102nd Canadian Infantry Battalion:

The 102nd Battalion, officially formed on November 5, 1915, was made up of men from across northern BC who were trained at Goose Spit in Comox.


Once the men arrived it became apparent there was not sufficient space or a fresh water source on the Spit.

The men lived in tents during one of the coldest, snowiest winters on record. They persevered and despite the difficulties the men became well adapted and prepared for what lay ahead.

On June 10, 1916 people came out in droves to wish the troops good luck as they boarded the SS Princess Charlotte for the first leg of their journey overseas. In many cases it was a last good-bye.

The Outcome:

The Battalion arrived in France just as some of the worst fighting of the war began. Members of the Battalion would receive 1 Victoria Cross, 5 Distinguished Service Awards, 227 Military Crosses or Medals and would be mentioned in dispatches 26 times.

With a total strength of 3,863 men, this Battalion of the Canadian Expeditionary Forces experienced 2,391 casualties during the course of the war, roughly 62%.