Princess Patricia's Canadian Light Infantry

Before Britain took the step of declaring war on Germany, a wealthy and highly respected Montreal businessman, who was also a Captain of the Royal Highlanders of Canada, named of Andrew Hamilton Gault, realised both the inevitability of war and that the Canadian army was almost non-existent and unable to play its part in defending the Empire.

He offered a substantial financial contribution to the raising of an army unit and the Canadian Government accepted.

In 1911, the Duke of Connaught, Arthur William Patrick Albert, the son of Queen Victoria and Albert, her Consort, had been appointed the Governor General of Canada.

His youngest daughter, Victoria Patricia Helena Elizabeth, had become greatly admired, in Canada, because of the obvious love and feeling she showed for both the country and its people.

When it came to naming the new army, it was decided to request of the princess that her name be used; she was delighted and agreed. The Duke, when approached on the subject, gave his permission and the “Princess Patricia’s Canadian Light Infantry“ was born.