2nd Battalion, Canadian Mounted Rifles
The distinguishing patch of the 2nd Battalion, Canadian Mounted Rifles, CEF.
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2nd CANADIAN MOUNTED RIFLES BRITISH COLUMBIA HORSE CAP BADGE 2nd C.M.R.(B.C.H.)
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The 2nd Canadian Mounted Rifles Battalion, (known colloquially as the 2nd Battalion, CMR or simply 2 CMR) was authorized on 7 November 1914 as the 2nd Regiment, Canadian Mounted Rifles, CEF. The battalion recruited in Victoria and Vernon, British Columbia and was mobilized in Victoria. An earlier incarnation was raised for Boer War
In November 1901, the British government requested from the Canadian government a four-squadron regiment of mounted rifles for the Boer War. Canadian Department of Militia and Defence equipped and trained the unit, while the British paid its costs. The majority of the officers and at least a quarter of the men had previously served in South Africa, including its commander Lieutenant-Colonel T.D.B. Evans. On 31 March the unit fought as part of an outnumbered British force at the Battle of Harts River, or Boschbult. The unit participated in a number of other drives to round up Boers before the war ended on 31 May 1902. The battalion embarked for Great Britain on 12 June 1915. It disembarked in France on 22 September 1915 as part of the 1st Canadian Mounted Rifles Brigade. On 1 January 1916 it was converted to infantry, amalgamated with 'B Squadron' and the headquarters staff of the 3rd Regiment, Canadian Mounted Rifles, CEF and re-designated the 2nd Canadian Mounted Rifles Battalion, CEF. It fought as part of the 8th Canadian Infantry Brigade, 3rd Canadian Division in France and Flanders until the end of the war. Battle Honours and Awards
The 2nd Canadian Mounted Rifles Battalion is perpetuated by The British Columbia Dragoons. |
Cavalry Unit in Vernon 1915, Photo from BC Archives #J-02859
Photo from the diaries for the 2nd CMR begin in September 1915. Library & Archives Canada
Saddle from the 2nd Canadian Mounted Rifles, manufactured 1913
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