C Squadron in WW1

Only one squadron of cavalry (A Sqn) had been initially called up for immediate overseas deployment by the Government. However, believing that more cavalry would be required, the government ordered the other mounted units across the province to begin mobilizing for an eventual call-up. However, less a few notable exceptions Canada's militia cavalry, much like its' infantry cousins, were to be mobilized not by existing Regiments, but rather by Sir Sam Hughe's grandiose numbered system of battalions.

For C Squadron in Vegreville, this meant that they were to be merged into the new 3rd Canadian Mounted Rifles Regiment (CMR) along with other remaining cavalrymen from across Alberta. The 3rd CMR also drew its members from Medicine Hat via the 21st Alberta Hussars. Thankfully, C Sqn (19th Alberta Dragoons) was allowed to maintain its squadron identification and thus, on joining the 3rd CMR, they became "C Squadron," of the 3rd Canadian Mounted Rifles.

Interestingly, C Squadron continued to train and prepare for its call-up in Edmonton almost independently from the other squadrons. Under Major Fane, the Squadron spent its time practicing mounted drills and participating in sporting events with the other battalions which were waiting on the "word" to go. The Squadron carried out sports events and gymkhana demonstrations across Edmonton.

By May 7, 1915, a frustrated Major Fane had gone on public record, offering his squadron to serve immediately at the front as infantry should cavalry not be required. Within three weeks of this request, C Squadron and the other members from the 3rd CMRR were to be on their way to the western front and would begin training at Camp Sewell Manitoba.

For a read of the war diaries of the 3rd CMR, please click here.

Reprinted Articles – August 1914 to January 1915

Vegreville Observer

Compliments of Mr Will Shandro

Vegreville Observer Wednesday, August 05, 1914

19^TH ALBERTA DRAGOONS TO MOBILIZE

Orders by Major F.W.W. Fane Commanding “C” Squadron,

19^th Alberta Dragoons

Vegreville, Aug. 5.

1. - The Empire having been declared in the state of war, instructions are expected to immediately mobilize the regiment and war front. This means an increase of 60 men to each squadron. Applications to join will be received.

2. - It is published for the information of all ranks, that the Officer commanding the 19^th Alberta Dragoons with the full and hearty approval of his squadron commanders offer the regiment as a complete unit for active service.

WHAT WAR MEANS TO VEGREVILLE

“C” Squadron Under Temporary Orders to Hold Themselves in

Readiness for Active Service Under the Colours

…comments regarding involvement in European conflict

and orders follow the above headline…

Notable quotation in orders: “…the 19^th being the most efficient cavalry regiment in the militia service, will probably be the first cavalry regiment called upon to take to the field.”

Vegreville Observer Wednesday, August 12, 1914

PUBLIC NOTICE

The undersigned has been authorized to purchase saddle horses for Divisional Cavalry of the First War Contingent. Horses must be of suitable Cavalry confirmation, between 5 or 8 years old, not less than 15 hands, be broken to saddle, sound and in good flesh, Whites and Light Greys not accepted.

Persons having such horses for sale, will be good enough to inform the Remount Officer, who will appoint a time for Veterinary Inspection.

F.W.W. Fane, Major

Officer Commanding “C” Squadron

Remount Officer, 19^th Alberta Dragoons.

Vegreville Observer Wednesday, August 27, 1914

19^th ALBERTA DRAGOONS LEAVE FOR THE FRONT

The 19^th Alberta Dragoons, compromising seven officers and 196 men left today, (Wednesday) for the front. The officers are: Col. Jameson, Major Griesbach, Lieuts.- Watson, Tipton, Ferris and Dawson.

Vegreville Observer Wednesday, September 02, 1914

SQUADRON ORDERS

By Major F.W.W. Fane,

“C” Squadron 19^th Alberta Dragoons

Vegreville, Sept.1^st, 1914

1. It is published for the information of all concerned that Major L.J. Whitaker has taken over command of the Regiment, Vice Lieut Col. F.C. Jamieson appointed to Command the Special Service squadron (divisional cavalry), with the first overseas contingent.
2. The Officer Commanding the 19^th desires it to be known that he has been re-assured the Regiment will be mobilized for service with the first cavalry contingent.
3. Applications will be received to fill vacancies in the Regiment.
4. The Officer Commanding desires all ranks to locate and keep track of suitable mounts that could be purchased for use of the Squadron.
5. It is again ordered that all government property must be turned in at once for inspection, prior to their re-issue on mobilization.

By order

M.E.F. Kelly, Lieut.

Acting Squadron Adjutant

Vegreville Observer Wednesday, September 09, 1914

SQUADRON ORDERS

By Major F.W.W. Fane,

Commanding “C” Squadron 19^th Alberta Dragoons

Vegreville, Sept. 8th, 1914

1. It is published for the information of recruits who are joining the 19^th Alberta Dragoons that they are enlisted in the Canadian Militia for the following reasons:
   1. In time of peace to form a military organization for the aid and support of the civil authorities in maintaining law and order.
   2. In time of war, to provide a trained and efficient body to repel invasion by an enemy.
   3. To provide a means of training for those who wish to volunteer for imperial service overseas.
2. At the present time, the country being in a state of war the militiaman is at liberty to volunteer for active service, if honoured with the opportunity of joining a contingent for that purpose, but he is not compelled to volunteer, nor will he ordered on foreign service, by reason of his being a member of the Canadian Militia.
3. It is further published that men on strength of existing regiments, will have first chance of volunteering and being accepted for active service.

By order

M.E.F. Kelly, Lieut.

Acting Squadron Adjutant

Vegreville Observer Wednesday, September 09, 1914

One hundred saddle horses purchased by Major Fane and Captain Hardisty of the 19^th Alberta Dragoons for use of the overseas contingent, passed through via C.N.R. Thursday en route to Valcartier camp.

Vegreville Observer Wednesday, December 23, 1914

ARMOURY IS FORMALLY ACCEPTED

Colonel Weatherby and Major May in company with Major Fane, inspected the armoury on Friday last and accepted it from contractors. When space permits the Observer will be glad to give a detailed account of the building and its purposes.

The building has been carried out most thoroughly in accordance with the requirements of the Department of Militia and Defence.

Vegreville Observer Wednesday, December 30, 1914

GOING WITH NEXT CANADIAN CONTINGENT

Major Fane and Capt. Monkman of the 19^th Alberta Dragoons have received advices that they are to hold themselves in readiness for active service with the next Canadian Contingent, preparations for training and equipment of which commenced some time ago and are well completed. It is expected that within two weeks these offices will be called upon to enter preliminary training camp at either Calgary or Edmonton.

Vegreville Observer Wednesday, January 06, 1915

VEGREVILLE PATRIOTIC FUND

(no separate heading, 19^th Alberta Dragoons info. near bottom of column)

Major Fane completed the organization of his Overseas Squadron at Vermilion on Saturday last. He has 118 men at Connaught Armoury, Strathcona, and 40 at Vegreville Armoury, all doing preliminary training. The Squadron will be concentrated as soon as the proper quarters are ready. This Squadron will form part of the 2^nd contingent, which is expected to leave Canada in February.

Vegreville Observer Wednesday, January 20, 1915

VEGREVILLE TO THE FRONT

Send–off to Soldiers of “C” Squadron

Summary: A large patriotic gathering for C Squadron was held at Dobbins’ Hall where Mayor Maxwell spoke “…to convey Major Fane, Lieut. Kelly and the men of C Squadron the best wishes of Town Council and citizens for their journey to Germany and safe return.”

The evening program included: the presentation of “housewives” (sewing kits) to the boys bound for the trenches, speeches and recitations, Capt. Monkman remaining behind wished the Squadron “God Speed”, vocals including ‘Soldiers of the King’ and music by the Vegreville Symphony Orchestra. Boy scouts were responsible for serving tea and coffee and the young ladies were waving flags.

In the early hours of the morning the citizenry crowded the rail station to “wave their adieux” as the train steamed for Edmonton.

LOCAL SQUADRON NOW AT SEWELL

The 3rd CMR, C Squadron, from Edmonton under Major Fane arrived in camp on June 2nd, with a total of 137 officers and men.