NR-13.330 - November 11, 2013
Ottawa – Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, Queen of Canada, has graciously consented to serve as the first Colonel-in-Chief of the Stormont, Dundas and Glengarry Highlanders.
“Her Majesty’s appointment as Colonel-in-Chief of the Stormont, Dundas and Glengarry Highlanders reinforces the historic and warm relationship that Canadian Armed Forces units, organizations, and members enjoy with Members of our Royal Family,” said the Honourable Rob Nicholson, Minister of National Defence.
The announcement of this appointment coincides with today’s bicentennial commemoration of the Battle of Crysler’s Farm, popularly known as a ‘Battle that saved Canada’. Her Majesty’s appointment also coincides with the last Remembrance Day prior to entering the centennial year of the outbreak of the Great War, a reflection of Her Majesty’s deep loyalty to and affect for all the men and women of the Canadian Armed Forces.
More than 100 soldiers from the Stormont, Dundas and Glengarry Highlanders, the Voltigeurs de Québec and the 4e Bataillon, Royal 22e Régiment, regiments from the Canadian Army which perpetuate the Canadian units that fought at Crysler’s Farm, will today mark the bicentennial of this important battle.
The Stormont, Dundas and Glengarry Highlanders, popularly known as ‘the Glens’, perpetuate the 1st Regiment of Dundas Militia (1812-15) and the 1st Regiment of Stormont Militia (1812-15) both of whom served at Crysler’s Farm. As such, the Glens proudly carry the battle honour CRYSLER’S FARM.
The position of Colonel-in-Chief is a Royal Appointment – an honorary title normally reserved for the Sovereign and Members of our Royal Family.
“The Army is proud to have a Colonel-in-Chief whose life has been such a noble example of service. It is truly a testament to our soldiers, who remain ‘Strong. Proud. Ready,’” said Lieutenant-General Marquis Hainse, Commander of the Canadian Army.
The appointment of Royal Colonels-in-Chief has been an integral and proud aspect of numerous Canadian regiments, branches and units for over a century. The Colonel-in-Chief is the guardian of history and traditions and serves to promote regimental ethos, identity and pride in service.
“We are deeply honoured by the appointment of Her Majesty as our first Colonel-in-Chief,” said Lieutenant-Colonel Rob Duda, the regiment’s Commanding Officer. “The Glens have a proud history of service to Canada and around the world, from Northwest Europe during the two World Wars to Bosnia and Afghanistan, as well as support to our communities, such as during the Ice Storm of 1998.”
Her Majesty the Queen is Colonel-in-Chief of twelve other regiments, branches and units of the Canadian Armed Forces dating back to 1952 - the year of her accession to the throne.
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