Introduction to The Loyal Edmonton Regiment

The Loyal Edmonton Regiment traces its beginnings to William Griesbach, an Edmonton law student who had joined the Canadian Mounted Rifles during the Boer War. Griesbach was later elected Mayor of Edmonton. He remained interested in military matters and lobbied to have a militia unit located in town.

The 101st Regiment was raised in Edmonton on 1 April 1908 and renamed the 101st Regiment (Edmonton Fusiliers) in 1909. This was Alberta's first infantry unit.

When World War I broke out, the 101st Regiment (Edmonton Fusiliers) joined the 9th Battalion. They were sent to England as a reinforcements.

In May 1915, the 49th Battalion was raised in Edmonton. They landed in France early in October 1915 and soon moved to the front. They fought there for the next three years, with soldiers winning the Victoria Cross at the Somme and Passchendaele. Early in 1916 the unit was named the Edmonton Regiment and unofficially adopted the motto, "Fears No Foe".

After the war, the 49th Battalion was disbanded and perpetuated by the 101st Regiment (Edmonton Fusiliers). In 1924, the two battalions were separated into the Edmonton Regiment and the Edmonton Fusiliers. In 1933, the Edmonton Regiment linked with the Loyal Regiment (North Lancashire). They carried this alliance into World War II.

The Edmonton Regiment was chosen as a war battalion, and it participated in the invasion of Sicily and Italy in 1943-44. During this campaign the unit was renamed the Loyal Edmonton Regiment. The "Loyal Eddies" fought at the Battle of Ortona. After Italy was secured, the unit was transferred to northwest Europe until the end of the war.

After the war, the battalion stood down and the Reserve unit carried the regimental name into the post-war militia. Shortly after the Korean conflict, the Loyal Edmonton Regiment affiliated with Princess Patricia's Canadian Light Infantry and was re-named the Loyal Edmonton Regiment (3rd Battalion Princess Patricia's Canadian Light Infantry). When a regular force 3rd Battalion was raised for the Patricia's, the Loyal Eddies were renumbered as the 4th Battalion in April 1970.

In the late 1980's, it was noticed that no action had been taken on the unofficial World War I motto. This was rectified and "Fears No Foe" is now officially the unit motto.

Address of The Loyal Edmonton Regiment

Brigadier James Curry Jefferson Building
11630, 109th Street NW
Edmonton, Alberta T5G 2T8