Honouring Sacrifice & Service: The King’s Own add the ‘Afghanistan’ Theatre Honour to their Guidon

May 5, 2022 - Capt Matthew Sherlock-Hubbard

For nearly a century, soldiers of the King’s Own Calgary Regiment (RCAC) have celebrated St. George’s Day by parading their Guidon (regimental colours) a short distance from their home at Mewata Armoury to the regimental chapel at St. Stephen’s Church.

While this practice has evolved to become mostly traditional in nature, the annual event and subsequent activities are highly anticipated by the soldiers and the broader regimental family.

As with other units’ birthday events, it affords an opportunity to celebrate the regiment and reconnect with comrades. Like many other events, however, the COVID‑19 pandemic has prevented the unit from holding it for the past two years.

The King’s Own also maintains another unique tradition among units of the Canadian Army. It is the only known unit where the Guidon is kept by the Regimental Sergeant Major (RSM). For over 70 years, the Guidon has resided securely in the RSM’s office whenever it is not on parade, and the past two years have afforded few opportunities to justify its removal from the display cabinet.

However, this down time was put to good use by the unit’s leadership. The opportunity was taken to have the Guidon inspected, and to add the Afghanistan theatre honour to the list of battle honours that already adorn it.