Changing of the Guard

The Changing of the Guard at the Citadel

Mindful of military customs, the Royal 22e Régiment continues the tradition of the Changing of the Guard at the Citadel of Quebec. Every year, visitors can reconnect with our military traditions by attending the Changing of the Guard or Beating the Retreat ceremonies, in addition to visiting the site of this important fortress.

In the 19th century, the Changing of the Guard was practised by all garrisons and was a part of a soldier’s daily life.

The Royal 22e Régiment has continued this tradition since taking up residence at the Citadel, and during the summer the battalion in residence holds the Changing of the Guard ceremony.

The ceremony begins when the new guard (the relieving guard) assembles on the parade ground to be inspected by the officer and sergeant major of the guard. The officer and sergeant major, having inspected the weapons and dress respectively, decide on the best soldier and alternate to serve as the commander’s orderly.

The old guard (coming off guard) enters the parade ground, facing the new guard.

Both guards perform parade drills during this brief period. The new guard “presents arms” to the old guard, which then returns the compliment to the new guard. The regimental mascot, Batisse the goat, also takes part in the ceremony when, under the direction of the Goat Major, he moves to the centre between the two guards, and the guards, starting with the old guard, in turn salute Batisse.

The Guard band enhances the ceremony by playing military marches that are also steeped in tradition.

Finally, the Guard officer orders the new guard to perform its duties, and orders the old guard to position itself. Then both guards, preceded by the Guard band and Batisse, leave, one to do its duty and the other to return to its quarters, saluting the officer as they pass.

The first Changing of the Guard was performed in the summer of 1928. In those days, the guard consisted of a bugler and six sentinels. The regimental sergeant major, the duty officer and the brass band were also present. Sentinels were posted in two guard houses, one at the main entrance (Dalhousie gate) and the other at the Governor General’s residence, when the Governor was in residence.

The first call—putting on the uniform—was played at 8:40 am and signalled the guards that it was time to get dressed. The first four notes were the same as those of “O Canada.” It was the regimental call.

The second call—the muster—was played at 8:55 am, signalling the guards to take their positions.

The Changing of the Guard continued until 1939. It was suspended during the Second World War while the Regiment was fighting in Europe, then resumed in 1946.

The dress worn by the troops is the Regimental Full Dress and the bearskin hat. The officers’ scarlet tunic has eight regimental buttons. The rear skirt of the tunic has three vents. The top of the dark blue collar is ornamented with 1.25-cm-thick gold braid that has two maple leaves end to end printed every 2.5 cm and, at the base, gold Russian braid stitching. The dark blue pointed facings are embroidered with 1.25-cm gold braid, also printed with two maple leaves end to end every 2.5 cm; Russian gold braid stitching forms the knot above this braid, with a small eye below. The scarlet-lined shoulder boards with twisted gold braid are held in place with a small regimental button.

The dark blue trousers with scarlet piping are worn with black boots. Officers wear a crimson sash around the waist. Sword frogs are gold braid on red morocco leather with golden buckles.

The full dress of non-commissioned officers is the scarlet tunic with seven standard infantry buttons. It is identical to the first tunic issued to the Canadian militia in the early 1880s. There is a white border along the top of the dark blue collar and on the blue shoulder boards. The dark blue pointed facing is ornamented with white braid ending in a crow’s foot knot at the point. The front of the tunic is bordered with white fabric, while each seam of the rear skirt is piped in white from the waist to the hem. Dark blue trousers with scarlet piping along the full length of the outside seams are worn over black boots. The original belts were white with a tin buckle in the shape of a snake; the plate of the regimental duty belt was introduced later. White gloves are worn for the ceremonial parade.

The musicians and drummers wear the scarlet tunic of non-commissioned officers and soldiers, with scarlet bird's nests decorated with five white braided bands and bordered in the same colour.