1st (Western Ontario) Battalion

For the 1950s 1st Canadian Infantry Battalion, see 27th Canadian Infantry Brigade.
1st Canadian Battalion (Ontario Regiment), CEF

Patch of the 1st Battalion CEF as part of the 1st Infantry Brigade, 1st Canadian Division
Active 1914-1919
Country Canada
Type battalion of the Canadian Expeditionary Force
Battle honours Ypres and along the Western Front.

The 1st Canadian Infantry Battalion was a battalion of the Canadian Expeditionary Force that saw service in the First World War.

The battalion was created on 2 September 1914 with recruits from "Military District 1" which was Western Ontario. The battalion set off for England on board the Laurentic berthed in Quebec. They arrived in England on 14 October 1914 with a strength of 45 officers and 1121 men. The battalion became part of the 1st Canadian Division, 1st Canadian Infantry Brigade where it saw action at Ypres and along the Western Front.

The battalion returned to Canada on 21 April 1919, was demobilized on 24 April 1919, and disbanded soon after. The 1st Canadian Infantry Battalion was initially perpetuated by the Canadian Fusiliers (City of London Regiment), and is currently perpetuated by The Royal Canadian Regiment.[1]

Lieutenant Frederick William Campbell was awarded the Victoria Cross for his heroism in action 15 June 1915 at Givenchy, France. He died of wounds four days later.

References

  1. "1st Infantry Battalion". Library and Archives Canada. Retrieved 2009-07-16.