Winnipeg Grenadiers

The Winnipeg Grenadiers was an infantry regiment of the Canadian Army.^[1][2][3]

The Winnipeg Grenadiers
Regimental badge
Active	1 April 1908 – 28 February 1965
Country	Canada
Branch	Canadian Militia (1908-1940) Canadian Army (1940-1965)
Type	Line infantry
Role	Infantry
Size	1 battalion
Part of	Non-Permanent Active Militia (1871-1940) Royal Canadian Infantry Corps (1940-1965)
Garrison/HQ	Minto Armoury, Winnipeg, Manitoba
Motto(s)	Adsum (Latin for 'Present')
March	"British Grenadiers"
Anniversaries	Battle of Hong Kong
Engagements	First World War Second World War
Battle honours	See § Battle honours

First formed on 1 April 1908 under General Order No. 20. Initially it was raised with headquarters at Morden, Manitoba, and companies at: A Company at Morden, B Company at Morden, C Company at Manitou, D Company at Carman, E Company at Roland, F Company at Pilot Mound, G Company at Cartwright and H Company at Boissevain. The unit did not have any active personnel enrolled at the formation.

On 1 February 1910, all companies and headquarters were moved to Winnipeg. On 2 May 1910, the designation was changed to the 100th Winnipeg Grenadiers. The first officers were gazetted to the regiment on 18 May 1910. Lieutenant-Colonel Henry Norlande Ruttan, who came from the Retired List, commanded the regiment on organization (General Order No. 57 (HQ 32-1-107)). The regiment was reorganized under General Order No. 120 (1915) on 1 October 1915 to establish four companies.

Lineage

The Winnipeg Grenadiers

The Winnipeg Grenadiers originated in Morden, Manitoba on 1 April 1908, as the 100th Regiment. It was redesignated the 100th "Winnipeg Grenadiers" on 2 May 1910 and The Winnipeg Grenadiers on 12 March 1920. On 16 November 1936, it was amalgamated with the 10th Machine Gun Battalion, CMGC and redesignated The Winnipeg Grenadiers (Machine Gun). It was redesignated the 2nd (Reserve) Battalion, The Winnipeg Grenadiers (Machine Gun) on 7 November 1940, the 2nd (Reserve) Battalion, The Winnipeg Grenadiers on 15 March 1941 and The Winnipeg Grenadiers on 28 January 1946. It was reduced to nil strength and transferred to the Supplementary Order of Battle on 28 February 1965.^[2][4]

10th Machine Gun Battalion, CMGC

The 10th Machine Gun Battalion, CMGC originated in Winnipeg, Manitoba on 1 June 1919, as the 10th Machine Gun Brigade, CMGC. It was redesignated the 10th Machine Gun Battalion, CMGC, on 15 September 1924. On 16 November 1936, it was amalgamated with The Winnipeg Grenadiers. The perpetuation of the 10th Machine Gun Battalion, CMGC (1919–1936) was assigned to The Winnipeg Grenadiers (Machine Gun).^[2][4]

Lineage Chart

Lineage
1908 100th Regt 1910 100th "Winnipeg Grenadiers" 1914 11th Bn, CEF 1915 11th Reserve Inf. Bn, CEF 78th "Overseas" Bn, CEF 100th "Overseas" Bn, CEF 1917 Disbanded Disbanded 1919 10th MG Bde, CMGC 1920 Disbanded The Winnipeg Grenadiers 1924 10th MG Bn, CMGC 1936 The Winnipeg Grenadiers (MG) 1939 The Winnipeg Grenadiers (MG), CASF 1940 1st Bn, The Winnipeg Grenadiers (MG), CASF 2nd (Reserve) Bn, The Winnipeg Grenadiers (MG) 1941 1st Bn, The Winnipeg Grenadiers, CASF 2nd (Reserve) Bn, The Winnipeg Grenadiers 1941 Destroyed 1942 Reconstituted 1944 3rd Canadian Inf. Training Bn, Type A (Winnipeg Grenadiers), CASF 1945 No. 10 Canadian Repatriation Depot, Type "T" 1946 Disbanded The Winnipeg Grenadiers 1965 Supplementary Order of Battle 2023
Abbreviations used in the chart Abbreviation Phrase Bde Brigade Bn Battalion CASF Canadian Active Service Force CEF Canadian Expeditionary Force CMGC Canadian Machine Gun Corps Inf. Infantry MG Machine Gun No. Number Regt Regiment

Perpetuations

The Winnipeg Grenadiers perpetuate the 11th Battalion, CEF; the 78th Battalion (Winnipeg Grenadiers), CEF; and the 100th Battalion (Winnipeg Grenadiers), CEF.^[2][4][5]

Operational history

The Great War

Details from the 100th Winnipeg Grenadiers were placed on active service on 6 August 1914 for local protection duties.^[2][4]

The 11th Battalion, CEF was authorized on 10 August 1914 and embarked for Great Britain on 30 September 1914. It was redesigned as the 11th Reserve Infantry Battalion, CEF, on 29 April 1915 to reinforce the Canadian Corps in the field. On 4 January 1917, its personnel, along with the 100th Battalion (Winnipeg Grenadiers), CEF, were absorbed by a new 11th Reserve Battalion, CEF. The battalion was disbanded on 12 October 1917.^[2][4]

The 78th Battalion (Winnipeg Grenadiers), CEF, was authorized on 10 July 1915 and embarked for Great Britain on 20 May 1916, disembarking in France on 13 August 1916, where it fought as part of the 12th Canadian Brigade, 4th Canadian Division in France and Flanders until the end of the war. The battalion was disbanded on 15 September 1920.^[2][4]

The 100th Battalion (Winnipeg Grenadiers), CEF, was authorized on 22 December 1915 and embarked for Great Britain on 18 September 1916, where it provided reinforcements to the Canadian Corps in the field until 20 January 1917, when the 11th Reserve Battalion, CEF, absorbed its personnel. The battalion was disbanded on 1 September 1917.^[2][4]

Ethelbert "Curley" Christian (-15 March 1954) of the 78th Battalion, Winnipeg Grenadiers was wounded at the Battle of Vimy Ridge and was the only quadruple amputee of either World War to survive.

•  

  Battle Patch of the 78th Battalion (Winnipeg Grenadiers), CEF

•  

  Curley Christian in 1936

Second World War

The regiment mobilized The Winnipeg Grenadiers (Machine Gun), CASF, on 1 September 1939. It was redesignated as the 1st Battalion, The Winnipeg Grenadiers (Machine Gun), CASF, on 7 November 1940, and as the 1st Battalion, The Winnipeg Grenadiers, CASF, on 15 March 1941. It served in Jamaica and at the Imperial fortress colony of Bermuda (home base of the America and West Indies Station of the Royal Navy, with a military garrison that had been part of that of Nova Scotia, the second nearest landfall from Bermuda after the United States, under the Commander-in-Chief, Maritime provinces 'til Bermuda and Newfoundland, both having been parts of British North America,^[6][7] were left out of the 1867 Confederation of Canada, and which had been garrisoned during the First World War successively by the Royal Canadian Regiment, and the 38th Battalion (Ottawa) and 163rd Battalion (French-Canadian) of the Canadian Expeditionary Force (CEF))^{[8][9][10][11][12][13]} on garrison duty from May 1940 to October 1941 (the detachment assigned to the Bermuda Garrison moved to Aruba in August 1940).^[14]

Hong Kong

On 27 October 1941, it embarked for Hong Kong as a part of C Force, where it was destroyed while fighting in defence of the colony during the Battle of Hong Kong (8–25 December 1941).^[2][4][15]

Company Sergeant-Major John Robert Osborn, VC (2 January 1899 – 19 December 1941) was a 42-year-old warrant officer second class and the CSM of "A" Company. He was awarded the Victoria Cross for his actions in the fighting for Hong Kong on 19 December 1941.^[16]

His Victoria Cross citation reads, in part:

The enemy threw a grenade which landed in a position where it was impossible to pick it up and return it in time. Shouting a warning to his comrades, this gallant Warrant Officer threw himself on the grenade, which exploded, killing him instantly. His self-sacrifice undoubtedly saved the lives of many others.

Company Sergeant-Major Osborn was an inspiring example throughout the defence, which he assisted so magnificently in maintaining against an overwhelming enemy force for over eight and a half hours, and in his death, he displayed the highest quality of heroism and self-sacrifice.

•  

  On 16 November 1941, the Winnipeg Grenadiers arrived in Hong Kong. Yet, they could not reverse the outcome of the Battle of Hong Kong.

•  

  Company Sergeant-Major John Robert Osborn, VC

•  

  Statue of an anonymous World War I soldier from statuary collection of Eu Tong Sen. Also visible is the Battle of Hong Kong memorial plaque dedicated to all the defenders of Hong Kong in December 1941 through John Robert Osborn

•  

  Memorial plaque dedicated to all the defenders of Hong Kong in December 1941 through John Robert Osborn and to commemorate the British Garrison at Hong Kong.

Home defence

The 1st Battalion was reconstituted on 10 January 1942. It served in Canada in a home defence role as part of the Prince Rupert Defences, 8th Canadian Infantry Division. It took part in the expedition to Kiska, Alaska, as a component of the 13th Canadian Infantry Brigade Group, serving there from 16 August 1943 to 22 December 1943.^[2][17]

See also: Operation Cottage

It embarked for Great Britain on 25 May 1944. On 1 November 1944, it was absorbed by the 3rd Canadian Infantry Training Battalion, CASF, and designated as the 3rd Canadian Infantry Training Battalion, Type A (Winnipeg Grenadiers), CASF. On 5 July 1945, it was converted and redesignated the No. 10 Canadian Repatriation Depot, Type "T". The depot was disbanded on 28 January 1946.^[2][4]

•  

  Winnipeg Grenadiers Camp, 1941

Alliances

On 15 August 1914, an alliance was authorized with the Prince of Wales's Leinster Regiment (Royal Canadians). This regiment, first raised in Canada in 1858 as the 100th (Prince of Wales's Royal Canadian) Regiment of Foot, was disbanded (with five other Irish regiments) in July 1922 due to the division of Ireland. The regiment's present alliance, which dates from 6 November 1933, is the Scots Guards.^[3]

Battle honours

Battle honours in small capitals are for large operations, and campaigns and those in lowercase are for more specific battles. Bold type indicates honours authorized to be emblazoned on regimental colours.

 

Regimental colour

Great War

• Ypres, 1915, '17
• Festubert, 1915
• Mount Sorrel
• Somme, 1916
• Ancre Heights
• Ancre, 1916
• Arras, 1917, '18
• Vimy, 1917
• Hill 70
• Passchendaele
• Amiens
• Scarpe, 1918
• Drocourt–Quéant
• Hindenburg Line
• Canal du Nord
• Valenciennes
• Sambre
• France and Flanders, 1915–18^[4]

Second World War

• Hong Kong
• South-East Asia, 1941^[4]

Cadet corps

The cadet corps was originally formed on 15 February 1917 and named 526 100th Grenadiers Cadet Corps.^[18] It was disbanded 13 November 1931.^[19] Its affiliation was 100th Winnipeg Grenadiers.

In 1946 members of the regiment through the Grenadiers Winnipeg Incorporated took steps to reform the cadet corps. On 1 October 1946, the cadet corps was authorized under the title 526 The Winnipeg Grenadiers Cadet Corps.^[20] The cadet corps parades at Minto Armoury in Winnipeg.

References

1. "Guide to Sources Relating to the Canadian Militia (Infantry, Cavalry, Armored)" (PDF). Library and Archives Canada.
2. Defence, National (14 November 2018). "The Winnipeg Grenadiers". www.canada.ca. Retrieved 25 May 2022.
3. . 11 October 2007. Archived from the original on 11 October 2007. Retrieved 25 May 2022.
4. Canadian Forces Publication A-DH-267-003 Insignia and Lineages of the Canadian Forces. Volume 3: Combat Arms Regiments.
5. "CEF Infantry Battalions" (PDF). Library and Archives Canada.
6. "CIVIL LIST OF THE PROVINCE OF LOWER-CANADA 1828: GOVERNOR". The Quebec Almanack and British American Royal Kalendar For The Year 1828. Quebec: Neilson and Cowan, No. 3 Mountain Street. 1812.
7. "STAFF of the ARMY in the Provinces of Nova-Scotia, New-Brunswick, and their Dependencies, including the Island of Newfoundland, Cape Breton, Prince Edward and Bermuda". The Quebec Almanack and British American Royal Kalendar For The Year 1828. Quebec: Neilson and Cowan, No. 3 Mountain Street. 1812.
8. "THIRTY-EIGHTH BATTALION IN BERMUDA – 1932". 1915–1916. Retrieved 7 July 2022 – via YouTubeDate on the film is shown incorrectly as "1932"{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: postscript (link)
9. "L. CORPL. SWEENEY". The Royal Gazette. City of Hamilton, Pembroke Parish, Bermuda. 22 February 1917. p. 1. By the last mail we received a post card from Lance Corporal J. F. Sweeney, stating that he was quite well. Corporal Sweeney, who was an ex-soldier previous to the outbreak of hostilities was for some time employed on the works at Prospect. During the time the 38th. Bn. C.E.F. were stationed here he enlisted in that regiment and is now with them at the front.
10. "RETURNING SOLDIERS". The Royal Gazette. City of Hamilton, Pembroke Parish, Bermuda. 9 September 1919. p. 1. Last Contingent of Veterans Arrived Home Yesterday.
    Now that practically all our soldiers have returned, we have learned the secret of enthusiasm and the art of cheering.
    When the_"Caraquet" came alongside yesterday, by far the greatest crowd that has ever assembled to meet returning soldiers (with the exception of the occasion of the home coming of the B.C.R.G.A.) was ready to do the honours.
    Front St. was alive with people, the sheds were packed, and to add to the excitement, the road roller chose that particular time to pass by the numerous horses.
    Sir Thomas greeted the heroes on behalf of the Colony, a compliment that is appreciated by all, but in addition to this official welcome, quite an unusual number of prominent military men and civilians were present to honour the occasion Sir Thomas Wadson spoke as follows:
    Each one was addressed by name in order of military rank, and then followed, as under.
    "We greet you right warmly on your return from the battle front where you have taken part in the greatest and most terrible war known to history, where you have aided each in his place in bringing about the complete victory won by Great Britain and her Allies, over an enemy who sought to dominate the world, and crush it under the heel of Prussian Militarism. Happily the designs of the enemy have been frustrated, happily the world is now again at peace and you are able to return, some with decorations on which we congratulate those who have received them, and we congratulate all of you on having thus done your duty faithfully in the cause of freedom and justice, and we cordially welcome you to your homes and kindred."
    The returning soldiers were:—lieuts. C. Nelmes, RAF. Late attached to Somerset Light Inf. and F. Paterson. Sergt, Major Morgan and wife, Sergt. Mullin, Sergt Baker, Sergt. Churm, M.M. and wife, Sergt. Madeiros MM. and wife. Pets. J. A. Smith, G. Sullivan, R.C. Wilson, M.M., all of the B.V.R.C., Sergt. Sweeney, 58 Canada, Pte. Fox.
    A full account will appear in our Thursday's issue.
11. "Private CYRIL MORTON Service Number: 410977". Commonwealth War Graves Commission. Commonwealth War Graves Commission. Retrieved 19 July 2022.
12. "ANOTHER BERMUDA HERO: PRIVATE MORTON KILLED IN ACTION". The Royal Gazette. City of Hamilton, Pembroke, Bermuda. 11 November 1916. he sad news that Private Cyril Morton was killed in action was received here from the Canadian War Office on Thursday morning and cast a gloom over the whole community. Previous to his enlistment in the 38th Ottawa Battalion, C.RF., this year, he was employed in Mr. Norman Young's hardware store where he was a very ardent worker. He first joined the Signal Section of his regiment, but afterwards entered for training in the Machine Gun Section through which he passed successfully. The late Private Morton, who was nearly 19 years of age was the younger son of Mrs. Morton, of Devonshire. The bereaved mother and the many friends of the gallant young soldier have the heartfelt sympathy of the whole community.
13. Guttadauria, Marie (25 April 2016). "First World War: Artifact W1-11: Private JOSEPH LEROUX, 660756, Canadian Infantry CEF – First World War". Friends of the Canadian War Museum. Friends of the Canadian War Museum. Retrieved 10 September 2022. On March 31, 1916 at the age of 28, my great-uncle Joseph Leroux born in Bourget, Ontario, travelled to Montreal to enlist and become a First World War soldier in the CEF. He was assigned to the 163rd battalion, a mainly French speaking unit originally "Les Fusilliers de Sherbrooke, Montréal". He did his army training in Bermuda until November then sailed to England and disembarked in December 1916. He was sent to France on May 18, 1917 and was taken on strength of the 22nd battalion (a.k.a. the Van Doos). Unfortunately, a few weeks later on 7 July 1917, he was killed in action in the field. He is buried in the Van Loos British Commonwealth Cemetery, France.
14. "CHANGES IN STRENGTH OF THE LOCAL COMMAND". The Royal Gazette. City of Hamilton, Pembroke, Bermuda. 30 August 1940. It is learned from Command Orders that Major D. R. G. Cameron, Brigade Major, has been struck off the strength of the Bermuda Command with effect from Tuesday and that Captain R. F. Arden-Close, K.S.L.I., has assumed the duties of Brigade Major. Struck off the strength of the Bermuda Command are the under-mentioned officers of the Detachment, Winnipeg Grenadiers; Major G. Trist, Captain J. A. Norris, Lieut. N. O. Bardal and Lieut. F. N. Symes. The following officers of the detachment, 4 Camerons, have been taken on the strength of the Command: Major A. Murray, Captain D. B. Mitchell, 2/Lt. R. L. Gibson, 2/Lt. D. H. Burns, 2/Lt. L. MacDonald, 2/Lt. A. Sinclair and 2/Lt. A. C. McAslam. Also taken on the strength of the Command is Lieut. J. R. Faulkener, Army Dental Corps.
15. "Hong Kong". www.canadiansoldiers.com. Retrieved 25 May 2022.
16. Wordie, Jason (2002). Streets : exploring Hong Kong Island. Hong Kong: Hong Kong University Press. p. 231. ISBN 9789622095632.
17. "Operation COTTAGE". www.canadiansoldiers.com. Retrieved 25 May 2022.
18. Militia Order No. 118, 30 April 1917
19. Militia Order No. 512, 25 November 1931
20. Canadian Army Order 110-4, Issue No. 12, 1946

External links