FIRST WORLD WAR, WWI
PART OF THE CANADIAN CAVALRY BRIGADE
The Regiment, with a strength of two squadrons, moved in August 1914 from Toronto and St. Jean, PQ to Valcartier, PQ where C Squadron was formed. LCol C.M. Nelles took the Regiment overseas on the 3 October 1914 to England where intensive field training was undertaken at Maresfield.
The Regiment then became part of the Canadian Cavalry Brigade commanded by Brigadier General Seely. After the first battle of Ypres, the First Canadian Division had lost 6000 men. Brigadier General Seely was asked to provide support, but as infantry. He called a full strength parade, presented the proposal and every man volunteered.
The Regiment was in action predominantly as infantry throughout the war. After the second battle of Ypres, the Canadian Cavalry Brigade was sent to France from Belgium on 4 May 1915. Thereafter, the Regiment saw action as infantry and cavalry and was highly commended for its part in the advance on the Hindenburg Line, at Cambrai and through their domination of no-man’sland at Le Verguier. On 30 March 1918 at Moreuil Wood, the Dragoons participated in what was to be the last of the great cavalry charges.
The Canadian Cavalry Brigade was raised by Brigadier-General J.E.B. Seely in December 1914. The 2nd King The original units being Edward’s Horse (The King’s Overseas Dominions Regiment) the Royal Canadian Dragoons, Lord Strathcona’s Horse (Royal Canadians), and the Royal Canadian Horse Artillery battery. The brigade had no less than three Victoria Crosses awarded in the Great War. Source: Canadian Expeditionary Force Research Group
B Squadron, Royal Canadian Dragoons training at Stanley Barracks, Toronto after WW1. Note the war medals worn by some of the soldiers during the Musical Ride. Source: Library and Archives Canada.