The battalion was composed of volunteers from militia units in central Ontario. Much of the unit was drawn from the 12th York Regiment, the Rangers, with men coming from ten other militia regiments of which four still exist. 

The unit fought in France and Flanders as part of the 4th Canadian Brigade, 2nd Canadian Division. 

Notable actions include the Somme, Vimy Ridge, Hill 70, Passchendaele, Amiens, the advance along the Scarpe, Canal du Nord, Canal de le Escault and the advance to Mons in the Last Hundred Days. 

The battalion was disbanded in 1920.