Canadian 4th Armoured Division
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The 4th Canadian Division is a formation of the
Canadian Army The Canadian Army () is the command (military formation), command responsible for the operational readiness of the conventional ground forces of the Canadian Armed Forces. It maintains regular forces units at bases across Canada, and is also re ...
. It is currently responsible for Canadian Army operations in the
Canadian province Canada has ten provinces and three territories that are sub-national administrative divisions under the jurisdiction of the Constitution of Canada, Canadian Constitution. In the 1867 Canadian Confederation, three provinces of British North Amer ...
of
Ontario Ontario is the southernmost Provinces and territories of Canada, province of Canada. Located in Central Canada, Ontario is the Population of Canada by province and territory, country's most populous province. As of the 2021 Canadian census, it ...
and is headquartered at
Denison Armoury Lieutenant-Colonel George Taylor Denison III Armoury, commonly known as Denison Armoury, is a Canadian Armed Forces facility located at 1 Yukon Lane in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. It is in the northeastern corner of Downsview Airport, just west of t ...
in Toronto.Official LFCA-JTFC Web Site
/ref> The division was first created as a formation of the
Canadian Corps The Canadian Corps was a World War I corps formed from the Canadian Expeditionary Force in September 1915 after the arrival of the 2nd Canadian Division in France. The corps was expanded by the addition of the 3rd Canadian Division in December 19 ...
during the
First World War World War I or the First World War (28 July 1914 – 11 November 1918), also known as the Great War, was a World war, global conflict between two coalitions: the Allies of World War I, Allies (or Entente) and the Central Powers. Fighting to ...
. During the
Second World War World War II or the Second World War (1 September 1939 – 2 September 1945) was a World war, global conflict between two coalitions: the Allies of World War II, Allies and the Axis powers. World War II by country, Nearly all of the wo ...
the division was reactivated as the 4th Canadian Infantry Division in 1941 and then converted to armour and redesignated as the 4th Canadian (Armoured) Division. Beginning in 1916 the division adopted a distinctive green-coloured formation patch as its insignia. In 2013 it was announced that Land Force Central Area would be redesignated 4th Canadian Division.


History


First World War

The 4th Canadian Division was formed in
Britain Britain most often refers to: * Great Britain, a large island comprising the countries of England, Scotland and Wales * The United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, a sovereign state in Europe comprising Great Britain and the north-eas ...
in April 1916 from several existing units and others scheduled to arrive shortly thereafter. Under the command of Major-general David Watson, the Division embarked for France in August of that year where they served both in the Western Front in France and in
Flanders Flanders ( or ; ) is the Dutch language, Dutch-speaking northern portion of Belgium and one of the communities, regions and language areas of Belgium. However, there are several overlapping definitions, including ones related to culture, la ...
until
Armistice Day Armistice Day, later known as Remembrance Day in the Commonwealth of Nations, Commonwealth and Veterans Day in the United States, is commemorated every year on 11 November to mark Armistice of 11 November 1918, the armistice signed between th ...
. The 4th Canadian Division was a part of the
Canadian Corps The Canadian Corps was a World War I corps formed from the Canadian Expeditionary Force in September 1915 after the arrival of the 2nd Canadian Division in France. The corps was expanded by the addition of the 3rd Canadian Division in December 19 ...
in the
Battle of Vimy Ridge The Battle of Vimy Ridge was part of the Battle of Arras, in the Pas-de-Calais department of France, during the First World War. The main combatants were the four divisions of the Canadian Corps in the First Army, against three divisions of ...
, which attacked and defeated the Germans, driving them from the ridge. As a result, the Canadians became known as masters of offensive warfare and an elite fighting force. In the
Battle of Vimy Ridge The Battle of Vimy Ridge was part of the Battle of Arras, in the Pas-de-Calais department of France, during the First World War. The main combatants were the four divisions of the Canadian Corps in the First Army, against three divisions of ...
in April 1917, the 4th Canadian Division was given the job of capturing
Hill 145 A hill is a landform that extends above the surrounding terrain. It often has a distinct summit, and is usually applied to peaks which are above elevation compared to the relative landmass, though not as prominent as mountains. Hills fall unde ...
, the highest and most important feature of
Vimy Ridge The Battle of Vimy Ridge was part of the Battle of Arras, in the Pas-de-Calais department of France, during the First World War. The main combatants were the four divisions of the Canadian Corps in the First Army, against three divisions of ...
. However, when they attempted to capture the hill, they were hampered by fire from the "Pimple", which was the other prominent height at Vimy Ridge. To capture Hill 145, forces which were supposed to attack the Pimple were redeployed and captured Hill 145.


Infantry units

10th Canadian Brigade: * 44th (Manitoba) Battalion Canadian Infantry. April 1916 – 11 November 1918. (Re-designated New Brunswick in August 1918); * 46th (South Saskatchewan) Battalion Canadian Infantry. April 1916 – 11 November 1918; * 47th (British Columbia) Battalion Canadian Infantry. April 1916 – 11 November 1918. (Re-designated West Ontario in February 1918); * 50th (Calgary) Battalion Canadian Infantry. April 1916 – 11 November 1918. 11th Canadian Brigade: * 54th (Kootenay) Battalion Canadian Infantry. April 1916 – 11 November 1918; * 75th (Mississauga) Battalion Canadian Infantry. April 1916 – 11 November 1918; * 87th (Canadian Grenadier Guards) Battalion Canadian Infantry. June 1916 – 11 November 1918 (transferred from 12th Canadian Brigade); * 102nd (North British Columbia) Battalion Canadian Infantry. April 1916 – 11 November 1918. 12th Canadian Brigade: * 38th (Ottawa) Battalion Canadian Infantry. June 1916 – 11 November 1918; * 51st (Edmonton) Battalion Canadian Infantry. April 1916 – 13 November 1916 (Became the 51st Garrison Battalion); *
72nd Battalion (Seaforth Highlanders of Canada), CEF The 72nd Battalion (The Seaforth Highlanders of Canada), CEF was an infantry battalion of the Canadian Expeditionary Force during World War I, and recruited throughout the province of British Columbia. History The 72nd Battalion was authorized ...
. April 1916 – 11 November 1918; * 73rd (Royal Highlanders) Battalion Canadian Infantry. April 1916 – 19 April 1917 (disbanded); * 78th (Winnipeg Grenadier) Battalion Canadian Infantry. April 1916 – 11 November 1918; * 85th (Nova Scotia Highlanders) Battalion Canadian Infantry. April 1917 – 11 November 1918; * 87th (Canadian Grenadier) Battalion Canadian Infantry. April 1916 – June 1916. (transferred to 11th Canadian Brigade). Pioneers: * 67th (Western Scot) Pioneer Battalion Canadian Infantry. 1 September 1916 – 11 November 1918;


Battles and Engagements on the Western Front

1916: *
Battle of Le Transloy The Battle of Le Transloy was the last big attack by the Fourth Army of the British Expeditionary Force (BEF) in the 1916 Battle of the Somme in France, during the First World War. The battle was fought in conjunction with attacks by the Frenc ...
– 1–17 October *
Battle of the Ancre Heights The Battle of the Ancre Heights (1 October – 11 November 1916), is the name given to the continuation of British attacks after the Battle of Thiepval Ridge from during the Battle of the Somme. The battle was conducted by the Reserve Army ( ...
– 17 October – 11 November, (capture of the
Regina Trench The Capture of Regina Trench () was a tactical incident in 1916 during the Battle of the Somme during the First World War. Regina Trench was the Canadian name for a German trench dug along the north-facing slope of a ridge running from north-w ...
) *
Battle of the Ancre The Battle of the Ancre was fought by the British Fifth Army (Lieutenant-General Hubert Gough), against the German 1st Army (General Fritz von Below). The Reserve Army had been renamed the Fifth Army on 30 October. The battle was the las ...
– 13–18 November 1917: *
Battle of Vimy Ridge The Battle of Vimy Ridge was part of the Battle of Arras, in the Pas-de-Calais department of France, during the First World War. The main combatants were the four divisions of the Canadian Corps in the First Army, against three divisions of ...
– 9–14 April *
Affairs South of the Souchez River An affair is a sexual relationship, romantic friendship, or passionate attachment between two people without the attached person's significant other knowing. Affair may also refer to: * Foreign affairs, **as in Foreign policy **or Foreign Affairs ...
– 3–25 June * Capture of Avion – 26–29 June *
Battle of Hill 70 The Battle of Hill 70 took place in the First World War between the Canadian Corps and attached units against five divisions of the German 6th Army. The battle took place along the Western Front on the outskirts of Lens in the Nord-Pas-de-Ca ...
– 15–25 August *
Second Battle of Passchendaele The Second Battle of Passchendaele was the culminating attack during the Third Battle of Ypres of the First World War. The battle took place in the Ypres Salient area of the Western Front, in and around the Belgian village of Passchendaele, be ...
– 26 October – 10 November 1918: * Battle of Amiens – 9–11 August *
Actions round Damery Action may refer to: * Action (philosophy), something which is done by a person * Action principles the heart of fundamental physics * Action (narrative), a literary mode * Action fiction, a type of genre fiction * Action game, a genre of video gam ...
– 15–17 August *
Battle of Drocourt-Quéant A battle is an occurrence of combat in warfare between opposing military units of any number or size. A war usually consists of multiple battles. In general, a battle is a military engagement that is well defined in duration, area, and force c ...
– 2–3 September *
Battle of the Canal du Nord The Battle of Canal du Nord was part of the Hundred Days Offensive of the First World War by the Allies against German positions on the Western Front. The battle took place in the Nord-Pas-de-Calais region of France, along an incomplete porti ...
27 September – 1 October * Battle of Valenciennes 1–2 November 1–2, (capture of
Mont Houy Mont may refer to: Places * Mont., an abbreviation for Montana, a U.S. state * Mont, Belgium (disambiguation), several places in Belgium * Mont, Hautes-Pyrénées, a commune in France * Mont, Pyrénées-Atlantiques, a commune in France * Mont, Saà ...
) *
Passage of the Grande Honnelle The Passage of the Grande Honnelle was a battle between troops of the British First Army (United Kingdom), First and Third Army (United Kingdom), Third Armies and German Empire forces during the Hundred Days Offensive of the World War I, First Worl ...
– 5–7 November


Second World War


4th Canadian (Armoured) Division

The 4th Canadian (Armoured) Division was created during
World War II World War II or the Second World War (1 September 1939 – 2 September 1945) was a World war, global conflict between two coalitions: the Allies of World War II, Allies and the Axis powers. World War II by country, Nearly all of the wo ...
by the conversion of the 4th Canadian Infantry Division at the beginning of 1942 in
Canada Canada is a country in North America. Its Provinces and territories of Canada, ten provinces and three territories extend from the Atlantic Ocean to the Pacific Ocean and northward into the Arctic Ocean, making it the world's List of coun ...
. The division proceeded overseas in 1942, with its two main
convoy A convoy is a group of vehicles, typically motor vehicles or ships, traveling together for mutual support and protection. Often, a convoy is organized with armed defensive support and can help maintain cohesion within a unit. It may also be used ...
s reaching the
United Kingdom The United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, commonly known as the United Kingdom (UK) or Britain, is a country in Northwestern Europe, off the coast of European mainland, the continental mainland. It comprises England, Scotlan ...
in August and October. The division spent almost two years training in the United Kingdom before crossing to Normandy in July 1944. In the United Kingdom, it participated in war games together with the
Polish 1st Armoured Division The Polish 1st Armoured Division (Polish ''1 Dywizja Pancerna, Pierwsza Dywizja Pancerna'') was an armoured division of the Polish Armed Forces in the West during World War II. Created in February 1942 at Duns in Scotland, it was commanded by M ...
, and later fought in France, in
the Low Countries The Low Countries (; ), historically also known as the Netherlands (), is a coastal lowland region in Northwestern Europe forming the lower basin of the Rhine–Meuse–Scheldt delta and consisting today of the three modern "Benelux" countries: ...
, and in
Germany Germany, officially the Federal Republic of Germany, is a country in Central Europe. It lies between the Baltic Sea and the North Sea to the north and the Alps to the south. Its sixteen States of Germany, constituent states have a total popu ...
; both divisions followed very close paths. The division participated in the later stages of the
Battle of Normandy Operation Overlord was the codename for the Battle of Normandy, the Allied operation that launched the successful liberation of German-occupied Western Europe during World War II. The operation was launched on 6 June 1944 (D-Day) with the N ...
at the
Falaise Pocket The Falaise pocket or battle of the Falaise pocket (; 12–21 August 1944) was the decisive engagement of the Battle of Normandy in the Second World War. Allied forces formed a pocket around Falaise, Calvados, in which German Army Group B, c ...
, the advance from Normandy and spent almost two months engaged at the
Breskens Pocket The Breskens Pocket was a pocket of fortified German resistance against the Canadian First Army in the Battle of the Scheldt during the Second World War. It was chiefly situated on the southern shore of the Scheldt estuary in the southern Nether ...
as well as
Operation Pheasant Operation Pheasant, also known as the Liberation of North Brabant, was a major operation to clear German troops from the province of North Brabant in the Netherlands during the fighting on the Western Front in the Second World War. This offensiv ...
. It wintered in the
Netherlands , Terminology of the Low Countries, informally Holland, is a country in Northwestern Europe, with Caribbean Netherlands, overseas territories in the Caribbean. It is the largest of the four constituent countries of the Kingdom of the Nether ...
, fought in
Operation Blockbuster Operation Blockbuster was the completion of the larger Operation Veritable by the First Canadian Army, reinforced by the XXX Corps from the British Second Army from late February to early March, 1945. Veritable had been slower and more cost ...
(26 February – 3 March 1945) and took part in the final advance across northern Germany.


Formation

1944–1945 ;
4th Canadian Armoured Brigade The 4th Canadian Armoured Brigade was an armoured brigade of the Canadian Army during World War II. It was part of the 4th Canadian (Armoured) Division. Organization As of 1942 the 4th Canadian Armoured Brigade comprised: * 21st Armoured Reg ...
: *
21st Armoured Regiment (The Governor General's Foot Guards) First most commonly refers to: * First, the ordinal form of the number 1 First or 1st may also refer to: Acronyms * Faint Images of the Radio Sky at Twenty-Centimeters, an astronomical survey carried out by the Very Large Array * Far Infrared a ...
* 22nd Armoured Regiment (The Canadian Grenadier Guards) *
28th Armoured Regiment (The British Columbia Regiment (Duke of Connaught's Own)) The British Columbia Regiment (Duke of Connaught's Own) is a Primary Reserve armoured reconnaissance (recce) regiment of the Canadian Army; the regiment is subordinate to 39 Canadian Brigade Group of the 3rd Canadian Division. Established in 1883, ...
*
The Lake Superior Regiment (Motor) The Lake Superior Scottish Regiment is a Primary Reserve infantry regiment of the Canadian Forces. The regiment is in Thunder Bay, Ontario, and is part of the 3rd Canadian Division's 38 Canadian Brigade Group. Also known as "The Lake Sups" (prono ...
;
10th Canadian Infantry Brigade The 10th Canadian Infantry Brigade was a formation of the Canadian Army in both World War I and World War II. The brigade fought on the Western Front during World War I, and in Normandy and north-west Europe during World War II. It formed part ...
: *
10th Independent Machine Gun Company (The New Brunswick Rangers) The New Brunswick Rangers was an infantry regiment of the Non-Permanent Active Militia of the Canadian Militia (now the Canadian Army). In 1946, the regiment was amalgamated with The Saint John Fusiliers to form The South New Brunswick Regiment wh ...
*
The Lincoln and Welland Regiment The Lincoln and Welland Regiment is a Primary Reserve infantry regiment of the Canadian Army based in St. Catharines, Ontario. The regimental colonel-in-chief is the Duchess of Edinburgh and the regimental motto is , "Not for us but for our count ...
* The Algonquin Regiment *
The Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders of Canada (Princess Louise's) The Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders of Canada (Princess Louise, Duchess of Argyll, Princess Louise's), or A & SH of C, is a Primary Reserve Scottish regiment, Highland infantry regiment of the Canadian Armed Forces, based at John W. Foote VC A ...
*10 Canadian Infantry Brigade Ground Defence Platoon (
Lorne Scots The Lorne Scots (Peel, Dufferin and Halton Regiment) is a Primary Reserve infantry regiment of the Canadian Army. It is part of the 4th Canadian Division's 32 Canadian Brigade Group. Organization The sub-units of the Lorne Scots are in the follo ...
) ; Other units : * 29th Armoured Reconnaissance Regiment (The South Alberta Regiment) *"D" Squadron,
25th Armoured Delivery Regiment (The Elgin Regiment) Fifth is the ordinal form of the number five. Fifth or The Fifth may refer to: * Fifth Amendment to the United States Constitution, as in the expression "pleading the Fifth" * Fifth Avenue * Fifth column, a political term * Fifth disease, a cont ...
,
Canadian Armoured Corps The Royal Canadian Armoured Corps (RCAC; ) is the armoured corps within the Canadian Army, including 3 Regular and 18 Reserve Force regiments,The Regiments and Corps of the Canadian Army (Queen's Printer, 1964) as well as the Royal Canadian Armo ...
* 15th Field Regiment, RCA * 23rd Field Regiment, RCA *
5th Anti-tank Regiment, RCA Fifth is the Ordinal number (linguistics), ordinal form of the number 5, five. Fifth or The Fifth may refer to: * Fifth Amendment to the United States Constitution, as in the expression "pleading the Fifth" * Fifth Avenue * Fifth column, a politic ...
*
8th Light Anti-aircraft Regiment, RCA Eighth is ordinal form of the number 8, eight. Eighth may refer to: * One eighth, , a fraction (mathematics), fraction, one of eight equal parts of a whole * Eighth note (quaver), a musical note played for half the value of a quarter note (crotche ...
*4th Canadian Armoured Division Engineers **8th Field Squadron, RCE **9th Field Squadron, RCE **6th Field Park Squadron, RCE **4th Canadian Armoured Division Bridge Troop, RCE **No. 46 Light Aid Detachment, RCEME *4th Canadian Armoured Divisional Signals, R.C. Sigs *No. 4 Defence and Employment Platoon (
Lorne Scots The Lorne Scots (Peel, Dufferin and Halton Regiment) is a Primary Reserve infantry regiment of the Canadian Army. It is part of the 4th Canadian Division's 32 Canadian Brigade Group. Organization The sub-units of the Lorne Scots are in the follo ...
) * 12 Light Field Ambulance, RCAMC *No. 8 Provost Company,
Canadian Provost Corps The Canadian Provost Corps (C Pro C) was the military police corps of the Canadian Army. The Canadian Provost Corps was authorized on 15 June 1940. The Canadian Provost Corps was amalgamated with the police forces of the Royal Canadian Navy and ...


Commanding officers


David Vivian Currie VC

David Vivian Currie David Vivian Currie, (8 July 1912 – 20 June 1986) was a Canadian recipient of the Victoria Cross, the highest award for gallantry in the face of the enemy that can be awarded to British and Commonwealth forces. Early life Currie was born in ...
VC was awarded the
Victoria Cross The Victoria Cross (VC) is the highest and most prestigious decoration of the Orders, decorations, and medals of the United Kingdom, British decorations system. It is awarded for valour "in the presence of the enemy" to members of the British ...
for his actions in command of a battle group of tanks from
The South Alberta Regiment The South Alberta Regiment (SAR) was a regiment of the Canadian Army that existed from 1924 to 1954. Originally infantry, in February 1942 it became an armoured unit. During World War II the Regiment fought from July 1944 to May 1945 in France, Be ...
, artillery, and infantry of the
Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders of Canada The Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders of Canada (Princess Louise, Duchess of Argyll, Princess Louise's), or A & SH of C, is a Primary Reserve Scottish regiment, Highland infantry regiment of the Canadian Armed Forces, based at John W. Foote VC A ...
at St. Lambert-sur-Dives, during the final actions to close the
Falaise Gap The Falaise pocket or battle of the Falaise pocket (; 12–21 August 1944) was the decisive engagement of the Battle of Normandy in the Second World War. Allied forces formed a pocket around Falaise, Calvados, in which German Army Group B, cons ...
. This was the only Victoria Cross awarded to a
Canadian Canadians () are people identified with the country of Canada. This connection may be residential, legal, historical or cultural. For most Canadians, many (or all) of these connections exist and are collectively the source of their being ''C ...
soldier during the
Normandy campaign Operation Overlord was the codename for the Battle of Normandy, the Allied operation that launched the successful liberation of German-occupied Western Europe during World War II. The operation was launched on 6 June 1944 (D-Day) with the N ...
(from 6 June 1944 to the end of August 1944), and the only VC ever awarded to a member of the
Royal Canadian Armoured Corps The Royal Canadian Armoured Corps (RCAC; ) is the armoured corps within the Canadian Army, including 3 Regular and 18 Reserve Force regiments,The Regiments and Corps of the Canadian Army (Queen's Printer, 1964) as well as the Royal Canadian Armo ...
. The then 32-year-old Currie was a Major in The South Alberta Regiment. During the Battle of Falaise, Normandy, between 18–20 August 1944, Currie was in command of a small mixed force of tanks, self-propelled anti-tank guns and infantry which had been ordered to cut off one of the Germans' main escape routes. After Currie led the attack on the village of St. Lambert-sur-Dives and consolidated a position halfway inside it, he repulsed repeated enemy attacks over the next day and a half. Despite heavy casualties, Major Currie's command destroyed seven enemy tanks, twelve
88 mm gun The 8.8 cm Flak 18/36/37/41 is a German 88mm anti-aircraft and anti-tank artillery gun, developed in the 1930s. It was widely used by Germany throughout World War II and is one of the most recognized German weapons of the conflict. The gu ...
s and 40 vehicles, which led to the deaths of 300 German soldiers, 500 wounded and 1,100 captured. The remnants of two German armies were denied an escape route.


Gallery

Image:Flamethrowerscheldt.jpg, Members of the 4th Canadian (Armoured) Division demonstrating the use of
flame thrower A flame () is the visible, gaseous part of a fire. It is caused by a highly exothermic chemical reaction made in a thin zone. When flames are hot enough to have ionized gaseous components of sufficient density, they are then considered plasma. ...
s across a canal,
Maldegem Maldegem (), earlier spelled Maldeghem, is a municipality located in the Belgian province of East Flanders. The municipality comprises the villages of Maldegem, Adegem and Middelburg. and have always been separate hamlets of Maldegem. On 1 Jan ...
, October 1944. Image:Armoured cars in the Belgian-Dutch border town of Putte.jpg, Armoured cars in the Belgian-Dutch border town of Putte – 11 October 1944 Image:Major david currie vc.jpg, Major David V. Currie (with pistol), accepting the surrender of German troops at St. Lambert-sur-Dives, France, 19 August 1944. This photo captures the actions that led to him being awarded the
Victoria Cross The Victoria Cross (VC) is the highest and most prestigious decoration of the Orders, decorations, and medals of the United Kingdom, British decorations system. It is awarded for valour "in the presence of the enemy" to members of the British ...
Image:Canadians in Bergen op Zoom.jpg, Canadians enter
Bergen-op-Zoom Bergen op Zoom (; called ''Berrege'' in the Brabantian dialect, local dialect) is a List of cities in the Netherlands by province, city and Municipalities of the Netherlands, municipality in southwestern Netherlands. It is located in the Province ...
, early November 1944 File:Moerbrugge (Oostkamp) - Monument.jpg, War Memorial in Moerbrugge File:Moerbrugge - Bordje aan monument.jpg, Plaque on the World War II Memorial in Moerbrugge


Land Force Central Area and 2013 reactivation

The LFCA was created on 1 September 1991, taking command of what was previously Central Militia Area and the Regular Force Army units and formations in Ontario from the northern Lakehead region to the border with Quebec. At that point in time, the six subordinate militia districts were reorganized into four: Northern Ontario District, London District, Toronto District, and Ottawa District each one garrisoned by a brigade of militia troops and a small number of regular support staff. Later that decade, in 1997, the four reserve force districts were again reorganized into three brigade groups. At the time of its creation in the early-1990s, it was housed on the grounds of the former base and subsequently moved ca 1993 to the Place Nouveau office tower at
Yonge Street Yonge Street ( ') is a major arterial route in the Canadian province of Ontario connecting the shores of Lake Ontario in Toronto to Lake Simcoe, a gateway to the Great Lakes#Geography, Upper Great Lakes. Ontario's first colonial administrator, ...
north of
Finch Avenue Finch Avenue is an arterial road, arterial thoroughfare that travels east–west in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. The road continues west into the Regional Municipality of Peel as List of numbered roads in Peel Region, Regional Road 2 and east in ...
; this was controversial as the offices of the area commander, Major-General Brian Vernon, were lavishly renovated, attracting political criticism and attention from the
Auditor General of Canada The Auditor General of Canada (French: La vérificatrice générale du Canada) is a Supreme audit institution which acts as an officer to the Parliament of Canada tasked with highlighting accountability and oversight by conducting independent f ...
. In 2013, the LFCA was renamed the "4th Canadian Division". With this change of name, the formation was also granted the identifying patch and historical lineage of the division that fought in the two world wars.


Present day organization

The division is headquartered in Toronto and covers the province of
Ontario Ontario is the southernmost Provinces and territories of Canada, province of Canada. Located in Central Canada, Ontario is the Population of Canada by province and territory, country's most populous province. As of the 2021 Canadian census, it ...
. * 4th Canadian Division, in
Toronto Toronto ( , locally pronounced or ) is the List of the largest municipalities in Canada by population, most populous city in Canada. It is the capital city of the Provinces and territories of Canada, Canadian province of Ontario. With a p ...
**
2 Canadian Mechanized Brigade Group 2 Canadian Mechanized Brigade Group (2CMBG; ) is a Canadian Forces brigade group that falls under 4th Canadian Division of the Canadian Army. It is currently based at CFB Petawawa. One of its three infantry battalions is administered by 5th C ...
, at
CFB Petawawa 4 Canadian Division Support Base Petawawa, commonly referred to as Garrison Petawawa, is located in Petawawa, Ontario. It is operated as an army base by the Canadian Army. Current use The Garrison is located in the Ottawa Valley in Renfrew ...
**
31 Canadian Brigade Group 31 Canadian Brigade Group (31 CBG; ) is part of the 4th Canadian Division, under the Canadian Army. It encompasses the southwestern portion of Ontario, and is headquartered in London, Ontario. The 31 CBG area of responsibility stretches from Ha ...
, in
London London is the Capital city, capital and List of urban areas in the United Kingdom, largest city of both England and the United Kingdom, with a population of in . London metropolitan area, Its wider metropolitan area is the largest in Wester ...
(covering
Southwestern Ontario Southwestern Ontario (census population 2,796,367 in 2021) is a secondary region of Southern Ontario in the Provinces and territories of Canada, Canadian province of Ontario. It occupies most of the Ontario Peninsula, bounded by Lake Huron (includ ...
) **
32 Canadian Brigade Group 32 Canadian Brigade Group (32 CBG) of the Canadian Army is part of the Land Force Central Area, 4th Canadian Division. It is centred on the Greater Toronto Area, as well as Niagara Region, Ontario, Niagara Region and Brantford, Ontario, Brantfor ...
, in Toronto (covering the
Golden Horseshoe The Golden Horseshoe () is a secondary region of Southern Ontario, Canada, which lies at the western end of Lake Ontario, with outer boundaries stretching south to Lake Erie and north to Lake Scugog, Lake Simcoe and Georgian Bay of Lake Huron. T ...
and
Central Ontario Central Ontario is a secondary region of Southern Ontario in the Canadian province of Ontario that lies between Georgian Bay and the eastern end of Lake Ontario. The population of the region was 1,123,307 in 2016; however, this number does not in ...
) **
33 Canadian Brigade Group 33 Canadian Brigade Group of the Canadian Army is part of Land Force Central Area, 4th Canadian Division. It commands the Primary Reserve units in eastern and northern portions of Ontario. It was established in 1997. Brigade units Refer ...
, in
Ottawa Ottawa is the capital city of Canada. It is located in the southern Ontario, southern portion of the province of Ontario, at the confluence of the Ottawa River and the Rideau River. Ottawa borders Gatineau, Gatineau, Quebec, and forms the cor ...
(covering
Eastern Ontario Eastern Ontario (census population 1,892,332 in 2021) () is a secondary region of Southern Ontario in the Canadian province of Ontario. It occupies a wedge-shaped area bounded by the Ottawa River and Quebec to the northeast and east, the St. Lawr ...
and
Northeastern Ontario Northeastern Ontario is a secondary region of Northern Ontario in the Canadian province of Ontario, which lies north of Lake Huron and east of Lake Superior. Northeastern Ontario consists of the districts of Algoma, Sudbury, Cochrane, Timisk ...
) ** 4th Canadian Division Headquarters, in Toronto ** 4th Canadian Division Support Group, at CFB Petawawa ** 2 Military Police Regiment, in Toronto **
2 Intelligence Company 2 Intelligence Company (abbreviated 2 Int Coy) is a Canadian Armed Forces Primary Reserve Intelligence Branch unit based in Toronto, headquartered at Denison Armoury. It is part of the 4th Canadian Division. Its activities were confidential unti ...
(Reserve), in Toronto ** 3rd Canadian Ranger Patrol Group, at
CFB Borden Canadian Forces Base Borden (also CFB Borden, French: Base des Forces canadiennes Borden or BFC Borden), formerly RCAF Station Camp Borden, is a large Canadian Forces base located in Ontario. The historic birthplace of the Royal Canadian Air Forc ...
** 4th Canadian Division Training Centre, in Meaford ** Ceremonial Guard, in
Ottawa Ottawa is the capital city of Canada. It is located in the southern Ontario, southern portion of the province of Ontario, at the confluence of the Ottawa River and the Rideau River. Ottawa borders Gatineau, Gatineau, Quebec, and forms the cor ...
** Canadian Forces Base Kingston,
Kingston Kingston may refer to: Places * List of places called Kingston, including the six most populated: ** Kingston, Jamaica ** Kingston upon Hull, England ** City of Kingston, Victoria, Australia ** Kingston, Ontario, Canada ** Kingston upon Thames, ...


3rd Canadian Ranger Patrol Group


Abbreviations

* ASU: Area Support Unit * CFB:
Canadian Forces Base A Canadian Forces base or CFB () is a military installation of the Canadian Armed Forces. For a facility to qualify as a Canadian Forces base, it must station one or more major units (e.g., army regiments, navy ships, air force wings). Minor i ...
* RCA:
The Royal Regiment of Canadian Artillery The Royal Regiment of Canadian Artillery () is the artillery personnel branch of the Canadian Army. History Many of the units and batteries of the Royal Regiment of Canadian Artillery are older than the Dominion of Canada itself. The first arti ...
* RCAC:
Royal Canadian Armoured Corps The Royal Canadian Armoured Corps (RCAC; ) is the armoured corps within the Canadian Army, including 3 Regular and 18 Reserve Force regiments,The Regiments and Corps of the Canadian Army (Queen's Printer, 1964) as well as the Royal Canadian Armo ...
* CFMS:
Canadian Forces Medical Service The Royal Canadian Medical Service (RCMS, ) is a personnel branch of the Canadian Armed Forces, consisting of all members of medical occupations. Nearly all members of the RCMS, along with the members of the Royal Canadian Dental Corps (RCDC), are ...


Commanders

* Brigadier-General C.I. Oberwarth, MSM, CD – 2024 – present * Brigadier-General J.J. Major, MSM, CD – 2022 – 2024 * Brigadier-General Peter Scott, CD – 2021–2022 * Brigadier-General Conrad Mialkowski, MSM 2019–2021 * Brigadier-General Jocelyn Paul Canadian Forces Organization Orders, MSC, CD – 2018–2019 * Brigadier-General Stephen Cadden CD – 2016–2018 * Brigadier-General Lowell Thomas, CD – 2014–2016 * Brigadier-General
Omer Lavoie Lieutenant-General Omer Lavoie, CMM, MSC, CD was a senior officer in the Canadian Army and the Canadian Armed Forces. He was the commander of the 4th Canadian Division until the summer of 2014. He was promoted to major general in January 2016, ...
– 2012–2014 * Brigadier-General Fred Lewis, MSM, CD – 2010–2012 * Brigadier-General Jean-Claude Collin, OMM, CD – 2008–2010 * Brigadier-General John Howard, MSM, CD – 2007–2008 * Brigadier-General Guy Thibault, CD – 2005–2007 * Brigadier-General Greg Young, CD – 2005 * Brigadier-General Marc Lessard, CD – 2003–2005 * Brigadier-General Andrew Leslie, OMM, MSM, CD – 2002–2003 * Brigadier-General Michel Gauthier, CD – 2000–2002 * Colonel Chris Corrigan, CD – 1999–2000 * Brigadier-General Walter Holmes, MBE, MSM, CD – 1998–1999 * Major-General Bryan Stephenson, CD – 1995–1998 * Major-General Brian Vernon, CD – 1993–1995 * Major-General Lewis MacKenzie, CD – 1992–1993 * Major-General Nicholas Hall, CD – 1991–1993


See also

*
Razing of Friesoythe The razing of Friesoythe was the destruction of the town of Friesoythe in Lower Saxony on 14 April 1945, during the Western Allied invasion of Germany, Western Allies' invasion of Germany towards the end of World War II in Europe. The 4t ...
*
Christopher Vokes Major-General Christopher Vokes (13 April 1904 – 27 March 1985) was a Canadian Army officer who fought in World War II. Born in Armagh, Ireland, he commanded the 2nd Canadian Infantry Brigade during the Allied invasion of Sicily. Promoted to ...


References


External links


Battle of Vimy Ridge, April 1917Lieutenant Charles Pearson: The Lincoln and Welland Regiment's WWII Campaign
{{DEFAULTSORT:Canadian Division 4 Divisions of Canada in World War I Military units and formations of Canada in World War I Infantry divisions of Canada Military units and formations established in 1916 Military units and formations disestablished in 1919 Military units and formations established in 1940 Military units and formations disestablished in 1946 Military units and formations established in 2013 2013 establishments in Canada Canadian 4th Armoured Division Canadian World War II divisions