The Royal Canadian Horse Artillery is the name given to the regular field artillery units of the Canadian Army. RCHA units are the senior units of the Canadian land field force, with a history dating back to the birth of Canada as a nation. 'A' and 'B' Batteries of Garrison Artillery were formed as the first units of Canada's permanent military force in 1871 in Kingston and Quebec City respectively, with a third ('C' Battery) authorized in 1883 and formed in 1887 in Esquimalt. These bore the name of the Regiment of Canadian Artillery, with the Royal Canadian Artillery being formed as the militia element in 1895. In 1905, to distinguish between the regular force and militia, the regulars were given the title Royal Canadian Horse Artillery. Today, the regular force encompasses three RCHA regiments:
- 1st Regiment, RCHA: this is the descendant of the original batteries of artillery formed in 1871, and is thus the senior Regular unit in the Canadian army. 1 RCHA was forward deployed in Germany as part of Canadian Forces Europe for 25 years between 1967, and the final Canadian withdrawal from Europe in 1993. Currently, this regiment is part of Land Force Western Area's 1 Canadian Mechanized Brigade Group.
- 2nd Regiment, RCHA: 2 RCHA was formed in 1950 for service in the Korean War. 2RCHA is part of Land Force Central Area's 2 Canadian Mechanized Brigade Group.
- 5e Régiment d'artillerie légère du Canada: 5 RALC is the francophone element of the regular artillery, and was formed in 1968. 5 RALC is part of Land Force Quebec Area's 5 Canadian Mechanized Brigade Group.
In addition to the three regiments currently serving, two further regiments have served in the past prior to being disbanded:
- 3rd Regiment, RCHA: originally formed as 79th Field Regiment, RCA, this regiment received its name in 1953 during the reorganization of the Canadian Army as a result of Canada's NATO commitments. 3 RCHA was reduced to nil strength in 1992 following the downsizing of the Land Force, and was replaced at CFB Shilo by 1 RCHA on its return from Germany.
- 4th Regiment, RCHA: originally 81st Field Regiment, RCA, this regiment became part of the Royal Canadian Horse Artillery at the same time as 3 RCHA in 1953. 4 RCHA was primarily stationed at CFB Petawawa until 1970 when, following the formation of 5 RALC, it was reduced to nil strength and replaced by 2 RCHA.
Read more about Royal Canadian Horse Artillery: Affiliations
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