History of the 6 Fd Regt

The tradition of the artillery at Lévis dates back to 1862 when No. 3 and No. 4 Batteries, Garrison Artillery, were formed. These groups were combined with others in 1899 by Lieutenant-Colonel G.S. Vien to create the 6th Quebec and Levis Regiment Garrison Artillery. At that time, the three batteries were equipped with several models of the formidable “40-pounder,” a 40-pound muzzleloader cannon.

Before the Great War (1914-1918), the Regiment was assigned to coastal defence, the role it continued to perform during the conflict. It was armed with "6-inch" and "3-inch" machine guns. During this war, members served on all fronts, from Europe to the West Indies.

After the hostilities, the Regiment added an anti-aircraft section and in 1926 took the name 6th Coast Brigade Canadian Artillery (Quebec City and Lévis).

Between the two world wars, the Regiment established its reputation throughout Canada by winning several shooting and efficiency trophies. In 1936, the unit changed names and became the 6th Medium (A) Brigade Royal Canadian Artillery.

During the Second World War (1939-1945), each of the three batteries, that is, the 57th, 58th and 59th, were assigned to anti-aircraft defence, medium artillery and coastal defence. The 57th battery was incorporated as the 7 LAA Regiment RCA (anti-aircraft). The 58th Battery, mobilized at the end of 1941, was incorporated into the 4th Medium Regiment RCA in 1942 and supported the Polish Armoured Division during the famous Battle of the Falaise Pocket. During the war, 14 officers and 15 NCOs and non-commissioned members were decorated with commendations and high distinction.

In 1946, the Regiment brought together several veterans and took the name 6th Field Artillery Regiment, which it has held since. Since then, the headquarters have been established in turn at Quebec City (St-Roch Armoury) and at Lévis Armoury. Historically, the 57th Battery has been located in Lévis, the 58th in Quebec City, then Valcartier, and the 59th in Montmagny.

During the Korean War, the 58th Battery was mobilized within the 79th Field Regiment, RCA. This unit served in Europe with NATO troops, then in Korea under the name 3rd Royal Canadian Horse Artillery.

Since 1956, Regiment members have participated in international missions with the UN and NATO at the four corners of the globe. In 1998, approximately 30 members answered the call to help the victims of the Ice Storm. Today, several are participating in the reconstruction of countries such as Afghanistan, helping civil authorities including those in Haiti and monitoring ceasefires in Africa.

In 1984, the City of Lévis granted the Regiment Freedom of the City in recognition of the ties between the city and its artillery personnel. The City of Montmagny did the same in 1999.

Its motto, adopted in 1905, is a rallying cry: Les rendre, jamais (Never surrender).