On March 30, 1918, members of Lord Strathcona’s Horse rode against German offensive troops in what would be the last great cavalry charge in Canadian army history.
One hundred years later to the day, members of Lord Strathcona’s Horse, otherwise known as the Royal Canadians, returned to Moreuil, France for a recreation of the historic Battle of Moreuil Wood.
Approximately 20 Strathconas, wearing First World War cavalry uniforms, galloped across the field with their swords drawn for this re-enactment.
Jonathan Langlands, who is originally from Courtenay, was one of the Strathconas who travelled to France to ride in the re-creation. At 19, Langlands enlisted in the armoured division of the Canadian Army and is currently stationed in Edmonton, Alta. as part of Lord Strathcona’s Horse, where he has been for nine years. For the past two years, he has also been in the Strathcona Mounted Troop.
While the original Strathcona Mounted Troop was disbanded in 1939 due to the need for more armoured vehicles before the Second World War, the current iteration of the troop was formed in 1977 as a volunteer display unit.
Strathconas underwent six months of intense training prior to the re-enactment but had only one week to familiarize themselves with their French horses upon arrival in Europe.
“He has formed a strong bond with his horse, Sarcee, from riding, training and taking care of him every day,” said Jon’s father, Bruce Langlands. “He is honoured to [have been] part of the ride and to represent his country in the 100th anniversary of the Battle of Moreuil Wood France.”
The March 30, 1918 charge was costly for both sides, with 53 of the 75 Strathconas of the charging squadron getting killed or wounded. But in the end, the Canadians came out victorious against the German side, which was four times their size.
“It is extremely important that we reflect on and commemorate this important milestone in the history of the Strathconas,” said Brigadier-General Trevor Cadieu, Commander 3rd Canadian Division, Senior Serving Strathcona. “Those young troopers summoned tremendous courage as metal clashed and they confronted their enemy in hand-to-hand combat. Their valour continues to inspire us today as we enhance the resilience and warrior ethos of our soldiers, and as we prepare for operations in other theatres.”
Following the re-creation of the charge at Moreuil Wood, the mayor of Moreuil, France handed over the keys to the city to the Lord Strathcona’s Horse in a Freedom of the City ceremony. This gesture was a sign of gratitude for their involvement in the First World War and is one of the highest honours a municipal authority can bestow upon a military unit.
