Regimental History

The Royal Hamilton Light Infantry was formed in 1862 as the 13th Battalion, Volunteer Militia (Infantry) Canada, but had its roots in local units of Volunteer Militia, notably the 1st and 2nd Companies of Volunteer Rifles (Hamilton), formed in 1855, and the Volunteer Highland Company (No. 3 Company) formed in 1856.

Cap Badge of the 13th

In 1900, the name was changed to the 13th Regiment, and in 1910, to the 13th Royal Regiment. In 1920, it became The Royal Hamilton Regiment, and in 1927, The Royal Hamilton Light Infantry.

The Wentworth Regiment was raised in 1872 as the 77th (Wentworth) Battalion of Infantry. In 1900, it became the 77th Wentworth Regiment, and in 1920 The Wentworth Regiment.

In 1936, all but one company of The Wentworth Regiment was amalgamated with the RHLI, and the unit was designated The Royal Hamilton Light Infantry (Wentworth Regiment) its present title.

The Royal Hamilton Light Infantry (Wentworth Regiment)

Gazetted as the 13th BATTALION VOLUNTEER MILITIA (Infantry) Canada December 11, 1862

Motto

Semper Paratus (Always Ready)

Allied Regiment

The Light Infantry, Peninsula Barracks, Winchester, England

Regimental March

Mountain Rose

Regimental Church

Church of the Ascension, Hamilton, Ontario

The Colours of the Regiment

The original Colours of the Regiment were consecrated at Christ's Church Cathedral on September 1, 1863 and presented to the 13th Battalion a few days later by Mrs. Isaac Buchanan, wife of the first Commanding Officer. These Colours were carried at the Battle of Ridgeway and continued in service for 38 years.

On October 14, 1901, during his Canadian tour, H.R.H. The Duke of Cornwall and York, later King George V, presented new Colours in a ceremony at Victoria Park. The original Colours were subsequently laid up in the Cathedral. From 1901 until the Great War, the Colours were career by the 13th on all ceremonial occasions.

By 1957 when the Regiment was awarded its hard-earned Battle Honours of World War II, the Colours had been in service for 56 years. New colours were presented to the Regiment by Governor-General P. Vanier, DSO, MC, ED on June 30, 1962, as part of the Regiment's centennial celebrations.

The second set of Colours was laid up in the Regimental church, the Church of the Ascension, in October 1962. By this time also, the original Colours, which had rested in the Cathedral since 1901, had been removed, restored and placed on display in the Regimental Museum.

The Colours of the Regiment, when not being carried on parade, occupy a place of honour in locked cases in the Officers' Mess.

Excerpt from the book "Semper Paratus, The History of the Royal Hamilton Light Infantry (Wentworth Regiment) 1862 - 1977".

Highlights of the Active Service of the Regiment

The Regiment first saw action at the Battle of Ridgeway in 1866 against a force of Fenian invaders from the United States, and most recently members of the Regiment have served with NATO in Afghanistan, where they have seen active combat.

In 1870, another contingent from the Regiment served in Manitoba during the Red River uprising.

During the Boer War 1899-1902, many members of the Regiment joined the 2nd Battalion of The Royal Canadian Regiment, and the 1st Canadian Mounted Rifles for service in South Africa.

Again during the Great War 1914-1918, many enlisted in various units of the Canadian Expeditionary Force for service in France and Flanders, namely the 4th, 76th, 86th, 120th, and 205th Battalions of the CEF.

In the Second World War 1939-1945, the Regiment distinguished itself in North West Europe as a unit of the 2nd Canadian Infantry Division. On Aug. 19th 1942, the Regiment suffered heavy casualties during the raid on Dieppe.

Members of the Regiment served in Korea, and in 1955, the Regiment was represented in the 27th Brigade that served on NATO duty in West Germany. As a result of the services listed above, a total of thirty-nine battle honours have been awarded by a grateful nation to The Royal Hamilton Light Infantry (Wentworth Regiment).