Canadian Expeditionary Force (CEF) 5, Order of Battle, the numbered battalions

Canadian Expeditionary Force (CEF)

9th Trench Mortar Battery

3rd Brigade Canadian Engineers

7th Battalion Canadian Engineers, 8th Battalion Canadian Engineers, 9th Battalion Canadian Engineers.

3rd Divisional Signal Company

3rd Battalion, Canadian Machine Gun Corps

 

3rd Divisional Train, Canadian Army Service Corps

Organized at Regina in 1915 under the command of Lieutenant-Colonel H. W. Laird. Authorization published in General Order 151 of 22 December 1915. Left Saint John on 2 March 1916. Another 3rd Canadian Divisional Train organized in Shorncliffe prior to the arrival of the one from Canada. Arrived in France 23 January 1916. 3rd Canadian Division. Returned to England. Disbanded by General Order 193 of 1 November 1920.

3rd Divisional Employment Company. Organized at Boulogner, France, in June 1917 under the command of Major E. R. Hall. Its personnel came from various depots in England.

(Library and Archives Canada Photo, MIKAN No. 3395796)

Bringing in a wounded soldier under the Red Cross Flag. September, 1916.

8th, 9th, 10th Field Ambulances

 (Library and Archives Canada Photo, MIKAN No. 3522037)

4th Canadian Division: Major-General Sir David Watson, KCB, CMG. He is shown here on the far right with  Prince Arthur of Connaught, General Currie and General Odlum to his left, watching a practice attack in October, 1917.

(Library and Archives Canada Photo, MIKAN No. 3521892)

Large group of German soldiers surrendering to Canadians, April 1917.

3rd Brigade, Canadian Field Artillery

 

           10th, 11th, 12th Field Batteries

           9th Howitzer Battery

 

4th Brigade, Canadian Field Artillery

 

           13th, 19th, 27th Field Batteries

           21st Howitzer Battery

( Library and Archives Canada Photo, MIKAN No. 3522087)

8-inch BL Mk. VI Howitzer, Canadian Siege Gun firing into Lens, Jan 1918.

(Fredericton Region Museum Collection, Author Photo)

4th Divisional Ammunition Column

 (Library and Archives Canada Photo, MIKAN No. 3517342)

10th Infantry Brigade, Brigadier-General, later Major-General Edward  Hilliam, CB, CMG, DSO and bar.

10th Canadian Infantry Brigade

44th Canadian Infantry Battalion, 46th Canadian Infantry Battalion, 47th Canadian Infantry Battalion, 50th Canadian Infantry Battalion, 10th Trench Mortar Battery.

(Fredericton Region Museum Collection, Author Photo)

44th Battalion (Manitoba). Authorized 7 November 1914, disbanded 15 September 1920.

The 44th Canadian Infantry Battalion was authorized to be recruited and mobilized at Winnipeg on 1 February 1915 under General Order 86 of July 1st 1915. Prior to sailing for England October 23rd 1915 the 44th Battalion had provided two reinforcing drafts to the CEF the first of five officers and 250 other ranks sailing June 1st 1915, a second of five officers and 249 other ranks September 9th 1915. The 44th Overseas Battalion embarked for England with 36 officers and 1076 other ranks under command of Lieutenant-Colonel E.R. Wayland (95th Lake Superior Regiment) where it was assigned to the 10th Infantry Brigade, 4th Canadian Division. The 44th Battalion embarked for France in August 1916 where it served for the duration of the First World War. In August 1918 however the 44th Canadian Infantry Battalion was redesignated as the 44th (New Brunswick) Battalion henceforth being reinforced by the 13th Reserve Battalion. The 44th New Brunswick Battalion was disbanded under General Order 149 on 15 September 1920.

(Fredericton Region Museum Collection, Author Photo)

45th Battalion (Manitoba). Authorized 7 November 1914, disbanded 17 July 1917.

The 45th Canadian Infantry Battalion was authorized to be recruited in Manitoba with mobilization headquarters at Brandon on 1 February 1915 under General Order 86 of July 1st 1915. The 45th Battalion was raised by the 99th Manitoba Rangers this regiment previously having contributed 186 volunteers to the 8th Battalion on its formation at Camp Valcartier in August 1914 and later raising the 79th and 181st Battalions. Prior to the 45th Battalion sailing for England on 13 March 1916 it provided a reinforcing draft of five officers and 250 other ranks to the CEF this sailing September 4th 1915. The 45th Battalion embarked for England with of 36 officers and 1,115 other ranks under command of Lieutenant-Colonel F.J. Clark (C.O. 7th Mounted Brigade, M.D. No.10) where it was assigned to the Training and Reserve Brigades until amalgamating with other Manitoba battalions in England to form the 11th Reserve Battalion January 3rd 1917. The 45th Battalion was disbanded effective 1 June 1918 under General Order 82 of 1918.

(Fredericton Region Museum Collection, Author Photo)

46th Battalion (South Saskatchewan). Authorized 7 November 1914, disbanded 30 August 1920.

The 46th Canadian Infantry Battalion later nicknamed the ‘Suicide Battalion’, began recruiting on 2 February 1915 in southern Saskatchewan with mobilization headquarters at Moose Jaw the battalion being authorized under General Order 86 of 1 July 1915. The battalion was raised by the 60th Rifles and the95th Saskatchewan Rifles these regiments previously contributing 294 and 171 volunteers respectively to the 11th Battalion on its formation at Camp Valcartier in August 1914 and later raising the 68th, 128th,152nd and 195th Battalions. The 46th Battalion provided two reinforcing drafts the first of five officers and250 OR’s this sailing July 5th 1915 and a second of five officers and 250 OR’s September 9th 1915. The46th Battalion embarked for England on 23 October 1915 with 36 officers and 1115 OR’s under commandof Lieutenant-Colonel H. Snell (60th Rifles) In December 1915 the 46th Battalion was assigned to the 10th Infantry Brigade, 4th Canadian Division. This sailed for France in August 1916 where it served on the Western Front for the duration of the First World War.

(Library and Archives Canada Photo, MIKAN No. 3520001)

47th Battalion soldiers in the trenches, August 1917.

(Fredericton Region Museum Collection, Author Photo)

47th Battalion (British Columbia). Authorized 7 November 1914, disbanded 30 August 1920.

The 47th Canadian Infantry Battalion was authorized to be recruited in British Columbia with mobilization headquarters at New Westminster on 2 February 1915 under General Order 86 of 1 July 1915. The battalion was recruited by the 104th Westminster Fusiliers of Canada, this regiment previously having provided 153 volunteers to the 7th Battalion on its formation at Camp Valcartier in August 1914. The regiment also later raised the 131st Battalion. Prior to the 47th Battalion sailing for England November13th 1915 it had provided three reinforcing drafts for the CEF. The first of five officers and 250 other ranks sailed June 17th 1915, a second of four officers and 244 other ranks June 24th 1915, a third of five officers and 249 other ranks October 1st 1915. The 47th Battalion sailed for England under command of Lieutenant-Colonel W.N. Winsby (5th B.C. Garrison Artillery) with 36 officers and 1114 other rank. (This number included a large group of seven officers and 361 other ranks from the 72nd Seaforth Highlanders of Canada.) After its arrival the 47th Overseas Battalion was assigned to the 10th Infantry Brigade, 4th Canadian Division sailing for France in August 1916. Due to its small population base by 1918 British Columbia was unable to maintain enough reinforcements for its battalions serving in the Canadian Corps in the field and in February 1918 the 47th Battalion was redesignated the 47th (Western Ontario) Battalion becoming a component of the Western Ontario Regiment continuing to serve in the 10th Canadian Infantry Brigade, 4th Canadian Division. The 47th Canadian Infantry Battalion was disbanded under General Order 149 15 September 1920.

(Fredericton Region Museum Collection, Author Photo)

3rd Pioneer Battalion

48th Battalion (British Columbia). Authorized 7 November 1914, disbanded 30 August 1920.

The 48th Canadian Infantry Battalion was recruited in British Columbia with mobilization headquarters at Victoria on 22 February 1915 under General Order 86 of July 1st 1915. The battalion was raised by the 50th Gordon 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 and 143rd Battalions. The 48th Battalion sailed for England on 1 July 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 (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.

(Fredericton Region Museum Collection, Author Photo)

50th Battalion (Calgary).  Authorized 7 November 1914, disbanded 30 August 1920.

The 50th Canadian Infantry Battalion began recruiting with headquarters at Calgary December 15th 1914the battalion being authorized under General Order 86 of July 1st 1915. The battalion was raised by the 103rd Calgary Rifles this regiment having previously contributed 846 volunteers to the 10th Battalion on itsformation at Camp Valcartier in August 1914. The regiment later raised the 55th, 82nd, 89th and 137th Battalions. Before sailing for England the 50th Battalion provided two reinforcing drafts for the CEF the first of five officers and 251 OR’s embarking June 14th 1915, a second of five officers and 250 OR’s on 11 September 1915. The 50th Battalion had a pipe band with 12 pipers and eight drummers (no specia lbadges are currently noted.) The 50th Battalion sailed for England on 27 October 1915 with 41 officers and 1036 OR’s under command of Lieutenant-Colonel E.G. Mason (103rd Calgary Rifles). In December 1915 the 50th Battalion was assigned to the 10th Infantry Brigade, 4th Canadian Division serving on the Western Front for the duration of the First World War.

(Fredericton Region Museum Collection, Author Photo)

51st Battalion (Edmonton). Authorized 7 November 1914, disbanded 15 September 1920.

The 51st Canadian Infantry Battalion was authorized to be recruited and mobilized at Edmonton on 4 January 1915 under General Order 86 of 1 July 1915. The battalion was raised by the 101st Edmonton Fusiliers this regiment previously having provided 1247 volunteers to the 9th Battalion on its formation at Camp Valcartier in August 1914; later raising the 63rd, 138th and 202nd Battalions. The 51st Battalion sailed for England on 18 April 1916 with 37 officers and 1055 other ranks under command of Lieutenant-Colonel R. De. L. Harwood (101st Edmonton Fusiliers), where the battalion became the nucleus of the 5th Training Brigade under command of Colonel S.M. Rogers previously the C.O. of the 9th CEF Battalion. In January 1917 the Training Brigades were disbanded on the formation of the Reserve Battalions. During its period of operations as a training and reinforcing battalion the 51st Canadian Infantry Battalion absorbed personnel from 71st, 74th, 80th and 84th Canadian Infantry battalions. From January 1917 until demobilization the 51st Battalion served as Garrison Troops in England being disbanded under General Order 151 of 1920.

10th Trench Mortar Battery

 (Library and Archives Canada Photo, MIKAN No. 3522273)

11th Infantry Brigade, Brigadier-General, later Major-General Victor Wentworth Odlum, CB, CMG, DSO and Bar, VD, LLD. He is shown here giving instructions to a machine-gunner on the advance to Arras, with a Renault tank behind him, September 1918.

11th Canadian Infantry Brigade

54th Canadian Infantry Battalion, 75th Canadian Infantry Battalion, 87th Canadian Infantry Battalion, 102nd Canadian Infantry Battalion, 11th Trench Mortar Battery.

(Fredericton Region Museum Collection, Author Photo)

54th Battalion (Kootenay), later (Central  Ontario). Authorized 7 November 1914, disbanded 30 August 1920.

The 54th Infantry Battalion, nicknamed ‘Kemball’s Kootenay Kougars’ was raised effective 1 May 1915 by the 107th East Kootenay Regiment being recruited in the Southern British Columbia interior with headquarters at Nelson, the battalion mobilizing at Vernon under General Order 86 of 1 July 1915. A large detachment from both the East and West Kootenay’s had provided 310 volunteers to the 7th Battalion on its formation at Camp Valcartier in August 1914. Before embarking for England November 22nd 1916 the 54th Battalion provided two reinforcing drafts to the CEF the first of five officers and 250 other ranks embarking July 21st 1915, a second of five officers and 250 other ranks October 23rd 1915. The 54th Battalion sailed for England with 42 officers and 1099 other ranks under command of Lieutenant-Colonel A.G.H. Kemball (Honorary Rank) (K.I.A. on 1 March 1917). The 54th Battalion was assigned to the 11thInfantry Brigade, 4th Canadian Division. Due to the small population base from which the battalion was recruited in August 1917 the 54th Battalion was redesignated the 54th ‘Central Ontario’ Battalion becoming a component of the 2nd Central Ontario Regiment being henceforth reinforced from Ontario, but continuing to serve in the 11th Canadian Infantry Brigade, 4th Canadian Division. The 54th Canadian Infantry Battalion was disbanded under General Order 149 of 15 September 1920.

(Fredericton Region Museum Collection, Author Photo)

55th Battalion (New Brunswick and Prince Edward Island). Authorized 7 November 1914, disbanded 21 May 1917.

The 55th Canadian Infantry Battalion was authorized to be recruited in New Brunswick and Prince Edward Island with mobilization headquarters at Sussex New Brunswick on 2 May 1915 under General Order 86 of 1 July 1915. At this time both part of Military Area No. 6 encompassing Nova Scotia, P.E.I. and New Brunswick. It was not until 1917 that New Brunswick was designated as Military District No. 7. The 55th Battalion was one of three to be raised by the 74th New Brunswick Rangers the regiment had previously contributed 73 volunteers to the 12th Battalion on its formation at Camp Valcartier in August 1914 and later formed the 145th and 235th Battalions. The 55th Battalion sailed for England with 42 officers and 1097other ranks under command of Lieutenant-Colonel J.R. Kirkpatrick where in May 1916 it was absorbed into the 17th Battalion, Training and Reserve. The 17th Canadian Infantry Battalion served as the training unit.

(Fredericton Region Museum Collection, Author Photo)

56th Battalion (Calgary). Authorized 7 November 1914, disbanded 15 September 1917.

The 56th (Calgary) Battalion was authorized to be recruited and mobilized at Calgary on 24 April 1915 under General Order 86 of 1 July 1915. The battalion being raised by the 103rd Calgary Rifles which had previously contributed 846 volunteers to the 10th Battalion on its formation at Camp Valcartier in August1914. The regiment also raised the 50th, 82nd, 89th and 137th Battalions. Prior to sailing for England on 23 March 1916 the 56th Battalion provided two reinforcing drafts to the CEF the first of five officers and 250 OR’s embarking July 5th 1915, a second of five officers and 250 OR’s September 11th 1915. The 56thBattalion sailed for England with 40 officers and 1070 OR’s under command of Lieutenant-Colonel W.C.G. Armstrong (103rd Calgary Rifles) being assigned to the 5th Training Brigade supplying reinforcements to the 50th Battalion serving on the Western Front. In January 1917 the 56th Battalion amalgamated with other Alberta battalions to form the 9th Reserve Battalion. The 56th Canadian Infantry was disbanded effective 15 September 1917 under General Order 82 of 1918.

(Fredericton Region Museum Collection, Author Photo)

57th Battalion (Canadien Français). Authorized 20 April 1917, disbanded 11 April 1918.

The 57th Canadian Infantry Battalion was authorized to be recruited and mobilized at Quebec City on April 1915 being authorized under General Order 103a of August 15th 1915. The battalion was raised by the9th Voltigeurs de Quebec. This regiment having previously contributed 29 volunteers to the 12th Battalion on its formation at Camp Valcartier in August 1914. Prior to sailing for England June 2nd 1916 the 57thBattalion provided a reinforcing draft of five officers and 250 OR’s under command of Lieutenant Colonel E.T. Paquette (17th Levis Regiment), this sailing on 21 July 1915. The 57th Battalion sailed for England on 2 June 1916 with 18 officers and 410 OR’s. (A reinforcing draft of 13 officers and 169 OR's under command of Major H. Renaude (A.M.C., 85th Regiment) also sailing on 2 June 1916 but it is currently undetermined if this draft was included in the above numbers.) The 57th Battalion was disbanded under General Order 82 of 1 June 1918.

(Fredericton Region Museum Collection, Author Photo)

75th Battalion (Mississauga). Authorized 10 July 1915, disbanded 15 September 1920.

The 75th Canadian Infantry Battalion was authorized to be recruited at Toronto, Hamilton and London, Ontario with mobilization headquarters at Toronto under General Order 103a of 15 August 1915. The battalion was raised by the 9th Mississauga Horse this regiment previously having contributed 161 volunteers to the 2nd Battalion on its formation at Camp Valcartier in August 1914. The regiment later provided volunteers to 124th Battalion and raised the 170th Battalion. Prior to sailing for England on1April 1916 the 75th Battalion provided a reinforcing draft to the CEF of five officers and 250 other ranks this embarking October 1st 1915. The 75th Battalion sailed for England with 36 officers and 1114 other ranks under command of Lieutenant-Colonel S.G. Beckett (9th Mississauga Horse) (K.I.A. on 1 March 1917). The 75th Canadian Infantry Battalion was assigned to the 11th Infantry Brigade, 4th Canadian Division serving on the Western Front for the duration of the war being disbanded under General Order 149 of 15 September 1920.

(Fredericton Region Museum Collection, Author Photo)

76th Battalion. Authorized 10 July 1915, disbanded 17 July 1917.

The 76th Canadian Infantry Battalion was authorized to be recruited in Barrie, Orillia and Collingwood with mobilization headquarters at Niagara Camp on 28 July 1915 under General Order 103a of 15 August 1915. The battalion was raised by the 20th Halton Rifles and the 35th Peel Regiment these previously having contributed 171 and 230 volunteers respectively to the 4th Battalion on its formation at Camp Valcartier in August 1914 and later raising the 37th, 74th, 125th, 164th and 234th Battalions. Prior to sailing for England on 25 April 1916 the 76th Battalion provided a reinforcing draft of 5 officers and 250 other ranks this sailing for October 1st 1915. The 76th Battalion sailed for England with 36 officers and 1006 other ranks under command of Lieutenant-Colonel J. Ballantine (20th Halton Rifles). After its arrival the 76th Battalion was absorbed into the 35th Canadian Infantry Battalion training and reserve. In January1917 the 35th Battalion was reorganized and amalgamated to form the 3rd Reserve Battalion this serving as the reinforcing battalion for the 1st Central Ontario Regiment. Being fully depleted of all ranks the 75thBattalion was disbanded on 17 July 1917 under General Order 82 of 1 June 1918.

(Fredericton Region Museum Collection, Author Photo)

77th Battalion (Ottawa). Authorized 10 July 1915, disbanded 22 September 1916.

The 77th Canadian Infantry Battalion was authorized to be recruited in the Ottawa area with mobilization headquarters at Ottawa July 15th 1915 under General Order 103a of August 15th 1915. The battalion was raised by the Governor General’s Foot Guards, the 14th Princess of Wales Own Rifles, 15th Argyll Light Infantry, the 15th Prince Edward Regiment, 42nd Lanark and Renfrew and the 49th Hastings Rifles. Prior to sailing for England on June 20th 1916 the 77th Battalion provided a reinforcing daft to the CEF of five officers and 251 other ranks October 23rd 1915. The 77th Battalion embarked for England 1916 with 38 officers and 1007 other ranks under command of Lieutenant-Colonel D.R. Street (C.O. of the 8th Infantry Brigade 3rd Division, Ottawa). After its arrival the 77th Battalion was broken up providing reinforcements to the 45th (Suicide) Battalion and the 73rd (Black Watch) Battalions serving with the Canadian Corps in France. The Category ‘B’ personnel being assigned to the 51st (Garrison) Battalion. Currently no General Order disbanding the 77th Canadian Infantry Battalion has been located.

(Library and Archives Canada Photo, MIKAN No. 3194254)
Grenadier Guards in trenches together at Armentières, France, Feb 1915.

(Fredericton Region Museum Collection, Author Photo)

87th Battalion (Canadian Grenadier Guards). Authorized 15 August 1915. Disbanded 15 September 1920.

The 87th Canadian Infantry Battalion was authorized to be recruited in the Gaspe, Eastern Townships, Pembrooke and Dundas Counties, and the mining districts of Quebec and Northern Ontario with mobilization headquarters at Montreal September 10th 1915 under General Order 103a of 15 August 1915. The battalion was raised by the 1st Regiment, Canadian Grenadier Guards, this regiment having previously contributed 350 volunteers to the 14th Battalion on its formation at Camp Valcartier on its formation in August 1914. The 87th Battalion sailed for England on 25 April 1916 with 36 officers and 1026 OR’s under command of Lieutenant-Colonel J.P. Rexford (Canadian Grenadier Guards), assigned to the 11th Infantry Brigade, 4th Canadian Division. The 87th Battalion served with the Canadian Corps on the Western Front for the duration of the First World War being disbanded under General Order 149 of 15 September 1920.

(Fredericton Region Museum Collection, Author Photo)

88th Battalion (Victoria Fusiliers). Authorized on 22 December 1915, disbanded on 1 September 1917.

The 88th Canadian Infantry Battalion was authorized to be recruited and mobilized at Victoria on 1 November 1915 under General Order 151 of 22 December 1915. The 88th Battalion was raised by the 88th Victoria Fusiliers one of the few CEF battalions to retain the number of its parent Militia Regiment this regiment had previously provided 247 volunteers to the 7th Battalion on its formation at Camp Valcartier in August 1914 and along with its sister regiment from Victoria, the 50th Gordon Highlanders, later raised the 48th, 67th, 103rd and 143rd Battalions. The 88th Battalion sailed for England on 2 June 1916 with 34 officers and 1029 OR’s under command of Lieutenant-Colonel H.J.R. Cullen (88th Victoria Fusiliers),where it was almost immediately absorbed into the 30th Infantry Battalion, Training and Reserve. Being fully depleted of all ranks the 88th Canadian Infantry Battalion was disbanded effective September 17th 1917 under General Order 82 of 1 June 1918.

(Fredericton Region Museum Collection, Author Photo)

89th Battalion (Alberta).  Authorized on 22 December 1915, disbanded on 21 May 1917.

The 89th Canadian Infantry Battalion was authorized to be recruited in Alberta on 9 October 1915 with mobilization headquarters at Calgary under General Order 151 of 22 December 1915. The battalion was raised by the 103rd Calgary Rifles this regiment having previously contributed 846 volunteers to the 10th Battalion on its formation at Camp Valcartier in August 1914 and later raising the 50th, 55th, 82nd and 137th Battalions. The 89th Battalion embarked for England June 2nd 1916 with 33 officers and 969 OR’s under command of Lieutenant-Colonel W.W. Nasmyth (45th Durham Regiment Retd., Honorary Rank) being almost immediately absorbed into the 9th Battalion, Training and Reserve. Being fully depleted of all ranks the 89th Canadian Infantry Battalion was disbanded on 1 June 1917 under General Order 63 of 1917.

(Fredericton Region Museum Collection, Author Photo)

90th Battalion (Winnipeg Rifles).  Authorized on 22 December 1915, disbanded on 1 September 1917.

The 90th Canadian Infantry Battalion was authorized to be recruited and mobilized at Winnipeg under General Order 151 of December 22nd 1915. The 90th Battalion was one of four raised by the 90th Winnipeg Rifles and one of the few CEF battalions to retain the number of its parent Militia Regiment. The 90th Battalion embarked for England June 2nd 1916 with 36 officers and 1087 other ranks under command of Lieutenant-Colonel W.A. Munro (90th Winnipeg Rifles),almost immediately being used as reinforcements for the 8th Battalion. Being fully depleted of all ranks the 90th Canadian Infantry Battalion was disbanded September 1st 1917 under General Order 82 of 1918.

(Fredericton Region Museum Collection, Author Photo)

91st Battalion (Elgin).  Authorized on 22 December 1915, disbanded on 21 May 1917.

The 91st Battalion was raised in Elgin County October 23rd 1915 with mobilization headquarters at St. Thomas effective December 22nd 1915. The Battalion sailed for England June 29th 1916 under command of Lieutenant-Colonel W.J. Green (RCR).On the formation of the 3rd Division in England in late 1915 the number of reserve and Training battalions was increased to 18. At this time some of the original seven Reserve and Training Battalions were realigned to conform to the infantry battalions raised in the different Military Districts in Canada. In July 1916 the 12th Infantry Battalion Training and Reserve and 91stInfantry Battalion were absorbed by the 23rd Battalion Training and Reserve. Being fully depleted of all ranks the 91st was disbanded on 1 June 1917 under General Order 62 of 1917.

(Fredericton Region Museum Collection, Author Photo)

92nd Battalion (48th Highlanders). Authorized on 30 July 1915, disbanded on 1 September 1917.

The 92nd Canadian Infantry Battalion was recruited and mobilized by the 48th Highlanders of Canada at Toronto August 2nd 1915 under General Order 151 of December 22nd 1915. The regiment previously having provided 836 volunteers to the 15th Battalion on its formation at Camp Valcartier in August 1914 and later raising the 134th Battalion. Prior to the 92nd Battalion sailing for England on 22 May 1916 the Battalion provided a reinforcing draft of five officers and 250 OR’s this embarking November 27th 1915.The 92nd Battalion sailed for England with 36 officers and 1096 ORs under command of Lieutenant-Colonel G.T. Chisholm (48th Highlanders). In January 1917 the 92nd Battalion amalgamated with other Ontario battalions in England to form the 5th Reserve Battalion. The 92nd Canadian Infantry Battalion was disbanded effective 1 September 1917 under General Order 82 of 1 June 1918.

(Fredericton Region Museum Collection, Author Photo)

93rd Battalion (Peterborough). Authorized on 22 December 1915, disbanded on 27 July 1918.

The 93rd Canadian Infantry Battalion was recruited and mobilized at Peterborough under General Order151 of December 22nd 1915. The battalion was raised by the 57th Regiment (Peterborough Rangers) this regiment previously having contributed 67 volunteers to the 2nd Battalion on its formation at Camp Valcartier in August 1914. The 93rd Battalion embarked for England June 29th 1916 with 36 officers and868 OR’s ranks under command of Lieutenant-Colonel T.J. Johnston (3rd Prince of Wales Canadian Dragoons). Shortly after its arrival the 93rd Battalion was absorbed by the 39th Canadian Infantry Battalion, training and reserve and used to reinforce battalions serving on the Western Front. Being fully depleted of all ranks the 93rd Canadian Infantry Battalion was disbanded under General Order 63 of 1 June 1917.

(Fredericton Region Museum Collection, Author Photo)

94th Battalion (New Ontario). Authorized on 22 December 1915, disbanded on 27 July 1917.

The 94th Canadian Infantry Battalion was recruited in Northern Ontario with mobilization headquarters at Port Arthur (Now Thunder Bay) 1 November 1915 under General Order 151 of December 22nd 1915. The battalion was raised by the 98th Kenora Light Infantry this regiment previously having contributed 80 volunteers to the 8th Battalion on its formation at Camp Valcartier on its formation in August 1914. The 94th Battalion embarked for England on June 1916 with 36 officers and 1009 OR’s under command of Lieutenant-Colonel H.A.C. Machin (Honorary rank). On its arrival in England the battalion was almost immediately absorbed into the 32nd Battalion, Training and Reserve. The 94th Canadian Infantry Battalion was disbanded effective July 27th 1918 under General Order 101 of 15 August 1918.

(Fredericton Region Museum Collection, Author Photo)

95th Battalion. Authorized on 22 December 1915, disbanded on 17 July 1917.

The 95th Canadian Infantry Battalion was recruited and mobilized at Toronto October 26th 1915 under General Order 151 of December 22nd 1915 by the 2nd Queen’s Own Rifles of Canada. This regiment had previously contributed 975 volunteers to the 3rd Battalion on its formation at Camp Valcartier in August 1914 and also raised the 83rd, 165th, 198th and 255th Battalions. The 95th Battalion embarked for England 2 June 1916 with 36 officers and 1061 OR’s ranks under command of Lieutenant-Colonel R.K. Barker(2nd Q.O.R.). In January 1917 the battalion amalgamated with the 96th (Canadian Highlanders) and the 92nd Battalion (48th Highlanders) to form the 5th Canadian Reserve Battalion. The 95th Canadian Infantry Battalion was disbanded effective July 17th 1917 under General Order 82 of 1 June 1918.

(Fredericton Region Museum Collection, Author Photo)

96th Battalion (Canadian Highlanders). Authorized on 22 December 1915, disbanded on 1 September 1917.

The 96th (Canadian Highlanders) Battalion was recruited in Saskatchewan with mobilization headquarters at Saskatoon under General Order 151 of 22 December 1915. The 96th Battalion was raised in part by 52nd Prince Albert Volunteers and the 105th Regiment (Saskatoon Fusiliers) these two regiments had previously provided 150 and 255 volunteers respectively to the 11th Battalion on its formation at Camp Valcartier in August 1914. Also later helping raise the 53rd, 65th, 188th and 232nd Battalions. The 96th Battalion embarked for England September 27th 1916 under command of Lieutenant-Colonel J. Glenn (15th Light Horse) with a strength of 29 officers and 768 other ranks. In January 1917 the 96th Canadian Highlanders merged with the 92nd Battalion (48th Highlanders) to form the 5th Canadian Reserve Battalion. The 96th Canadian Infantry Battalion was disbanded effective September 1st 1917 under General Order 82 of 1 June 1918.

(Fredericton Region Museum Collection, Author Photo)

97th Battalion (American Legion). Authorized on 22 December 1915, disbanded on 5 April 1918.

The 97th (American Legion) Battalion was recruited and mobilized in Toronto under General Order 151 of 22 December 1915. One of a five CEF battalions recruited in different provinces from expatriate US citizens living in Canada at the time of the First World War. (Not all volunteers were Americans or domiciled in the USA). Although no documentation has been located it would appear that the commanding officers of the five battalions corresponded with regard to the formation of an all American infantry brigade to be called the ‘American Legion’ with each battalion wearing similar patterns of badges. The files regarding the design and authorization of badges for most of the units raised in Military District No.2 are documented in the Canadian Archives but unfortunately very few of any other Military Districts. Authorization for the first‘ American Legion’ pattern badges was issued on 15 January 1916 but this was withdrawn effective 25 April 1916. The second ‘Acta non Verba’ pattern being authorized on 27 May 1916. A sketch of the proposed design for the badges of the 213th Battalion (St Catharines) with ‘American Legion’ motto was submitted for approval to the A.A.G. & Q.M.G. on 29 April 1916, presumably badges for the 211th, 212th and 237th being made at the same time to their respective Military District A.A.G. & Q.M.G’s. The design of the badges for the U.S. volunteer battalions incorporated the Coat-of-Arms of George Washington as the main device. Badges bearing the motto ‘AMERICAN LEGION’ were struck for most of the five U.S. Volunteer battalions before use of this wording was denied and the motto replaced with the approved ‘ACTA NON VERBA’. Most of the battalions forming the American Legion were only able to raise a minimal number of recruits and the majority of the personnel of the 212th and 237th were absorbed into the 97th Battalion prior to this sailing for England on 19 September 1916 with 31 officers and 798 other ranks under command of Lieutenant-Colonel W.L. Jolly (13th Royal Regiment). In December 1916 the 97th Battalion was absorbed by the RCR/PPCLI Depot. Being fully depleted of all ranks the battalion was disbanded under General Order 60 of 15 April 1918.

(Fredericton Region Museum Collection, Author Photo)

98th Battalion (Lincoln and Welland). Authorized on 22 December 1915, disbanded on 17 July 1917.

The 98th (Lincoln and Welland) Battalion was recruited on the Niagara peninsula on November 1915 with mobilization headquarters at Welland under General Order 151 of December 22nd 1915. The battalion was raised by the 44th Lincoln and Welland Regiment this regiment previously having contributed 202 volunteers to the 4th Battalion on its formation at Camp Valcartier in August 1914 and later raising the 175th Battalion. The 98th Battalion embarked for England July 15th 1916 with 36 officers and 1050 OR’s under command of Lieutenant-Colonel H.A. Rose (44th Lincoln and Welland Regiment). It is believed that in October 1916 the battalion was absorbed into the 23rd Reserve Battalion. training and reserve and used to reinforce battalions serving on the Western Front. Being fully depleted of all ranks the 98th Battalion was disbanded effective July 9th 1917 under General Order 82 of July 1st 1918.


(Fredericton Region Museum Collection, Author Photo)

99th Battalion (Essex). Authorized on 22 December 1915, disbanded on 1 September 1917.

The 99th (Essex County) Battalion was recruited in Southwestern Ontario with mobilization headquarters at Windsor being authorized under General Order 151 of 22 December 1915. The battalion was raised by the 21st Essex Fusiliers this previously having provided 229 volunteers to the 1st Battalion on its formation at Camp Valcartier in August 1914. The regiment also provided volunteers to the 18th Battalion and later raised the 241st Battalion. The 99th Battalion embarked for England June 2nd 1916 under command of Lieutenant-Colonel T.B. Welch (Brigade Major 3rd Infantry Brigade M.D. 2, London) with a strength of 36 officers and 825 other ranks. Almost immediately after its arrival the 99th Battalion was absorbed into the 35th Canadian Infantry Battalion, training and reserve and used to reinforce Western Ontario battalions serving in the Canadian Corps on the Western Front. Being fully depleted of all ranks the 99th Canadian Infantry Battalion was disbanded effective 9 July 1917 under General Order 82 of 1 June 1918.

(Fredericton Region Museum Collection, Author Photo)

100th Battalion (Winnipeg Grenadiers). Authorized on 22 December 1915, disbanded on 1 September 1917.

The 100th Battalion was raised and mobilized at Winnipeg on 29 November 1915 under General Order 151 of 22 December 1915. The battalion was raised by the 100th Regiment Winnipeg Grenadiers this regiment previously having provided 471 volunteers to the 11th battalion on its formation at Camp Valcartier in August 1914. The regiment also provided volunteers to the 61st Battalion and raised the 78th Battalion. The 100th Battalion embarked for England on 19 September 1916 under command of Lieutenant-Colonel J.B. Mitchell (100th Winnipeg Grenadiers), with a strength of 31 officers and 880 OR’s. In January1917 the battalion amalgamating with other Manitoba battalions to form the 11th Reserve Battalion. The 100th Canadian Infantry Battalion was disbanded effective 1 September 1917 under General Order 82 of 1 June 1918.

(Fredericton Region Museum Collection, Author Photo)

101st Battalion (Winnipeg Light Infantry. Authorized on 22 December 1915, disbanded on 12 October 1917.

The 101st Battalion was recruited by the 106th Regiment, Winnipeg Light Infantry and mobilized at Winnipeg on 29 November 1915 under General Order 151 of December 22nd 1915. The regiment previously having provided 665 volunteers to the 10th Battalion on its formation at Camp Valcartier in August 1914and later providing volunteers to the 61st Battalion, then later raising the 222nd and 226th Battalions. The 101st Battalion embarked for England 29 June 1916 under command of Lieutenant-Colonel D. McLean (106th Winnipeg Light Infantry) with a strength of 36 officers and 1025 OR’s where it was almost immediately was absorbed into the 17th Battalion, Training and Reserve and used to reinforce the 25th Battalion serving with the Canadian Corps on the Western Front and the 85th Battalion then still in England. Being fully depleted of all ranks the 101st Battalion was disbanded October 12th 1917 under General Order General Order 82 of 1 June 1918.

(Fredericton Region Museum Collection, Author Photo)

102nd Battalion (Central Ontario). Authorized on 22 December 1915, disbanded on 30 August 1917.

The 102nd North British Columbians began recruiting November 3rd 1915 in British Columbia with mobilization headquarters at Commox-Atlin authorized under General Order 151 of December 22nd 1915,the men being attested at Victoria. Although named the Northern British Columbians the battalion apparently had little connection to this region most of the attested volunteers having postal addresses in Vancouver and Victoria. The 102nd Battalion was perpetuated by the North British Columbia Regiment formerly 68th Regiment (Earl Grey‘s Own Rifles) this militia regiment headquartered at Prince Rupert The battalion embarked for England June 20th 1916 with 37 officers and 968 OR’s under command of Lieutenant-Colonel J.W. Warden (6th Regiment (Duke of Connaught’s Own Rifles). The 102nd Battalion was assigned to the 11th Infantry Brigade, 4th Canadian Division, this sailing for France in August 1916. In August 1917 the Battalion was redesignated the 102nd (Central Ontario) Battalion CEF.

(Fredericton Region Museum Collection, Author Photo)

103rd Battalion. Authorized on 22 December 1915, disbanded on 1 September 1917.

The 103rd ‘Timber Wolves’ Battalion was recruited and mobilized at Victoria under General Order 151 of 22 December 1915 by the Victoria Independent Squadron, hence the horse-shoes featured on the badges with additional personnel from the 50th Gordon Highlanders and 88th Victoria Fusiliers. The 103rd Battalion embarked for England on 24 July 1916 with 37 officers and 939 other ranks under command of Lieutenant-Colonel E.C.J. Henniker (30th B.C. Horse), where in January 1917 amalgamated with the 121st Battalion to become the 16th Reserve Battalion. This was one of three reserve battalions providing reinforcements for British Columbia battalions serving with the Canadian Corps on the Western Front. In August 1917 the 16th Reserve Battalion was absorbed by the 1st Reserve Battalion. Being fully depleted of all ranks the 103rd Canadian Infantry Battalion was disbanded effective 1 September 1917 under General Order 82 of 1 June 1918.

(Fredericton Region Museum Collection, Author Photo)

104th Battalion. Authorized on 22 December 1915, disbanded on 27 July 1918.

The 104th Canadian Infantry Battalion was recruited October 24th 1915 in New Brunswick with mobilization headquarters at Sussex under General Order 151 of 22 December 1915. The 104th Battalion was raised primarily by the 67th Regiment Carleton Light Infantry the regiment had previously contributed 30 volunteers to the 12th Battalion on its formation at Camp Valcartier in August 1914 and later raising the 40th Battalion. The 104th Battalion embarked for England July 29th 1916 under command of Lieutenant-Colonel G.W. Fowler (Cadet Committee and M.P.), with a strength of 42 officers and 1084 OR’s. In January 1917 in a rather complicated shuffle within a number of various New Brunswick Battalions and the105th PEI Battalion then in England, Lieutenant-Colonel Fowler took over Command of the newly formed13th Reserve Battalion. Lieutenant-Colonel Ings of the 105th (PEI) Battalion took over command of the104th Battalion, this assigned as one of the battalions slated for the proposed 15th Infantry Brigade, 5th Canadian Division. In February 1918 the 5th Division was disbanded each of its 11 remaining battalions, (the 199th having previously been absorbed into the 23rd Reserve Battalion), were ordered to send a drafts of 100 men each to units in the field, increasing the establishment of the infantry battalions to around 1100men each. The remainder were absorbed into the Reserve Battalions. The 104th Battalion being absorbed into the 13th Reserve Battalion. The 104th Canadian Infantry Battalion being fully depleted of all ranks was disbanded effective July 27th 1918 under General Order 101 of August 15th 1918. The 13th Reserve Battalion as a component of the New Brunswick Regiment was disbanded under General Order 213 of 15 November 1920.

(Fredericton Region Museum Collection, Author Photo)

105th Battalion (Prince Edward Island Highlanders). Authorized on 22 December 1915, disbanded on 12 Oct 1917.

The 105th (Prince Edward Island) Battalion was recruited on PEI with mobilization headquarters at Charlottetown under General Order 151 of 22 December 1915 by the 82nd Abegweit Light Infantry and the 36th PEI Light Horse both regiments had previously contributed 31 and 11 volunteers respectively to the 12th Battalion on its formation at Camp Valcartier in August 1914. The battalion embarked for England on 16 July 1916 under command of Lieutenant-Colonel A.E. Ings (36th P.E.I. Light Horse), with a strength of 37 officers and 1087 other ranks. In January 1917 in a rather complicated shuffle within a number of various New Brunswick Battalions and the 105th PEI Battalion then in England Lieutenant-Colonel G.W. Fowler took over Command of the newly formed 13th Reserve Battalion. Lieutenant-Colonel Ings took over command of the 104th Battalion, this assigned as one of the battalions slated for the proposed 15th Infantry Brigade, 5th Canadian Division then in formation in England. Some personnel of both the 104th and 105th were absorbed into the 13th Reserve Battalion while some of the 105th were reassigned to the 104th Battalion. The 105th Canadian Infantry Battalion was disbanded under General Order 82 of 1 June 1918. The 13th Reserve Battalion as a component of the New Brunswick Regiment was disbanded under General Order 213 of 15 November 1920.

(Fredericton Region Museum Collection, Author Photo)

106th Battalion (Nova Scotia Rifles). Authorized on 22 December 1915, disbanded on 8 December 1917.

The 106th Canadian Infantry Battalion (Nova Scotia Rifles) was recruited in Nova Scotia with mobilization headquarters at Truro under General Order 151 of 22 December  1915 by the 76th Colchester and Hants Rifles and the 81st ‘Hants’ Regiment these regiments having previously contributed volunteers to the 14th Battalion on its formation at Camp Valcartier in August 1914 and later formed the 25th Battalion this serving in the 5th Infantry Brigade, 2nd Canadian Division. The 106th Battalion embarked for England July16th 1916 with 36 officers and 1009 other ranks under command of Lieutenant-Colonel R. Innes (81st Hants Regiment). After its arrival the battalion was absorbed by the 40th Battalion, Training and Reserve this serving as a Training and Reserve battalion for Nova Scotia Battalions serving on the Western Front. In January 1917 the 40th Battalion was reorganized and amalgamated with other Nova Scotia battalions to form the 26th Reserve Battalion. Being fully depleted of all ranks the 106th Canadian Infantry Battalion was disbanded effective December 8th 1917 under General Order 82 of 1 June 1918.

(Fredericton Region Museum Collection, Author Photo)

107th Battalion (Winnipeg). Authorized on 22 December 1915, disbanded on 15 September 1920.

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.

(Fredericton Region Museum Collection, Author Photo)

108th Battalion (Selkirk). Authorized on 22 December 1915, disbanded on 4 August 1917.

The 108th Canadian Infantry Battalion was recruited in Manitoba November 4th 1914 with mobilization headquarters at Selkirk under General Order 151 of 22 December 1915. The battalion embarked for England 19 September 1916 under command of Lieutenant-Colonel G.H. Bradbury D.S.O. (Honorary Rank) with a strength of 32 officers and 843 OR’s. The 108th Battalion was absorbed into the 14th Reserve Battalion on its formation in January 1917. This one of three reinforcing battalions for Manitoba Battalion serving on the Western Front. The 14th Reserve Battalion was itself absorbed by the 11th Reserve Battalion in October 1917. Being fully depleted of all ranks the 108th Battalion was disbanded effective 17 July 1917 under General Order 82 of 1 June 1918.

(Fredericton Region Museum Collection, Author Photo)

109th Battalion (Victoria & Haliburton. Authorized on 22 December 1915, disbanded on 21 May 1917.

The 109th (Victoria and Haliburton) Battalion was recruited in the counties of Victoria and Haliburton with mobilization Headquarters at Lindsay under General Order 151 of 22 December 1915 by the 45th Victoria Regiment this regiment previously having contributed 68 volunteers to the 2nd Battalion on its formation at Camp Valcartier in August 1914 and later raising the 252nd Battalion. The 109th Battalion embarked for England July 24th 1916 with 35 officers and 775 other ranks under command of Lieutenant-Colonel J.J.H. Fee (45th Victoria Regiment). In November 1916 the battalion was broken up being absorbed into the 20th, 21st and 38th Battalions serving with the Canadian Corps in France and the 124th Battalion then in England. Being fully depleted of all ranks the 109th Canadian Infantry Battalion was disbanded effective 11 April 1918 under General Order 82 of 1 June 1918.

(Fredericton Region Museum Collection, Author Photo)

110th Battalion (Perth). Authorized on 22 December 1915, disbanded on 17 July 1917.

The 110th (Perth) Canadian Infantry Battalion was recruited in Perth County with mobilization headquarters at Stratford under General Order 151 of 22 December 1915 by the 28th Perth Regiment this regiment previously having provided 146 volunteers to the 1st Battalion on its formation at Camp Valcartier in August 1914. The 110th Battalion embarked for England November 1st 1916 under command of Lieutenant-Colonel J.L. Youngs 28th Perth Regiment), (K.I,A. on 9 April 1917), with a strength of 26 officers and 635 other ranks. In January 1917 the battalion merged with other Ontario battalions to form the 8th Central Ontario Reserve Battalion this the reinforcing battalion for the 2nd Central Ontario Regiment and provided reinforcements to the 58th and 116th Battalions, and after August 1917 also to the 54th and102nd Battalions serving with the Canadian Corps on the Western Front. Being fully depleted of all ranksthe 110th Battalion was disbanded effective 17 July 1917 under General Order 82 of 1 June 1918.

(Fredericton Region Museum Collection, Author Photo)

111th Battalion (South Waterloo). Authorized on 22 December 1915, disbanded on 21 May 1917.

The 111th (South Waterloo) Battalion was recruited in Waterloo county with mobilization headquarters at Galt under General Order 151 of 22 December 1915 by the 29th Regiment (Highland Light Infantry of Canada) this designation having been authorized on 15 April 1915, the 29th Waterloo Regiment having previously having provided 118 volunteers to the 1st Battalion on its formation at Camp Valcartier in August 1914. The 111th Battalion embarked for England on 27 September 1916 with 25 officers and 637other ranks under command of Lieutenant-Colonel J.D. Clarke (29th Regiment), where the battalion being almost immediately absorbed into the 35th Battalion, Training and Reserve. Being fully depleted of all ranks the 111th Canadian Infantry Battalion troops was disbanded effective under General Order 63 of 15 June 1917.

(Fredericton Region Museum Collection, Author Photo)

112th Battalion (Nova Scotia). Authorized on 22 December 1915, disbanded on 15 August 1918.

The 112th Battalion was recruited in Nova Scotia with mobilization Headquarters at Windsor under General Order 151 of December 22nd 1915 by the 69th Annapolis and 75th Lunenburg Regiments these previously having provided 35 and 28 volunteers respectively to the 14th Battalion on its formation at Camp Valcartier in August 1914. The 112th Battalion embarked for England September 27th 1916 with 36officers and 1090 other ranks under command of Lieutenant-Colonel H.B. Tremaine (81st Hants Regiment). The Battalion merged with the 40th Battalion to form the 26th Reserve Battalion in January1917. The 112th Canadian Infantry Battalion was disbanded effective July 27th 1918 under General Order 101 of 16 August 1918.

(Fredericton Region Museum Collection, Author Photo)

113th Battalion (Lethbridge Highlanders). Authorized on 22 December 1915, disbanded on 1 September 1917.

The 113th Battalion (Lethbridge Highlanders) Battalion was recruited in Lethbridge and district of Southern Alberta with mobilization headquarters at Lethbridge under General Order 151 of 22 December 1915 by the 21st Alberta Hussars and the 23rd Alberta Rangers these regiments previously having contributed 78 volunteers to the 6th Battalion on its formation at Camp Valcartier in August 1914, and later provided volunteers to the 31st, 151st, 175th and 187th Battalions and 12th and 13th Canadian Mounted Rifles. The 113th Battalion embarked for England September 27th 1916 with a strength of 30 officers and883 other ranks under command of Lieutenant-Colonel W.A. Pryce Jones (15th Light Horse). Upon arrival on England the 113th Battalion was almost immediately absorbed into the 17th Battalion, Training and Reserve which in January 1917 was reorganized as the 17th Reserve Battalion. Being fully depleted of all ranks the 113th Canadian Infantry Battalion was disbanded September 1st 1917 under General Order 82 of 1 June 1918.

114th Battalion (Haldimand). Authorized on 22 December 1915, disbanded on 21 May 1917.

The 114th (Brock’s Rangers) Battalion was recruited from the Six Nation’s Indian Reservation in Haldimand County, Ontario with mobilization headquarters at Cayuga under General Order 151 of 22 December 1915 by the 37th Regiment (Haldimand Rifles) this regiment previously having contributed 76 volunteers to the 4th Battalion on its formation at Camp Valcartier in August 1914. The 114th Battalion embarked for England November 1st 1916 with 30 officers and 679 other ranks under command of Lieutenant-Colonel A.T. Thompson (5th Infantry Brigade) where it was almost immediately broken up and absorbed into the 35th and 36th reinforcing and training battalions. In the CEF Native Americans were greatly prized for their skills as both marksmen and scouts, many becoming snipers. Being fully depleted of all ranks the 114th Canadian Infantry Battalion was disbanded effective 1 June 1917 under General Order 63 of 15 June 1917.

(Fredericton Region Museum Collection, Author Photo)

115th Battalion (New Brunswick). Authorized on 22 December 1915, disbanded on 1 September 1917.

The 115th (New Brunswick) Battalion was recruited in New Brunswick by the 62nd St. John Fusiliers with mobilization headquarters at Saint John under General Order 151 of 22 December 1915 the regiment previously having contributed 140 volunteers to the 12th Battalion on its formation at Camp Valcartier in August 1914 and to the 26th Battalion serving with the 5th infantry Brigade, 2nd Canadian Division. The 115th Battalion embarked for England on 24 July 1916 under command of Lieutenant-Colonel F.V. Wedderburn (8th Hussars), with a strength of 34 officers and 801 other ranks. In January 1917 the 115th Battalion merged with the 112th Battalion forming the 26th Reserve Battalion. Being fully depleted of all ranks the 115th Canadian Infantry Battalion was disbanded effective 1st September 1917 under General Order 82 of 1 June 1918.

11th Trench Mortar Battery

 (Library and Archives Canada Photo, MIKAN No. 3404516)

12th Infantry Brigade, Brigadier-General, later Major-General James Howden MacBrien, KCB, CMG, DSO and Bar, CStJ, Chief of General Staff. He is shown here with General Currie at a practice attack near the front in September 1917.

12th Canadian Infantry Brigade

38th Canadian Infantry Battalion, 72nd Canadian Infantry Battalion, 78th Canadian Infantry Battalion, 85th Canadian Infantry Battalion, 12th Trench Mortar Battery.

(Fredericton Region Museum Collection, Author Photo)

38th Battalion (Ottawa). Authorized 7 November 1914, disbanded 30 August 1920.

The 38th Canadian Infantry Battalion was authorized to recruited in the area surrounding Ottawa with mobilization headquarters at Ottawa December 24th 1914 the battalion being authorized under General Order 86 of July 1st 1915. The 38th Battalion was recruited by the 42nd Lanark and Renfrew Regiment, the43rd Duke of Cornwall’s Own Rifles and the 59th Storemont and Glengarry Regiment and at McGill University. and these regiments previously having provided 128 volunteers to the 2nd Battalion on its formation at Camp Valcartier in August 1914. The 38th Battalion provided two reinforcing drafts to England for the CEF the first of six officers and 250 OR’s of the No.1 University Company, this raised at McGill University for the PPCLI sailing for England on 29 May 1915. A second draft of five officers and251 OR’s sailed for England June 24th 1915. However the 38th Battalion did not immediately proceed to England but sailed for the Island of Bermuda June 24th 1915 under command of Lieutenant-Colonel C. M. Edwards D.S.O. (43rd Duke of Cornwall‘s Rifles) to relieve the Royal Canadian Regiment serving as garrison troops at the request of the British Government. The RCR then proceeded to England where they were assigned to the 7th Infantry Brigade 3rd Canadian Division. The 38th Battalion remained in Bermuda on Garrison duty for almost a year before returning to Canada prior to sailing for England on 30 May 1916 with 35 Officers and 1001 OR’s. The 38th Battalion was assigned to the 12th Infantry Brigade, 4thCanadian Division serving in this capacity for the duration of the War.

(Nash Gordon Photo, Wikipedia)

39th Battalion of the Canadian Expeditionary Force on the parade grounds of the Belleville, Ontario, armoury building, preparing to sail overseas, c23 June 1915.

(Fredericton Region Museum Collection, Author Photo)

39th Battalion. Authorized 7 November 1914, disbanded 17 July 1920.

The 39th Canadian Infantry Battalion was authorized to be recruited in Eastern Ontario by the 49thHastings Rifles with mobilization headquarters at Belleville December 25th 1914 under General Order 86of July 1st 1915. The 49th Hastings Rifles previously having contributed 51 volunteers to the 2nd Battalion on its formation at Camp Valcartier in August 1914 and is also associated with raising the 139th, 155th,245th and 254th Battalions. The 39th Battalion sailed for England June 24th 1915 with 40 officers and 1003 other ranks under command of Lieutenant-Colonel J.A.V. Preston (45th Durham Regiment). In England the 39th Battalion was assigned as the training and reinforcing battalion for the 2nd and 21st Battalions serving on the Western Front and during its period of operations absorbed the 37th ,59th 70th,93rd and 135th Canadian Infantry Battalions. In January 1917 the 39th Battalion was reorganized, absorbing the remaining personnel of other Eastern Ontario battalions then in England to form the 5th Reserve Battalion, this along with the 7th Reserve Battalion were assigned as reinforcing battalions for the CEF units raised in Military District No.3 (Eastern Ontario). The battalion was disbanded under General Order 82 of 1 June 1918.

(Fredericton Region Museum Collection, Author Photo)

40th Battalion (Nova Scotia). Authorized 7 November 1914, disbanded 17 July 1920.

The 40th Canadian Infantry Battalion was raised in March 1915 by the 63rd Halifax Rifles with mobilization headquarters at Aldershot, (Halifax) the battalion being authorized under General Order 86 of July 1st 1915. The 63rd Halifax Rifles had previously contributed 26 volunteers to the 14th Battalion on its formation at Camp Valcartier in August 1914. Prior to sailing for England on 18 October 1915 the 40th Battalion provided two reinforcing drafts to the CEF the first of five officers and 250 OR's sailing for England on 15 June 1915, a second of five officers and 250 OR's on October 9th 1915 The 40th Battalion sailed for England October 18th 1915 with 40 officers and 1090 OR's under command of Lieutenant-Colonel A. Vincent (85th Regiment). Prior to sailing the 40th Battalion had absorbed a draft of volunteers of Maritime descendants living in Winnipeg who had previously joined the 90th Winnipeg Rifles but transferred to the 64th Battalion and from this to the 40th Battalion. (The 64th Battalion raised over 2000 volunteers and was split into two battalions the 64th Nova Scotia and 104th New Brunswick Battalions.) At this time the maritime provinces were grouped into Military Area No.6, New Brunswick not becoming a separate Military District, No.7, until 1917. In January 1917 the 40th Battalion amalgamated with other Nova Scotia Battalions then in England to form the 25th Reserve Battalion one of two Reserve battalions supplying reinforcements to Nova Scotia Battalions serving in France and Flanders In May 1917 the 25th Reserve Battalion was absorbed by the 17th Reserve Battalion. This becoming the sole reinforcing battalion for the Nova Scotia Regiment, this authorized under General Order 77 of 15 April 1918 supplying reinforcements to the 25th and 85th Battalions serving with the Canadian Corps on the Western Front. Both the 17th and 25th Reserve Battalions as components of the Nova Scotia Regiment were disbanded under General Order 213 of 15 November 1920. The 40th Battalion was disbanded effective 17 July 1917 under General Order 82 of 1918.

(Fredericton Region Museum Collection, Author Photo)

41st Battalion (French Canadian). Authorized 7 November 1914, disbanded 15 September 1920.

The 41st Canadian Infantry Battalion was a Francophone battalion authorized to be recruited at Ottawa and Quebec with mobilization headquarters at Quebec City on 11 March 1915 the battalion being authorized under General Order 86 of July 1st 1915. The 41st Battalion was raised by the 85th Regiment this having previously provided 143 volunteers to the 12th Battalion on its formation at Camp Valcartier in August 1914. The regiment also provided volunteers to the 57th, 69th and 163rd Battalions and later raised the 205th Battalion. The 41st Battalion sailed for England on 1 June 1915 with 42 officers and 963 OR’s under command of Lieutenant-Colonel L.H. Archambeault (65th Carabiniers Mont-Royal). A reinforcing draft of five officers and 250 OR’s followed the battalion on June 17th 1915 all being assigned as reinforcements for the 22nd Battalion. (Incidentally the 41st Canadian Infantry Battalion had the worst reputation for barroom fighting and brawling in the CEF.) In January 1917 the 41st Battalion was amalgamated with other CEF Francophone battalions to form the 10th Reserve Battalion.

(Library and Archives Canada Photo, MIKAN No. 3522677)

72nd Battalion colours, April 1919.

(Fredericton Region Museum Collection, Author Photo)

72nd Battalion (Seaforth Highlanders of Canada).  Authorized 10 July 1915, disbanded 30 August 1912.

The 72nd Canadian Infantry Battalion (Seaforth Highlanders of Canada) was authorized to be raised and mobilized at Vancouver September 10th 1915 under General Order 103a of August 15th 1915. The battalion was raised by the 72nd Seaforth Highlanders of Canada. This was one of the few CEF battalions raised from the Canadian Militia able to retain its parent regimental number. The 72nd Seaforth Highlanders had previously provided 722 volunteers to the 15th Battalion on its formation at Camp Valcartier in August 1914. The regiment also provided drafts to the 2nd Mounted Rifles and later raised the 231st Battalion. The 72nd Battalion sailed for England on 24 April 1916 with a strength of 34 officers and 1094 OR’s under command of Lieutenant-Colonel J.A. Clark (72nd Seaforth Highlanders), where it was assigned to the 12th Infantry Brigade, 4th Canadian Division serving on the Western Front for the duration of the First World War. The battalion was disbanded under General Order 149 of 15 September 1920.

73rd Battalion (Royal Highlanders of Canada).  Authorized 10 July 1915, disbanded 19 April 1917.

The 73rd Canadian Infantry Battalion CEF was authorized to be recruited in Montreal and Almonte, Ontario with mobilization headquarters at Montreal September 4th 1915 under General Order 103a of 15 August 1915. The 73rd Battalion was the third to be raised by the 5th Royal Highlanders of Canada(The Black Watch). All three battalions, the 13th, the 42nd and the 73rd serving as fighting units in France and Flanders. The 73rd Battalion sailed for England on 1 April 1916 with 36 officers and 1033 other ranks under command of Lieutenant-Colonel P. Davidson (5th Royal Highlanders), being assigned to the 12thInfantry Brigade, 4th Canadian Division. In June 1916 the 73rd Battalion provided a reinforcing draft of250 all ranks for the 42nd Battalion after their losses incurred in the June 1916 Battle of Mount Sorrel.(Another being provided by the 92nd Battalion) In January 1917 the CEF was reorganized and a territorial system was instituted to provide a steady stream of reinforcements for the Canadian Corps on the Western Front. This system consisted of regional garrison regiments in Canada, these with one or more Depot Battalions, which in turn supplied troops to Reserve Battalions in England which then provided reinforcements to the units serving in the field. (By mid 1916 it was no longer possible to raise volunteer battalions and henceforth the reinforcing pool was replenished with conscripts.) After the battle of Vimy Ridge in April 1917 a realignment of the battalions within the 9th Brigade, 3rd Canadian Division and in the 12th Brigade, 4th Canadian Division took place. Two Montreal battalion the 73rd and 60th being disbanded and replaced with the 85th Battalion from Nova Scotia and 115th Battalion from Ontario respectively. (The 78th Battalion which had served as the fourth battalion in the 12th Brigade taking over as the third battalion in the brigade structure replacing the 73rd Battalion, the 85th filling the now vacant fourth slot. This change will be noted in the cloth formation patches.) The surviving personnel of the 73rd were distributed between the 13th, 42nd and 85th Battalions as reinforcements.

(Fredericton Region Museum Collection, Author Photo)

74th Battalion. Authorized 10 July 1915, disbanded on 19 April 1917.

The 74th Canadian Infantry Battalion was authorized to be recruited in Peel and York Counties with mobilization Headquarters at Camp Niagara September 5th 1915 under General Order 103a of August 15th1915. The battalion was raised by the 20th Halton Rifles and the 35th Peel Regiment these regiments previously having contributed 174 and 230 volunteers respectively to the 4th Battalion on its formation at Camp Valcartier in August 1914. The later raised the 37th, 75th, 125th, 164th and 234th Battalions. Prior to sailing for England on 1 April 1916 the 74th Battalion provided a reinforcing draft of five officers and 250other ranks to the CEF this sailing October 1st 1915. The 74th Battalion sailed for England with 36 officers and 1046 other ranks under command of Lieutenant-Colonel A.J. McCausland (35th Peel Regiment). In England the battalion was split into three drafts and distributed between the 50th, 51st Battalion, (these presumably being the Category ‘B’ personnel), and 52nd Battalions. Being fully depleted of all ranks the 74th Canadian Infantry Battalion was disbanded on 1 September 1917 under General Order 82 of 1 June 1918.

(Library and Archives Canada Photo, MIKAN No. 3635544)

(Fredericton Region Museum Collection, Author Photo)

78th Battalion (Winnipeg Grenadiers). Authorized on 10 July 1915, disbanded on 15 September 1920.

The 78th Canadian Infantry Battalion was authorized to be recruited and mobilized at Winnipeg on July 1915 under General Order 103a of August 15th 1915. The battalion was raised by the 100th Regiment Winnipeg Grenadiers this regiment previously having provided 471 volunteers to the 11th battalion on its formation at Camp Valcartier in August 1914 and later raised the 100th Battalion. Prior to sailing for England on 24 April 1916 the 78th Battalion provided a reinforcing draft of five officers and 250 OR’s sailing on 25 September 1915. The 78th Battalion sailed for England with 37 officers and 1097 OR’s under command of Lieutenant-Colonel J. Kirkcaldy (99th Manitoba Rangers). The battalion was assigned the fourth battalion of the 12th Infantry Brigade, 4th Canadian Division sailing for France 12 Oct 1916. The 78th Canadian Infantry Battalion was disbanded under General Order 149 of 15 September 1920.

(Fredericton Region Museum Collection, Author Photo)

79th Battalion (Manitoba). Authorized on 10 July 1915, disbanded on 12 October 1917.

The 79th (Manitoba) Battalion was authorized to be recruited in Western Manitoba with mobilization headquarters at Brandon July 8th 1915 under General Order 103a of August 15th 1915. The battalion was raised by the 99th Manitoba Rangers this regiment previously having contributed 186 volunteers to the 8th Battalion on its formation at Camp Valcartier in August 1914 and later raising the 45th and 181st Battalions. Prior to sailing for England on 25 April 1916 the 79th Battalion provided five reinforcing drafts to the CEF. The first of two officers and 100 OR’s on August 10th 1915, a second of three officers and 150 OR’s on 27 August 1915, a third of five officers and 250 OR’s on 25 September 1915, a fourth of five officers and 250 OR’s October 9th 1915 and a fifth draft of six officers and 249 OR’s on18 December 1915. The 79th Battalion sailed on 25 April 1916 with 37 officers and 1095 OR’s under command of Lieutenant-Colonel G. Clinglan (12th Manitoba Dragoons). The 79th Battalion was almost immediately absorbed into the 17th Battalion training and reserve on its arrival from Canada and used to reinforce the 1st Canadian Mounted Rifles and 15th (Canadian Scottish) Battalion. Being fully depleted of all ranks the 79th Canadian Infantry Battalion was disbanded under General Order 82 of 1 June 1918.

(Fredericton Region Museum Collection, Author Photo)

80th Battalion. Authorized on 10 July 1915, disbanded on 17 July 1917.

The 80th Canadian Infantry Battalion was authorized to be recruited in Eastern Ontario with mobilization Headquarters at Barriefield (near Belleville) September 1st 1915 under General Order 103a of August 15th 1915. The battalion was raised by the 16th Prince Edward Regiment and 49th Hastings Rifles, with additional volunteers from the 14th Princess of Wales Own Rifles, 15th Argyll Light Infantry, and the 42nd Lanark and Renfrew. The 80th Battalion sailed for England on 22 May 1916 under command of Lieutenant-Colonel W.G. Ketcheson (49th Hastings Rifles) with a strength of 35 officers and 1041 OR’s. In September 1916 the Battalion was absorbed into the 51st Canadian Garrison Battalion. Being fully depleted of all ranks the 80th Battalion was disbanded effective 17 July 1917 under General Order 82 of 1 June 1918.

(Fredericton Region Museum Collection, Author Photo)

81st Battalion. Authorized on 10 July 1915, disbanded on 27 July 1917.

The 81st Canadian Infantry Battalion was authorized to be recruited and mobilized at Toronto September 1st 1915 under General Order 103a of 15 August 1915. The battalion was raised by the 12th York Rangers this previously having contributed 74 volunteers to the 4th Battalion on its formation at Camp Valcartier in August 1914 and the 19th Lincoln Regiment. The 81st Battalion sailed for England on 1 May 1916 with 36 officers and 1067 OR’s under command of Lieutenant-Colonel B.H. Belson (19th Lincoln Regiment), where it was absorbed by the 35th Canadian Infantry Battalion this serving as a training and reinforcing battalion. During the period of operations the 35th absorbed the 81st and 111th Infantry Battalions. In January 1917 the 35th Battalion was reorganized and amalgamated as the 4th Reserve Battalion. Being fully depleted of all ranks the 81st Canadian Infantry Battalion was disbanded effective 27 July 1917 under General Order 82 of 1 June 1918.

(Fredericton Region Museum Collection, Author Photo)

82nd Battalion. Authorized on 10 July 1915, disbanded on 21 May 1917.

The 82nd Canadian Infantry Battalion was authorized to be recruited and mobilized at Calgary September 1st 1915 under General Order 103a of August 15th 1915. The battalion was raised by the 103rd Calgary Rifles this regiment having previously contributed 846 volunteers to the 10th Battalion on its formation at Camp Valcartier in August 1914 and later raising the 50th, 55th, 89th and 137th Battalions. The 82nd Battalion sailed for England on 22 May 1916 with 34 officers and 1006 OR’s ranks under command of Lieutenant-Colonel W.A. Lowry (Corps of Guides). In January 1917 the 82nd Battalion amalgamated with other Alberta battalions to form the 9th Reserve Battalion. The 82nd was disbanded effective 1 June 1917 under General Order 63 of 1917.

(Fredericton Region Museum, Author Photo)

83rd Battalion (Queen's Own Rifles of Canada).  Authorized on 10 July 1915, disbanded on 21 May 1917.

The 83rd Canadian Infantry Battalion was authorized to be recruited and mobilized at Toronto August 4th 1915 under General Order 103a of 15 August 1915. The battalion was recruited by the 2nd Queen’s Own Rifles of Canada. This regiment having previously contributed 975 volunteers to the 3rd Battalion on its formation at Camp Valcartier in August 1914 and later raising the 95th, 165th, 198th and 255th Battalions. Prior to sailing for England on 1 May 1916 the 83rd Battalion provided a reinforcing draft of five officers and 250 OR’s this sailing for England September 25th 1915. The 83rd Battalion embarked for England with 35 officers and 1081 OR’s under command of Lieutenant-Colonel R. Pellet (2nd Q.O.R.). The 83rd Battalion was almost immediately broken up to provide reinforcements to the 3rd, 4th and 5th Canadian Mounted Rifles in the field Being fully depleted of all ranks the 83rd Canadian Infantry Battalion was disbanded effective 1 July 1917 under General Order 63 of 1917.

(Fredericton Region Museum, Author Photo)

84th Battalion. Authorized on 10 July 1915, disbanded on 11 April 1918.

The 84th Battalion was recruited and mobilized at Toronto July 29th 1915 authorized under General Order103a of 15 August 1915 by the 109th Regiment. This was one of a number of Militia Regiments raised after the start of the First World World War to recruit volunteers for the CEF others being the 55th Irish Canadian Rangers and the 58th (Westmount) Rifles at Montreal, the 70th Hull Regiment, the 108th Regiment at Berlin, later renamed Kitchener, and the 110th Irish Regiment this also at Toronto. The 109th Regiment was authorized under General Order effective 15 December 1914 and disbanded in the post First World War reorganization of the Canadian Militia. Prior to sailing for England on20 June 1916 the 84th Battalion provided a reinforcing draft of five officers and 250 other ranks to the CEF this sailing for England September 25th 1915. The 84th Battalion embarked for England with 36 officers and 913 other ranks under command of Lieutenant-Colonel W.T. Stewart (C.O. 109th Regiment). After its arrival the battalion was broken up with drafts going to the 73rd (Royal Highlanders) and the 75th Battalion these being assigned to the 4th Division the remainder of the troops likely the category ‘B’ personnel merging with the 51st (Garrison) Battalion in England. Being fully depleted of all ranks the 84th Canadian Infantry Battalion was disbanded effective June 1918 under General Order 82 of 1918.

(Library and Archives Canada Photo, MIKAN No. 3635568)

85th Battalion (Nova Scotia Highlanders). Authorized on 10 July 1915, disbanded on 15 September 1920.

Organized in September 1915 under the command of Lieutenant-Colonel A. H. Borden. Authorization published in General Order 103a of 15 August 1915. Mobilized at Halifax. Recruited in Nova Scotia. Embarked from Halifax 13 October 1916 aboard Olympic. Disembarked England 19 October 1916. Strength: 34 officers, 1001 other ranks. Arrived in France on 11 February 1917. 4th Canadian Division, 12th Canadian Infantry Brigade. Reinforced by 17th Canadian Reserve Battalion. Returned to England 29 April 1919. Disembarked in Canada 7 June 1919. Demobilized 8 June 1919. Disbanded by General Order 149 of 15 September 1920.

(Fredericton Region Museum, Author Photo)

86th Battalion (Machine Gun). Authorized on 22 Dec 1915, disbanded on 1 September 1917.

Organized in August 1915 under the command of Lieutenant-Colonel W. W. Stewart. Authorization published in General Order 151 of 22 December 1915. Mobilized at Hamilton. Recruited in Hamilton, Welland and Dundas. Embarked from Halifax 22 May 1916 aboard ADRIATIC. Disembarked in England on 29 May 1916. Strength: 36 officers, 1072 other ranks. Reorganized as Canadian Machine Gun Depot on 22 June 1916. Drafts: 60 to Machine Gun Company, 64 to 10th and 28th Battalions, 78 sent to 5th, 10th, 14th and 29th Battalions in October 1916. Disbanded by Privy Council Order 2342 of 1 September 1917.

12th Trench Mortar Battery

4th Brigade Canadian Engineers

10th Battalion Canadian Engineers

11th Battalion Canadian Engineers

12th Battalion Canadian Engineers

4th Divisional Signal Company

 

4th Battalion, Canadian Machine Gun Corps

 

4th Divisional Train, Canadian Army Service Corps

Organized at Halifax in January 1916 under the command of Lieutenant-Colonel E. C. Dean. Authorization published in General Order 69 of 15 July 1916.Left Halifax 29 June 1916 aboard Olympic. Arrived in England 5 July 1916. Absorbed into Canadian Army Service Corps Depot. Another 4th Canadian Divisional Train organized at Bramshott 3 July 1916. Commanded by Lieutenant-Colonel R. H. Webb. Arrived in France 11 August 1916. 4th Canadian Division. Returned to England in May 1919. Disbanded by General Order 193 of 1 November 1920.

 

4th Divisional Employment Company. Organized in Bramshott in June 1917 under the command of Captain J. H. A. Acers. Arrived in France 9 June 1917. Absorbed by 8th Canadian Area Employment Company on 27 January 1919.

(Library and Archives Canada Photo, MIKAN No. 3395609)

LCol Moshier, Capt. Grant and Capt. Turnbull, 11th Field Ambulance, outside captured German dug-out. August, 1918

11th, 12th, 13th Field Ambulances.

Reinforcements

Following the declaration of war, volunteers from all over Canada were massed for training at Camp Valcartier, Quebec, just outside Quebec City. The first contingent of30,000 volunteers, which became the 1st Canadian Division of the CEF, were grouped into numbered battalions, regardless of origin. The existing reserve regiments were not mobilized, due to the belief of the Defence Minister, Sam Hughes, that a new "efficient" structure was required. 

The second contingent was more logically based on battalions raised and trained in the various military districts in which they were recruited, but remained using an impersonal numerical basis (with the exception of those with a Highland or Irish identity).   A significant number of Canadian Militia units that were not sent overseas provided reinforcements to the CEF.

(Library and Archives Canada Photo, MIKAN No. 3395388)

German anti-tank rifle captured during the Battle of Amiens in Canadian hands,  August, 1918.

(Library and Archives Canada Photo, MIKAN No. 3395271)

Tanks waiting to go into action, July 1917.

(Library and Archives Canada Photo, MIKAN No. 4589458)

British tanks knocked out and mired at Passchendaele, November 1917.

(Library and Archives Canada Photo, MIKAN No. 3395412)

Villers - Bretonneau with assortment of Tanks in the railway yard. April - May 1919.

1st Canadian Tank Battalion. Assembled from a combined group of students, chauffeurs and NWMP Troopers. They were still training when the war ended and therefore did not take part in the fighting.

This poster was recruiting women for the Voluntary Aid Detachment. Although these volunteers lacked the formal medical training of nurses, they provided medical assistance to patients during the war. More than 1,800 Canadian women volunteered by the end of 1917 and at least 500 were sent overseas. (Courtesy of the Canadian War Museum, CWM 19920143-009.)

(Canadian War Museum, CWM 19890086-885)

Soldiers of the Soil, Canada Food Board.

'Soldiers of the Soil' (SOS) was a national initiative run by the Canadian Food Board. It encouraged adolescent boys to volunteer for farm service, and recruited 22,385 young men across the country. Many came from urban high schools and lived on rural farms for terms of three months or more.

Battles

Following its formation in late 1915, the Canadian Corps readied to fight major battles as a unified entity, beginning in 1916. Additional actions were fought by one or more units of the corps (see separate listings for the divisions, above). Major battles fought by the corps were the following:

1916
  • Battle of Mount Sorrel: 2-3 June
  • Battle of Flers-Courcelette: 15-22 September
  • Battle of Morval: 25 September
  • Battle of Thiepval Ridge: 26-28 September
  • Battle of Le Transloy: 1-18 October
  • Battle of the Ancre Heights: 1 October – 11 November
  • 1917
  • Battle of Vimy Ridge: 9-12 April
  • Battle of Arleux: 28-29 April
  • Third Battle of the Scarpe: 3-4 May
  • Battle of Hill 70: 15-25 August
  • Second Battle of Passchendaele: 26 October – 10 November
  • Battle of Cambrai (1917): 20 November – 3 December
  • 1918
  • Battle of Amiens: 8-11 August
  • Second Battle of the Somme: 21 August – 2 September
  • Battle of the Canal du Nord: 27 September – 1 October (including the capture of Bourlon Wood)
  • Battle of Cambrai: 8-9 October (including the Capture of Cambrai)

  • At the end of war the Canadian 1st and 2nd Divisions took part in the occupation of Germany and the corps was eventually demobilized in 1919. Upon their return home the veterans were greeted by large and welcoming crowds all across the country. Total fatal battle casualties during the war was 56,638, 13.5% of the 418,052 sent overseas and 9.26% of the 611,711 who enlisted. (Alchetron)


    (NPG.org.uk)

    Field Marshal Sir Douglas Haig, Senior Officer of the British Armies, 10 December 1915 to 1 January 1920.