5th (British Columbia) Field Artillery Regiment, RCA

The 5^th (British Columbia) Field Artillery Regiment of The Royal Regiment of Canadian Artillery is an Army Reserve Artillery Regiment of the 39 Canadian Brigade Group. We are garrisoned in Victoria, B.C. at the Bay Street Armoury.

The 5^th (British Columbia) Field Artillery Regiment, RCA has been serving in Victoria since Confederation. It has the Honour of being the oldest army regiment west of the great lakes, officially formed on July 20 1878, and historically tied to Sir Arthur Currie, as the regiment he commanded before the outbreak of World War One.

The 5^th (British Columbia) Field ArtilleryRegiment, RCA participates in a number of local events - firing salutes outside of parliament for dignitaries and Remembrance Day; as well as unit and brigade level exercises across the country and abroad.

Our members have also augmented the regular force in Operations in Bosnia, Cyprus, Afghanistan, Croatia, the Boer War, World War 1 and World War 2.

Field Artillery’s contribution to the Combat Arms is to provide and deliver indirect fire in support of the all arms battle.

The artillery can be divided into 3 distinct operational detachments, The Guns, the Technicians, and the Officers. Each detachment is an integral part of an information hub that expands the reach and efficacy of the artillery on the whole of the battlefield.

The Gun Detachment operates on the Gun line applying shooting data from the command post and providing fire support. The Technicians support the Gun detachment providing key information and communications to ensure the highest level of accuracy. The Officers are leaders of each detachment, their expertise and leadership ensures the accuracy of each round.

When you join our unit, you will receive competitive pay for your part time or full time work as well as be eligible for on the job training that could benefit you in civilian life. Also, there are medical, dental and educational benefits available to Army Reservists.

Here are all the details:

• Serve part time in the CAF
• Competitive pay
• On the job training
• Medical and dental benefits
• Paid education

• Commanding Officer: Lieutenant-Colonel I.C. Watt
• Regimental Sergeant Major: Chief Warrant Officer L. Kachanoski

5th (BC) Field Artillery Regiment, RCA
715 Bay Street
Victoria, BC V8T 1R1

Phone: 250-363-8252

The 5^th (British Columbia) Field Artillery Regiment, RCA has been apart of the very foundations of Victoria. We initially provided security for the naval base and harbour, as part of the Coastal Defence network covering the entrance to the Georgia Strait.

As the times and political situation changes, the Regiment itself changes in response to new challenges. In 1956 the 5^th Field Regiment was re-designated as a Field Unit to support army units in Expeditionary Operations. The battery became mobile, more tactical, to be used for short or long engagements.

Recognition of more than 100 years of service took place on Sunday, November 4^th, 1979, when the 5th (British Columbia) Field Battery, RCA proudly accepted the Freedom of the City of Victoria. On Friday, September 13^th, 1991, the regiment once again was raised to regimental status and designated the 5th (British Columbia) Field Artillery Regiment, RCA. The young men and women of the unit proudly wear the Gunner badge in the oldest continuous serving militia unit west of the Great Lakes.

The 5th (British Columbia) Field Artillery Regiment, RCA originated in Victoria on October 12, 1883, when the British Columbia Provisional Regiment of Garrison Artillery was authorized to be formed. In September 1991, the Regiment was reorganized and re-designated to its current regimental title.

More: 5^th (British Columbia) Field Artillery Regiment, RCA history