910 and all the things that the unit has gone through in the last 100 years— including both world wars and Korea, and all the deployments since then—I think it, for me anyways, gives you a pretty strong sense of history, and a pretty proud moment to be here on the 100th [anniversary].”

All three units have a rich history with many battle honours that can be traced back to the founding on April 1, 1910, of either the 103rd Regiment Calgary Rifles or 14 Company, Canadian Armed Services Corps.

The Calgary Highlanders is a Reserve infantry unit with a distinguished history of service and a great connection with Calgary and the surrounding area. The regiment and its members served Canada as the 10th Battalion, Canadian Expeditionary Force in the First and Second World Wars, as well as in many other international and domestic operations up to the present day. Unit members now wear the oak leaves decoration on their shoulders to commemorate the battle of St. Julien. This battle honour is also emblazoned on The Calgary Highlanders’ regimental Colour.

The history of The King’s Own Calgary Regiment (RCAC) also dates back to when the 103rd Regiment (Calgary Rifles) was formed April 1, 1910. Over the years, the Regiment has been re-designated several times, beginning as the 1st Calgary Regiment (50th Battalion, Canadian Expeditionary Force) and later known as the 14th Armoured Regiment (The Calgary Regiment).

The roots of 14/41 Service Battalion trace back to the formation of 14 Company, Canadian Army Service Corps, also on April 1, 1910. The various units of the battalion served with distinction in both world wars and Korea. Its history passed through many names and units until 1970, when the battalion received its current name.

Article by Sgt Dan Milburn, Army News, Edmonton
Photos by MCpl Holly Cowan, Army News, Edmonton