The Queen's Own Rifles of Canada

The Queen's Own Rifles of Canada (QOR of C) is a Primary Army Reserve infantry regiment based in Toronto. Founded on April 26^th, 1860, it is the oldest continuously-serving infantry regiment in Canada.

On the battlefield, Rifle regiments are known for their ability to move quickly on foot and unburdened by heavy equipment. Members of Rifle regiments are light infantry and known as “Riflemen.” They are characterized by their ability to apply “Rifleman’s Initiative,” as well as expert marksmanship and small unit tactics.

The Queen's Own Rifles of Canada has taken part in every Canadian military campaign, and served with great distinction in World War I and World War II—in which 7 Riflemen were awarded the Victoria Cross. Riflemen have served on Expeditionary Operations in Afghanistan, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia, Cyprus, Egypt, Iraq, Namibia, Somalia, and Sudan. Over the past 30 years, the QOR of C has also provided personnel to support disaster relief in Ontario, Quebec and Manitoba.

The QOR of C is the Primary Reserve unit in Canada that is assigned the task of maintaining a Parachute Company. To become a member of the Company, Riflemen must attend specialized parachute training and maintain a high fitness standard. The Parachute Company specializes in conducting Airborne operations in which Riflemen conduct static-line parachuting from an airplane or helicopter with all the equipment required to fight on the battlefield. The unit also supports the Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF) in Trenton when it trains CC-130J Hercules aircrew in parachute operations and the Canadian Army Advanced Warfare Centre (CAAWC) by providing Parachute Packers or Instructors.

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 Chris Boileau, CD
• Regimental Sergeant-Major: Chief Warrant Officer Justin Thorn, CD
• Honorary Colonel: Major-General (Ret’d) David Fraser, CMM, MSC, MSM, CD
• Honorary Lieutenant-Colonel: Manjit Minhas

The Queen's Own Rifles of Canada
Moss Park Armoury
130 Queen Street East
Toronto, ON M5A 1R9
Phone: 416-635-2761

The Queen's Own is Canada’s longest continuously serving infantry regiment and one of its most honoured. Founded on April 26^th, 1860, the regiment was established by the fusion of six existing rifle companies: Barrie Volunteer Militia Rifle Company; 1^st and 3^rd Toronto Volunteer Militia Rifle Companies; Toronto Highland Volunteer Rifle Company; Toronto Volunteer Militia Foot Artillery Company, and the Whitby Volunteer Highland Rifle Company. It was formed as the 2^nd Battalion, Volunteer Militia Rifles of Canada, a designation which has been perpetuated by the “2” in the regimental cap badge. The 1st Battalion was formed in Montreal and no longer exists. Although they were volunteers, there was no shortage of military expertise. The regiment's first Commanding Officer, Lieutant-Colonel W.S. Durie, was a Sandhurst graduate and British Army veteran; while Captain H. Goodwin, the adjutant, had fought in the Battle of Waterloo as a member of the Royal Horse Artillery.

The Queen's Own has taken part in every Canadian military campaign, sustaining its first casualties - seven killed in action, two dead of wounds and 21 wounded - fighting the Fenians in the Battle of Ridgeway, June 2, 1866. Since then, in the Red River Expedition, Northwest Rebellion, South African War, two World Wars and the Korean War, the regiment had served and fought with great distinction, losing almost 2,000 men in battle and many thousand wounded. Seven of its soldiers have been awarded the Victoria Cross.

Read more of our history.