Régiment de Hull - History

Established in 1914, the Régiment de Hull was originally named the 70th Regiment. However, it was under the name of the 230th Bataillion of the Voltigeurs Canadiens-Français that the Regiment was mobilized during the First World War. Upon its arrival in Europe, the Unit was assigned to the Forestry Corps. Nevertheless, several volunteers went to serve at the front in other battalions, including the famous Royal 22e Régiment.

At the outbreak of World War II, in September 1939, detachments of the Regiment were called upon to mount guard at locations deemed vulnerable. In the summer of 1941, after intensive training, the Regiment was sent to Nanaimo, British Columbia, where it took part in defending the national territory as part of the 13th Canadian Infantry Brigade. It was the first time a French-language regiment was stationed on Vancouver Island.

In August 1943, the Régiment de Hull took part in the invasion of Kiska Island, in the Aleutians. The Japanese having already secretly left the island, our troops were not engaged in combat; however, the Regiment remained on the island until January 1944. During that period, the soldiers faced the toughest weather condition ever encountered by the Canadian Army anywhere in the world.

Following the Armistice, the Regiment began a new life: on April 1, 1946, the Régiment de Hull changed from infantry to armour. Several members of the Regiment also volunteered for service in Germany and Korea.

At the beginning of the '70s, the Regiment's role changed again as it became a light armoured formation. Thus, since 1974, the Regiment has served as an armoured reconnaissance unit. Since that time, Regiment members have had the opportunity to participate in operational tasks, most notably in Cyprus, Israel, Haiti and the former Yugoslavia.

Over the course of its history, the Régiment de Hull has won the following trophies:

Worthington Trophy

Won in: 1979

First presented in 1954 by the first Commanding Officer of the Armoured Corps, MGen F.F. Worthington. The trophy is a scale model in silver of a Centurion tank. The trophy is awarded to the best Armoured Corps Militia unit.

Nash Memorial Challenge Trophy

Won in: 1988, 1989

The Nash trophy was first awarded in 1939 by MGen Nash, MC, ADC. The trophy was initially awarded to the Armoured Corps Militia unit with the highest percentage of qualified mechanics in its ranks. Since 1980, the trophy has been awarded to the best reconnaissance troop in the Armoured Corps Militia units.

Buchanan Trophy

Won in: 1957, 1964, 1978, 1979, 1980

Awarded for the first time in 1957 by LCol E.B.Q. Buchanan. This trophy is given to the best Militia armoured unit in Quebec and the Atlantic provinces.

Colonel Ross Memorial Trophy

Won in: 1975, 1976, 1977, 1981, 1984

Awarded in honour of Colonel Ross in 1953. The trophy rewards the second best armoured unit in Quebec and the Atlantic provinces.