The following is the text of the updated Regimental catechism, which is now on its way to the Battalion and Training Centre:
THE ROYAL CANADIAN REGIMENT
REGIMENTAL CATECHISM
NOVEMBER 2005
1. WHAT IS THE NAME OF THE REGIMENT?
The Royal Canadian Regiment
The short title is The RCR
2. WHAT UNITS COMPRISE THE REGIMENT?
There are four battalions, and a Regimental Headquarters located as follows:
Regimental Headquarters Wolseley Barracks, ASU London
1st Battalion Victoria Barracks, CFB Petawawa, ON
2nd Battalion Gregg Barracks, CFB Gagetown, NB
3rd Battalion Foulkes Barracks, CFB Petawawa, ON
4th Battalion Wolseley Barracks, ASU London and Stratford, ON
3. WHO IS THE COLONEL-IN-CHIEF OF THE REGIMENT?
His Royal Highness, The Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh, KG, PC, KT, OM, GBE, QSO, CD appointed 8 December 1953.
4. WHO IS THE COLONEL OF THE REGIMENT?
Major-General T.F. de Faye, CMM, CD appointed 20 August 2002.
5. WHEN WAS THE REGIMENT FIRST FORMED?
On 21 December, 1883. It was then called "Infantry School Corps". In 1892 it was renamed "Canadian Regiment of Infantry", and on 24 May, 1893, Queen Victoria's birthday, the honour of a "Royal" prefix was granted and the name changed to "The Royal Regiment of Canadian Infantry". Again in 1899, the name was altered to "The Royal Canadian Regiment of Infantry", and finally, in 1901 to "The Royal Canadian Regiment". The Regiment is the oldest Regular Force infantry unit of the Canadian Forces.
6. WHAT IS THE REGIMENTAL PRAYER?
Almighty God; we humbly implore Thy blessing on The Royal Canadian Regiment and all of us who serve therein.
Help us to prove worthy to accept the high ideals and traditions of the past; to honour and revere the memory of those who have gone before us; to face our responsibilities in the future, in both peace and war, with courage, justice, love, honest, and faithfulness.
Remove all greed, hatred, selfishness, and envy from our thoughts that may render true service to The Regiment and for Thee our God; for our fellow man, and "For Country".
Amen.
7. WHAT IS THE MOTTO OF THE REGIMENT?
"Pro Patria", a Latin motto meaning: "For Country".
8. WHAT IS THE REGIMENT SLOGAN?
"Never pass a fault."
9. WHERE HAS THE REGIMENT SERVED IN PEACE AND WAR?
1883 1899 Canada including North West Canada and the Yukon
1899 1900 South Africa & England
1900 1914 Canada
1914 1915 Bermuda
1915 1919 England, France and Belgium
1919 1939 Canada
1939 1945 England, France, Sicily, Italy, Belgium, Holland & Germany
1945 1950 Canada
1951 1953 Korea
1953 Present Canada, Germany, Norway, Cyprus, Qatar, Bahrain, Iraq, Saudi Arabia, Bosnia, Croatia, Macedonia, Somalia, Kosovo, Eritrea, Haiti, and Afghanistan.
Individual members of the regiment have served on many UN taskings and missions throughout the world.
10. IN WHAT CAMPAIGNS HAS THE REGIMENT TAKEN PART?
North-West Canada Rebellion: 1885 (C Coy)
South African War: 1899 1902
World War I: 1914 1919
World War II 1939 1945
Korean War 1951 1953
Gulf War: 1990 1991 (C Coy 1 RCR and M Coy 3 RCR).
11. HOW MANY BATTLE HONOURS HAVE BEEN AWARDED TO THE REGIMENT?
The Regiment has been awarded or perpetuates 57 battle honours for specific distinguished actions and general actions on active service. Of these, twenty-five battle honour names have been approved for emblazonment on the Regimental Colour.
12. WHAT ARE THE COLOURS?
Each Battalion of the Regiment has two colours. They are: the Queen's Colour, signifying allegiance to the Queen and the Regimental Colour, signifying loyalty to the Regiment.
Colours are a unit's most prized possession. They are presented personally by the Sovereign or by an individual, normally the Governor General, nominated to act on the Sovereign's behalf. Historically, Colours marked and provided a rallying point for army regiments in the line of battle. Today, they are no longer carried in action or held by a unit in a theatre of war. They continue, however, as visible symbols of pride, honour and devotion to Sovereign and country. (A-AD-200-000/AG-000; The Honours, Flags and Heritage Structure of the Canadian Forces.)
The Queen's Colour is carried on the right of the Regimental Colour. It is described as the Canadian Flag with a circle, centered on the red Maple Leaf, inscribed "The Royal Canadian Regiment surmounted by the Royal Crown. In the center of the circle is a Roman numeral which denotes the number of the Battalion. The Colour is bordered with a gold and crimson fringe and is carried on a pike capped with a lion holding a Maple Leaf in its dexter paw and surmounted with the Crown.
The Regimental Colour is Royal Blue with a blue and gold fringe. In the center, a crimson circle inscribed "The Royal Canadian Regiment", surmounted with the crown encompassing the Royal Cypher of the reigning monarch.
The circle is embraced by twelve autumnal coloured Maple Leaves. This complete center adornment is encompassed by a wreath of Laurel Leaves on which are borne twenty-five Battle Honours as follows:
SASKATCHEWAN NORTH-WEST CANADA, 1885
PAARDEBERG SOUTH AFRICA, 1899 - 1900
YPRES, 1915, 1917 MOUNT SORREL
SOMME, 1916 ANCRE HEIGHTS
VIMY, 1917 HILL 70
PASSCHENDAELE AMIENS
HINDENBURG LINE PURSUIT TO MONS
LANDING IN SICILY MOTTA MONTECORVINO
SAN LEONARDO ORTONA
HITLER LINE GOTHIC LINE
LAMONE CROSSING RIMINI LINE
ITALY 1943 - 1945 NORTH-WEST EUROPE
KOREA 1951 1953
In addition, each corner bears a white fleur-de-lis between two gold Maple Leaves. In the upper left canton, a Roman numeral designates the number of the Battalion. The Regimental Colour is carried on a pike capped with a lion holding a Maple Leaf in its dexter paw and surmounted with the Crown.
13. WHAT BANNERS HAVE BEEN AWARDED TO THE REGIMENT?
a. Queen Victoria's Banner: This banner was presented to The Regiment by Lady Tilley, wife of the Lieutenant Governor of New Brunswick, on 24 May 1886, on behalf of Her Majesty Queen Victoria to commemorate the part taken by The Regiment in the North-West Rebellion. It is known as the North-West Rebellion Banner.
b. King Edward VII's Banner: This banner was presented to The Regiment by his Excellency The Earl of Minto, Governor General of Canada, in 1904 on behalf of His Majesty King Edward VII to commemorate the part taken by The Regiment in the South African War. It is known as the South Africa Banner and is on display in the Regimental Museum.
c. King George V's Banner: This banner was presented to The Regiment by His Majesty King George V in 1919 to commemorate the part taken by The Regiment in the First World War. It is known as the First World War Banner and was deposited in St Mark's Church, Halifax in 1933.
d. A fourth Banner was presented to The Regiment in 1945 to commemorate the part taken by The Regiment in the Second World War but its whereabouts is unknown.
14. WHAT HONOURS AND AWARDS HAVE BEEN WON BY MEMBERS OF THE REGIMENT IN THE SOUTH AFRICAN WAR, THE FIRST WORLD WAR, THE SECOND WORLD WAR, AND THE KOREAN WAR?
2 Victoria Cross (Lt F.W. Campbell and Lt M.F. Gregg)
1 Queen's Scarf of Honour (Pte R.R. Thompson)
10 Companion of the Most Distinguished Order of St Michael and St George (CMG)
4 Companion of the Most Honourable Order of the Bath (CB)
3 Commander of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire (CBE)
14 Officer of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire (OBE)
14 Distinguished Service Order (DSO) and 1 Bar to the DSO
18 Member of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire (MBE)
60 Military Cross (MC) and 4 Bars to the MC
33 Distinguished Conduct Medal (DCM) and 1 Bar to the DC M
182 Military Medals (MM) and 11 Bars to the MM
6 British Empire Medal (BEM)
11 Meritorious Service Medal (MSM)
In addition over 185 Mentioned in Despatches (MID) have been awarded and 35 Foreign Awards.
15. WHAT IS THE QUEEN'S SCARF OF HONOUR?
The Queen's Scarf of Honour, which ranks with the VC, was awarded to four soldiers of the Colonial Forces who fought in the South African War (four other Scarves were awarded to NCOs of the British Army). One of these was Pte R.R. Thompson, 2nd (Special Service) Bn, RCR. The original scarf is on permanent loan to the Canadian War Museum in Ottawa. A replica is displayed in the Regimental Museum.
16. WHERE WERE THE ORIGINAL COMPANIES OF THE INFANTRY SCHOOL CORPS RAISED AND STATIONED IN 1883 AND WHO WERE THE ORIGINAL COMMANDANTS?
A Coy, Fredericton, NB LCol F.G. Maunsell
B Coy, St Jean, QC LCol G. d'Orsonnens
C Coy, Toronto, ON LCol W.D. Otter
D Coy, London, ON LCol H. Smith (1887)
The Regiment was raised to Regimental status in 1892 and in 1896 LCol Maunsell became the first Commanding Officer. LCol Otter was the second Commanding Officer, he also later commanded the 2nd (Special Service) Battalion in South Africa. He was the first Officer of the Canadian Permanent Force to attain the rank of General, and he received the honour of a knighthood.
17. WHERE WERE THE REGIMENTAL HEADQUARTERS AND PEACETIME STATIONS OF THE REGIMENT PRIOR TO WORLD WAR II?
A Coy Halifax, NS
B Coy Toronto, ON
C Coy & Regimental HQ London, ON
D Coy St Jean, QC
18. ON HOW MANY OCCCASIONS HAS THE REGIMENT HAD MORE THAN ONE BATTALION?
Twice:
First, in 1900 The Royal Canadian Regiment consisted of three battalions:
The Permanent Force Battalion remained in its normal role, but supplied officers and men for the Yukon Field Force, the 2nd (Special Service) Battalion in South Africa and the 3rd (Special Service) Battalion garrisoning Halifax.
Second, since 1950 the Regiment has been a multi-battalion organization comprised of two to four Battalions. The 1st, 2nd and 3rd Battalions served in Korea during the hostilities between 1951 and 1953. In May 1954, the 3rd Battalion became the 1st Battalion, Canadian Guards reducing the Regiment to two regular battalions. Many senior officers, warrant officers and senior non-commissioned officers were posted from the Regiment to form the 1st Battalion, Canadian Guards. In October 1954, the Canadian Fusiliers and the Oxford Rifles were amalgamated and redesignated as 3rd Battalion, The Royal Canadian Regiment (Militia) thus raising the Regiment again to three battalions. In 1970 the 1st and 2nd Battalions, the Black Watch (Royal Highland Regiment) of Canada were amalgamated and redesignated as 2nd Battalion, The Royal Canadian Regiment. The 2nd Battalion, Canadian Guards was redesignated as 3rd Battalion, The Royal Canadian Regiment and the Militia Battalion designated the 4th Battalion, The Royal Canadian Regiment, thus attaining a posture of three Regular Force battalions and one Reserve Force Battalion. In 1993, 3 RCR was designated a 10/90 Battalion, with rifle companies manned by various Ontario based Militia Regiments. In 1996, 3 RCR was again reorganized as a Regular Force light infantry battalion with one company assigned a parachute role.
19. WHAT ARE THE ALLIED REGIMENTS?
a. The Royal Gloucestershire, Berkshire and Wiltshire Regiment (RGBW) Formed 27 April 1994 with the amalgamation of The Gloucestershire Regiment and The Duke of Edinburgh's Royal Regiment;
b. The Royal Regiment of Fusiliers The successor to The Royal Fusiliers of the British Army.
c. The Jamaica Regiment.
20. WHAT IS THE OFFICIAL MARCH PAST OF THE REGIMENT?
"The RCR March" composed by Cpl George Offen in period 1905 1907.
21. WHAT IS THE OFFICIAL REGIMENTAL SLOW MARCH?
"Pro Patria" composed by Bandsman Keast in 1957.
22. WHAT DO THE LETTERS VRI ON YOUR CAP BADGE MEAN?
"Victoria Regina Imperatrix", which is Latin for "Victoria, Queen, Empress". The right to wear the Imperial Cypher and Crown was granted by Queen Victoria in 1893. When a Royal or Imperial Cypher forms part of the badge of a regiment it is normal for it to change with each succeeding sovereign. In 1919, however, King George V granted The Royal Canadian Regiment permission to wear "VRI" in perpetuity, a unique privilege.
23. WHAT ARE THE BADGES WORN ON THE LEFT BREAST OF THE REGIMENT BLAZERS?
a. Officers & CWOs VRI surmounted by Crown;
b. MWOs, WOs & Sgts The Cap Badge;
c. Rank and File The Collar Badge.
23. WHAT DAYS ARE CELEBRATED AS REGIMENTAL DAYS AND WHAT OCCURS ON THOSE DAYS?
a. Paardeberg Day 27 February, celebrated in honour of the key role played by The RCR in the surrender of General Cronje's force to the British on 27 February1900 during the South African War. This day may be highlighted by a sports competition between representative teams of Officers, Warrant Officers and Sergeants, and Corporal/Privates. Formal mixed social functions may be held that night in the various messes, or an all-ranks ball.
b. Pachino Day 10 July, celebrated in honour of the Regiment's landing at Pachino Peninsula, Sicily on 10 July 1943. This day is often highlighted by sports, either inter-company or between teams grouped by rank followed by an all ranks gathering where spaghetti and red wine are served.
c. Mons Day 10 November, celebrated in honour of the Regiment's entry into the City of Mons immediately prior to the end of the First World War. Battalion parades may be held in commemoration.
d. Regimental Birthday 21 December, celebrated in honour of the founding of The Regiment on 21 December 1883. Where possible, all ranks of The Regiment gather to commemorate the Regimental Birthday, often at the Soldiers Christmas Dinner, which signals the commencement of relaxed duties over the Christmas and New Year holiday period. Mess dinners may also be held by the Officers and by the Warrant Officers and Sergeants to mark the Regimental Birthday.
e. Kowang-San Day 23 October, in honour of the 1st Battalions defence of Hill 187, 23 October 1952. This date may be celebrated by sports events and/or Battalion parades.
25. WHAT IS THE ORTONA TOAST?
On 20 November 1993, the Regimental Executive Committee approved a motion to toast The Regiment on Regimental Birthday observances with the same mixture as used at the Ortona Crossroads on 21 December 1943. The Toast consists of a rum punch, made from rum, sugar and water, and is taken from plain white china mugs. The Ortona Toast symbolizes the Regimental spirit of our predecessors in the face of the enemy and reminds us of their sacrifice.
26. WHAT IS EXPECTED OF YOU AS A MEMBER OF THE ROYAL CANADIAN REGIMENT?
Courage, Obedience, Physical Fitness, Efficiency and Pride in yourself and in your Regiment. You must have courage to face battle and boredom. You must be obedient to all in authority over you so that The Royal Canadian Regiment can depend on this obedience. You must be physically fit to stand the hard conditioning under which you must live and so you can fight in the field. You must be efficient at your job and with your weapons. If you don't know, find out. Your life and your comrades' lives depends on it. You must have pride in yourself and in your Regiment. It has been said that it takes "Blood and sweat and money to make a regiment", but it takes more than that, it takes MEN. A regiment is made up of the men in it; that is why there are good and bad regiments. Think of the past history of The Royal Canadian Regiment. It is your privilege to make present and future regimental history every bit as glorious, perhaps even more so; it depends on you, for
YOU ARE "THE ROYAL CANADIAN REGIMENT"
27. WHAT ARE THE THREE GREAT TRADITIONS OF THE ROYAL CANADIAN REGIMENT?
Chivalry, Gallantry, and Dash.
Chivalry is the embodiment in one man of those qualities such as dignity, courtesy, bravery, truth, duty and valour.
Gallantry is a brave and dashing spirit, splendour of appearance, nobleness and polite attention to ladies.
Dash is simply speed of thought and action.
28. WHAT ARE THE THREE RULES OF CONDUCT THAT APPLY TO ALL ROYAL CANADIAN UNDER ALL CONDITIONS OF SERVICE?
First No leader will order a subordinate to carry out a task he is not prepared to do himself.
Second Speed of thought and action is the prime requirement. Speed of action without thought can be both dangerous and valueless.
Third No wounded member of the Regiment will ever be left on the battlefield.
29. Always remember A ROYAL CANADIAN "NEVER PASSES A FAULT"
PRO PATRIA
Revised November 2005 by RHQ.
Approved by The Chairman of the REC.
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