1st Canadian Armoured Brigade

The Fort Garry Horse were also originally part of the brigade, but transferred to the 5th Canadian (Armoured) Division in May 1941.

Issued brand new M4 "Sherman" tanks, the entire brigade moved to the Mediterranean, with The Three Rivers Regiment participating in the assault landing at Pachino.

The remainder of the brigade landed with the follow-up convoy of 13 July and served alongside the Three Rivers Regiment for the final weeks of the Allied invasion of Sicily.

Preparing for Operation Baytown, the Allied invasion of Italy, it was redesignated 1st Canadian Armoured Brigade in August 1943.

Having established a reputation for both courage and skill, the Canadian tankers were in constant demand by senior British commanders.

The formation sign used to identify tanks and other vehicles in the 1st Canadian Armoured Brigade.
General Sir Bernard Montgomery , commander of the British Eighth Army , addresses officers and men of the 11th Army Tank Regiment (The Ontario Regiment (Tank)) near Lentini, Sicily, 25 July 1943.