What Is The Royal Hamilton Light Infantry?

  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.

  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 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/SFOR in Bosnia and in the Golan Heights with the United Nation Forces.

  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 to The Royal Hamilton Light Infantry (Wentworth Regiment).

Here is a sample of The Royal Hamilton Light Infantry's marchpast, The Mountain Rose.