Battle Honours: Second World War

Liri Valley, Gothic Line, Lamone Crossing, Misano Ridge, Sant' Angelo in Salute, Fosso Vecchio, Italy 1944-1945, Groningen, Bad Zwischenahn, North-West Europe 1945.

Historical Sketch

The Regiment was placed on active service on 01 September 1939. In March 1940 a squadron was detached to help form a composite unit that was intended to be the divisional cavalry regiment for 1st Canadian Division. This unit, named The First Canadian Cavalry Regiment (Mechanized), was broken up into its constituent parts on 21 June 1941. During its short existence in London, Ontario, it was composed as follows: RHQ - 1st Hussars, A Squadron - Royal Canadian Dragoons, B Squadron - Lord Strathcona’s Horse (RC), C Squadron - 1st Hussars, HQ Squadron - 1st Hussars. In July 1940 the 1st Canadian Motorcycle Regiment (RCD/LSH (RC)) was formed from Headquarters and one squadron RCD, CASF and Headquarters and one squadron LSH (RC), CASF. On 21 September 1940 the 1st Canadian Motorcycle Regiment (RCD/LSH (RC)) was redesignated Lord Strathcona's Horse (Royal Canadians) CASF and the Royal Canadian Dragoons (Armoured Car Regiment), CASF was mobilized. It was allocated to the Canadian Armoured Corps on 15 November 1940. On 11 February 1941 it was redesignated 1st Armoured Car Regiment (Royal Canadian Dragoons) and on 13 November 1941 it embarked for the United Kingdom as part of 5th Canadian Armoured Division. In January 1942 the Regiment became the armoured car regiment of 1st Canadian Corps. It landed in Sicily on 22 October 1943 and in Italy on 05 January 1944. In July 1944 it became the reconnaissance regiment of 1st Canadian Infantry Division. In March 1945 it moved to North-West Europe and resumed it's role as the armoured car regiment of 1st Canadian Corps.