The Royal Canadian Dragoons receive their 5th Guidon

January 23, 2023 - Defence Stories

By Second Lieutenant Michael Kearney, Public Affairs Officer 2 CMBG, Petawawa, ON

On a cold December morning, the dull gray light was brightened by the Royal Canadian Dragoons’ (RCD) scarlet uniforms and polished helmets. A crowd of family members, former Dragoons and dignitaries watched as the Regiment marched into the building, ready to play their part in a monumental moment. With movements as crisp as the morning air, the Regiment made its way onto the parade square and waited to be presented with their Fifth Guidon.

For a regiment like The RCD, which can trace its lineage back to 1883, there is a great deal of history and pride displayed on their Guidon. Their earliest Battle Honour recognizes their contributions during the North-West Rebellion in 1885. Today, anyone who walks into the new regimental lines is welcomed by the Guidon, proudly displayed in its case; each of their chosen Battle Honours emblazoned in gold across the crimson silk damask.

The presentation of a new Guidon is as steeped in history and tradition as the Guidon itself. Before being presented to the Regiment, the Guidon was consecrated by the 4^th Canadian Division Chaplain and The RCD Chaplain. With the Guidon laid across drums, the officers and soldiers recommitted themselves to the ideals of service before self, duty, loyalty, courage and honour. Once the Guidon was consecrated, it was presented to the Guidon Bearer, Master Warrant Officer Nickerson, by Her Excellency the Right Honourable Mary Simon, Governor General of Canada.

The Guidon is the first to include the Battle Honour for the war in Afghanistan. “It was in Afghanistan, between 2002 and 2014, that the Regiment saw the first combat action since 1945. And it was there we lost 12 Dragoons—good soldiers with family and friends, hopes and dreams—and we mourn their loss still today,” shared Her Excellency the Right Honourable Mary Simon. As the Guidon was trooped for the first time, a group of former Dragoons who served in Afghanistan could see their contribution proudly displayed. “Every time you pass it, you pay your respects by saluting it or checking your arms. It will be even more meaningful now since it includes the Afghanistan Battle Honour. It will help me, personally, reflect, and I think it will do the same for others,” said Lieutenant-Colonel Forsyth, who served in Afghanistan, on the significance of the new Battle Honour.

The RCD will be celebrating their 139^th birthday on December 23, 2022. For those who served in Afghanistan, there could be no better gift than to see their contribution on their beloved Guidon. The Regiment will no doubt continue to serve Canadians with pride and distinction for years to come, seeking their next Battle Honour.