Regimental histories are a virtual window to a nation. They provide insight into a country's culture, values, and martial spirit. But more specifically they tell the story of the men and women who fight their nation's wars. Created as an infantry school corps to train the Militia, the Royal Canadian Regiment quickly grew to serve the national interest at home and abroad. From its first operational mission in Canada's rugged Northwest to assist in quelling the Riel Rebellion to the harsh veldt of South Africa to help defeat the Boers, Canada's oldest permanent force infantry regiment produced a legacy of courage and professionalism. This proud history was continued in the furnace of both world wars in Europe and shortly thereafter in Korea. It becomes evident that in its first 70 turbulent years of existence, the Royal Canadian Regiment established a heritage of honour and service to Canada, paid for in the blood, bravery, and tenacity of its members.

Table of Contents

Introduction; A Pressing Need: Establishing the Permanent Force and Policing the Dominion; Making Canada Proud: The "Royal Canadians" in South Africa; Service and Suffering: The Regiment in the First World War; "Fighting Men from Canada": The Regiment's Introduction to Modern War; No Soft Underbelly: The Battle for Italy; The Final Stretch: Collapsing the Third Reich; A Return to Combat: The First Regimental Tour to Korea, 1951-1952; "Spit and Polish": The Regulars in Korea, 1952-1953; Index.

Author Biography

Colonel Bernd Horn is an experienced Canadian Forces infantry officer and military educator. He has authored, co-authored, or edited more than 30 books, including "No Easy Task: Fighting in Afghanistan" and "No Lack of Courage: Operation Medusa, Afghanistan." He lives in Kingston, Ontario.