51st Battalion (Edmonton), CEF

The 51st Battalion (Edmonton), CEF, was an infantry battalion of the Canadian Expeditionary Force during the Great War. The 51st Battalion was authorized on 7 November 1914 and embarked for Great Britain on 1 April 1916. It provided reinforcements for the Canadian Corps in the field until 13 November 1916, when it was reorganized as a Garrison Duty battalion. On 22 June 1916, its personnel were absorbed by the various regimental depots. The battalion was disbanded on 15 September 1920.^[1]

The 51st Battalion recruited in and was mobilized at Edmonton, Alberta.^[2]

The 51st Battalion had three Officers Commanding:

• Lt-Col R. deL. Harwood, 19 April 1916 – 10 July 1916
• Maj. W.J. Shortreed, 10 July 1916 – 20 September 1916
• Lt.-Col. W.T. Stewart, 20 September 1916-^[3]

The 51st Battalion was awarded the battle honour THE GREAT WAR 1916-17.^[4]

The 51st Battalion (Edmonton), CEF is perpetuated by The Loyal Edmonton Regiment (4th Battalion, Princess Patricia's Canadian Light Infantry).^[5]

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. 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