The Strathcona Ceremonial Mounted Troop will perform at the Armstrong Fairgrounds on May 26 (Submitted photo/Okanagan Military Tattoo)

By Pete McIntyre

May 26

Mounted troop to perform in Armstrong to celebrate Queen

Mar 31, 2022 | 6:00 PM

As part of Canada’s celebration of the Platinum Jubilee of Queen Elizabeth, recognizing her 70 years on the throne, the Armstrong Regional Co-op and Okanagan Military Tattoo Society are presenting Soldiers of the Queen featuring the Strathcona Ceremonial Mounted Troop.

The event will be held at the Armstrong Fairgrounds on May 26.

(image credit: Ticket Seller)

The troop is a ceremonial mounted cavalry unit of the Canadian Army attached to the Lord Strathcona’s Horse (Royal Canadians), an armoured regiment based in Edmonton.

It is the last surviving military mounted troop in the country and is designed to be a link to the regiment’s time as a cavalry unit in the early 20th Century.

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The first members of the regiment were trained horsemen who were recruited to serve as match for the Boers in South Africa. The regiment also served with distinction in the First World War as part of the Canadian Cavalry Brigade.

The troop performed actively in North America from 1923 until it was dissolved in 1939 following the start of the Second World War in Europe. The unit was re-formed in 1974 in time for the regiment’s 75th anniversary and Calgary’s centennial.

In September 2000, the troop mounted the Queen’s Life Guard at Buckingham Palace, the first time a unit other than the Household Cavalry or the Royal Horse Artillery provided a mounted guard in London.

“It is therefore fitting that the Strathcona Ceremonial Troop be a part of our local Queen’s Platinum Jubilee celebrations,” said Derek Hall, vice president of the Okanagan Military Tattoo Society.

The troop consists of 20 soldiers and its show combines traditional cavalry drills with the tent pegging that is often seen in equestrian sports.

The May 26 performance at the Armstrong Fairgrounds will include local pipe bands and other surprise performers. A second performance may be scheduled on May 27 if ticket sales exceed expectations.

All profits from the event will go to veterans’ charities.

The $25 tickets to “Soldiers of the Queen” can be purchased at TicketSeller in Vernon or at the Armstrong Regional Co-op gas bars in Vernon, Armstrong and Salmon Arm.