The Prince Edward Island Highlanders

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The Prince Edward Island Highlanders
Active1875–1946
Country Canada
BranchCanadian Militia (1871-1940)
Canadian Army (1940-1946)
TypeLine Infantry
RoleInfantry
SizeOne battalion
Part ofNon-Permanent Active Militia (1871-1940)
Royal Canadian Infantry Corps (1942-1946)
Garrison/HQCharlottetown, Prince Edward Island
Motto(s)Semper Fidelis
ColorsFacing colour blue
MarchQuick – Highland Laddie
EngagementsSouth African War
First World War
Second World War
Battle honours
  • South Africa 1900
  • Arras 1917, 1918
  • Ypres 1917
  • Amiens
  • Hindenburg Line
  • Pursuit to Mons
Insignia
TartanGovernment

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).

History[]

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.

Parts of the regiment were placed on active service on 1 Sep 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][4] 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][4] A reserve battalion remained on Prince Edward Island.[1]

The regiment was amalgamated with the Prince Edward Island Light Horse in 1946 and renamed The Prince Edward Island Regiment in 1949.[1] [2] [3]

Perpetuations[]

Alliances and Uniform[]

The Prince Edward Island Highlanders were allied to the Black Watch (Royal Highland Regiment) and were kitted as Black Watch except for badges. Officers wore grey Balmorals in Service Dress and Battle Dress.[3]

Battle honours[]

South African War[]

  • South Africa 1900[5]

The Great War[]

References[]

  1. ^ a b c d e f Defence, National (2018-11-29). "The Prince Edward Island Regiment (RCAC)". www.canada.ca. Retrieved 2021-12-05.
  2. ^ a b c "Guide to Sources Relating to the Canadian Militia (Infantry, Cavalry, Armored)" (PDF).{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: url-status (link)
  3. ^ a b c d e Barnes, Major R.M. (1972). The Uniforms and History of the Scottish Regiments. London: Sphere Books Limited.
  4. ^ a b "www.canadiansoldiers.com". www.canadiansoldiers.com. Retrieved 2021-12-08.
  5. ^ "Battle Honours of South African War (Militia)". www.regimentalrogue.com. Retrieved 2021-12-29.
  6. ^ "The Regimental Rogue". www.regimentalrogue.com. Retrieved 2021-12-29.
  • Barnes, RM, The Uniforms and History of the Scottish Regiments, London, Sphere Books Limited, 1972.
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