History Browser

From 1867 to 1904, the militia system was commanded by British General Officers who were often in conflict with Canadian Defence Ministers over matters of appointments, budgets, and the role played by Canada’s forces in the Empire. During this period small improvements were made in the staff system and the training of officers.

Major Arthur L. (Gat) Howard accepted the position of machine gun officer in the 1st Canadian Mounted Rifles (later called the Royal Canadian Dragoons). Instead of returning home from the South African War with his unit in December 1900, Howard organized the Canadian Scouts and took command of the unit.

The attempt by Canadian military authorities to impose a British military tradition on the whole of the population during the years following Confederation in 1867 led to a lack of support by Francophones for the Militia. Each linguistic community mistrusted the other's motives.

Lord Dundonald fell afoul of the Canadian government’s patronage system over the appointment of a Regimental commander and by speaking out publicly against the government in the 1904 election campaign. His dismissal was used by the new government to establish a Militia Council reporting directly to the Minister of Militia and Defence. Direct Canadian political control of the militia was now established.

Lieutenant-Colonel William D. Otter became the first Canadian-born officer to command this country’s military. As commanding officer of the 2nd Battalion, Royal Canadian Regiment of Infantry in South Africa, his no nonsense, no frills approach to soldiering brought him into conflict with the less disciplined ways of his officers and men, but his austere professionalism got results.

Recommended as the best man in Canada to lead a unit in South Africa by the North West Mounted Police, Samuel B. Steele took command of Strathcona’s Horse in 1899. After taking the unit back to Canada early in 1901, Steele returned to South Africa that same year to command a division of the South African Constabulary until 1906. He later commanded Canadian formations in England during the First World War.

In 1900, Canada raised the 3rd (Special Service) Battalion of the Royal Canadian Regiment (RCR) to replace the British garrison in Halifax. The last British garrisons of Halifax and Esquimalt were withdrawn from Canada in 1905 and 1906. The Militia Council, formed in 1904, took control of the militia from British command. A decision was taken to establish a unique Canadian military identity, reflected in distinct uniforms and a different rifle from British imperial troops.

The rise of Germany forced the British Empire to concentrate on home matters, accelerating the withdrawal of overseas garrisons. The Dominions were asked to contribute to the Empire’s defence, but Canada and Australia blocked attempts over the issue of control of troop contributions. In 1907, they did agree to participate in an Imperial General Staff system to develop common defence plans.

Charles W. Drury was known as the ‘Father of Modern Field Artillery in Canada’ for his many innovations. He accompanied the first Canadian contingent to study military developments during the South African War.

Under Lieutenant-Colonel T.D.B. Evans' leadership the Canadian Mounted Rifles carried out some very successful actions, including the seizure of a key hill at Leliefontein on 7 November 1900 that prevented the Boers from trapping a British force.