Institution

‘O’ Block, Wolseley Barracks is the second oldest building at Wolseley Barracks. For most of its history, the building was known as the Royal School Building. It was built from 1935-1936 as a result of the Public Works Construction Act (1934). Under this act, the Canadian government provided $40 million for construction projects throughout Canada in order to create jobs and stimulate the economy during the Great Depression.  ‘O’ Block was originally built as a training facility. The building was first occupied by the Canadian Tank School, which was formed with the help of The RCR. It was comprised of troops from various Permanent Force units, including The RCR. Major F.F. Worthington was its first commandant, and Lieutenant W.J. Moogk served as Adjutant of The RCR, and the Tank School. The school eventually moved to Camp Borden where it would lay the foundation for the modern Royal Canadian Armoured Corps. Recently, ‘O’ Block has been used by 31 Canadian Brigade Group Battle School.

Training at Wolseley Barracks with 'O' Block in the background

‘O’ Block, Wolseley Barracks is a recognized federal heritage building. Originally known as the Royal School Building, it was constructed from 1935 - 1936. The building was originally built for instruction and features a large gymnasium. It is still used today for its original purpose. It was first occupied by the Canadian Tank School.  

'O' Block, Wolseley Barracks

Tour the exterior of Wolseley Barracks in London Ontario.  As you explore the site, learn about one of the oldest Canadian military buildings and the unit who was first stationed there, the Infantry School Corps. The Infantry School Corps is the original name for The Royal Canadian Regiment. 

The museum is located at Wolseley Barracks in London, ON. Owned by the Department of National Defence, the barracks is currently used by 31 Canadian Brigade Group, of which 4th Battalion, The RCR is a part. 31 Canadian Brigade Group is an army reserve brigade whose area of responsibility spans from Hamilton to Windsor and north to Owen Sound and Barrie. The museum occupies the western wing of ‘A’ Block, Wolseley Barracks, which is a large ‘U’ shaped structure. Built from 1886-1888, it is one of the oldest military buildings in Canada that was specifically built by the Canadian government and not a repurposed British or French facility. The building was designed by the Engineering Branch of the Department of Militia and Defense. Henry James was the Chief Architect of the Militia Department who signed off on the design of the building.  The building has seen a continuous military presence since the day it opened in 1888.  The 1886 floor plans for ‘A’ Block show a space designated to become a ‘museum room,’ but it is not currently known if this space was used as prescribed, or, if it was, how it functioned. The idea of collecting and preserving the history of The Royal Canadian Regiment (RCR) in a regimental museum does not appear to pick up steam until the 1930s following publication of the regiment’s first official history in 1933. Despite this interest, the process of developing a regimental museum came to a halt with the outbreak of the Second World War. The museum gained permanent space in Wolseley Barracks following the Second World War and Korean War, but it was not until the 1970s that the modern RCR Museum really began to take shape. It became an accredited Canadian Forces Museum in 1973. For the centennial of The RCR in 1983, significant renovations and expansions were undertaken and commemorated with a grand opening where His Royal Highness Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh, Colonel-In-Chief of the Regiment, cut the ribbon.  Additional space had become available for the museum in 2009 when the regimental headquarters was relocated from London to Petawawa. A major renovation project was conducted between 2009 and 2013. The highlight of the renovation was the transformation of the former archway entrance to the parade square into the museum’s foyer and reception area. Since its re-opening in 2013, The RCR Museum has been committed not just to providing a home for the regimental collection, but also to fostering a deeper understanding of the regimental experience within the broader context of Canadian military history among all visitors.  The museum holds a variety of objects, photographs, and archives related to The Royal Canadian Regiment, and its perpetuated units, whose histories span from 1812 to the present day. It covers the activities of the regiment in times of peace and conflict, including both domestic and overseas operations.  Please check out the website for opening hours and other details. The site is accessed off of Oxford Street at Elliott Street.

Ontario's Royal Canadian Regiment Museum preserves and shares the history of the first infantry regiment established in Canada within the permanent force. The regimental history can be traced back to the War of 1812 and it overlaps with some of the most significant episodes of post-confederation Canadian history. The museum is housed in Wolseley Barracks, which was originally called the Infantry School Building when it opened in 1888. The first unit to occupy the building was ‘D’ Company of the Infantry School Corps. They were the fourth company established after the creation of the Infantry School Corps in 1883. The Infantry School Corps would later become The Royal Canadian Regiment (RCR) after several name changes.

The Royal Canadian Regiment Museum 

In 1871, regular British troops withdrew from the recently confederated country of Canada. They left behind a Canadian military consisting of a couple small artillery units, and an inadequately led, trained, and equipped volunteer militia. In 1883, the government created the Infantry School Corps, a unit of professional soldiers that would train and educate officers for the volunteer militia. Three companies of the Infantry School Corps, ‘A’, ‘B’, ‘C’, were located in old British barracks at Fredericton, Saint-Jean, and Toronto respectively. In 1885, another company, ‘D’ Company, was established and assigned to London, Ontario.  Troops stationed in London were traditionally located at Victoria Park, in the heart of the city. However, by 1885, local authorities had become concerned about the hazards of a “downtown barracks.” It was decided that ‘D’ Company of the Infantry School Corps would be based at Carling Heights, which was outside London city limits at the time. This land was originally owned by Sir John Carling of Carling Brewery fame. A ‘U’ shaped building was constructed between 1886-1888 to house the company. It was originally referred to as the Infantry School Building. In 1894, the building would be renamed Wolseley Barracks in honour of Sir Garnet Wolseley. He was well-known in Canada at the time for commanding the government response to the Red River Resistance, which was led by Louis Riel, in 1870. From 1899-1913, Wolseley was Honorary Colonel of The Royal Canadian Regiment. The Infantry School Corps went through a number of name changes before becoming The Royal Canadian Regiment in 1901. 4th Battalion, The RCR (4RCR) continues to occupy parts of Wolseley Barracks to this day. One of the most notable features of Wolseley Barracks is the parade square formed at the centre of its three wings. The parade square has always been used for training, parades, and other activities. 4RCR continues to use the square for these purposes.

Our tour of the Wolseley Barracks site begins here at the parade square. It is a large interior courtyard located at the centre of a ‘U’ shaped building, originally known as the Infantry School Building, and now called ‘A’ Block, Wolseley Barracks, or simply, Wolseley Barracks. This is one of Canada’s oldest military buildings, built in 1886-1888 at Carling Heights. It is formally recognized as a National Historic Site of Canada. The building originally housed ‘D’ Company of the Infantry School Corps, and today is used by 4th Battalion, The Royal Canadian Regiment. Since the building was opened, the parade square itself has been used for training, parades, and other activities. 

Parade Square at Wolseley Barracks

The Regimental Memorial, or Cenotaph, was the result of a project initiated by The RCR Old Comrades Association (OCA) to mark the 75th Anniversary of the regiment in 1959. The OCA was formed by Lieut.-Col. C.H. Hill in 1926 to preserve loyalty to the regiment among retired Royal Canadians. Two-thirds of the cost of the memorial was covered by (then) current and former serving members of the regiment.  The 17-foot, 4-sided, limestone column was designed by Major J.F. Leighton. The front side of the column features the regimental motto “Pro Patria” (transl: For Country), the regimental cap badge, the founding year of The Regiment (“1883”), the inscription “In memory of fallen comrades,” and the date of its unveiling (“1959”). The remaining sides feature the battle honours of The RCR from Saskatchewan (1885) to the Korean War (1951-1953).  The Memorial was unveiled on July 2, 1959 by His Royal Highness Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh and Colonel-in-Chief of The RCR. All three battalions of The RCR were in attendance, and invitations went out to 7500 people resulting in a large crowd. It initially stood at the south end of the barracks property, which is now occupied by a housing development. In 1995, the memorial was moved to the northwest corner of the barracks site. On May 21, 1995 the Memorial was rededicated and a ball was held in conjunction at the Wolseley Barracks Sergeant’s Mess attended by 180 members of the regiment. In 2012, the Memorial was moved to its current location at the north end of the parade square.  An annual Remembrance Day ceremony is conducted by 4RCR in the barracks parade square. During the ceremony, vigil sentries stand guard at the four corners of the Regimental Memorial, and wreathes are placed at its base to pay respects to the military dead. On a day to day basis, military personnel will salute the Memorial when they pass it as a sign of remembrance.

The Regimental Memorial, or Cenotaph, was unveiled on July 2, 1959 by His Royal Highness Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh to mark the 75th Anniversary of The Royal Canadian Regiment (RCR). It is a 17-foot limestone column dedicated to the memory of those who had fallen in service to The Regiment. 

Regimental Memorial (Cenotaph), Wolseley Barracks

These types of vehicles and artillery pieces were used in various conflicts that The RCR was involved in including the North West Resistance in 1885 (RML 9lb Field Gun), the Second World War (Ordance QF 25 Pounder, Type 41 Mountain Gun, and Universal Carrier), Peacekeeping (Lynx, Grizzly), and the conflict in Afghanistan (LAV III).  The LAV III Monument is the result of a partnership with the City of London, who owns the vehicle, and Canada Company who seeks to recognize the service and sacrifice of the Canadian Armed Forces in Afghanistan by providing a full-sized demilitarized vehicle to qualifying communities throughout the country. During an unveiling ceremony held on November 9, 2018, local community connections to the LAV Ill Monument Program were highlighted. For example, the vehicle was built by the General Dynamics Land Systems-Canada (GDLS), and the refurbishment was undertaken by Militex Coatings, both based in London, ON. Additionally, Trooper Mark Andrew Wilson of London, who was killed by an improvised explosive device in Afghanistan, was also commemorated at the ceremony. Please stay tuned for a dedicated tour of these pieces to learn more about them.

Wolseley Barracks is home to a variety of vehicles and artillery pieces with a historic connection to The Royal Canadian Regiment (RCR). Artillery pieces include the RML 9 pounder Field Gun, Japanese Type 41 Mountain Gun, and Ordnance QF 25 Pounder. Vehicles include a Universal Carrier, Lynx Reconnaissance Vehicle M113 1/2, AVGP Grizzly, and Light Armoured Vehicle (LAV III).

Outdoor Vehicle Display, Wolseley Barracks

On July 1, 1886, Sir Adolphe Caron, Minister of Militia and Defense attended the cornerstone ceremony for the Infantry School Building, which was built to house ‘D’ Company of the Infantry School Corps. While in London, he also inspected the troops training at Carling Heights. He was the Minister of Militia and Defense for 11 years. He oversaw the creation of the Infantry School Corps whose purpose was to provide training and education to officers for the volunteer militia.  The building was designed by the Engineering Branch of the Department of Militia and Defense. Henry James, the Chief Architect of the Militia Department, signed off on the design blueprints. The blueprints show a building with three wings, east, south, and west, connected at right angles with a parade square formed in the centre. Interesting features included a tower and an open archway through the west wing of the building (the current museum reception area). George F. Durand was the local architect who supervised the construction of the building. Mr. Durand was involved in the construction of a number of buildings in the London area including the Western Fair Grounds Main Exhibition Hall, and the London Club. Two million local yellow bricks produced by Walker Brothers were used for the construction of the building. It cost $77,300 dollars to build.   The original blueprints for Wolseley Barracks still exist, and are held by the archives at the University of Western Ontario. It is the oldest military building in Canada for which the original plans are known to still exist. Originally, the south wing of the building contained the officers’ quarters. The east wing contained the barracks rooms, kitchen, cellar, and dining room. The west wing contained quarters for non-commissioned officers, a kitchen, canteen, prisoner room, hospital, reading room, lecture hall, recreation room, and museum room.    Many changes would occur within this building overtime, but the outside remains remarkably similar to how it looked back in 1888. However, there have been some updates, such as the inclusion of two extensions on the exterior of the east wing, the removal of a boiler room at the south end of the parade square, the installation of higher windows on the west wing, and the closing of the open archway below the tower to form the new museum reception area.

The cornerstone of Wolseley Barracks is located in the southeast corner of the building and is accompanied by a more recent plaque recognizing the 100th anniversary of the laying of the cornerstone. The cornerstone was placed in July 1886 and the ceremony was attended by Sir Adolphe Caron, Minister of Militia and Defense. Originally known as the Infantry School Building, troops from ‘D’ Company, Infantry School Corps would take up residence in the facility upon its completion in 1888.  


Cornerstone, Wolseley Barracks

The south wing of the barracks building was designed as an officers’ quarters. The south wing is more elaborate than the other parts of the building. It is designed to resemble terraced housing (or townhouses). The wing is composed of six different dwellings, or apartments. The two dwellings at each end are three-stories, while those in the centre are two. Each dwelling is distinguished by a gabled structure at the base of the roof with a finial feature at the apex and a bull’s eye window in the centre. The apartment at the southwest corner of the building belonged to the Commanding Officer.  The south lawn was used for social events, such as garden parties, up until the 2000s. The London Advertiser in October 1893 describes when the officers of the regiment hosted the London Hunt Club for a hunt, followed by a reception on the lawn that including Mrs. John Labatt and Mrs. Carling of the two famous brewing families. Many of the original trees planted in the southern lawn have been cut down, but the large stumps visible in some areas give an idea of their placement.

The south wing of the building was once the officers' quarters. The separate entrances indicate different apartments or dwellings within this wing of the building. The southwest corner apartment originally belonged to the Commanding Officer. The south lawn, in front of the officers’ quarters, was used for social events until the 2000s. 

Officers' Quarters, Wolseley Barracks 

The west wing is dominated by the central tower. The decorative features of the tower are indicative of the late 19th century Neo-Romanesque style. There is a 3-level tower entrance with circular arches highlighted by dressings of red stone. It has a gabled roof, which is nicely decorated with three bullseye skylight windows. Below the roof, embrasures surround the entire wall.     The year 1886, when construction of the building started, is clearly visible above the entrance to the tower. This entrance once provided access to a tunnel that led to the parade square. Following renovations from 2009-2013 the tunnel was enclosed to form the new museum reception area. On either side of the entryway plaques are found from the Historic Sites and Monuments Board of Canada describing the building’s significance.    Historic Sites and Monuments Board of Canada Plaque for Wolseley Barracks Infantry School Building  This building, typical of military architecture of its period, was built in 1886 to provide quarters for the recently authorized “D “Company, Infantry School Corps, an early step in the development of the Permanent Forces of Canada. In 1901, after three changes, the corps was renamed The Royal Canadian Regiment, Regimental Headquarters moved here in 1923.   During the years 1914-1918 and 1939-1945 while the regiment was on active service the building was used for recruiting, training and demobilization. The regiment returned to the barracks in 1953.

The tower is the most defining feature of Wolseley Barracks. Located on the west wing of the building facing Elizabeth Street. Originally, the archway at the base of the tower was a tunnel which would lead into the parade square. This feature was closed in to create a reception area for The Royal Canadian Regiment Museum. 

Wolseley Barracks Walking Tour

'O' Block, Wolseley Barracks

Introduction

Images

Backstory and Context

Sources