Royal Canadian Dragoons and Royal Canadian Regiment formed

Background. The Permanent Active Militia, also known as the Permanent Force, was Canada's full-time professional land forces from 1855 to 1940. In 1914, this standing army consisted of one regular infantry regiment and two cavalry regiments. The formation of the Cavalry School Corps and Infantry School Corps in 1883 marked the beginning of these permanent professional units, distinct from the Non-Permanent Active Militia reserve force.

Formation of the Regiments. The Cavalry School Corps, which became the Royal Canadian Dragoons, originated on 21 December 1883 in Quebec City as Canada's first professional full-time cavalry unit. Simultaneously, the Infantry School Corps, which became The Royal Canadian Regiment, was authorized by the same Militia Act. The Infantry School Corps established its first three company stations at Fredericton, New Brunswick; St Jean, Quebec; and Toronto, Ontario.

Early Developments. The Infantry School Corps' first battle honours were earned during the North-West Rebellion in 1885, where it fought at Batoche and Cut Knife Creek. The Cavalry School Corps mobilized A Troop on 10 April 1885 for active service during the same rebellion, serving with the Alberta Column until 18 September 1885. These actions established the regiments' early military reputation.