The Loyal Edmonton Regiment Military Museum is where the nation’s military history comes to life. Located in the heart of the city, the museum houses unique artifacts, photographs, and personal belongings of soldiers who fought in the pivotal battles of the First and Second World Wars. A visit to this museum is a journey into the past that helps you understand the true cost of freedom and peace. Learn more at edmonton-yes.com.
About The Loyal Edmonton Regiment
The Loyal Edmonton Regiment is a Primary Reserve infantry unit of the Canadian Armed Forces based in Edmonton. The regiment is popularly known as “The Loyal Eddies.” It was founded in 1908 and joined the war effort in the First World War in 1914.
On September 1, 1939, the regiment was mobilized as The Edmonton Regiment, C.A.S.F. (Canadian Active Service Force). It departed for Great Britain on December 22, 1939. The regiment took part in numerous challenging operations. In March 1945, the unit landed in France as part of Operation Goldflake and fought in North-West Europe until the end of the war.
More recently, The Loyal Edmonton Regiment contributed over 20% of its members to various task forces serving in Afghanistan between 2002 and 2014. During this war, the regiment suffered three fatalities and many wounded. You can learn more about these events through the museum’s exhibits.
Today, the regiment continues to conduct training exercises at local and national levels. It also participates in domestic, UN, and NATO operations. In 2018, the regiment was tasked with establishing a mortar platoon, which was deployed to Latvia in early 2020. This marked the first time a Primary Reserve mortar platoon had been deployed overseas.
About the Museum
The Loyal Edmonton Regiment Military Museum is dedicated to preserving the regiment’s legacy by collecting and displaying related artifacts. The museum is managed by The Loyal Edmonton Regiment Museum Foundation.
The museum operates with a small team of part-time staff. It also relies on volunteers who handle various tasks, including the classification, cataloguing, and preservation of artifacts.
Since 1997, the museum has been located in the Prince of Wales Armouries Heritage Centre, which was the home base for The Loyal Edmonton Regiment from 1920 to 1965. This building also houses the museum’s office, exhibition galleries, archives, and even a library. The centre is situated on the traditional lands of many Indigenous peoples, including the Dene, Cree, Saulteaux, Blackfoot, and Nakota Sioux.
History of the Museum
The museum was founded in 1985 by Captain Chris Atkin to preserve the regiment’s heritage. The need became urgent after a flood damaged artifacts that had been stored in boxes. Captain Atkin successfully secured a space for the museum at the Prince of Wales Armouries Heritage Centre in Edmonton.
A long period of setting up the museum followed, which involved repairs and the construction of display cases. It was also necessary to organize the archives and install shelving. Part-time staff and volunteers were brought in to manage the daily operations. Captain Atkin was the driving force behind this entire process.
The museum opened its doors to the public in 1997. From the very beginning, it has offered group and individual tours, including for students and youth groups. The museum also frequently organizes special off-site exhibits.
The primary mission of the museum is to connect Edmontonians with their military heritage. This museum is more than just a collection of objects; it is a living bridge between the past and the present. It honours the memory of the courage and loyalty of Canadian soldiers and reveals how history continues to shape our present.