Les Voltigeurs de Québec is a Primary Reserve infantry regiment of the Canadian Forces. It is at the Quebec City Armoury in Quebec City, Quebec, Canada. The name of the regiment commemorates another older French-speaking Canadian militia light infantry unit, the Canadian Voltigeurs (raised in 1812 and disbanded in 1815). The founder of the Canadian Voltigeurs, Lieutenant-Colonel Charles-Michel d'Irumberry de Salaberry, was the father of the two men who raised Les Voltigeurs de Québec. The regiment was formed in March 1862, with its headquarters in Quebec City, by the amalgamation into a regiment of eight independent Volunteer Militia Rifle companies. The first of these companies was originally raised in December 1861. Between 1862 and 1867 these companies were frequently disbanded, reformed and renumbered. In 1942 it provided an armoured regiment.
The regiment has provided soldiers for service with the United Nations and NATO in places like the Golan Heights, Cyprus, the former Yugoslavia, Egypt, Afghanistan, Sierra Leone and Haiti.
Cap badge
Description
The arms of Salaberry within an annulus Vert fimbriated and inscribed VOLTIGEURS DE QUEBEC in letters Argent, all surmounting the cross of the Order of St. Louis Argent, the whole ensigned by the Royal Crown proper and above a scroll Argent inscribed with the Motto in letters Gules.
Symbolism
The Crown represents service to the Sovereign. The Voltigeurs Canadiens (1812-1815), who were organized as a temporary British Army regular unit and commanded by Lieutenant-Colonel Charles-Michel d'Irumberry de Salaberry for service during the War of 1812, had the reputation of repeatedly repulsing superior American forces. His son, Lieutenant-Colonel Charles René-Léonidas de Salaberry, was the first commanding officer of the regiment when it was formed in 1862. The badge, incorporating the arms and motto "FORCE À SUPERBE MERCY À FOIBLE"" of the family of d'Irumberry de Salaberry, was adopted in 1892 in recognition of this family's services to the military of Canada and the regiment. The Order of Saint Louis, instituted by King Louis XIV of France in 1693, was a notable honour in New France. "VOLTIGEURS DE QUEBEC" is a form of the regimental title.
Lineage
Les Voltigeurs de Québec
Les Voltigeurs de Québec originated in Quebec City, Quebec on 7 March 1862 as The 9th Battalion Volunteer Militia Rifles, Canada (or "'Voltigeurs of Quebec'"). It was redesignated the 9th Regiment Voltigeurs de Québec on 8 May 1900, and, following the Great War, Les Voltigeurs de Québec on 29 March 1920. During the Second World War it was designated the 2nd (Reserve) Battalion, Les Voltigeurs de Québec on 10 May 1941 and Les Voltigeurs de Québec (Reserve) on 15 September 1944. After the Second World War it was designated Les Voltigeurs de Québec (Motor) on 1 April 1946. On 1 September 1954, it was amalgamated with Le Régiment de Québec (Mitrailleuses) and redesignated Les Voltigeurs de Québec (Mitrailleuses). It was redesignated Les Voltigeurs de Québec on 11 April 1958. On 22 February 1965, it was amalgamated with The Royal Rifles of Canada. The two regiments ceased to be amalgamated on 1 November 1966.
Le Régiment de Québec
Le Régiment de Québec (Mitrailleuses) originated in St. Ambroise on 9 April 1869 as The Provisional Battalion of Quebec. It was redesignated the 87th Quebec Battalion of Infantry on 27 May 1881 and the 87th Quebec Regiment on 8 May 1900. Following the Great War it was redesignated Le Régiment de Québec on 29 March 1920 and Le Régiment de Québec (Mitrailleuses) on 15 December 1936. During the Second World War it was redesignated the 2nd (Reserve) Battalion, Le Régiment de Québec (Mitrailleuses) on 18 March 1942. Following the Second World War it was redesignated Le Régiment de Québec (Mitrailleuses) on 22 December 1945. On 1 September 1954, it was amalgamated with Les Voltigeurs de Québec (Motor).
Perpetuations
'War of 1812: Les Voltigeurs de Québec perpetuate the Provincial Corps of Light Infantry (Canadian Voltigeurs), the 1st and 2nd Battalions (City of Quebec) (1812–15), the Beauport Division (1812–15) and the 6th Battalion, Select Embodied Militia.
The Great War: The regiment perpetuates the 57th Battalion (Canadien-Français), CEF.
Operational history
The Fenian Raids
The Voltigeurs of Quebec were called out on active service on 8 March 1866, remaining on active service until 31 March 1866.
The North West Rebellion
Les Voltigeurs de Québec were mobilized for active service on 10 April 1885, and served in the Alberta Column of the North West Field Force. The battalion was removed from active service on 24 July 1885.
