87th Battalion (Canadian Grenadier Guards), CEF
The 87th (Canadian Grenadier Guards) Battalion, CEF was a unit in the Canadian Expeditionary Force during the First World War. Based in Montreal, Quebec, the unit began recruiting in September 1915 in Montreal, the surrounding districts, and also in mining districts elsewhere in the province. After sailing to England in April 1916, the battalion was stationed there as part of the 12th Infantry Brigade (until June) and then 11th Infantry Brigade of the 4th Canadian Infantry Division until August of the same year. On August 11/12, the battalion crossed over to France and served the duration of the war as part of the 11th Infantry Brigade, 4th Canadian Infantry Division. The battalion returned to Canada in June 1919.
Officers Commanding
- Lieut.-Col. J. P. Rexford (April 25, 1916, to July 22, 1916)
- Lieut.-Col. R. W. Frost, DSO (July 27, 1916, to March 24, 1917)
- Major H. LeR. Shaw (March 24, 1917, to May 8, 1917)
- Lieut.-Col. J. V. P. O'Donahoe, DSO (May 8, 1917, to April 4, 1918)
- Major J. S. Ralston, MC (April 5, 1918, to May 5, 1918)
- Lieut.-Col. K. M. Perry, DSO (May 5, 1918, to October 14, 1918)
- Lieut.-Col. F. S. Meighen, CMG (October 14, 1918, to May 7, 1919)
- Lieut.-Col. R. Bickerdike, DSO (May 7, 1919, until demobilization)
Battle honours
- Somme 1916
- Ancre Heights
- Ancre, 1916
- Arras, 1917 & 1918
- Vimy, 1917
- Hill 70
- Ypres, 1915
- Passchendaele, 1917
- Amiens, 1918
- Scarpe, 1918
- Drocourt-Queant
- Hindenburg Line
- Canal du Nord
- Valenciennes
- Sambre
- France and Flanders, 1916–18
Victoria Cross Awards
- Private John Francis Young
References
Meek, John F. Over the Top! The Canadian Infantry in the First World War. Orangeville, Ont.: The Author, 1971.
