199th Battalion Duchess of Connaught's Own Irish Rangers, CEF
The 199th Battalion, CEF was a unit in the Canadian Expeditionary Force during the First World War.
History
The battalion was founded by the CEF to improve their recruitment success by having an all-Irish regiment. They were also called the "Duchess of Connaught's Own Irish Rangers", as a tribute to Princess [Louise Margaret, Duchess of Connaught and Strathearn], who funded the battalion. Based in Montreal, Quebec, the unit began recruiting during the winter of 1915/16 in that city.After sailing to England in December 1916, the battalion was sent on a tour of Ireland at the request of the Colonial Secretary, the Canadian-born Bonar Law. On its return to England, the battalion was absorbed into the 23rd Reserve Battalion, CEF, on May 11, 1917.
The 199th Battalion, CEF, had two commanding officers: Lieutenant-Colonel H. J. Trihey and Lieutenant-Colonel J. V. O'Donahoe.