The 131st Battalion, CEF was a unit in the

Canadian Expeditionary Force The Canadian Expeditionary Force (CEF) was the expeditionary field force of Canada during the First World War. It was formed following Britain’s declaration of war on Germany on 15 August 1914, with an initial strength of one infantry division ...

during the

First World War World War I (28 July 1914 11 November 1918), often abbreviated as WWI, was one of the deadliest global conflicts in history. Belligerents included much of Europe, the Russian Empire, the United States, and the Ottoman Empire, with fightin ...

. Based in New Westminster, British Columbia, the unit began recruiting in late 1915 in that city. After sailing to England in November 1916, the battalion was absorbed into the

30th Battalion, CEF The 30th Battalion, CEF was an infantry battalion of the Canadian Expeditionary Force during the Great War. History The 30th Battalion was authorized on 27 October 1914 and embarked for Britain on 23 February 1915. It was redesignated as the 30t ...

on November 14, 1916. The 131st Battalion, CEF had one Officer Commanding: Lieut-Col.

James Davis Taylor James Davis Taylor (September 2, 1863 – May 11, 1941) was a Canadian publisher, journalist, soldier and Conservative politician. As a member of the Ottawa Sharpshooters, Taylor was involved in resisting the 1885 North-West Rebellion. As a ...

. The battalion is perpetuated by the

Royal Westminster Regiment The Royal Westminster Regiment (commonly referred to as the Westies) is a Primary Reserve infantry regiment of the Canadian Army. It is currently part of the 3rd Canadian Division's 39 Canadian Brigade Group and is based in New Westminster, Brit ...

References

* Meek, John F. ''Over the Top! The Canadian Infantry in the First World War.'' Orangeville, Ont.: The Author, 1971.

External links

131st Overseas Battalion 1916
- contains pictures and names of officers and men before departure from British Columbia {{DEFAULTSORT:131st (Westminster) Battalion, Cef Battalions of the Canadian Expeditionary Force Organizations based in British Columbia New Westminster Royal Westminster Regiment