A Short History of the South Alberta Regiment
A Short History of the South Alberta Regiment
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The Alberta Regiment was organized on 15 March 1920. The 1st Battalion was a militia unit with headquarters at Medicine Hat. Official perpetuation of the 31st, 175th, 113th and 187th Battalions of World War I was granted at this time.
The Alberta Regiment was organized on 15 March 1920. The 1st Battalion was a militia unit with headquarters at Medicine Hat. Official perpetuation of the 31st, 175th, 113th and 187th Battalions of World War I was granted at this time.
On 15 May 1924, the 1st Battalion of the Alberta Regiment was re-designated as the South Alberta Regiment. The unit was officially allied to the East Surrey Regiment (now the Princess of Wales Royal Regiment) in January 1934.
On 15 May 1924, the 1st Battalion of the Alberta Regiment was re-designated as the South Alberta Regiment. The unit was officially allied to the East Surrey Regiment (now the Princess of Wales Royal Regiment) in January 1934.
In May 1940, the South Alberta Regiment CASF was formed from volunteers of several Alberta militia units: the South Alberta Regiment providing A Company, the 19th Alberta Dragoons - B Company, the Edmonton Fusiliers - C Company, the 15th Alberta Light Horse - D Company, and the Calgary Regiment - HQ Company.
In May 1940, the South Alberta Regiment CASF was formed from volunteers of several Alberta militia units: the South Alberta Regiment providing A Company, the 19th Alberta Dragoons - B Company, the Edmonton Fusiliers - C Company, the 15th Alberta Light Horse - D Company, and the Calgary Regiment - HQ Company.
Initially infantry, the SAR served in Canada at Edmonton, Dundum, Nanaimo and Niagara before converting to the 29th Armoured Regiment (South Alberta Regiment) and moving to Debert in January 1942, then to England in August 1942.
Initially infantry, the SAR served in Canada at Edmonton, Dundum, Nanaimo and Niagara before converting to the 29th Armoured Regiment (South Alberta Regiment) and moving to Debert in January 1942, then to England in August 1942.
The Regiment landed in France on 24 July 1944 as part of the 4th Canadian Armoured Division. The South Albertas soon proved themselves equal to any task and developed a reputation. In August 1944, Major David Currie of C Squadron was awarded the Victoria Cross for the action fought at St. Lambert sur Dives during the Battle of Falaise Gap. This VC was the only one awarded to a member of the Royal Canadian Armoured Corps. The advance continued through France, Belgium and Holland. The cease-fire on 5 May 1945 found the SAR at Oldenberg, Germany.
The Regiment landed in France on 24 July 1944 as part of the 4th Canadian Armoured Division. The South Albertas soon proved themselves equal to any task and developed a reputation. In August 1944, Major David Currie of C Squadron was awarded the Victoria Cross for the action fought at St. Lambert sur Dives during the Battle of Falaise Gap. This VC was the only one awarded to a member of the Royal Canadian Armoured Corps. The advance continued through France, Belgium and Holland. The cease-fire on 5 May 1945 found the SAR at Oldenberg, Germany.
Throughout the war, the 2nd Battalion SAR remained in reserve, supporting the active unit. In postwar years, the South Alberta Regiment reverted to a militia infantry unit until 28 September 1954. Denied retention of its original name by higher command, the SAR amalgamated with the 41st Anti-Tank Regiment and the 68th Light Anti-Aircraft Regiment to form a new militia armoured regiment: the South Alberta Light Horse (29th Armoured Regiment) with headquarters at Calgary and with A Squadron at Medicine Hat.
Throughout the war, the 2nd Battalion SAR remained in reserve, supporting the active unit. In postwar years, the South Alberta Regiment reverted to a militia infantry unit until 28 September 1954. Denied retention of its original name by higher command, the SAR amalgamated with the 41st Anti-Tank Regiment and the 68th Light Anti-Aircraft Regiment to form a new militia armoured regiment: the South Alberta Light Horse (29th Armoured Regiment) with headquarters at Calgary and with A Squadron at Medicine Hat.
In May 1958, it was re-designated the South Alberta Light Horse and in 1959 headquarters was transferred to Medicine Hat making the Regiment complete at Patterson Armoury.
In May 1958, it was re-designated the South Alberta Light Horse and in 1959 headquarters was transferred to Medicine Hat making the Regiment complete at Patterson Armoury.
In 1978, B Squadron was detached from Medicine Hat and moved to Griesbach Barracks, Edmonton.
In 1978, B Squadron was detached from Medicine Hat and moved to Griesbach Barracks, Edmonton.
In September 1995, the Veterans of the South Alberta Regiment were presented with their Regimental Colours which carry their World War II Battle Honours and the World War I Battle Honours of the 31st Bn. C.E.F. The Ceremony was carried out on the grounds of the Alberta Legislature by The Honourable Gordon Towers, Lieutenant Governor of Alberta. Following the Presentation Ceremony, the Colours were permanently laid up in their place of Honour in the Alberta Legislature Building along with Colours and Battle Honours of other Alberta Regiments.
In September 1995, the Veterans of the South Alberta Regiment were presented with their Regimental Colours which carry their World War II Battle Honours and the World War I Battle Honours of the 31st Bn. C.E.F. The Ceremony was carried out on the grounds of the Alberta Legislature by The Honourable Gordon Towers, Lieutenant Governor of Alberta. Following the Presentation Ceremony, the Colours were permanently laid up in their place of Honour in the Alberta Legislature Building along with Colours and Battle Honours of other Alberta Regiments.
The soldiers of the South Alberta Light Horse and the wartime veterans of the South Alberta Regiment were then integrated under the Colours of the South Alberta Light Horse who now perpetuate the South Alberta Regiment and carry their Battle Honours.
The soldiers of the South Alberta Light Horse and the wartime veterans of the South Alberta Regiment were then integrated under the Colours of the South Alberta Light Horse who now perpetuate the South Alberta Regiment and carry their Battle Honours.
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