The 42nd Field Artillery Regiment (Lanark and Renfrew Scottish), RCA is a reserve field‑artillery regiment of the Canadian Army. It is headquartered in Pembroke, Ontario, and forms part of the 33 Canadian Brigade Group within the 4th Canadian Division.
Role and Structure
- Branch: Canadian Army, Primary Reserve
- Type: Field artillery
- Size: One regiment (comprised of part‑time soldiers)
- Garrison: Pembroke Armoury, 177 Victoria Street, Pembroke, Ontario
The regiment provides artillery support for domestic and overseas operations, conducting training in conventional field‑artillery tactics and supporting the Canadian Armed Forces’ broader mission set.
Historical Overview
| Date | Event |
|---|---|
| 5 October 1866 | Authorized as the 42nd Brockville Battalion of Infantry in Brockville, Ontario. |
| 1 December 1897 | Headquarters moved to Pembroke; redesignated 42nd Lanark and Renfrew Battalion of Infantry. |
| 8 May 1900 | Redesignated 42nd Lanark and Renfrew Regiment. |
| 12 March 1920 | Became The Lanark and Renfrew Regiment. |
| 15 July 1927 | Adopted Scottish affiliation, becoming The Lanark and Renfrew Scottish Regiment. |
| 1 April 1946 | Converted to air‑defence artillery as 59th Light Anti‑Aircraft Regiment (Lanark and Renfrew Scottish), RCA. |
| 1 December 1959 | Returned to infantry status as The Lanark and Renfrew Scottish Regiment. |
| 10 November 1992 | Re‑converted to air‑defence artillery, designated 1st Air Defence Regiment (Lanark and Renfrew Scottish), RCA. |
| 2011 | Converted to field artillery and received its current title, 42nd Field Artillery Regiment (Lanark and Renfrew Scottish), RCA. |
Throughout its history the unit has participated in domestic emergency responses (e.g., Fenian Raids in 1870) and contributed personnel to the Canadian Expeditionary Force during the First World War through the 130th and 240th Battalions, CEF.
Lineage Summary
- Originated 1866 as an infantry battalion.
- Multiple redesignations reflect changes in role (infantry → air‑defence artillery → field artillery) and regional affiliation.
- The current artillery lineage dates from the 2011 conversion.
Traditions
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Mottos:
- Ubique (“everywhere”) – a common Royal Canadian Artillery motto.
- Quo fas et gloria ducunt (“whither right and glory lead”).
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March: “Highland Laddie,” reflecting the regiment’s Scottish heritage.
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Badge/Insignia: Incorporates elements representing Lanark and Renfrew counties and Scottish regimental symbols, consistent with the RCA’s heraldic conventions.
Current Activities
The regiment conducts regular training evenings and weekend exercises, maintaining proficiency in artillery fire‑control, gunnery, and supporting joint operations with other reserve and regular‑force units. It also engages in community outreach within the Pembroke region, supporting local events and commemorations.
References
- Government of Canada – Department of National Defence, “42nd Field Artillery Regiment (Lanark and Renfrew Scottish), RCA” (official unit page).
- Wikipedia entry “42nd Field Artillery Regiment (Lanark and Renfrew Scottish), RCA,” accessed via Jina AI extraction, 2024.