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The Royal Hamilton Light Infantry (Wentworth Regiment)
Encyclopedia
The Royal Hamilton Light Infantry (Wentworth Regiment) is a Primary Reserve unit of the Canadian Forces
based at John W. Foote VC
Armouries in Hamilton, Ontario
.
The regiment has a long history, descending from the 13th Regiment, formed December 11, 1862 on a general order issued by the Governor General. It has earned thirty-nine battle honours in the two World Wars. Most recently, members from the regiment have deployed to Afghanistan as part of the International Security Assistance Force
(ISAF).
They suffered their greatest single day of losses at Dieppe, France
on August 19, 1942.
The Regiment perpetuates the 4th
, 86th
, 120th, 129th
, and 205th
Battalions, Canadian Expeditionary Force.
The anniversary of Dieppe is recognized each year by the regiment.
and Wentworth County
. The regiment has two direct antecedents, and indirect antecedents include the 1st and 2nd Companies of Volunteer Rifles (Hamilton), formed in 1855, and the Volunteer Highland Company (No. 3 Company) formed in 1856.
The RHLI’s earliest direct ancestor is the 13th Battalion of Volunteer Militia established in 1862. The regiment also traces ancestry to the 77th (Wentworth) Battalion of Volunteer Militia. Founded under that name in 1872, it was renamed the 77th Wentworth Regiment in 1900.
The regimental cap badge still bears the supposedly unlucky number from its oldest official antecedent. The 13th Battalion first saw action at the Battle of Ridgeway
in 1866 against a force of Fenian
invaders from the United States. In 1870, another contingent from the battalion served in Manitoba during the Red River Rebellion
.
Between 1899 and 1902, during the Boer War, many members of the 13th served in South Africa
as members of the 2nd (Special Service) Battalion of The Royal Canadian Regiment
and the 1st Canadian Mounted Rifles. Not asked to mobilize for the war, the 13th Battalion remained in Canada and was redesignated 13th Regiment in 1900 and 13th Royal Regiment in 1910.
, Canada's Minister of Militia
, scrapped the original national mobilization plan and asked the commanding officers of Militia units for volunteers to serve with battalions of the Canadian Expeditionary Force
(CEF). Consequently, many members of the 13th Royal Regiment went overseas with the 4th Battalion, CEF, part of the famous First Contingent. Throughout the war, the unit served as a depot regiment that enrolled and trained men before despatching them to deploying CEF battalions. The CEF was not the only destination, either; the Royal Flying Corps
accepted 82 men from the 13th, and 81 went to the Royal Canadian Naval Volunteer Reserve
. Locally raised CEF battalions that received soldiers from the 13th included the 19th Battalion, CEF (145 men), 36th Battalion, CEF (124 men), 76th Battalion, CEF (506 men), 86th (Machine Gun) Battalion, CEF
(600 men), 120th (City of Hamilton) Battalion, CEF
(625 men), and the 205th (Tiger) Battalion, CEF
(704 men). Of these, the 120th (City of Hamilton) Battalion CEF had the closest affiliation with the 13th Royal Regiment, so on May 28, 1916, that battalion formally accepted the Regiment's Colours and took them overseas. The Colours were laid up in Westminster Abbey
until March 5, 1919, when the Dean of Westminster returned them to veterans of the 120th (City of Hamilton) Battalion, which was broken up to reinforce other CEF battalions in 1917.
In the interwar period, the Canadian Militia underwent two major reorganizations (in 1920 and again in 1936) and several minor ones. The Hamilton area did not escape, and in 1920 the two most significant RHLI antecedents acquired new names: The Royal Hamilton Regiment and The Wentworth Regiment. In 1927, the former became The Royal Hamilton Light Infantry, and the final reorganization in 1936 brought all but one company of The Wentworth Regiment into the RHLI, which then received its current title: The Royal Hamilton Light Infantry (Wentworth Regiment). To this day, the regiment is informally known as The Rileys.
On the outbreak of the Second World War in September 1939, all the units of the Non-Permanent Active Militia
of Canada were mobilized for overseas service. (This was not done in 1899 or 1914 because the original terms of sovereignty under the British North America Act -- amended by the Statute of Westminster in 1931 -- did not include authority to deploy troops outside Canadian territory.) The Rileys were mobilized with the Canadian Active Service Force on September 1, 1939, reinforced from the 2nd Battalion at the regiment's home station, which began recruiting for home defence in early 1940. In November 1940, the active service battalion was redesignated the 1st Battalion, RHLI.
The 1st Battalion was assigned to the 4th Infantry Brigade in the 2nd Canadian Infantry Division
. The battalion saw combat for the first time at Dieppe
on August 19, 1942. Of the 582 soldiers who landed that morning, only 102 (18 percent) were not among the casualties: 197 killed, 174 captured and 194 wounded (including 85 also captured). The Dieppe survivors suffered great physical trauma and psychological distress as a result of the battle and the loss of so many of their friends and comrades in a battle that lasted only about eight hours.
The most highly decorated member of the battalion was the chaplain, Honorary Captain the Reverend John Foote
, who remained at Dieppe with his wounded and captured comrades rather than accept evacuation to Britain. Padre Foote was nominated for the Victoria Cross
while still a prisoner of war
; the award was made after VE Day.
The 2nd Canadian Division came under command of the newly formed II Canadian Corps
in Britain, and after almost two years of training after Dieppe, returning to France after D-Day
, to fight through the Battle of Normandy
from early July on. During Operation Spring
, the Rileys earned the distinction of being the only assault unit to hold their objective (the village of Verrières). During the winter of 1944-1945, the Rileys fought through the Battle of the Scheldt
and the Rhineland
, and on V-E Day was deep into Germany.
interrupted. Some Rileys served in the United Nations
Special Force in the Korean War
and in 1955 the regiment was represented in the 27th Brigade that served on NATO duty in West Germany
.
At home, its armoury was renamed in honour of Padre Foote, VC. In 1978, Prince Philip was appointed Colonel-in-Chief
of the regiment. The RHLI, formerly part of the Hamilton Militia District, became part of Land Forces Central Area’s 31 Canadian Brigade Group in the 1990s.
The town of Dieppe, France, has set aside a small park at the western end of the esplanade in which it has erected a memorial of its own. Standing in the centre of the Square du Canada (Canada Square), the Dieppe-Canada Monument is a testimony to the long and warm association between Canadians and Normans which has existed since Samuel de Champlain sailed to found New France. The names of people and events which have linked Canada and Normandy over the centuries have been recorded on the monument. Mounted on the wall behind it is a plaque that commemorates the Raid on Dieppe:
or Y2K crisis which failed to materialize.
The City of Hamilton dedicated Dieppe Memorial Park in the Hamilton Beach neighbourhood on August 19, 2003, the 61st anniversary of the Dieppe Raid
. Among the 250 invited guests and 1,000 onlookers were the Lieutenant-Governor of Ontario and 18 of the 24 Riley Dieppe veterans known to survive.
Current parade strength is typical of Canadian militia units at approximately 200-250 all ranks. The RHLI currently consists of two rifle companies; "B" Company (Hamilton) and "C" Company Burlington
) and an administration company, "A" Company, also at battalion headquarters in Hamilton. Battalion structures are maintained throughout the militia to allow for expansion in time of war.
(ISAF). This is the first time since WWII serving members from the regiment have taken part in combat operations. Most notably this included Operation Medusa
in 2006. Members from the RHLI in Afghanistan
have also served with the Provincial Reconstruction Team (PRT) and as members of the Force Protection Unit.
corps. One corps in Hamilton (62 Canadian Cadet Corps) and one corps in Burlington (2379 Canadian Cadet Corps). Both corps have an outstanding training program as well as having had several cadets go to the Royal Military College of Canada
and join the Canadian Forces
.
(Honours in bold are on the Colours)
South Africa 1900
World War I
Ypres 1915-1917,
St. Julien,
Festubert,
Arras,
Somme,
Vimy 1917,
Passchendaele,
Amiens,
Hindenburg Line,
Pursuit to Mons,
Gravenstafel,
Mount Sorrel,
Pozières,
Flers-Courcelette,
Ancre Heights,
Arleux,
Scarpe 1917-1918,
Hill 70,
Drocourt-Quèant,
Canal du Nord,
France and Flanders 1915-1918,
World War II
Dieppe,
Verrières Ridge,
Tilly-la-Campagne,
Falaise Pocket,
Clair Tizon,
Forêt de la Londe,
Woensdrecht,
Goch-Calcar Road,
The Hochwald,
Xanten,
Groningen,
Falaise Road,
South Beveland,
The Scheldt,
The Rhineland,
Twente Canal,
Oldenburg,
North-West Europe 1942, 1944-1945,
memorabilia. The museum is affiliated with: CMA
, CHIN
, OMMC
and Virtual Museum of Canada
.
200 James Street North
Hamilton, Ontario
L8N 4C1
(905) 972-4001
Canadian Forces
The Canadian Forces , officially the Canadian Armed Forces , are the unified armed forces of Canada, as constituted by the National Defence Act, which states: "The Canadian Forces are the armed forces of Her Majesty raised by Canada and consist of one Service called the Canadian Armed Forces."...
based at John W. Foote VC
John Weir Foote
John Weir Foote, VC , CD was a Canadian recipient of the Victoria Cross, the highest and most prestigious award for gallantry in the face of the enemy that can be awarded to British and Commonwealth forces...
Armouries in Hamilton, Ontario
Hamilton, Ontario
Hamilton is a port city in the Canadian province of Ontario. Conceived by George Hamilton when he purchased the Durand farm shortly after the War of 1812, Hamilton has become the centre of a densely populated and industrialized region at the west end of Lake Ontario known as the Golden Horseshoe...
.
The regiment has a long history, descending from the 13th Regiment, formed December 11, 1862 on a general order issued by the Governor General. It has earned thirty-nine battle honours in the two World Wars. Most recently, members from the regiment have deployed to Afghanistan as part of the International Security Assistance Force
International Security Assistance Force
The International Security Assistance Force is a NATO-led security mission in Afghanistan established by the United Nations Security Council on 20 December 2001 by Resolution 1386 as envisaged by the Bonn Agreement...
(ISAF).
They suffered their greatest single day of losses at Dieppe, France
Dieppe Raid
The Dieppe Raid, also known as the Battle of Dieppe, Operation Rutter or later on Operation Jubilee, during the Second World War, was an Allied attack on the German-occupied port of Dieppe on the northern coast of France on 19 August 1942. The assault began at 5:00 AM and by 10:50 AM the Allied...
on August 19, 1942.
The Regiment perpetuates the 4th
4th (Central Ontario) Battalion, CEF
4th Battalion, CEF was organized at Valcartier under Camp Order 241 of 2 September 1914 and was composed of recruits from Military District 2 4th (Central Ontario) Battalion, CEF was organized at Valcartier under Camp Order 241 of 2 September 1914 and was composed of recruits from Military...
, 86th
86th (Machine Gun) Battalion, CEF
The 86th Battalion, CEF was "the first of its kind in the British Empire." It was raised and based in Hamilton, Ontario in August 1915....
, 120th, 129th
129th (Wentworth) Battalion, CEF
The 129th Battalion, CEF was a unit in the Canadian Expeditionary Force during the First World War. Based in Dundas, Ontario, the unit began recruiting in late 1915 in Wentworth County. After sailing to England in August 1916, the battalion was absorbed into the 123rd and 124th Battalions, CEF...
, and 205th
205th (Tiger) Battalion, CEF
The 205th Battalion, CEF was a unit in the Canadian Expeditionary Force during the First World War. Established in late 1915, it was stationed in Hamilton, Ontario and began recruiting toward the end of February 1916. In late 1916, the unit was redesignated a machine gun battalion, but a few...
Battalions, Canadian Expeditionary Force.
The anniversary of Dieppe is recognized each year by the regiment.
History 1862–1913
The Royal Hamilton Light Infantry has a rich history in HamiltonHamilton, Ontario
Hamilton is a port city in the Canadian province of Ontario. Conceived by George Hamilton when he purchased the Durand farm shortly after the War of 1812, Hamilton has become the centre of a densely populated and industrialized region at the west end of Lake Ontario known as the Golden Horseshoe...
and Wentworth County
Wentworth County, Ontario
Wentworth County, area , is a historic county in the Canadian province of Ontario.It was created in 1816 as part of the Gore District in what was then Upper Canada and later Canada West...
. The regiment has two direct antecedents, and indirect antecedents include the 1st and 2nd Companies of Volunteer Rifles (Hamilton), formed in 1855, and the Volunteer Highland Company (No. 3 Company) formed in 1856.
The RHLI’s earliest direct ancestor is the 13th Battalion of Volunteer Militia established in 1862. The regiment also traces ancestry to the 77th (Wentworth) Battalion of Volunteer Militia. Founded under that name in 1872, it was renamed the 77th Wentworth Regiment in 1900.
The regimental cap badge still bears the supposedly unlucky number from its oldest official antecedent. The 13th Battalion first saw action at the Battle of Ridgeway
Battle of Ridgeway
The Battle of Ridgeway was fought in the vicinity of the town of Fort Erie across the Niagara River from Buffalo, NY near the village of Ridgeway, Canada West, currently Ontario, Canada on June 2, 1866, between Canadian troops and an irregular army of Irish-American invaders, the Fenians...
in 1866 against a force of Fenian
Fenian
The Fenians , both the Fenian Brotherhood and Irish Republican Brotherhood , were fraternal organisations dedicated to the establishment of an independent Irish Republic in the 19th and early 20th century. The name "Fenians" was first applied by John O'Mahony to the members of the Irish republican...
invaders from the United States. In 1870, another contingent from the battalion served in Manitoba during the Red River Rebellion
Red River Rebellion
The Red River Rebellion or Red River Resistance was the sequence of events related to the 1869 establishment of a provisional government by the Métis leader Louis Riel and his followers at the Red River Settlement, in what is now the Canadian province of Manitoba.The Rebellion was the first crisis...
.
Between 1899 and 1902, during the Boer War, many members of the 13th served in South Africa
South Africa
The Republic of South Africa is a country in southern Africa. Located at the southern tip of Africa, it is divided into nine provinces, with of coastline on the Atlantic and Indian oceans...
as members of the 2nd (Special Service) Battalion of The Royal Canadian Regiment
The Royal Canadian Regiment
The Royal Canadian Regiment is an infantry regiment of the Canadian Forces. The regiment consists of four battalions, three in the Regular Force and one in the Primary Reserve...
and the 1st Canadian Mounted Rifles. Not asked to mobilize for the war, the 13th Battalion remained in Canada and was redesignated 13th Regiment in 1900 and 13th Royal Regiment in 1910.
History 1914–1938
When the Great War began in 1914, Colonel Sam HughesSam Hughes
For other people of the same name see Sam Hughes Sir Samuel Hughes, KCB, PC was the Canadian Minister of Militia and Defence during World War I...
, Canada's Minister of Militia
Minister of Militia and Defence (Canada)
The Minister of Militia and Defence was the federal government minister in charge of the volunteer army units in Canada prior to the creation of the Canadian Militia, before the creation of the Canadian Army....
, scrapped the original national mobilization plan and asked the commanding officers of Militia units for volunteers to serve with battalions of the Canadian Expeditionary Force
Canadian Expeditionary Force
The Canadian Expeditionary Force was the designation of the field force created by Canada for service overseas in the First World War. Units of the C.E.F. were divided into field formation in France, where they were organized first into separate divisions and later joined together into a single...
(CEF). Consequently, many members of the 13th Royal Regiment went overseas with the 4th Battalion, CEF, part of the famous First Contingent. Throughout the war, the unit served as a depot regiment that enrolled and trained men before despatching them to deploying CEF battalions. The CEF was not the only destination, either; the Royal Flying Corps
Royal Flying Corps
The Royal Flying Corps was the over-land air arm of the British military during most of the First World War. During the early part of the war, the RFC's responsibilities were centred on support of the British Army, via artillery co-operation and photographic reconnaissance...
accepted 82 men from the 13th, and 81 went to the Royal Canadian Naval Volunteer Reserve
Royal Canadian Naval Volunteer Reserve
The Royal Canadian Navy Volunteer Reserve was a naval reserve force of the Royal Canadian Navy, which replaced the Royal Navy Canadian Volunteer Reserve .-Foundation:...
. Locally raised CEF battalions that received soldiers from the 13th included the 19th Battalion, CEF (145 men), 36th Battalion, CEF (124 men), 76th Battalion, CEF (506 men), 86th (Machine Gun) Battalion, CEF
86th (Machine Gun) Battalion, CEF
The 86th Battalion, CEF was "the first of its kind in the British Empire." It was raised and based in Hamilton, Ontario in August 1915....
(600 men), 120th (City of Hamilton) Battalion, CEF
120th (City of Hamilton) Battalion, CEF
The 120th Battalion, CEF was a unit in the Canadian Expeditionary Force during the First World War. Based in Hamilton, Ontario, the unit began recruiting in late 1915 in that city and parts of Wentworth County. After sailing to England in August 1916, the battalion was absorbed into the 2nd...
(625 men), and the 205th (Tiger) Battalion, CEF
205th (Tiger) Battalion, CEF
The 205th Battalion, CEF was a unit in the Canadian Expeditionary Force during the First World War. Established in late 1915, it was stationed in Hamilton, Ontario and began recruiting toward the end of February 1916. In late 1916, the unit was redesignated a machine gun battalion, but a few...
(704 men). Of these, the 120th (City of Hamilton) Battalion CEF had the closest affiliation with the 13th Royal Regiment, so on May 28, 1916, that battalion formally accepted the Regiment's Colours and took them overseas. The Colours were laid up in Westminster Abbey
Westminster Abbey
The Collegiate Church of St Peter at Westminster, popularly known as Westminster Abbey, is a large, mainly Gothic church, in the City of Westminster, London, United Kingdom, located just to the west of the Palace of Westminster. It is the traditional place of coronation and burial site for English,...
until March 5, 1919, when the Dean of Westminster returned them to veterans of the 120th (City of Hamilton) Battalion, which was broken up to reinforce other CEF battalions in 1917.
In the interwar period, the Canadian Militia underwent two major reorganizations (in 1920 and again in 1936) and several minor ones. The Hamilton area did not escape, and in 1920 the two most significant RHLI antecedents acquired new names: The Royal Hamilton Regiment and The Wentworth Regiment. In 1927, the former became The Royal Hamilton Light Infantry, and the final reorganization in 1936 brought all but one company of The Wentworth Regiment into the RHLI, which then received its current title: The Royal Hamilton Light Infantry (Wentworth Regiment). To this day, the regiment is informally known as The Rileys.
History 1939–1945
Non-Permanent Active Militia
The Non-Permanent Active Militia was the name of Canada's part-time volunteer military force from the time of Confederation to 1940. The NPAM was composed of several dozen infantry battalions and cavalry regiments...
of Canada were mobilized for overseas service. (This was not done in 1899 or 1914 because the original terms of sovereignty under the British North America Act -- amended by the Statute of Westminster in 1931 -- did not include authority to deploy troops outside Canadian territory.) The Rileys were mobilized with the Canadian Active Service Force on September 1, 1939, reinforced from the 2nd Battalion at the regiment's home station, which began recruiting for home defence in early 1940. In November 1940, the active service battalion was redesignated the 1st Battalion, RHLI.
The 1st Battalion was assigned to the 4th Infantry Brigade in the 2nd Canadian Infantry Division
2nd Canadian Infantry Division
The 2nd Canadian Infantry Division was an infantry division of the First Canadian Army, mobilized on 1 September 1939 at the outset of the Second World War. It was initially composed of volunteers within brigades established along regional lines, though a halt in recruitment in the early months of...
. The battalion saw combat for the first time at Dieppe
Dieppe Raid
The Dieppe Raid, also known as the Battle of Dieppe, Operation Rutter or later on Operation Jubilee, during the Second World War, was an Allied attack on the German-occupied port of Dieppe on the northern coast of France on 19 August 1942. The assault began at 5:00 AM and by 10:50 AM the Allied...
on August 19, 1942. Of the 582 soldiers who landed that morning, only 102 (18 percent) were not among the casualties: 197 killed, 174 captured and 194 wounded (including 85 also captured). The Dieppe survivors suffered great physical trauma and psychological distress as a result of the battle and the loss of so many of their friends and comrades in a battle that lasted only about eight hours.
The most highly decorated member of the battalion was the chaplain, Honorary Captain the Reverend John Foote
John Weir Foote
John Weir Foote, VC , CD was a Canadian recipient of the Victoria Cross, the highest and most prestigious award for gallantry in the face of the enemy that can be awarded to British and Commonwealth forces...
, who remained at Dieppe with his wounded and captured comrades rather than accept evacuation to Britain. Padre Foote was nominated for the Victoria Cross
Victoria Cross
The Victoria Cross is the highest military decoration awarded for valour "in the face of the enemy" to members of the armed forces of various Commonwealth countries, and previous British Empire territories....
while still a prisoner of war
Prisoner of war
A prisoner of war or enemy prisoner of war is a person, whether civilian or combatant, who is held in custody by an enemy power during or immediately after an armed conflict...
; the award was made after VE Day.
The 2nd Canadian Division came under command of the newly formed II Canadian Corps
II Canadian Corps
II Canadian Corps was a corps-level formation that, along with I Corps and I Canadian Corps , comprised the First Canadian Army in Northwest Europe during World War II.Authorization for the formation of the Corps headquarters became effective in England on...
in Britain, and after almost two years of training after Dieppe, returning to France after D-Day
D-Day
D-Day is a term often used in military parlance to denote the day on which a combat attack or operation is to be initiated. "D-Day" often represents a variable, designating the day upon which some significant event will occur or has occurred; see Military designation of days and hours for similar...
, to fight through the Battle of Normandy
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...
from early July on. During Operation Spring
Operation Spring
Operation Spring was an offensive operation conducted by II Canadian Corps during the Normandy campaign. The plan was intended to create pressure on the German forces operating on the British and Canadian front simultaneously to American offensive operations in their sector known as Operation...
, the Rileys earned the distinction of being the only assault unit to hold their objective (the village of Verrières). During the winter of 1944-1945, the Rileys fought through the Battle of the Scheldt
Battle of the Scheldt
The Battle of the Scheldt was a series of military operations of the Canadian 1st Army, led by Lieutenant-General Guy Simonds. The battle took place in northern Belgium and southwestern Netherlands during World War II from 2 October-8 November 1944...
and the Rhineland
Rhineland
Historically, the Rhinelands refers to a loosely-defined region embracing the land on either bank of the River Rhine in central Europe....
, and on V-E Day was deep into Germany.
History 1945–1999
In the post-war period, the regular battalion was demobilized and the reserve battalion consequently lost its number. It looked like the RHLI would revert to the genteel neglect of the interwar period, until the Cold WarCold War
The Cold War was the continuing state from roughly 1946 to 1991 of political conflict, military tension, proxy wars, and economic competition between the Communist World—primarily the Soviet Union and its satellite states and allies—and the powers of the Western world, primarily the United States...
interrupted. Some Rileys served in the United Nations
United Nations
The United Nations is an international organization whose stated aims are facilitating cooperation in international law, international security, economic development, social progress, human rights, and achievement of world peace...
Special Force in the Korean War
Korean War
The Korean War was a conventional war between South Korea, supported by the United Nations, and North Korea, supported by the People's Republic of China , with military material aid from the Soviet Union...
and in 1955 the regiment was represented in the 27th Brigade that served on NATO duty in West Germany
West Germany
West Germany is the common English, but not official, name for the Federal Republic of Germany or FRG in the period between its creation in May 1949 to German reunification on 3 October 1990....
.
At home, its armoury was renamed in honour of Padre Foote, VC. In 1978, Prince Philip was appointed Colonel-in-Chief
Colonel-in-Chief
In the various Commonwealth armies, the Colonel-in-Chief of a regiment is its patron. This position is distinct from that of Colonel of the Regiment. They do not have an operational role. They are however kept informed of all important activities of the regiment, and pay occasional visits to its...
of the regiment. The RHLI, formerly part of the Hamilton Militia District, became part of Land Forces Central Area’s 31 Canadian Brigade Group in the 1990s.
The town of Dieppe, France, has set aside a small park at the western end of the esplanade in which it has erected a memorial of its own. Standing in the centre of the Square du Canada (Canada Square), the Dieppe-Canada Monument is a testimony to the long and warm association between Canadians and Normans which has existed since Samuel de Champlain sailed to found New France. The names of people and events which have linked Canada and Normandy over the centuries have been recorded on the monument. Mounted on the wall behind it is a plaque that commemorates the Raid on Dieppe:
- On the 19th of August 1942 on the beaches of Dieppe our Canadian cousins marked with their blood the road to our final liberation foretelling thus their victorious return on September 1, 1944. [translation from the French]
Recent activities
Members of the regiment have augmented Regular Force contingents on many operations including serving in the Balkans with United Nation forces (UNPROFOR) in the early 1990s, and NATO from 1995-present. Over the past decades members have also served in; Cyprus, the Golan Heights, Sierra Leone, Congo, Haiti, and Afghanistan. They were also on alert for the feared millennialMillennium
A millennium is a period of time equal to one thousand years —from the Latin phrase , thousand, and , year—often but not necessarily related numerically to a particular dating system....
or Y2K crisis which failed to materialize.
The City of Hamilton dedicated Dieppe Memorial Park in the Hamilton Beach neighbourhood on August 19, 2003, the 61st anniversary of the Dieppe Raid
Dieppe Raid
The Dieppe Raid, also known as the Battle of Dieppe, Operation Rutter or later on Operation Jubilee, during the Second World War, was an Allied attack on the German-occupied port of Dieppe on the northern coast of France on 19 August 1942. The assault began at 5:00 AM and by 10:50 AM the Allied...
. Among the 250 invited guests and 1,000 onlookers were the Lieutenant-Governor of Ontario and 18 of the 24 Riley Dieppe veterans known to survive.
Current parade strength is typical of Canadian militia units at approximately 200-250 all ranks. The RHLI currently consists of two rifle companies; "B" Company (Hamilton) and "C" Company Burlington
Burlington, Ontario
Burlington , is a city located in Halton Region at the western end of Lake Ontario. Burlington is part of the Greater Toronto Area, and is also included in the Hamilton Census Metropolitan Area. Physically, Burlington lies between the north shore of Lake Ontario and the Niagara Escarpment...
) and an administration company, "A" Company, also at battalion headquarters in Hamilton. Battalion structures are maintained throughout the militia to allow for expansion in time of war.
Serving in Afghanistan
Most recently, soldiers from the RHLI have deployed to Afghanistan as part of the Canadian Forces contribution to the International Security Assistance ForceInternational Security Assistance Force
The International Security Assistance Force is a NATO-led security mission in Afghanistan established by the United Nations Security Council on 20 December 2001 by Resolution 1386 as envisaged by the Bonn Agreement...
(ISAF). This is the first time since WWII serving members from the regiment have taken part in combat operations. Most notably this included Operation Medusa
Operation Medusa
Operation Medusa was a Canadian-led offensive by major elements of the International Security Assistance Force, Afghan National Army and an A-Team from the 3rd Special Forces Group, as part of the ongoing war in Afghanistan. It aimed to establish government control over an area of Kandahar...
in 2006. Members from the RHLI in Afghanistan
Afghanistan
Afghanistan , officially the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan, is a landlocked country located in the centre of Asia, forming South Asia, Central Asia and the Middle East. With a population of about 29 million, it has an area of , making it the 42nd most populous and 41st largest nation in the world...
have also served with the Provincial Reconstruction Team (PRT) and as members of the Force Protection Unit.
Army Cadets
The RHLI has two affiliated Royal Canadian Army CadetsRoyal Canadian Army Cadets
The Royal Canadian Army Cadets is a Canadian national youth program sponsored by the Canadian Forces and the civilian Army Cadet League of Canada. Administered by the Canadian Forces, the program is funded through the Department of National Defence with the civilian partner providing support in...
corps. One corps in Hamilton (62 Canadian Cadet Corps) and one corps in Burlington (2379 Canadian Cadet Corps). Both corps have an outstanding training program as well as having had several cadets go to the Royal Military College of Canada
Royal Military College of Canada
The Royal Military College of Canada, RMC, or RMCC , is the military academy of the Canadian Forces, and is a degree-granting university. RMC was established in 1876. RMC is the only federal institution in Canada with degree granting powers...
and join the Canadian Forces
Canadian Forces
The Canadian Forces , officially the Canadian Armed Forces , are the unified armed forces of Canada, as constituted by the National Defence Act, which states: "The Canadian Forces are the armed forces of Her Majesty raised by Canada and consist of one Service called the Canadian Armed Forces."...
.
Notable soldiers
- Denis WhitakerDenis WhitakerBrigadier-General William Denis Whitaker, was a Canadian soldier, business man, and author.-Early life:...
, a prewar professional football player, rose to command the 1st Battalion of the regiment in the Second World War. After the war, he rose to the rank of BrigadierBrigadierBrigadier is a senior military rank, the meaning of which is somewhat different in different military services. The brigadier rank is generally superior to the rank of colonel, and subordinate to major general....
and published many books on Canadian military history with his wife Shelagh. - Rev. John Wier FooteJohn Weir FooteJohn Weir Foote, VC , CD was a Canadian recipient of the Victoria Cross, the highest and most prestigious award for gallantry in the face of the enemy that can be awarded to British and Commonwealth forces...
, VC, was awarded the Victoria CrossVictoria CrossThe Victoria Cross is the highest military decoration awarded for valour "in the face of the enemy" to members of the armed forces of various Commonwealth countries, and previous British Empire territories....
during the battle of DieppeDieppe RaidThe Dieppe Raid, also known as the Battle of Dieppe, Operation Rutter or later on Operation Jubilee, during the Second World War, was an Allied attack on the German-occupied port of Dieppe on the northern coast of France on 19 August 1942. The assault began at 5:00 AM and by 10:50 AM the Allied...
for rescuing fallen Allied soldiers and surrendering so as to assist the captured and injured Allied soldiers during their wait for liberation.
Traditions
- Soldiers of the regiment are colloquially known individually and collectively as Rileys referring phonetically to RHLI.
- Exercise Resolute Riley: held annually since 1997 at Valens Conservation Area in Waterdown. This event, which historically takes place the second weekend in September, tests soldiers physical fitness as well as teamwork while completing a grueling swamp crossing, cross country run, ruck sack march and water crossing. The winning team is awarded the Nicolazzo Trophy (named after MCpl Frank Nicolazzo who was killed in 1996). The current trophy holders are Pte. Louis Progosh and Pte. Robert Grzeszczuk. The race is followed by a Regimental Family BBQ.
- Silver Cap Badge: This honour is awarded annually to the top soldier within the following rank groups; Private/Corporal, Master Corporal, Sergeant and Junior Officer. Awarded during the Regimental Christmas Dinner, the Silver Cap Badge is then worn by the recipient for one year to display the accomplishment to their peers. The following soldiers were awarded the 2008 Silver Cap Badges: Cpl Glabb, Sgt Harrington, Sgt Cameron, Lt Coomber.
Basic facts
- Name: The Royal Hamilton Light Infantry (Wentworth Regiment), gazetted December 11, 1862 as the 13th Battalion Volunteer Militia (Infantry) Canada
- Regimental Church: Church of the Ascension, AnglicanAnglican Church of CanadaThe Anglican Church of Canada is the Province of the Anglican Communion in Canada. The official French name is l'Église Anglicane du Canada. The ACC is the third largest church in Canada after the Roman Catholic Church and the United Church of Canada, consisting of 800,000 registered members...
, Hamilton, OntarioHamilton, OntarioHamilton is a port city in the Canadian province of Ontario. Conceived by George Hamilton when he purchased the Durand farm shortly after the War of 1812, Hamilton has become the centre of a densely populated and industrialized region at the west end of Lake Ontario known as the Golden Horseshoe... - The RHLI is part of the 31 Canadian Brigade Group31 Canadian Brigade Group31 Canadian Brigade Group is part of Land Force Central Area, under Land Force Command of the Canadian Forces. It encompasses the southwestern portion of Ontario, and is headquartered in London, Ontario. The 31 CBG area of responsibility stretches from St. Catharines to Windsor. The Brigade has...
which is part of Land Force Central AreaLand Force Central AreaLand Force Central Area is responsible for the administration of the Canadian Army in the province of Ontario, from the Quebec border to the northern Lakehead region...
Regimental history
Greenhous, Brereton, ed. Semper Paratus: The History of The Royal Hamilton Light (Wentworth Regiment) 1862–1877. Hamilton, Ont.: The RHLI Historical Association, 1977.- Battle honours
(Honours in bold are on the Colours)
South Africa 1900
World War I
World War I
World War I , which was predominantly called the World War or the Great War from its occurrence until 1939, and the First World War or World War I thereafter, was a major war centred in Europe that began on 28 July 1914 and lasted until 11 November 1918...
Ypres 1915-1917,
St. Julien,
Festubert,
Arras,
Somme,
Vimy 1917,
Passchendaele,
Amiens,
Hindenburg Line,
Pursuit to Mons,
Gravenstafel,
Mount Sorrel,
Pozières,
Flers-Courcelette,
Ancre Heights,
Arleux,
Scarpe 1917-1918,
Hill 70,
Drocourt-Quèant,
Canal du Nord,
France and Flanders 1915-1918,
World War II
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...
Dieppe,
Verrières Ridge,
Tilly-la-Campagne,
Falaise Pocket,
Clair Tizon,
Forêt de la Londe,
Woensdrecht,
Goch-Calcar Road,
The Hochwald,
Xanten,
Groningen,
Falaise Road,
South Beveland,
The Scheldt,
The Rhineland,
Twente Canal,
Oldenburg,
North-West Europe 1942, 1944-1945,
Royal Hamilton Light Infantry Heritage Museum
The museum perpetuates the history of the Regiment as well as preserves and displays relevantmemorabilia. The museum is affiliated with: CMA
Canadian Museums Association
The Canadian Museums Association is a national organization for the promotion of museums in Canada.The Canadian Museums Association is the national organization for the advancement of the Canadian museum sector, representing Canadian museum professionals both within Canada and internationally. The...
, CHIN
Canadian Heritage Information Network
The Canadian Heritage Information Network is a Canadian government-supported organization that provides a networked interface to Canada's heritage, largely through the World Wide Web. It aims to give access to Canada's heritage for both Canadians and a worldwide audience, by supporting the...
, OMMC
Organization of Military Museums of Canada
The Organization of Military Museums of Canada is a national organization for the promotion of military museums in Canada.The OMMC was established in 1967 by a group of military museums, historians, and military history enthusiasts. It has over 40 individual and 60 institutional members including...
and Virtual Museum of Canada
Virtual Museum of Canada
The Virtual Museum of Canada is Canada's national virtual museum. With a directory of over 3,000 Canadian heritage institutions and a database of over 600 virtual exhibits, the VMC brings together Canada's museums regardless of size or geographical location.The VMC includes virtual exhibits,...
.
Other links
- The Royal Hamilton Light Infantry (WR) regimental website
- Regimental Band of the Royal Hamilton Light Infantry Regimental Sub Unit Website
- RHLI Heritage Museum in Hamilton, Ontario
- RHLI(WR) from CommonwealthCommonwealth of NationsThe Commonwealth of Nations, normally referred to as the Commonwealth and formerly known as the British Commonwealth, is an intergovernmental organisation of fifty-four independent member states...
regiments website - John Foote, VC, Veterans Affairs website
- William MerrifieldWilliam MerrifieldWilliam Merrifield VC, MM was a Canadian recipient of the Victoria Cross, the highest and most prestigious award for gallantry in the face of the enemy that can be awarded to British and Commonwealth forces.-Details:...
, Victoria Cross recipient
Contact information
John W. Foote, VC, CD Armoury200 James Street North
Hamilton, Ontario
L8N 4C1
(905) 972-4001