Photo: Royal Winnipeg Rifles Monument

The Monument to honour the Royal Winnipeg Rifles stood at the Old City Hall in the city of Winnipeg, Manitoba in Canada until it was moved to the Manitoba Museum in 1963.

In 1883 the Royal Winnipeg Rifles first commander was Lieutentant Colonel William Nassau Kennedy, and were nicknamed 'Little Black Devils' due to the contrast of the red coats the infantry wore and the dark green, 'rifle green',worn by the men of the Royal Winnipeg Rifles.

There were battalions of the Royal Winnipeg Rifles serving in both World Wars I and II. The 1st Battalion served with the Canadian Infantry Division and on D-Day were with the first Allies to hit the beaches of Normandy.

The monument to honour these brave soldiers stood outside the second of the three City Halls which have served Winnipeg since the city was incorporated in November 1873. At the start, the city council held their meetings in different buildings and even in stores. The first City Hall, built in 1876, was doomed from the start as it was built over a creek bed and the whole building was unstable and torn down in 1883. ... continue below the picture...

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... The second City Hall was a Victorian turreted landmark with layers of brick and stones.

Although there was much opposition this City Hall was demolished in 1962 to make way for the modern City Hall. The Royal Winnipeg Rifles Monument was moved to the Manitoba Museum where people may still honour these brave men.

Monument in honour of all who served with the Royal Winnipeg Rifles - first erected in 1886 at the City Hall then moved to the current site in 1963 at the Manitoba Museum, City of Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada.