Canadian Expeditionary Force

Irish Units of the Canadian Expeditionary Force

On August 6th 1914, after the outbreak of the First World War. The Canadian premier Sir Robert Borden made an offer of troops to Britain, which was accepted. The Minister of Militia Sir Sam Hughes, decided to ignore the existing mobilization scheme. And raise numbered battalions for an expeditionary force, with mobilization beginning on August 8th. Most did not serve at the front as complete battalions, but were absorbed into reserve battalions, and broken up to be used as reinforcements. A number of Irish units were formed through the endeavours of prominent Irish Canadians. Some of these units were of battalion strength. Others consisted of drafts recruited by the existing Irish Canadian regiments. And along with drafts from other regiments, were formed into overseas battalions. The CEF was disbanded by General Order 149 of September 15th 1920. Over 260 infantry battalions  along with support units had been formed, with over 600,000 men in their ranks. The CEF was perpetuated by the regiments of the Canadian militia.

7th Battalion (1st British Columbia)

In August 1914 each of the five militia regiments in greater Vancouver. Were asked to provide a draft of 250 men for overseas service. One of these regiments was the 11th Regiment the Irish Fusiliers of Canada. Which supplied a large draft of 8 officers and 350 other ranks. They entrained for Valcartier Camp in the province of Quebec, under Major V. Odlum on August 22nd, (Odlum would later command the 7th Battalion). At Valcartier on September 2nd, camp order 241 was issued organizing the drafts into the eight companies, of the 7th Battalion (1st British Columbia). Commanded by Lt. Col. Hart McHarg, (who was killed at the 2nd Battle of Ypres in April 1915). The battalion embarked at Quebec onboard the Virginian on September 25th. With a strength of 49 officers and 1083 other ranks. And set sail for Plymouth three days later, when the other transports had completed loading, as part of a large convoy. Arriving on October 14th, and disembarking on the 15th at Devonport. Then proceeded to Salisbury Plain for intensive training. On February 10th 1915 the battalion embarked onboard the Cardiganshire for France, disembarking the same day at St. Nazaire. The 7th Battalion were part of the 2nd Canadian Infantry Brigade, 1st Canadian Division. Reinforced by the 2nd Canadian Reserve Battalion, they served in France and Flanders throughout the war. Returning to England on March 23rd 1919, and arrived back in Canada on April 18th. Being demobilized on April 25th. The battalion was disbanded by General Order 149 of September 15th 1920. Three members of the 7th won the Victoria Cross. Pte. M. J. O’Rourke who was born in Ireland. Pte. W. L. Rayfield, and Lt. E. D. Bellow who was originally from the 11th Regiment the Irish Fusiliers of Canada.               

Battle Honours

YPRES 1915, 17; Gravenstafel; ST. JULIEN; FESTUBERT; Mount Sorrel; SOMME 1916; Thiepval; Ancre Heights; Arras 1917,18; VIMY 1917; Arleux; Hill 70; PASSCHENDAELE; AMIENS; Scarpe 1918; DROCOURT-QUEANT; HINDERBURG LINE; CANAL du NORD; Pursuit to Mons; FRANCE AND FLANDERS 1915-18.

Top left cap badge marked HICKS & SONS/LONDON. Bottom right collar marked TIPTAFT. B'HAM.

Some variations of the 29th Battalion badges. The numeral shoulder title is marked BIRKS 1916.

47th Battalion (New Westminster)

Organized in February 1915 under Lt. Col. W. N. Winsby. The authority was published in General Order 86 of July 1st 1915. And mobilized at Queen’s Park New Westminster. This battalion was also formed from the militia regiments of greater Vancouver. Each being asked to furnish quotas of 250 men. Recruiting started on February 4th, the 11th Regiment the Irish Fusiliers of Canada started to recruit its quota on February 16th. Training started at local headquarters and continued at Vernon Camp. Where the battalion was recruited up to strength. While at Vernon three reinforcing drafts were dispatched overseas. The first of 5 officers and 250 other ranks sailed from Montreal onboard the Scandanivan on June 17th, under Captain Redpath. The second of 4 officers and 244 other ranks. Sailed from Montreal onboard the Missanabie on June 24th, under Lt. Brown. And the third of 5 officers and 250 other ranks. Sailed from Montreal onboard the Scandanivan under Lt. Harper on October 1st. This was followed by a request to the Vancouver regiments for more recruits to replace the drafts that had been sent overseas. The battalion returned to New Westminster on November 1st, and on November 7th entrained for Montreal. On the 12th they were inspected by H.R.H. The Duke of Connaught at Ottawa, and reached Montreal later the same day. Embarking on the Missanabie on the 13th and reached England on the 22nd with a strength of 36 officers and 1115 other ranks. Training took place at Bramshott in East Hampshire. On August 10th 1916 the battalion received orders to entrain for Southampton and sail for France. “A” “C” and “D” Companies sailed on the Marguerite, “B” Company on the Inventa. Disembarked at Le Havre, and proceeded into Belgium. The 47th became part of the 10th Canadian Infantry Brigade 4th Canadian Division, from August 11th 1916. Reinforced by the 24th Canadian Reserve Battalion the 47th served in France and Flanders, and earned the name The Fighting 47th. They were re-designated the 47th Battalion (Western Ontario) in February 1918 when recruiting in British Columbia had slowed. And they became affiliated with the province of Ontario. The battalion returned to England on April 28th 1919. And sailed for Canada onboard the Empress of Britain on May 28th. Disembarking June 6th and were disbanded by General Order 149 of September 15th 1920. Corporal F. Konowal of the 47th won the Victoria Cross at Lens in August 1917.

Battle Honours

Mount Sorrel;  SOMME 1916; Ancre Heights; Ancre 1916; Arras 1917, 18; VIMY 1917; HILL 70; YPRES 1917; PASSCHENDAELE; AMIENS; Scarpe 1918; DROCOURT-QUEANT; Hindenburg Line; CANAL DU NORD; VALENCIENNES; France and Flanders 1916-18.

Cap badge on right marked TIPTAFT. B'HAM. Bottom right collars marked J.R.GAUNT LONDON.

60th Battalion (Victoria Rifles of Canada)

This battalion was organized on May 23rd 1915, under Lt. Col. F. A. Gascoigne.  The authorization was published in General Order 103a of August 15th 1915. Raised in Montreal when the cities regiments were requested to furnish a company each. The 55th Regiment Irish Canadian Rangers were to form “C” Company, under Captain E. H. Knox. Who had been a Major with the Irish Canadian Rangers. Recruiting offices opened on June 1st and “C” Company quickly topped the recruiting table. The men mostly coming from the ranks of the Irish Canadian Rangers, who recruited over 300 men for the 60th Battalion.  Training was carried out in the parks around Montreal from June 1st until June 30th. And at Valcartier Camp from July 1st until October 25th. A draft of 5 officers and 250 other ranks was sent overseas on August 27th. Departing Montreal onboard the Scandinavian.  The battalion departed Valcartier on October 25th and arrived in Montreal on the 26th. Embarking onboard the Scandinavian on November 6th, with a strength of 40 officers and 1024 other ranks. Arriving at Plymouth on November 15th, and commenced training at Bramshott on the 17th.  They left Bramshott on February 20th 1916 for Southampton. Two companies and half of HQ Company left Southampton the same day, arriving at Le Havre the next day. The other two companies and remains of HQ Company left on the 21st, and arrived at Le Have on the 22nd. The 60th Battalion were part of the 9th Canadian Infantry Brigade, 3rd Canadian Division. And were later reinforced by the 23rd Canadian Reserve Battalion. On April 30th 1917 the 60th were absorbed by the 87th Battalion and the 5th Canadian Mounted Rifles, “C” Company going to the Mounted Rifles. The 60th Battalion were disbanded on July 27th 1918 by P.C. 1717.

Battle Honours

YPRES 1915, 17; Festubert 1915; Mount Sorrel; SOMME 1916, 18; Flers-Courcelette; Thiepval; Ancre Heights; ARRAS 1917,18; VIMY 1917; Arleux; Scarpe 1917, 18; HILL 70; PASSCHENDAELE; AMIENS; Hindenburg Line; Canal du Nord; CAMBRAI 1918; Pursuit to Mons; FRANCE AND FLANDERS 1915-18.

Top right shoulder title marked P.W. ELLIS CO LTD. 1915. Cap badge on right, marked R.J. INGLIS/LIMITED.

62nd Battalion (British Columbia)

The 62nd Battalion was authorized in June 1915, and raised under Lt. Col. J. H. D. Hulme. This was another battalion formed by the Vancouver regiments. The 11th Regiment the Irish Fusiliers of Canada, and all the other regiments in the 23rd Infantry Brigade, were requested to supply a quota of 100 men each. Men were also to be taken on at enrolment depots, throughout the province. Recruiting started on June 2nd, and mobilization commenced on July 1st. Recruits were sent to Vernon training camp, where the battalion became known as Hulme’s Huskies. In October the battalion proceeded to Hastings Park Vancouver, where training continued until departure for the Eastern Seaboard on March 15th 1916. A reinforcing draft was sent overseas departing from Montreal on October 1st onboard the Scandinavian, and consisted of 5 officers and 250 other ranks. The battalion left Halifax on March 23rd on the Baltic. And disembarked at Liverpool on April 9th, with a strength of 36 officers and 1037 other ranks. Proceeded to Shorncliffe for training, and were absorbed by 30th Canadian Reserve Battalion on July 6th. Being sent to the front as drafts of reinforcements. The 62nd were disbanded by P.C. 3355 of December 8th 1917.

Battle Honours

YPRES 1915, 17; Gravenstafel; St. Julien; FESTUBERT 1915; Mount Sorrel; SOMME 1916; Thiepval;  Ancre Heights; Arras 1917, 18; VIMY 1917; Arleux; Hill 70; PASSCHENDAELE; AMIENS; Scarpe 1918; DROCOURT-QUEANT; Hindenburg Line; CANAL DU NORD; Pursuit to Mons; FRANCE AND FLANDERS 1915-18.

Top right shoulder title marked P.W. ELLIS CO LTD 1915. Collars marked O.B. ALLAN.

121st Battalion (Western Irish)

The 11th Regiment the Irish Fusiliers of Canada, received permission to recruit an overseas battalion in early November 1915. The authority was published in General Orders 151 of November 22nd. The battalion was to be a distinctly Irish unit, and was mobilized at Queen’s Park New Westminster under Lt. Col. A. W. McLelan (later to be a commanding officer of the Irish Fusiliers of Canada). The battalion was recruited in New Westminster and Vancouver, by November 8th before official authorization had been received; more than half the men required had signified their willingness to join. A large number of the garrison and home establishment of the Irish Fusiliers of Canada had enlisted. The 121st were first engaged in training at Vernon Camp in the summer of 1916, returned to Queen’s Park, moved back to Vernon in May. And finally left Vernon for overseas in August. Departing Halifax onboard the Empress of Britain on August 11th, with a strength of 32 officers 1035 other ranks. Arriving in England on August 24th, and proceeded to Bramshott for training. While there the battalion was absorbed by the 16th Canadian Reserve Battalion on January 10th 1917. The officers and men were distributed among the 7th 47th, 54th and 102nd battalions. The 121st were disbanded on July 17th 1917.  

Top left title marked BIRKS 1915.  Top right shoulder title, both cap badges and bottom right collars marked O.B. ALLAN. Note collars on left the CANADA text is boxed.

Permission was sought by the 11th Regiment the Irish Fusiliers of Canada. To form an overseas service reinforcement draft in November 1916. Permission was granted and a company formed.                                                                                

Battle Honours

YPRES 1915, 17; FESTUBERT 1915; SOMME 1916; ARRAS 1917, 18; HILL 70; AMIENS; HINDENBURG LINE; VALENCIENNES.

Cap and collar badge marked O.B. ALLAN.  Cap badge approved February 1917.   

180th Battalion (Sportsmen's)

An offer was made to Ottawa on January 5th 1916 to form this battalion, which was authorized on January 13th. The authority was published in General Order 69 of July 15th. Raised in Toronto as a sportsman’s battalion under Mr. R. H. Greer president of the Sportsmen’s Patriotic Association. (who was later gazetted as a lieutenant Colonel). Nearly all the members of the athletic clubs in Toronto were also members of the association. The aim was to raise a battalion manned and officered by members of the association. The idea being that platoons were to be drawn from different lines of sport. Recruiting was aided by the Sportsmen’s Recruiting Association, which was inaugurated on January 27th. At a meeting held at Massey Hall on February 15th, 325 men signified their willingness to go overseas with the battalion. Although not formed as an Irish battalion. The 180th were attached to the Toronto based 110th Irish Regiment, and all recruits were attested to that regiment. After training at Camp Borden they sailed from Halifax onboard the Olympic, on November 14th with a strength of 31 officers and 833 other ranks. Arriving in England on the 20th, and headed to Witley training camp in Surrey. The battalion was broken up and used for reinforcements, being absorbed by the 3rd Canadian Reserve Battalion on January 6th 1917. The 180th were disbanded on June 4th 1917.

Battle Honours

 Arras 1917, 18; HILL 60; Ypres 1917; AMIENS; HINDERBURG LINE; PURSUIT TO MONS.

Top right shoulder title marked WELLINGS MFG CO. Cap and collar badges approved on February 16th 1917.

Top left shoulder title marked CARON BROS 1916. Central cap badge is un-marked silver, and of multi piece construction. Note central collar badges are die cast. Second pattern cap badge approved November 17th 1916.

208th Battalion (Canadian Irish)

This battalion was formed by the 110th Irish Regiment, and organized in January 1916 under Lt. Col. T. H. Lennox. The authority was published in General Order 69 of July 15th. The battalion originally applied for the subtitle Canadian Irish Fusiliers, but the Irish Fusiliers of Canada objected to this. And the 208th became the Canadian Irish Battalion. The recruiting campaign started in Toronto on March 17th, with 100 girls acting as recruiters. Lt. Col. Lennox offering a diamond bracelet to the girl who attested the most men.  The summer was spent in training at Camp Borden, and the winter at the Expedition Grounds Toronto. The battalion entrained for Halifax on April 26th 1917. And departed Halifax onboard the Justica on April 26th, with a strength of 27 officers and 686 other ranks. Disembarking at Liverpool on May 14th. Training commenced at Otterpool on May 15th, and moved to Witley on May 24th. In July a colour party proceeded to Belfast to deposit the colours at St. Anne’s Church of Ireland Cathedral for the duration of the war. A large proportion of the battalion were Ulstermen, and when the battalion was being formed a Belfast platoon was even contemplated. At Witley the 208th became part of the 13th Canadian Infantry Brigade, 5th Canadian Division. On January 11th 1918 the battalion was broke up and used as reinforcements. “A” and “B” Companies were transferred to the 8th Canadian Reserve Battalion at Shorncliffe. “C” “D” and “E” Companies going to the 2nd Canadian Reserve Battalion at Sanding. The 208th were officially disbanded on September 15th 1920 by General Order 149.

Battle Honours

Arras 1917, 18; HILL 70; Ypres 1917; AMIENS; SCARPE 1918; DROCOURT-QUEANT; HINDENBURG LINE; CANAL DU NORD; PURSUIT TO MONS; FRANCE AND FLANDERS 1917-18.

Top left shoulder title marked BIRKS 1916.  Bottom row is the battalion collar badges. However most pictures show the 110th Irish Regiment, crowned harp collars being worn. One piece 208/CANADA shoulder titles were also worn, (not illustrated). The battalion badges were never sent for authorization, and so were worn unofficially.

208th CEF Eaton's pattern cap badge. These were produced by Caron Bros of Montreal, for sale by the Eaton's stores. As private purchase items, they may also have been worn as sweetheart brooches. (Photo CWM).

218th Battalion (Edmonton)

The battalion was organized in January 1916 under Lt. Col. McKinery. The authority was published in General Order 69 of July 15th. The recruiting campaign started in Edmonton on February 25th. The battalion requested permission to adopt the subtitle Canadian Irish Guards, but this was not approved. Lt. Col. McKinery seems to have taken absolutely no notice of this, and continued to recruit an Irish battalion. This included newspaper adverts calling on Irishmen, parades through the streets of Edmonton with banners bearing Erin Go Bragh (Ireland for Ever). And presenting each new recruit with a green armlet printed with the wording Irish Guards. Recruiting was not only open to Irishmen. And the campaign attracted a large number of Russians, who had just finished a railway construction job. And required interpreters to translate the drill. This convinced some of the local population that the battalion was infiltrated by Germans and Austrians! The battalion entered training at Sarcee Camp near Calgary on June 7th, (men from the 218th and other battalions were involved in a riot at Calgary, when a large body of soldiers attacked a police barracks on October 11th). The battalion was converted to a railway construction battalion on January 21st 1917. This had the same establishment of an infantry battalion, but with no machine gun section. And as a non combatant unit, would not be armed with rifles or bayonets. After training they returned to Edmonton, now under the command of Lt. Col. J. K. Cornwall. And departed Edmonton on February 9th, (men from the battalion rioted along 101st street the night before, after discovering they would be departing for overseas the next day). Four officers and staff remained behind to recruit another company, and bring the battalion up to strength. The battalion left for England in two drafts, the first on February 17th onboard the Southland from Halifax. Arriving at Liverpool on the 27th with a strength of 27 officers and 601 other ranks. And continued training at Witley. The second draft onboard the Austonia, departing Halifax on March 4th. The 218th were absorbed by the Canadian Railway Troops Depot at Purfleet Essex on March 8th. And transferred to 8th Battalion Canadian Railway Troops on the 21st. They entrained at Purfleet for Southampton, and embarked onboard the Archimedes and the Hunslett on April 17th for France. Disembarking at Le Havre, and spent the war at railway construction work. The 218th were disbanded by General Order 60d of April 15th 1918. The 8th Battalion CRT were disbanded by General Order 196, of November 1st 1920.

Battle Honours

THE GREAT WAR 1916-17.

Top right shoulder title marked JACKSON BROS.  The copper cap badge on right, has had its lugs removed. and a screw post fitting added, its also marked JACKSON BROS. The battalion also wore 218 numeral shoulder titles, and 218/CANADA one piece titles, (not illustrated).  Cap badge approved June 1st 1916.

218th Irish Guards song/music sheet. (Copyright Canadian War Museum).

218th Irish Guards Edmonton, collar badge size. Its been suggested that these may have been worn before battalion badges were authorized. (Photo RAM).

218th Battalion Irish Guards recruiting poster. (Canadian War Museum).

Saskatoon Irish Battalion                                                                                                                               

An Irish battalion was proposed in Saskatchewan on February 27th 1916, with headquarters at Saskatoon. Lt. Col. Acheson was to be the commanding officer. However the Department of Militia were not interested in authorizing any new battalions. While the battalions still recruiting were so under strength. Authorization was never received, and the battalion never formed.

Other CEF Battalions

Some CEF Battalions were perpetuated by the Irish Regiments. But were not Irish in origin. The 30th (British Columbia), and the 102nd (North British Columbians) Battalions. Had been formed by the 68th Regiment (Earl Gray's Own Rifles). Who were to become the 102nd (Independent) Field Battery Royal Canadian Artillery. And be absorbed by the Irish Fusiliers of Canada in 1958. The 158th Battalion (Duke of Connaught's Own). Had been formed by the 1st British Columbia Regiment (Duke of Connaught's Own). Which after a reorganization in 1924, formed the Vancouver Regiment. Who amalgamated with the Irish Fusiliers of Canada in 1936. And the 1st Battalion Canadian Machine Gun Corps. Who were perpetuated by the Irish Regiment of Canada. When two companies ("HQ" and "A") of the 1st Machine Gun Battalion were absorbed by the Irish Regiment in 1936.