Wolseley Barracks, “A” Block

The building known today as “A” Block at Wolseley Barracks was erected between 1886 and 1888 to host “D” Company of the Infantry School Corps. Three other companies existed since 1883 in Fredericton, NB, St-Jean, QC, and Toronto, ON. Together with the fourth company established in London, ON, in 1885, they formed the first infantry unit in the Canadian Army, mandated to train the local militias spread across the country. The “U” shaped building was designed by the Engineer Branch of the Department of Militia and Defence, under Chief Architect Henry James (1838 – 1893). With an estimated budget of $81,000 approved by the Canadian Parliament in spring 1886, the construction was assigned to the local architect George F. Durand (1850 – 1889). In 1894, the “Infantry School” building in London, ON, was re-designated Wolseley Barracks to honour Field Marshal Garnet Joseph Wolseley, 1st Viscount Wolseley, Commander-in-Chief of British Forces between 1894 and 1901. For many years to come, Wolseley Barracks was home to The Royal Canadian Regiment that continues to maintain its presence through its 4th Battalion, a formation in the Canadian Reserve Force. Today, The Royal Canadian Regiment Museum, located in the west wing, shares the building with the above-mentioned reserve unit and other services supporting the Department of National Defence. The parade square shown in this panoramic view saw troops training and/or preparing for ceremonial services for more than a hundred years. On the north side, a small outdoors display including equipment and vehicles used by the unit over time, as well as the regimental cenotaph, a tribute to those who made the supreme sacrifice while fighting for Canada since 1885 under The Royal Canadian Regiment’s Colours.