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World War 1 Remembered - 49th Canadian Overseas Infantry Battalion - 1915 Q3

July 9, 2015
Last Updated on: July 27, 2016

1915 – July to September
In the third quarter of 1915 the 49th Battalion was now in England and had begun further training in preparation for deployment to the front lines. There were still some doubts, however, that the battalion would stay intact and be deployed as a front line unit.

World War 1 Remembered - 49th Canadian Overseas Infantry Battalion - 1915 Q1

January 12, 2015
Last Updated on: July 27, 2016

1915 – January to March
Having just gone overseas with the 19th Alberta Dragoons Special Service Squadron in October 1914, Lieut. Colonel William (Billy) Griesbach arrived back in Edmonton on the morning of December 26 with orders from Ottawa to recruit and train a new battalion of infantry.

World War 1 Remembered - 49th Canadian Overseas Infantry Battalion - 1915 Q2

April 11, 2015
Last Updated on: July 27, 2016

1915 – April to June
The Second Battle of Ypres raged from April 22 to May 25, 1915 and elements of the first Canadian contingent to go overseas were involved. Edmonton area’s 19th Alberta Dragoons Special Service Squadron (19AD) was there when, on April 22, the Allies came under chlorine gas attack.

World War 1 Remembered - 49th Canadian Overseas Infantry Battalion - 1916 Q1

January 21, 2016
Last Updated on: July 27, 2016

1916 – January to March
In early January of 1916 the 3rd Canadian Division had joined the Canadian Corps in the Messines Ridge sector in Belgium. The division’s 7th Brigade, including the 49th Battalion, moved into line on the southern shoulder of the Ypres Salient around Kemmel. After two relatively uneventful months, the brigade moved, in late March 1916, to the salient itself.

World War 1 Remembered - 194th Canadian Overseas Infantry Battalion

April 25, 2016
Last Updated on: April 25, 2016

1916 – April to June
While the 49th Canadian Infantry Battalion (Edmonton Regiment) was deeply immersed in bitter trench fighting on the European continent in the second quarter of 1916, a new Edmonton battalion, the 194th (Highland) Canadian Overseas Infantry Battalion, unofficially named the Edmonton Highlanders, was being formed.

World War 1 Remembered - Edmonton's 138th and 151st Battalions

October 13, 2015
Last Updated on: March 15, 2016

While the 49th Battalion was experiencing their first shock of trench warfare, back in Edmonton two more new infantry battalions began recruiting for overseas service – the 138th in November and the 151st in December of 1915.

Remains of First World War Soldier Identified

February 24, 2011
Last Updated on: March 15, 2016

A century after he was killed in action the remains of a First World War soldier have been identified.

War Declared - Edmonton Troops Mobilize

July 30, 2014
Last Updated on: July 21, 2015

Germany declared war on France on August 3, 1914. The next day the German Army marched through neutral Belgium as part of their plan to knock out France. In defence of Belgium, Britain declared war on Germany on August 4th.

WW1 - Edmonton's Second Contingent

October 16, 2014
Last Updated on: July 21, 2015

On October 7, 1914, four days after the 1st Canadian Division had left Canada for England, orders were sent from Ottawa to regional divisions and military districts across Canada for the mobilization of a Second Contingent of 20,000 soldiers.

Tall Tales

August 31, 2012
Last Updated on: July 21, 2015

Legend has it this infamous "War Stories Helmet" was passed around by veterans at mess dinners and reunions whereupon the wearer of the helmet would be required to share a story of dubious credibility.