Our History
Over a century of proud Scottish military heritage in Canada
A Legacy of Service
The Canadian Scottish Regiment (Princess Mary's) has a rich and extensive history deeply rooted in Victoria, British Columbia. From the trenches of the First World War to modern peacekeeping operations, our regiment has served Canada with distinction and honor.
Four members of our regiment have been awarded the Victoria Cross — the highest military decoration for bravery in the face of the enemy — a testament to the courage and sacrifice of those who have worn the Hunting Stewart tartan.
"Deas gu cath" — Ready for the fray
Regimental Timeline
Key moments in our distinguished history
88th Regiment, Victoria Fusiliers
On September 3, 1912, the 88th Regiment, Victoria Fusiliers, was authorized in Victoria, BC. This marked the beginning of our regimental heritage on Vancouver Island.
50th Regiment, Gordon Highlanders
The 50th Regiment (Gordon Highlanders) of Canada was created in Victoria on August 15, 1913, establishing another proud Scottish military tradition in the capital city.
Bay Street Armoury Opens
The historic Bay Street Armoury opened in 1915, becoming the home of our regiment and a significant heritage building in Victoria's military history.
First World War Service
The 16th Battalion, Canadian Expeditionary Force — the perpetuated unit of our regiment — fought in France and Flanders. The battalion earned battle honours at Ypres, the Somme, and Vimy Ridge, suffering 5,491 casualties in service to Canada.
Formation of The Canadian Scottish Regiment
On March 12, 1920, the 88th Regiment (Victoria Fusiliers) amalgamated with the 50th Regiment (Gordon Highlanders) to form The Canadian Scottish Regiment — uniting two proud traditions into one.
Hunting Stewart Tartan Adopted
The regiment adopted the Hunting Stewart tartan as its official regimental tartan, patterned after "the Dandy 9th," a Territorial Army Highland Battalion of The Royal Scots.
D-Day — Juno Beach
C Company of the 1st Battalion Canadian Scottish was part of the first wave ashore in Normandy on D-Day, June 6, 1944. The regiment would go on to fight through Normandy, Caen, Falaise, Calais, and the Scheldt, losing 402 killed in action during WWII.
Princess Mary's Designation
On April 29, 1948, the regiment received its current title — The Canadian Scottish Regiment (Princess Mary's) — in honor of Princess Mary, daughter of King George V.
Regimental Museum Opens
The Canadian Scottish Regiment (Princess Mary's) Regimental Museum was opened in May 1980 by Princess Alexandra at the Bay Street Armoury. The museum is accredited by the Canadian Forces.
Modern Operations
Today, members of The Canadian Scottish Regiment continue to serve with UN and NATO missions in the Middle East, Cyprus, the Balkans, Africa, Afghanistan, Iraq, and Latvia — carrying forward our proud tradition of service.
Battle Honours
Honours earned through valor and sacrifice
First World War (1914-1918)
The 16th Battalion, CEF earned numerous battle honours including:
- Ypres, 1915, '17
- Festubert, 1915
- Mount Sorrel
- Somme, 1916
- Vimy, 1917
- Hill 70
- Passchendaele
- Amiens
- Hindenburg Line
- Canal du Nord
Second World War (1939-1945)
The 1st Battalion earned honours for their service in Northwest Europe:
- Normandy Landing (D-Day)
- Caen
- Falaise
- Calais, 1944
- The Scheldt
- The Rhineland
- The Rhine
- Northwest Europe, 1944-1945
Victoria Cross Recipients
Four members of our regimental family have been awarded the highest honor for bravery
Victoria Cross
Victoria Cross
Victoria Cross
Victoria Cross
The Victoria Cross is the highest military decoration awarded for valor "in the face of the enemy" to members of the armed forces of Commonwealth countries. These four heroes represent the incredible bravery of all who have served in The Canadian Scottish Regiment.
Historical Gallery
Images from our proud history
Visit Our Museum
Explore our rich history at the Regimental Museum in the Bay Street Armoury. See artifacts from both World Wars to modern peacekeeping operations.
Plan Your Visit