78th Battalion (Winnipeg Grenadiers), CEF

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78th Battalion
Winnipeg Grenadiers
73-78 Bn CEF.jpg
The distinguishing patch of the 78th Battalion (Winnipeg Grenadiers), CEF.
Active 10 July 1915 - 15 September 1920
Commanders
Commanders Lt.-Col. J. Kirkcaldy, DSO
Commanders Lt.-Col. J.N. Semmens
Commanders Lt.-Col. J. Kirkcaldy, CMG, DSO

The 78th Battalion (Winnipeg Grenadiers), CEF was an infantry battalion of the Canadian Expeditionary Force during the Great War. The 78th Battalion was authorized on 10 July 1915 and embarked for Great Britain on 20 May 1916. It disembarked in France on 13 August 1916, where it fought as part of the 12th Brigade, 4th Canadian Division in France and Flanders until the armistice. The battalion was disbanded on 15 September 1920.[1]

History

The 78th Battalion recruited in Winnipeg, Manitoba and the surrounding area and was mobilized at Winnipeg. [2]

The 78th Battalion had three officers commanding:

  • Lt.-Col. J. Kirkcaldy, DSO, 22 May 1916-15 November 1917
  • Lt.-Col. J.N. Semmens 16 November 1917-19 March 1918
  • Lt.-Col. J. Kirkcaldy, CMG, DSO, 19 March 1918-Demobilization[3]
File:James Edward Tait VC.jpg
Lt. James Edward Tait, VC, 78th Battalion (Winnipeg Grenadiers), CEF.
File:Samuel Lewis Honey VC.jpg
Lt. Samuel Lewis Honey VC, DCM, MM, 78th Battalion (Winnipeg Grenadiers), CEF.

Two members of the 78th Battalion were awarded the Victoria Cross. Lt. James Edward Tait was posthumously awarded the Victoria Cross for his actions on 9 August 1918 during the Battle of Amiens. Lt. Samuel Lewis Honey was posthumously awarded the Victoria Cross for his actions on 27 September 1918 during operations in the vicinity of Bourlon Wood. He had previously been awarded the Distinguished Conduct Medal and the Military Medal.[4]

The 78th Battalion was awarded the following battle honours:

The 78th Battalion, CEF is perpetuated by The Winnipeg Grenadiers, currently on the Supplementary Order of Battle.[6]

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. ↑ Meek, John F. Over the Top! The Canadian Infantry in the First World War. Orangeville, Ont.: The Author, 1971. ISBN 0906158109
  4. ↑ Meek, John F. Over the Top! The Canadian Infantry in the First World War. Orangeville, Ont.: The Author, 1971. ISBN 0906158109
  5. ↑ Meek, John F. Over the Top! The Canadian Infantry in the First World War. Orangeville, Ont.: The Author, 1971. ISBN 0906158109
  6. ↑ 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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