The Royal Regiment of Canadian Artillery

The following history of the Royal Regiment of Canadian Artillery was supplied by the 49th Field Regiment:

********************************** The Royal Regiment of Canadian Artillery has two mottoes: "Ubique" (Everywhere) and "Quo Fas et Gloria Ducunt" (Wither Right and Glory Lead).

These may be borne on regimental appointments.

The first motto "Ubique" takes the place of all battle honours in recognition of the artillery's service in all battles and campaigns.

For their presence and meritious service at almost every battle, the artillery of Britain, Canada, Australia and New Zealand bear the single battle honour UBIQUE.

All gunners belong to the same regiment, and honours won by any reflect on all.

In 1832, King William IV of England granted the Royal Regiment of Artillery the right to wear on their appointments the royal arms and supporters over a cannon with the motto, "Ubique Quo Fas et Gloria Ducunt" (Everywhere Wither Right and Glory Lead).

The next year (1833) the order was amended to make clear that "Ubique" and "Quo Fas et Gloria Ducunt" were two separate mottoes.

The Canadian Artillery was authorized to wear on its appointments the same royal arms and the motto "Quo Fas et Gloria Ducunt," plus the word "Canada."

After the First World War, when the issue of battle honours was being decided, the RCA asked permission to use "Ubique" in place of "Canada" in recognition of distinguished overseas service in all campaigns.

This was approved by King George V on 5 August 1926 and promulgated by G042/1927 the next year.

The Royal Regiment of Canadian Artillery is older than Canada itself.

The first company of artillery to be formed in Canada was organized in Quebec in 1750.

The regiment has always been formed from two important components -- the regular force and the reserve force.

Both regular force and reserve force gunners have fought in every war in which Canada has participated.

Canadian gunners have played an important part in the lives of many Canadian communities and in the history of Canada.

****************************************************************** For 65 pages of detailed history of the regiment and its units (Adobe Acrobat required) please click here.