Billy's Own

The 49th Battalion left Edmonton on 29 May 1915 and returned on 22 March 1919. During that period, it fought with the 7th Brigade, 3rd Division of the Canadian Corp, through many of the major battles of the war, winning nine battle honours and two Victoria Crosses. Lieutenant Colonel Griesbach, who took the battalion to France, ended the war as a Brigadier-General commanding a brigade.

City of Edmonton Archives (Loyal Edmonton Regiment Collection, A96-215, 49th Battalion Scrapbook).

Men in Trench, n.d.

 

Learn about the 49th Battalion in England, June to October 1915, and its deployment to France with the newly formed 3rd Division of the Canadian Expeditionary Force.

The 49th Battalion is introduced to trench warfare and the daily life of the trench soldier.

January to June 1916 - Highlights include a new cap badge and the Ypres Salient, including the battles at Sanctuary Wood, Mount Sorrel, and Passchendaele.

July to October 1916 - Highlights include Private Kerr’s VC, new weapons, and the Somme, including the battles for Courcelette and the "Regina Trench".

November 1916 to spring 1918 - Highlights include Private Kinross’ VC, Colonel Griesbach leaving to command a brigade, the battle for Vimy Ridge, and the Ypres Salient with another battle at Passchendaele.

Summer and fall 1918 - Highlights include the battles for Amiens, Arras, the Canal du Nord and Cambrai, and the end of the war at Mons.