The Seaforth Highlanders of Canada Turn 100

This November, one of <?xml:namespace prefix = st1 />Canada’s most famous Reserve Infantry regiments turns 100 years old. The Seaforth Highlanders, Vancouver’s Infantry regiment, has a long, proud history, and a longer heritage. With their distinct Highland uniforms, and cocky Scots swagger, these men have been making Canada proud for a century. From Ypres to Vimy, Passchendaele to Valencienness, Sicily, the Savio river, Ortona, to the liberation of Amsterdam and many places in between, our boys in the kilts have been representing Canada bravely. Since the Wars, they have continued with honour right up to this day.

 

In 1909, a group of Scottish expatiates living in Vancouver decided it was necessary to raise a Highland regiment. The large Scottish population, plan to see in many of the names of streets, parks, neighbourhoods, in the Architecture, the art and all other aspects that make up the fabric of a city, was not represented in the various regiments in the city. They petitioned to the Minister of Militia, and on 24 November 1910, the regiment was officially born.

 

Based on, and affiliated to, the Seaforth Highlanders (Ross-Shire Buffs and Duke of Albany’s Own) founded in the 18th Century, who had served their country with distinction, in the Channel Islands, India, the Americas, India, and Africa, their Canadian little sister had big shoes to fill. Their chance came in the summer of 1912, when the regiment was called upon to put down the rioting in Nanaimo, based on the Coal Strikes there.

 

Wearing the same uniform as their Imperial counterparts, with the exception of brass Cougar collar badges (the Imperial “collar dogs” being Elephants), when war came, the Seaforth Highlanders expected to go marching off to serve King and Empire. Instead, they provided a large portion of the troops used to make up the 16th Canadian Scottish, a melting pot of Highlanders from all across Canada. When it became clear, however, that the war would not be “over by Christmas” the remainder of the Regiment was eventually sent to France as well. Serving with distinction, the Seaforth Highlanders took part in many of the bloodiest battles of the War, being thrown into some of the most intense areas of the conflict. At Vimy, and again at Passchendaele, the men of the Seaforth Highlanders made Vancouver proud, facing some of the fiercest opposition, and taking some of the key objectives of the battles. They made a name for themselves as tough, fierce fighters, living up to the history they had inherited, earning 16 battle honours.

 

After the war, when many regiments faced amalgamation or disbandment, the reputation they had earned had given the regiment powerful allies in Ottawa, keeping it safe from the charnel-house of merger with other units. So proud was the city of Vancouver that they build an armoury for the Seaforths, who had previously been parading in Schools, or sharing space in another armoury, were able at last to have their own home, the iconic Scots Baronial architecture of the building, Kitsilano’s “Castle” was built in 1936. It is with out a doubt one of the most unique and beautiful armouries in Canada, ignoring the standard Canadian  armoury design, in favour of one that captures the heritage of the regiment. There was not a lot of time to relax in this new home, however. Three short years later, the Seaforth Highlanders marched off to war again.

 

When they landed in Britain, they were the only fully equipped regiments available, following the disaster of Dunkirk, and were immediately put onto defensive duty. As with every other Canadian regiment, the first few years of the war were spent predominately training, and guarding the coast against the inevitable German invasion. But when the landings at Sicily took place, again, the Seaforth Highlanders were called upon. Fighting through Sicily, up into Italy, they were time and again in the middle of some of the bloodiest battles of the campaign, such as Ortona, also known as Canada’s Stalingrad. Later, when sent into northern Europe for the final push against Germany, the regiment again served with distinction, at places like Apeldoorn, and eventually being the regiment to liberate Amsterdam, building a long time bond between the Seaforth Highlanders and the people of Holland which still remains to this day.

 

Since the end of the war, the Seaforth Highlanders have provided troops for the Korean war, various peace keeping operations, and sent large numbers of troops to Afghanistan. But sadly, over recent decades, the popularity and support for the regiment, Vancouver’s regiment, has greatly waned. For many years, the military was unpopular, holding a negative image in the minds of many Canadians. After Somalia, this came to a whole new level. However, in the last few years, a turn for the better, a return to the public eye, a positive stance towards the military, and their role in society has developed. At last, soldiers can walk down the street in uniform, heads held high again.

 

This is also the hundredth anniversary of the founding of Canada’s “Tin Pot Navy.” The centennial of the Navy has received far more press, with extensive advertising campaigns, flashy commercials, the Naval Flag on display at various locations across the country. It is an important milestone for them as well. They too have served their country well, in peace and war. However, it should not overshadow the centennial of Vancouver’s regiment. Without denying the important role that the Canadian Navy has played in our nation’s sovereignty, it was on the killing fields of the Somme, Vimy, and Passchendaele, where Canada earned the right to be independent. The Seaforth Highlanders, with bagpipes wailing, and kilts a sway, fought through the mud, blood, and living hell that was these battles. It was in part due to their gallantry that Canada was allowed to partake in the Treaty of Versailles as a Nation, not as a colonial possession like Australia, New Zealand, and so many others.

 

Now is the chance to show support for Vancouver’s Seaforth Highlanders. This 27 November, the regiment is celebrating its centennial, and being presented new Colours. The presentation of new Colours is a very rare, very special time for a regiment, and it is open to the public. Whether you are from Vancouver, and want to show your support for the boys in the kilts, are in the area, and want to see what may well be a once in a lifetime opportunity, or you simply have the chance to make it to Vancouver, and partake in the celebrations, this is a chance you will not want to miss. Tradition dictates that HRH The Prince Phillip, as the Colonel-in-Chief ought to be the one who presents these new colours, and a few years ago, this is likely what would have been the case. However, Royalty or no, this will be a monumental occasion, and one that should not be missed. Once a part of a large regimental Family that stretched across two continents, made up of more than half a dozen battalions by that name, this is now the last regiment of Seaforth Highlanders in the world, come out, and see them on parade.