[3] The Canadian Department of Militia and Defence equipped and trained the unit, while the British paid its costs.

The majority of the officers and at least a quarter of the men had previously served in South Africa, including its commander Lieutenant-Colonel T.D.B.

On 31 March 1902 the unit fought as part of an outnumbered British force at the Battle of Hart's River, or Boschbult.

[3] The 2nd Regiment, Canadian Mounted Rifles was mobilized on 15 March 1915, at Willows Camp, Victoria.

John MacGregor was awarded the Victoria Cross for his actions during the Battle of the Canal du Nord from 29 September to 3 October 1918.