Canadian Expeditionary Force (2C) 3rd Canadian Division

3rd Canadian Division

The 3rd Canadian Division was formed in France in December 1915 under the command of Major-General Malcolm Mercer. Its members served in France and Flanders until Armistice Day. While with the 3rd Division at Ypres, Mercer became the highest-ranking Canadian officer killed in action during the First World War. On the same day, Brigadier V. A. Williams, commanding the 8th Infantry Brigade, became the highest-ranking Canadian officer captured in the First World War, also at the Battle of Mount Sorrel. Mercer was replaced by Louis Lipsett, who commanded the division until September 1918, shortly before he too was killed in action on 14 October 1918, while commander of British 4th Division. Major-General Frederick Loomis closed out the First World War as the commander.

3rd Canadian Division Order of Battle

9th Brigade Canadian Field Artillery

31st Field Battery

33rd Field Battery

45th Field Battery

36th Howitzer Battery

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10th Brigade Canadian Field Artillery

38th Field Battery

39th Field Battery

40th Field Battery

35th Howitzer Battery

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3rd Division Ammunition Column

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3rd Brigade Canadian Engineers

7th, 8th, and 9th Battalions

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3rd Division Signal Company

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7th Canadian Infantry Brigade, The RCR, PPCLI, 42nd, 49th Battalions, 7th Trench Mortar Battery

8th Canadian Infantry Brigade, 1st CMR, 2nd CMR, 4th CMR, 5th CMR Battalions, 8th Trench Mortar Battery

9th Canadian Infantry Brigade, 43rd, 52nd, 58th, 116th Battalions, 9th Trench Mortar Battery

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3rd Battalion, Canadian Machine Gun Corps

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3rd Divisional Train, Canadian Army Service Corps

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Nos. 8, 9, and 10 Field Ambulances

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3rd Division Employment Company

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‍3rd Canadian Division, badges and data bank

7th Canadian Infantry Brigade

The Royal Canadian Regiment, Princess Patricia’s Canadian Light Infantry, 42nd Battalion, 49th Battalion, 7th Trench Mortar Battery.

 (Library and Archives Canada Photo, MIKAN No. 3405119)

7th Infantry Brigade, Brigadier-General Hugh Marshall Dyer, CB, CMG, DSO and Bar, shown here with Brigadier-General W.A. Griesbach, c1919.

Royal Canadian Regiment. Authorized 21 December 1883, still in service.

(York Sunbury Historical Society, Fredericton Region Museum Collection, Author Photo)

(York Sunbury Historical Society, Fredericton Region Museum Collection, Bella Doherty Photo)

1997.28.335. 1997.28.535.

Princess Patricia’s Canadian Light Infantry (PPCLI). Authorized 10 August 1914, still in service.

  (Library and Archives Canada Photo, MIKAN No. 2894451)

(York Sunbury Historical Society, Fredericton Region Museum Collection, Author Photo)

42nd Battalion (Royal Highlanders of Canada), The Black Watch. Authorized 7 November 1914, disbanded 15 September 1920.

The battalion began recruiting on 8 February 1915 at Montreal sailing for England with 40 officers and 978 OR's June 10th 1915, this prior to its date of authorization, this under General Order 86 of July 1st 1915.The battalion sailed for France October 9th 1915 where on the formation of the 3rd Division at the end of1915 was assigned to the 7th Brigade with which it was to serve for the duration of the First World War. The 42nd Canadian Infantry Battalion was the second of three CEF battalions raised by the 5th Royal Highlanders of Canada (The Black Watch), the three battalions, the 13th, 42nd and 73rd, considered themselves as overseas battalions of the 5th Royal Highlanders of Canada and all served with the Canadian Corps on the Western Front. The original battalion number assigned to the battalion was the 44th but this was changed at the request of Lieutenant-Colonel Cantlie to the 42nd. Battalion (The 5th Royal Highlanders of Canada since 1905 having been allied with the Imperial Black Watch, formerly the 42nd Foot).

(York Sunbury Historical Society, Fredericton Region Museum Collection, Author Photo)

1997.28.389. 1997.28.388. 1997.28.565.

49th Battalion (Edmonton Regiment).  Authorized 7 November 1914, disbanded 15 September 1920.

The 49th Canadian Infantry Battalion was recruited and mobilized at Edmonton on 4 January 1915 being authorized under General Order 86 of July 1st 1915. The 49th Battalion sailed for England June 4th 1915with 36 officers and 996 OR's under command of Lieutenant-Colonel W.A. Griesbach (19th Alberta Dragoons). In December 1915 the 49th Battalion was assigned to the 7th Infantry Brigade, 3rd Canadian Division serving on the Western Front for the duration of the First World War.

7th Trench Mortar Battery

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8th Canadian Infantry Brigade

  (Toronto Public Library Archives Photo Accession No. OHQ-PICTURES-S-R-628)

8th Canadian Infantry Brigade, Brigadier-General James Harold Elmsley, CB, GMB, DSO, with Lieutenant Governor Lionel Clarke and Reginald S. Timmis, attending the opening of Provincial Parliament, Toronto, Ontario in 1920.

(Library and Archives Canada Photo, MIKAN No. 3395565)

Canadian Troops in a Communication Trench. September, 1916.

‍8th Canadian Infantry Brigade

1st Canadian Mounted Rifles, 2nd Canadian Mounted Rifles, 4th Canadian Mounted Rifles, 5th Canadian Mounted Rifles, 8th Trench Mortar Battery.

Canadian Mounted Rifles recruitment poster (Howell Lithograph Company, Hamilton, Ontario).

The Canadian Mounted Rifles

The enormous land mass and relatively small scattered population in Canada‘s west made mounted infantry infinitely more practical than regiments of foot. Mounted rifles were trained to fight dismounted, horses only being used as transportation unlike the cavalry which was trained to fight from horseback. In the early part of the 20th century independent squadrons of light horse were formed all across Canada. When their numbers had risen to become viable units these were formed into regiments of either cavalry or mounted rifles. Many Cavalry and Mounted Rifles personnel arrived at Camp Valcartier in August 1914 to learn that only infantrymen would be allowed to serve in the Canadian Expeditionary Force. Many of these eager to join the fray volunteered to serve as infantry the 5th and 6th Battalions being formed almost exclusively from Western cavalry regiments. The entry of Turkey and the Ottoman Empire into the war on the side of the Central Powers saw the British Government requesting that Canada supply a force of mounted troops for service in Egypt, to which the Canadian Government readily agreed. On 5 November 1914 telegrams were sent to military Districts 2, 10, 11 and 13 ordering each to mobilize a regiment of mounted rifles for overseas service this to be in addition to troops being raised for the Second Contingent. As mounted troops the Canadian Mounted Rifles were called regiments and not battalions. These regiments were numbered 4th, 1st, 2nd and 3rd each with an authorized strength of 544 all ranks. After authorization was received to increase the number of troops training in Canada a warning was sent out that an additional nine regiments of Mounted Rifle, 5th through 13th were to be raised. The changing situation in the middle east saw the original plan to send Canadian troops to Egypt scrapped and the Canadian Mounted Rifles proceeded to England the first six regiments in two brigades these arriving in July of 1915. After their arrival in England the Canadian Mounted Rifle Regiments volunteered to serve as regular infantry. The first three CMR regiments (1st CMR Brigade) sailed for England on 12 June 1915 followed on 18 July 1915 by the 2nd CMR Brigade with 4th through 6th CMRR. Of the three squadrons forming the 7th CMR ,‘A’ and ‘B’ Squadrons from London, Ontario sailed on 9 June 1915 and on 29 June 1915 respectively. These accompanied with drafts from the 8th through 13th CMR regiments. ‘C’ Squadron, from Toronto, this having previously sailed for England on 23 February 1915 as the advanced party but effective 30 March 1915 was withdrawn from the 7th CMR and designated as the 2nd Divisional Cavalry Squadron.

1st Brigade Canadian Mounted Rifles

Organized in February 1915 under the command of Lieutenant-Colonel A. L. Young. Authorization published in General Order 36 of 15 March 1915. Mobilized at Winnipeg: composed of Headquarters and 1st, 2nd and 3rd Regiments, Canadian Mounted Rifles. Left Montreal 12 June 1915 aboard Megantic. Arrived in England on 21 June 1915. Arrived in France on22 September 1915. Canadian Corps Troops. 1st and 2nd Brigades Canadian Mounted Rifles (less 3rd and 6th Regiments) formed 8th Canadian Infantry Brigade on 28 December 1915.

(York Sunbury Historical Society, Fredericton Region Museum Collection, Author Photo)

Accession No. 1997.28.417.

2nd Brigade, Canadian Mounted Rifles

Organized in May 1915 under the command of Colonel C. A. Smart. Authorization published in General Order 36 of 15 March 1915. Mobilized at Montreal: composed of Headquarters and 4th, 5th, and 6th Regiments, Canadian Mounted Rifles. Left Quebec 18 July 1915 aboard Hesperian. Arrived in England on 27 July 1915. Arrived in France on 22 September 1915. Canadian Corps Troops. 1st and 2nd Brigades Canadian Mounted Rifles (less 3rd and 6th Regiments) formed 8th Canadian Infantry Brigade on 28 December 1915.

(Internet Photo)

(York Sunbury Historical Society, Fredericton Region Museum Collection,  Author Photo)

Accession No. 1997.28.245.

1st Canadian Mounted Rifles.  Authorized 7 November 1914, disbanded 15 November 1920.

The 1st Canadian Mounted Rifles Regiment was authorized to begin recruiting at Brandon, Saskatoon and Yorkton with mobilization headquarters at Brandon effective 5 November 1914. The regiment being authorized under General Order 36 of 15 March 1915. The regiment sailed for England on 12 June 1915 with 28 Officers and 602 other ranks under command of Lieutenant-Colonel H.I. Stevenson (32nd Manitoba Horse). On 1 October 1915 the 1st Canadian Mounted Rifles Headquarters became operational in France The 1st CMR having sailed for France on 22 September 1915 assigned as Corps Troops serving with the 2nd Division until 31 December 1915 when the regiment was reorganized as an infantry battalion absorbing ‘C’, Squadron of the 3rd CMRR which was disbanded.

(York Sunbury Historical Society, Fredericton Region Museum Collection, Author Photo)

1997.28.24.

(York Sunbury Historical Society, Fredericton Region Museum Collection, Author Photo

Accession No. 1997.28.422. Accession No. 1997.28.610.

2nd Canadian Mounted Rifles (British Columbia Hussars).  Authorized 7 November 1914, disbanded 6 November 1920.

The 2nd Canadian Mounted Rifles Regiment was authorized to begin recruited at Victoria and Vernon with mobilization headquarters at Victoria effective 5 November 1914. The regiment was raised by the 30th and 31st British Columbia Horse. The regiment sailed for England on 12 June 1915 with 28 officers and 605other ranks under command of Lieutenant-Colonel J.C.L. Bott (30th B.C. Horse). Two additional small drafts followed the first sailed on 1 July 1915 with two officers and 58 other ranks, the second with one officer and 88 other ranks on 7 July 1915. On 1 October 1915 the 1st Canadian Mounted Rifles Headquarters became operational in France. The 2nd CMR having sailed for France on 22 September 1915, were assigned as Corps Troops serving with the 2nd Division until 21 December 1915 when the regiment was reorganized as an infantry battalion.

(York Sunbury Historical Society, Fredericton Region Museum, Author Photo)
Accession No. 1997.28.239.

3rd Canadian Mounted Rifles. It was formed in November 1914, at Medicine Hat and recruited personnel in Alberta. It sailed to England in June 1915, and after training arrived in France on 22 September 1915. It served in the field as a dismounted unit until December, 1915.

On 1 January 1916, the six regiments of Canadian Mounted Rifles were converted to infantry and reorganized into the four battalions of the 8th Canadian Infantry Brigade. The personnel of the 3rd Regiment were absorbed into the 1st and 2nd Battalions, CMR.

(York Sunbury Historical Society, Fredericton Region Museum, Bella Doherty Photo)

Accession No. 1997.28.40.

Ontario Mounted Rifles

The Mississauga Horse was a cavalry regiment of the Non-Permanent Active Militia of the Canadian Militia (now the Canadian Army). In 1936, they were amalgamated with The Governor General's Body Guard to form The Governor General's Horse Guards. This unit was originally formed as the Toronto Mounted Rifles at Toronto, Ontario, on 1April 1901, by combining J and K Squadrons of the Canadian Mounted Rifles with three newly raised companies. In 1903 the regiment was renamed to the 9th Toronto Light Horse and in 1907 it was renamed to the 9th Mississauga Horse. This was a reference to the First Nation that inhabited the area before the Europeans, the Mississaugas. The 9th Mississauga Horse contributed many volunteers to the Canadian Expeditionary Force during the First World War, in particular to the 75th Battalion and the 170th (Mississauga Horse) Battalion, CEF. In 1920 the regiment was renamed The Ontario Mounted Rifles and in 1924 it was renamed The Mississauga Horse. The regimental march was John Peel. On 15 December 1936, as part of the 1936 Canadian Militia Reorganization, the regiment was amalgamated with The Governor General's Body Guard to form The Governor General's Horse Guards, an armoured militia (i.e., part-time reservist) regiment, which still exists today as part of 32 Canadian Brigade Group in Toronto.

(York Sunbury Historical Society, Fredericton Region Museum Collection, Author Photo)

Accession No. 1997.28.237.

4th Canadian Mounted Rifles.  Authorized 7 November 1914, disbanded 30 August 1920.

The 4th Battalion, Canadian Mounted Rifles was authorized on 7 November 1914 as the 4th Regiment, Canadian Mounted Rifles, CEF and embarked for Britain on 18 July 1915. It disembarked in France on 24 October 1915, where it fought as part of the 2nd Brigade Canadian Mounted Rifles until 31 December 1915, when it was converted to infantry and allocated to the 8th Canadian Infantry Brigade, 3rd Canadian Division. The regiment was redesignated the 4th Battalion, Canadian Mounted Rifles, CEF on 1 January 1916 and was disbanded on 6 November 1920. One member of the battalion, Pte Thomas William Holmes, won the Victoria Cross for his actions on 26 October 1917 during the Battle of Passchendaele. Pte Holmes, then 19, is Canada's youngest Victoria Cross winner.

(York Sunbury Historical Society, Fredericton Region Museum Collection, Author Photo)

Accession No. 1997.28.323.

(York Sunbury Historical Society, Fredericton Region Museum Collection, Author Photo)

Accession No. 1997.28.246.

5th Canadian Mounted Rifles.  Authorized 7 November 1914, disbanded 6 November 1920.

Effective 1 January 1916 the 5th Canadian Mounted Rifles Regiment was designated as the 5th Battalion Canadian Mounted Rifles assigned to the newly formed 8th Canadian Mounted Rifle Brigade, 3rd Canadian Division. The War Diary of the 5th CMR states it absorbed H.Q. ‘A’ and ‘C’ Squadrons and ‘B’ and the ‘MG’ Squadrons of the 6th Canadian Mounted Rifles when this was disbanded on 31 December 1915. The 5th CMR served on the Western Front for the duration of the First World War being disbanded under General Order 207 of 1920.

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(Private Collection Photo)

(York Sunbury Historical Society, Fredericton Region Museum Collection, Author Photo)

Accession No.

6th Canadian Mounted Rifles.

The 6th Canadian Mounted Rifle Regiment was authorized to begin recruiting in Nova Scotia, New Brunswick and Prince Edward Island with mobilization headquarters at Amherst, Nova Scotia effective 1 December 1914. The regiment being authorized under General Order 36 of 15 March 1915. The 6th CMR was raised from the VIII Princess Louise (NB) Dragoon Guards, 14th King’s Canadian Hussars, 28th New Brunswick Dragoons and the 36th PEI Light horse. The 6th Canadian Mounted Rifles Regiment sailed for England on 18 July 1915 with 32 officers and 598 other ranks under command of Lieutenant-Colonel R.H. Ryan (14th King’s Canadian Hussars). The 6th CMR sailed for France on 22 September 1915 assigned as Corps troops serving with the 2nd Division when the 2nd CMR Brigade Headquarters became operational this having sailed for France on 24 October 1915. The 6th Canadian Mounted Rifles Regiment was disbanded effective midnight 31 December 1916 with H.Q. ‘A’ and ‘C’ Squadrons being absorbed by the 5th Battalion Canadian Mounted Rifles. ‘B’ and the Machine Gun Squadrons being absorbed by the 4th Battalion Canadian Mounted Rifles. The 6th Canadian Mounted Rifles was disbanded under General Order 82 of June 1918.

7th Canadian Mounted Rifles.

The 7th Canadian Mounted Rifle Regiment was authorized to begin recruiting at Toronto, London, Sarnia, Windsor, and Amherstburg (this from ‘D’ Troop, 1st Hussars); 1 December 1914 with ‘A’ and ‘B’ Squadrons mobilizing at London, Ontario and ‘C’ Squadron at Toronto, this under authority of General Order 36 of 15 March 1915.

(York Sunbury Historical Society, Fredericton Region Museum Collection, Author Photo)

Accession No. 1997.28.424.

Depot Regiment Canadian Mounted Rifles February 23rd 1st 1915 - 1918.

‘C’ & ‘B’ Squadrons, 7th Canadian Mounted Rifles Regiment ‘C’ Squadron sailed for England February 23rd 1915 with six officers and 154 other ranks under command of Major E.L. McColl (G.G.H.G.) where it formed the CMR Depot being joined by ‘B’ Squadron with seven officers and 159 other ranks which embarked for England on 29 June 1915. During 1915 the CMR Depot received advanced drafts from the six CMR Regiments then in formation in Canada. On the conversion of the Canadian Mounted Rifles Regiments to infantry battalions January 1st 1916 the CMR Depot was redesignated as the Depot Regiment Overseas Canadian Mounted Rifles, this authorized December 22nd 1915. The Depot absorbed five of the six remaining CMR regiments as they arrived from Canada during 1916 (The 10th CMR being absorbed by the Cavalry Depot). The personnel being used to reinforce the four CMR Battalions serving in the 8th Brigade, 3rd Division. After January 1917reinforcements were provided by the (Infantry) Reserve Battalions. The 1st CMR being reinforced initially by the 19th Reserve Battalion until this was absorbed into the 15th Reserve Battalion which henceforth supplied the 1st CMR reinforcements. The 2nd CMR being reinforced initially by the 16th Reserve Battalion until this was absorbed into the 3rd Reserve Battalion which henceforth supplied the 2nd CMR reinforcements. The 4th CMR was reinforced by the 3rd Reserve Battalion; and the 5th CMR by the 23rd Reserve Battalion. The Depot Regiment Overseas Canadian Mounted Rifles was disbanded under General Order 207 of November 15th 1920. (Chris Brooker)

(Private Collection Photo)

(York Sunbury Historical Society, Fredericton Region Museum, Author Photo)

Accession No. 1997.28.244.‍

8th Canadian Mounted Rifles

The 8th Canadian Mounted Rifle Regiment was authorized to begin recruiting at Ottawa, Peterborough and Toronto with mobilization headquarters at Ottawa effective 1 December 1914. The regiment being authorized under General Order 36 of 15 March 1915. Prior to sailing for England on 9 October 1915 the regiment provided three drafts to the CEF. The first of one officer and 50 Other ranks sailed on 10 June 1915. The second of three officers and 150 other ranks on 17 July 1915, a third of two officers and fifty other ranks on 23 August 1915. The 8th Canadian Mounted Rifles embarked for England on 9 October 1915 with 31 Officers and 601 other ranks under command of Lieutenant-Colonel J.R. Munro (5th Princess Louise Dragoon Guards). Effective 2 March 1916 the regiment was absorbed by the Depot Regiment Overseas Canadian Mounted Rifles and used as reinforcements for the C.M.R. battalions serving in the 8th Brigade, 3rd Canadian Division on the Western Front. The 8th Canadian Mounted Rifles was disbanded under General Order 82 of June 1918.

(York Sunbury Historical Society, Fredericton Region Museum Collection, Author Photo)

Accession No. 1997.28.423

9th Canadian Mounted Rifles.

The 9th Canadian Mounted Rifle Regiment was authorized to begin recruiting at Lloydminster, Saskatoon, North Battleford, Swift Current and Battle Creek with mobilization headquarters at Lloydminster effective 1 December 1914. The regiment being authorized under General Order 36 of 15 March 1915. The badges being approved 12 June 1915. Prior to sailing for England on 23 November 1915 the 9th CMR had provided two reinforcing drafts to the CEF. The first of one officer and 50 other ranks embarking 29 June 1915, a second of two officers and 46 other ranks on 23 August 1915. The 9th CMR sailed for England on 23 November 1915 with 27 officers and 599 other ranks under command of Lieutenant-Colonel G.C. Hodson (22nd Saskatchewan Light Horse). Effective 8 February 1916 the regiment was absorbed by the Depot Regiment Overseas Canadian Mounted Rifles and used as reinforcements for the C.M.R. battalions serving in the 8th Brigade, 3rd Canadian Division on the Western Front. The 9th Canadian Mounted Rifles were disbanded under General Order 207 of 1920.

(Private Collection Photo)

(York Sunbury Historical Society, Fredericton Region Museum Collection, Author Photo)

Accession No. 1997.28.349.

10th Canadian Mounted Rifles.

The 10th Canadian Mounted Rifle Regiment was authorized to begin recruiting at Regina, Moosomin, Grenfel and Indian Head, Lloydminster, Saskatoon, North Battleford, Swift Current and Battle Creek with mobilization headquarters at Regina December 1st 1914. The regiment being authorized under General Order 36 of 15 March 1915. Prior to sailing for England on 1 May 1916 the 10th CMR provided two reinforcing drafts to the CEF. The first of these sailed with one officer and 50 other ranks on 29 June 1915, a second of two officers and 50 other ranks on 23 August 1915. It is believed these were absorbed by the Depot Regiment Overseas Canadian Mounted Rifles. The 10th Canadian Mounted Rifles embarked for England on 1 May 1916 with 23 officers and 395 other ranks under command of Major C.F. Washington (20th Border Horse) This unit was considered a draft only, hence being taken overseas by a Major and not Lieutenant-Colonel. On arrival the 10th CMR were absorbed into the Canadian Cavalry Depot and used as reinforcements for the Divisional Cavalry Squadrons serving on the Western Front. Being fully depleted of all ranks the 10th Canadian Mounted Rifles were disbanded effective 19 July 1917 under General Order 82 of June 1918.

(York Sunbury Historical Society, Fredericton Region Museum, Author Photo)

Accession No. 1997.28.240.

11th Canadian Mounted Rifles.

The 11th Canadian Mounted Rifles were authorized to begin recruiting at Vancouver on22 December 1914. The regiment being authorized under General Order 36 of 15 March 1915. Prior to sailing for England on 16 July 1916 the 11th CMR provided two reinforcing drafts to the CEF. The first with one officer and 50 other ranks this embarked on 29 June 1915, the second with two officers and 50 other ranks on 29 August 1915. The 11th CMR sailed for England on 16 July 1916 with 34 officers and 883 other ranks under command of Lieutenant Colonel G.H. Kirkpatrick (72nd Seaforth Highlanders). In January 1917 the 11th Canadian Mounted Rifles amalgamated with other B.C. infantry battalion to form the 24th Reserve Battalion. In May 1917 the 24th Reserve Battalion was absorbed by the 1st Reserve Battalion this becoming the sole reinforcing battalion for the British Columbia Regiment. The 11th Canadian Mounted Rifles were disbanded under General Order 101 of 15 August 1918.

(York Sunbury Historical Society, Fredericton Region Museum Collection, Author Photo)

Accession No. 1997/28.234.

12th Canadian Mounted Rifles.

The 12th Canadian Mounted Rifles were authorized to begin recruiting on 22 December 1914 at Calgary and Red Deer with mobilization headquarters at Calgary. The regiment being authorized under General Order 36 of 15 March 1915. Prior to sailing for England on 9 October 1915 the 12th CMR provided two drafts to the CEF. The first of these with one officer and 50 other ranks embarked on 10 June  1915, the second with two officers and 50 other ranks on 23 August 1915. The 12th Mounted Rifles sailed for England with 27 Officers and 541 other ranks under command of Lieutenant-Colonel G. MacDonald (15th Light Horse). The regiment was absorbed into the Depot Regiment Overseas Canadian Mounted Rifles, and used as reinforcements for the C.M.R. battalions serving in the 8th Brigade, 3rd Canadian Division on the Western Front. The 12th Canadian Mounted Rifles were disbanded under General Order207 of 15 November 1920.

(York Sunbury Historical Society, Fredericton Region Museum Collection, Author Photo)

Accession No. 1997.28.241.

13th Canadian Mounted Rifles.

The 13th Canadian Mounted Rifle Regiment was authorized to begin recruiting on 22 December 1914 at Pincher Creek, Macleod and Cardston with mobilization headquarters at Pincher Creek. The regiment being authorized under General Order 36 of 15 March 1915. Prior to sailing for England on 29 June 1916 the 13th CMR provided two reinforcing drafts to the CEF. The first of these with one officer and 50 other ranks embarked June 10th 1915, the second with two officers and 50 other ranks on 29 June 1915. The 13th Canadian Mounted sailed for England Rifles with 34 officers and 933 other ranks, by far the largest of all of the CMR Regiments. The regiment was absorbed into the Depot Regiment Overseas Canadian Mounted Rifles and used as reinforcements for the C.M.R. battalions serving in the 8th Brigade, 3rd Canadian Division on the Western Front. The 13th Canadian Mounted Rifles were disbanded under General Order 82 of June 1918.

(York Sunbury Historical Society, Fredericton Region Museum Collection, Author Photo)

Accession No. 1997.28.424.

Canadian Mounted Rifles Depot Unit

(York Sunbury Historical Society, Fredericton Region Museum Collection, Author Photo)

Accession No. 1997.28.236.

Canadian Mounted Rifles Depot (Remount Depot)

Organized in September 1915 at Hamilton, Ontario under the command of Lieutenant-Colonel W. C. Brooks. Authorization published in General Order 151 of 22 December 1915. Recruited throughout Canada. Nine drafts sent overseas in 1916-1917. Depot left Halifax 22 October 1917 aboard Scandinavian. Arrived in England 31 October 1917. Strength: 18 officers, 577 other ranks. To be reinforcements for 8th Canadian Infantry (Canadian Mounted Rifles) Brigade.

(Library and Archives Canada Photo, MIKAN No. 3405152)

9th Infantry Brigade, Brigadier-General Frederick William Hill, CB, CMG, DSO, VD, KC. He is shown here with Captain Rackham on the left and ladies c1919.

(Library and Archives Canada Photo, MIKAN No. 3522477)

GOC and Staff, 9th Canadian Infantry Brigade, January, 1919.

9th Canadian Infantry Brigade

43rd Canadian Infantry Battalion, 52nd Canadian Infantry Battalion, 58th Canadian Infantry Battalion, 116th Canadian Infantry Battalion, 9th Trench Mortar Battery.

(York Sunbury Historical Society, Fredericton Region Museum Collection, Author Photo)

1997.28.457.

79th Cameron Highlanders of Canada.

(York Sunbury Historical Society, Fredericton Region Museum Collection, Author Photo)

Accession No. 1997.28.372.

‍43rd Battalion (Cameron Highlanders of Canada). Authorized 7 November 1914, disbanded 30 August 1920.

Recruiting for the 43rd (Cameron Highlanders) Battalion commenced December 14th 1914 at Winnipeg by the 79th Cameron Highlanders of Canada. The battalion being authorized under General Order 86 of July1st 1915. The Regiment previously providing 263 volunteers to the 15th Battalion on its formation at Camp Valcartier in August 1914. The regiment also contributed 10 officers and 250 OR's to the 27th (City of Winnipeg) Battalion on its formation October 21st 1914 and later in the war raised the 174th and 179th Battalions. The 43rd Battalion arrived in England July 11th 1915 with 39 officers and 998 OR's under command of Lieutenant-Colonel R.M. Thompson (79th Cameron Highlanders). In July 1915 the 43rd Battalion provided a draft of 400 men to the 15th Battalion. These being replaced with a reinforcing draft from the 79th Cameron Highlanders who had formed a overseas drafting detachment when the 43rd had sailed for England. Further drafts were provided to the 15th Battalion from the 43rd during 1915 these again being replaced by soldiers from the overseas drafting detachment. In December 1915 the 43rd Battalion was assigned to the 9th Infantry Brigade, 3rd Canadian Division sailing for France on 21 February 1916 where it served on the Western Front for the duration of the First World War.

(Canadian War Museum Photo)

Captain Christopher O'Kelly, 52nd Battalion (New Ontario), was awarded the Victoria Cross for his actions on 26 October 1917 at Passchendaele, Belgium. He had previously been awarded the Military Cross.

(York Sunbury Historical Society, Fredericton Region Museum Collection, Author Photo)

Accession No. 1997.28.368.

52nd Battalion (New Ontario). Authorized 7 November 1914, disbanded 30 August 1920.

The 52nd (New Ontario) Canadian Infantry Battalion was recruited in Northern Ontario with mobilization headquarters at Port Arthur on 20 March 1915 under General Order 86 of 1 July 1915. The 52nd Battalion was raised by the 95th Lake Superior Regiment this previously having provided 316 volunteers to the 8th Battalion on its formation at Camp Valcartier in August 1914. The regiment later raised the 141st Battalion. The 52nd Battalion sailed for England on 23 November 1915 with 40 officers and 1032 other ranks under command of Lieutenant-Colonel A.W. Hay (8th Royal Rifles). Colonel Hay who took the unit overseas was Killed in Action in June 1916 the battalion being taken over by Lieutenant-Colonel Sutherland. The 52nd Battalion served in the 9th Infantry Brigade, 3rd Canadian Division on the Western Front for the duration of the First World War being disbanded under General Order 152 of 15 September 1920.

(York Sunbury Historical Society, Fredericton Region Museum Collection, Author Photo)

Accession No. 1997.28.343.

58th Battalion (Central Ontario). Authorized 20 April 1914, disbanded 15 September 1920.

The 58th Canadian Infantry Battalion was authorized to be recruited in South Central Ontario with mobilization headquarters at Niagara-on-the-Lake on 21 May 1915 under General Order 103a of 15 August 1915. The 58th was one of three battalions raised by the 10th Regiment Royal Grenadiers. This regiment had previously contributed 401 volunteers to the 3rd Battalion on its formation at Camp Valcartier in August 1914 and raised the 123rd and 204th Battalions. The 58th Battalion sailed for England with 40 officers and 1091 other ranks under command of Lieutenant-Colonel H.A. Genet (38th Dufferin Rifles), where was assigned to the 9th Infantry Brigade 3rd 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.

(York Sunbury Historical Society, Fredericton Region Museum Collection, Author Photo)

Accession No. 1997.28.138.

116th Battalion (Ontario County). Authorized on 22 December 1915, disbanded on 30 August 1920.

The 116th (Ontario County) Battalion, unofficially called the ‘Umpty Umps’ was recruited in Ontario County with mobilization headquarters at Uxbridge under General Order 151 of December 22nd 1915 by the 34th Ontario Regiment this regiment previously having contributed 133 volunteers to the 2nd Battalion on its formation at Camp Valcartier in August 1914 the regiment also later raised the 182nd battalion. The 116th Battalion embarked for England July 23rd 1916 with 36 officers and 943 other ranks under command of Lieutenant-Colonel S.S. Sharpe. (34th Ontario Regiment) In February 1917 the battalion proceeded to France where on 27 February 1917 it replaced the 60th Battalion in the 9th Infantry Brigade, 3rd Canadian Division. Serving in this capacity for the duration of the Great War. The 116th Canadian Infantry Battalion was disbanded under General Order 149 of 15 September 1920.

9th Trench Mortar Battery

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