19th Canadian Army Field Regiment RCA
Encyclopedia
The 19th Canadian Army Field Regiment (Self Propelled) Royal Canadian Artillery (RCA) was a Field Artillery
regiment in the Canadian Armed Forces during the Second World War
. They would see action in France
, Belgium
, and the Netherlands, before ending the war in Germany
. It was commonly referred to as The 19th Field Regiment or The 19th Army Field Regiment.
), the 63rd Field Battery (Guelph, Ontario
), and the 99th Field Battery (Wingham, Ontario
). From September 1941 to July 1943, the 19th Field was brought up to full strength and received training at Camp Borden, Ontario; Shilo, Manitoba; Prince Rupert, British Columbia
; and Petawawa, Ontario
.
During this time, they trained first with 18 pounders, 4.5" howitzers
, and finally, what would become their main armament in Europe, the 25 pounder RAM, better known as the Sexton
.
on 21 July on board the RMS Queen Elizabeth
and arrived in Greenrock 27 July 1943 and fell under the command of the 2nd Canadian Corps. On 19 October 1943, the 19th Field was briefly transferred to the command of the 5th Canadian Armoured Division
before once again being transferred to the 3rd Canadian Infantry Division
when the 5th was moved to the Italian Campaign
. Between July, 1943 and May, 1944, the 19th Field would begin training for the coming invasion of mainland Europe and exchanged their Sextons
for American M7 Priests, which were self-propelled 25 pounders, similar to the Sexton
.
While in England
, the 19th took part in several training operations, but specifically "Exercise Savvy". It was the first divisional training exercise the regiment took part in, which focused on the firing of artillery on ships towards coastal targets and landing on beaches under fire. While in England
, the 19th Field was also inspected by General Bernard Montgomery
on 28 February 1944, and King George VI on 25 April 1944, in the prelude to the invasion of Europe.
On 23 May 1944, the 19th Field's camp was sealed for security reasons and plans were finalized for Operation Overlord
: the long awaited invasion of German occupied France. The final preparations were made as all vehicles were waterproofed and ammunition was brought up. On 1 June 1944, the 19th Field moved to its marshalling areas in Gosport
and Southampton
before embarking on the longest day.
Field artillery
Field artillery is a category of mobile artillery used to support armies in the field. These weapons are specialized for mobility, tactical proficiency, long range, short range and extremely long range target engagement....
regiment in the Canadian Armed Forces during the Second World War
World War II
World War II, or the Second World War , was a global conflict lasting from 1939 to 1945, involving most of the world's nations—including all of the great powers—eventually forming two opposing military alliances: the Allies and the Axis...
. They would see action in France
France
The French Republic , The French Republic , The French Republic , (commonly known as France , is a unitary semi-presidential republic in Western Europe with several overseas territories and islands located on other continents and in the Indian, Pacific, and Atlantic oceans. Metropolitan France...
, Belgium
Belgium
Belgium , officially the Kingdom of Belgium, is a federal state in Western Europe. It is a founding member of the European Union and hosts the EU's headquarters, and those of several other major international organisations such as NATO.Belgium is also a member of, or affiliated to, many...
, and the Netherlands, before ending the war in Germany
Germany
Germany , officially the Federal Republic of Germany , is a federal parliamentary republic in Europe. The country consists of 16 states while the capital and largest city is Berlin. Germany covers an area of 357,021 km2 and has a largely temperate seasonal climate...
. It was commonly referred to as The 19th Field Regiment or The 19th Army Field Regiment.
Canada
The 19th Field received its mobilizing orders in August 1941, for three batteries to be formed from the three Reserve Brigade areas in Military District No. 1. The batteries were the 55th Field Battery (London, OntarioLondon, Ontario
London is a city in Southwestern Ontario, Canada, situated along the Quebec City – Windsor Corridor. The city has a population of 352,395, and the metropolitan area has a population of 457,720, according to the 2006 Canadian census; the metro population in 2009 was estimated at 489,274. The city...
), the 63rd Field Battery (Guelph, Ontario
Guelph, Ontario
Guelph is a city in Southwestern Ontario, Canada. Known as "The Royal City", Guelph is roughly east of Waterloo and west of downtown Toronto at the intersection of Highway 6 and Highway 7. It is the seat of Wellington County, but is politically independent of it...
), and the 99th Field Battery (Wingham, Ontario
Wingham, Ontario
Wingham is a community located in the municipality of North Huron, Ontario, Canada, which is located in Huron County...
). From September 1941 to July 1943, the 19th Field was brought up to full strength and received training at Camp Borden, Ontario; Shilo, Manitoba; Prince Rupert, British Columbia
Prince Rupert, British Columbia
Prince Rupert is a port city in the province of British Columbia, Canada. It is the land, air, and water transportation hub of British Columbia's North Coast, and home to some 12,815 people .-History:...
; and Petawawa, Ontario
CFB Petawawa
Canadian Forces Base Petawawa, commonly referred to as CFB Petawawa, or simply "Pet", is a Canadian Forces Base located in Petawawa, Ontario. It is operated as an army base by Canadian Forces Land Force Command.-Base facts:...
.
During this time, they trained first with 18 pounders, 4.5" howitzers
BL 4.5 inch Medium Field Gun
The BL 4.5 inch Medium Gun was a British gun used by field artillery in the Second World War. It had nothing in common with the QF 4.5 inch Howitzer or the QF 4.5 inch AA Gun.- History :...
, and finally, what would become their main armament in Europe, the 25 pounder RAM, better known as the Sexton
Sexton (artillery)
The 25pdr SP, tracked, Sexton was a self-propelled artillery vehicle of World War II, based on an American tank hull design, built by Canada for the British Army, and associated Commonwealth forces, and some of the other Allies....
.
England
On 5 July 1943, the 19th Field received orders to move overseas. They left HalifaxCity of Halifax
Halifax is a city in Canada, which was the capital of the province of Nova Scotia and shire town of Halifax County. It was the largest city in Atlantic Canada until it was amalgamated into Halifax Regional Municipality in 1996...
on 21 July on board the RMS Queen Elizabeth
RMS Queen Elizabeth
RMS Queen Elizabeth was an ocean liner operated by the Cunard Line. Plying with her running mate Queen Mary as a luxury liner between Southampton, UK and New York City, USA via Cherbourg, France, she was also contracted for over twenty years to carry the Royal Mail as the second half of the two...
and arrived in Greenrock 27 July 1943 and fell under the command of the 2nd Canadian Corps. On 19 October 1943, the 19th Field was briefly transferred to the command of the 5th Canadian Armoured Division
5th Canadian (Armoured) Division
5th Canadian Division was a Canadian division during World War II. Following its redesignation from '1st Canadian Armoured Division', the bulk proceeded overseas in one main convoy, arriving in the UK at the end of November 1941....
before once again being transferred to the 3rd Canadian Infantry Division
3rd Canadian Infantry Division
The Canadian 3rd Infantry Division was an infantry division of the Canadian Army from 1940 to c.1945.- History :The formation of the division was authorized on 17 May 1940...
when the 5th was moved to the Italian Campaign
Italian Campaign (World War II)
The Italian Campaign of World War II was the name of Allied operations in and around Italy, from 1943 to the end of the war in Europe. Joint Allied Forces Headquarters AFHQ was operationally responsible for all Allied land forces in the Mediterranean theatre, and it planned and commanded the...
. Between July, 1943 and May, 1944, the 19th Field would begin training for the coming invasion of mainland Europe and exchanged their Sextons
Sexton (artillery)
The 25pdr SP, tracked, Sexton was a self-propelled artillery vehicle of World War II, based on an American tank hull design, built by Canada for the British Army, and associated Commonwealth forces, and some of the other Allies....
for American M7 Priests, which were self-propelled 25 pounders, similar to the Sexton
Sexton (artillery)
The 25pdr SP, tracked, Sexton was a self-propelled artillery vehicle of World War II, based on an American tank hull design, built by Canada for the British Army, and associated Commonwealth forces, and some of the other Allies....
.
While in England
England
England is a country that is part of the United Kingdom. It shares land borders with Scotland to the north and Wales to the west; the Irish Sea is to the north west, the Celtic Sea to the south west, with the North Sea to the east and the English Channel to the south separating it from continental...
, the 19th took part in several training operations, but specifically "Exercise Savvy". It was the first divisional training exercise the regiment took part in, which focused on the firing of artillery on ships towards coastal targets and landing on beaches under fire. While in England
England
England is a country that is part of the United Kingdom. It shares land borders with Scotland to the north and Wales to the west; the Irish Sea is to the north west, the Celtic Sea to the south west, with the North Sea to the east and the English Channel to the south separating it from continental...
, the 19th Field was also inspected by General Bernard Montgomery
Bernard Montgomery, 1st Viscount Montgomery of Alamein
Field Marshal Bernard Law Montgomery, 1st Viscount Montgomery of Alamein, KG, GCB, DSO, PC , nicknamed "Monty" and the "Spartan General" was a British Army officer. He saw action in the First World War, when he was seriously wounded, and during the Second World War he commanded the 8th Army from...
on 28 February 1944, and King George VI on 25 April 1944, in the prelude to the invasion of Europe.
On 23 May 1944, the 19th Field's camp was sealed for security reasons and plans were finalized for Operation Overlord
Operation Overlord
Operation Overlord was the code name for the Battle of Normandy, the operation that launched the invasion of German-occupied western Europe during World War II by Allied forces. The operation commenced on 6 June 1944 with the Normandy landings...
: the long awaited invasion of German occupied France. The final preparations were made as all vehicles were waterproofed and ammunition was brought up. On 1 June 1944, the 19th Field moved to its marshalling areas in Gosport
Gosport
Gosport is a town, district and borough situated on the south coast of England, within the county of Hampshire. It has approximately 80,000 permanent residents with a further 5,000-10,000 during the summer months...
and Southampton
Southampton
Southampton is the largest city in the county of Hampshire on the south coast of England, and is situated south-west of London and north-west of Portsmouth. Southampton is a major port and the closest city to the New Forest...
before embarking on the longest day.
Regiment's Batteries
- The 55th: Was formed in London, OntarioLondon, OntarioLondon is a city in Southwestern Ontario, Canada, situated along the Quebec City – Windsor Corridor. The city has a population of 352,395, and the metropolitan area has a population of 457,720, according to the 2006 Canadian census; the metro population in 2009 was estimated at 489,274. The city...
and was composed of "A" (Able) and "B" (Baker) Troop. - The 63rd: Was formed in Guelph, OntarioGuelph, OntarioGuelph is a city in Southwestern Ontario, Canada. Known as "The Royal City", Guelph is roughly east of Waterloo and west of downtown Toronto at the intersection of Highway 6 and Highway 7. It is the seat of Wellington County, but is politically independent of it...
and was composed of "C" (Charlie) and "D" (Dog) Troop. "D" Troop was the first unit in the 19th Field to see combat in the Second World War. - The 99th: Was formed from the area surrounding Wingham, OntarioWingham, OntarioWingham is a community located in the municipality of North Huron, Ontario, Canada, which is located in Huron County...
and was composed of "E" (Easy) and "F" (Fox) Troop. - Q Battery: Q Battery was the regimental headquarters which also included logistical troops attached with the 19th Field Regiment. Unlike the other three batteries, there was no central location for organizing Q Battery. This is largely due to many soldiers and officers being transferred and promoted as the war went on.
Casualties in Action
- 38 Killed (3 Officers, 35 Other Ranks)(3 Died of Wounds, 1 Death, 6 Accidentally Killed, 28 Killed in Action)
- 118 Wounded (14 Officers, 104 Other Ranks)
- 1 Prisoner (1 Officer)
Honours and Awards
- 1 - Order of the British Empire (O.B.E.)Order of the British EmpireThe Most Excellent Order of the British Empire is an order of chivalry established on 4 June 1917 by George V of the United Kingdom. The Order comprises five classes in civil and military divisions...
(Lt. Col. L.G. Clarke) - 3 - Military CrossMilitary CrossThe Military Cross is the third-level military decoration awarded to officers and other ranks of the British Armed Forces; and formerly also to officers of other Commonwealth countries....
(Capt. T. Bond, Capt. R.I. Grant, Capt. V.C. Morrison) - 1 - Croix de Guerre with Gilt StarCroix de guerreThe Croix de guerre is a military decoration of France. It was first created in 1915 and consists of a square-cross medal on two crossed swords, hanging from a ribbon with various degree pins. The decoration was awarded during World War I, again in World War II, and in other conflicts...
(Major A.B. Peene) - 1 - Criox de Guerre with Bronze CrossCroix de guerreThe Croix de guerre is a military decoration of France. It was first created in 1915 and consists of a square-cross medal on two crossed swords, hanging from a ribbon with various degree pins. The decoration was awarded during World War I, again in World War II, and in other conflicts...
(Sjt. L.G. Furniss) - 1 - Military MedalMilitary MedalThe Military Medal was a military decoration awarded to personnel of the British Army and other services, and formerly also to personnel of other Commonwealth countries, below commissioned rank, for bravery in battle on land....
(Gnr. H.R. Chaplin) - 6 - Mentioned in Despatches (Major A.B. Peene, Capt. G.R. Malcolm, Capt. J.L. Murdoch, Capt. J.C. Stewart, Sjt. L.G. Furniss (Twice), Lsjt. W.J. Simon (Twice)
- 1 - Commander-in-Chief's Certificate (Gnr. D. McLaggain)
Commanding Officers
- Lt. Col. C.D. Crowe; M.C.Military CrossThe Military Cross is the third-level military decoration awarded to officers and other ranks of the British Armed Forces; and formerly also to officers of other Commonwealth countries....
, E.D.Efficiency DecorationThe Efficiency Decoration is a defunct medal of Britain and the Commonwealth awarded for long service in the Territorial Army of the UK, the Indian Volunteer Forces and Colonial Auxiliary Forces....
(18 Dec. 1941 - 1 Jan. 1943) - Lt. Col. L.G. Clarke; O.B.E.Order of the British EmpireThe Most Excellent Order of the British Empire is an order of chivalry established on 4 June 1917 by George V of the United Kingdom. The Order comprises five classes in civil and military divisions...
(1 Jan. 1943 - 10 Dec. 1944) - Lt. Col. R.D. Telford (10 Dec. 1944 - 17 June 1945)
- Telford transferred from the 23rd Field Regiment, RCA23rd Field Regiment, RCAThe 23rd Field Regiment , RCA, was part of the 4th Canadian Armoured Division of the 2nd Canadian Corps, of the 1st Canadian Army in World War II.-Formation:...
when he was promoted from Major to Lt. Col.- Lt. Col. A.G. Goldie; D.S.O. (17 June 1945 - Dec. 1945)