The British Columbia Dragoons (BCD) is a Primary Reserve armoured reconnaissance regiment of the Canadian Army. It is based in Kelowna and Vernon, British Columbia, and is part of 3rd Canadian Division's 39 Canadian Brigade Group.

Both Regimental Headquarters and "A" Squadron are located in Kelowna, British Columbia.

History

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). 1914 saw the formation of the Victoria Independent Squadron on Vancouver Island.

First World War

thumb|right|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. 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.

The British Columbia Dragoons perpetuate the following units of the Canadian Expeditionary Force:

  • 2nd Battalion, Canadian Mounted Rifles
  • 11th Regiment, Canadian Mounted Rifles

1920s–1930s

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.

; Alliance

: Between Canadian and Commonwealth units

:* — The Royal Dragoon Guards

; Partnership

: Informal bond of friendship between a Canadian unit and a unit from an allied country

:* — 161st Infantry Regiment

Battle honours

thumb|200px|Regimental guidonBattle 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.

Great War

Second World War

War in Afghanistan

Recognition

thumb|200px|The camp flag of The British Columbia Dragoons.The Freedom of the City was granted by the City of Kelowna on February 11, 1963.

The Freedom of the city was exercised by The British Columbia Dragoons in Vernon, British Columbia, on 10 May 2008.

Cadet units

There are several Royal Canadian Army Cadets units spread across British Columbia which are affiliated to the British Columbia Dragoons.

{| class="wikitable"

|-

! Corps

! Location

|-

| 788 RCACC

| Penticton

|-

| 903 RCACC

| Kelowna

|-

| 1705 RCACC

| Vernon

|-

|3063 RCACC

|Enderby

|}

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.

Media

  • Sinews of Steel: The History of the British Columbia Dragoons by R[eginald] H. Roy (1965)

See also

  • List of regiments of cavalry of the Canadian Militia (1900–1920)

Notes

References

  • Regimental association