On August 4th, 1914 Great Britain declared war on Germany
and Austria-Hungary to uphold treaties with France and
Belgium, which were under German attack. The next day the
regiment held a parade on Maryland Street with a total of
about 250 all ranks. Recruiting began immediately and within a
few weeks the ranks had swelled to over 500.
On 30 August the Regiment entrained for Valcartier, Quebec. On
arrival the men were told the disappointing news that Cavalry
were not needed and they would be transferred to the newly
organized 6th Canadian Infantry Battalion. Men were
transferred in from other Cavalry units in Valcartier, notably
the 18th Mounted Rifles, 20th Border Horse, 22nd Saskatchewan
Light Horse, and 32nd Manitoba Horse.
In December 1915 it was decided the replace the 2nd King
Edward's Horse in France with a Canadian Regiment. The Fort
Garry Horse was selected to become the third Regiment in the
Canadian Cavalry Brigade. It had been kept up to strength in
England with reinforcements provided by the 34th Fort Garry
Horse, still operating as a Militia unit in Winnipeg. The 34th
FGH continued to recruit and train Cavalrymen throughout the
war in Winnipeg and Camp Hughes, sending them overseas as
required by the regiment.
