The Essex and Kent Scottish - The Essex Scottish Regiment

The Essex Scottish Regiment

On June 12, 1885, The Essex Scottish Regiment was created as a part of the Canadian militia, then named The 21st Essex Battalion of Infantry. It would be composed of five infantry companies, which were formed between the years 1860 and 1885 in Essex County. Major John Richardson of Leamington Ontario was the first commanding officers of this regiment. It is from this date that the unbroken lineage of Essex and Kent Scottish Regiment begins. Throughout the next few decades the name of this regiment would change several times. On 4 February 1887 the regiment was renamed the 21st battalion Essex Fusiliers. Three years later the name was changed again to the 21st Regiment Essex Fusiliers on 8 May 1900. The final name for this regiment would be the Essex Scottish regiment which took effect 15 July 1927. Prior to the First World War the regiment as a whole did not see combat. Although it did not see any real action they trained very hard to go to war during the Louis Riel rebellion in 1885, and also sent several troops to Africa during the Boer war in 1900. Over 100 troops from the 21st Battalion Essex Fusiliers volunteered to serve in Africa only 16 positions were given to the regiment. This small group of men were to serve with the 2nd Special Service Battalion of the Royal Canadian Regiment of Infantry. Of the sixteen men sent to Africa two did not return.