“North West Canada, 1885” is a Battle Honour awarded to the Regiment in 1919 to recognize the service of a “Company of Sharpshooters” raised from the Governor General’s Foot Guards during the North West Rebellion.
The North West Canada Campaign
• Mobilization: On March 27, 1885, following the outbreak of the rebellion, Captain A. Hamlyn Todd raised a “Company of Sharpshooters” from the Regiment. They departed Ottawa the following day.
• The Journey: The company endured a difficult journey to the West, travelling over the gaps in the unfinished Canadian Pacific Railway along the north shore of Lake Superior in open sleighs and on foot during freezing winter weather.
• Cut Knife Hill: The Sharpshooters joined the Battleford Column under Colonel Otter. On May 2, 1885, they fought at the Battle of Cut Knife Hill against Chief Poundmaker’s Cree forces.
• Uniforms: The Sharpshooters fought this campaign wearing their scarlet tunics and Glengarry headdress, marking the last time the Regiment wore “Red Coats” in battle.
• Casualties: During the battle at Cut Knife Hill, Privates William Osgoode and John Rogers became the Regiment’s first combat fatalities. Both were shot in the head while on the skirmishing line. Their bodies were later returned to Ottawa for a state funeral.
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