The British Columbia Dragoons
| The British Columbia Dragoons | |
|---|---|
 |
|
| Active | 1908–present |
| Country | Canada |
| Branch | Primary Reserve (Militia) |
| Type | Line Cavalry |
| Role | Armoured reconnaissance |
| Size | Two squadrons |
| Part of | Royal Canadian Armoured Corps |
| Garrison/HQ |
RHQ: (Kelowna) |
| Motto(s) | Chinook Jargon: Quansem ilep (always first) |
| March | Quick: "Fare Ye Well Inniskilling (5th Royal Inniskilling Dragoon Guards)" Pipe bands: "Scotland the Brave" |
| Abbreviation | BCD |
RHQ: (Kelowna)
A Squadron: (Vernon)
The British Columbia Dragoons (BCD) is a Primary Reserve armoured reconnaissance regiment of the Canadian Forces. It is based in Kelowna and Vernon, British Columbia. The British Columbia Dragoons are part of 3rd Canadian Division's 39 Canadian Brigade Group.
The British Columbia Dragoons perpetuate the 2nd Battalion, Canadian Mounted Rifles and the 11th Regiment, Canadian Mounted Rifles, of the Canadian Expeditionary Force.
The British Columbia Dragoons trace their origins to the formation of the Canadian Mounted Rifles, two independent squadrons of horse in Kamloops and Vernon in 1908. In 1910 two additional squadrons were raised and the regiment was renamed the British Columbia Horse. In 1912 the unit was renamed again as the 30th Regiment, British Columbia Horse. 1914 saw the formation of the Victoria Independent Squadron on Vancouver Island.
Grave of Sgt W Tremain, died 19 November 1917
Grave of Pte JW White, died 24 December 1917
In the Great War the regiment was not mobilized, but in December 1914 many volunteers from the regiment joined the newly formed 2nd Regiment Canadian Mounted Rifles. After some limited service in France as cavalry, the unit was reroled to infantry as 2nd Canadian Mounted Rifles Battalion on January 1, 1916. The battalion became part of the 8th Canadian Infantry Brigade, and fought with great luck and success on the Western Front. Despite being trained as cavalry but deployed as infantry, the regiment managed the war well. Captain "Jock" MacGregor was awarded the Victoria Cross for actions taken in the battle at Cambrai on September 29, 1918. The actions and awards of the 2nd Canadian Mounted Rifles are perpetuated today by the British Columbia Dragoons, their direct descendants.
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