The birth date of The Royal Canadian Dragoons, Canada's senior Cavalry Regiment, is 21 December 1883. In 1885 the Regiment was committed to the campaign in Northwest Canada, and in 1896 a detachment served in the Yukon Field Force. During the South African War 1899-1902, Lieutenant H.Z.C. Cockburn, Lieutenant R.E.W. Turner, and Sergeant E.J. Holland were each awarded the Victoria Cross, and Corporal W.A. Knisley was awarded the Distinguished Conduct Medal. The battle honours of NW Canada and South Africa are emblazoned on the Guidon. During World War I, the Regiment served in France with the 1st Canadian Division and in the Canadian Cavalry Brigade. Ten battle honours are carried on the Guidon out of 13 earned during 1914-18. During World War II. the Dragoons served in Sicily in 1943 and in Italy in 1944 with 1st Canadian Corps. In late 1944, the unit became the Reconnaissance Regiment of 1st Canadian Infantry Division. In Jan 1945, the Regiment moved to northwest Europe. In April 1945, Dragoons liberated the town of Leeuwarden, in Holland. Another six out of 10 World War II battle honours have been added to the Guidon for recognition of outstanding service. Since World War II, the Regiment served in Germany and Cyprus, and has had independant Squadrons in Korea, Cyprus, Egypt, Germany and Gagetown. In 1970 The Royal Canadian Dragoons moved from CFB Gagetown, New Brunswick to Fort Beausejour, in Iserlohn, Germany. Shortly thereafter, the Regiment moved south to Lahr/Schwarzwald, and became part of NATO's Central Army Group. Seventeen years later the Regiment returned to its permanent home in Worthington Barracks CFB Petawawa. A Squadron and Recce Squadron Assault Troop served on UN duty in Somalia. In October 1994 the Regiment departed for service with the United Nations Protective Force in Bosnia-Hertzegovena. In 1995 and 1996 The Regiment was once again deployed in Bosnia and The Bihac Region of Bosnia. The deployment of Reconnaissance Squadron December 1999 was to be the last for the Regiment to Kosovo as the Canadian mission ended in June 2000. The Squadron were the last Canadian combat troops in Kosovo Audax Et Celer (Bold and Swift)

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Last Updated: February 2009