| 19th Canadian Army Field Regiment, RCA | |
|---|---|
| Active | August, 1941 to December, 1945. |
| Country | Canada |
| Allegiance | Canada |
| Branch | Canadian Forces |
| Type | Artillery |
| Nickname | Hell on Wheels |
| Motto | Ubique. Quo fas et gloria ducunt. (Everywhere. Whither right and glory lead) |
| Engagements | World War II |
| Commanders | |
| Notable commanders |
Commanders |
The 19th Canadian Army Field Regiment (Self Propelled) Royal Canadian Artillery (RCA) was a Field Artillery regiment in the Canadian Armed Forces during the Second World War. They would see action in France, Belgium, and the Netherlands, before ending the war in Germany. It was commonly referred to as The 19th Field Regiment or The 19th Army Field Regiment.
Contents |
The 19th Field received its mobilizing orders in August 1941, for three batteries to be formed from the three Reserve Brigade areas in Military District No. 1.[1] The batteries were the 55th Field Battery (London, Ontario), the 63rd Field Battery (Guelph, Ontario), and the 99th Field Battery (Wingham, Ontario). From September 1941 to July 1943, the 19th Field was brought up to full strength and received training at Camp Borden, Ontario; Shilo, Manitoba; Prince Rupert, British Columbia; and Petawawa, Ontario.
During this time, they trained first with 18 pounders, 4.5" howitzers, and finally, what would become their main armament in Europe, the 25 pounder RAM, better known as the Sexton.
On 5 July 1943, the 19th Field received orders to move overseas. They left Halifax on 21 July on board the RMS Queen Elizabeth and arrived in Greenrock 27 July 1943 and fell under the command of the 2nd Canadian Corps.[2] On 19 October 1943, the 19th Field was briefly transferred to the command of the 5th Canadian Armoured Division before once again being transferred to the 3rd Canadian Infantry Division when the 5th was moved to the Italian Campaign.[3] Between July, 1943 and May, 1944, the 19th Field would begin training for the coming invasion of mainland Europe and exchanged their Sextons for American M7 Priests, which were self-propelled 25 pounders, similar to the Sexton.
While in England, the 19th took part in several training operations, but specifically "Exercise Savvy". It was the first divisional training exercise the regiment took part in, which focused on the firing of artillery on ships towards coastal targets and landing on beaches under fire.[4] While in England, the 19th Field was also inspected by General Bernard Montgomery on 28 February 1944, and King George VI on 25 April 1944, in the prelude to the invasion of Europe.[5]
On 23 May 1944, the 19th Field's camp was sealed for security reasons and plans were finalized for Operation Overlord: the long awaited invasion of German occupied France. The final preparations were made as all vehicles were waterproofed and ammunition was brought up. On 1 June 1944, the 19th Field moved to its marshalling areas in Gosport and Southampton before embarking on the longest day.[6]