121st Battalion (Western Irish), CEF
Military unit
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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 | 1915â1917 |
| Disbanded | 1917 |
| Country | Canada |
| Branch | Canadian Expeditionary Force |
| Type | Infantry |
| Mobilization headquarters | New Westminster |
| Nickname | Western Irish |
| Battle honours | The Great War, 1916â17 |
| 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:
- 1920â1936: 1st Battalion (121st Battalion, CEF), The Irish Fusiliers of Canada
- 1936â1946: Irish Fusiliers (Vancouver Regiment)
- 1946â1958: 65th Light Anti-Aircraft Regiment (Irish Fusiliers), RCA
- 1958â2002: The Irish Fusiliers of Canada (The Vancouver Regiment)
- 2002âpresent: The British Columbia Regiment (Duke of Connaught's Own)