Vimy 100 Commemoration - Canadian Scottish Regiment exercises its Freedom of the City of Victoria

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Saturday, April 8th, 2017
11:00 AM to 1:00 PM

Freedom of the City is an honour conferred on distinguished citizens and Army Regiments. It dates back hundreds of years. In those days army regiments could not be trusted to be of good behaviour inside the walls of a city or town; so they were not permitted within the bounds of the city or town. Having said that, if a regiment had distinguished itself in battle and were known to be of good behaviour; a city or town could grant the Regiment "the freedom of its city".

The Canadian Scottish Regiment perpetuates the 88th Victoria Fusiliers and the 50th Gordon Highlanders formed in Victoria in 1912 and 1913 respectively. It draws its heritage from the 16th Battalion Canadian Expeditionary Force (CEF) who fought with distinction in World War 1, including the 2nd Battle of Ypres (St. Julien Wood), the Somme, Vimy and Paaschendaele.for a total of 18 Battle Honours (including an Honorary Distinction for St. Julien Wood) and 4 Victoria Crosses.

In World War 2, the Regiment landed on D-Day and fought through France, Belgium, Holland and Germany; winning a further 18 Battle Honours. The Regiment has contributed contingents to the Korean War, peace-keeping missions, the former Yugoslavia and most recently 69 members fought in Afghanistan.

In recognition of the Regiment's service to Canada and Victoria, the City of Victoria in June 1964 gave the Regiment "Freedom of the City of Victoria" by which it may march through the city with its "Colours flying, bayonets fixed and drums beating".

The Regiment will depart Bay Street Armoury at 11:00 a.m. and march down Douglas Street towards City Hall, turn right onto Pandora and march down Government Street to the Legislature. At some point near city hall @ 11:30 a.m. the Mayor and Chief Constable will step out onto the street and order the Regiment to halt and explain their actions. The Regiment's Commanding Officer will order that the Freedom of the City warrant be produced and shown to the Mayor and Chief Constable who will then allow the Regiment to pass.

The present Regiment is a Canadian Forces Reserve Infantry Regiment with its Headquarters and A Company in Victoria, B Company in Nanaimo and a detached platoon in Courtenay.