York Rangers
The York Rangers was an infantry regiment of the Non-Permanent Active Militia of the Canadian Militia. Although the unit was first officially created in 1866, the regiment traces its ancestry and origins as far back to Rogers' Rangers of the Seven Years' War, the Queen's Rangers of the American Revolutionary War and also the York Militia of the War of 1812. In 1936, the regiment was amalgamated with The Queen's Rangers to form The Queen's York Rangers.
History
On 10 April 1885, the 12th York Rangers mobilized four companies for active service during the North-West Rebellion with the York and Simcoe Provisional Battalion. The battalion served in the Alberta Column of the North West Field Force. On 24 July 1885, these companies were removed from active service.Great War
When the Canadian Expeditionary Force was raised in September 1914, the 12th York Rangers contributed drafts to help raise the 4th Battalion, CEF. The regiment also contributed drafts to help form the 20th Battalion, CEF.On 7 November 1914, the 35th Battalion, CEF was authorized for service. On 9 February 1915, the battalion was redesignated as the 35th Reserve Battalion, CEF and on 16 October 1915, the battalion embarked for Great Britain. After its arrival in the UK, the battalion provided reinforcements to the Canadian Corps in the field. On 4 January 1917, the battalion’s personnel were absorbed by the 4th Reserve Battalion, CEF. On 8 December 1917, the 35th Battalion, CEF was disbanded.
On 22 December 1915, the 127th Battalion, CEF was authorized for service and on 21 August 1916, the battalion embarked for Great Britain. After its arrival in the UK, the battalion provided reinforcements to the Canadian Corps in the field. On 20 November 1916, the battalion was reorganized as a railway battalion. On 13 January 1917, the battalion disembarked in France and on 3 February 1917, the battalion was redesignated the 2nd Battalion, Canadian Railway Troops, CEF. From 1917 until early 1918, the battalion provided special light railway engineering services to the British Expeditionary Force in France and Flanders. During the German Spring Offensive of 1918, the battalion would resume its original infantry role continued in the Allied Frontline until the Amiens Offensive of August 1918. Soon after, the battalion resumed its railway battalion role until the end of the war. On 23 October 1920, the 127th Battalion, CEF was disbanded.
On 15 July 1916, the 220th Battalion, CEF was authorized for service and on 26 January 1917, the battalion embarked for Great Britain. On 7 May 1917, the battalion’s personnel were absorbed by the 3rd Reserve Battalion, CEF to provide reinforcements for the Canadian Corps in the field. On 1 September 1917, the 220th Battalion, CEF was disbanded.
Lineage
The York Rangers
- Originated on 14 September 1866, in Aurora, Ontario, as the 12th York Battalion of Infantry.
- Redesignated on 10 May 1872, as the 12th Battalion of Infantry or York Rangers.
- Redesignated on 8 May 1900, as the 12th Regiment York Rangers.
- Redesignated on 1 May 1920, as The York Rangers.
- Amalgamated on 15 December 1936, with The Queen's Rangers and redesignated as The Queen's York Rangers .
Lineage chart
Perpetuations
- 35th Battalion, CEF
- 127th Battalion, CEF
- 220th Battalion, CEF
Structure
12th York Battalion of Infantry (14 September 1866)
- No. 1 Company
- No. 2 Company
- No. 3 Company
- No. 4 Company
- No. 5 Company
12th York Battalion of Infantry (October 1866)
- Regimental Headquarters
- No. 1 Company
- No. 2 Company
- No. 3 Company
- No. 4 Company
- No. 5 Company
- No. 6 Company
- No. 7 Company
- No. 8 Company
- No. 9 Company
The York Rangers (1 December 1920)
- Regimental Headquarters
- 1st Battalion
- 2nd Battalion
- 3rd Battalion
- 4th Battalion
The York Rangers (1 August 1925)
- Regimental Headquarters
- 1st Battalion
- 2nd Battalion
- 3rd Battalion
Alliances
- - The Green Howards
Battle honours