On Sunday 5th June, 2022 at 2:00 pm the Princess Louise Fusiliers (PLF) commenced a Change of Command Parade. A storied military tradition that has been taking place in Halifax since the unit was founded June 18th 1869.
As an officially constituted unit of Canada, The Princess Louise Fusiliers were authorized in 1867. During the unit’s history, it has undergone several name changes. On November 5, 1869, the regiment was named the 66th The Halifax Battalion of Infantry.
Ten years later, on November 14, 1879, the regiment was once again renamed, this time to the 66th Battalion “Princess Louise” Fusiliers, named for Princess Louise, daughter of Queen Victoria and wife of the Marquess of Lorne, Governor General of Canada at the time. It was shortly after this point in which the regiment received its first battle honour, when they helped suppress the North-West Rebellion of 1885.
Commanding Officers Background
The Commanding Officer (CO) is an officer in command of a military unit. The commanding officer has ultimate authority over the unit and is given wide latitude to run the unit as they see fit, within the bounds of military law.
A change of command is a military tradition that represents a formal transfer of authority and responsibility for a unit from one commanding or flag officer to another. The passing of colors, standards, or ensigns from an outgoing commander to an incoming one ensures that the unit and its soldiers is never without official leadership, a continuation of trust, and also signifies an allegiance of soldiers to their unit’s commander.
In front of the Iconic newly renovated North Facing wall of the Halifax Armouries the change of command parade commenced. In front of family, friends, military dignitaries and the public. Words of encouragement, remembrance and appreciation were delivered and received with gratitude everyone understanding the gravity and importance of the moment.
I’ve grown tremendously the last few years and I attribute this primarily to the positive influences and leadership around me. In any organization you are only as good as your leadership, within the Canadian Armed Forces the most important position within any unit is that of the Commanding Officer (CO).
As a Jr. Officer it’s been my duty and job to learn and I’ve had the best example’s to look up too. LCol Pitcher took over command of the PLF in 2019 and guided and led our organization throughout the Covid-19 pandemic. As a unit we persevered and stay connected and mission ready despite the many obstacles, protocols and challenges that were constantly coming at us.
LCol Matthews is now the new Commanding Officer of the PLF. I know Ma’am to be an incredibly compassionate and demanding leader who is a gifted communicator. She gives clear direction and shares expectations on the standard of excellence that must be sustained by all within the unit.
Embodying that high standard is what has elevated her to this honourable position. It is also why she has broken a glass ceiling being the first female commanding officer in 36 Canadian Brigade history. It was an honour to witness this historic and timeless tradition and to see two of the greatest leaders I’ve ever known exchange command from one to the other.
Photo Credits: 36 Canadian Brigade Group, PAO