33 CER Foundation | Honoring Our Sappers

The 33 CER Foundation Story

A charitable organization born from service, dedication, and an unwavering commitment to preserving our military heritage.

The 33 CER Foundation was established as a registered Canadian charity to serve the extended family of the 33 Combat Engineer Regiment. Based in Kanata, Ontario, we work tirelessly to preserve the proud traditions of Canada's Sappers while providing meaningful support to those who serve, have served, and their families.

Our Foundation operates on the belief that remembrance is more than ceremony—it's active engagement with our history, support for our community, and investment in our future through education and assistance programs.

Registered Charity: 806145280RR0001

The 33 Combat Engineer Regiment

Over 120 years of distinguished military service

1902

Origins in Ottawa

The regiment traces its origins to July 1, 1902, with the establishment of the Ottawa Company of Engineers. Initially, the company assisted the city with emergencies and public ceremonies, laying the foundation for over a century of service.

1914-1918

The Great War

During the First World War, 181 members of the Ottawa Company earned 26 decorations while serving with Canadian Expeditionary Force units. The company primarily trained Engineer officers who served with distinction on the Western Front.

1939-1945

Second World War & Operation Husky

At the outbreak of WWII, the 3rd Field Company, RCE, was mobilized as part of the First Canadian Division Engineers and deployed to Scotland. The unit first saw action in a 1941 demolition operation in Spitzbergen, Norway.

In July 1943, the Sappers played a crucial role in Operation Husky—the Allied invasion of Sicily. At Leonforte, they achieved the remarkable feat of building the first Bailey Bridge under enemy fire. Throughout campaigns in Sicily, Italy, France, and Holland, engineers performed vital tasks including reconnaissance, river crossings, road and bridge construction, and mine disposal.

Twenty-four Canadian Sappers made the ultimate sacrifice during Operation Husky, their memory forever honored at the battlefields of Sicily.

Present

Modern Service

Today, 33 CER is assigned to the 33 Canadian Brigade Group, part of the 4th Canadian Division, and is headquartered at The Major E.J.G. Holland VC Armoury in Ottawa. The regiment trains combat engineers in specialized skills to enable friendly forces to live, move, and fight on the battlefield.

Members of 33 CER have served in United Nations and NATO missions globally, including Afghanistan, Somalia, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Kosovo, Pakistan, Cambodia, Cyprus, and the Golan Heights.

What Do Sappers Do?

Enabling the force through combat engineering excellence

Combat Engineers, known as "Sappers," are among the most versatile soldiers in the Canadian Armed Forces. Their motto, "Ubique" (Everywhere), reflects their presence in every theatre of operations.

Construction: Building bridges, roads, observation posts, and military structures
Demolitions: Controlled destruction of enemy structures and obstacles
Mine Warfare: Detection, disposal, and emplacement of mines and IEDs
Terrain Analysis: Mapping and assessing terrain for military operations
Field Fortification: Creating defensive positions and obstacles

Learn More About Our Mission

Discover how the 33 CER Foundation is working to preserve heritage, support families, and educate future generations.

Our Mission & Values

About Us