Canadian Expeditionary Force (14A) Pioneers
Canadian Expeditionary Force Pioneers
Pioneers worked in conjunction with the Engineers, “and continually in the Forward Area: the work in the back area being left to Labour units and Entrenching battalions. The work is varied but consists of consolidating positions captured by the infantry, tunnelling, mining, wiring, railroad work, deep dugout work and laying out, building and keeping trenches in repair.”
Pioneer units were added later in the war, including the 1st Canadian Pioneer Battalion from Mar 1916 to Feb 1917, when they became the 9th Canadian Railway Battalion. The 107th Canadian Pioneer Battalion also came under command between Mar 1917 and May 1918, before being absorbed by the 1st Canadian Engineer Brigade.
Canada provided seven pioneer battalions as part of its wartime contributions. Several units were initially recruited as infantry battalions before being redesigned 'pioneers'. The 48th Infantry Battalion, for example, was organized in Victoria, BC in February 1915, traveled to England in July and was re-designated the 3rd Pioneer Battalion in January 1916. Four other infantry battalions - 67th, 107th, 123rd and 124th - were also transformed into pioneer battalions but retained their infantry numbers.
Pioneer battalions differed from normal infantry in that they would be composed of a mixture of men who were experienced with picks and shovels (i.e. miners, road men, etc) and some who had skilled trades (e.g. smiths, carpenters, joiners, bricklayers, masons, tinsmiths, engine drivers and fitters). A Pioneer battalion would also carry a range of technical stores that infantry would not. This type of British battalion came into being with an Army Order in December 1914.
A Canadian view: There is a difference between a Pioneer battalion and a Labour Battalion. Pioneers were Infantry, and only received recruits of A1 category. They provided a necessary function different than that of the standard Infantry Battalion. In the British Army the Pioneers received special training, received the pick of skilled (men with applicable trades) Infantry, and received extra pay. Canada had four labour Battalions in its Corps structure in France; these weren't pioneers. The Pioneers’ function was within the Division. They provided the extra man power to the Engineer Field Companies and skilled pioneer functions to the Infantry in the front line. In fact in the 1918 reorganization of the engineers the Pioneers were absorbed into the Divisional Engineer Brigades. It was the pioneers that built the dug outs, built the roads in forward areas, laid barbed wire entanglements, and were the power house in trench construction. Pioneers also were the ones who followed on the heels of the Infantry in the attack to fill trenches and build passable avenues for the guns to be brought forward. "Pioneer Battalions in the Great War: Organized and Intelligent Labour," by K. W. Mitchinson. (CME Association)
(York Sunbury Historical Society, Fredericton Region Museum Collection, Author Photo)
1997.28.394.
1st Canadian Pioneer Battalion. The 80th Battalion became the 1st Pioneers with 1st Division. It later became the 9th Battalion Canadian Railway Troops.
Organized in July 1915 under the command of Lieutenant-Colonel G. E. Hodgins. designated 80th Division Pioneer Battalion but designation changed on 18August 1915. Authorization published in General Order 151 of 22 December 1915.Mobilized at Winnipeg. Recruited in Victoria, Vancouver, Calgary and Winnipeg. Left Montreal 20 November 1915 aboard METAGAMA. Arrived in England 30 November 1915. Strength: 20 officers, 1046 other ranks. Arrived in France 9 March 1916. 1st Canadian Division. 2nd Canadian Infantry Brigade. Became 9th Battalion Canadian Railway Troops in May 1917.Disbanded by General Order 149 of 15 September 1920.
(CWM Photo)
2nd Canadian Pioneer Battalion. 2nd Pioneers first mobilized on 28 October 1915 at Guelph Ontario. Companies previously recruited were as follows: "A" Company 1st Div area, mobilized at London. "B" and "C" Companies 2nd Div area and 3rd Div., Toronto, Ottawa, and Sault St. Marie. "D" Company 2nd Div., Northern Ontario, Sudbury, Cobalt, Porcupine. Trained in Quebec; went to England Dec 1915; first saw action in March 1916 with 2nd Division. Broken up to join Engineers.
Organized in August 1915 under the command of Lieutenant-Colonel N. M. Davis. Authorization published in General Order 151 or 22 December 1915. Mobilized at Guelph and St. Thomas. Recruited in Eastern Canada among miners, lumbermen, railwaymen, mechanics, engineers, surveyors and carpenters. Left Halifax 6 December 1915 aboard ORDUNA. Arrived in England 14 December 1915.Strength: 28 officers, 1040 other ranks. Arrived in France 8 March 1916.Reinforced by 4th Canadian Reserve Battalion. Absorbed into 4th, 5th and 6th Battalions, Canadians Engineers in May 1918. Disbanded by General Order 149 of 15 September 1920.
(Private Collection Photo)
3rd Pioneer Battalion (48th Canadians).
After its arrival in England the 48th Infantry Battalion was redesignated as the 3rd Pioneer Battalion (48th Canadians) this being authorized under General Order 69 of July 1916, being assigned as the Pioneer Battalion of the 3rd Canadian Division. The 3rd Pioneers (48th Canadians) served in this capacity from mid 1916 until 31 May 1917 when the unit was broken up for reinforcements at which time the 123rd Pioneer Battalion became the 3rd Divisional Pioneer Battalion. The 48th Battalion was disbanded under General Order 196 of July 1920.
3rd Canadian Pioneer Battalion. The 48th Battalion became the 3rd Pioneers with 3rd Division. It first saw action in March 1916. It was broken up to reinforce 7th and 29th Infantry Battalions. Organized as 48th Canadian Infantry Battalion in February 1915.Commanded by Lieutenant-Colonel W. J. H Holmes. Authorization published in General Order 86 of 1 July 1915.Left Montreal 1 July 1915 aboard GRAMPIAN. Arrived in England 10 July 1915. Redesignated 3rd Canadian Pioneer Battalion, 25 January 1916.Arrived in France 9 March 1916, 3rd Canadian Division. Withdrawn, 8 May 1917: replaced in 3rd Division by 123rd Battalion. Personnel dispersed to 7th, 29th and 75th Canadian Infantry Battalions. Disbanded by General Order 149 of 15 September 1920Band
(York Sunbury Historical Society, Fredericton Region Museum Collection, Author Photo)
1997.28.414.
4th Canadian Pioneer Battalion.
Organized in February 1916 under the command of Lieutenant-Colonel .Authorization published in General Order 69 of 15 August 1916. Mobilized at St Andrews New Brunswick in May 1916.Recruited in Ontario, Quebec, Nova Scotia and New Brunswick. Left Halifax 13 September 1916 aboard METAGAMA. Arrived in England 22 September 1916. Strength: 32 officers, 780 other ranks. Redesignated 5th Canadian Pioneer Battalion on November 1916 as a result of the 67th Battalion being redesignated 4th Pioneer Battalion. Absorbed by Canadian Pioneer Training Depot, Crowborough in December 1916. Disbanded by Privy Council Order 1366 of 21 May 1917. Colours made by Mrs. Maloney of Ottawa. Presented by Mrs. R. S. Low Westminster Abbey on 28 December 1916 for the duration of the war. Deposited in the “Old Kirk”, St-Andrews, N.B. in 1920.
(York Sunbury Historical Society, Fredericton Region Museum Collection, Author Photo)
1997.28.407.
5th Canadian Pioneer Battalion. It was recruited in Montreal. It was later broken up to join the Engineers.
Organized in March 1916 under the command of Lieutenant-Colonel H. R. Lordly. Authorization published in General Order 69 of 15 July 1916. Mobilized at Montreal. Recruited in Quebec. Left Halifax 27 November 1916 aboard METAGAMA. Arrived in England 6 December 1916.Strength: 26 officers, 609 other ranks. Absorbed by 5th Canadian Divisional Engineers at Witley in February 1917. Disbanded by General Order 63 of 1 June 1917. Colours presented at Point St Charles race track on 3 June 1916.
(CWM Photo)
6th Canadian Pioneer Battalion.
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(York Sunbury Historical Society, Fredericton Museum Collection, Author Photo)
1997.28.382.
67th Pioneer Battalion (Western Scots). Authorized 20 April 1915, disbanded 30 August 1920. The 67th (Western Scots) Battalion became the 67th Pioneers with 4th Division. It first saw action in March 1916. It was broken up to reinforce the 54th and 102nd Infantry
Battalions. The 67th Battalion (Western Scots), British Columbia, was recruited by the 50th Gordon Highlanders at Victoria on 23 June 1915 under command of Lieutenant-Colonel Lorne Ross being authorized under General Order 103a of August 15th 1915. The regiment previously having provided 262 volunteers to the 15th Battalion on its formation at Camp Valcartier in August 1914. The regiment also provided volunteers to the 103rd and 143rd Battalions. Although the regiment was a highland battalion only the Pipe band wore Highland dress (Douglas tartan) the battalion wearing regular infantry uniform. The 67th Infantry Battalion sailed for England on 5 April 1916 with a strength of 34 officers and 1045 OR’s and to France on 14 August 1916. In September 1916 the battalion was designated the 67th Pioneer Battalion (Western Scots) assigned as the pioneer battalion of the 4th Division. The battalion served in the 4th Division until after the Battle of Vimy Ridge when on 30 April 1917 it was withdrawn from the line and replaced by the 124th Pioneer Battalion, the surviving personnel being distributed as reinforcements. The 67th Battalion was disbanded under General Order 149 of 15 September 1920.
(York Sunbury Historical Society, Fredericton Museum Collection, Author Photo)
1997.28.155.
107th Pioneer Battalion (Winnipeg). Authorized on 22 December 1915, disbanded on 15 September 1920. 107th (Winnipeg) Battalion. Authorized on 4 November 1915 as an infantry battalion. Recruiting by the 32nd Manitoba Horse started in Winnipeg starting that same month. More than half the applicants were Indigenous Canadians from the Blackfoot, Cree, Ojibwe, Haudenosaunee, Dakota, Delaware and Mi’kmaq nations.
The 107th (Timber Wolves) Battalion was recruited by the 32nd Manitoba Horse at Winnipeg on 4 November 1915 being authorized under General Order 151 of December 22nd 1915. The 32nd Manitoba Horse previously contributing 44 volunteers to the 6th Battalion on its formation at Camp Valcartier in August 1914. The 107th Battalion embarked for England September 19th 1916 under command of Lieutenant-Colonel G. Campbell (R.C.A.) with a strength of 32 officers and 965 OR’s. On 27 January 1917 the battalion was redesignated as the 107th Pioneer Battalion sailing for France in the spring of 1917 replacing the 1st Pioneers in the 1st Division on 17 March 1917.
The 107th Pioneer Battalion served until February 1918 when the pioneer battalions were absorbed into the Canadian Engineers on reorganization. The unit being split into three detachments these being added to the1st, 2nd and 3rd Canadian Engineering Battalions, 1st Canadian Engineer Brigade this later being designated as the 1st Brigade, Canadian Engineers. The 107th Battalion was disbanded under General Order 149 of 15 September 1920. The 1st Brigade, Canadian Engineers under General Order 192 of November 1920.
(York Sunbury Historical Society, Fredericton Museum Collection, Author Photo)
1997.28.145.
123rd Pioneer Battalion (Royal Grenadiers). Authorized on 22 December 1915, disbanded on 15 September 1920. 123rd Battalion, Royal Grenadiers. Based in Toronto, Ontario, they began recruiting in November 1915. After arriving in England, they continued to train as an infantry battalion for several months, but just before mobilizing to France in January 1917, the battalion was redesignated the 123rd Pioneer Battalion, Royal Grenadiers, CEF.
The 123rd Canadian Infantry Battalion was recruited and mobilized at Toronto November 12th 1915 under General Order 151 of 22 December 1915. The battalion was raised by the 10th Regiment Royal Grenadiers this regiment previously having contributed 401 volunteers to the 3rd Battalion on its formation at Camp Valcartier in August 1914 and later raising the 58th and 204th Battalions. The 123rd Battalion embarked for England August 9th 1916 with just 12 officers and 369 under command of Lieutenant-Colonel W. B. Kingsmill (10th Royal Grenadiers). Effective on 1 February 1917 the battalion was converted from infantry to pioneers under the designation of the 123rd Pioneer Battalion. In March 1917 with the addition of reinforcements from the Canadian Pioneer Training Depot the 123rd Pioneers became the Divisional Pioneers of the 3rd Canadian Division, replacing the 3rd Pioneer Battalion (48th Canadians) which was disbanded and its remaining personnel being used as reinforcements for other pioneer battalions. The 123rd Pioneer battalion served with the 3rd Division until May 1918 when the unit was disbanded and its personnel distributed amongst the three Engineering Battalions of the 3rd Canadian Engineering Brigade, this attached to the 3rd Canadian Division. The 123rd Battalion was disbanded under General Order 149 of 15 September 1920.
(York Sunbury Historical Society, Fredericton Museum Collection, Author Photo)
1997.28.146.
124th Pioneer Battalion (Governor General's Bodyguard). Authorized on 22 December 1915, disbanded on 15 September 1920. 124th (Governor General's Body Guard, Toronto) Battalion. Based in Toronto, Ontario, the unit began recruiting in late 1915 in that city. After sailing to England in August 1916, the battalion was redesignated the 124th Pioneer Battalion, CEF.
The 124th Canadian Infantry Battalion was recruited and mobilized at Toronto November 9th 1915 by the Governor General’s Body Guard and 9th Mississauga Horse being authorized under General Order 151 of December 22nd 1915. The G.G.B.G. had previously contributed 42 volunteers to the 3rd Battalion and the 9th Mississauga Horse 161 volunteers to the 2nd Battalion on their formation at Camp Valcartier in August 1914. The 124th Battalion embarked for England August 9th 1916 with a strength of 32 officers and 1004 OR's under command of Lieutenant-Colonel W.C.V. Chadwick (9th Mississauga Horse). Effective 1 February 1917 the battalion was converted from infantry to pioneer battalion under the designation the 124th Pioneer Battalion replacing the 67th (Western Scots) as the pioneer battalion of 4th Canadian Division on 1 May 1917. The 124th Pioneer battalion served until May 1918 when the unit was disbanded and its personnel distributed amongst the 7th, 8th and 9th Battalions of the 4h Canadian Engineering Brigade, attached to the 4th Canadian Division. The 124th Overseas Battalion was disbanded under General Order 149 of 15 September 1920.
Canadian Cavalry Pioneer Battalions
December 16th 1916 - February 8th 1917. An ad hoc Canadian Cavalry Pioneer Battalion was formed from personnel of the various units of the Canadian Cavalry Brigade in December 1916. The duties comprised of setting up and maintaining camps and roads around the Headquarters. The overall command was under Lieutenant-Colonel J.A. Hesketh, LdSH (RC). The unit served until 8 February 1917 when the duties were taken over by the 2nd Canadian Pioneer Battalion and the troopers returned to their regiments. No distinctive regimental badges were produced for this short lived unit. Canadian Pioneer Training Depot. The Canadian Pioneer Training Depot (CPTD) was established at St. Martins Plain (Salisbury Plain) probably shortly after the arrival of the 1st Pioneer Battalion in England in November 1915 and likely served as the depot for drafts and the Pioneer Battalions arriving from Canada. Drafts are listed as attached to the CPTD in February 1916. As the pioneer battalions were absorbed into the Engineering battalions in 1917 the duties of the CPTD were likely taken over by the Canadian Engineering Training Depot.
Canadian Pioneer Battalions
Prior to 1916 the various sapper duties required in building and maintaining trenches and other works was done by infantry troops with skilled personnel from the Canadian Engineers supervising this however under the command of the various battalion Commanding Officers. This unsatisfactory system saw large numbers of trained personnel being killed or wounded in trying to perform badly planed tasks. From 1916 a Pioneer Battalion was attached to each of Canada’s Infantry Division. All together nine pioneer battalions were formed or converted from infantry battalions but only four ever served in the field at any one time. The Pioneer Battalions served until the pioneers were absorbed into the Canadian Engineers in the spring of1918.1st Division Pioneer Battalions 1st Canadian Pioneer Battalion (August 8th 1915 - March 1917)Became the 9th Battalion Canadian Railway Troops107th Pioneer Battalion (March 1917 - May 1918).
The 1st Canadian Pioneer Battalion began organizing August 8th 1915 with headquarters at Winnipeg the troops coming from Western Canada, these attested at Winnipeg and Vancouver and Victoria these being attested at Vancouver the unit being authorized under General Order 151 of December 22nd 1915. The battalion sailed for England November 20th 1915 with 30 Officers and 1046 OR’s under command of Lieutenant-Colonel A.E. Hodgins. (Formerly 2nd Bn. RCR) The 1st Pioneer Battalion sailed for France between March 11th and 16th 1916 being attached to the 1st Division. (In March 1917 the 1st Pioneers were replaced in the 1st Division by the 107th Pioneer Battalion.) On being detached the unit was temporally redesignated as the 5th Canadian Railway Troops but effective 17 May 1917 was redesignated as the 9th Battalion Canadian Railway Troops serving in this capacity on the Western Front until the Armistice in November 1918. The 1st Pioneer Battalion was disbanded under G.O.149 of 1920.
1st Canadian Pioneer Battalion (March 1917 - May 1918)
107th (Timber Wolves) Infantry Battalion (November 1915 - January 1917)
The 107th (Timber Wolves) Battalion was recruited by the 32nd Manitoba Horse at Winnipeg November4th 1915 being authorized under General Order 151 of December 22nd 1915. The 32nd Manitoba Horse previously contributing 44 volunteers to the 6th Battalion on its formation at Camp Valcartier in August1914. The 107th Battalion embarked for England September 19th 1916 under command of Lieutenant Colonel G. Campbell (R.C.A.) with a strength of 32 officers and 965 OR’s. On January 27th 1917 battalion was redesignated as the 107th Pioneer Battalion sailing for France in the spring of 1917 replacing the 1st Pioneers in the 1st Division on March 17th 1917.
The 107th Pioneer Battalion served until February 1918 when the pioneer battalions were absorbed into the Canadian Engineers on reorganization. The unit being split into three detachments these being added to the1st, 2nd and 3rd Canadian Engineering Battalions, 1st Canadian Engineer Brigade this later being designated as the 1st Brigade, Canadian Engineers. The 107th Battalion was disbanded under General Order 149 of September 15th 1920. The 1st Brigade, Canadian Engineers under General Order 192 of November 1920.
2nd Division Pioneer Battalions
2nd Canadian Pioneer Battalion (December 22nd 1915 - March 1917)
The 2nd Pioneer Battalion was raised in M.D. 2, mainly at St Thomas and London in September 1915 being organized T Ottawa under command of Lieutenant-Colonel N.M. Davis December 22nd 1915authorized under G.O. 151 of 1915. The 2nd Pioneer Battalion sailed for England December 6th 1915 with28 officers and 1040 other ranks. The battalion proceeded to France March 8th 1916 joining the 2ndCanadian Division serving until the May 1918 reorganization of the Canadian Engineers when the four Divisional Engineers were reorganized becoming expanded Engineering Brigades each with a Pontoon Bridging Transport Unit and four Canadian Engineers Brigades of three Battalions, (these numbered 1through 12) and a Brigade C.E. Forward water supply section. Each of the Engineering Battalions was allotted one third of a Pioneer Battalion. Effective May 24th 1918 the 2nd Canadian Pioneers were disbanded and the personnel assigned to the 4th, 5th and 6th Canadian Engineering Battalions components of the 2nd Canadian Engineer Brigade, later 2nd Brigade C.E.. The Canadian Engineers CEF were disbanded under General Order 192 November 1st 1920. The 2nd Pioneer Battalion was officially disbanded under G.O. 149 of 1920.
3rd Division Pioneer Battalions
3rd Pioneers (48th Battalion)) (July 15th 1916 - March 1917)1
23rd Pioneer Battalion (1915 - 1920) 48th Overseas (Pioneer) Battalion 1915-1916.
The 48th Canadian Infantry Battalion was recruited in British Columbia with mobilization headquarters at Victoria February 22nd 1915 under General Order 86 of July 1st 1915. The battalion was raised by the 50thGordon Highlanders and the 88th Victoria Fusiliers these regiments having previously having provided 262volunteers to the 15th Battalion on its formation and 247 volunteers to the 7th Battalions respectively at Camp Valcartier in August 1914. Together both battalions later helped to raise the 67th, 88th, 103rd and143rd Battalions. The 48th Battalion sailed for England July 1st 1915 with 38 officers and 1020 other ranks under command of Lieutenant-Colonel W.J.H. Holmes (102nd Rocky Mountain Rangers). Sailing on the date of the battalion’s authorization. After its arrival in England the 48th Infantry Battalion was redesignated as the 3rd Pioneer Battalion (48th Canadians) this being authorized under General Order 69 of July 1916, being assigned as the Pioneer Battalion of the 3rd Canadian Division. The 3rd Pioneers (48thCanadians) served in this capacity from mid 1916 until May 31st 1917 when the unit was broken up for reinforcements at which time the 123rd Pioneer Battalion became the 3rd Divisional Pioneer Battalion.
After its arrival in England the 48th Infantry Battalion was redesignated as the 3rd Pioneer Battalion (48thCanadians) this being authorized under General Order 69 of July 1916. The battalion served in this capacityfrom mid 1916 until May 31st 1917 when 80 of the remaining personnel, plus 80 from each of the othertwo pioneer battalions in the field were formed into an new ad hoc unit dubbed the Canadian Corps LightRailway Company, later in 1917 this designated as No.1 and No.2 Sections Canadian Corps Tramways. OnNovember 14th 1917 the Canadian Light Railway Operating Company was formed from No.1 Section andthe Canadian Light Railway Construction Company from No.2 Section. At the beginning of 1918 thesewere renamed the 1st and 2nd Canadian Tramway Companies C.E. On the withdrawal of the 48th Pioneer battalion in May 1917 the 123rd Pioneer Battalion became the new 3rd Divisional Pioneers. The 48thBattalion was officially disbanded under General Order 196 of July 1920.
123rd Infantry Battalion (10th Regiment, Royal Grenadiers) Battalion( December 22nd 1915 - February 1st 1917)
The 123rd Canadian Infantry Battalion was recruited and mobilized at Toronto November 12th 1915 under General Order 151 of December 22nd 1915. The battalion was raised by the 10th Regiment Royal Grenadiers this regiment previously having contributed 401 volunteers to the 3rd Battalion on its formation at Camp Valcartier in August 1914 and later raising the 58th and 204th Battalions. The 123rd Battalion embarked for England August 9th 1916 with just 12 officers and 369 under command of Lieutenant Colonel W. B. Kingsmill (10th Royal Grenadiers). Effective February 1st 1917 the battalion was converted from infantry to pioneers under the designation of the 123rd Pioneer Battalion. In March 1917 with the addition of reinforcements from the Canadian Pioneer Training Depot the 123rd Pioneers became the Divisional Pioneers of the 3rd Canadian Division, replacing the 3rd Pioneer Battalion (48th Canadians)which was disbanded and its remaining personnel being used as reinforcements for other pioneer battalions. The 123rd Pioneer battalion served with the 3rd Division until May 1918 when the unit was disbanded andits personnel distributed amongst the three Engineering Battalions of the 3rd Canadian Engineering Brigade, this attached to the 3rd Canadian Division. The 123rd Battalion was disbanded under General Order 149 of 15 September 1920.
4th Division Pioneer Battalions
4th Canadian Pioneer Battalion (July 15th 1916 - April 1917)
67th Pioneer Battalion (Western Scots) (August 1915 - April 1916)124th Pioneer Battalion - February 1st 1917The 4th Pioneer Battalion was raised in May 1916 for the 4th Division with volunteers from across Canada under command of Lieutenant-Colonel Paul Weatherby with mobilization headquarters at St. Andrews, New Brunswick under General Order 69 of July 15th 1916. The battalion arrived in England September22nd 1916 with 32 Officers and 780 other ranks. After its arrival its place in the 4th Division was assigned to the 67th Infantry Battalion (Western Scots) and on November 1916 was redesignated as the 5th Division Pioneer Battalion but in December was disbanded and absorbed into Pioneer Training Depot. This as a 5thDivisional Pioneer Battalion had already been raised in Canada this arriving in England December 6th1916. (The 5th Pioneer battalion only had a brief existence being absorbed by the 5th Divisional Engineers in February 1917. The 4th Pioneers were disbanded under G.O.149 of 1920.
67th Pioneer Battalion (Western Scots) September 1916 - April 1917.
The 67th Battalion (Western Scots) was recruited by the 50th Gordon Highlanders at Victoria June 23rdHosted at canadiansoldiers.com - please send feedback, corrections and other updates to the author, Chris Brooker, atcgbrooker@aol.com1915 under command of Lieutenant- Colonel Lorne Ross being authorized under General Order 103a ofAugust 15th 1915. The regiment previously having provided 262 volunteers to the 15th Battalion on itsformation at Camp Valcartier in August 1914. The regiment also provided volunteers to the 103rd and143rd Battalions. Although the regiment was a highland battalion only the Pipe band wore Highland dress(Douglas tartan) the battalion wearing regular infantry uniform. The 67th Infantry Battalion sailed for England April 5th 1916 with a strength of 34 officers and 1045 OR’s and to France August 14th 1916. In September 1916 the battalion was designated the 67th Pioneer Battalion (Western Scots) assigned as the pioneer battalion of the 4th Division. The battalion served in the 4th Division until after the Battle of Vimy Ridge when on April 30th 1917 it was withdrawn from the line and replaced by the 124th Pioneer Battalion, the surviving personnel being distributed as reinforcements. The 67th Battalion was disbanded under General Order 149 of September 15th 1920.The 67th Battalion had both a large brass band and pipe band of 17 pipers and eight drummers. On conversion to a pioneer battalion the pipes and drums were detached becoming the pipes and drums of the102nd (North British Columbian) Battalion. The brass band becoming the band for the 4th Division.
A Pioneer Battalion was attached to each of Canada’s Infantry Divisions from their arrival in France until the pioneer battalions were disbanded on being absorbed into the Canadian Engineers in the spring of 1918.All together nine Canadian pioneer battalions were formed or converted from infantry battalions but only four ever served in the field at any one time. Originally the Pioneer Battalions were organized by the Canadian Engineers but under command of Divisional Headquarters, this unworkable arrangement was finally scrapped in the 1918, post Sir Sam Hughes, reorganization of the CEF when the Pioneer Battalions were absorbed into the Canadian Engineers.
The 67th Infantry Battalion sailed for England April 5th 1916 with a strength of 34 officers and 1045OR’s and to France August 14th 1916. In September 1916 the battalion was designated the 67thPioneer Battalion (Western Scots) assigned as the pioneer battalion of the 4th Division. The battalion served in the 4th Division until after the Battle of Vimy Ridge when on April 30th 1917 it was withdrawn from the line and replaced by the 124th Pioneer Battalion, the surviving personnel being distributed as reinforcements.124th (Pioneer) Battalion (Governor General’s Body Guard)February 1st 1917 - May 1918124th Infantry Battalion (Governor General’s Body Guard) November 9th 1915 - February 1st 1917)The 124th Canadian Infantry Battalion was recruited and mobilized at Toronto November 9th 1915 by the Governor General’s Body Guard and 9th Mississauga Horse being authorized under General Order 151 of December 22nd 1915. The G.G.B.G. had previously contributed 42 volunteers to the 3rd Battalion and the9th Mississauga Horse 161 volunteers to the 2nd Battalion on their formation at Camp Valcartier in August 1914. The 124th Battalion embarked for England August 9th 1916 with a strength of 32 officers and 1004OR's under command of Lieutenant-Colonel W.C.V. Chadwick (9th Mississauga Horse). Effective February1st 1917 the battalion was converted from infantry to pioneer battalion under the designation the 124thPioneer Battalion replacing the 67th (Western Scots) as the pioneer battalion of 4th Canadian Division on 1 May 1917. The 124th Pioneer battalion served until May 1918 when the unit was disbanded and its personnel distributed amongst the 7th, 8th and 9th Battalions of the 4th Canadian Engineering Brigade, this attached to the 4th Canadian Division. The 124th Overseas Battalion was disbanded under General Order 149 of 15 September 1920.
Prior to 1916 the various sapper duties required in building and maintaining trenches and other works was done by infantry troops with skilled personnel from the Canadian Engineers supervising however under the command of the various battalion Commanding Officers. This unsatisfactory system saw large numbers of trained personnel being killed or wounded in trying to perform badly planed tasks. In 1916 a Pioneer Battalion was attached to each of Canada’s Infantry Divisions serving until the pioneers were absorbed into the Canadian Engineers in the spring of 1918. All together nine pioneer battalions were formed or converted from infantry battalions but only four served in the field at any one time.
