The 62nd Field Artillery Regiment

5315, Royal Blvd
Shawinigan (Québec)
G9N 8G6
Tel. : (819) 539-7221
http://www.army.gc.ca/62rac

Mission: the mission of the Field Artillery is to destroy or neutralize the enemy by means of direct or indirect fire. The role of the artillery regiments is to provide fire support. With the infantry, armour and combat engineers, the artillery makes up the combat team whose real job is to confront the enemy. The contribution of Field Artillery to the team lies in its firepower, which allows the other elements to get close to the enemy and destroy them.

History

The 62nd Field Artillery Regiment has its origins in the formation of its first sub-unit, the 81st Battery, which was established at Coaticook in 1920. In 1936, the battery was disbanded and relocated to the city of Shawinigan. Following the outbreak of World War II, the 81st Battery was stationed in Britain for three years before experiencing its baptism of fire during the Normandy landings and its participation in the final victory on 4 May 1945. During the 1950s, the Regiment had an anti-aircraft defence role, but reverted to its primary role in 1963. Over the years, the Regiment has acquired a most enviable reputation throughout Canada. It has won the Stafford "Direct Fire Competition" on seven occasions and the "Coupe Challenge Cup" on three occasions, in the '82, '84 and '92 national competitions. It was also named Canada's best artillery regiment in 1991.