HAVE YOU LOOKED IN YOUR OWN BACKYARD?
With out heads buried in War history, and with our interests possibly in a specific era, country or a battle we sometimes forget what is right around us. How long has it been since you checkout what is available and/or to support what is in our own towns? Your city can have a wealth of information that you have basically forgot about. Well this Remembrance Day I decided to go back to basics in my own backyard and take another look at Museums and Monuments around home.
If you have the patience to go with me I will do a little write up about the few places I managed to squeeze in on Wednesday, Nov 11.
Enjoy, Doug
THE FORT GARRY HORSE REGIMENT
The Fort Garry Horse was formed in Winnipeg on April 15, 1912. The new unit quickly filled its ranks and began to receive equipment and train as sword and rile armed cavalry.
On the outbreak of the First World War I 1914, the regiment was mobilized and moved to Valcartier, Quebec. There it was combined with other Western Calvary Regiments to form the 6th Battalion C.E.F. (Canadian Expeditionary Force). The 6th Battalion sailed for England in October, 1914, and trained there as Infantry throughout the remainder of the year.
In 1915, the Canadian Cavalry Brigade was formed and the 5th Battalion was converted back to Cavalry under the name Fort Garry Horse. Crossing over to France, the Regiment took part in many actions, acting as Cavalry and relieving Infantry in the trenches throughout 1916 and 1917. In November 1917, as part of the famous tank attack on Cambrai, “B” Squadron of the Garrys distinguished itself in the Cavalry role. Lt. Harcus Strachan was awarded the Empire’s highest hour, the Victoria Cross, for this action.
The Garrys continued to serve in the Canadian Cavalry Brigade, taking part in the important actions of Morieul and Rifle Wood in March and April, 1918. In October, 1918, the Regiment took part in the battle of Gattigny Wood, members earning 21 decorations for this action. After the war ended in November 1918, the Regiment did a short period of garrison duty in Belgium and came home to Winnipeg in 1919.
After demobilization, as a unit in the N.P.A.M. (Non-Permanent Active Militia) the Regiment continued to soldier on throughout the 20’s and 30’s keeping standards and traditions alive.
At the beginning of the Second World War, the Garrys were mobilized and converted from Cavalry to Armour. After basic tank training in Canada, the Regiment sailed for England where they continued to train for the planned invasion of Europe.
The Garrys were among the first to land in Normandy on D-Day, June 6th, 1944. Special floating “Duplex Drive” Sherman tanks were used for the D-Day landings. The Garrys were part of the Vanguard of the Canadian Army as they pushed through France, Belgium and Holland into Germany and fought successfully in many actions earning 16 Battle Honours.
After the War, the Militaria carried on as they had between the wars. In 1953, volunteers from the Garrys served in the Korean War as First “A” Squadron of Lord Strathcona’s Horse. Many members of the Garrys have served in United Nations missions in Sinai, Cyprus, Egypt, the Golan Heights, the former Yugoslavia, ad South-West Asia.
In 1958, a Regular Force component of the Garrys was formed in Petawawa Ontario. The unit served in Germany and was later based in Calgary. Several sub-units took part in UN missions in the Sinai and Cyprus. The Regular component was de-activated in 1970.
The Garrys have served in the Reconnaissance role since 1969. Members train in “Recce” driving and tactics, weapons, navigation, and communications. Some serve as support trades and recently, a Field Engineer component has been added to the unit Services to the community have included flood fighting, assistance in blizzards, and the years tradition of delivering Christmas Cheer hampers.
All Garrys, past and present, are members of the Regimental family. They can be proud of their long list of accomplishments and of their Regimental motto: Facta Non Verba.
The Garrys are actively recruiting and training new soldiers for Armoured Reconnaissance and Field Engineering trades. For more information visit their website at:
1-866-462-2769
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