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The RCR Museum
The Yukon Field Force

The gold rush of 1896 brought fortune hunters from around the globe to the Yukon. Fearing that the North West Mounted Police (NWMP) would be unable to handle the influx of people to the region, the government established the Yukon Field Force - a volunteer force of 12 officers and 191 men, with members of The Royal Canadian Regiment of Infantry (later The RCR) making up the largest part of the force.

Leaving Ottawa 6 May 1898, the Yukon Field Force assisted the NWMP for one year in guarding banks and gold shipments, fighting fires, building hospitals and maintaining order. The greatest test the force faced, however, was the journey along the Stikine River to Dawson City - one of the toughest marches ever made by Canadian troops.

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