From the formation of NATO standing armies in Germany in 1950 until
1969, Canada maintained a full combat brigade group in Germany. During
this period major units rotated to Europe for two or three year periods.
Second Battalion served in Germany from October 1953 until the Fall of
1955 when relieved by First Battalion. First Battalion returned to
Canada in the Fall of 1957 and occupied Work Point Barracks on
Vancouver Island.
During 1957, the Regimental Depot and Second Battalion occupied the new
Home Station at Griesbach Barracks, in Edmonton, Alberta. Later on 10
December, 1958, the Home Station was designated the Hamilton Gault
Barracks in honour of the Founder and then Honorary Colonel of the
Regiment, Brigadier A. Hamilton Gault, DSO, ED, CD.
In the Fall of 1963, First Battalion once again proceeded on a tour to
Germany, where they stayed until the fall of 1966 when the Second
Battalion replaced them. The Second Battalion served in Germany until
September 1969. In July of 1984, the Second Battalion returned again to
Germay for a four year tour, replacing 3 RCR. The Canadian Forces
commitment in Germany ended in 1994 with the closure of CFB Lahr.
Service in Cyprus and other United Nations Operations
The United Nations Force in Cyprus (UNFICYP) was first established in
1964 as a peace-keeping force. This force was designed to maintain the
peace between the Greek and Turkish Cypriot populations (each of whom
claimed the disputed island as their own). In 1974, the Turkish Army
invaded the northern part of the island and after a hurried
reinforcement of outnumbered Greek Forces, the UN Forces reestablished
a separation zone (known as the Buffer Zone) between the two
belligerents.
From 1968, when the first PPCLI unit served, the PPCLI battalions
rotated for six month periods of duty with other Canadian army units
until 1993 when the last Canadian unit left Cyprus. In total,
battalions of the Regiment served twelve tours or a sum of six years
time on the hot Mediterranean island. Many individuals served several
tours including tours with other regiments. As a result, Cyprus service
and experience has become a major feature of modern Regimental history.
At this time (1998), no formal ceasefire agreement has been signed.
In addition to United Nations service in Cyprus, Patricias have served
in Israel, the Golan Heights, Egypt, Lebanon, Kuwait, Iraq, the Congo,
Vietnam, Central America, Angola, Somalia, Rwanda, Korea, and most
recently in Croatia and Bosnia on various missions.
Service in the Former Yugoslavia
The United Nations Protection Force in the Former Yugoslavia (UNPROFOR)
was established in 1991 in response to the civil war between Croats,
Serbs, and Bosnian Muslims. UNPROFOR was initially deployed in central
Croatia but due to ethnic flare ups, the Canadian units were eventually
moved south to the area around Bihac. MGen McKenzie, a Patricia
officer, had overall command of Sector Sarajevo during the worst ethnic
fighting over the summer of 1992. The Third Battalion was the first
PPCLI unit to serve and was in theatre during 1992-93; followed by 2
PPCLI in 1993 and 1 PPCLI in 1994. As in Cyprus, Battalion Groups based
on different army units rotated for duty every six months until the
conclusion of the mandate in 1995. Following the signing of the Dayton
Agreement by the warring factions, Implementation Force (IFOR) and
subsequently, Stabilization Force (SFOR) were established under the
auspices of NATO. The 2 PPCLI Battle Group served with SFOR in 1997,
and PPCLI sub-units were attached to the LdSH (RC) Battlegroup over the
winter of 1997/98.
Service Today
The Regiment today consists of two Mechanized Battalions (First and
Second) and a Light Battalion (Third) which has an airborne capability.
The First and Third Battalions are located at Garrison Edmonton,
Alberta. The Second Battalion is stationed in Kapyong Barracks,
Winnipeg, Manitoba. The Regiment has recently participated in the
Manitoba Flood Relief operation in the spring of 1997 and the Quebec
and Eastern Ontario ice storm relief operation in January, 1998, and
continues to provide trained, disciplined troops for operations in and
outside of Canada, in accordance with Government direction.