| Added by |
 Alain Martineau
|
| General Description : | Official First Day (OFDC) Cancellation Location: Montreal, Quebec Gum Type: Pressure sensitive Illustration: Sharif Tarabay The rise of American military strength during the American Civil War (1861-1865) made the governments of Upper and Lower Canada uneasy. In addition to witnessing a build up of arms among their neighbours to the south, Canadian leaders no doubt considered that if Americans were willing to wage war against their own countrymen, then they would have no qualms about attacking the nascent nation north of the 49th parallel. In response to this perceived threat, they authorized the formation of militia regiments throughout the eastern half of the country. As settlement spread west—and Confederation formed, regiments continued to spring up wherever brave Canadians saw the need to stand on guard. While the often complex and highly descriptive names of many of the regiments have changed over the decades, there are several active regiments that can trace their history prior to Confederation. This stamp issue salutes three regiments celebrating a century and a half of active duty. Founded in 1862, The Black Watch (Royal Highland Regiment) of Canada was presented its first colours in that same year as the 5th Battalion “The Royal Light Infantry of Montreal.” First called out for military service in the 1860s against Fenian invaders, over the past century and a half, tens of thousands of Canadians have served in Canada’s Black Watch in foreign wars, United Nations peacekeeping and stabilization missions, NATO interventions, and crises at home. Six members of the Regiment have been awarded the Victoria Cross, the highest military honour bestowed by the Commonwealth, and over one thousand individual operational decorations have been awarded to members of the Regiment. The Red Hackle, its distinguishing emblem, is worn proudly—a symbol of tradition, duty and sacrifice. |
| Material | Gold |
| Face value | PERMANENT™ domestic rate $0.61 |
| Catalog code | Canada post Product #: 413861111 |
| Series | The Regiments |
| Print run | 2,500,000 |
| Issue date | 11/10/2012 |
| Designer | Sputnik Design Partners Inc. |
| Paper type | Tullis Russell |
| Print technique | Lithography in 7 colours |
| Printed by | Lowe-Martin |
| Perforation | Simulated perforation (SP) |
| Height | 30.00 mm |
| Width | 40.00 mm |
| Catalog prices | No catalog prices set yet |
