The Lorne Scots (Peel, Dufferin and Halton Regiment) has received new colours.
Georgetown's Col. J. R. Barber Armoury was the site of much pomp and circumstance over the weekend as the local army reserve unit ceremonially paraded to receive and consecrate the colours. No less a figure than Lt.-Gov. Elizabeth Dowdeswell inspected the troops.
The colours are flags that not only represent the regiment, but are also a symbol of soldiers' longstanding traditions.
"The flags go back centuries and are a distinguishing point for a family as well as a rallying point," Commanding Officer of the Lorne Scots Lt. Col. Adam MacInnis explained.
In the days of muskets and swords, troops knew to look for their colours to keep track of where their fellow comrades were in the maelstrom of battle. This confers a higher respect for the colours, compelling modern-day troops to salute them.
The colours received on Saturday were updated to include five new battle honours - decorative patches with text showing the battles where the unit was present. These include four new ones from the War of 1812 and one from Afghanistan.
A second set of colours was also consecrated that represent King Charles III. The former colours representing the late Queen Elizabeth II were retired alongside the old regimental one.
"The history of the regiment is comprised within them," noted Georgetown company commander Capt. Russell Cook.
The parade was day two of a reunion weekend. The night before, various members of the regiment - past and present - received a sneak peek tour of their new regimental museum to be located at 55 Queen St. E. in Brampton. As Halton Hills plays a major role in the history of the unit, several artifacts representing the town are already on display.
Col. William Allan, who was from Acton, assumed command of the 20th Halton Battalion - a predecessor unit to the Lorne Scots - in 1881. Honourary Colonel of the regiment Bill Adcock told HaltonHillsToday "it was because of him and his Scottish heritage" that the Lorne Scots are a highland regiment.
Allan wanted the battalion to have closer ties to his heritage. He requested permission from the Marquis of Lorne, who was Governor General of Canada at the time, to use the name Lorne. Permission was granted and the unit took the 20th Halton Lorne Rifles name.
New Scottish regalia was adopted as part of the uniform. An example of that uniform is on display in the museum. In 1936, the unit was amalgamated with the Peel and Dufferin Regiment - a non-highland unit - to form the Lorne Scots of today.
The official opening of the museum is not set in stone, but Col. Adcock estimates it will be some time in April of next year.
