The 121st (Western Irish) Battalion, CEF was a unit in the Canadian Expeditionary Force during the First World War. Based in New Westminster, British Columbia, the unit was authorized on 22 December 1915[1] and began recruiting in that city. After sailing to England on RMS Empress of Britain[2] in August 1916, the battalion was absorbed into the 16th Reserve Battalion on January 10, 1917. The 121st (Western Irish) Battalion, CEF had one Officer Commanding: Lieutenant-Colonel Archibald Woodbury McLelan.[3]
| 121st "Overseas" Battalion, CEF | |
|---|---|
| Active | 1915–1917 |
| Disbanded | 1917 |
| Country | Canada |
| Branch | Canadian Expeditionary Force |
| Type | Infantry |
| Mobilization headquarters | New Westminster |
| Nickname(s) | Western Irish |
| Battle honours | The Great War, 1916–17 |
| Commanders | |
| Officer commanding | LCol Archibald Woodbury McLelan |
The 121st Battalion is perpetuated by The British Columbia Regiment (Duke of Connaught's Own).[4] The perpetuation has been passed down through the following units as a result of reorganizations and amalgamations:
- 1920–1936: 1st Battalion (121st Battalion, CEF), The Irish Fusiliers of Canada
- 1936–1946: Irish Fusiliers (Vancouver Regiment)
- 1946–1958: 65th Light Anti-Aircraft Regiment (Irish Fusiliers), RCA
- 1958–2002: The Irish Fusiliers of Canada (The Vancouver Regiment)
- 2002–present: The British Columbia Regiment (Duke of Connaught's Own)
References edit
- Meek, John F. Over the Top! The Canadian Infantry in the First World War. Orangeville, Ont.: The Author, 1971.
- ^ "The British Columbia Regiment (Duke of Connaught's Own)". Government of Canada. Retrieved 15 March 2021.
- ^ "121st Battalion". qulogic.github.io. Retrieved 2021-03-18.
- ^ Canada, Library and Archives (2016-06-29). "Personnel Record FWW Item". www.bac-lac.gc.ca. Retrieved 2021-03-18.
- ^ Canadian Forces Publication A-DH-267-003 Insignia and Lineages of the Canadian Forces. Volume 3: Combat Arms Regiments.