THE ROYAL REGIMENT OF CANADA

The Royal Regiment of Canada has roots going back to 1861, when rising tensions between the United States and the United Kingdom pushed Toronto to raise a volunteer militia for local defence. This led to the formation of The 10th Battalion, Volunteer Militia Rifles of Canada in 1862, made up of the city’s working men and tradespeople.

Over the following decades, the unit grew and evolved through several redesignations, becoming known as The Royal Regiment of Toronto Volunteers and later The Royal Grenadiers. During this time, the regiment established regular training, adopted the motto “Ready, Aye Ready,” and took part in national operations such as the North-West Campaign of 1885.

When the First World War began, the regiment played a key role in raising soldiers for the 3rd Battalion, Canadian Expeditionary Force, and the 58th Battalion, both of which served overseas. After the war, the 58th Battalion was absorbed into The Royal Grenadiers.

In 1936, The Royal Grenadiers and The Toronto Regiment combined to form a single unit. Just a few years later, in 1939, the regiment received the name it holds today: The Royal Regiment of Canada.