Topic: The RCR
In 1914, the officers, non-commissioned officers and soldiers of The Royal Canadian Regiment (The RCR) formed a large share of the approximately 3000 professional soldiers in Canada's army. While the single infantry regiment of Regulars might have expected to find itself despatched to Europe at the outbreak of the First World War, this was not to be. Instead, the Department of Militia sent its one infantry battalion to garrison Bermuda for a year while Sir Sam Hughes executed his plan to create a new Expeditionary Force separate from the Regular Army and the Canadian Militia. The RCR would later join the Canadian Expeditionary Force in France as a unit of the 3rd Canadian Infantry Division, and the question of its deployment to Bermuda would be raised in the Canadian Parliament.
The RCR would serve in France and Flanders from November 1915 until the end of the War and approximately 4800 Canadians would wear the Regiment's eight-pointed star cap badge and fight as Royal Canadians. From Mount Sorrel in 1916, through Vimy in 1917 and ending with the Pursuit to Mons in 1918, The Royal Canadian Regiment would be awarded 16 Battle Honours for its achievements and sacrifices on the fields of battle in France and Flanders.
Discover more about The Royal Canadian Regiment in the First World War at The Regimental Rogue; presenting elements including the unit's War Diary and information on the officers and the NCOs and soldiers of the Regiment.
On 
Many old soldiers like to talk about the "good old days" when, in their hazy remembrance, soldiers were more disciplined, less likely to question any aspect of military life, and worked and played harder. While the achievements of the Canadian Army in 
The first medal that many Canadian soldiers might have been eligible to receive for their First World War service was the 
Instead, we find that widespread service was made of the British Amy's existing solution for clothing recuperating solders, the "hospital blues." Blue linen suits, lined in white and nattily accessorized with a bright red tie. What self-respecting soldier wouldn't find that outfit stylish and debonair for "walking out" during his convalescence, especially since they came in a range of few sizes fitting few soldiers well. Although originally cut to be buttoned to the neck, turning down the collar of the jacket added the benefit of bright white lapels to the hospital blues' appeal.
(Or: "How One Regiment Could be Fighting in Three Places at Once")
The Guide: A Manual for the Canadian Militia (Infantry)
Equipment
We often hear catchphrases but we can never quite be certain where they originated. Infantry officers training in the Canadian Army have long head one which goes "Time spent on recce (i.e, reconnaissance) is never wasted" … intending to teach the new officer that even if he or she thinks they understand a situation completely, a thorough reconnaissance (time permitting) is invaluable, if for no other reason to confirm what is known. Inevitably, in training and service afterwards, reconnaissance often identified factors that were previously not known to the officer and which materially affect the plan evolving in their mind. failing to heed this adage can have serious consequences.
Not all Battle Honours are equal in terms of the scale of action for which they were awarded. Some cover vast expanses of terrain and months or years of warfare, while others are defined by single dates and very restrictive geographical boundaries. When we look at the list of honours awarded to a regiment we may find Battle Honours that range from Theatre Honours to Separate Actions or Engagements.
During the First World War, 
The Guide: A Manual for the Canadian Militia (Infantry); Compiled by Major-General Sir William D. Otter, K.C.B., C.V.O. (retired List) – Ninth Edition—Revised 1914
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