WW1 - 7th Canadian Infantry Battalion (1st British Columbia), Canadian Expeditionary Force

WW1 - 7th Canadian Infantry Battalion (1st British Columbia), Canadian Expeditionary Force

Source: Canada Military History

The 7th Canadian Infantry Battalion was organized at Valcartier under Camp Order 241 dated 2 September 1914 and was composed of recruits from British Columbia. The battalion was commanded by Lieutenant-Colonel W.H. McHarg.

The battalion embarked at Quebec on 25 September 1914 aboard VIRGINIAN, disembarking in England on 14 October 1914. Its strength was 49 officers and 1083 other ranks. The battalion disembarked in France on 10 February 1915, becoming part of the 1st Canadian Division, 2nd Canadian Infantry Brigade. It was later reinforced by the 1st Canadian Reserve Battalion. The battalion returned to England on 23 March 1919, disembarked in Canada on 18 April 1919, was demobilized on 25 April 1919, and was disbanded by General Order 149 of 15 September 1920.

The battalion published the first number of "The Listening Post" on 10 Aug 1915 (copies may be found in the Borden papers (file OL 81), and in RG24, Vol. 20, 294, file 934.009). The battalion also supported a fife and drum band.

The 7th Canadian Infantry Battalion was perpetuated by The British Columbia Regiment.