Wednesday, August 4, 1915
Piggeries
The Battalion War Diarist wrote nothing for this day: “Supplied working parties – 200 men for improvement of trenches etc. under Engineers.”[1]
THIS DAY IN RMR HISTORY: “From this spot [the Piggeries] working parties moved forward regularly to the front and reserve lines;” and here the Battalion passed August 4th, the first anniversary of Britain’s war declaration against Germany.” [2]
By the time the “War to end all Wars” came to a halt on November 11th 1918, The Royal Montreal Regiment suffered 4,469 casualties (1,192 died and 3,277 wounded) or 71% of its total nominal roll (76% of all officers; 70% of all men). It participated in 12 major battles; won 281 decorations including 2 VCs and 12 French, Belgian and Russian decorations. RMR’s serving in other units received a further 51 decorations.
“In November of 1918, after the Armistice, the Regiment marched 82 kilometers to cross the Rhine at the head of the 1st Canadian Division. At Unter Eschbach, Germany, on January 4th, 1919, the first King’s Colour and Regimental Colour were presented to the 14th Bn. (Royal Montreal Regiment), C.E.F. [by H.R.H. Prince Arthur of Connaught]. The RMR was the first of the very few Regiments in the British Empire to have been awarded their colours on foreign soil after a successful campaign. In March of the same year, His Majesty the King held an investiture at Buckingham Palace and received RMR officers who had won awards in the field.
It was in mid-April 1919 when the Regiment returned to Place Viger Station in Montreal. Over 6,200 men had passed through the ranks of the 14th Battalion during the war. Eleven hundred and ninety-two would never return.
After demobilization, and the reorganization of the Canadian Militia, the 14th Canadian Battalion (Royal Montreal Regiment) C.E.F., and the 58th Westmount Rifles were amalgamated into one unit – The Royal Montreal Regiment” on July 2nd 1920.” The Royal Montreal Regiment has continued to serve Canada proudly through war and peace for the past 100 years.
[1] War Diary, 14th Canadian Battalion, The Royal Montreal Regiment, August 4, 1915. Library and Archives Canada, Ottawa http://data2.collectionscanada.ca/e/e044/e001089768.jpg
[2] R.C. Featherstonhaugh, The Royal Montreal Regiment 14th Battalion C.E.F. 1914-1925, Montreal, The Gazette Printing Co., Ltd., 1927, pg. 66.
[3] “Private - 14th Canadian Infantry Battalion.,” Library and Archives Canada, MIKAN 3523183:
[4] Allan Patrick, & Lt.-Col. R Jarymowyez, CD, The Royal Montreal Regiment 1945-1989, The Royal Montreal Regt., Westmount, 1991, pg. 3.