The British Columbia Dragoons trace their origins to the formation of the Canadian Mounted Rifles, two independent squadrons of horse in Kamloops and Vernon in 1908. In 1910 two additional squadrons were raised and the regiment was renamed the British Columbia Horse. In 1912 the unit was reorganized into two separate regiments: the 30th Regiment, British Columbia Horse and the 31st Regiment, British Columbia Horse (later known as the British Columbia Hussars).[6][7] 1914 saw the formation of the Victoria Independent Squadron on Vancouver Island.[8]
First World War
[edit]The distinguishing patch of the 2nd Battalion, Canadian Mounted Rifles, CEF, while serving as part of the 8th Infantry Brigade, 3rd Canadian Division.Grave of Sgt W Tremain, 2nd Canadian Mounted Rifles, Cathays Cemetery, Cardiff, died 19 November 1917.
In the Great War the regiment was not mobilized, but in December 1914 many volunteers from the regiment joined the newly formed 2nd Regiment Canadian Mounted Rifles. After some limited service in France as cavalry, the unit was reroled to infantry as 2nd Canadian Mounted Rifles Battalion on January 1, 1916.[9] The battalion became part of the 8th Canadian Infantry Brigade, and fought with great luck and success on the Western Front. Despite being trained as cavalry but deployed as infantry, the regiment managed the war well. Captain "Jock" MacGregor was awarded the Victoria Cross for actions taken in the battle at Cambrai on September 29, 1918. The actions and awards of the 2nd Canadian Mounted Rifles are perpetuated today by the British Columbia Dragoons, their direct descendants.
In the post-war reorganization, the regiment was renamed The British Columbia Mounted Rifles in 1920, and then to the name still carried today, The British Columbia Dragoons in 1929.[8] Part of the reason for the change was to forever divorce the regiment from infantry duties.
When the Second World War loomed, the regiment once again stepped forward.
The regiment was designated the 5th Motorcycle Regiment (BCD), and later an armoured car unit. Finally made into an armoured regiment, the 9th Armoured Regiment (BCD), they were deployed to Italy as part of the 5th Armoured Brigade, 5th Canadian (Armoured) Division. The regiment saw heavy action in the Liri Valley, were the first unit to break through the Gustav Line in Italy, 1944, and helped smash the Gothic Line, holding Point 204 right in the centre of the line. They continued to fight until orders were given to move the regiment to North West Europe with the British-led 21st Army Group. They served with distinction until the end of the war, at which point the regiment was demobilized and returned to Militia service.
The regiment has since seen many ups and downs, with losses of manpower and funding, hostile popular attitudes, and the ever-changing nature of Canada.
Battle honours in small capitals are for large operations and campaigns and those in lowercase are for more specific battles. Bold type indicates honours authorized to be emblazoned on the regimental guidon.
Cadet units affiliated to the British Columbia Dragoons receive support from the regiment and also are given permission to wear traditional regimental accoutrements on their uniforms.
