102nd Battalion, CEF

The 102nd Battalion, CEF, (initially the 102nd Battalion (Northern British Columbia), then after August, 1917, the 102nd Battalion (Central Ontario), CEF) was an infantry battalion of the Great War Canadian Expeditionary Force. The 102nd Battalion was authorized on 22 December 1915 and embarked for Britain on 18 June 1916. It disembarked in France on 12 August 1916, where it fought as part of the 11th Infantry Brigade, 4th Canadian Division in France and Flanders until the end of the war. The battalion disbanded on 30 August 1920.[1]

The distinguishing patch of the 102nd Battalion, CEF.

The 102nd Battalion recruited in Northern British Columbia and was mobilized at Comox, on Vancouver Island.[2]

During the attack on Vimy Ridge, the 102nd lost most of its officers and for a time was lead by one of the company sergeant-majors. The battalion achieved its objectives for the day but lost 314 killed or wounded.[3]

The 102nd Battalion had four Officers Commanding:

  • Lt.-Col. John Weightman Warden, DSO, 18 June 1916 – 11 January 1918
  • Lt.-Col. F. Lister, CMG, DSO, MC, 11 January 1918 – 27 September 1918
  • Lt.-Col. E.J.W. Ryan, DSO, 28 September 1918 – 19 November 1918
  • Lt.-Col. F. Lister, CMG, DSO, MC, 19 November 1918-Demobilization[4]
Lt. Graham Thomson Lyall, VC.

One member of the 102nd Battalion, Lt. Graham Thomson Lyall was awarded the Victoria Cross for his actions on 27 September 1918 North of Cambrai, France, during the Battle of the Canal Du Nord.

The 102nd Battalion was awarded the following battle honours:

[6]

The 102nd Battalion, CEF is perpetuated by The British Columbia Regiment (Duke of Connaught's Own).[7]

References
  1. Canadian Forces Publication A-DH-267-003 Insignia and Lineages of the Canadian Forces. Volume 3: Combat Arms Regiments.
  2. Meek, John F. Over the Top! The Canadian Infantry in the First World War. Orangeville, Ont.: The Author, 1971. ISBN 0906158109
  3. Cook, Tim (7 March 2017). Vimy. Allen Lane. ISBN 0735233160.
  4. Meek, John F. Over the Top! The Canadian Infantry in the First World War. Orangeville, Ont.: The Author, 1971. ISBN 0906158109
  5. Canadian Forces Publication A-DH-267-003 Insignia and Lineages of the Canadian Forces. Volume 3: Combat Arms Regiments.
  6. Meek, John F. Over the Top! The Canadian Infantry in the First World War. Orangeville, Ont.: The Author, 1971. ISBN 0906158109
  7. Canadian Forces Publication A-DH-267-003 Insignia and Lineages of the Canadian Forces. Volume 3: Combat Arms Regiments.

Sources
  • Canadian Expeditionary Force 1914–1919 by Col. G.W.L. Nicholson, CD, Queen's Printer, Ottawa, Ontario, 1962
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