Royal Canadian Infantry Corps

The official lineage of the Royal Canadian Infantry Corps.

Badge

Description

Argent three maple leaves conjoined on one stem within an annulus Gules fimbriated and inscribed INFANTRY . INFANTERIE in letters Or, the whole ensigned by the Royal Crown proper set above a scroll Or inscribed with the Motto in letters Sable and surmounted by two rifles in saltire Or.

Symbolism

The three maple leaves conjoined on one stem, taken from the Royal Arms of Canada, represent service to Canada, and the Crown, service to the Sovereign. The crossed rifles denote infantry and have been used in badges of infantry units as well as of the officer cadet programme. Red and white are Canada's national colours. "INFANTRY" and "INFANTERIE" are a form of the bilingual branch title and "DUCIMUS" is the motto of the branch.

Motto

DUCIMUS (We lead)

March

"The Canadian Infantryman"

Corps camp flag

Lineage

The Infantry Branch originated on 2 September 1942 when the 'Canadian Infantry Corps' of the Canadian Active Service Force was authorized to be formed.^{Footnote 1} It was redesignated: 'Royal Canadian Infantry Corps' on 30 April 1947;^{Footnote 2} 'The Royal Canadian Infantry Corps' on 22 March 1948;^{Footnote 3} 'Royal Canadian Infantry Corps' on 17 February 1964;^{Footnote 5} and 'Infantry Branch' on 27 August 1971.^{Footnote 6}

Notes:

Infantry battalions or regiments were established as early as 1856, often preceded by independent companies or sedentary units.

All Canadian Active Service Force infantry units were allocated to the Canadian Infantry Corps on 3 September or 25 November 1942 (GO 485/42).

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