Queen's York Rangers (1st American Regiment)

The Queen's York Rangers (1st American Regiment) (RCAC) is a Canadian Army Primary Reserve Royal Canadian Armoured Corps regiment based in Toronto and Aurora. The regiment is part of 4th Canadian Division's 32 Canadian Brigade Group. The regiment consists of one cavalry squadron (D Squadron), as well as the Headquarters and Training Squadron. The regimental family also includes The Queen's York Rangers Band (volunteer), along with two Royal Canadian Army Cadet corps and a Royal Canadian Air Cadet squadron. The unit mottos are pristinae virtutis memor – 'remembering their glories in former days' – and celer et audax – 'swift and bold'. Among its own members and those of other regiments, the unit is referred to as the Rangers. The name is abbreviated as QY Rang, and sometimes pronounced /ˈkwaɪræŋ/ KWY-rang.

The Queen's York Rangers (1st American Regiment) (RCAC)
Regimental badge
Active	14 September 1866 in its current form (1775 as the Queen's Rangers) – present
Country	Great Britain (1775–1801) United Kingdom (1801–1867) Canada (1867–present)
Branch	Canada
Type	Armoured Cavalry
Role	To obtain timely and accurate information on the enemy and ground and pass it up the chain of command quickly
Size	One regiment, including band, cadets
Part of	32 Canadian Brigade Group 4th Canadian Division
Garrison/HQ	Fort York Armoury, Toronto
Nickname(s)	QY Rang (/ˈkwaɪræŋ/ KWY-rang)
Motto(s)	Latin: pristinae virtutis memor, lit. 'remembering their glories in former days' Latin: celer et audax, lit. 'swift and bold'
Colors	Green and amethyst blue
March	"Braganza"
Engagements	American Revolution War of 1812 Upper Canada Rebellion Fenian Raids North-West Rebellion First World War Second World War War in Afghanistan
Battle honours	See #Battle honours
Commanders
Colonel of the Regiment	Elizabeth Dowdeswell, Lieutenant Governor of Ontario
Honorary Colonel	Honorary Colonel Sally M. Horsfall Eaton
Honorary Lieutenant-Colonel	Honorary Lieutenant-Colonel Clint Davis
Commanding Officer	Lieutenant-Colonel Matt Lennox
Regimental Sergeant-Major	Chief Warrant Officer Matthew French

Lineage

Pre-Confederation

The Queen's York Rangers (1st American Regiment) (RCAC) trace their direct origins to Robert Rogers and his Rangers in 1756 during the French and Indian Wars. Disbanded after seven years of hard service, Rogers reformed the Rangers in 1775 and they soon were carried on the British Army list as The Queen's Rangers, First American Regiment. The Rangers were particularly distinguished under John Graves Simcoe in 1777 at the Battle of Brandywine and were shipped to New Brunswick at the end of the war in 1783. When Simcoe was appointed as the first Lieutenant Governor of Upper Canada, he made a stop in New Brunswick and raised the Queen's Rangers again and brought them with him in 1793 to Upper Canada. The Rangers were stood down again in 1802 and became the York Militia. They became active again during the War of 1812 and again during the Upper Canada Rebellion in 1837-38.

The York Rangers

The York County Militia was reconstituted again on 14 September 1866 as the 12th "York Battalion of Infantry". It was redesignated as the 12th Battalion of Infantry or "York Rangers" on 10 May 1872, as the 12th Regiment "York Rangers" on 8 May 1900 and, following the Great War, as The York Rangers on 1 May 1920. On 15 December 1936, it was amalgamated with The Queen's Rangers (1st American Regiment) and redesignated The Queen's York Rangers (1st American Regiment) (MG). It was redesignated as the 2nd (Reserve) Battalion, The Queen's York Rangers (1st American Regiment) on 5 March 1942, as The Queen's York Rangers (1st American Regiment) (Reserve) on 15 September 1944, as The Queen's York Rangers (1st American Regiment) on 30 November 1945, as the 25th Armoured Regiment (Queen's York Rangers), RCAC on 19 June 1947, The Queen's York Rangers (1st American Regiment) (25th Armoured Regiment) on 4 February 1949, The Queen's York Rangers (1st American Regiment) (RCAC) on 19 May 1958, The Queen's York Rangers (RCAC) on 3 September 1985 and The Queen's York Rangers (1st American Regiment) (RCAC) on 12 November 2004.^[1]^[2]

The Queen's Rangers (1st American Regiment)

The Queen's Rangers (1st American Regiment) was formed in Toronto, Ontario on 15 January 1921 as The West Toronto Regiment. On 1 August 1925, it was amalgamated with the 2nd Battalion (35th Battalion, CEF), The York Rangers and redesignated The Queen's Rangers. It was redesignated The Queen's Rangers (1st American Regiment) on 1 December 1927. On 15 December 1936, it was amalgamated with The York Rangers.^[3]

Lineage chart

Lineage of the Queen's York Rangers (1st American Regiment) (RCAC)^[4]

1812	Bn of Incorporated Militia of Upper Canada	1st Regt of York Militia		3rd Regt of York Militia

1815	Disbanded	Disbanded		Disbanded



1862	Scarborough Rifle Coy	Aurora Infy Coy		Lloydtown Infy Rifle Coy

1863						King Infy Coy

1866								Newmarket Infy Coy

1866				12th "York Bn of Infy"

1872				12th Bn of Infy or "York Rangers"

1900				12th Regt "York Rangers"

1914						35th Bn, CEF		20th Bn, CEF

1915	127th "Overseas" Bn, CEF					35th Reserve Bn, CEF

1916		220th "Overseas" Bn, CEF

1917	2nd Bn, CRT, CEF	Absorbed by 3rd Reserve Bn, CEF. Disbanded				Absorbed by 4th Reserve Bn, CEF. Disbanded

1920	Disbanded			1st Bn, The York Rangers				Disbanded



1921								1st Bn (20th Bn, CEF), The West Toronto Regt

1922						2nd Bn (35th Bn, CEF), The York Rangers



1925				1st Bn (127th Bn, CEF), The York Rangers			1st Bn (20th Bn, CEF), The Queen's Rangers

1927							1st Bn (20th Bn, CEF), The Queen's Rangers, 1st American Regt

1936					The Queen's York Rangers (1st American Regt) (MG)

1942			1st Bn, The Queen's York Rangers (1st American Regt), CASF		2nd (Reserve) Bn, The Queen's York Rangers (1st American Regt)

1943			Disbanded

1944					The Queen's York Rangers (1st American Regt) (Reserve)

1945					The Queen's York Rangers (1st American Regt)

1947					25th Armd Regt (Queen's York Rangers), RCAC

1949					The Queen's York Rangers (1st American Regt) (25th Armd Regt)

1958					The Queen's York Rangers (1st American Regt) (RCAC)

1985					The Queen's York Rangers (RCAC)

2004					The Queen's York Rangers (1st American Regt) (RCAC)

2012					Perpetuates War of 1812 units

Perpetuations

War of 1812

The Queen's York Rangers (1st American Regiment) (RCAC) perpetuate the Battalion of Incorporated Militia of Upper Canada and the 1st and 3rd Regiments of York Militia.

The Great War

The regiment perpetuates the 20th Battalion (Central Ontario), CEF, the 35th Battalion, CEF, 127th Battalion (12th York Rangers), CEF and the 220th Battalion (12th Regiment York Rangers), CEF.^[5]

Commanders

In 2011, the Minister of National Defence approved the ex officio honorary appointment of the Lieutenant Governor of Ontario as the unit's Colonel of the Regiment in perpetuity. The appointment recognizes the regiment’s links to John Graves Simcoe, the first Lieutenant Governor of Upper Canada and the regiment's commander during the American War of Independence.^[6]

Operational history

North-West Rebellion

The 12th Battalion of Infantry (York Rangers) mobilized four companies for active service on 10 April 1885. The companies served with the York and Simcoe Provisional Battalion in the Alberta Column of the North West Field Force. The companies were removed from active service on 24 July 1885.^[7]

First World War

The distinguishing patch of the 20th Battalion (Central Ontario), CEF.

The 20th Battalion (Central Ontario), CEF was authorized on 7 November 1914 and embarked for Britain on 15 May 1915. It disembarked in France on 15 September 1915, where it fought as part of the 4th Canadian Infantry Brigade, 2nd Canadian Division in France and Flanders until the end of the war. For much of the war, the commanding officer of the battalion was Lieutenat-Colonel C.H. Rogers, a descendant of Robert Rogers. The battalion performed particularly well at the Battle of the Somme, Vimy Ridge, Hill 70, Passchendaele, and at Amiens and Canal du Nord in 1918. Two of its members, Lieutenant Wallace Lloyd Algie and Sergeant Frederick Hobson, were posthumously awarded the Victoria Cross.

The 20th Battalion was disbanded on 30 August 1920. Altogether, 4,310 officers and men had served in the battalion; 843 were killed in action or died of wounds (often having been wounded earlier) and 1,855 were wounded—often several times. Some 22 members of the battalion had been taken prisoner during the war with the largest haul being when nine were taken when evacuating casualties at Passchendaele.

The 35th Battalion, CEF was authorized on 7 November 1914 and embarked for Britain on 16 October 1915. The battalion was redesignated the 35th Reserve Battalion, CEF on 9 February 1915, and it provided reinforcements to the Canadian Corps in the field until 4 January 1917 when its personnel were absorbed by the 4th Reserve Battalion, CEF. The battalion was disbanded on 8 December 1917.

The 127th Battalion (12th York Rangers), CEF was authorized on 22 December 1915 and embarked for Britain on 21 August 1916. It provided reinforcements to the Canadian Corps in the field until 20 November 1916 when it was reorganized as a railway battalion. It disembarked in France on 13 January 1917, and was redesignated the 2nd Battalion, Canadian Railway Troops, CEF on 3 February 1917, where it provided special engineering services to the British Expeditionary Force in France and Flanders until the end of the war.

In April 1918 as the second great German offensive of the year rolled back over the old Somme Battlefield, the 127th was pressed into service as infantry near Amiens. Although initially trained as infantry, the battalion had not been employed as such but the men were apparently eager to show they could fight even if they were only armed with rifles. Combing through the chaos of Amiens, a large number of 'surplus' Lewis guns were 'acquired' and the battalion entered the line with considerably more firepower than might have been expected. At any rate, the German advance was being slowed up by exhausted troops and the usual logistical problems created in moving over World War I battlefields. The attempt to dislodge the 127th was not a determined one and the battalion's inordinate firepower debarred further attempts. The position they secured remained the Allied front line until the Amiens Offensive of 8 August 1918. Once relieved, the 127th returned to its previous duties. The battalion was disbanded on 23 October 1920.

The 220th Battalion (12th Regiment York Rangers), CEF was authorized on 15 July 1916 and embarked for Britain on 26 January 1917, where its personnel were absorbed by the 3rd Reserve Battalion, CEF on 7 May 1917 to provide reinforcements for the Canadian Corps in the field. The battalion was disbanded on 1 September 1917.

Second World War

Details from the regiment were called out on service on 26 August 1939 and placed on active service on 1 September 1939 for local protection duties until disbanded on 31 December 1940. The regiment subsequently mobilized the 1st Battalion, The Queen's York Rangers (1st American Regiment), CASF on 5 March 1942.40 It served in Canada in a home defence role as part of Military District No. 2, until disbanded on 15 October 1943. Altogether, over 2,000 Rangers served in the Second World but those who went overseas did so in other regiments.

Battle honours

The guidon of the Queen's York Rangers 2017 (prior to emblazoning of additional honours)

The following list are the battle honours awarded to the battalions perpetuated by the Rangers as well as to the Rangers themselves. They are organized by the campaign. Battle honours in small capitals are for large operations and campaigns and those in lowercase are for more specific battles. Bold type indicates honours emblazoned on the regimental guidon.

War of 1812

Defence of Canada – 1812–1815 – Défense du Canada^[8]
Detroit
Queenston
Niagara^[9]^[10]

North West Rebellion

North West Canada, 1885

First World War

South-West Asia

Afghanistan^[12]^[13]

Alliances

Order of precedence

Preceded by Ontario Regiment	The Queen's York Rangers (1st American Regiment) R.C.A.C.	Succeeded by Sherbrooke Hussars

Band

Members of the regimental band during the 2008 Toronto Santa Claus Parade.

Since the 1970s, the regiment has maintained a volunteer fife and drums band. Over the years, the number of bandsmen were lowered until the unit was reduced to nil strength. The Streetsville Pipes and Drums were formed in 1986 and in 2009, made an arrangement with the regiment that they would adopt a second persona as the Regimental Band of The Queen’s York Rangers.^[14]

The Queen's York Rangers (1st American Regiment) (RCAC) Museum

G-Wagen reconnaissance vehicle of the Queen's York Rangers (1st American Regiment) (RCAC)

The museum preserves and displays the history of The Queen’s York Rangers (1st American Regiment) and its several predecessors for the benefit of both the members of the Regiment and the public at large.^[15] The museum is affiliated with: CMA, CHIN, OMMC and Virtual Museum of Canada.

Armouries

Site	Date(s)	Designated	Location	Description	Image
Aurora Armoury 89 Mosley Street	1874	1991 Recognized - Register of the Government of Canada Heritage Buildings	Aurora, Ontario	The oldest purpose-built armoury used by the military in Ontario until 2014; this gable-roofed, wood frame building is home to The Queen's York Rangers (1st American Regiment) (RCAC). Sold to Town of Aurora and replaced by John Graves Simcoe Armouries.
Fort York Armoury 660 Fleet Street,	1933-35	1991 Federal Heritage building; on the Register of the Government of Canada Heritage Buildings	Toronto, Ontario	Designed by architects Marani, Lawson and Morris in an industrial area of Toronto; this large, two-storey, drill hall with a concrete, vaulted roof is home to Queen's York Rangers (1st American Regiment)

References

^ Canadian Forces Publication A-DH-267-003 Insignia and Lineages of the Canadian Forces. Volume 3: Combat Arms Regiments.
^ "www.canadiansoldiers.com". www.canadiansoldiers.com. Retrieved 2021-11-27.
^ Canadian Forces Publication A-DH-267-003 Insignia and Lineages of the Canadian Forces. Volume 3: Combat Arms Regiments.
^ "The Queen's York Rangers (1st American Regiment) (RCAC)". www.canada.ca. 2018-11-29. Retrieved 2021-12-28.
^ Canadian Forces Publication A-DH-267-003 Insignia and Lineages of the Canadian Forces. Volume 3: Combat Arms Regiments.
^ "Celebrating Ontario and Canada". Honouring service to the Crown. Lieutenant Governor of Ontario. 2015-09-10. Retrieved 2016-04-08.
^ Canadian Forces Publication A-DH-267-003 Insignia and Lineages of the Canadian Forces. Volume 3: Combat Arms Regiments.
^ . Archived from the original on 2013-05-22. Retrieved 2012-09-17.
^ . Archived from the original on 2013-05-22. Retrieved 2012-09-17.
^ "Regimental Guidon – The Queen's York Rangers' Virtual Museum".
^ "The Queen's York Rangers (1st American Regiment) (RCAC)". Official Lineages Volume 3, Part 1: Armour, Artillery and Field Engineer Regiments – Armour Regiments. Directorate of History and Heritage. Retrieved 13 September 2016.
^ . Archived from the original on 2014-05-12. Retrieved 2014-05-11.
^ "Regimental Guidon – The Queen's York Rangers' Virtual Museum".
^ "Braganza, The Maple Leaf Forever And The Royal Salute – Just The Start For The Award-Winning Queen's York Rangers Band — The Queen's York Rangers Regimental Council".
^ A-AD-266-000/AG-001 Canadian Forces Museums –Operations and Administration 2002-04-03

External links

Official website
Regimental website

43°38′13″N 79°24′29″W / 43.6369°N 79.4080°W / 43.6369; -79.4080

[1] Canadian Forces Publication A-DH-267-003 Insignia and Lineages of the Canadian Forces. Volume 3: Combat Arms Regiments.

[2] "www.canadiansoldiers.com". www.canadiansoldiers.com. Retrieved 2021-11-27.

[3] Canadian Forces Publication A-DH-267-003 Insignia and Lineages of the Canadian Forces. Volume 3: Combat Arms Regiments.

[4] "The Queen's York Rangers (1st American Regiment) (RCAC)". www.canada.ca. 2018-11-29. Retrieved 2021-12-28.

[5] Canadian Forces Publication A-DH-267-003 Insignia and Lineages of the Canadian Forces. Volume 3: Combat Arms Regiments.

[6] "Celebrating Ontario and Canada". Honouring service to the Crown. Lieutenant Governor of Ontario. 2015-09-10. Retrieved 2016-04-08.

[7] Canadian Forces Publication A-DH-267-003 Insignia and Lineages of the Canadian Forces. Volume 3: Combat Arms Regiments.

[8] . Archived from the original on 2013-05-22. Retrieved 2012-09-17.

[9] . Archived from the original on 2013-05-22. Retrieved 2012-09-17.

[10] "Regimental Guidon – The Queen's York Rangers' Virtual Museum".

[11] "The Queen's York Rangers (1st American Regiment) (RCAC)". Official Lineages Volume 3, Part 1: Armour, Artillery and Field Engineer Regiments – Armour Regiments. Directorate of History and Heritage. Retrieved 13 September 2016.

[12] . Archived from the original on 2014-05-12. Retrieved 2014-05-11.

[13] "Regimental Guidon – The Queen's York Rangers' Virtual Museum".

[14] "Braganza, The Maple Leaf Forever And The Royal Salute – Just The Start For The Award-Winning Queen's York Rangers Band — The Queen's York Rangers Regimental Council".

[15] A-AD-266-000/AG-001 Canadian Forces Museums –Operations and Administration 2002-04-03

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