The Cameron Highlanders of Ottawa - The Regimental Identity

The Regimental Identity

The regimental Motto is "Advance". The 43rd Ottawa and Carleton Battalion of Rifles was first permitted to adopt the motto "Advance" and to bear the same upon its appointments in accordance with General Order - 82 dated 13 January 1882. This motto has been perpetuated by all successors to the 43rd, including the regiment today. It is also the motto of the City of Ottawa. The Camerons are proudly known as Ottawa's regiment, and they hold the Freedom of the City of Ottawa.

The Regimental Badge or crest is laid out as follows: within a wreath of thistles and maple leaves, the figure of St Andrew with cross is shown standing on a mount charged with a plaque inscribed ADVANCE. On the lower bend of the wreath there are two rolls, the upper inscribed THE CAMERON HIGHLANDERS the lower OF OTTAWA (M.G.). A new recruit to the regiment is given their Balmoral bonnet headdress and their Camerons cap badge upon completion of their Soldier Qualification course. Following the completion of their DP1 Infantry course, they are given the blue hackle that sits between the tartan patch and the cap badge, and extends out the top of the badge. The badging ceremony is the point at which the soldier can truly consider themselves a part of the regiment.

During the change of command parade in Ottawa on 20 October 2007, the outgoing Commanding Officer Lieutenant-Colonel "Bud" Walsh presented a new regimental pipe banner for the Pipe Major. In simple terms, a pipe banner is a heraldic flag flown from the large bass drone of the bagpipes. They are used by clan chiefs, chieftains, lairds and military officers of certain rank. Tradition has it that battalion commanders and other senior officers have a 'following' of soldiers and are thus of the status of a 'laird'. In a military context, the banner may show the badge of the regiment on one side and a personal device on the other side although the practice varies from regiment to regiment.

When the Pipes & Drums are on parade with the Commanding Officer, the Pipe-Major usually carries the Commanding Officer’s banner. On more formal events, the Pipe-Major will carry his own banner that represents The Queen’s and Regimental Colours.

As a Highland regiment, the dress uniform of the Camerons differs from most Canadian Forces regiments. The Camerons wear traditional Scottish Kilts in a tartan unique to the Cameron Highlanders of the Canadian and British forces. The Canadian Forces tunic is cut in a manner that the tunic curves outwards and downwards above where a belt buckle would rest. In addition to the kilt, the soldiers of the Camerons wear a leather sporran, and oxford shoes and lovat hose with red tabs in lieu of ankle boots. Higher orders of dress include white spats, a white sporran (Hair Sporran for Officers and Senior NCOs), and a white belt. The regiment also possesses traditional scarlet uniforms and feather bonnets that are worn for ceremonial purpose such as guard formations and the annual Remembrance Day parade.

Many of the Cameron Highlanders of Ottawa also wear Regimental rings emblazoned with the Regimental Crest. While most are sterling silver, a few members have had gold rings made using the same pattern.

A Regimental Coin was issued in 2007 by the outgoing Commanding Officer Lieutenant-Colonel "Bud" Walsh as a gift to the members and officers serving, and a remembrance of those Camerons who have fallen in the line of duty. The coin, designed by Regimental Sergeant Major (Chief Warrant Officer) Jim Seguin, is inscribed with the Regimental Crest on one side, and the Thistle topped by Crown on the reverse with a serial number.