The Halifax Rifles (RCAC)

The Halifax Rifles (RCAC) Headquarters: Halifax, NS, Canada Regimental Birthday: 14 May 1860. Current Role: The Supplementary Order of Battle

The Halifax Rifles (RCAC)

The Halifax Rifles (RCAC) are on the Supplementary Order of Battle.

In 1964, the Honourable Paul Hellyer, Minister of National Defence, announced sweeping changed to be carried out in the organization and establishments of the Canadian Army. The Army itself would be integrated into a new entity called the Canadian Forces (CF). Overall the manpower would be reduced both because of the greater efficiency of the CF organization and in order to free up money needed for new capital projects. The Militia, likewise was to be reorganized and revitalized. As a first step, several regiments of the RCAC were converted to non-armoured roles and several more were reduced to nil establishment and placed on the Supplementary Order of Battle.

The revitalization of the Militia was not achieved and the Corps was left the poorer by the loss of these historic regiments.

In the late 1960's, the Regular component of the Corps was subject to a traumatic restructure and the end result was the loss to the Regular Force of The Fort Garry Horse. In the 1990's, a similar traumatic restructure, again saw the loss of a Regular Force Armour unit, The 8th Canadian Hussars (PL). Both of these units still live on in their Reserve Force units.

Lineage

The Halifax Rifles(RCAC) trace their lineage to 14 May 1860 when the Halifax Volunteer Battalion was raised in Halifax on 14 May 1860, and became the Halifax Volunteer Battalion of Rifles on 28 May 1869. Historical Section.

Battle Honours

The Halifax Rifles (RCAC) has been awarded eleven Battle Honours, of which 10 are emblazoned on their Guidon.

Regimental Anniversaries

The Regimental Birthday is 14 May 1860.

Allied and Affiliated Units

The Halifax Rifles (RCAC) maintained a Regimental Affiliation with their Allied Regiment:

• The King's Royal Rifle Corps.

Regimental Music

Music of The Halifax Rifles (RCAC) consist of a Regimental March, “Lutzon's Wild Hunt”.

Motto

The motto of The Halifax Rifles (RCAC)is CEDE NULLIS. The motto translates to "Yield to none".

Traditional Uniform

Green with scarlet facing while infantry. Blue with yellow facings while an armoured unit of the RCAC.

Published Histories

There is currently a few Published Histories covering the history of The Halifax Rifles (RCAC) and their predecessors.

Regimental Association and Web Site

Return to Regiments of the Royal Canadian Armoured Corps.