From the conflicts of colonial North America to Canadian military service in the modern era, Swift and Bold: The History of The Queen’s York Rangers explores a regimental history closely connected to the development of Canada.
The story reaches back to Rogers’ Rangers of the Seven Years’ War and the Queen’s Rangers of the American Revolution, later commanded by John Graves Simcoe. It follows the Rangers’ contribution to the early development of Upper Canada and York, now Toronto, and traces the wider regimental heritage through subsequent generations of Canadian soldiers.
The Regiment’s history intersects with many significant events in Canadian and North American history, including the defence of Upper Canada during the War of 1812, the North-West Campaign of 1885, the First World War and Vimy Ridge, and Canadian military service in Afghanistan and Latvia.
This third edition brings the Regiment’s story up to the present day, exploring the people, campaigns and traditions that have shaped The Queen’s York Rangers and their continuing role in the Canadian Army Reserve.
For history educators, Swift and Bold offers a way to explore broader historical developments through the experiences of a military regiment: how institutions change over time, how communities are formed and defended, and how historical traditions are carried forward.
The Regiment’s motto, Pristinae Virtutis Memores – “Mindful of our ancient valour” – expresses its commitment to remembering the service and sacrifices of those who came before.
Discover the book and explore the teaching tools to bring Ontario and Canadian history into the classroom.