The 10th Armoured Regiment, officially known as the Fort Garry Horse, was a distinguished Canadian armoured unit that originated from Winnipeg, Manitoba. This regiment was a vital component of the 2nd Canadian Armoured Brigade and played a crucial role in Allied operations during World War II, most notably during the D-Day landings.
Who Were the Fort Garry Horse?
The Fort Garry Horse earned its reputation as an effective and reliable armoured regiment within the Canadian military. Based out of Winnipeg, Manitoba, their official designation as the 10th Armoured Regiment solidified their position as a key force in armoured warfare.
Structure and Role
As part of the 2nd Canadian Armoured Brigade, the Fort Garry Horse contributed significantly to the overall strength and strategic capabilities of the Canadian Army. Armoured brigades like theirs were essential for providing mobile firepower, protection, and tactical support to infantry units on the battlefield.
Critical Involvement on D-Day
One of the most significant moments in the regiment's history was its participation in the D-Day invasion on June 6, 1944. On this pivotal day, the 10th Armoured Regiment provided crucial armoured support to the 8th Canadian Infantry Brigade during the Allied landings in Normandy. Their presence was instrumental in helping the infantry overcome German defenses and establish beachheads.
The Fort Garry Horse specifically supported the following infantry regiments of the 8th Canadian Infantry Brigade on D-Day:
- The Queen's Own Rifles of Canada: A Toronto-based infantry regiment.
- Le Régiment de la Chaudière: A French-speaking infantry regiment from Quebec.
- The North Shore (New Brunswick) Regiment: An infantry regiment from New Brunswick.
This direct support was vital for the infantry as they advanced from the beaches, helping to neutralize enemy strongpoints and provide cover in the intense fighting that followed the initial assault.
Key Details of the 10th Armoured Regiment (Fort Garry Horse)
To summarize the core identity and role of this unit, consider the following details:
| Aspect | Detail |
|---|---|
| Official Designation | 10th Armoured Regiment |
| Commonly Known As | The Fort Garry Horse |
| Origin Location | Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada |
| Primary Affiliation | 2nd Canadian Armoured Brigade |
| Noteworthy Engagement | D-Day (June 6, 1944) |
| Role on D-Day | Provided armoured support to the 8th Canadian Infantry Brigade |
| Infantry Units Supported on D-Day | The Queen's Own Rifles of Canada, Le Régiment de la Chaudière, The North Shore (New Brunswick) Regiment |
The Fort Garry Horse thus represents a significant chapter in Canadian military history, embodying the bravery and critical contributions of Canadian armoured forces during World War II.
