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The Governor General's Horse GuardsSecond to NoneJohn Marteinson, with Scott DuncanWith Forewords by Her Majesty The Queen and the Governor General of CanadaThe story of Canada's senior militia regiment |
The Governor General's Horse Guards is Canada's senior Militia regiment, and its record of voluntary service over more than 190 years justifies its motto, Nulli Secundus, Second to None. Earlier histories published fifty or more years ago told only parts of the story and are long out of print; this beautifully illustrated book brings together all elements of the history of this prominent Canadian regiment for the first time. The Governor General's Horse Guards was officially created in 1936 with the amalgamation of two cavalry units, the Governor General's Body Guard and the Mississauga Horse, but the regimental lineage encompasses a variety of other Militia units. The story begins with Canada's first cavalry troop, formed in Markham in 1810, and a second troop formed in York (Toronto) in 1822 which later became the Governor General's Body Guard. The book follows the service of these units in the War of 1812, the 1837 Rebellion, the Fenian Raids in 1866, and the North West Rebellion in 1885. Many members of the Body Guard served during the Boer War in 1900-1902, and one, Captain H.Z.C. Cockburn, won a Victoria Cross at the Battle of Leliefontein. The First World War chapter follows the battlefield exploits of the 4th Canadian Mounted Rifles, which is perpetuated by the Horse Guards. 4th CMR was one of the élite units of the Canadian Corps in the Great War, and a second Victoria Cross was added to its laurels by Private Tommy Holmes at Passchendaele. The major part of the book deals with the regiment in the Second World War, from its training in Canada and England to its service in Italy and Holland. The final chapter covers activities in the half century after the Second War. This is a story of dedication and devoted service to the country in which every Canadian can take pride. |
About the authors John Marteinson is editor of Canadian Military Journal, the Canadian Forces professional journal, and teaches military history at Royal Military College. He served 35 years with the Royal Canadian Armoured Corps. His early postings were in tank and reconnaissance squadrons, including a tour as a helicopter pilot, in Canada, Germany and Cyprus with The Fort Garry Horse and the 8th Canadian Hussars. He served in a variety of staff and instructional positions, including tours at the Combat Arms School, the Canadian Forces Command and Staff College, and NATO Headquarters. On his retirement from the Regular Force in 1987 he was appointed editor of Canadian Defence Quarterly, a post he held for eight years. He is co-author of The Royal Canadian Armoured Corps: An Illustrated History (Robin Brass Studio, 2000), A Pictorial History of the 8th Canadian Hussars (1973) and The Gate: A History of The Fort Garry Horse (1970), and author/editor of We Stand on Guard: An Illustrated History of the Canadian Army (Ovale Publishing, 1992). Scott Duncan has served for over 22 years with The Governor General's Horse Guards and is now the Regimental adjutant in the rank of Captain. He was Regimental Sergeant Major between 1993 and 1995, and has been the unit historical officer and curator of the Regimental museum since 1985. He is in his third term as president of the Toronto Military Heritage Association and is the owner of a home inspection firm. This book includes drawings of AFVs and maps by the renowned expert Chris Johnson, who has contributed his fine work to a number of previous books published by Robin Brass Studio. |
The details 320 pages, 8.5 x 11 inches |
Publication: December 2002 ISBN 1-896941-28-1 In Canada: $69.95 In U.S.A.: $69.95 |