142nd Battalion (London's Own), CEF

The 142nd (London's Own) Battalion, CEF was a unit in the Canadian Expeditionary Force during the First World War. Based in London, Ontario, the unit began recruiting in late 1915 in that city. After sailing to England in November 1916, the battalion was absorbed into the 23rd Reserve Battalion on November 11, 1916. The 142nd (London's Own) Battalion, CEF had one Officer Commanding: Lieut-Col. C. M. R. Graham.

Stewart reports that the 142nd Battalion was organized on December 22, 1915, with a strength of 574 men. The unit was disbanded after the Great War on September 15, 1920. The 142nd Canadian Infantry Battalion was absorbed by the 23rd Reserve Battalion to provide reinforcements for the Canadian Corps in the field. The 142nd Battalion is affiliated with the 1st and 33rd CEF Battalions and is perpetuated by The Royal Canadian Regiment (RCR), Canadian Army. During the Great War the 142nd Battalion (due to men serving in other active battalions) received "Battle Honours" at Ypres 1915-17; Gravenstafel; St. Julien; Festubert 1915; Mount Sorrel; Somme 1916; Pozières; Flers-Courcelette; Ancre Heights; Arras 1917-18; Vimy 1917; Arleu; Scarpe 1917-18; Hill 70; Passchendaele; Amiens; Drocourt-Queant; Hindenburg Line; Canal du Nord; Pursuit to Mons; France and Flanders 1915-1918.

Lieutenant George Van Wyck Laughton, M.C. (Vimy Ridge) of the 7th Regiment Fusiliers (Militia) attested to the 142nd Canadian Infantry Battalion in 1915. Details of the links between the Militia and the Canadian Expeditionary Force are provided on Lt. Laughton's web site.

References

Meek, John F. Over the Top! The Canadian Infantry in the First World War. Orangeville, Ont.: The Author, 1971.

Stewart, Charles H. "OVERSEAS - The Lineages and Insignia of the Canadian Expeditionary Force 1914-1919. Little & Stewart, Toronto ON, 1970.

Canadian Expeditionary Force MATRIX PROJECT