The formation of the unit now known as the South Saskatchewan Regiment was the culmination of a series of Militia re-organizations subsequent to the termination of the Great War. However, the regiment had its beginning considerably earlier than that, and in order to obtain a complete picture of the development of the Canadian Militia in Southern Saskatchewan it may be well to recount briefly the history of the first Militia unit organized in the territory now comprising the regimental area of the regiment.
The 20th Border Horse - 1908
While the history of the South Saskatchewan Regiment may, in actual fact, be traced back only to 1915, when the 152nd Battalion C.E.F., was organized, it has certain links connecting it with the 20th Border Horse, a Mounted Infantry Regiment organized in 1908 within the regimental area of the South Saskatchewan Regiment. Headquarters and one squadron of this regiment were located in Manitoba. the remaining three squadrons being alloted to Weyburn, Estevan and Carnduff.
The 152nd Battalion C.E.F. - 1915
During the Great War Militia Regiments, as such, did not (with two or three exceptions) serve in the field. Instead, new units were organized especially for the Canadian Expeditionary Force, though all formed part, for the time being, of the Canadian Militia. Although many officers and men who were past or present members of the pre-war militia units of Southern Saskatchewan joined different units of the C.E.F., it was not until 1915 that a C.E.F. battalion was alloted
to the territory now comprising the regimental area of the South Saskatchewan Regiment. This was the 152nd Battalion C.E.F. Its headquarters were at Weyburn, the Officer Commanding being Lt.-Col. Nelles. The 152nd embarked for overseas on October 3rd, 1916, at a strength of 29 officers and 743 other ranks, but upon reaching England it met the fate common to most of the C.E.F. battalions. It was broken up for reinforcements. Nevertheless the records of its individual members are among the proud traditions of its descendant, the South Saskatchewan Regiment. Most of the officers and 630 of the other ranks saw service in the field, the distribution being as follows:
4th Bn. C.E.F. - 11
5th Bn. C.E.F. - 519
28th Bn. C.E.F. - 61
102nd Bn. C.E.F. - 39
Only 105 remained in the field at the Armistice, the remainder having become casualties.
South Saskatchewan Regiment 3rd and 5th Battalions - 1920
Following the Great War it was decided to increase considerably the proportion of Militia Infantry alloted to Saskatchewan, and a unit known as the South Saskatchewan Regiment, was organized in 1920 with 5 active battalions, of which the 3rd had headquarters at Weyburn, and the 5th at Estevan. Lt.-Col. J.F. Picking commanded the former, while the latter was under the command of Lt.-Col. J.A. Smith. This situation continued until 1924, when a further re-organization took place and the 3rd and 5th battalions of the South Saskatchewan Regiment became separate regiments.
The Weyburn Regiment - 1924
Upon the re-organization in 1924 the 3rd Battalion of the South Saskatchewan Regiment took the name of The Weyburn Regiment, and the command was assumed by Lt.-Col. J.E. McGillivray M.M. In 1929 the Regiment was again re-organized, and a re-allocation of company areas was made. The new officer commanding was Lt.-Col. S.M. Bayles, who continued to guide the destinies of the unit until it was disbanded in 1936. The history of the Weyburn Regiment during the period 1924-36 is one of which any unit might be proud - a record of continuous progress. A high degree of efficiency and espirit de corps was attained, and an officer personnel was developed which was worthy of the best traditions of the Canadian Militia. Especially noteworthy was the large number of expert marksmen trained during this period, and the efficiency of the regimental signal section.
The Saskatchewan Border Regiment - 1924
Like its sister regiment at Weyburn, the Saskatchewan Border Regiment was an off-shoot of the South Saskatchewan Regiment, its immediate forebear being the 5th Battalion of that organization. Its first Officer Commanding was Lt.-Col. J.L. Hart, who was later succeeded by Lt.-Col. S. Dryden D.C.M., an old Imperial soldier, who had served in many parts of the Empire. Upon his retirement, the command was taken over by Major Jas. Mossop. During its earlier years the regiment suffered under the handicap of having its companies scattered over a large area, company headquarters being located at Estevan, Carnduff, Lampman and Neptune. This dispersal was evidently due to a desire to have the regiment conform to its name, as the towns mentioned were spread along the International Border for a distance of about 100 miles. Most of the early years of the regiment's existence were taken up in the effort to minimize the effect of this condition, and the fact that, in spite of so great a handicap, it maintained a high degree of efficiency is due to the earnestness and devotion of its officers and N.C.O.'s Lt.-Col. J.E. Wright was the last Officer Commanding, and under his leadership a great deal was accomplished towards having the activities of the regiment localized at Estevan and its immediate vicinity. Plans were also formulated at this time for the construction of a rifle range, and these plans later came to fruition when the regiment was absorbed into the present unit.
The South Saskatchewan Regiment - 1936
For some years prior to 1936 it was becoming increasingly apparent to National Defense Headquarters that the existing organization of the Canadian Militia was unsuited to the requirements of modern warfare. The number of infantry and cavalry regiments was disproportionately large as compared to artillery and machine guns, and there was a notable lack of tank battalions and armoured car regiments. Infantry regiments, in particular, were found to have regimental areas which could not be expected, in time of war, to provide them with the necessary re-inforcements to maintain them in the field. The General Staff therefore, had been at work for some considerable time upon a scheme of re-organization, which it was decided in 1936 to put into effect.
Among the first units to be affected by the order were the Weyburn Regiment and the Saskatchewan Border Regiment. Early in 1936 these two regiments received instructions to submit plans for amalgamation into one unit, and were to constitute one of the three infantry regiments of the 19th Infantry Brigade. The preliminary work of re-organization was accomplished with a minimum of friction, as the common origin of the two regiments, their close association, and the cordial relations which had always existed between them, made the new arrangement a peculiarly happy one. Almost the only item which occasioned any prolonged discussion was the selection of a name for the new unit, but finally it was agreed upon to revert to the old name of The South Saskatchewan Regiment.
On December 14, 1936 the Weyburn Regiment and the Saskatchewan Border Regiment were disbanded, and on December 15, the South Saskatchewan Regiment came into being. Lt.-Col. S.M. Bayles, formerly Officer Commanding the Weyburn Regiment assumed command of the new unit, while Lt.-Col. J.E. Wright, formerly Officer Commanding the Saskatchewan Border Regiment, was posted as Lt.-Col. Supernumerary. Headquarters and "A" Company were alloted to Weyburn, "B" Company to Estevan, "C" Company to Assiniboia, and "D" Company to Oxbow.
The work of re-organization proceeded throughout 1937. There was a great deal of detail to be carried out, but finally by December of that year the task was considered complete. Lt.-Col. Bayles was then posted to Corps Reserve, and the command of the Regiment reverted to Lt.-Col. J.E. Wright, who holds it at the present time. Headquarters at this time moved to Estevan, the allocation of the other companies remaining as before.
During 1938 "A" Company at Weyburn was fortunate in securing new quarters in the new Canadian Legion Building. "B" Company at Estevan continued to occupy the building formerly leased by the Saskatchewan Border Regiment, and during 1938 arrangements were undertaken to secure suitable quarters at Assiniboia and Oxbow for "C" and "D" Companies.
Alliances
During the period that the Weyburn Regiment and the Saskatchewan Border Regiment functioned as separate units, both regiments became allied with regiments of the British Army. The Weyburn Regiment affiliated with the Royal Warwickshire Regiment, while the allied unit of the Saskatchewan Border Regiment was the Border Regiment. The benefits accruing in both cases from these affiliations were so great that upon amagalmation the members of the two regiments were loath to relinquish them. It was therefore agreed that both alliances should be continued, and this arrangement was finally officially confirmed.
Badges
The question of a regimental badge for the new unit was one which engaged the attention of the officers for a considerable time. The badge of the Weyburn Regiment had been an adaption of the Royal Warwickshire badge, and was officially described as: An antelope standing on an heraldic wreath; below a scroll inscribed "The Weyburn Regiment." The antelope was in white metal, and the remainder of the badge was in bronze.
The Saskatchewan Border Regiment had adopted a badge indicative of its location along the International Border. Etched upon a shield, within a wreath of maple leaves, was a map of North America, with the name of the unit inscribed upon a scroll along the boundary of the U.S. and Canada; the whole surmounted by a beaver.
Upon amalgamation it was desired that the badge of the new regiment should be indicative of traditions of both component units. The Saskatchewan Border Regiment wished to relinquish entirely its former badge, and to substitute therefore elements which would indicate its alliance with the Border Regiment, whose badge conisted mainly of a Maltese cross superimposed upon an eight-point diamond-cut star.
Finally after much deliberation the committee submitted a design, which may be described as follows: Within a circle inscribed "South Saskatchewan Reg't" and Antelope standing on an heraldic wreath, superimposed upon a Maltese cross, superimposed upon an eight-point diamond cut star, the upper point being replaced by an Imperial crown. The design to be executed in white metal and bronze. This badge was officially approved and accepted and is at present being worn.
Perpetuation of the 152nd Battalion C.E.F.
In pursuance of the policy of carrying on the traditions of the units of the Canadian Expeditionary Force by having their names embodied in the titles of different regiments of the Canadian Militia, the 152nd Battalion C.E.F. was alloted to both the Weyburn Regiment and the Saskatchewan Border Regiment, the 1st battalions of each regiment perpetuating this Overseas unit. Upon amalgamation this tradition was, of course, continued. The South Saskatchewan Regiment, therefore, now perpetuates the 152 Battalion C.E.F.
Battle Honours
Under the Canadian regulations for the award of Battle Honours for the Great War, both the Weyburn Regiment and the Saskatchewan Border Regiment became eligible for the Battle Honours won through the services of the officers and men of the 152nd Battalion, a Battle Honour being earned in a battle in which 250 men took part. As the South Saskatchewan Regiment inherits the Battle Honours of its component units, its Battle honours are:
ARRAS 1917
HILL 70
N.P.A.M. Activities
As a member of the Non-Permanent Active Militia of Canada, the unit either as one or two regiments carried on with all branches of activity, including: Annual summer training at various camps; rifle associations; qualifying courses for Officers and N.C.O.'s; Regimental Dinners; Military Balls; supplying guards of honor on numerous occasions; representing the Canadian militia in Southern Saskatchewan in national and patriotic parades and demonstrations.
Mobilization
On September 1, 1939, Lt.-Col. J.E. Wright received orders to mobilize the South Saskatchewan Regiment up to full war strength, with the distinct honor of being the only Infantry Regiment in Saskatchewan to become part of Canada's first two divisions. All officer personnel reported immediately and headquarters was moved to Weyburn, where the Government took over the entire I.H.C. building for a barracks, and part of the new Legion Hall for an officers' mess.
Recruiting commenced at once and men from all over the south country volunteered to serve with the Regiment in the Canadian Active Service Force. In October recruiting was temporarily suspended with the Regiment at a strength of about 600 all ranks.
Throughout the winter training was carried out and a number of qualifying schools for N.C.O.'s were conducted. Every phase of army life was entered into by the Regiment including regular military training, physical training, and entertainment was provided by various organizations from Estevan to Regina.
The Regiment became a familiar sight on the streets of Weyburn and its citizens followed closely its activities and noted the improvement resulting from each successive month of training. Weyburn businessmen, organizations and townspeople spared no effort to make the boys feel at home and as comfortable as possible, also to provide something to help make the hours off duty pass lightly.
With the coming of spring and the authorization to continue recruiting, within a week or two the unit reached full strength - about 950 officers and men. Although all ranks had enjoyed a pleasant winter in Weyburn, the urge was "to get on with the job," nor was there long to wait. With the incoming of hundreds of more recruits about 300 from all ranks were sent as a detachment to the Regina Garrison to continue training; while at Weyburn recruit training commenced all over again and the new volunteers were quicky brought up to a standard only slightly behind the boys who were taken on the previous fall.
Finally at the end of June the unit at Weyburn and the detachment at Regina were moved to Camp Shilo, and there with the Calgary Highlanders and the Queen's Own Camerons of Canada, from Winnipeg, formed the 6th Infantry Brigade, 2nd Division, C.A.S.F.
In this tent city training continued with vigor, particularily field work - which was limited at Weyburn during the winter. With equipment increasing steadily, new and varied activities became possible and all ranks in the Regiment are finding out more and more each day what will be expected of them (...) of the C.A.S.F.
The health of the unit as (...) is extremely good and (w...) so, due to complete outdoor (... go)od food, regular hours and (...) training. The first and only (...) suffered so far was in the (... )ate accidental drowning of Pte. (...) in the Assiniboine river west of Camp, while swimming on July 7. Full military honors were accorded at the funeral, burial taking place in the Soldiers' Plot in Brandon Cemetery.
Since mobilization last fall a large number of officers and N.C.O.'s have completed courses of special instruction in various parts of Dominion, returning to instruct the remainder of the unit. At the present time a number of officers and N.C.O.'s are in England on courses receiving instruction in latest military training.
Camp life is carried out on a very orderly system, which of course is absolutely necessary when large numbers have to be contended with. Revielle at 5:30 is a sonorous medley of bugles, bagpipes and drums, all tending toward the same end, that of rousing from slumber the soundest sleeper in camp, and no doubt for miles around! After an hour for washing and shaving, the bugle again sounds announcing that breakfast is ready and those interested are requested to report to the cookhouse. When the unit arrived in camp everything was under canvas, but since then buildings have been springing up like mushrooms and two large ablution rooms with hot and cold running water, and electric light, provide ample accomodation for washing, shaving and showering. Also two modern kitchens with all the necessary facilities enable the cooks to feed the hundreds of men in the unit three times a day. At present the men parade by the kitchens with the necessary utensils and receive their food, which can be consumed on the spot or taken into large marquees, which serve as mess halls until the new ones of a permanent nature are completed. Shilo winds, sand and hot sun together with the remarks of those eating combine to make mealtimes very interesting, to anyone bothering to notice.
Following breakfast there is an interval in which kits are lined up, when everything in the tents is brought out and neatly arranged in long straight lines so methodically that it would make many a soldier's mother cry with joy to think that the youngster she used to follow around, not so many years ago picking things up and putting them in there proper places, could do so fine a job.
Then comes the training periods which vary according to time of day and unit or sub-unit concerned. Well developed muscles flexing under sun-tanned skin are evident as the P.T. period gets under way; fierce looks, raucous whoops and flashing steel denote bayonet drill; the loud voice of the Sergeant-Major and the snappy movement of a body of men is found where squad drill is in progress; weird and grotesque face-pieces indicate that anti-gas training is going on and that respirators have been adjusted; sharp blasts on whistles from the distance, and troops moving cautiously through wooded areas, or deployed out in open spaces, convey notice that field tactics are going on; the staccato bark of the machine-guns and the intermittent reports of rifle fire are heard from practice ranges where marksmanship is being striven for. All these sights and sounds and many more are to be seen and heard every day as training proceeds towards the ultimate end of being ready when the time comes to prove more than equal to the enemy.
Night comes, and again the bugles sounds, Last Post and Lights Out echo back from surrounding bluffs, the atmosphere becomes definitely cooler, and quiet prevails, for sleep is good after a day in the army.
Church parade on Sundays finds the entire camp taking part in one huge service outdoors with a public address system carrying the voice of the Chaplain to everyone. Pay parades twice monthly prove to be the most popular of all, and every man in the Regiment reports without fail!
When the Regiment is moving and to where is, of course, not known, but is a current topic for discussion, and very few possible dates or places have been omitted! However, when the time does come, wherever its destination may be, or whatever task is alloted to it, the SOUTH SASKATCHEWAN REGIMENT is ready to do its part for the Empire and Canada, and no doubt will conduct itself in a manner that Southern Saskatchewan may well be proud of.
Digitization by Barb Dodd, Estevan Public Library Branch.