Dragoons In Quebec
On July 2nd, A Squadron of The Royal Canadian Dragoons (RCD) deployed to Quebec City with a 30 man scarlet guard to participate in the parade for the 400th Anniversary of the founding of the city. This event also coincided with ceremonies at La Citadelle and Fort St. Jean to commemorate the 125th Anniversary of the RCD, as we conduct garrison visits to the Regiment’s former home stations. It was an eventful three-day whirlwind tour that gave soldiers in the Squadron an opportunity to take part in some historic events and connect with the history of the Regiment.
The guard departed Petawawa at 1500 hrs on July 2nd and arrived at La Citadelle in Quebec City shortly after midnight. After an all too short sleep, the guard awoke bright and early on the 3rd and prepared for the parade in Quebec City. Despite torrential rain, the parade contingent, led by Lieutenant Will Lofgren and Warrant Officer Murray Robertson, marched through the streets of Old Quebec
The guard departed Petawawa at 1500 hrs on July 2nd and arrived at La Citadelle in Quebec City shortly after midnight. After an all too short sleep, the guard awoke bright and early on the 3rd and prepared for the parade in Quebec City. Despite torrential rain, the parade contingent, led by Lieutenant Will Lofgren and Warrant Officer Murray Robertson, marched through the streets of Old Quebec
The following day, the guard mounted up the bus and headed off to Fort St. Jean, St-Jean Sur Richelieu, to participate in a small parade to recognize the Regiment’s time in that barracks. It was a small parade featuring just the thirty man guard in DEUs, as well as a Trooper in scarlets and a Trooper in Boer War era dress. This was another small, intimate ceremony that included a review of the historical significance of Fort St. Jean to the Regiment by the OC and inspection of the troops by the Association members who were present. Since St. Jean was the base from which the Regiment deployed to the First and Second World Wars, this type of ceremony was incredibly appropriate. Following the parade, the troops spent some time re-connecting with the Association members and soaked up some of the regimental history in St. Jean at the base museum. When everything was complete, the guard began the return trip to Petawawa.
While it was an exhausting three days, it was a rewarding experience for the members of the guard. The chance to learn and see a bit of Regimental history, see Quebec City, and share their Regiment with the residents of Quebec and retired Dragoons made for an experience that will not soon be forgotten.
While it was an exhausting three days, it was a rewarding experience for the members of the guard. The chance to learn and see a bit of Regimental history, see Quebec City, and share their Regiment with the residents of Quebec and retired Dragoons made for an experience that will not soon be forgotten.
much like their predecessors did one hundred years earlier. As one of thefew groups in ceremonial dress, and the only army unit from outside the province of Quebec to participate in the parade, the RCD scarlets received many appreciative cheers from the crowds lining the route. As the parade wound back up through the streets of the Old City, the RCD guard made a quick left turn and headed towards La Citadelle to hold small ceremony with members of the RCD Association in Quebec City. This family-style ceremony involved visiting the plaque commemorating one hundred years of RCD service and gave the Association and the soldiers of the Regiment a chance to touch base with their roots. All of this was capped off with a night on the town that gave the troops a much needed chance to explore the culture of the historic city. While rain may have dampened some of the pomp and splendour of the events, it was nevertheless a great day to be a Dragoon.
Dragoons on the march in Quebec City.
Tpr's Eddy and Gordon in St Jean, Quebec, flanking the RCD plaque
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