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116-641: The RCR was originally authorized as the Infantry School Corps on 21 December 1883, and established its first three company stations at Fredericton, New Brunswick; St Jean, Quebec; and Toronto, Ontario. In 1887 a fourth company was authorized and the next year was established at London, Ontario . Now consisting of three Regular Force battalions and one Reserve Force battalion, the regiment's four battalions are now stationed in Ontario and New Brunswick . With many of its soldiers drawn from Ontario and

232-604: A Marine Expeditionary Force headquarters (i.e., a corps -level command). The modern military company became popularized during the reorganization of the Swedish Army in 1631 under King Gustav II Adolph . For administrative purposes, the infantry was divided into companies consisting of 150 men, grouped into regiments of eight companies. Tactically, the infantry companies were organized into battalions and grouped with cavalry troops and artillery batteries to form brigades . From ancient times, some armies have commonly used

348-400: A battalion or regiment , the latter of which is sometimes formed by several battalions. Occasionally, independent or separate companies are organized for special purposes, such as the 1st Air Naval Gunfire Liaison Company or the 3rd Force Reconnaissance Company . These companies are not organic to a battalion or regiment, but rather report directly to a higher level organization such as

464-410: A first sergeant . Any sergeant holding this position is referred to as "first sergeant" regardless of actual rank, though the non-commissioned officer assigned ordinarily has the rank of first sergeant. A master sergeant assigned to this position will be "laterally promoted" to the rank of first sergeant, unless the appointment is temporary. In some instances, a sergeant first class will be appointed to

580-447: A U.S. Army, Korean War-era infantry division and the divisional aviation company of a U.S. Army "Pentomic" infantry division . These companies were not organic to any intermediate headquarters (viz., battalion/group/regiment/brigade), but rather reported directly to the division headquarters. NATO defines a company as "larger than a platoon, but smaller than a battalion" while being a "unit consisting of two or more platoons, usually of

696-562: A base administrative and tactical unit of around 100 men. (Perhaps the best known is the Roman century , originally intended as a 100-man unit, but later ranging from about 60 to 80 men, depending on the time period.) An organization based on the decimal number system (i.e., by tens, hundreds, thousands, and ten-thousands) might seem intuitive. To the Romans, for example, a unit of 100 men seemed sufficiently large to efficiently facilitate organizing

812-756: A ceremony which took place at the Citadel in Quebec City on 9 September 2002 ...". The unit returned to Bosnia for a tour with the Stabilization Force, SFOR , in 1998 and 1999. All three Regular Force battalions served as peacekeepers in the Sinai Peninsula , in Bosnia . The 1st Battalion served in Kosovo under NATO mission Operation Kinetic , Rotation 1, December 1999–May 2000. In 2000,

928-431: A cohesive group numbering between 100 and 250 members, with 150 members being the common number (see Dunbar's number ). Again, a military unit on the order of no more than 100 members, and perhaps ideally fewer, would perhaps present the greatest efficiency as well as effectiveness of control, on a battlefield where the stress, danger, fear, noise, confusion, and the general condition known as the " fog of war " would present

1044-421: A command element containing two tanks; support companies are typically divided into platoons of specialization that may contain additional special sections. A company is usually commanded by a captain , although in some cases they may be commanded by a first lieutenant or a major . Unlike its component platoons, a company typically has additional positions of supporting staff, such as an executive officer (XO),

1160-538: A contingent from the battalion, alongside the Royal Canadian Artillery Band , which provided musical support, mounted the Queen's Guard . The event was one of the rare occasions that a Canadian Forces unit wore an authorized Atholl-grey winter greatcoat . "An eight-pointed diamond cut star; upon the star a raised circle surmounted by the crown; within the raised circle, the block letters "VRI",

1276-587: A country uniquely worth preserving. I call on you all, wherever you live, whatever your walk of life, to cherish that inheritance, and to protect it with all your strength. May God bless each and every one of you as you go about that task. And may God bless Canada. Shortly thereafter the Governor General of Canada bestowed the Commander-in-Chief Unit Commendation to N Company. The official warrant stated: ... The first

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1392-603: A first sergeant, a readiness/training NCO, and other positions (e.g., supply sergeant, armorer). The corresponding unit of artillery is always called a battery . Similarly, the term troop is used for cavalry units, including both the horse-mounted units of history as well as modern armored cavalry and air cavalry units. Companies that are not separate from their parent battalion are identified by letter—for example, "Company A, 1st Battalion, 15th Infantry Regiment". This would commonly be abbreviated as "A/1-15 INF" in writing, but not in speaking. The dash in "1–15" indicates that

1508-562: A fourth platoon was added to the company, increasing its size to 256 officers and men, including six officers (a captain as commanding officer, a first lieutenant as executive officer, and two first lieutenants and two second lieutenants as platoon commanders). Enlisted strength became: three senior NCOs (first sergeant, supply sergeant, and mess sergeant), 12 sergeants, 33 corporals (one company clerk and 32 squad leaders with eight per platoon), eight specialists (four cooks and four mechanics), two buglers, 64 privates first class, and 128 privates. Of

1624-703: A group for the first time in February 2011 participating in an exercise with the US Army 82nd Airborne Division . Shortly thereafter, N (Airmobile) Company, deployed to Yuma, Arizona , United States, to participate in the US Marine Corps ' Weapons and Tactics Instructors course. O Company were given greater attention, as well, and began preparations to give the battalion a fast-rope capability and successfully conducted their first series of fast-rope training exercises. In late October and early November 2018,

1740-719: A horse-mounted heritage, such as the Household Cavalry , Royal Armoured Corps , Royal Engineers , Royal Corps of Signals , Army Air Corps , Special Air Service , Honourable Artillery Company and Royal Logistic Corps , use the term squadron instead of company, and in the Royal Artillery they are called batteries . Until after the Second World War , the Royal Engineers and Royal Signals had both squadrons and companies depending on whether

1856-433: A large body of men numbering into the several thousands, yet small enough that one man could reasonably expect to command it as a cohesive unit by using his voice and physical presence, supplemented by musical notes (e.g., drum beats, bugle or trumpet blasts, etc.) and visual cues (e.g., colors, standards, guidons , etc.). Furthermore, recent studies have indicated that humans are best able to maintain stable relationships in

1972-508: A mechanized infantry battalion. It formed the core of Task Force 3–08 Battle Group (TF 3–08 BG), augmented by: (A Squadron was augmented by a troop from the RCD.) 3 RCR BG served in Kandahar from 21 September 2008 until 15 April 2009. Counter-insurgency operations in 2010 In 2010, O Company was deployed to Khandahar as a mechanized rifle company in support of the 1 RCR Battle Group as

2088-684: A member of the Canadian family, to wish Canada a happy birthday on this one hundred and twenty-fifth anniversary of Confederation. We have an occasion, and a country, worth celebrating ... I want to say a special word about the brave Canadian soldiers who today seek to bring peace, under the United Nations auspices, to a dangerous situation in Bosnia. They serve both Canada and the cause of peace with courage and conviction. As Queen of Canada, I salute their contribution with pride ... You have inherited

2204-615: A part of Task Force 1-10. Having completed extensive training in Fort Irwin , California, and CFB Petawawa, O Company was ready to fight in counter-insurgency-style combat. While deployed in theatre, O Company's three mechanized rifle platoons were individually deployed to various combat outposts in Panjwayi District, where they were in a state of continuous combat over the summer of 2010. All three platoons were proactively engaged in counter-insurgency operations. Over

2320-741: A platoon from P Company from 3rd Battalion (CFB Baden-Soellingen, Germany) and C Company from 1RCR ( CFB London , Ontario) served in the Persian Gulf during Operations Desert Shield and Desert Storm , the first Gulf War . These companies were employed on airfield and field hospital security duties. In 1992, soldiers from the English-speaking N Company of the 3rd Battalion (Major Devlin), based in Canadian Forces Base (CFB) Baden-Soellingen in Germany, as an attachment to

2436-604: A provisional battle group and was warned off that if the government decided to participate, it would deploy. The government decided against participation and instead decided to return to Afghanistan. I Company Group deployed to Kabul on 26 May 2003 to form the Defence and Security Company for the construction of the Canadian camp. It returned to Canada in August of that year after 3rd Battalion Group took on ISAF operations. The "Leadership Award" (2000) by André Gauthier (sculptor)

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2552-559: A relief in place with H Company Group in June. H Company changed roles to the UN force and redeployed to Gonaïves , Haiti. It returned to Canada in September of that year. In August 2003, the 3rd Battalion deployed to Kabul Afghanistan as part of Operation Athena for a six-month tour of duty. The battalion suffered the first Canadian casualties effected by enemy action in the war and conducted

2668-434: A royal or imperial cypher forms part of the badge of a regiment it is normal for it to change with each succeeding sovereign. During the period 1901 to 1919, the officially authorized versions of the regiment's cap badge were those with Edward VII 's and George V 's cyphers, although the regiment continued to use the "VRI" ensigned badges throughout this time while petitioning for their formal return. In 1919, George V granted

2784-514: A separate table of organization and equipment (TO&E) are identified by a number, and are able to operate completely independently from any other unit's support. Company-sized units that are organized under a table of distribution and allowance (TDA) are identified with a name or number. Company-sized units usually consist of four to six platoons each led by a lieutenant , although there are examples of combat service and combat service support companies that have seven or more platoons. For example,

2900-619: A slightly smaller establishment, having 10 tanks and 30 personnel (40 with older tanks). Research companies (single. nauchnaya rota, научная рота) were established in 2013 to allow conscripts with higher education to serve doing scientific and research tasks. There are seven research companies: In the 1700s, British Army, American Colonial Militia , and Provincial Regulars (e.g., the Virginia Regiment ), and later American Army infantry, regiments were organized into companies of somewhat less than 100 officers and enlisted men, although

3016-552: A tour of duty. In September 2008, 3rd Battalion replaced 2nd Battalion, PPCLI, as part of Operation Athena, Roto 6 , forming the core of the Task Force Kanadahar Battle Group. It served until relieved in place by 2nd Battalion, Royal 22 Régiment in April 2009. The predeployment training of a platoon from the battalion was filmed for the reality television series Combat School . In April 2010,

3132-642: A transportation terminal service company normally has two ship platoons, two shore platoons, one documentation platoon, one maintenance platoon, and the headquarters platoon. While companies are typically commanded by captains, some have a special operational capacity that requires them to be commanded by an officer with greater command authority and experience; such companies are commanded by majors, and have platoons commanded by captains. Examples of this arrangement include aviation platoons , military intelligence companies, military police companies, and special forces companies. A captain reports to his commander, usually

3248-564: A typical battery of six gun sections would consist of approximately 100 officers and enlisted men. In the United States Army , infantry companies are usually made up of three rifle platoons and a heavy weapons platoon ; mechanized infantry companies are usually made up of three rifle platoons consisting of four infantry fighting vehicles (IFV) each and a command element containing two IFVs; tank companies are usually made up of three tank platoons consisting of four tanks each and

3364-555: A whole then joined and played an instrumental role in the victory at the Battle of Paardeberg Drift (18–27 February 1900), including an advance by night towards the enemy lines, quietly digging trenches on high ground 65 yards from the Boer lines. On February 27, 1900, the Boers, staring into the muzzles of Canadian and British rifles, surrendered, thus removing the commando blocking the way to

3480-595: Is The Royal Canadian Regiment , which names its companies sequentially throughout the regiment from the Duke of Edinburgh's Company (instead of A Company) in the 1st Battalion to T Company in the 4th Battalion. Many regiments name their companies after battle honours or former units that make up the current regiment, for example: The combat support company administratively contains the specialized platoons, such as reconnaissance, pioneer, headquarters and signals, anti-armour, and mortar. The administration support company contains

3596-551: Is a regular force light infantry battalion of the Canadian Forces . 3 RCR's most notable service occurred in Korea, Germany, Bosnia and Afghanistan. In 2006–2010, the battalion was deployed to Kandahar Province , Afghanistan. All three rifle companies were deployed at various times during this period of combat. Also notable was the period between 2003 and 2004, when it was the initial Canadian Forces unit to serve as part of

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3712-508: Is one of Canada's oldest Regular Force military units. In 2012 the regiment was assigned the perpetuation of the 1st Regiment of Middlesex Militia (1812–15) and the 1st Regiment of Oxford Militia (1812–15) from the War of 1812 , and as a result carries three battle honours from that conflict. The RCR was also assigned the perpetuation of The Loyal London Volunteers which was accompanied by a non-emblazonable Honorary Distinction. The regiment itself

3828-775: The 1st Canadian Infantry Brigade , a formation made up entirely of Ontario units. Moving to the United Kingdom in December 1939 as a component of the 1st Canadian Infantry Division , the RCR saw hard training for almost four years. On 10 July 1943, the RCR landed at Pachino in the opening waves of the Allied invasion of Sicily – the last member of the regiment to participate in these original waves – George F. Burrows of Chatham Ontario – died on April 11, 2012, in Windsor, Ontario at

3944-602: The 3rd Battalion , The RCR. In 1990, HQ and Duke of Edinburgh's Company (the first rifle company) of the 1st Battalion deployed to Cornwall, Ontario, as part of Operation Kahnawake . The 2nd Battalion, as part of 5 Canadian Mechanized Brigade Group , deployed to the Montreal region to partake in Operation Salon. These deployments were part of the government's response to the Oka Crisis . In 1991, M Company and

4060-630: The Atlantic Provinces in recent decades, the regiment maintains a general connection as the "local" infantry regiment for anglophone eastern Canada. The regiment is a "British-style" infantry regiment that is the spiritual home and repository of customs and traditions for a number of battalions that do not necessarily serve together operationally. The RCR maintains its Regimental Headquarters (RHQ) in Petawawa, Ontario , which has no operational command role but handles regimental affairs outside

4176-599: The Boer War , when 2nd (Special Service) Battalion, The Royal Canadian Regiment of Infantry constituted Canada's initial involvement in that war. 3rd (Special Service) battalion, The Royal Canadian Regiment of Infantry occupied Wellington Barracks in London Ont. and conducted garrison duties there. The second was at the tail end of the Second World War when a second battalion, RCR was formed for duty in Japan. Finally, during

4292-644: The Canadian Airborne Regiment . It served in Baden , Germany , until 1984, when it was replaced by 2nd Battalion Princess Patricia's Canadian Light Infantry . It then was based in Winnipeg as part of 1 Canadian Mechanized Brigade Group . It then returned to Germany in 1988, where it stayed until 1993, following the end of the Cold War . It was then designated a so-called "10/90" battalion and

4408-673: The International Security Assistance Force (ISAF), the second consisting of Reconnaissance Platoon in 2005 as augmentation of the Royal Canadian Dragoons (RCD) reconnaissance squadron, during Rotation 4 of Operation Athena and Rotation 0 of Operation Archer in Kandahar. Later as Rotation 6 for Operation Athena in Kandahar in 2008/2009. After seeing the unit in the reconstitution phase of the army training operations framework cycle, it

4524-409: The International Security Assistance Force , deploying to Kabul in August 2003. The Royal Canadian Regiment was formed 21 December 1883, under the name of the "Infantry School Corps". The regiment was known by a variety of names until "The Royal Canadian Regiment" became official. There have been three occasions when there have been more than one battalion of The RCR. First was during the time of

4640-614: The Korean War , 3rd battalion was formed on 10 January 1951. 3 RCR served in Korea from March 1953 until March 1954. During a reorganisation of the Canadian Army in the early 1950s, 3 RCR ceased being on the regular force order of battle. 3 RCR was the designation of the militia battalion of The RCR. 3 RCR was once again a regular force battalion when it assumed duties as a mechanised infantry battalion of 4 Canadian Mechanized Brigade Group , taking over 3 (Mechanized) Commando of

4756-675: The London Regiment with its Somme , Messines and Cambrai companies. The foot guards regiments use traditional names for some of their companies, for example Queen's Company, Left Flank, Prince of Wales's Company etc. Royal Marines companies are designated by a letter that is unique across the corps, not just within their command . The Intelligence Corps , Royal Military Police and Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers all have companies uniquely numbered across their corps. The defunct Royal Army Service Corps , Royal Pioneer Corps and Royal Army Ordnance Corps had companies;

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4872-948: The North-West Rebellion in 1885, where it fought at Batoche and Cut Knife Creek . The regiment later provided personnel to the Yukon Field Force (1898–1900), which assisted the North-West Mounted Police in the Yukon during the Gold Rush . The regiment served in the South African (Boer) War (1899–1903). Its Great War deployment was delayed by a garrison assignment in Bermuda from September 1914 until August 1915. Upon returning to Nova Scotia, its members attested for overseas service with

4988-732: The October Crisis in 1970 as part of the government's response to the FLQ . Major John Hasek became the first commander of the Skyhawks Parachute Team when it formed in 1971. The three Regular Force battalions were also deployed in to support the 1976 Summer Olympics in Montreal , Quebec. Throughout the Cold War period, The RCR participated in Canada's contributions to United Nations peacekeeping . For battalions of

5104-474: The Royal Corps of Transport had squadrons. British companies are usually commanded by a major , the officer commanding (OC), with a captain or senior lieutenant as second-in-command (2i/c). The company headquarters also includes a company sergeant major (CSM) normally holding the rank of WO2 and a company quartermaster sergeant (CQMS) of colour sergeant rank, the two most senior soldiers in

5220-534: The Tower of London , as well as Windsor Castle . The RCR has contributed personnel to Canadian Forces Joint Task Force-Ukraine since 2014. Company (military unit) A company is a military unit , typically consisting of 100–250 soldiers and usually commanded by a major or a captain . Most companies are made up of three to seven platoons , although the exact number may vary by country, unit type, and structure. Usually several companies are grouped as

5336-427: The "Triangular Division" reorganization begun in 1939), an ensign (an obsolete subaltern officer rank charged with carrying the regimental colors in rotation with the other ensigns of the battalion/regiment), four sergeants (section leaders/squad leaders with two to a platoon), four corporals (assistant section leaders/squad leaders with two to a platoon), two musicians (a drummer and a fifer), and 76 privates. The company

5452-503: The 12 sergeants, while eight of them continued to serve as section leaders (with two in each platoon), the four senior ranking sergeants were assigned to a new position in each platoon headquarters as "assistant to platoon commander". This was the forerunner of the modern platoon sergeant slot created in 1943 (originally known in 1940 as the "platoon leader", as the officer was styled as the "platoon commander" until 1943) to provide an experienced senior NCO as an advisor and second-in-command to

5568-545: The 1st Battalion deployed for Task Force 1–10 In February 2012, the 2nd Battalion formed the core of Rotation 1 of the Canadian Contribution Training Mission – Afghanistan and deployed to Kabul on Operation Attention till November 2012. In October–November 2018, an 82-strong contingent from all four battalions and 38 members of the Royal Canadian Artillery Band provided the Queen's Guard at Buckingham Palace , St James's Palace and

5684-578: The 1st and 3rd Battalions , each saw service in Korea. The 2nd Battalion helped stabilize the 38th parallel, most notably at the Chail-li sector. In October 1952, the 1st Battalion fought the Chinese at the battle of Kowang-san (Hill 355 – Little Gibraltar). It was replaced by the 3rd Battalion , which took over the Jamestown Line on Hill 187, where it fought one of the last engagements before

5800-649: The 1st, 33rd, 71st, 142nd and 168th Battalions as well as the 2nd Battalion of the Canadian Machine Gun Corps . The amalgamation also saw the total battle honours for the First World War, based on the combined list of amalgamated components of the regiment, increase to the full list seen below. The Militia battalion (3rd Battalion) was renumbered as the 4th Battalion in 1970 when the Canadian Guards were reduced to nil strength and

5916-547: The 2nd Battalion had the honour of mounting the Queen's Guard at Buckingham Palace , when a detachment came to London to commemorate the Canadian involvement in the Second Boer War , and to celebrate the re-opening of Canada House . Later that year, H Company Group of 2nd Battalion deployed to eastern Africa as part of UNMEE. As the United States prepared to launch military actions against Iraq, 2 RCR formed

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6032-551: The BMP's heavier weaponry in their calculations. Prior to the late 1980s, a Soviet tank company within a Motorised Rifle Regiment consisted of a company headquarters and three tank platoons with T-64 , T-72 or T-80 tanks for a total of 39 personnel and 13 tanks; companies using the older T-54 , T-55 or T-62s tanks had 13 additional enlisted personnel. Companies within Tank Regiments or independent Tank Battalions had

6148-709: The Canadian Expeditionary Force (CEF), arriving in France in October 1915 to fight in WW1. The regiment's name was changed to The Royal Canadian Regiment of Infantry in 1893, with a new emphasis on being combat capable. William Dillon Otter , formerly of The Queen's Own Rifles of Canada , was the first Commanding Officer . He would later become the first Canadian-born Chief of the General Staff ,

6264-474: The Franco-Prussian model (with much influence beginning in 1777 from Continental European expatriates and future American generals the Marquis de Lafayette of France, Count Casimir Pulaski of Poland, and Baron von Steuben of Prussia). As a result, in 1776, a Continental Army Infantry company was authorized one captain, one first lieutenant, one second lieutenant (both lieutenants serving as platoon commanders – not designated as platoon leaders until 1943 under

6380-565: The French-speaking Royal 22 Régiment , operationally secured the Sarajevo airport during the Yugoslav wars . This operation saw a redeployment of the entire battle group from Croatia to Sarajevo , under the command of General Lewis MacKenzie . Elizabeth II , Queen of Canada , made mention of this operational force and its commitment to international peace while she was in the National Capital Region that same year during Canada's 125th, stating: I am delighted to be here with you once again, to share in this day of national celebration, and, as

6496-437: The Imperial Cypher of Queen Victoria." (Description of the badge of The RCR as presented in Regiments and Corps of the Canadian Army , published by the Army Historical Section, 1964) The letters VRI on the cap badge of the RCR stand for Victoria Regina Imperatrix , which is Latin for "Victoria, Queen and Empress". The right to wear the imperial cypher and crown was granted to the regiment by Queen Victoria in 1893. When

6612-454: The Italian mainland in September. The RCR fought in several battles of the Italian campaign , including key engagements in the Moro River valley near Ortona in December 1943. During 1944, the regiment took part the Battle of Monte Cassino in attacks on German defensive lines called the Hitler Line and later the Gothic Line . The regiment was transferred to northwest Europe in February 1945 during Operation Goldflake and took part in

6728-452: The Korean War, a slash separates the battalion/squadron number from the regimental number (i.e., B/2/75 Ranger, C/3/11 ACR, E/2/1 Marines). Although not official designations, the letters are often pronounced in "GI slang" using the NATO phonetic alphabet or, before that, the Joint Army/Navy Phonetic Alphabet , resulting in names such as "Bravo Company" and "Echo Company" (formerly "Baker" and " Easy " companies, respectively). Companies with

6844-399: The Reserve component of The RCR. In 1958, it was renamed 3rd Battalion, The Royal Canadian Regiment (London and Oxford Fusiliers). In 1989, the designation of the Reserve battalion was shortened to 4th Battalion, The Royal Canadian Regiment. This amalgamation also brought to the regiment the perpetuation of a number of battalions of the First World War Canadian Expeditionary Force , including

6960-464: The active regiments in the army's Regular Force order of battle. During the 1950s and 1960s, battalions of The RCR were stationed as part of 4 Canadian Mechanized Brigade Group at Fort York, Germany. These deployments were executed by 1RCR (1955–57 and 1962–65) and 2RCR (1953–55 and 1965–70). 3rd Battalion was later deployed to Germany, stationed in Baden-Söllingen 1977–84 and 1988–93. All three Regular Force battalions of The RCR were deployed during

7076-469: The actual totals widely varied. For example, in 1775, a typical British Army infantry company contained only 47 personnel (comprising 3 officers, 5 noncommissioned officers, a drummer, and 38 privates). However, by 1792, an American infantry company contained 98 personnel (comprising 3 officers, 9 noncommissioned officers, a drummer, a fifer, and 84 privates). Beginning in 1775, American forces began to develop their own organizational doctrine somewhat based on

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7192-436: The age of 88. The regiment and its sister units in the 1st Brigade, The Hastings and Prince Edward Regiment and the 48th Highlanders of Canada fought in several battles as the division advanced north and then east towards Messina. After the 38-day campaign on the island was completed, the regiment was involved in another amphibious landing (codenamed Operation Baytown ) at Reggio di Calabria , as part of Allied invasion of

7308-414: The armistice in 1953. After the end of the Korean War, the regiment was reduced to two battalions, when the 3rd Battalion was disbanded in July 1954. In 1954 two London, Ontario, Militia regiments, the Canadian Fusiliers (City of London Regiment) (MG) and The Oxford Rifles were amalgamated and redesignated The London and Oxford Fusiliers (3rd Battalion, The Royal Canadian Regiment). This unit thus became

7424-461: The army, several of these independent companies would be grouped together to form either a battalion or a regiment, depending upon the number of companies involved. (Usually two to five would form a battalion, while six to twelve would form a regiment.) More recent examples of separate companies would be the divisional support companies (i.e., signal, military police, ordinance maintenance, quartermaster, reconnaissance, and replacement companies) of

7540-399: The battalion commander (a lieutenant colonel ). However, there are some administrative and other duties at battalion level and larger ( brigade or division ) that are also handled by captains, for example the S-1, S-2, & S-4 officers of a battalion (S-3 is a major), or some assistant staff positions in the G shops at division. The senior non-commissioned officer of a company is called

7656-474: The battalion withstood a strong enemy assault on its position about Hill 187 . The attack was repulsed, but the engagement cost the Canadians heavy casualties – 26 killed, 27 wounded and seven taken prisoner. In 1954 two London, Ontario Militia regiments, the Canadian Fusiliers (City of London Regiment) (MG) and The Oxford Rifles were amalgamated and redesignated The London and Oxford Fusiliers (3rd Battalion, The Royal Canadian Regiment) . This unit thus became

7772-444: The commanding officer to relay orders by sound (i.e., musical notes and drumbeats). Sometimes, the regimental commander would group the musicians as a regimental band positioned behind the left center company in the line of battle, with the drummers forming a regimental drum-line for use by the regimental commander in giving orders to the several companies by drumbeats. As needed, the musicians also served as orderlies and guards at either

7888-484: The company or battalion/regimental headquarters and in combat served as messengers, water carriers, stretcher bearers, and temporarily guarded enemy prisoners of war until they were passed to the rear for processing and internment. In 1898, with the expansion of the rifle company to three platoons under mobilization for the Spanish–American War , the company gained two officers (an additional first lieutenant as executive officer and an additional second lieutenant to command

8004-470: The company was an administrative and tactical unit seldom employed in other than as a massed formation. The standard procedure, once the company had marched into its position in the line of battle, was for the company to form facing the enemy as two ranks, by platoon, one behind the other. The commanding officer (a captain), and the one to four lieutenants (depending upon the time period) serving as platoon commanders/assistant platoon commanders (1808 to 1821) and

8120-482: The company. The Honourable Artillery Company is in fact a regiment , not a company, in terms of organisation and size. In the Canadian Army , the company is the standard sub-unit organization for infantry and combat service support , as modelled after the British. A Canadian infantry battalion consists of three or four rifle companies identified by letter (A Company, B Company, etc.), a Combat Support Company, and an Administration Support Company. A notable exception

8236-416: The country. The "3rd (Special Service) Battalion" was also raised at this time, in 1900, and was employed as a garrison force in Halifax until 1902 when it was also disbanded. In the Boer War, the Toronto company of the 2RCRI fought Canada's first overseas battle at Sunnyside, Cape Colony, on January 1, 1900, defeating a Boer commando in an action led by Australia's Queensland Mounted Infantry. The unit as

8352-484: The course of the deployment, one platoon, who were located along 'Route Nightmare', suffered a high number of casualties from IED and ambush attacks. Despite 2010's fighting season being the deadliest on record, O Company suffered no combat deaths. No members of O Company were awarded medals for valour or for bravery. In 2010, the M (Parachute) Company Group, consisting of combat engineer, mortar group, medical, and signals attachments took shape. They deployed as

8468-568: The custom to assign a veteran sergeant to carry the national colors as only regiments and separate battalions were authorized to carry a "battle flag". A special group of NCOs, led by the "color sergeant", chosen for their experience and fighting skills, were detailed from the companies to the regimental headquarters to carry and defend the national colors (the United States flag) and the regimental colors (the regiment's unique standard bearing its branch and regiment designation as well as its battle honors and unit decorations). The musicians remained with

8584-510: The executive officer would direct the fighting, leading from the front in the attack and on the flanks in the defense. The executive officer, or more usually the junior lieutenant, and the first sergeant were normally positioned behind the battle line so as to assist the company commander in overseeing the company and managing the rear (company trains with the quartermaster sergeant and wagoner, casualties, enemy prisoners, non-combatants, deserters, etc.). The sergeants, acted as "file closers", working

8700-647: The first Boer capital, Bloemfontein, Orange Free State. This date has since been celebrated by the Regiment as Paardeberg Day . Having delivered the first unqualified good news of the war for the British Empire, the Regiment also distinguished itself on the march north, arriving first at the gates of Pretoria . During the South African War Private Richard Rowland Thompson was awarded a Queen's scarf, one of

8816-519: The first Canadian company-level direct action raid against insurgent forces since the Korean War. In August 2006, the 1st Battalion deployed to Afghanistan as part of Operation Athena , replacing the 1st Battalion, Princess Patricia's Canadian Light Infantry (PPCLI) for a six-month tour of duty in theatre. In February 2007, the 2nd Battalion replaced the 1st Battalion in Afghanistan for

8932-659: The four presented to soldiers of the Dominions, a further four scarves crocheted by Queen Victoria went to non-commissioned officers of the British Army . A small statuette (1999) by André Gauthier (sculptor) commemorates the centennial of the Royal Canadian Regiment's Battle of Paardeberg during the Boer War . In October 1901 the regiment received new colours from the Duke of Cornwall and York (later King George V ) during his visit to Canada, and

9048-514: The general range of 100–250 members, perhaps validating the premise that humans fight best (as well as live, work, socialize, play, etc.) in organizations of around 150 members, more or less. While historically companies were usually grouped into battalions or regiments, there were certain sub-units raised as independent companies that did not belong to a specific battalion or regiment, such as Confederate States of America state local militia companies. However, upon activation and assimilation into

9164-658: The greatest challenge to an officer to command a group of men engaged in mortal combat. Until the latter half of the 19th century, when infantry troops still routinely fought in close order, marching and firing shoulder-to-shoulder in lines facing the enemy, the company remained at around 100, or fewer, men. The advent of accurate, long-range rifle fire, repeating rifles , and machine guns necessitated highly dispersed combat formations. This, coupled with radio communication, permitted relatively small numbers of men to have much greater firepower and combat effectiveness than previously possible. Companies, however, continue to remain within

9280-530: The head of the Canadian Army . During the South African War ( Second Boer War ), the "2nd (Special Service) Battalion" was raised from across the country to contribute Canada's First Contingent in this war, with Otter in command. This battalion was quickly disbanded in 1900 upon its return to Canada, even though they were considered by many British officers to be the best infantry battalion in

9396-404: The home of the 4th Battalion today. The Royal Canadian Regiment has been awarded a total of 61 battle honours . In the list below, battle honours in capitals were awarded for participation in large operations and campaigns, while those in lowercase indicate honours granted for more specific battles. Battle honours in bold type are emblazoned on the regimental colours. The Royal Canadian Regiment

9512-609: The honours and awards to members of the regiment in the First World War was the Victoria Cross (VC) won by Lieutenant Milton Gregg . The RCR also recognizes the VC won by Lieutenant Frederick William Campbell , who was an officer of the 1st (Western Ontario) Battalion of the Canadian Expeditionary Force , one of the battalions now perpetuated by The RCR. The RCR remained a Permanent Force regiment between

9628-517: The job in lieu of a rank-qualified first sergeant or master sergeant. Again, in such situations, the NCO holds the duty position and title of "First Sergeant", while retaining the rank of sergeant first class. A weapons company has in place of the three rifle platoons, an 81 mm mortar platoon, an anti-armor platoon, and a heavy machine gun platoon. USMC tank and LAR companies are organized similarly to US Army tank and mechanized infantry companies, with

9744-452: The junior officer in the company from 1775 until 1808 and nominally the "color bearer", usually either personally carried the regimental battle flag or supervised the detailed party of NCOs and privates drawn from the companies tasked with bearing and protecting the flag. The rank and position of ensign (as well as cornet in mounted units) was eliminated in the early 1800s when incumbents were converted to second lieutenants. It had already become

9860-529: The late 1980s. A BTR rifle company consisted of a company headquarters, three motorised rifle platoons and a machine gun/antitank platoon equipped with three PK machine guns and three AT-7 Saxhorn launchers for a total of 110 personnel and 12 BTRs. A BMP rifle company had the same number of personnel and carriers and consisted of a company headquarters, three motorised rifle platoons and a machine gun platoon equipped with six RPK-74s . While seemingly containing less firepower, US commanders were advised to include

9976-570: The liberation the Dutch city of Apeldoorn . The regiment received 28 battle honours for its participation in the Second World War. The regiment returned home to Canada in 1945. In 1950 the regiment was called upon to contribute to Canada's forces for the Korean War . A new Active Service Force (Special Force) was to be raised, and the regiment expanded to a two-battalion, then a three-battalion, organization. The 2nd Battalion, followed by

10092-404: The line by putting men forward to replace casualties in the front rank, encouraging men to fire, reload, move forward, etc. and if need be, physically assisting or restraining men who refused to move forward or attempted to flee. The corporals physically led by example (much like modern fire team leaders) by taking their place in the line with their privates and fighting alongside them. The ensign,

10208-561: The new 3rd Canadian Division . The regiment combined with Princess Patricia's Canadian Light Infantry and the 42nd and 49th Canadian Infantry Battalions to form the 7th Canadian Infantry Brigade. Battle honours awarded to The Royal Canadian Regiment for its actions in the First World War included: "Mount Sorrel, Somme , 1916, Flers-Courcelette, Ancre Heights, Arras , 1917, 18, Vimy , 1917, Hill 70 , Ypres , 1917, Passchendaele , Amiens , Scarpe , 1918, Hindenburg Line , Canal du Nord, Pursuit to Mons , FRANCE AND FLANDERS, 1914–18". Among

10324-502: The officer commanding the platoon. Cavalry companies (not officially re-designated as "troops" until 1883) had a similar organization to the infantry, but with fewer men, companies rarely exceeding around 70 men. In the Field Artillery, the company-equivalent unit is designated as a "battery" and historically consisted of a battery headquarters and two or three gun platoons, each with two gun sections. At full authorized strength,

10440-400: The plains Indians), and 1898–1899 (war with Spain) authorized company strength ranged from over 100 officers and men up to a high of 119. Also, in 1861 a company quartermaster sergeant was added to the authorized manning of an infantry company and a wagoner was reinstituted (previously authorized from 1796 to 1808) to drive the company supply wagon. During the 1700s and up until the late 1800s,

10556-512: The positions of company executive officer (second-in-command) and a third platoon commander were not authorized until 1898 when the army expanded under mobilization for the war with Spain. During the 1800s the authorized strength of infantry companies fell to a low of 54 officers and men during periods of relative peace from 1821 to 1838 and again from 1842 to 1846. In contrast, from 1812 to 1815 (second war with Great Britain), 1846 to 1848 (war with Mexico), 1861 to 1890 (American civil war and wars with

10672-502: The regiment garrisoned at Saint John sur Richelieu from 1884 to 1908 and 1924–. In 1984 the battalion was rotated to Winnipeg . In 1988 the battalion was rotated back to Baden until the base was closed in 1993 at which time it was disbanded in Germany and subsequently stood up at CFB Borden , Ontario, as a "10/90" battalion. The "10/90" concept created an infantry battalion in each Regular Force regiment with approximately 10 per cent of its personnel being full-time Regular soldiers, while

10788-589: The regiment the perpetuation of a number of battalions of the First World War Canadian Expeditionary Force , including the 1st, 33rd, 71st, 142nd and 168th Battalions as well as the 2nd Battalion of the Canadian Machine Gun Corps. 3 RCR was one of two infantry battalions that formed Canada's commitment to NATO . It assumed duties from 3 Mechanised Commando, Canadian Airborne Regiment in 1977. It

10904-578: The regiment's name was changed to The Royal Canadian Regiment. In 1914, the regiment was deployed to the Imperial fortress colony of Bermuda for garrison duties, replacing the 2nd Battalion, Lincolnshire Regiment , from September 1914 (arriving at Bermuda on 3 September, 1914, aboard HMCS Canada , escorted by HMCS Niobe ) to August 1915, when it was replaced by the 38th Battalion (Ottawa), CEF and returned to Halifax and reattested for overseas service. The RCR arrived in France in October 1915 to join

11020-587: The regiment, this meant rotating tours on the island of Cyprus . The six-month tours of this mission, named Operation Snowgoose, were executed by elements of the regiment 13 times between 1966 and 1992. In 1977 the 3rd Battalion was posted to CFB Baden-Soellingen in Germany. In 1983, a Century of Service plaque at the Royal Military College Saint-Jean commemorates the centennial of the Royal Canadian Regiment, 1883–1983 Canada's oldest permanent force infantry regiment. Elements of

11136-482: The remaining positions were filled by Reserve Force soldiers from affiliated units in the region. These units existed until 1996 when the three 10/90 battalions were stood down and replaced by light infantry battalions on the Regular Force order of battle. Initially formed without specific regimental affiliation, within the year the light infantry battalion was relocated to CFB Petawawa and officially designated

11252-513: The reserve component of the RCR. In 1958, it was renamed 3rd Battalion, The Royal Canadian Regiment (London and Oxford Fusiliers) . The Militia battalion changed from the 3rd to the 4th Battalion in 1970 when The Canadian Guards were reduced to nil strength and the soldiers of that regiment's 2nd Battalion (at CFB Petawawa ) became the restored 3rd Battalion, The RCR, on the Regular Force order of battle. This amalgamation also brought to

11368-553: The responsibility of the individual battalions. The Royal Canadian Regiment Museum is located within historic Wolseley Hall in London, Ontario. Wolseley Barracks in London has been continuously occupied by some element of the regiment since construction of Wolseley Hall was completed in 1888. At various times Wolseley Barracks has been the home of the Regimental Headquarters, the 1st and 2nd Battalions, and remains

11484-400: The same type, with a headquarters and a limited capacity for self-support." The standard NATO symbol for a company consists of a single vertical line placed above a framed unit icon. Member nations have stipulated the different names they will use for organizations of this size. Rifle companies consist of three platoons and a company headquarters. Company-sized organisations in units with

11600-476: The soldiers of that regiment's 2nd Battalion (at CFB Petawawa ) became the restored 3rd Battalion , The RCR, on the Regular Force order of battle. At the same time, the 2nd Battalion of The RCR was relocated to CFB Gagetown , New Brunswick, and reconstituted from the soldiers of the Black Watch (Royal Highland Regiment) of Canada as its two battalions there were also reduced to nil strength and removed from

11716-487: The support tradesmen that a battalion requires, such as cooks, vehicle technicians, supply, medics, etc. As in the British Army, company sized units with a mounted heritage use the term squadron, and in the artillery they are called batteries. A Soviet motorised rifle company could be mounted in either BTR armoured personnel carriers or BMP infantry fighting vehicles , with the former being more numerous into

11832-420: The third platoon). Additionally, there was an increase in the number of noncommissioned officers (NCOs) to serve as section leaders (sergeants) and squad leaders (corporals) to the point that in 1901 with the increase in privates to 127 (from 84 in 1898) that there were then authorized 18 corporals and six sergeants, along with two buglers (the bugle having replaced both the drum and the fife in infantry companies),

11948-681: The three line platoons consisting of four tanks or LAVs each, and the company command element containing two tanks or LAVs. AAV companies have three platoons containing four sections of three AAVs each, for a total of 12 AAVs per platoon, and a headquarters section of three AAVs. The company also includes both command and recovery variants of the AAV, giving the company a grand total of approximately 42–45 AAVs. Some companies were well enough known that they have been identified with their company letter. Examples include: 3 Royal Canadian Regiment 3rd Battalion, The Royal Canadian Regiment (3 RCR)

12064-462: The unit's history stems from the 15th Infantry Regiment of the Army, in its lineage. Companies normally do not have their own overhead, but share the overhead of the parent organization. When the regimental headquarters exists as a separate echelon of command (e.g., the 75th Ranger Regiment, the 11th Armored Cavalry Regiment, and the 1st Marine Regiment), as virtually all U.S. Army regiments did until after

12180-406: The units were supporting mounted or foot formations. The British Army infantry normally identifies its rifle companies by letter (usually, but not always, A, B and C) within a battalion , usually with the addition of a headquarters company and a support/heavy weapons company. Some units name their companies after regimental battle honours; this is commonly the case for composite units, for example

12296-429: The wagoner, two senior NCOs (first sergeant and quartermaster sergeant), and five officers for a total of 161 officers and men. In 1905, a mess sergeant was added to the company's senior NCO staff and the company quartermaster sergeant was renamed supply sergeant. Due to mobilization for World War I, the army adopted its "square division" organization structure, significantly increasing unit sizes from platoon up. In 1917,

12412-562: The wars and returned to its role of providing instruction to the Militia through garrisons in London ( Ontario ), Halifax ( Nova Scotia ), Toronto (Ontario) and Montreal ( Quebec ). On 1 September 1939 the regiment was mobilized as part of the Canadian Active Service Force as Canada prepared for participation in the Second World War . When war was declared on September 10, the RCR had already been allocated to

12528-461: Was based at CFB Borden . (These battalions were composed of 10% regular force members, and 90% reserve force members.) 3 RCR was stood up as a full-fledged regular force infantry battalion in 1996, and was designated as a light infantry battalion, consisting of three rifle companies, a combat support company and a combat service support company: 3 RCR replaced 2 RCR in Korea in early 1953. Early in May

12644-799: Was based out of Camp Julien . The 3 RCR Battlegroup (3 RCR BG) was augmented by "C" Company, 1 RCR. 3 RCR BG served in Kabul until early 2004, when it was replaced by a battle group of the Royal 22 Régiment . In 2005 the Reconnaissance Platoon, including a sniper section, was attached to the RCD reconnaissance squadron for Rotation 4 of Operation Athena and the subsequent Rotation 0 of Operation Archer as Canada's involvement in Afghanistan transitioned to Kandahar. In anticipation of its deployment to Afghanistan in autumn 2008, 3 RCR reroled into

12760-480: Was commissioned for The Royal Canadian Regiment. In March 2004 the same company deployed to Port-au-Prince , Haiti, as part of Operation Halo (Operation "Secure Tomorrow" as the United States called it) to conduct security operations as part of the Multinational Interim Force. This force was set in place in order to set the conditions for the United Nations to take over. I Company conducted

12876-652: Was formed as the Infantry School Corps on 21 December 1883, authorized by a Militia Act which also created the Cavalry School Corps . These school corps were created as regular units that would train the Canadian militia. The first companies stood up in Fredericton NB, St Jean-sur-Richelieu QC, and Toronto ON in 1883, with a fourth company standing up in London ON several years later. The Infantry School Corps' first battle honours were earned during

12992-618: Was organized into two platoons, each consisting of two sections/squads (the terms were sometimes used interchangeably) consisting of one sergeant, one corporal, and 19 privates. (Wright, 1983) From the late 1700s up until the late 1800s, a US infantry company was commanded by a captain and assisted by a first sergeant (first authorized in 1781), and consisted of a small company headquarters and two identical platoons commanded by lieutenants. Even though from 1808 until 1821 companies were authorized two first lieutenants and two second lieutenants (and again from 1861 to 1866 for two second lieutenants),

13108-776: Was prepared once again for deployment. It stood up as the core of Task Force 3–08 Battle Group in January 2008 and assumed duties in Kandahar in September of that year. 3 RCR redeployed to Canada in April and May 2009. In 2010, O Company deployed as a component of the Task Force 1-10 Battle Group . 1st Platoon, M Company was featured in the Discovery Channel documentary series Combat School while training for their first operational deployment to Afghanistan. As part of Canada's commitment to Afghanistan as part of ISAF, 3 RCR deployed to Kabul, in summer 2003. It

13224-614: Was stationed in Baden-Söllingen , Germany , as part of 4 CMBG . It remained there until 1984, when it was replaced by 2nd Battalion, Princess Patricia's Canadian Light Infantry . 3 RCR was then stationed in Winnipeg , Manitoba. In 1988, 3 RCR was once again rotated to Germany . At this time, it deployed with four rifle companies instead of the usual three rifle companies. It consisted of the following: 3 RCR remained in Germany until 1993, when 4 Canadian Mechanized Brigade Group

13340-503: Was stood down following the end of the Cold War . 3 RCR deployed to Bosnia and Herzegovina twice as part of SFOR . The first tour in 1998–1999 as Rotation 3 for Operation Palladium under command of Lieutenant-Colonel Jorgensen and then again in 2001 as Rotation 8 under command of Lieutenant-Colonel Thompson. 3 RCR served in Afghanistan three times. The first tour was in Kabul in 2003/2004 as Rotation 0 for Operation Athena as part of

13456-683: Was to the 1st Battalion of the Royal 22 Regiment Battle Group (Including N Company, 3rd Battalion Royal Canadian Regiment) for having opened the airport in the besieged city of Sarajevo in July 1992 (OP HARMONY). The Commendation was officially presented to the unit by Her Excellency, the Right Honourable Adrienne Clarkson, CC, CMM, COM, CD, Governor General of Canada and Commander-in-Chief of the Canadian Forces during

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