Our history: the military heritage of Trois-Rivières

OUR HISTORY

One armoury, one regiment, two cadet units

Every Wednesday evening, the cadets of 2671 Army Cadet Corps and 772 Vanier Squadron gather in a building steeped in history: the Général Jean-Victor Allard Armoury, in downtown Trois-Rivières.

Built in 1905–1906, the armoury is the home of the 12e Régiment blindé du Canada, whose roots go back to an infantry battalion authorized in Trois-Rivières on March 24, 1871. It bears the name of General Jean Victor Allard, who began his militia career there in 1933 and, in 1966, became the first French Canadian to serve as Chief of the Defence Staff.

2671 Army Cadet Corps, founded in 1961 and affiliated with the 12e RBC, and 772 Vanier Squadron, founded in 1967, carry that heritage forward for young people aged 12 to 18. Discover their story, and the story of the places and people that shaped them.

DISCOVER

Six stories, one heritage

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2671 Army Cadet Corps

Founded in 1961 and affiliated with the 12e Régiment blindé du Canada: the story of army cadets in Trois-Rivières.
SINCE 1961 Read the story →
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772 Vanier Squadron

Founded on June 28, 1967, the squadron has been introducing local youth to aviation for nearly 60 years.
SINCE 1967 Read the story →
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The 12e Régiment blindé du Canada

From the Three Rivers Regiment to Sicily, Ortona and Valcartier: more than 150 years of military history.
SINCE 1871 Read the story →
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The Général Jean-Victor Allard Armoury

A brick fortress recognized as a federal heritage building, in the heart of downtown Trois-Rivières.
1905–1906 Read the story →
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General Jean Victor Allard

He joined the militia in Trois-Rivières in 1933 and became the first French Canadian Chief of the Defence Staff.
1913–1996 Read the story →
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Georges Vanier

Hero of the 22nd Battalion and the first French-Canadian Governor General, he gave 772 Squadron its name.
1888–1967 Read the story →

Key dates

  • March 24, 1871 – The Three Rivers Provisional Battalion of Infantry, forerunner of the 12e Régiment blindé du Canada, is authorized.
  • 1905–1906 – The armoury on Saint-François-Xavier Street is built.
  • June 12, 1913 – Jean Victor Allard is born in Sainte-Monique, near Nicolet.
  • 1933 – Jean Victor Allard becomes an officer of the Three Rivers Regiment.
  • July 10, 1943 – The Trois-Rivières regiment lands in Sicily with its Sherman tanks.
  • 1961 – 2671 Army Cadet Corps is founded.
  • July 15, 1966 – General Allard becomes Chief of the Defence Staff.
  • June 28, 1967 – 772 Vanier Squadron is founded.
  • May 1968 – The regiment takes the name 12e Régiment blindé du Canada, and a Regular Force component is created at Valcartier.
  • 1978 – The City of Trois-Rivières grants the Freedom of the City to the 12e Régiment blindé du Canada.
  • April 18, 1991 – The armoury is recognized as a federal heritage building.
  • November 2000 – The armoury is named the Général Jean-Victor Allard Armoury.
  • 2021 – The 12e RBC celebrates its 150th anniversary.
  • 2026 – 2671 Army Cadet Corps marks its 65th anniversary.

Do you have memories to share?

Former cadets, officers, volunteers or parents: your photos, documents and stories help us enrich the history of the 2671 and the 772. Write to us!

Write to us →