In March 1885, a group of Métis led by Louis Riel started an uprising against the Canadian government in the Districts of Saskatchewan and Alberta. They wanted to protect their rights, land, and economic prosperity. It included an associated uprising by First Nations who faced starvation. General Middleton gathered his forces at Fort Qu’Appelle in …
The North-West Rebellion (North-West Resistance) – 1885 Read More »
In 1871, the Canadian Artillery included Field Artillery and Garrison Artillery. Garrison troops assumed responsibility for coastal defence, garrison, and siege artillery. The Department of Militia established the Royal Canadian Garrison Artillery in 1893. Artillery competitions proved a welcome relief from militia training and guard duty. Gunners competed for positions on teams representing Canada in …
In 1871, Britain withdrew most of the remaining British regulars, which pushed the Canadian government to establish permanent and full-time militia units. General Order No. 24, dated 20 October 1871, authorized the formation of A and B Batteries of Garrison Artillery and gunnery schools. Non-Permanent Militia Gunners transferred to the newly formed batteries. A Battery …
The history of the Canadian militia covers hundreds of years. In 1534, Jacques Cartier fired the first artillery along the Atlantic coast. Since then, colonists served in the militias of New France and British North America. Residents of Saint John, New Brunswick, formed the Loyal Company of Artillery in 1793. This unit exists today as …
Canadian Gunners have a long and distinguished history. In 1880, Queen Victoria approved the designation of “Royal” for the gunnery schools. In 1883, Canada authorized the formation of the Regiment of Canadian Artillery. In 1893, the Regular units became the Royal Canadian Artillery, and in 1895, the Reserve units joined. The Regiment became the Royal …
