Honourary Appointments
Former CO's
Former RSM's
Honourary Appts
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The tradition of honourary appointments such as Honourary Colonel,
Colonel of the Regiment and Colonel in Chief dates back to the formation of
the British Regular Army in the 17th century. In those days the King
appointed a person of high standing and wealth to be a Colonel in order to
raise a Regiment for him, in return for which the Colonel would receive some
royal consideration such as a title or lucrative position. The Colonel in
turn chose an assistant, or Lieutenant Colonel, to recruit, train and
administer the Regiment, and lead it in battle. The Regiment bore the
Colonel's name and he maintained a proprietary interest in it, selecting its
officers and distributing the equipment, pay and rations provided by the
government. |
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Changing customs and laws have altered the Colonel's position over the
years to the point that it is now primarily an honourary one. A Regiment
asks a former officer or other high ranking individual to accept the
appointment as a mark of their recognition and respect for him or her. The
Colonel does not involve himself in the military operation of the Regiment,
but is concerned with its ceremonial, social and "family" aspects, lending
his or her prestige to the Regiment's activities. As a point of interest,
Lord Strathcona's Horse ( Royal Canadians ) is the only Regiment in the
Canadian Forces bearing the name of a non royal person; most have
geographical or numerical designations, and some are named for members of
the Royal Family. |
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The following have held honourary appointments in the Regiment since its
formation: |
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HONOURARY COLONELS |
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Major-General Richard H. O'Grady-Haly CB DSO
Was a British officer who acted as General Officer Commanding the Militia
from July 1900 to July 1902. He was Honourary Colonel of "A" squadron
Canadian Mounted Rifles and later the Royal Canadian Mounted Rifles and Lord
Strathcona's Horse ( Royal Canadians ) from 13 August 1903 to 8 January
1911. |
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Lord Strathcona and Mount Royal GCMB GCVO
Raised Strathcona's Horse at his own expense in 1900 for service in South
Africa. Originally a member of the Hudson's Bay Company, he was later
connected with the Canadian Pacific Railway and drove the golden spike
marking completion of the CPR in 1885. He was Honourary Colonel from 19
August 1911 until his death on 21 January 1914. |
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MGen Sir Archibald C. MacDonnell KCB CMG DSO ED
Was twice
Commanding Officer of the Regiment.
He was Honourary Colonel from 8 May 1922 until his death in January 1942. |
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Lieutenant-Colonel, The Baron Strathcona and Mount Royal
Was a grandson of the first Lord Strathcona.
He was Honourary Colonel from 1943 until his death in 1958. |
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COLONELS OF THE REGIMENT
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Brigadier F. M. W. Harvey VC MC C de G CD
Joined the Regiment in 1916 and won the Victoria Cross for conspicuous
bravery at Guyencourt on 27 March 1917. He commanded the Regiment from 15
December 1939 to 10 July 1940 and was Colonel of the Regiment from 1
September 1958 to 3 June 1966.
Read a short history on Brigadier Harvey, |
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Colonel J. M. McAvity DSO MBE
Commanded the Regiment from 27 July 1944 to 28 November 1945. He was Colonel
of the Regiment from 6 June 1966 to 26 March 1971. |
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Lieutenant-General W. A. Milroy DSO CD
Joined the Regiment as a lieutenant in 1941 and has been a Strathcona since
that time. He was Colonel of the Regiment from 26 March 1971 to 11 November
1978. |
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Major-General J. C. Gardner CD
Served with the Regiment as second-in-command in 1956. He was Colonel of the
Regiment during the period 11 November 1978 to 11 November 1982. |
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Major-General P. A. Neatby CD
Was Commanding Officer during the period August 1966 to July 1968. The
Regiment was deployed in Germany at this time. He assumed the appointment of
Colonel of the Regiment on 11 November 1982 and relinquished it on
11 November 1986. |
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Lieutenant-General R. Gutknecht CMM CD
Commanded the Regiment during the period 31 July 1968 to 5 June 1970 while
it was deployed in Germany. General Gutknecht was Colonel of the Regiment
from 11 November 1986 to 11 November 1992. |
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Lieutenant-General J. A. Fox, CMM CD
Commanded the Regiment during the period 15 June 1971 to 2 August 1973.
General Fox was Colonel of the Regiment from 11 November 1992 until 18 July 2002. |
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Colonel I.D.M. Egener, CD
Commanded the Regiment during the period August 1973 to August 1975.
Colonel Egener was Colonel of the Regiment from 18 July 2002 until 30 June 2006. |
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Colonel J.E.N. Roderick, CD
Commanded the Regiment during the period August 1981 to July 1983.
Colonel Roderick was appointed Colonel of the Regiment on 30 June 2006. |
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COLONEL IN CHIEF |
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His Royal Highness Charles
Prince of Wales
He was
appointed Colonel in Chief on June 11, 1977. |
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