The Inter-War Years

On reorganization of the Militia following the War, Lieut. Colonel C. Y. Weaver, DSO, was gazetted to command and the Regiment reorganized with two Squadrons at Edmonton and one at Vegreville.  In 1921, the Vegreville Squadron was re-localized at Chauvin, under command of Major H. Strachan, VC, MC and camp for the year was held between the 25th of July and August 2nd 1921.  Local camps were also held in 1922 and 1923 (the latter confirmed to have taken place at Cooking Lake) and, in 1923, Lieut Colonel P. E. Bowen, VD, assumed command on Colonel Weaver's promotion to command the 5th Mounted Brigade.   

Summer camp in 1924 was held over 9 days of which it was reported that it rained for 5!  The training was noted to have been below standard largely due to poor funding which severely limited the number of soldiers permitted to train.  This was despite the District headquarters allowing the 19th and their sister Regiment the 15th Canadian Light Horse a greater training strength than the other less fortunate units.

For 1925, it was noted that no camp of instruction was held however the unit trained up to three times a week in the month of April leading up to the Naval and Military Tournament which was held on 22/23 May.  Training continued at two to three nights a week until the annual inspection in July.  On 10 July, the Regiment less "C" Squadron rode out to the farm of the Chamberlain's on Cooking Lake Trail and were inspected the following day by Colonel Gibson, the Colonel Commandant of MD 13.

Camp was again held locally in 1926.  While permitted numbers were still dismal, the excellent weather which was present throughout the 9 days left the Regiment with a positive experience.  The Regimental musings noted that the 1926 summer camp was felt to the best camp since the end of the war.  Morale was further improved by such characters as the veteran "Nobby" Clarke whose antics included his self-appointment as the Chief Grand Yah of the The Sacred Order of Yah-hoos.  Of course, "Nobby" also served in the capacity of Grand Provider of the Noble Pack in the other secret society which was formed, namely, The Most Noble Order of Coyotays.  In October, the Canadian Cavalry Association held its meeting in Edmonton and a competition in indoor-polo was arranged with the prize to the victors being the Yah-Hoo Cup.  It is noted in the Regimental journals with disdain that the winners of the cup for 1926 was an Eastern Regiment. 

Some changes were made in 1927 to the Dragoon badges, most noticeably, to the shoulder titles.  General Order 79 of 1927 read in part:

“Cap Badge. In bronze - A horse standing upon the prairie, below which is a scroll inscribed ‘ALBERTA DRAGOONS’, while between the two words are the numeral ‘19’. Extreme height 1 ¾-inches, extreme width 1 13/16-inches. 

Collar Badge. In bronze - As for cap badge. Extreme height 1 3/16-inches, extreme width 1 ¼-inches.

Shoulder Badge. In Bronze - The word ‘ALBERTA’ in an upward curve surmounting the word ‘DRAGOONS’ in a downward curve. Extreme width 1 9/16-inches. Height of letters ¼-inch.”

Colonel Bowen was succeeded by Lieut-Colonel H de N Watson, VD in 1927 and summer camp was heralded as a great success largely due to a greater level of funding from previous years.  

For 1928, a 9 day camp was held although little is known of its success.

In May 1929, the 1st AMR were to relocate "B" and "C" Sqn to Vegreville and Vermillion respectively.  A Squadron, was to remain in Medicine Hat but had effectively cased to exist by this time.  B Squadron was commanded by Major J McK. Hughes and C Squadron was commanded by Major VB Casey.  The newly formed unit at Vegreville included:

• • Lt HS Hurlburt

  • Lt FJW Fane, MC

  • Lt JH Kennedy

  • Lt WFF Shaw

  • Lt SR Douglas

  • Lt W Hayhurst

The Cavalry Association proceedings held in 1929 contained a briefing by LCol de Watson which highlighted the Dragoons participation in the 5th Mounted Brigade annual summer camp.  The camp was held at Sarcee Camp between 2-13 July 1929.  A and B Squadron proceeded by rail to Camrose where they linked up with C Squadron and two squadrons of the 1st Alberta Mounted Rifles.  LCol de Watson indicated in his presentation that the resulting combined rail move consisted of "22 cars which was the biggest single rail movement of troops, in Western Canada, at least, since the War."  While at camp, the recently re-localised B and C Squadrons (Vegreville and Vermillion) from the 1st Alberta Mounted Rifles were administered by the 19th Alberta Dragoons.  The training was noted to have been more intensive than previous years and included more tactical exercises and even the participation by aeroplanes from RCAF High River. The Dragoons of course competed against the other units from 5th Mounted Brigade in mounted sports and the camp was capped off with a Brigade mess dinner.  LCol de Watson's closing remarks indicated that "As time passes, officers with overseas service are gradually retiring, and the vacancies occurring are being filled by young men of the correct type, who have no previous military training, consequently there uis a constant supply of men to be qualified at Royal and provisional schools; the same remarks apply to non-commissioned ranks."

In 1929, the Dragoons were also to provide a Royal Escort to His Excellency, the Governor General, on occasion of his visit to Edmonton. 

Summer Camp 1930 took place 2-13 July 1930 at Camp Sarcee.  Participants included the 19th Dragoons, 15th CLH, 1st AMR, 2nd AMR, and the 17th Cavalry Field Ambulance.  A total of 489 all ranks attended this summer training!  The Dragoons and the 1st AMR were to assemble at Tofield before departing by train for Calgary.  Training included musketry and tactics and, due to many returning men,  less time was dedicated to preliminary equitation and horsemanship.  As a result, 430 men were to fire 50 rounds each!  The training was to end with a 10 mile route march followed by a well received sham battle.  Most units were to bring their own motor transport in lieu of horse transport and this was done at unit expense.  The going rate for a rental was $8- per day and following the camp, the units of 5th Mounted Brigade discussed the requirement for a "uniform measure" of truck and their prospective use as advance party transport for future summer training camps.

In September of 1931, Colonel Watson was promoted to command the the Mounted Brigade and he was succeeded by Lieut-Colonel W. L. Oliver, MC.  Regrettably,due to a lack of pay and money in general, there was no summer camp held in neither 1931 nor 1932.  Mention is made of a successful, albeit small, camp for 1933 to which each unit of 5th Mounted Brigade was permitted to send 10 officers and three sergeants.  This small camp was held at Sarcee  over an eight day period during which the participants were "confronted with the problems of the troopers and NCOs."  The officers and senior NCOs assumed the role of troopers for the camp for the purpose of training with two troops being formed:  one from each of the two Regiments in North and South Alberta.  The North was represented by the 19th (Edmonton) and the Alberta Mounted Rifles (Vegreville) and the South by the 15th Canadian Light Horse (Calgary) and the South Alberta Horse (Pincher Creek). 

During the annual update presented to the Cavalry Association in October 1933, the representative for Militia District 13 Alberta) briefed attendees as on the Dragoons submission which stated:

This regiment  does not feel that the training of officers only will be beneficial to the regiment as a whole.  It is considered in times like these that one is able to recruit the very best type of man and , if training is made with some system of continuity, his interest in his work will increase.  In the regiment, all ranks have trained faithfully at  least two nights weekly since last fall but, when no camp was forthcoming, interest lagged and many men turned in their uniforms, so that it is doubtful if they will ever draw them again.  It may then be necessary to start at the bottom of the ladder once more.  The Regiment, less C Squadron, held a successful bivouac on the rifle ranges at Winterburn during a weekend.   

Fortunately for the Dragoons, monies were made available for 1934 and a 10 day Brigade camp (only 9 days which were funded) was held at Camp Sarcee.  The camp assembled on 1 July 1934 and the Dragoons brought the full authorised/funded compliment of 85 pers to this camp and, at no additional public expense, a further 10 "other ranks."  While rail was used for the majority of the pers, some elements deployed by motor car.  Unhappily for "C" Squadron in Westlock, the redeployment would include a "rather long and tedious" bus ride from Edmonton back to Westlock!  As per previous camps, tactical exercises were conducted which were followed by sports on the final day.  For the 1934 camp, a major source of dissatisfaction proved to be the hiring of horses in Calgary which were in turn issued to the northern units upon arrival at Sarcee.  

By General Order No.2 of 16th February 1936, the 19th Alberta Dragoons and the 1st Alberta Mounted Rifles were amalgamated and relocalized as:  Regimental Headquarters, Headquarters' Squadron and “B” Squadron at Edmonton, with Machine Gun Troop at Westlock. "C"' Squadron at Mundare, Vegreville, Innisfree and Vermilion. “A” Squadron at Viking, Wainwright and Chauvin.  Edmonton's senior Militia Unit, the 19th Alberta Dragoons, may be said to truly represent Northern Alberta.

For training year 1935/36, Brigade Units were authorised 10 days' training (2 days local and 8 days at a central camp) as well as weekly local parades during the winter months.  At the annual training camp of 1936 held between 27 June and 4 July , the newly amalgamated Dragoons were selected as motorized cavalry and proceeded to Camp Sarcee, Calgary, with 26 officers, 224 ranks, and 72 motor vehicles (privately owned).  The Militia District #13 update detailed the following with respect to the road move:

"[the Regiment] proceeded to Sarcee by road from Edmonton, a distance of 210 miles, with a muster 26 officers and 224 'other ranks', in a 72-car convoy, made up of 47 four-passenger cars, 15 two-passenger cars, 4 lorries and six motorcycles.  The Chauvin squadron travelled 187 miles to reach Edmonton, the Vegreville squadron 70 miles, and the Westlock contingent 60 miles before they joined up with Regimental headquarters in the move to camp.  The complete move off the unit to Sarcee and return, covering well over 1,000 miles of road, in a convoy made up of cars of varied vintage, was completed without as single major mishap to personnel or cars.  The last car in the convoy arrived in camp within 20 minutes of the first one, the 210 miles being covered in twelve hours with a two hour stop en route for breakfast and refuelling."     

Mechanization was an experiment and members of the unit sang so vociferously "Give. me back my boots and saddle" that the department ruled that Cavalry from the Prairie Provinces should remain horsed: The unit was under the command of Lieut-Colonel W. L. Oliver, MC and Sgt. Major Harry Hand was the RSM.  This training was quite 'a new and interesting experience from horses.  The reduction from four to two regiments resulted in an increased numbers and created the ability for the units to train as true regiments.  The highlight if this camp was the two day combined arms tactical exercise which included two infantry brigades as well as an artillery brigade! Increasingly, the units noted the requirement for modern and efficient field radio equipment.  

Lieut. Colonel E. A. Pitman took over the command in September 1936.  That the 19th has been known as a Shooting Regiment is evidenced by the numerous trophies for shooting to be seen on the shelves and mantel of the Mess Rooms in the Connaught Armouries. The Governor Generals match which compares in our Dominion Rifle Shoot with the 'King's Match at Bisley', was won twice by the late Sgt Dugal McInnis.  Sgt. McInnis also represented Canada at Bisley on three occasions. Other Bisley shots from the Regiment were Sgt. J. Saidler, Lieut. Colonel P. E. Bowen and Lieut. J. A. Bowen, the latter making his place on the Canadian team no less than five times, but on account of business reasons able to attend but twice. Other members of the Regiment always prominent in Alberta and Dominion Rifle Meets was Major M. H. Wright, MM, ED, Sgt. Dave Spence, Alex. Macdonnald and the late Captain John Carmichael and Delmar Bard. 

 July 2nd, 1939, was another memorable day in the history of the Regiment with the visit to Edmonton by Their Majesties King George VI and Queen Elizabeth. It was at once decided the Regiment would furnish a Royal Mounted Escort for Their Majesties. Consent was finally obtained and preparations for the training of a Royal Escort of 36 was set in motion.

Lieut. Colonel F.C. Jamieson, VD, with other officers set about the securing and hiring of suitable horses. A large marquee was erected on the west side of Connaught Armoury where the escort personnel ate and slept while they were in training for 12 days prior to the big day. The old Strathcona Curling Rink, east of the Armoury was rented and stalls put in for the horses. Escort personnel were picked from city and outside squadrons, those from the country were brought in for training which was carried out under RSM Larry Blain. Twelve days of intense training was carried out with many exciting experiences getting the horses used to city traffic, dress uniforms, lances, etc. All training was supervised by RSM Cocky Roberts of the Lord Strathcona's Horse, being on loan from his Regiment at Calgary.

The full dress Dragoon uniforms for the escort were purchased from the Old Country. Needless to say it made a lot of work keeping everything cleaned and polished, especially as it seemed to rain every time we rode in full dress, however, the eventful day arrived with beautiful weather and everything went off without a hitch. Officers of the escort were Captain R.A. Bradburn and Lieut. R.A. Crouch (Vegreville). At a request from Calgary, the dress uniforms were taken to camp and the full dressed escort rode with the Lord Strathcona's Horse in the Calgary Stampede Parade. On return from camp, and on request, the Escort rode in the Edmonton Exhibition Parade.

Then, of course, came the momentous day in September 1939 when war was declared against Germany. At the outbreak of the war, the 19th Alberta Dragoons were part of the 2nd Cavalry Brigade (along with the 15th Alberta Light Horse) with Brigade Headquarters at Chauvin.  Everyone from the Commanding Officer, Lieut. Colonel M.H Wright, MM, ED down through the ranks, waited in excitement for orders to mobilize, as the unit had received in 1914. Needless to say the 19th was never mobilized as a unit in the Second World War, and on May 29th, 1942, the Regiment was made dormant on the formation of the 31st Reconnaissance Battalion. However, during the period of September 1939 to May 1942, the unit was very active and recruiting and training of personnel as a Reserve unit. At times there were a thousand Officers and other ranks on strength, recruits had to be turned away.

In September, as no orders were received to mobilize, Captain Ted Day, our Adjutant, Lieuts. J.RC. Carter, Percy Darling, Jimmy Rowlatt and other officers, NCO's and men of the unit joined the Loyal Edmonton Regiment when they were mobilized in the Fall of 1939. Some joined the Royal Canadian Engineers, the Canadian Medical Corps and 1st Bn. Edmonton Fusiliers when they were mobilized for active service.

 Major Charles A Lyndon was sent to Hong Kong with the Winnipeg Grenadiers and was killed in action in defence of that British possession. Major J.P. Rocke was taken on the staff of Military District No. 13, Calgary. Major Allen Glenn (Wainright) and Capt. AG. Stanton (Innisfree) joined the Calgary Tanks, and were later taken prisoners of war at the Dieppe Raid.  Captain RA Bradburn became impatient waiting for the 19th to be mobilized, so in December 1939 joined the Loyal Edmonton Regiment as a 2nd Lieut as a Reinforcement Officer, but was still in Edmonton when the South Alberta Regiment was mobilized and was requested by Lieut. Colonel Carvaso to join his unit with the rank of Captain. In June 1940, the South Alberta Regiment was mobilized and the 19th instructed to recruit a Company for it. As it was apparent by this time that the 19th would not be mobilized, our Commanding Officer, Lieut. Colonel M.H. Wright and other officers, NCO's and men joined up taking with them more than enough volunteers from the 19th to fill their quota and these were absorbed in other Companies of the SAR.  Our RSM Larry Blain went with the Colonel.

In July 1940, Captain Wally Kerr, Sgts. Les Roberts, Jimmy Dakin and Mike Misio were called out under General Order No. 139 as permanent staff for the 19th, as Adjutant, Orderly Room Sgt, QM Stores and Instructor respectively.  Intensive recruiting and training was carried out.  Lieut. Colonel W.J. Cubitt (Chauvin) was Officer Commanding the unit and being out of town, was assisted by Lieut. Colonel W.L. Oliver. Captain D.M. Ramsay was training officer.

About this time Lieut. Colonel F.C. Jamieson, VD, was called out to organize and command the Training Centre to be established at Red Deer, Alberta, with Lieut. Colonel W.L. Oliver, MC, as second in command. Many officers and men unable to be accepted for active service on account of age etc. were enlisted through the unit for the staffs of this and other Training Centres.  The Prisoner of War Camp at Kananaskis, Seebee, Alberta, was started under the command of Lieut. Colonel H de N. Watson. VD Major Geo. H Taylor went to the Internment Camp later as Quartermaster of a Company. Major F.J.W. Fane, MC went to the Camrose Training Centre. Lieut. Colonel Louis Younger, DSO, MC was Officer Commanding the Grande Prairie Training Centre and later at a camp in Winnipeg, Manitoba.

Sgt. Murray Longbotham was called out under G.O. 139 as an Instructor for the 19th, full time. Captain Bob Peel joined the RCAF.

In August 1940, Captain Wally M. Kerr went active and Captain E. W. (Mike) Kelly was called out under G.O. 139 as Adjutant of the 19th. A large camp was held at Sarcee during September 1940 of two, two week periods, half the unit attending each camp during which intensive infantry training was carried out. The first camp was under the command of Lieut. Colonel W.L. Oliver and the second under command of Lieut. Colonel W.J. Cubitt.

Recruiting and training was being carried on at the country points: "C" Sqn under Lieut. J.J. Shaw of Vegreville, and Lieut. CE Garland at Vermilion; "A" Sqn in  Wainright under Lieut. G.E. Glass, and. Chauvin under Lieut. Colonel W.J. Cubitt.  A new troop was started at Provost and district under Lieut. W.B. Holtsbaumn. who later joined the RCAF. 

Inter-service miniature Rifle Competitions were very keen during this period. Rifle instruction of the unit was carried on under Lieut. Harold Boyle and Sgt. Les Roberts. At the close of competitions for winter of 1940-41.  Sgt. Roberts lost out by one point of being top scorer to a Captain of one of the United States Army teams and that through one dud shell.

Despite having sent a squadron to the South Alberta Regiment,  the Dragoons were to be called up for active service (Home Defence). 

In June 1940, the Edmonton Journal carried a story which stated that HQ MD 13 had announced that the Regiment was to be mobilized as a cavalry armored car regiment and increased up to war strength of approximately 26 officers and 357 other ranks.

The Journal noted that the Regimental headquarters of the Dragoons was at Connaught armories on the south side, "A" squadron at Chauvin, "B" squadron at Connaught armories (under Col. W.L. Oliver, M.C.), and "C" squadron at Vegreville (under Major F.J.W. Fane, M.C). 

Recruiting was to take place at all three centers with training to be held two or three nights a week, without pay.  Enlistment was noted as for home defense only, but "volunteers may be asked later for overseas service."

A large camp was again held at Sarcee in 1941 at which the unit took part.

Then came the very sad news from Headquarters that the 19th Dragoons were to be made officially dormant on May 29th,1942, on the formation of the 31st Reconnaissance Battalion, made up of the 19th Dragoons and the 15th Canadian Light Horse, Calgary.  A large number of officers and other ranks joined up with Major D.M. Ramsay.  Through this and the cooperation of Lieut. Colonel Walter Hale, Officer Commanding the Loyal Edmonton Reserve unit at the Prince of Wales Armouries, a Company of the 19th personnel under the command of Lieut. Frank G. Heron with Lieut. Harold F. Boyle, were transferred to the Loyal Edmonton Reserve unit and were allowed to retain the name of and be known as the 19th Dragoon Company of the Loyal Edmonton Regiment.  At this time, the Royal Canadian Ordinance Battalion was being formed as a new Reserve unit and would be taking over the Connaught Armouries. Any member of the 19th who wished to do so was transferred to this new unit, and quite a number did.

Arrangements were made with the 19th Padre, Hon. Captain W.M. Nainby, to place the Regimental Colours in Holy Trinity Church, authority to do this having been received from Headquarters.  The service of 'Laying away of the Colors' was held on Sunday, May 3rd, 1942, at 1400 hours. The Colour Bearer was Lieut. F.G. Heron with Sgts. Les Roberts and Dave Lyon as armed guards and RSM Harold Fraser.  The Regiment marched to the Church under the command of Major F.J.W. Fane, MC.  Other officers on parade were Lieut. Colonel F.C. Jamieson, Majors Fred Parmiter, ED and G.R Taylor, Captain E. W. Kelly, Lieut. RF. Boyle and others. During the march to the Church, the salute was taken by Brigadier General W.A Griesbach, CB, CMG, DSO, YD, on 102nd Street, together with Lieut. Colonel F.C. Jamieson, VD.  The band of the Loyal Edmonton Regiment led the parade, playing the 19th Regimental March, John Peel.

On return to the Armoury, General Griesbach presented the Long Service Medal to Sgt. Walter Stanley, who had been with the unit since 1906. After this the General gave a farewell address to the Regiment, this was followed by a few words from Major Frank Fane. This very sad and colourful event closed with the general salute to the General, and so the 19th Alberta Dragoons was placed in moth balls until after the war. 

During the period from the outbreak of war to the unit being made dormant, approximately 75 Officers and 1,000 other ranks enlisted from the 19th Dragoons to the Navy, Army and Royal Canadian Air Force.

Immediately following the Second World War, the Edmonton Fusiliers were to be amalgamated with the Dragoons.  For a short history of the 101st Edmonton Fusiliers during the inter-war period, please click here!