World War 1
Pte F.G. Cole in training trench 1917
On June 28, 1914 , the heir to the Austrian throne was assassinated in Sarajevo, in the Austrian province of Bosnia, by a dissident Serb student. Relying on German support, the Austrians handed the Serbs an ultimatum that demanded the virtual termination of Serb sovereignty in their alternative motive to suppress pan-Slavism.
The Serbs, anxious to avoid war, turned to the great powers of the world at that time. Before any resolution could be found, Austria launched an attack, thus starting the slide to war. With Germany backing the Austrians (along with Germany's invasion of Belgium in an effort to gain a quick win in the west) and Russia and France backing the Serbs, Britain was dragged into the war.
At two squadrons, The Regiment strength moved in August 1915 from Toronto, ON and St. Jean, PQ to Valcartier, PQ where C squadron was formed. Lt. Col C.M. Nelles took the regiment overseas on 3 October 1914 to England where intensive field training was undertaken at Maresfield. The Regiment became part of the Canadian Calvary Brigade commanded by Brigadier General Seely.
After the first battle of Ypres the Canadians had lost 6000. Brig. Gen Seely was asked to provide support, but as infantry. He called a full strength parade, presented the proposal and every man volunteered.
The Serbs, anxious to avoid war, turned to the great powers of the world at that time. Before any resolution could be found, Austria launched an attack, thus starting the slide to war. With Germany backing the Austrians (along with Germany's invasion of Belgium in an effort to gain a quick win in the west) and Russia and France backing the Serbs, Britain was dragged into the war.
At two squadrons, The Regiment strength moved in August 1915 from Toronto, ON and St. Jean, PQ to Valcartier, PQ where C squadron was formed. Lt. Col C.M. Nelles took the regiment overseas on 3 October 1914 to England where intensive field training was undertaken at Maresfield. The Regiment became part of the Canadian Calvary Brigade commanded by Brigadier General Seely.
After the first battle of Ypres the Canadians had lost 6000. Brig. Gen Seely was asked to provide support, but as infantry. He called a full strength parade, presented the proposal and every man volunteered.
On 30 March 1918 at Moreuil Wood the Dragoons participated in what was to be the last of the great calvary charges. Moreuil Wood was a German strong hold and orders came for the Canadian Calvary Brigade to attack:
- A Sqn RCD was to seize the north west corner of the wood.
- C Sqn was to occupy the south west face of the wood.
- B Sqn was to gallop around the north west corner and thrust
at the enemy.
- The LdSH(RC) were to stay behind and develop the attack
and;
- The Fort Gary Horse were to stay in reserve.
Galloping across open ground the RCD met heavy machine gun fire. Turning into the woodline, they engaged in hand to hand combat until they overcame the enemy. The force had cleared the woods of all enemy. At the end of the 90 minute battle there were 95 Dragoons killed, wounded or missing. The Brigade lost 300 men and more than 800 horses.
After the cease-fire the Dragoons remained in Belgium until March 1919. A tablet was dedicated to the Regiment at Amiens for it's part in the battle. Shortly here after the Regiment embarked for Canada with it's new Guidon.
- A Sqn RCD was to seize the north west corner of the wood.
- C Sqn was to occupy the south west face of the wood.
- B Sqn was to gallop around the north west corner and thrust
at the enemy.
- The LdSH(RC) were to stay behind and develop the attack
and;
- The Fort Gary Horse were to stay in reserve.
Galloping across open ground the RCD met heavy machine gun fire. Turning into the woodline, they engaged in hand to hand combat until they overcame the enemy. The force had cleared the woods of all enemy. At the end of the 90 minute battle there were 95 Dragoons killed, wounded or missing. The Brigade lost 300 men and more than 800 horses.
After the cease-fire the Dragoons remained in Belgium until March 1919. A tablet was dedicated to the Regiment at Amiens for it's part in the battle. Shortly here after the Regiment embarked for Canada with it's new Guidon.
RCD marching to the front
The Regiment saw action predominately as infantry throughout the war. After the second battle of Ypres the Canadian Brigade was sent to France on 04 May 1915. Thereafter the Regiment saw action as infantry and calvary and was highly commended for it's part in the advance on the Hindenburg Line, in actions at Cambrai and in actions in Villerg. The front was broken at Amiens with the Royal Canadian Dragoons seeing their last contact at Rambourlieux Farm.
For gallantry in action during W.W.I the members of the Regiment were awarded one DSO, six MCs, one DCM, fifteen MMs, three MIDs and one French Cross of War.
BATTLE HONOURS
Festubert 1915
Somme 1916-18
Bazentin
Cambrai 1917-18
St Quentin
Amiens
Hindenburg Line
Beaurevoir
Pursuit to Mons
France and Flanders 1915-18
Festubert 1915
Somme 1916-18
Bazentin
Cambrai 1917-18
St Quentin
Amiens
Hindenburg Line
Beaurevoir
Pursuit to Mons
France and Flanders 1915-18
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