21st Battalion (Eastern Ontario), CEF

The 21st Battalion, CEF was an infantry battalion of the Canadian Expeditionary Force in the Great War.

History

The battalion was authorized on 7 November 1914 and embarked for Britain on 6 May 1915. It disembarked in France on 15 September 1915, where it fought as part of the 4th Canadian Brigade, 2nd Canadian Division in France and Flanders. The battalion was disbanded on 30 August 1920.
The 21st Battalion recruited in Eastern Ontario and was mobilized at Kingston, Ontario.

Officers Commanding

The 21st Battalion had five Officers Commanding:

Lt.-Col. William St Pierre Hughes, 6 May 1915 – 18 July 1916
Lt.-Col. E.W. Jones, DSO, 18 July 1916 – 7 January 1917
Lt.-Col. Thomas F. Elmitt, 7 January 1917 – 1 July 1917
Lt.-Col. Elmer Watson Jones, DSO, 1 July 1917 – 8 August 1918
Lt.-Col. H.E. Pense, DSO, 8 August 1918-Demobilization

The Ottawa Branch of the 21st Battalion Association erected a memorial plaque at St. Andrew's Presbyterian Church (Ottawa) which is dedicated to Brigadier General William St Pierre Hughes, DSO, VD, first Commanding Officer of the battalion.

Perpetuation

The 21st Battalion, CEF, is perpetuated by The Princess of Wales' Own Regiment.

Battle honours

The 21st Battalion was awarded the following battle honours:

Media

Capt. Herbert W. McBride, who served with the 21st Battalion, wrote two books about his experiences as a member of the unit during the Great War as a sniper and machine gunner: "A Rifleman Went To War" and "The Emma Gees."

Notable members

Frank McGee