This article includes a list of general references, but it lacks sufficient corresponding inline citations. (March 2013) |
The Prince Edward Island Highlanders | |
---|---|
Active | 1875–1946 |
Country | Canada |
Branch |
|
Type | Line infantry |
Role | Infantry |
Size | One battalion |
Part of |
|
Garrison/HQ | Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island |
Motto(s) | Latin: semper fidelis, lit. 'always faithful' |
Colors | Facing colour blue |
March | Quick – Highland Laddie |
Engagements | |
Battle honours | See #Battle honours |
Insignia | |
Tartan | Government |
The Prince Edward Island Highlanders was an infantry regiment of the Canadian Army. In 1946, the regiment was amalgamated with The Prince Edward Island Light Horse to form The Prince Edward Island Regiment (RCAC).[1][2][3][4]
Founded in 1875 as the Queen's County Provisional Battalion of Infantry, it went through several name changes, being renamed the Queen's County Battalion of Infantry in 1876, the 82nd Queen's County Battalion of Infantry in 1879, the 82nd Abegweit Light Infantry in 1906, and The Prince Edward Island Regiment in 1920. It acquired its final title in 1927.[1][2][3] Abegweit is a Mi'kmaq word translating to 'cradled on the waves' as a reference to Prince Edward Island.
During the Second Boer War, the 82nd Queen's County Regiment contributed volunteers for the Canadian contingents in the field.[1]
On 6 August 1914, Details from the 82nd Abegweit Light Infantry were placed on active service for local protection duties.[1]
On 22 December 1915, the 105th Battalion (Prince Edward Island Highlanders), CEF was authorized for service and on 16 July 1916, the battalion embarked for Great Britain. After its arrival in the UK, the battalion provided reinforcements to the Canadian Corps in the field. On 24 January 1917, the battalion was amalgamated with 104th Battalion, CEF. On 12 October 1917, the 105th Battalion, CEF was officially disbanded.[1]
Parts of the regiment were placed on active service on 1 September 1939 for local protective duty and 1st Battalion was mobilized on 1 January 1941. The unit served in Newfoundland from 1941 to 1943. From 1943 to 1945, the 1st Battalion, Prince Edward Island Highlanders, served as part of the 15th Canadian Infantry Brigade Group, 6th Canadian Infantry Division in the home defence role of the west coast of Canada.[1][5] In early 1945 after the need for home defence was not as great, the battalion embarked for the United Kingdom where it was disbanded shortly after arrival to provide reinforcements in the field to the First Canadian Army.[1][5] A reserve battalion remained on Prince Edward Island.[1]
On 1 April 1946, The Prince Edward Island Highlanders were amalgamated with the Prince Edward Island Light Horse to form the 17th (Prince Edward Island) Reconnaissance Regiment. and renamed as The Prince Edward Island Regiment (RCAC) in 1949.[1][2][3][4]
United Kingdom - The Black Watch (Royal Highland Regiment) (until 1946)[3][4]
The Prince Edward Island Highlanders were kitted as Black Watch except for badges. Officers wore grey Balmorals in service dress and battle dress.[3][4]