See Timeline home page for references.
1900-1904|1905-1909|1910-1914|1915-1919 |1920-1924
April 14 – Sergeant Albert Beattie dies of enteric fever in South Africa while serving in the Special Service Battalion of the Royal Canadian Regiment during the South African War.
May 8 – Name changed to 2nd Regiment “Queen’s Own Rifles of Canada” (Militia Order 105/1900) [2] p375
November 7th – Canadian Contingent in the Royal Canadian Regiment of Infantry head to England.
November 29 – Canadian Contingent in the Royal Canadian Regiment of Infantry reach England while there they were inspected by Queen Victoria at age 81 this would be one of her last public appearances.
December 22 – Canadian Contingent in the Royal Canadian Regiment of Infantry reach Halifax. There the 2nd (Special Service) Battalion was disbanded.
1901
February 2 – A regimental Memorial Service for Queen Victoria held at St Andrew’s Church. [2] p80
March 26 – Lieutenant Colonel Henry Pellatt replaces Delamere as Commanding Officer [2] p344
April – A military tournament and horse show stage at the Amouries during a week in April [2] p80
May 23-26 – Visited Camp Niagara. Each man contributed $2.50 [2]p80
1902
Rev E.C. Cayley succeeds Rev G. E. Lloyd as chaplain [2] p81
April 30 – Regiment holds training and plans for trip to London.
July 7 – Commanded by Lieutenant Colonel Henry Pellatt, the King Edward VII Coronation contingent including the Queen’s Own Rifles Band, is under canvas at Alexander Park, London.
May 24 – London, Ontario was visited by the Regiment [2] p81
June 23 – Toronto streetcar employees go on strike and regiment is called out in aid to civil power. Strike ends at 9pm without incident [2] p81
1903
May 24 – Queen’s Own and 13th Battalion of Hamilton visit Brantford for the unveiling of a local South African War memorial [2] p82
May 24 – General Order No. 24 officially named the Toronto Brigade as consisting of The Queen’s Own Rifles, the Royal Grenadiers and the 48th Highlanders [2] p82
September 29 – A detachment of 70 men and 3 officers under (then) Major Malcolm Mercer and also troops from the Royal Grenadiers and the 48th Highlanders, travels to Sault Ste Marie to quell potential riots of employees of the Consolidated Lake Superior Company who had not been paid [2] p82
For more information on the Sault Ste Marie Riots
October 2 – Detachment arrives home from Sault Ste Marie [2] p82
1904
October 24 – The regiment parade for a trip to Buffalo as guest of the 74th Regiment of the National Guard, with a strength of 716 [2] p82
Average attendance at Spring drills was 703 [2] p82
74th Regiment visits Toronto, camps at Garrison Common and on Sunday attended service at St James Cathedral [2] p82
1906
April 26 – 890 strong regiment departs for New York City on two special trains to visit the 12th Regiment of New York and participate in a military tournament held at Madison Square Gardens [2] p83
May 1 – Reorganized into two battalions (General Order 72/06). Lieutenant Colonel P.L. Mason commanded 1st Battalion and Lieutenant Colonel E.F. Gunther the 2nd Battalion [2] p375
1907
Sergeants’ Mess started a building fund [2] p84
April 15 – Future Governor General Vincent Massey enlists in the Queen’s Own Rifles [2] p85
1908
February 4 – QOR Chapter, Imperial Order of the Daughters of the Empire was formed. [2] p84
April 1 – Regimental Order No. 3 authorized the formation of a machine gun (Maxim) detachment, maximum 25 all ranks, and signal corps of the same size. The regiment already had a Pioneer Section and a Stretcher Bearer Section. [2] p84
July 19 – Toronto Brigade leaves for Quebec Tercentenary. QOR is limited to one battalion of ten companies. [2] p83
For more information on the Quebec Tercentenary
July 24 – Tercentenary Review is held with the Prince of Wales taking the salute and the Queen’s Own Rifles led by Honorary Colonel Field Marshall Lord Roberts [2] p84
November 21 – IODE hosts the regiment at a party and fun fair throughout the afternoon and evening [2] p84
June 18 – Semi-Centennial garden party hosted by Sir Henry and Lady Pellatt on the lawn in front of the grandstand at Exhibition Place, at 3:30 pm. Some ten thousand attended the party. In the evening a “smoker” held at the armouries was attended by some 2000 men. Smokers were informal events where smoking was allowed, military bands provided the music, and tobacco, a souvenir clay “dabber” and a pipe with the Q.O.R. crest were given to each man.
June 19 – Church parade of current (835) and past members (approximately 2,000 including 17 from the Battle of Ridgeway) of the Regiment from University Armouries to the University of Toronto quadrangle for a church service.
June 20 – Unveiling of the memorial stained glass windows at the University of Toronto at 4:30 pm (a replacement window for the one lost during the fire which destroyed the building in 1890. )
June 20 – First night of the QOR’s Historical Pageant at Exhibition Grandstand which included a cast of 1,200 people including 400 children and 36 Iroquois from Brantford.
The first evening’s performance was marred by an accident which resulted in the death of a young QOR rifleman, Rifleman John Reginald Thorn, son of Sergeant Major J.O. Thorn. Thorn, 20 years old, was an actor in the scene portraying the Upper Canada Rebellion. While waiting in the wings for his scene, the fusillade for the battle of Queenston Heights startled his horse, which reared and fell down, rolling over Thorn. His injuries were not thought severe at first, but after being taken to the hospital tent it was discovered that the pommel of the saddle had seriously and fatally injured him.
June 21 – There was a free streetcar ride through the city for QOR veterans, it started at 2.30pm, leaving Church and King streets it did a loop around the city.
June 21 – Second evening of the Historical Pageant.
June 21 – Dinner for members of the Northwest Field Force with General Otter.
June 22 – Third evening of the Historical Pageant.
June 23 – Third and final evening of the Historical Pageant. Sir Henry Pellatt also hosted a complimentary banquet for the Iroquois participants at the grandstand after the performance.
June 24 – QOR Grand Ball held at the Transportation Building (in 2023 The Beanfield Centre) at Exhibition Park. The City Street Railway ran to 3 a.m. to take attendees home
June 26 – Funeral for Rifleman Thorn who was buried in Mt Pleasant Cemetery.
June 29 – Companies organized for the English Trip.
July 13 – Uniforms issued for the English Trip.
July 14 – The City of Toronto Council passed a commendation on July 14th to thank Sir Henry for the Reunion Week’s celebrations.
August 10 – Farewell send-off for English trip held at the armouries with 3,000 friends and families present.
August 13 – QOR 1910 trip Battalion leaves Toronto: march from the Armouries to train station departed at 10:30 pm and the trains at 11:30 pm.
For more information visit: https://qormuseum.org/history/timeline-1900-1924/1910-50th-anniversary-trip-to-england/
August 2 – Colour Sergeant William Henry Greet, who had been in England competing in the Bisley shooting tournament with the Canadian Rifle Team, dies of enteric fever.
1912
February 20 – Lieutenant Colonel Malcolm Smith Mercer replaces Henry Pellatt as Commanding Officer [2] p344
December – first meeting of the Maple Leaf Club
1914
February 21 – Allied with The Buffs, Royal East Kent Regiment [Militia Order No 85]
Major General Sir William Otter authors ”The Guide: A Manual for the Canadian Militia (Infantry) Embracing the Interior Economy, Duties, Discipline, Drills and Parades, Dress, Books, and Correspondence of a Battalion with Regulations for Marches, Transport & Encampment, Also Forms & Bugle Calls“ (Note this may have been the third edition – may originally have been published in 1909 – Ed.)
August 4 – Germany invades Belgium
August 22 – The QOR of C contingent left for Valcartier in total there was 32 Officers and 760 other ranks that travelled to join the Canadian Expeditionary Force.
Lieutenant Colonel Mercer promoted to Brigadier to command of 1st Canadian Infantry Brigade (1st, 2nd, 3rd and 4th Battalions)
August 29 – Second QOR of C contingent left for Valcartier a total of 4 Officers and 252 other ranks.
September 2 – 3rd Battalion, Canadian Expeditionary Force created under Camp Order 241 See the following for further details on the 3rd (Toronto) Battalion, Canadian Expeditionary Force
September 25 – 3rd Battalion embarked at Quebec aboard RMS TUNISIAN with 42 officers and 1123 other ranks. One man fell overboard and another was operated on unnecessarily for appendicitis.
October 16 – 3rd Battalion disembarks in England
November 4 – Royal Inspection by King George V and Queen Mary, accompanied by Field Marshal Lord Roberts (who was Honorary Colonel of the Queen’s Own Rifles at the time) and Lord Kitchener, Secretary of State for War, Mercer recorded their comments in his diary: “No finer physique in the British Army. A fine brigade. Splendid.”
November 14 – Honorary Colonel Field Marshal Earl Roberts dies [2] p343
February 9 – Mercer was promoted to full Colonel
February 11 – 3rd Battalion arrives in St Nazaire, France [2] p117
March 2 – Mercer received temporary promotion to Brigadier General
April 22 – First gas attack at Ypres
April 23 to 27 – 3rd Battalion rushed to provide reinforcements. C and D companies under Major A. E. Kirkpatrick (QOR) hold the line near St Julien. Casualties: 16 officers and 460 other ranks [2] p119
May 21 to 31- 3rd Battalion in action at Festubert. Casualties: 8 officers and 182 other ranks [2] p119
November 17 – Lieutenant Colonel Robert Rennie promoted to Brigadier General and appointed General Officer Commanding 4th Canadian Infantry Brigade.Lieutenant Colonel W. D. Allan, DSO takes command of 3rd Battalion [2] p119
December 4 – Mercer promoted temporary Major General and appointed General Officer Commanding of the new 3rd Canadian Division
April 8 – General Sir William Dillon Otter becomes Honorary Colonel of the Queen’s Own Rifles [2] p343
September – 3rd Battalion Band formed: its composite air was `The March of the Buffs’, `British Grenadiers’ and `Men of Harlech’.
1916
June 2/3 – Major General Malcolm S. Mercer is killed while on reconnaissance mission in the front lines near Mount Sorrel. He becomes the highest ranking Canadian soldier ever killed in action to this day.
June 2 – Brigadier General Robert Rennie replaces Mercer as Commanding Officer of the Queen’s Own Rifles [2] p344
June 13 – 3rd Battalion participates in attack on Mount Sorrel. Casualties: 16 officers and 412 other ranks [2] p120
August to October – 3rd Battalion in Battle of the Somme. Casualties: 27 officers and 682 men [2] p120
October – Lieutenant Colonel William Donald Allan taken ill as a result of an old wound and is invalided to England where he died October 1st. Lieutenant Colonel J. B. Rogers, MC (QOR) takes over command of the 3rd Battalion. [2] p120
1917
April 9 – 3rd Battalion participates in the attack on Vimy Ridge successfully reaching their objectives and capturing four guns. (See War Diaries transcription.) Casualties: 6 officers and 179 other ranks. [2] p120. One of those officers was Major Walter Eyre Curry.
May 3 – 3rd Battalion attacks at Fresnoy and secures objective. Causaulties: 12 officers and 245 other ranks [2] p121
August ? – 3rd Battalion attacks Hill 70. Casualties: 117 [2] p121
November 6 – 3rd Battalion launches a successful attack at Passchendaele. A Company is led by CSM Williams when all the officers are killed. Corporal Colin Barron of D Company will be awarded the Victoria Cross for his actions in this operation. Casualties: 9 officers and 254 other ranks [2] p121
1918
August 8 to 9 – 3rd Battalion attacks at Amiens and then advances 10 miles. Casualties: 16 officers and 235 other ranks [2] p122
August 30 – 3rd Battalion attack on Vis-en-Artois and then on September 2 on Procourt-Quéant Line. Casualties from both actions: 18 officers and 334 other ranks [2] p122
September 27 – 3rd Battalion takes part in Battle of Cambrai achieving its objectives and capturing 28 heavy guns. Captain G. F. Kerr will be awarded the Victoria Cross for his actions. Casualties: 11 officers and 183 other ranks [2] p123
November 11 – Armistice comes into effect at 11:00 am while the 3rd Battalion is resting at Montigny [2] p123
November 13 – 3rd Battalion under major D.H.C. Mason commences the 250 mile march to the Rhine. [2] p123
December 4 – 3rd Battalion enters Germany [2] p123
December 9 – 3rd Battalion advance party reaches the Rhine River [2] p123
December 13 – 3rd Battalion (with the rest of the 1st Division) crosses the Rhine and is billeted in the Wahn Dynamite factory, 10 miles south east of Cologne [2] p123
1919
Early January – Week Mess luncheons were started in order that returning QOR officers might meet and renew acquaintance.
January 10 – 3rd Battalion entrains for Belgium where they remain for two more months [2] p123
March 18 – 3rd Battalion entrained for Le Havre, France [2] p123
March 22 – 3rd Battalion arrives in England and returns to the Bramshott camp and eight days leave granted to everyone [2] p123
April 14 – Again under the command of Lieutenant Colonel J. B. Rogers, CMG, SDO, MC, the 3rd Battalion embarks on the SS Olympic (sister ship to the Titanic) [2] p123 [See the National Film Boards video clip of Canadian Troops, which would have included the 3rd Battalion, and the SS Olympic]
April 21 – 3rd Battalion arrives back in Halifax, Canada and boards trains head west
April 23 – 31 officers and 694 other ranks of the 3rd Battalion arrive in Toronto to crowds of welcoming family, friends and neighbours to be officially demobilized. Those returnees included only 2 original officers, 6 officers who had been in the ranks at the start of the war, and 32 original other ranks. [2] p123
April 29 – The QOR Chapter of the IODE (Imperial Order of the Daughters of the Empire) gave a ball a the King Edward Hotel to honour returning officers [2] p125
October 10 – A smoker was held in the Armouries at which some thousand
attended. The bands, which throughout [WWI] had kept their organization
intact, played at this affair [2] p125
February 18 – So well entrenched did this rumour become [that the QOR would be subsumed by the 3rd Toronto Regiment] that a meeting was held at Casa Loma, presided over by Sir Henry Pellatt. This meeting was attended by The Queen’s Own officers and by ex-3rd Battalion and other Canadian Expeditionary Force unit officers who remained loyal to the old regiment. A brief was prepared on the matter and forwarded to General Sir Arthur Currie. [2] p126
May 1 – General Order 66 reorganized the Canadian militia. The Queen’s Own Rifles would continue as a regiment but dropped the “2nd Toronto” from their name [2] p126
September 15 – 3rd Canadian Infantry Battalion formally disbanded by General Order 149/20
October 1 – Regimental Headquarters authorized (General Order 161/20) [2] p375
1921
April 16 – In the presence of a large crowd and many notable Canadians, a memorial plaque was unveiled at the University Armouries by the Prime Minster, the Right Honourable Aurthur Meighan. (With the demolition of the armouries, the plaque was later moved to the Moss Park Armouries) [2] p126/7 Major Gordon A. Sampson was the chair of the Memorial Plaque Committee who commissioned Miss Frances Loring to execute the design and its casting in bronze. Cost to the officers was approximately $750. [1965 letter from Gordon A. Sampson.]
November 11 – The Remembrance Day parade includes 2,763 QOR and ex-QOR participants [2] p127/8
1923
May 26 – Provided Guard of Honour for Lord Byng of Vimy
1924
May 7 – Regimental theatre night held to view “The Dumbells”, the Canadian Army show of World War I. [2] p129
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